Preparatory Level Research Articles

Investigating EFL Teachers' Passion to Teach English at the Preparatory Level

Investigating EFL Teachers' Passion to Teach English at the Preparatory Level

Midwifery service managers’ readiness for prevention of obstetric violence in Nigeria: A community readiness model

Obstetric violence is a public health problem that needs to be prevented at all levels to improve maternal and newborn health outcomes. The midwifery service managers, as custodians of patient care in maternity centres are in a prime position to develop and implement effective obstetric violence prevention interventions. This study explored the midwifery service managers' level of readiness for the prevention of Obstetric Violence in three maternity centres at three separate hospitals in Oyo State, Nigeria. Data was collected from six midwifery service managers as midwifery community leaders, using the adapted Community Readiness Model as a data collection tool. The Community Readiness Model scoring guide was used to score the six dimensions of community readiness. In addition, a thematic analysis was used to analyze the qualitative data from their views on each of the six dimensions of the Community Readiness Model. The findings revealed an overall level of readiness for the prevention of obstetric violence among midwifery service managers was at level five which is the preparatory level. This means that the community has a modest readiness for Obstetric violence prevention, and it would be easier to develop sustainable prevention interventions for obstetric violence. Understanding the midwifery service managers’ level of readiness for the prevention of obstetric violence is important for governments and other stakeholders intending to develop obstetric violence prevention interventions that are contextually appropriate and acceptable to communities.

Assessing Reading Texts for Non-Native Arabic Speaking Students at the University of Jordan in Light of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages From the Students' Perspective

This study aims to assess the extent to which reading texts for non-native Arabic-speaking students at the University of Jordan align with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) criteria from the students' perspective. The study sample consisted of 64 students from the University of Jordan for the academic year 2021/2022. They were divided into 25 students from the first preparatory level and 39 students from the second preparatory level. A questionnaire was used as a data collection tool, and it included three areas: reading speed, linguistic richness, and accurate reading. The results indicated that all areas appeared to be moderate from the students' perspective, and there was no significant impact on the results attributed to demographic variables. Based on these results, the study demonstrates the importance of incorporating elements of CEFR in teaching language skills in Arabic for non-native speakers.

Open Data and Composite Procedures: Strengthen the Quality and the Effectiveness of Administrative Activity

Open data allows new experiments in administration, both in terms of activities and organisation. In terms of composite procedures, open data can serve many public interests in new ways, leading to faster and more accurate decision-making (already at the preparatory level), while it remains difficult to ensure effective judicial protection for individuals in shared administration between the EU and the Member States. In this context, procedural guarantees at the decision-making stage should not be neglected, even more if we consider the EU public administration as a platform, offering data as services, exchanging information and data, cooperating, and competing with public and private actors. Relying on the power of data, however, requires resilient rules, based on EU principles as to assure the rule of law, and able to cope with the challenges of the digital transition, as to ensure the “effectiveness” of administrative activities implementing EU law in each Member State.

Evaluation of the effectiveness of dose adjustments based on beta-blockers in the management of infantile hemangioma

Introduction. Infantile hemangiomas (IH) are benign vascular tumors most frequently encountered in infants and in early childhood. Most of them regress spontaneously, but some require treatment, given their complications or serious forms. Pathophysiology is still controversial. Therapeutic management of high-risk IH is based on oral beta-blockers, which have revolutionized first-line treatment based on corticosteroid therapy. The objective of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of dose adjustments based on beta-blockers in the management of IH and to identify the occurrence of adverse effects. Materials and methods. This is a retrospective, descriptive study of dose reductions of beta-blockers presented in capsule form. This study is carried out at the preparatory level of the Mother – Child laboratory of the Beni Messous University Hospital, Algeria from January 1st, 2020 to December 31th, 2021, using the register of dose reduction requests. Monitoring the effectiveness of dose adaptations for patients suffering from IH of all types was carried out at the ophthalmology department of Beni Messous University Hospital and the dermatology department of the Mustapha Pacha University Hospital based on medical files and health records. Results. The number of dose adaptations carried out is 9246 including 691 (10%) preparations based on beta-blockers; these included 476 (68%) propranolol and 50 (7%) atenolol. The cohort of 40 patients with IH showed a female predominance with a sex ratio of 0.14, the most frequent location of which was the head (52.5%). The age of onset of the tumor was after the first month of birth (60%) while the average age of initiation of treatment was estimated at 6 months. The average duration of oral treatment was 5.7 months. The effectiveness of the treatment was observed in 60% of cases; however, adverse effects were reported in 20% of patients. Conclusion. Oral beta-blockers made a therapeutic revolution in the treatment of IH. The development of more adapted dosage forms to the location of the tumor and better tolerated by the pediatric population is essential for the benefit of children.

