Mixed Method Research Paradigm Research Articles

Evaluation of an innovative model for teacher professional development on educational inclusion in the UAE

ABSTRACTThis study explored the viability of applying an innovative model of teacher professional development (PD) within the context of the UAE. Predicated upon a conceptual framework incorporating the principles of content focus, active learning, and duration of training, the model aimed to promote the capability of teachers to meet the needs of all students in their regular classrooms, including ‘students of determination’ (students experiencing special needs). A convergent parallel mixed method research paradigm evaluated the impact of this evidence-based initiative. Analysis suggested that the model verified the criteria upon which it was predicated, and demonstrated its utility in effecting authentic, positive change with regard to teacher learning and encouraging inclusive teaching, evidencing its value as a generalisable model of teacher PD within the UAE. Key contributions to the model’s effectiveness are discussed along with the model’s potential to promote sustained change, and relevant implications.

The Effectiveness of Online Learning Activities Using Google Classroom on Arabic Writing and Reading Skills for Non-Native Speakers in Bahrain

Implementing online learning activities through a learning management system as a supplementary tool for motivating and empowering independent learning and Innovative teaching is becoming a crucial part of 21st-century education. Google Classroom is one example of a social learning site that teachers and students use in many educational institutions in Bahrain. In particular, the study aims to determine the effectiveness of online learning activities using Google Classroom on writing and reading skills among year six students. Data were collected with a mixed-methods research paradigm. Altogether, 80 students from Bahrain government primary schools were involved in an intervention program intended to analyze students’ Arabic writing and reading skills as the primary research inquiries of the study. From the said population of respondents, 80 students participated in the experimental group activities and an interview dealing with their experience using Google Classroom. Overall, the findings affirmed that most participants considered Google Classroom an effective supplementary tool for their learning. This study proved that experienced students using Google Classroom influence their fluency in learning Arabic courses, so they found it easier to apply Google Classroom, serving as an advantage.

Exploring the Multidimensional Relationship between Second Language Acquisition and Personality Development among Adolescents: An Empirical Inquiry Utilizing a Mixed-Methods Research Paradigm

This paper presents a study that explores the dynamic connection between second language acquisition (SLA) and personality development in the context of adolescent learners. The research integrates Albert Bandura's SocioCognitive Theory (1986) and the Big Five Inventory frameworks to examine various correlated factors. The study consists of two distinct investigations. Drawing upon the theoretical framework proposed by Albert Bandura's Socio-CognitiveTheory (1986), the first analysis delves into the social factors that influence the process of SLA among adolescents. The second study employs a quantitative methodology with a cross-sectional research design. A sample of 300 participants was selected using a sampling technique employed by the investigator. In the quantitative analysis, both descriptive and inferential statistics were applied using the SPSS software. The findings of the Pearson Moment correlation (= .311, P < 0.01) reveal a positive relationship between SLA (M= 79.72, SD= 10.620) and the personality trait of Extroversion (M=110.54, SD= .16.640). In summary, the present research sheds light on the influence of SLA on the development of extroverted personality traits in adolescents. Furthermore, this study provides a framework for future researchers to investigate the multidimensional relationship between second language acquisition and personality development.

Exploring EFL Learners’ Intercultural Sensitivity and Communication Apprehension

This study aimed to investigate the average level of intercultural sensitivity and communication apprehension of EFL teaching assistants learners. In addition to propose the correlation between intercultural sensitivity and communication apprehension. In this study, the researchers selected and applied the mixed-method research paradigm. According to the findings of the research, intercultural sensitivity and communication apprehension have some positive effects on the performance of EFL teaching assistants (TA). The correlation and recognition can be measurably important in the intercultural sensitivity and communication apprehension for social contrasts in the temporary workplace with a high level. Proposing collaboration and adaptability in intercultural sensitivity and communication apprehension with EFL teaching assistants (TA) in order to modify negative respect, enjoyment, and open-mindedness caused by cultural differences. This furthermore encompasses the ability to deal with the tension and anxiety that comes with situations characterized by cultural variances.

