Junior School Level Research Articles

The Impact of Learning Behavior and Student Engagement on Learning Outcomes in Geography Subjects at Junior School Level

Geography is a science that deals with all activities and symptoms found on earth. At the junior high school level, geography is integrated into integrated social studies subjects. Geography is also an important social science to be implemented in lower secondary schools, but in its application there are also factors for its success, including learning behavior and student involvement. The objectives of this research are1) Analyzing the effect of learning behavior on student geography learning results, 2) Analyzing the effect of student engagement on geography learning results, and 3) Analyzing the effect of learning behavior and student engagement on geography learning outcomes. This research used quantitative method. The population in this study were students from grade 7 to grade 9 at SMP Negeri 2 Kemalang totaling 584 students. The sample in this study consisted of 237 students. SThe sampling was conducted using the stratified random sampling technique. Data were obtained using observation, documentation, and questiinnaires. The data analysis techniques used in this study include descriptive statistic, simple correlation tests, and multiple correlation analysis. The result shiwed that 1) students have a level of learning behavior in the high category, 2) student learning engagement in geography subjects categorized into high category, and 3) There is no significant influence of learning behavior and student engagement on geography learning success. It can be observed that the r value is smaller than the r tabke value 0.059 0.134) and the significance value is above 0,05 (0.416 0.05).

Covid-19 and online classes: Measuring Indian parents’ attitude towards online classes at kindergarten and junior school level

The study aims to examine the readiness of Indian parents towards online classes at kindergarten and junior school levels, by identifying the perceived barriers, perceived effectiveness and health impact of online classes on young children. The study is based on data collected across a random sample of 750 parents of students studying at junior and kindergarten levels in urban private schools which offer online classes. The data was analyzed through exploratory factor analysis, ANOVA and multiple regression analysis. Technological, infrastructural, and personal barriers related to students, and parents, were identified as perceived barriers by parents in availing online classes for their kids. Parents’ attitude towards online classes at kindergarten and primary levels gets negatively influenced by the barriers they face, and the perceived negative impact of technology usage on their kids’ health, while; perceived effectiveness was found to have a positive impact on the parents’ attitude. The study is unique as it includes the interest of such young stakeholders of the education system. The study highlights the barriers faced by parents related to online classes and the health-related concerns which play a major role in the adoption of online mode of education for their kids. Research gives insights to school authorities and the government to work on these barriers and make the online education system effective which is the need of the hour during COVID-19.

Evaluation of a computer‐based reading intervention in infant and junior schools

Recent studies (Fawcett et al, 1999; Nicolson et al, 1999) have demonstrated that 6 and 8 year old children found to be at risk of reading failure can be provided with very cost‐effective support using traditional teaching methods. Nonetheless, a significant minority of children failed to make sufficient progress. The present studies undertook a replication of these studies, using the RITA computer‐based literacy support system. The RITA system assists, rather than replaces, the teacher in providing support tailored to each child’s profile of reading attainments. The results indicated that the RITA support was both educationally effective and economically effective, with comparable cost effectiveness to the traditional approach when used with infant school children (6 year olds), and somewhat greater cost effectiveness when used with junior school children (8 year olds). All groups of children reacted very positively to the RITA lessons. It is suggested that computer‐assisted reading support can be effective in supporting children at risk of reading failure, even at junior school level.

Book reviewsThe Fundamentals of X-Ray and Radium Physics, 7th edit. By SelmanJoseph, xxxiii + 592 + index, 1985 (Charles C. Thomas, Springfield, Illinois), $29.75. ISBN 0–398–05065–1

This book has found a place on many a library shelf since it was first published over 30 years ago. The seventh edition shows a small increase in overall length, while a glance through the contents section suggests the changes are very superficial. The author has contented himself with the title and kept to the fundamentals of his subject, starting the book with simplified mathematics at a junior-school level and progressing slowly through basic physics, electricity and magnetism. The second quarter, dealing with X rays and their production, is very adequate, biased heavily to diagnostic equipment, the only references to radiotherapy being developed out of a discussion on absorbed dose and a later section on radiation protection.