Investigating ESL students' perceptions of ambiguity tolerance-An Analytical case study at Jizan University KSA

The objective of this study is to elucidate the perspective of students' tolerance of ambiguity to enhance proficiency in English as a secondary language. The aptitude to tolerate ambiguity, commonly referred to as AT, plays a crucial role in the process of language acquisition. It pertains to an individual's aptitude to manage and adapt to unfamiliar and uncertain aspects of the target language being learned. This skill is precious in comprehending and interpreting new information more effectively and flexibly. By cultivating AT, language learners can augment their overall proficiency, ultimately achieving greater fluency and mastery of the language they are studying. The interpretation of an ambiguous piece of language reflects the level of tolerance or intolerance of a language learner, as well as their capacity to endure the structure of the language and its impact on their emotional perception of progress. To illuminate the concern, a group of 110 students, consisting of 26 at the preparatory level, 50 at the proficient level, and 34 at the master's level in the English department at Jizan University, responded to a questionnaire comprising 12 items. The questionnaire focused on the Second Language Tolerance of Ambiguity Scale (SLTAS), modified by Erten and Topkaya in 2009. To feature a circumstantial perspective, A comprehensive assessment was conducted on students across various levels to evaluate students' capacity to tolerate ambiguity. It is evident from the study results that students must acquire the necessary skills to navigate and comprehend language structures that may be unclear or open to interpretation because of their high ambiguity tolerance. Additionally, findings indicate no significant difference exists in levels of ambiguity tolerance among students categorized by proficiency as preparatory, proficient, or master. Furthermore, four open-ended questions were executed to limited introductory, proficient and master levels, each aiming to measure the coherence between the statistical findings and data interpretation. The outcomes derived from the open-ended inquiries aligned with the most recently scrutinized studies.

Entrepreneurship Research Perspective: The Influence of Gender Differences and the Mediating Role of Subjective Norms: The Case of University Students at Preparatory Level in University of Hai'l, Saudi

Entrepreneurship Research Perspective: The Influence of Gender Differences and the Mediating Role of Subjective Norms: The Case of University Students at Preparatory Level in University of Hai'l, Saudi

A study on impact of conceptual and practical based learning on employability

The impact of practical learning on employability is significant. There is no age, time or effort limit to learn because it is what as a person important to survive and thrive in this world. Although learning through theory is one side of the mirror, leveraging the knowledge in real world is what matters most. As employability is the primary goal, the process of learning leading up to that is what supports the goal. To assist the above statements this study refers the teaching strategies and learning models states that learning and employability are correlated for both learners and their peers. Practical-based learning should be implemented in the current scenario. It must be started from the preparatory level to make it a habit. The main aim of education is “learning” which must not miss out from the education system as learning has a direct impact on employability. The study reveals that a variety of techniques can be implemented by peers and the participation of students in the process could be a productive way to collaborate, hence, this kind of engagement would be a superior course of action for students to learn practically and can increase the scope of employability. The relevant articles' conclusions were discussed for better understanding of perceptions, multiple learning models and their importance, and significance are acknowledged to comprehend the impact of conceptual learning on Employability. The methods such as Practical Based Learning provide students’ exposure to real-life problems that they can solve by adopting the learning methods.

Using Digital Storytelling in Speaking Activities for Low-Proficiency Tertiary Students

Digital storytelling (DST) could be used as one of the contemporary learning resources for students to increase their participation in the learning of speaking skills. It could also help to broaden students’ perspectives towards their potential to become good communicators. Thus, this study aims to (1) examine the use of digital storytelling in the e-Poster Presentation assessment in the learning of English at the preparatory level for diploma studies, and (2) investigate students' perceptions towards this learning approach. About twenty-seven Pre- diploma students at Universiti Teknologi Mara (UiTM) participated in the study. These students who had a low-proficiency level in the English language, have used the digital storytelling platform to create e-Poster Presentations for their speaking tasks. For data analysis, written entries and short journal entries were analysed to gain insights into students' perceptions of engaging with DST in their e-Poster Presentation projects. Findings showed that the approach of creating digital storytelling videos and conducting e-Poster presentations has helped to improve their speaking performance. It could be said that the students had favourable opinions towards the digital storytelling approach. Consequently, digital storytelling could be utilised to diversify instructional approaches. DST would be a beneficial tool in encouraging low-proficiency students, especially in higher learning institutions, in enhancing their speaking performances in English language classrooms.