Okul Öncesi Öğretmenlerinin Okul Müdürlerinin Liderlik Stillerine İlişkin Algılarının İncelenmesi

This study aims to investigate how preschool teachers perceive the leadership styles of the school principals they work with, as they have a significant impact on student performance and school atmosphere. Therefore, a mixed-method research paradigm was utilized with a purposive random sampling method of 114 pre-school teachers at public schools. School Principals' Leadership Style Scale together with the demographic information part and a metaphor elicitation form, were applied to collect the necessary data. Because a convergent parallel design was utilized to weigh the processes equally, quantitative and qualitative data were evaluated independently, and the results were interpreted separately. The results revealed that, according to pre-school teachers' perceptions, the principals they work with show their laissez-faire leadership style more. Unlike quantitative findings, data from the metaphor elicitation form indicate that the category with the most metaphors for a school principal is a figure of authority. Although the descriptive findings of teachers' impressions show that most school principals have a laissez-faire leadership style, metaphors portray school principals as persons who have power at school, supervise their team, have varied tasks, and are motivators and innovators. To sum up, it can be put forward that effective leadership is a crucial necessity of successful organizations, and principals need to take an active part in the preparation process to go a step further in their careers and lead their organizations more effectively. The results revealed that, according to pre-school teachers' perceptions, the principals they work with show their laissez-faire leadership style more. Unlike quantitative findings, data from the metaphor elicitation form indicate that the category with the most metaphors for a school principal is a figure of authority. Although the descriptive findings of teachers' impressions show that most school principals have a laissez-faire leadership style, metaphors portray school principals as persons who have power at school, supervise their team, have varied tasks, and are motivators and innovators. To sum up, it can be put forward that effective leadership is a crucial necessity of successful organizations, and principals need to take an active part in the preparation process to go a step further in their careers and lead their organizations more effectively.

Using ICT in the Teaching and Learning of Music in the Colleges of Education During a Pandemic Situation in Ghana

With the introduction of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education, teachers and students can now engage in teaching and learning in new ways. It has given schools the ability to ensure that teachers and students have access to instructional resources both in and out of the classroom. The goal of this article is to look into how music tutors and student teachers in Ghana used ICT technologies in music sessions, as well as the problems that virtual teaching and learning encountered during the Covid-19 pandemic. With a case study as the research design, a mixed method research paradigm was applied Data was gathered using methods such as interviews and questionnaires. Scheduled phone calls and Google forms were used to collect data. The study found that ICT methods were the best way to keep teaching and learning going during the covid 19 pandemic, when schools were temporarily locked down, but there were significant problems. As a result, it was suggested that all music tutors and student teachers receive some training in the use of ICT tools. At addition, authorities in Ghana's colleges of education should make virtual interaction a part of the educational process to eliminate distance as a barrier to learning.

Vehicle Fleet Management Practices and Service Delivery in State Owned Enterprises in Zimbabwe

The main objective of the study was to examine the influence of vehicle fleet management practices on service delivery in State-Owned Enterprises (SOEs) in Zimbabwe. The study adopted a pragmatism research philosophy together with a mixed method research paradigm. In addition, structured questionnaires were distributed to 344 respondents drawn from 86 SOEs. Stratified and purposive sampling was used. Descriptive statistics were calculated using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was done on all items of the study while research hypotheses were tested using Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) in AMOS version 21. The study concluded that vehicle maintenance, fuel management, driver management and vehicle replacement positively influence service delivery. In addition, the study also established that Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) moderate the influence of vehicle fleet management practices on service delivery. The study recommended that there is need for regular driver training and vehicle programs encompassing electronic spares tracking.

