Interview Protocol Research Articles

Influence of Community Cultural Wealth on Undergraduate Hispanic and Black Women's Persistence in the STEM+C Workforce Pipeline

To promote racial and gender equity in the field of science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and computing (STEM+C), we investigated prominent influences on historically underrepresented minority (HURM) women's persistence in undergraduate education. With the underrepresentation of Black and Hispanic women in the computing workforce, this study focused on the experiences of this population as they persisted in their undergraduate education at a Hispanic Serving Institution (HSI) in Texas. This pilot study employed the ACCEYSS STEM+C Majors (ASCM) survey instrument and the counter-life herstory interview protocol to illuminate the community cultural wealth (CCW) factors and relevant lived experiences that influenced Black and Hispanic women's persistence in undergraduate computing education. To center justice and equity, we utilized a modified CCW framework (MCCW) as the theoretical framework to provide an antideficit understanding of how women of color access their strengths to persist in postsecondary education. The MCCW framework was modified to include spiritual capital as a critical source of fortitude and resilience in Black and Hispanic communities. Our findings highlight ways in which CCW factors influenced Black and Hispanic women's persistence in undergraduate computing education in response to better understand this population in their attainment and representation in STEM+C disciplines.

Exploring Global Education in Early Childhood: Preschool Teachers' Perspective

The need for education to emphasize global perspectives is evident as globalisation increasingly permeates our daily lives, cultural interactions and ethnic diversity gain prominence. This study aims to explore the role of global education in the preschool years. Specifically, the present study examines the perspectives of preschool educators. Using a basic qualitative research design, this study involved 36 preschool teachers from different cities in Turkey. Convenience sampling was used to form the participant cohort. Data collection consisted of a personal information survey and a carefully designed semi-structured interviewing protocol developed by the researchers. Content analysis using MAXQDA software was used to analyse the data. The results of the analysis revealed that the educators had a foundational knowledge of the nature, content, pedagogical approaches and potential outcomes of global education in the context of early childhood education. At the same time, educators articulated potential challenges in implementing global education. They also identified potential needs for additional training and material support.

Expert and operator perspectives on barriers to energy efficiency in data centers

It was last estimated in 2016 that data centers (DCs) comprise approximately 2% of total US electricity consumption. However, this estimate is currently being updated to account for the massive increase in computing needs due to streaming, cryptocurrency, and artificial intelligence (AI). To prevent energy consumption that tracks with increasing computing needs, it is imperative we identify energy efficiency strategies and investments beyond the low-hanging fruit solutions. In a two-phased research approach, we ask: What non-technical barriers still impede energy efficiency (EE) practices and investments in the data center sector, and what can be done to overcome these barriers? In particular, we are focused on social and organizational barriers to EE. In Phase I, we performed a literature review and found that technical solutions are abundant in the literature, but fail to address the top-down cultural shifts that need to take place in order to adapt new energy efficiency strategies. In Phase II, reported here, we interviewed 16 data center operators/experts to ground-truth our literature findings. Our interview protocols focus on three aspects of DC decision-making: procurement practices, metrics and monitoring, and perceived barriers to energy efficiency. We find that vendors are the key drivers of procurement decisions, advanced efficiency metrics are facility-specific, and there is convergence in the design of advanced facilities due to the heat density of parallelized infrastructure. Our ultimate goals for our research are to design DC decarbonization policies that target organizational structure, empower individual staff, and foster a supportive external market.

