Quantitative Data Collection Tools Research Articles

Early Field Experiences of PTEs in ELT Programme of a State University in Türkiye

Teaching programs in Türkiye consist of a 4-year process. Internship practice takes place in the last year of this process, each in two separate terms. Prospective teachers observe, evaluate, prepare course content, and teach under the guidance of in-service English teachers in public schools affiliated with the Ministry of National Education and with the support of supervisors at the faculties and complete their internship. However, the timing of the process is thought to be too late, which is carried out during the 4-year education period and where prospective teachers will be actively involved in schools/real teaching environments and gain experience. "Early Field Experience", which is also found in the world literature and has exemplary applications, has been implemented in some private universities in Türkiye today but has not yet found its place in state universities. This current research studies the subject of “Early field experience”. The present study focussed on the effects of "Early Field Experience" practice in a state university in Türkiye. The study analyses the reflections of Early Field Experience (EFE) on prospective teachers' anxiety and makes the voices of prospective teachers heard. In this convergent mixed method study, STAS (Student Teacher Anxiety Scale - Hart, 1987) was used as a quantitative data collection tool, and a semi-structured interview form consisting of open-ended questions was employed for the qualitative part. In the study, prospective teachers of English had an EFE implementation process covering 10 weeks of observation and internship. The results of the quantitative data showed that there was a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores for the level of anxiety of PTEs (t=4.16; p< .05) in favour of the post-test. Findings of interviews revealed that the prospective teachers' concerns were in the areas of teaching, students’ background, classroom management, readiness to teach, and burnout before the EFE; and after the EFE, they experienced improvements in classroom management, appropriate language use, readiness to teach, experience and teaching content.

Brand Awareness, Electronic Word-of-Mouth, and Viral Marketing's Effects on Purchase Decisions

This research aims to determine and analyze the influence of viral marketing, electronic word of mouth, and brand awareness on purchase decisions. This research is survey research with quantitative approach and data collection tools in the form of questionnaires. The population in this study consists of students in Sleman District, with 100 respondents as the sample using purposive sampling. The data analysis technique used is multiple linear regression with SPSS program. The result of this study show that viral marketing, electronic word of mouth, and brand awareness simultaneously has a positive and significant influence on purchase decisions and viral marketing, electronic word of mouth, and brand awareness partially has a positive and significant influence on purchase decisions. This research contributes to expanding theory and students because it adds references regarding the influence of viral marketing, electronic word of mouth, and brand awareness on purchase decisions at the Shopee Marketplace in Sleman Regency. Keyword: Viral Marketing; Electronic Word of Mouth; Brand Awareness; Purchase Decision; Shopee

Determining the Attitudes and Opinions of Gifted Students on Grammar

Talented, different, and creative thinking individuals are needed for the sociological and economic development of societies. One of the groups with these characteristics is gifted children. In Türkiye, gifted students continue their formal education in education environments called Science and Art Center (SAC). While gifted students go to school with their peers, they continue their education by going to the SAC after school or on weekends. In this study, it is aimed to determine the attitudes and views of gifted students towards grammar. The study group of the research consists of 51 secondary school students from a SAC in Türkiye. The study was carried out on the axis of mixed method. The "Grammar Attitude Scale Towards Secondary School Students" developed by Er and Topçuoğlu Ünal (2016) was used as quantitative data collection tool. In the collection of qualitative data, the "Semi-Structured Interview Form" developed by the researchers was used. SPSS 25 program was used in the analysis of quantitative data, and content analysis was used in the analysis of qualitative data. The results show that, the attitudes of gifted students towards grammar do not differ significantly according to grade level, gender, school type and Science and Art Center program. In addition, it has been determined that the majority of gifted students think that learning grammar is not necessary or difficult, and that the majority of students do not find the grammar activities in Turkish textbooks sufficient. In the context of the results obtained in the study, some suggestions were offered.