Üniversite öğrencilerinin çevrim içi eğitimle ilgili görüşleri

With the abrupt emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic, all the parties involved in higher education were caught unprepared for online education. The current study focuses on undergraduate students' ideas about the problems that have emerged during the pandemic. Both quantitative and qualitative data were collected with a mixed-method research paradigm to answer the related research question. In the quantitative dimension, an online survey was applied to 154 undergraduate students at a state university in Turkey, and the results were analyzed descriptively. To collect qualitative data, a focus group interview was carried out with eight students from the same group. The quantitative analysis results revealed similar results with the recent related literature. The results revealed that, while a general satisfaction with online education resides among the participants, infrastructure problems were the major impediment in online education, and the workloads of the participants seem to have increased since the beginning of the pandemic. In addition to this, qualitative data analyses revealed a significant amount of demotivation about learning among the participants since the beginning of the pandemic. The participants shared a common notion that online education could not replace face-to-face education in any way. The participants also felt that there were serious problems in the testing and assessment processes; they believed that during the pandemic minimal student work has been overprized. This finding, to an extent, contradicts with the quantitative findings of the current study.

A philosophical perspective on the development and application of patient-reported outcomes measures (PROMs).

Questionnaires are a common method in healthcare and clinical research to collect self-reported data on patients' behaviour and outcomes rather than the clinician's perspective. As a consequence there is a plethora of questionnaires and rating forms developed to measure a range of concepts such as health-related quality of life and health status. Given that these measures have been developed within a nomothetic paradigm to enhance our understanding of peoples self-perceived health status by translating complex personal feelings and experiences into a simple numeric score, the patient's illness narrative is lost along the way. This commentary discusses the limitations of the nomothetic approach as completion of a questionnaire is a social and contextually orientated activity and that their development is best viewed within the philosophical tradition of pragmatism, based on sound qualitative methods and rigorous psychometric testing. The commentary discusses the philosophical orientation underpinning PROM development and argues the case for a pragmatic epistemology based on a mixed methods research paradigm which goes beyond the current practice of informing the content validity of a PROM in the early phase of its development but to work towards developing a more composite and holistic picture through mixed methods in the interpretation of a patient's PROM score. Therefore, it is argued that the quality of data obtained will be enhanced but, also importantly and rightly places the participant at the centre of the research.

Active Learning by Visual Programming: Pedagogical Perspectives of Instructivist and Constructivist Code Teachers and Their Implications on Actual Teaching Strategies and Students’ Programming Artifacts

The integration of visual programming in early formal education has been found to promote computational thinking of students. Teachers' intuitive perspectives about optimal learning processes – "folk psychology" – impact their perspectives about teaching "folk pedagogy" and play a significant role in integrating educational technologies, such as visual programming, within the formal curriculum. This study was conducted based on the mixed method research paradigm. First, a folk pedagogy questionnaire was distributed to 89 teachers who integrate differing technologies in their classroom in order to identify the teachers' pedagogical perspectives: constructivist versus instructivist. Then, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 24 teachers who teach Scratch in order to gain a deeper understanding of their instructivist/constructivist perspectives and actual pedagogical practices and strategies. Finally, we analyzed 96 students' programming artifacts to explore differences, if any, in students' outcomes related to the pedagogical perspectives of their teachers. Findings revealed that pedagogical perspectives are reflected in teaching strategies and assessment practices employed in a visual programming environment. It is promising that teaching visual programming promoted constructivist pedagogy even among instructivist teachers and was consequently reflected in student perspectives and expressed in their programming artifacts. We discuss theoretical and educational implications of these findings.

The Effect of Self-assessment on the Development of EFL Reading Comprehension Skills

Using self-assessment as part of reading courses is key to improving reading comprehension skills. This study aims at exploring how self-assessment develops EFL students’ reading comprehension skills. It was conducted with a sample of 40 students enrolled in the English Department, University of Algiers 2 during the first semester of the academic year 2020/2021. To collect data, an embedded mixed-methods research paradigm was used which involved collecting both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data were test scores collected as part of a pre-experiment. The pre-experiment involved administering a pre and post reading test and implementing a treatment. The treatment implemented was a self-assessment of reading strategies checklist. The qualitative data were obtained by means of an open-ended interview on participants’ reading strategies. Quantitative data were analysed by calculating the mean score and the t-test, while qualitative data were analysed using content analysis. The findings indicated that self-assessment helped the students to increase test scores and to develop their reading strategies. It enabled them to plan, monitor, and evaluate their reading process by implementing different strategies and techniques. Drawing on these findings, it is suggested that English teachers use self-assessment of reading strategies as part of reading courses, since it can improve students’ reading comprehension skills and strategy use.