Effect of Using Problem Solving Technique of 5Es Instructional Model on Student’ Learning at Secondary Level: An Analysis

The study aimed to analyze,” Effect of Using Problem Solving Technique 5Es Instructional Model on Student’ Learning at Secondary Level”. The descriptive part was based on data collected through the questionnaire and the interview protocol from head teachers, teachers and students of class 10th. The experimental part was based on data collected through pre-test and post-test for 9th class students. The (QUAN-QUAL) method was executed and the explanatory sequential method was used. Four 4 Head teachers,16 English Teachers and 400 students200 girls and 200 boys studying in government schools in tehsil and district R.Y. Khan. The stratified sampling technique was implemented. The desired data was collected from Tehsil Rahim Yar Khan. The sample, sampling and sample size of the study was comprised; 4 secondary school head teachers with the same ratio of male and female; 16 secondary school English teachers with the same ratio of male and female; 400 students of secondary classes with the same ratio of male and female. The study found that majority (55%) of respondents agreed that they were interested in using problem solving technique in teaching of English. Mean value 2.94 shows a central tendency towards neutrality with a slight inclination towards agreement, indicating a moderate recognition of the role of interest in learning among respondents. The standard deviation 1.034 indicates moderate variability in responses suggesting that while there was some consensus; opinions on the influence of interest on learning still vary among the respondents. On the basis of these findings researcher presented some recommendations.

Research Experience through the Lens of Undergraduate Filipino Pre-Service Physical Educators: An Interpretative Hermeneutic Phenomenological Study

The preparation of pre-service teachers, particularly in conducting research, is an important aspect of teacher training in the Philippine context, where challenges in various dimensions of the academic milieu exist. This interpretative hermeneutic phenomenological (IHP) study delved into the experiences of undergraduate Filipino pre-service physical educators (PSPEs) about the intricacies of research and thesis writing. The study aimed to unravel the lived experiences of these students throughout the research process to clarify how they make sense of these experiences. Conducted at a teacher education institution in Pampanga, the Philippines, 10 PSPEs who had completed their theses participated in the study. Employing a qualitative design, the IHP study used face-to-face in-depth interviews guided by a semi-structured interview protocol guide. Rigorous IHP analytical protocols were utilized to illustrate meanings from the data transcripts, while ensuring trustworthiness and rigor. The findings revealed that research, for the PSPEs, is not merely a technical pursuit but a combination of emotions requiring coordinated actions. For them, research demands fortitude and courage, accompanied by multiple challenges that, when overcome, lead to a fulfilling pursuit. The PSPEs view research as an investment for their future personal and professional undertakings. Considering these findings, a general recommendation is made for teacher education institutions to incorporate holistic support mechanisms that address the technical facets of research and the socio-emotional dimensions, especially for pre-service teachers, to ensure resilience and confidence as they pursue this challenging, yet rewarding, endeavor.

OBSTACLES FACED BY PRIMARY SCHOOL TEACHERS IN IMPLEMENTING STEM EDUCATION: A CAUSE FOR CONCERN

Societies are empowering individuals with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in the 21st century and contribute to a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future. The need for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics; STEM education is a multifaceted concept that plays an important role in preparing students in a complex and technology-driven world. Despite numerous benefits, certain obstacles exist that impede its effective implementation and widespread adaptation. The current qualitative research was structured to explore the obstacles faced by teachers in implementing STEM education in Kasur, Punjab-Pakistan. The authors conducted an interview protocol from randomly selected 20 teachers working in public sector schools. The results of the thematic analysis confirm that the struggle to implement STEM education schools’ councils’ poor involvement, low availability of computers and internet, lack of teachers’ training, poor application of innovative teaching methods, deficiency of science teachers, non-availability of STEM curriculum, administration constraints, availability of funds and laboratories were the main hurdles faced by teachers in implementing STEM education. It is recommended based on the findings that the School Education Department; SED hires science teachers, establishes laboratories, conducts teachers’ training, and invests a handsome amount to fulfill the deficiency of STEM hurdles, a cause for concern.