Changes in scientific process skills and reflective thinking skills towards problem-solving of gifted students: a summer school practice

ABSTRACT The foundation of scientific research is solving a problem. As reflective thinking and problem-solving are closely related, teaching scientific research may have an impact on reflective thinking. The aim of this study is to investigate how the scientific process skills (SPS) and reflective thinking skills towards problem-solving (RTSPS) of gifted students change in a scientific research methods program used during a summer school. This article reports on a case study of 38 gifted students (aged 10-11) who participated in a summer school. Both qualitative and quantitative tools were used to determine the impact of the program. Focus group interviews were conducted both before and after the program as a means of qualitative data collection. Quantitative data collection tools such as the SPS scale and the RTSPS scale were used before and after the program. The analysis showed that the students’ SPS levels were low at the beginning and improved as the program progressed. Initially, the students showed good RTSPS in quantitative data, but were found to be deficient in qualitative data. By the end of the program, RTSPS had improved. In conclusion, this study has shown that summer schools for gifted students are effective in developing RTSPS and SPS.

An Example of an Activity Developed in Accordance with the 5E Learning Model for Teaching Solutions

In today’s life, individuals are forced to be a constant learner to ensure their development. It is necessary to save the act of learning from rote learning, to gain the ability to think independently, and to raise individuals who learn by understanding. In this study, it is aimed to develop and present an active learning activity example prepared to be used at various levels of science teaching. In order for learners to achieve this goal, effective student-centered methods and techniques are needed. 5E model is one of them. In this study, activities related to the subject of solutions were developed, implemented, evaluated and necessary corrections were made in accordance with the 5E learning model. In this study, concept achievement test and semi-structured interview were used as data collection tools and both qualitative and quantitative data collection tools were used together to provide data diversity. In the analysis of quantitative results, t-test and MANOVA model were used, and in the analysis of qualitative data, the interviews with the students were transcribed. The results showed that the experimental groups were more successful than the control groups in terms of concept achievement in the subject of solutions after the application.

CAREER WOMAN AND HER WORK-LIFE BALANCE

The purpose of this study was to examine about the work-life balance of a career woman. The target for this study is women who have jobs, both married and unmarried, and already have children or do not have children. The method used in this research is a form of descriptive research, with quantitative data analysis techniques and data collection tools that use questionnaire tools and literature studies. Before being widely disseminated, the statement items on the questionnaire were tested for validity and reliability using the SPSS 26 program. The questionnaire was distributed through Google Forms and filled out by 74 respondents. The respondents who filled in came from various ages and with varying periods of work. The results showed that most respondents already had a good work-life balance and three aspects of work-life balance were fulfilled even though they were not greatly optimized. It is highly recommended that career women must be paying attention to work-life balance, so as not to feel pressured and experience work dissatisfaction in carrying out their dual roles.

Teaching Multiplication Based on Realistic Mathematics Education to Students at Risk of Mathematics Learning Difficulties

This study aimed to develop, implement, and evaluate an RME-supported instructional design for primary school students with MLD risk who had difficulty in multiplication at the third-grade level. In this study, a design-based research method was utilized since it was aimed to apply and assess the RME-supported instructional design to primary school students with MLD risk. The study selected the participants from primary school students with mathematics learning difficulties who had difficulty in number concepts and operations with natural numbers at the third-grade level. Participant students were determined using the criterion sampling method. As data collection tools, the Numbers and Operations Mathematics Achievement Test (NOMAT), Learning Disabilities Symptom Screening Test, curriculum-based assessment, interview, and researcher diary were used. The content analysis method was used to analyze the data obtained from qualitative data collection tools. Descriptive statistics methods were used to analyze the data obtained from quantitative data collection tools. The data obtained from the research are presented under three themes: findings on analysis, design, and development, findings on implementation, and findings on evaluation. The research results show that teaching with RME-supported instructional design is effective in students' multiplication instruction and contributes to their permanent learning.