Training needs to develop the professional of Arabic language teachers

The objectives of this study were to assess the training needs for Arabic language instructors from the teachers' point of view, as well as to examine if there are statistically significant variations in the replies of Arabic language teachers to professional development training needs based on gender and experience. The research relied on the descriptive and analytical approach. The study sample included (107) male and female teachers, with a total of (25) items split across three dimensions. The study's findings revealed that there was a strong need for techniques for teaching Arabic language branches, while the need to analysis curricula and Arabic language books and delve deeper into the Arabic language was moderate degree. The results of the study also revealed that there were no statistically significant variations in the responses of the sample members related to the factors of gender and experience.
 Keywords training needs, professional development, teaching methods, curriculum analysis, language deepening, preparatory level.

Training needs to develop the professional of Arabic language teachers

The objectives of this study were to assess the training needs for Arabic language instructors from the teachers' point of view, as well as to examine if there are statistically significant variations in the replies of Arabic language teachers to professional development training needs based on gender and experience. The research relied on the descriptive and analytical approach. The study sample included (107) male and female teachers, with a total of (25) items split across three dimensions. The study's findings revealed that there was a strong need for techniques for teaching Arabic language branches, while the need to analysis curricula and Arabic language books and delve deeper into the Arabic language was moderate degree. The results of the study also revealed that there were no statistically significant variations in the responses of the sample members related to the factors of gender and experience.
 
 Keywords training needs, professional development, teaching methods, curriculum analysis, language deepening, preparatory level.

The Effectiveness of Overlapping Waves Strategy-Based Program in Developing the Cognitive Engagement of Preparatory Level Female Pupils

The present research aims to identify the effectiveness of overlapping waves strategy-based program in developing the cognitive engagement of pupils' cognitive engagement. The cognitive engagement scale of preparatory school pupils was constructed. The sample was divided into two groups of (22) pupils in the experimental group and (23) pupils in the control group. The overlapping waves strategy program is based on the theory of Seigler. The number of sessions reached (22) sessions, the duration of the session was (60) minutes, at a rate of three to four sessions per week. There is a statistical difference between the mean scores of the experimental group pupils and the mean scores of the control group pupils in the post-application of the cognitive engagement scale in favor of the experimental group due to the overlapping waves' effectiveness program in developing the cognitive engagement. According to the results, the researcher has made several conclusions, recommendations, and suggestions.

THEORY OF PLANNED BEHAVIOR, HUMAN CAPITAL THEORY, AND SOCIAL LEARNING THEORY TOWARDS ENTREPRENEURIAL INTENTION. THE ROLE OF ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP, AN ATTEMPT TOWARDS DISCUSSION: A GENERAL-REVIEW PAPER

While doing our project on the determinants of students' intention to start their businesses, we selected the context of university students at the preparatory-level in Saudi. Applying the theory of planned behavior is found to be limited among university students at the preparatory-level. We reviewed different theories and this paper will discuss the reasons why we selected updating the theory of planned behavior over the other theories. Furthermore, Islamic entrepreneurship writing is not ignored. There is indeed an alarming concern among researchers about the appropriate theoretical background, by doing that we could overcome obstacles to understand the determinants of intentions among preparatory level students who are willing to start their own business. The students in that stage are neither graduates nor sufficiently skilled. Therefore, using an analytical review method, we have discussed the reasons for selecting one theoretical background over another, the role of religion in their intention. This discussion will hopefully help both the students and the policymakers, particularly the sector looking at entrepreneurs, to acquire a comprehensive view about the impact of entrepreneur education on student’s intention.

EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS IN EARLY CHILDHOOD: A MAJOR LEVER FOR THE HEALTHY AND BALANCED DEVELOPMENT OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN

The early childhood is considered as one of the decisive stages in a child’s life. It’s viewed as the first building block that shapes the child’s personality in all its aspects, as this is when the child begins to deal with his external surrounding. Moreover, during this period the child's awareness grows towards autonomy. He starts to rely on himself in his actions and movement confidently. What the child experiences in his first years, shapes all his upcoming learnings. For instance, during the preschool, the child starts acquiring new principles and grasps some abstract concepts like solidarity, participation, socialization … The institution also works on promoting all the skills which are related to artistic creativity, recreational and educational activities. And since the intervention at this stage has a great impact on the child’s scholastic success, Its consequences positively affect the child’s health and behavior, as well as his cognitive and mental development. Thus, the recent studies have shed light on the child's cognitive development in early stages. And focused mainly on understanding and identifying the factors affecting this development. A reference should be made that the child's cognitive development is crucially related scholastic success. That’s to say, by promoting the executive functions (inhibition - cognitive flexibility – memory – planning and organizing…) at the very early childhood stage is regarded as the cornerstone for building a child’s cognitive skills and acquiring social behavior. This research study aims to explore the children’s executive functions state at their early childhood stage (preschool children) in order to identify the strengths and weaknesses which needs intervention. The study was implemented by using the CHILDHOOD EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONING INVENTORY (CHEXI) FOR PARENTS AND TEACHERS. The study participant were 150 children, divided among 10 educators in the second preparatory level at 4 different schools. The latter are part of (The Moroccan Foundation for the Promotion of preSchool education) in the Rabat region. It was concluded that the executive functions of preschool children still need further reinforcement and development by setting up an intervention program.

Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior Among Students at Preparatory Level to Explore the Determinants of Students' Intention, is There Adifference?

Applying the Theory of Planned Behavior Among Students at Preparatory Level to Explore the Determinants of Students' Intention, is There Adifference?

Case study on the impact of online schooling in a rural area during the emergency state (March-June 2019-2020 school year, Romania)

The spread of the Corona virus has brought about major changes in the world. Even before, this technology was an important presence in practically every sphere of our daily routine. There is a widespread assumption that the population existing in the rural areas is hesitant towards accustoming to modernization. This paper is an inquiry constructed on the base of a questionnaire designed to determine the standpoint of the parents having children enrolled at primary level school in relation to the compulsory new ICT tools at school and at home, the difficulties and their awareness of the array of possibilities offered by communication science. The research was conducted at the end of June 2021 and it focuses on the period from March to June (2019-2020 school year) when all schools in Romania were performing online classes. The pupils comprised in this respective case study attend „Oborani Elementary school (I-IV)”, a rural school with pupils from the preparatory level to the fourth grade from Vişina Village in Dâmboviţa country, Romanina.

The Repertoire of Traditional Malay Ensemble as a Source of Violin Practice Learning Material

This study aims to examine in depth how the process of applying the Malay traditional music ensemble reportoar as a teaching material in practical learning to play violin instruments in unimed music education study programs in the odd semester 2020-2021.Based on the monitoring carried out by the lecturer team in the learning process to play the violin that has occurred so far, the practice of playing the violin is still being carried out with teaching material playing western classical music and playing popular music styles. This study was conducted using a qualitative approach, namely following the opinions of Miles and Huberman (1984), namely (1) data collection, which was carried out through interviews, document digest observation, recording and recording; (2) data reduction, which is done by summarizing, selecting the main things, focusing on the important things, looking for themes and patterns and removing unnecessary ones; (3) data display (data presentation), which is done by showing the data and presenting it in the form of narrative text and charts; (4) conclusion drawing / verification which is carried out by drawing conclusions and verifying the research findings. In this study, the findings suggest that: 1) The learning process carried out in learning the violin in this study is to apply the tiered learning method, starting from the preparatory level learning, basic learning, middle level learning, and advanced learning. 2). The introduction of the main principle in recognizing cengkok and grenek in violin playing is in the form of the jump tone technique. For example, a violin melody can be played 7 notes or 8 notes in one beat, but the melody interval steps vary between second, terts, quart, quint and so on. However, in a grenek melody, the intervals played are only in the form of a second up or a second down.

A Transitional Year Level to Higher Education: Challenges, Experiences and Self-regulatory Strategies during the Final Year of the University Preparatory Level

Final Year level of the University Preparatory cycle (FYUP) –in Spanish 2º Bachillerato– is one of the most challenging academic courses. It is extremely demanding academically in itself and by the end of it students must also pass the university entry exam. Yet research has not investigated how students experience this year. We thus explored, using in-depth interviews with 75 students from two public high schools, their attitudes toward this academic year. Our results showed that (a) the participants struggled greatly during FYUP, experiencing high levels of academic stress (that affects their general well-being, mostly because of the high academic demands); (b) students were looking forward to their university experience but were concerned about failing or not finding their place; and (c) they reported a narrow range of learning, motivational, and emotional strategies. This study shows that students face significant learning and academic challenges during FYUP. A clear educational implication is that interventions should be implemented in earlier years to help the students be better prepared.