Nexus between Despotic Leadership, Faculty Performance, and Faculty Behavior: A Case of a Pakistani Public University

The aim of this study was to examine the effects of despotic leadership on the output of university faculty members. The study was conducted by using a mixed methods technique in accordance with the pragmatism paradigm. The population of the study was the 74 permanent faculty members of the one Public Sector University's two campuses located in Lahore, Pakistan. A semi-structured interview protocol was used to interview 15 faculty members through a convenient sampling technique. Thematic analysis was used to examine the qualitative data, while descriptive analysis percentage (%) and frequency(f) were used to examine the quantitative data. The results demonstrate that faculty members may become uncomfortable and agitated due to the hostile behavior of the HODs, which could lead to a negative work environment and a decreased desire to share ideas. The unfavorable work environment and decreased job satisfaction are caused by the bad behavior of HODs. The HODs' menacing actions have a clear detrimental impact on staff members' performance, foster a hostile work atmosphere, and jeopardize faculty members' mental health. Based on the research findings, it is recommended that HODs should behave civilly toward faculty members. The HODs could also receive leadership training from the experts.

Influence of Teachers' Professional Development in Integrated STEAM Pedagogy on Teachers' Practices

The study explored the influence of teachers' professional development (PD) on teachers' practices. The professional development training focused on integrated STEAM pedagogy,design thinking, and inquiry-based learning spanning three cycles of four weeks. Seven teachers from two schools for the underprivileged were a part of this qualitative action research study. A semi-structured interview protocol was used for data collection in three rounds of focus group interviews. Results from the thematic analysis report that the professional development helped enhance creativity, critical thinking, and innovation among the teachers. They gained a deeper understanding of the integration of STEAM pedagogy in their lessons. It also helped them empathize with the context of what is being taught themselves and foster it in their students too. They also reported higher levels of interest in active learning, confidence, and teacher agency, reflecting that the professional development training had a positive impact on teachers' practices.

Identifying Issues of Video Conferencing Tools for Teaching and Learning Using the PACT Framework

The usage of video conferencing tools in teaching and learning has become a norm in today's higher educational institutions, recognized across various academic settings. The experience gained by most educators in using video conferencing tools for teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic could be leveraged to enhance these tools. The study aims to capture the current practices and explore the issues of using video conferencing for teaching and learning in Malaysian higher educational institutions. It focuses on three target groups with hands-on experience: academicians, students, and e-learning consultants or information technology (IT) support staff. Interview and focus group protocols were developed based on the four elements of the PACT framework: People (P), Activities (A), Contexts (C), and Technologies (T). Data were gathered through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with the target groups. There were 24 participants involved in three focus group discussions and 28 participants in individual in-depth interviews. The PACT framework was employed to analyze the data, aiding in understanding the current situation, identifying areas for improvement, and envisioning future scenarios. Qualitative data were transcribed and categorized based on the four PACT elements. The study identified differences in the People element with four scenarios/practices on physical differences, six on psychological differences, three on mental models, and five on social differences. A total of twenty differences were identified under the Activities element, with six on temporal aspects, four each on cooperation, complexity, and safety-critical aspects, and two on the nature of the content. Under the Context element, one scenario/practice was identified for organizational circumstances, five for social circumstances, and three for physical circumstances. In the Technology element, five scenarios/practices were identified: two related to the input part of technologies and one each for the output, communication, and content parts of technologies. From the scenarios/practices of the responses, a total of fifty-two issues related to using video conferencing for teaching and learning were identified. These findings will serve as the basis for ideation in developing innovative video conferencing toolkits for teaching and learning.

Effect of purpose-based career coaching on career decision-making

To enhance coaching experiences in career development, diverse approaches must be developed and tested. This study’s objective was to determine the effectiveness of a purpose-based career coaching framework on career decision-making difficulties. In this study, randomized experimental conditions and interviews were combined. A theoretical sampling procedure was used for a period of two years to generate samples for the study. A total of 187 youths were recruited, but 78 did not meet the study criteria, while 29 declined to take part. A sample of 80 youths met the study criteria and completed all phases of the study. Twelve one-to-one sessions, aligning with the Pb-CC framework, covered core techniques such as reimagining, spiritualizing, self-discovery, career exploration, identifying, and matching. Qualitative data was collected using a researcher-developed interview protocol, consisting of three open-ended questions such as: “How would you describe the meaning or purpose of your life?; What is the category of career that relates to your purpose?; and What do you believe about purpose and career?” In addition, Career Decision-Making Scale (CDDS) was used to collect data. Quantitative data were analyzed using repeated measures analysis of variance, while qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis, which includes the organization of data, the identification and development of themes, the saturation of themes, and the presentation of themes. At the end of the intervention, participants successfully identified their purpose and skillfully matched it with suitable careers. The effect of purpose-based career coaching has been found to be significant on career decision making. These findings bear practical significance for career counselling, policy implementation, industrialization, research and career development.