Effect of using Culture-Themed Documentaries on Guided Writing Skills in Teaching Turkish to Foreigners

The present study aimed to determine whether using culture-themed documentaries in Turkish teaching of B2 level international students has effects on the development of guided writing skills. The study had an action-research design, which is one of the qualitative study approaches. The study group consisted of 12 international students at the B2 level who learned Turkish in the 2022-2023 academic year at the Turkish Teaching Application and Research Center of a state university in Turkey. The data collection process was performed under two headings as “developing an action plan” and “implementing the action plan”. During the developing an action plan stage, the themes and documentaries to be used in the activities were determined by receiving the opinions of the experts. In the next step, guided writing activities were prepared in line with the writing acquisitions by consulting experts. The pilot applications of the activities were performed at the Turkish Teaching Application and Research Center of a state university in Turkey. Quantitative and qualitative data collection tools were used and the developmental status of the students was monitored to interpret how the guided writing skill activities developed in the classroom environment progressed. The worksheets of the students were evaluated by using the “Guided Writing Scoring Key”, which was developed by the researchers. Students’ pre-test, application order, post-test, and permanency scores were determined with this key. Based on the findings obtained in the study, it was concluded that using culture-themed documentaries in Turkish teaching of international students improved the guided writing skill levels of the students.

Preservice Teachers’ Thoughts about Designing Science Activities in Informal Environments

Purpose: The main purpose of this research is to determine the perspectives of preservice science teachers who have taken and have not taken course on science teaching in informal environments, on the process of designing activities within the scope of science teaching in informal environments.
 
 Design & Methodology: This study used explanatory design, one of the mixed-method design types. The sample of the study consisted of 76 senior preservice science teachers at Science Teaching Department from two different universities in Turkey. While choosing the study group, stratified purposive sampling, one of the purposive sampling methods, was used. Outdoor Science Activities Performing Scale was used as a quantitative data collection tool and interviews were used as qualitative data collection tools.
 
 Findings: According to quantitative findings, when the dimensions of the Outdoor Learning Performing Scale were compared between the groups, no statistically significant difference was found in all dimensions. However, when the qualitative findings were examined preservice science teachers who have taken the course had enough knowledge about designing and performing science activities in informal learning environments.
 
 Implications & Suggestions: To sum up, preservice science teachers who have taken the course had enough knowledge about designing and performing science activities in informal learning environments. This directly emphasizes the importance of receiving instruction in this subject. In this study, the instruction received by the preservice teachers who have taken courses was one of the main reasons for them wanting to have their students experience this process by overcoming all the difficulties they might encounter. However, preservice science teachers who have not taken the course about informal science education did not have enough knowledge about designing and performing science activities in informal learning environments.

Exploring the impact of 3D printing integration on STEM attitudes in elementary schools

This study explored how students and teachers perceived the interdisciplinary integration of 3D printing technology in teaching and learning within the United Arab Emirates (UAE) elementary schools and its relation to students’ attitudes toward STEM careers. The study participants were 148 students and seven teachers from two elementary schools in the UAE. Technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge framework was used to guide the planning and integration of 3D printing into teaching and learning. Both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools were used to collect data from students and teachers. The data collection tools included a student’s survey, teachers’ interviews, and students’ focus group interviews. The study’s findings confirmed those of existing literature, which stressed the positive perceptions of students and teachers regarding the interdisciplinary integration of 3D printing technology in teaching and learning. Furthermore, students’ perception was positively correlated with students’ attitudes toward STEM careers. However, the study found that teachers were more likely to implement 3D printing in their classrooms when they receive proper training on the pedagogical and technical aspects of 3D printing, and hence addressing the possible challenges of integrating this technology in teaching and learning.