PERCEPTIONS OF READINESS FOR ONLINE LEARNING FOLLOWING PARTICIPATION IN A MULTIPARTICIPANT ONLINE COURSE

Since online lessons lack a physical presence, different technological means are needed to create an environment for various teaching, learning, and evaluation methods and for creating a sense of belonging for students. This study investigated student-teachers’ attitudes, approaches, and willingness to engage with computer-assisted teaching and online teaching after they had participated in a multiparticipant online course. A mixed methods research paradigm combined both qualitative and quantitative data collection and analysis. The research findings indicate that the course goals were attained in terms of student-teachers’ acquiring the contents and attitudes, and that the careful design and organization of the course site, learning materials, and methods all contributed to the students’ acquisition of the contents and ability to cope with online learning and form positive attitudes regarding online teaching and learning. Although student-teachers felt that the online learning style was not suitable for them, they underwent a personal process, overcame difficulties, and developed positive attitudes towards ICT and its implementation. Hopefully, the research findings can inform the preparation of an optimal teaching-learning process for online teaching.

Managing virtual learning at higher education institutions during pandemic covid-19 in the Indonesian context

This paper discusses challenges and obstacles that teachers and students face in the application of virtual-based distance-learning process in Indonesian universities. The main focus of this study was on teachers’ and students’ readiness to face obstacles of virtual learning;and understand the preparedness and policy making by higher education ministry. A mixed method research paradigm was used to collect the data through questionnaires and response sheets from teachers and students from 20 Indonesian higher education institutions. A total of 250 respondents, 150 teachers and 100 students, participated in this research. For the purpose of analysis, the researchers calculated percentages based on the number of respondents for each of the option. Simple statistical procedures were used to compare the responses by both groups of respondents. The results showed that though there are intervention programs like ‘independent campus’ in most universities, but the teachers still lack learning support devices;secondly, there is no standard policy or a common virtual platform for virtual learning processes, thirdly, it is very difficult to assess seriousness level of students with regard to the online teaching material provided. © 2021, Edam. All rights reserved.

Usage Of Sign Language In Developing Science Practical Skills Among The Learners With Hearing Impairment In Inclusive Schools

The current research explored the effectiveness of using Indian Sign Language (ISL) as an instructional medium for developing Science Practical skills among LwPHI. Methodologically, the research falls under the mixed-method research paradigm. This study had one group, pretest post-test design and the sample was selected through purposive sampling. The data was collected from 10 Science teachers and 20 LwPHI studying at the upper primary sage in the Inclusive schools of Delhi, India. The researcher used interview schedule, rubrics, and Science practical lesson plans as the tools. The intervention phase was designed to develop the skills related to 4 important components of science practical i.e. procedural and manipulative skills, observational skills, drawing skills, and Interpretive & reporting skills. On analysis of the descriptive statistics, it was found that there was a mean gain difference of 14.95 between the pre-post test scores and 0.423 in the standard deviation. The hypothesis testing was done through Wilcoxon signed-rank test statistical analysis, Z: -3.936, P-value was less than 0.05 (0.000<0.05), indicated that there was a significant difference in the performance and hence, H0 was rejected. The qualitative analysis of the rubrics and interview revealed that the LwPHI not only had limited ability to connect the science content taught in the classrooms to their daily life but also were less aware of science as a subject and had many misconceptions. And, due to the communication gap, this learning gap was widening. The analysis of data collected after the intervention indicated improved content understanding, a rise in science vocabulary, and awareness of scientific terminologies. The finding of this study is in coherence with the preceding researches and acknowledges that the curriculum objectives are better attained by learners if they are delivered in the respective learner’s first language.