Refining Interview Protocol for Implementing Digital Entrepreneurship Education in Polytechnic’s Business Incubation Program

Refining Interview Protocol for Implementing Digital Entrepreneurship Education in Polytechnic’s Business Incubation Program

What Mathematics Teachers’ Perceptions of The Integration of Educational Drama in Mathematics Instruction: A Mixed-Methods Study

This research aimed to explore mathematics teachers' perspectives on the integration of educational drama in mathematics instruction, specifically focusing on mathematical knowledge, classroom discourse and affective aspects. Using a mixed-methods approach and a sequential explanatory design, the study first employed a quantitative phase, applying a scale to gauge teachers’ views on incorporating educational drama into mathematics instruction. The questionnaire covered three key dimensions: the advancement of mathematical knowledge, facilitation of classroom discourse, and emotional elements. The framework was developed based on established theoretical models. Following this, interview protocols were designed, based on the quantitative outcomes, to explore the insights provided in greater depth. The results indicated a predominantly positive reception among mathematics educators for the use of drama in mathematics education, with consistent agreement observed across all aspects of the scale. The mean scores for the development of mathematical knowledge, classroom dialogue and emotional dimensions were notably high, reflecting substantial alignment among the participants. Qualitative analysis of the teacher interviews highlighted the beneficial aspects of employing drama in mathematics education. The teachers noted the role of drama in reinforcing concepts, enhancing specific mathematical skills and positively affecting student engagement. However, concerns were raised regarding the potential for students' focus to be diverted from core mathematical content. In terms of classroom discourse and emotional development, drama was acknowledged for its role in fostering interactive exchanges, refining students’ speaking abilities, and nurturing self-confidence and motivation. Nonetheless, there were caveats concerning the suitability of drama for all student cohorts, pointing to the need for tailored approaches.

A forest companies typology regarding their contribution to circular economy: a sustainability reporting-based analysis

Relatively recently, the residuals of forest industry have been considered very important and useful to be reused through bioeconomy and circular economy practices in order to reduce the use of non-renewable natural resources. The majority of current studies have been based on interview protocols and questionnaire-based surveys to examine how managers of forest industry contribute to sustainable development and circular economy. Despite the usefulness of these surveys, there is a degree of subjectivity in the respondents' responses and an orientation to what forest companies propose to do in the circular economy. To overcome the weaknesses of previous research, this paper aims at drawing appropriate information from sustainability reporting of a sample of forest companies to provide a more unambiguous understanding of the way that forest companies meet the circular economy principles. Thus, a circular economy measurement framework is developed which is based on scoring systems and GRI guidelines to draw reliable and harmonized information from corporate sustainability reporting. Furthermore, it results in a four-type company typology according to the number of the circular economy principles and the number of items they achieve for each principle such as pioneer circular company, lagging circular company, innovative circular company and infant circular company. The suggested framework is tested on a sample of 20 forest companies with higher revenue in 2022. The findings show that half of the sampled companies can be considered as infants at the CE practices, while a positive statistical relationship is revealed between forest companies’ circular economy practices and their revenues.