The Effect of Body Language-Centered Drama Activities on Students' Speaking Skills in Secondary School Turkish Teaching

The body is undoubtedly the first language of communication in human history. Body language, which dates back to the first human, was the first language with which humans communicated with each other. Human being is a social being; just as it needs nutrition, shelter, security, knowledge, respect and love, it also needs communication. Therefore, speaking skill has become one of the language skills that individuals use most in daily life throughout their lives. Drama method is a method that can be used to help people get to know themselves and their environment, improve their relationships, gain different perspectives, and increase social harmony. The aim of this research is to determine the effect of body language-centered drama activities on the development of students' speaking skills in secondary school Turkish teaching. The participants of the study consist of 55 7th grade students studying in a secondary school in Battalgazi district of Malatya province. In this research, mixed research method sequential explanatory design was used. A semi-experimental design was used in the quantitative part of the research, and the quantitative data of the research was collected using the Speaking Skills Attitude Scale (2017), and the phenomenology design was used in the qualitative part, and the data were collected with student diaries, semi-structured interview form and observation form. In the quantitative part of the research, a control and an experimental group were created. Experimental and control groups were determined according to the students' pre-test results from the attitude scale. According to the results of the Mann Whitney U test, the groups were found to be equivalent. In the experimental group, body language-centered drama prepared in the context of Turkish language teaching program achievements was taught, and in the control group, lessons were taught taking into account the current Turkish course curriculum. At the end of the research, a semi-structured interview was conducted with 9 experimental group students, a diary was collected after each drama application, and observations were made by taking pre- and post-videos of the students' body language-centered speaking skills. A reliability and validity study was conducted on the applied quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. Analysis of the post-tests in the experimental and control groups was made with the Mann Whitney U test. Qualitative data were analyzed with codes and categories created by content analysis and descriptive analysis.
 When the results of the research were examined, it was concluded that the Turkish lesson taught with body language-centered drama activities was more effective than the normal Turkish lesson in terms of giving speaking skill gains. Similarly, it was observed that the interest and love of the students participating in the study regarding speaking skills increased after the body language-centered drama activities, and their anxiety decreased. In addition, it was observed that students began to use body language easily both in the classroom and in daily life. Looking at the results of the qualitative data of the research, it was seen that the students started to use body language in and outside the classroom, their speaking skills improved and even their existing speech disorders improved.
 The study results were examined in the literature and compared from both similar and different perspectives. Looking at the results, researchers can make variations in their studies in order to obtain rich data; for drama practices, they should conduct pilot exercises before implementing the created drama workshops and pay attention to the physical characteristics of the place where the drama will be implemented; recommendations were made for institutions to give teacher candidates the opportunity to practice in drama classes in faculties of education and to provide drama training to teachers in in-service courses opened within the Ministry of National Education.

TRAINING, LEADERSHIP STYLE, AND WORK ENVIRONMENT ON EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE: THE ROLE OF WORK MOTIVATION

Organizations must have a strategy to improve employee performance. One of the strategies is to provide training, evaluate the leadership style applied by the head of the field, and create a comfortable work environment, which can be a solution to improve employee performance. This research is a quantitative data collection tool questionnaire with a sample of 99 employees using the PLS (Partial Least Square) analysis tool. The results of this study indicate that leadership style training and the work environment have a positive and significant effect on work motivation. Training, leadership style, work environment, and motivation positively and significantly affect employee performance. Work motivation mediates the relationship between training and employee performance. Work motivation mediates the relationship between leadership style and employee performance. Work motivation mediates the relationship between the work environment and employee performance.

Effect of creative and collaborative learning communities on virtual learning environment for Education 4.0: a quantitative study of Pakistan

PurposeEducation 4.0 is one of the major transformations in the field of education to improve the quality of teaching and learning processes and prepare students as 21st-century learners. This study aims to examine the effect of Educations 4.0 on creative and collaborative learning of students.Design/methodology/approachIn this correlational research study, a quantitative data collection tool such as a questionnaire is used. This research is conducted on university students (N = 365), and purposive sampling technique is used to achieve the purpose. Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 27.0 is used to analyze the data.FindingsThe findings of the study reveal that there is a strong positive relationship between education 4.0 and the two major 21st-century skills, i.e. collaboration and creativity. The value of correlation coefficient value of the variables is 0.597, which indicates positive and strong relationship; hence, null hypothesis is rejected and an alternative hypothesis is accepted.Practical implicationsThe results of the current study are beneficial for the school managers to enhance students' two significant 21st-century skills, i.e. “Creativity” and “Collaboration.” Also, the school managers can make efforts to develop teachers' competence to adapt the technological advancements for improving students' creativity and collaboration to benefit their learning.Originality/valueThis is a unique study because there are only a few recent studies that show a connection between Education 4.0 and 21st-century skills. Also, there is no other study that presents the direct association of Education 4.0 and students' creativity and collaboration specifically in the context of Pakistan.