Challenges in the Posting and Transfer of Teachers to Rural Community Schools in the Sissala East Municipality

The effective posting and transfer of teachers is a linchpin in getting teachers to rural school locations. This study explored the challenges faced by the Sissala East Municipal Education Directorate in posting and transfer of teachers to rural schools. It further looks at the effects of inadequate teachers in rural schools and proposes strategies to engender the posting and transfer of teachers to rural schools. The concurrent triangulation design type of the mixed method research paradigm was employed for the study. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected simultaneously. Two hundred and sixty (260) respondents were sampled for the study through simple random, stratified and purposive sampling techniques. The data were collected using a questionnaire (five-point Likert scale) and a semi-structured interview guide. The collected data sets were analysed using SPSS software version 20. The study found that teacher accommodation, professional development needs, perceived ignorance about rural dwellers and condition as well as branding rural teachers as “village teachers”, teachers desire to live in urban areas, Ministry of Education recruitment practices, the desire of graduate teachers to teach in senior high and urban schools, contribute significantly to the challenge of posting and transfer of teachers to rural schools. On the effects of inadequate teachers, the study found the practice of multigrade teaching, heavy workload on teachers, the presence of unqualified teachers and the inability to cover the curriculum On strategies in attracting and retaining teachers in rural schools, the study found the following strategies: recruiting teachers from targeted rural areas, induction of new teachers, provision of financial incentives and siting of teacher training institutions in rural areas. The study, contrary to previous research findings found that force transfer of teachers should be enforced. The study concluded that the Sissala East Municipal Education Directorate is challenged in the posting and transfer of teachers to rural schools. The study recommended the provision of decent accommodation for teachers, giving priority to rural teachers in granting of study leave, provision of social amenities in rural areas, decentralizing recruitment of teachers, provision of financial incentives and induction of new teachers. Keywords: posting, transfer, urban, rural and community DOI: 10.7176/JEP/11-36-13 Publication date: December 31 st 2020

A Business Case for the Adoption of a Knowledge Management Strategy and Government Policy as Precursors for Divapreneurship Development in Zimbabwe

The study showcases a business value proposition to policy makers for the adoption of a business paradigm involving the infusion of knowledge management practices, strategic thinking and government policy intervention for divapreneurship development in Zimbabwe. The significance of knowledge management (KM) in women entrepreneurial development arises from the fact that, KM is considered as one of the most effective strategic tools for enterprise survival (Kim and Koh, 2011). The study also investigated the antecedents of bringing about the divatude (positive attitude) in women, as a new way of addressing the impediments to the development of women so that they could be united, driven, inspired, action oriented and victorious ensuring that divapreneurship development becomes a reality in Zimbabwe (Bbenkele, 2013). The mixed method research paradigm was adopted with both quantitative and qualitative data integrated in data collection. Consequently, basing on a purposive sample of 558 structured questionnaires, and focus group discussions, data was collected in line with the sequential explanatory approach. The study was carried out in Bulawayo and Harare Metropolitan Provinces, and Matabeleland North Provinces in Zimbabwe. The study recommended a ten factor framework for divapreneurship development involving universities as the nerve centre, in unrolling entrepreneurial education and training working in collaboration with the Ministry of Women’s Affairs, Gender and Community Development.

How a teacher professional development program influences students algebra performance Reflections from a web-based platform

The main purpose of this study was to assess seventh-graders’ algebra performance when their teachers received professional development support regarding hypothetical learning trajectories through a web-based platform. Secondly, we aimed to investigate the relationship between student performance and the teachers’ professional development in teaching algebra. A mixed-method research paradigm was adopted into the study. Experimental research was conducted with nine experimental and nine control groups including 454 seven graders. The data came from a combined algebra (including open-ended and multiple-choice tasks) test and experimental group teachers’ teaching designs where the plans were entered to the web-based platform. Statistical methods were used to analyse the quantitative data, while descriptive methods were used to analyse the qualitative data. The results revealed that the experimental-group students (whose teachers received professional development support through the web-based platform) statistically outperformed compared to those in control groups. Besides, a relationship between was found between the experimental group teachers’ progress and algebra performance of their students.