Exploring symbolism in Hu Ru Gui by Malaysian Chinese writer Dai Xiaohua among Chinese tertiary students

This article explores English literature teaching, particularly the application of symbolism in a literary work called Hu Ru Gui among Chinese tertiary students majoring in English. Hu Ru Gui is a novel written by a Malaysian Chinese writer, Dai Xiaohua, which then became one of the literature teaching materials used at the tertiary level for Chinese students. This paper discusses the spiritual bloodline themes in the form of symbolism which runs through the whole literature work. The themes range from attitudes towards life and death, the national ridge of defending the motherland’s dignity, and the patriotic values internalized deeply from generation to generation beyond time, location, and culture. A qualitative method was employed in the current study. Purposive sampling was used to select five students to participate in the study. The students were at the advanced level of English language proficiency. An interview protocol was applied as an instrument to collect data from a semi-structured interview. The feedback from the tertiary students was analysed through thematic analysis in the forms of themes, sub-themes, and codes. The research results revealed that the traditional values and patriotic values in the form of symbolism in Hu Ru Gui, the novel rooted in culture are the seeds of the motherland. Wherever and whenever a person goes, the seeds will bloom and inherited. Future research can focus on exploring how the themes, motifs, and symbols within the text resonate with Chinese tertiary students in Malaysia.

Development of the Scale of Parental Playful Attitude During the Co-Occupation of Play

Abstract Importance: There is a need for tools to measure adults’ playfulness in reference to parent–child joint play. Objective: To (1) develop items for the Scale of Parental Playful Attitude (PaPA), (2) evaluate evidence for validity based on content, and (3) evaluate evidence for validity based on the response process. Design: A mixed-methods design with three phases: (1) development of the first draft of the PaPA (based on the literature, focus groups, and semistructured interviews), (2) review by experts and revision of the first draft, and (3) cognitive interviews with parents. Setting: Various (e.g., schools, a university). Participants: Phase 1 had 32 participants: 13 parents of children ages 2.5–6 yr without major diagnosed conditions; 8 parents of autistic children age 4–7 yr; and 11 preschoolers age 3–5 yr. Phase 2 involved 10 experts. Phase 3 had 5 participants: 3 mothers and 2 fathers of children ages 2.5–6 yr; 1 child was autistic. Outcomes and Measures: Interview protocols and experts’ review form. Results: Phase 1 involved the initial item development. Extrinsic motivation and barriers to play emerged as important areas to include. Experts’ review enhanced representation of the construct of playfulness. Content validity index values ranged from .78 to 1.00. Cognitive interviews provided insights into parents’ comprehension of PaPA items. Conclusions and Relevance: Validity related to test content and the response process was supported. Additional sources of validity testing are necessary. Plain-Language Summary: Adult playfulness is critical for both the child and the parent, especially for developing a deeper connection. The Scale of Parental Playful Attitude (PaPA) assesses parents’ self-perceptions of their playfulness when playing with their child. The study authors developed the PaPA (in both English and Spanish) to address a lack of tools for assessing how parents perceive their own playfulness relative to their child’s playfulness. Understanding how parents perceive their own playful attitudes can create opportunities for occupational therapists to guide parents to approach play with an attitude that is as attuned as possible to their child’s playfulness. Future validity studies are needed to support the clinical use of the PaPA.

Adoption and diffusion of organizational innovation, the winning mantra for growth: A case of manufacturing SMEs in Pakistan

This multiple case study qualitative research examined the impact of adoption and diffusion of innovation on Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s) growth in the hostile business landscape of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. This research is intended to investigate research data and consequent findings based on an interview protocol that was purposefully developed from extant literature, complemented by an initial pilot study of two pharmaceutical SMEs. The researcher conducted 20 interviews, guided by the semi-structured interview protocol offered to the respondents beforehand after sorting their informed consent. The 20 participants represented the different hierarchal levels of the 08 case study of pharmaceutical from the two industrial clusters of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan, located at the Hayatabad Industrial Estate, Peshawar, and the Rashkai Industrial Estate, Nowshera. The analysis of the data presented findings and corroborated the research propositions that those SMEs that are structurally entrepreneurial and adopt innovation amenably, are open to mobility and tourism, yield satisfactory results in terms of their growth as compared to those that are inertial and unentrepreneurial. Similarly, the results offer confirmation that the effectiveness of government agencies that are explicitly formed to address the problems of small businesses is insufficient. They rather create hindrances than assistance due to the excessive delays in approving innovative ideas and conceptions by these related organizations and ministries. Moreover, the proposed framework offers pragmatic recommendations to contextualize entrepreneurial culture and innovative structures in SMEs and their essential factors in critical environmental circumstances.