Demographic Data of Cystic Fibrosis Patients in a Tertiary Care Center in Saudi Arabia

Introduction: Cystic Fibrosis has been reported before in almost all Arab countries with an incidence ranges from 1:2500- 1:7000. Presentations varied, but mainly due to recurrent chest infection and Pancreatic Insufficiency. Median survival has been far below North American countries. Delayed diagnosis and delayed management account for the low median survival. Objectives: To present the demographic data of Cystic Fibrosis patients and their families, that involves their social status and education. Methodology: A retrospective chart review as part of the Cystic Fibrosis registry data from the period January 1998 to December 2018. All confirmed CF patients of all age groups who contributed their demographic information were included and analyzed. Results: A total of 430 confirmed Cystic Fibrosis patients. 236 (96%) patients survived, and 10 (4%) died. Two hundred and thirteen (49.5%) were males, and 217 (50.5%) were females. Eighty-three percent consanguinity rate. Forty-five had a family history of Cystic Fibrosis, and the diagnosis was suggested by family history in 9.5% of patients. 415 (98.1%) were of Saudi nationality. 156 (36.5%) were from the Eastern province. The mean age at diagnosis was 3.46 years (SD±5.547). Median survival around 22 years. Mean Sweat chloride was 92.04 mmol/ L (17.343). In reviewing the educational level of 247 patients, the level of elementary school accounted for 90 (36.1%) of patients, 24 (9.7%) of mothers, and 21 (8.5%) of fathers. Similarly, 43 (17.4%)/ 22 (8.9%)/ 102 (41.3%) were in the preparatory level, 35 (14.3%)/ 43 (17.4%)/ 51 (20.6%) were in the high school level, and 23 (9.3%)/ 39 (15.8%)/ 46 (18.6%) were in the college level, respectively. Regarding the employment: 145 (58.7%) patients are students, 3 (1.2%) are part-time employees, and 15 (6.0%) are full time employees. 207 (83.8%) mothers are housewives, 2 (0.8%) are students, and 29 (11.7%) have full-time employment. Paternal employment showed that 210 (85.0%) are full time, and 7 (2.8%) are part-time employees. Regarding their accommodation: 77 (31.2%) of Cystic Fibrosis parents owned a villa, 81 (32.8%) rented an apartment, and 79 (32%) owned their own apartment. Conclusion: More than 2/3 of CF patients are students at the elementary school level, and only 6.0% have a full-time job, which makes them completely dependent on both parents for their care. Median survival improved from 8 years in 1984 to 22 years. Further efforts need to be applied to different aspects of care to further improve median survival.

Didactic analysis of lexicon teaching methodologies in Métro Saint-Michel

Cette article a pour but de présenter une analyse de la conception de Lexique dans l’enseignement/apprentissage de Français Langue Étrangère (FLE) conçu dans une perspective actionnelle et situationnelle à partir d’une étude du manuel Métro Saint-Michel de méthode de français en général et des rubriques de lexique en particulier, édité par CLE International en 2006 et utilisé dans un cours de français élémentaire pour des étudiants de la classe préparatoire, niveau A1, en Turquie. Dans cette analyse nous allons être concentrés notamment sur la partie "Lexique" du manuel qui regroupe les points à travailler en lexique, en grammaire et en phonétique. Cette partie est essentiellement thématique. Elle est reprise dans les exercices de grammaire, mais elle fait elle-même l’objet d’exercices spécifiques (mots et phrases à compléter, classement, mots croisés, etc.). Elle fera, par ailleurs, l’objet de cette analyse qui vise à mettre en avant l’importance du lexique vue dans l’apprentissage de La langue Française qui est destiné aux apprenants de FLE. Par ailleurs, depuis ce manuel, chaque enseignant, suivant ses prédispositions, pourra trouver des inspirations et des exemples concrets d’activités afin d’effectuer une transmission de formation objective/subjective. D’autre part, des recommandations accompagnées d’une grille d’analyse des manuels de Français Langue étrangère selon les méthodologies d’enseignement du lexique prendront place dans cette analyse.