The Johannesburg negotiated bus rapid transit contract: How has it benefitted the stakeholders?

Background: In 2009 and 2013, the Transport Department, City of Johannesburg, negotiated with taxi operators and introduced the bus rapid transit (BRT) initiative on two routes. The protracted negotiations culminated into the displacement of approximately 900 minibuses on the two routes replaced by the BRT system. The mechanism used was to negotiate with the minibus taxi operators and compensate them for surrendering their vehicles that gave way for the BRT buses. Objectives: The objective of this article is to ascertain how the City of Johannesburg, taxi operators and drivers benefitted from the implementation of the BRT system. Method: A mixed-methods research paradigm was used. Quantitative data were collected from operators and drivers on how their skills and welfare have changed as a result of the implementation of the BRT initiative. Unstructured questionnaires were used to obtain qualitative data from the Transport Department, City of Johannesburg, and from nine taxi associations’ representatives. Results: The results revealed that there were considerable benefits that accrued to the former taxi operators as well as drivers. Former minibus taxi operators and drivers’ welfare have improved. They have also gained knowledge and skills in operating the formal public transport system. The benefits were, however, at the expense of the City of Johannesburg. Conclusion: Notwithstanding taxi operators’ reservations, their participation was beneficial. The study focused solely on the benefits to the key stakeholders of the negotiated contract without addressing costs that have contributed to those benefits. Future research needs to undertake a comprehensive study that addresses both costs and benefits to determine whether these benefits are not at the expense of exorbitant costs.

The impact of an outdoor education project on middle school students’ perceptions and awareness of the renewable energy

This study investigated the effects of a nature education project on middle school students’ perceptions on renewable energy by using a mixed method research design. The data was collected from 60 middle school students, who participated in a nature education project in 2017 and 2018. Using a mixed method research paradigm, the views of the participants on renewable energy were explored by collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. The qualitative data was collected from pre and post interviews, whereas the quantitative data was collected from the pretest and posttest applications of the Renewable Energy Perceptions (REP) scale, which was originally developed for university students and adapted to middle school students population in the first stage of this study. The findings from both qualitative and quantitative data agreed on that while the participants had already positive perceptions toward the renewable energy before the study, significant contributions have been made to increase their perceptions and awareness levels about renewable energy during the nature education project.

Exploring the human factor in cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crime victimisation: a lifestyle routine activities approach

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to explore human factors as the possible facilitator of cyber-dependent (hacking and malware infection) and cyber-enabled (phishing) crimes victimisation and to test the applicability of lifestyle routine activities theory (LRAT) to cybercrime victimisation.Design/methodology/approachA mixed methods research paradigm was applied to address the research questions and aims. The data set of Crime Survey of England and Wales (CSEW) 2014/2015 and 42 semi-structured interviews conducted with victims of cybercrime and non-victim control group participants were analysed via binary logistic regression and content analyses methods.FindingsThis research illustrated that Internet users facilitated their victimisation through their online activities. Additionally, using insecure Internet connections and public access computers emerged as risk factors for both cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crime victimisation. Voluntary and involuntary personal information disclosure through social networking sites and online advertisement websites increased the likelihood of being a target of phishing. Deviant online activities such as free streaming or peer-to-peer sharing emerged to increase the risk of cyber-dependent crime victimisation.Research limitations/implicationsThe binary logistic regression analysis results suggested LRAT as a more suitable theoretical framework for cyber-dependent crime victimisation. Future research may test this result with models including more macro variables.Practical implicationsPolicymakers may consider implementing regulations regarding limiting the type of information required to login to free Wi-Fi connections. Checking trust signs and green padlocks may be effective safeguarding measures to lessen the adverse impacts of impulsive buying.Originality/valueThis study empirically illustrated that, besides individual-level factors, macro-level factors such as electronic devices being utilised to access the Internet and data breaches of large companies also increased the likelihood of becoming the victim of cyber-enabled and cyber-dependent crime.