Child Forensic Interviewing: Recommendations by the European Association of Psychology and Law

Child interviews should be conducted according to best practice standards, acknowledging developmental, social, and cultural aspects, and using evidence-based interviewing protocols that rely on open-ended questions (e.g., “Tell me what happened”), including when interviews take place with the help of interpreters. Interviewers need to engage in hypothesis-testing (exploring alternative explanations to the allegation at hand) to reduce the risk of bias and they should be supported by continuous training with individualized feedback and constructive quality assessment. Child interviews should be electronically recorded to assess interview quality and to evaluate interview practices. Criminal justice systems should move towards using interview records as evidence in court to avoid subjecting children to stressful and counterproductive cross-examinations.

Strategies employed by education managers in managing and resolving conflicts in the Bulawayo Metropolitan province schools, Zimbabwe

Conflict is an integral part of school management and its existence must not be shunned as it stimulates creative and innovative ways of thinking which enhance organisational growth and performance. The purpose of the study reported on here was to investigate how education managers executed Thomas and Kilmann’s model in managing and resolving conflicts in schools to avert chaos and anarchy with the ultimate intention of enhancing productivity. A constructivist, inductive grounded theory utilising a qualitative approach was employed. Qualitative data were generated using a semi-structured interview protocol from 4 information-rich education managers who were purposively selected. The inclusion criteria for the participants were age, experience, professional qualifications and the sample was determined by theoretical saturation. Data generated were thematically analysed. The study revealed that the conflict management and resolution model used by education managers in schools was contingent to their environment and perception. It also revealed that conflict was innovative and stimulated thought processes. As a result, schools must recruit education managers who are transformative, democratic and equipped with the appropriate strategies for managing and resolving conflict if teachers’ morale is to be boosted and productivity enhanced.

PHYSICS TEACHERS’ EPISTEMOLOGICAL BELIEFS: CORE AND PERIPHERAL DIMENSIONS

This study aims to examine physics teachers’ beliefs about knowledge, science, teaching and learning science to understand the relationship among four belief systems. Participants were 59 high school physics teachers, who were interviewed once through a semi-structured interview protocol. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed through constant comparative method to categorize teachers’ beliefs in different levels: traditional, transitional, and constructivist and quantify the nominal data for descriptive, correlational statistics, and structural equation modeling. The results indicated that teachers mostly held transitional beliefs about knowledge and science while their beliefs were constructivist on teaching and learning science. There was a significant relationship between beliefs about knowledge and science as core beliefs and between beliefs about teaching and learning science as peripheral beliefs, positive correlation was found between core and peripheral beliefs. These findings offer a report as a guide to address teachers’ beliefs through the design of future professional development programs.

Observations of Prospective Teachers' Experience and Challenges Faced During Teaching Practicum-1

This paper investigates the provision of insights and comments based on observations made by fifteen prospective teachers throughout their sixteen-week teaching practicum-1 experience in an elementary school. The paper explores, evaluates, and details the professional growth experiences of these fifteen prospective teachers throughout their teaching practicum-1 observation phase using qualitative data from an interview procedure and SWOT analysis. A qualitative study with a phenomenological approach was used for the current study. Samples participated on a volunteer basis. The semi-structured interview protocol was developed. The instrument was developed with the help of a literature review and it was validated by the field experts. Thematic SWOT analysis was used. The findings show that the students found this experience significant for their professional development and that they gained a lot from it. The paper also discusses several difficulties and constraints that were faced during their teaching practicum 1. However, this study underscores the importance of hands-on teaching experience in the development of skills and proficiencies of prospective teachers. Thus, this paper provides recommendations based on the outcomes and difficulties experienced during the practicum to help improve the preparation and assistance for future teachers. This work pays much attention to the concept of reflection and practice-based learning in teacher training and development and calls for improvement in the approach to training teachers in the field of education.