Gambaran Tingkat Aspirasi Karir Siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama

This study aimed to determine students’ career aspirations. The sample comprised 30 respondents. This study used a descriptive quantitative data collection tool in the form of a questionnaire. The data analysis technique used was central tendency analysis. The results of the research data analysis showed that the average score for career aspirations for class VIIIA UPTD students at SMP Negeri 4 Kupang was 173,400, which was in the range– of 162-199, belonging to the high category. The results of the analysis of each aspect of class VIIIA career aspirations are as follows: the aspect of aspirations with a score of 56.18 in the range of scores 55-67 belongs to the high category; the aspect of desire with a score of 58.85 in the range of score 55-67 belongs to the high category; and the aspect of determination heart with a score of 57.56 in the range of scores 55-67 belongs to the high category. The results of the research data analysis showed that students' career aspirations were classified as high; therefore, guidance and counseling teachers need to provide recommendations to maintain good career aspirations by providing and designing career guidance programs.

Astronomy with Web 2.0 Tools: Sun, Earth and Moon Unit

The aim of this research is to examine the effects of web 2.0 tools used in online astronomy education on the conceptual achievement of 5th grade secondary school students. For this purpose, the Sun, Earth and Moon unit was processed online using web 2.0 tools. The study was implemented in a public secondary school over a period of 6 weeks. Mixed research method, which combines qualitative and quantitative research methods, was used in the study. An easily accessible sample model was used to determine the study group. The sample of the study consists of 12 students (7 girls, 5 boys) in the 10-11 age group. The “Sun, Earth and Moon Achievement Test” developed by Sontay & Karamustafaoğlu (2020) was used as a quantitative data collection tool in the study. Qualitative data collection tool “Semi-Structured Telephone Interview on the Concepts of the Sun, Earth and Moon” was used. SPSS program was used in the analysis of quantitative data. Content analysis method was used in the analysis of qualitative data. As a result of the study, it was seen that online education supported by web 2.0 tools within the scope of the Sun, Earth and Moon unit had a positive effect on students’ conceptual success.

Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of An Effective Feedback Program for School Principals to Improve In-class Teaching

This study aims to develop a program on giving effective feedback (GEFP) which is designed to improve principals’ feedback capacities that support teachers’ in-class teaching and to examine the impact of this program. The program covers leadership, supervision, classroom observation, trust, active listening, feedback and statistical analysis topics. Experimental mixed method design was used in this research. The study group and sample of the research consist of 16 school principals and 602 teachers working in the experimental (N=8) and control (N=8) group schools in the province of Hatay in the 2018-2019 academic year. The "school principal feedback scale" was used as the quantitative data collection tool, and a semi-structured interview form was used as the qualitative data collection tool. It was concluded that GEFP contributed significantly to both the process and function factors of the feedback and increased the capacity of school principals to give effective feedback within the scope of improving teaching. The calculated effect size revealed that the contribution of GEFP to the function factor is higher than the process factor. Qualitative findings revealed that school principals realize the importance of supervision and feedback, improve themselves professionally, change their managerial behaviors positively, and show instructional leadership behaviors. As a result, it was determined that school principals started to give effective feedback by demonstrating behaviors related to the feedback process literature after GEFP. Considering the contribution of giving effective feedback to teachers to improve their teaching, it is recommended that GEFP should be provided for all school principals as in-service training.

The Integration of ICT in the Classroom: Pre-Service EFL Teachers Experiences

The use of ICT in teaching develops more important in present times because teachers also have to be able to keep up with the technological knowledge of their students. This study aims to analyze the pre-service teachers’ use of ICT in their classrooms during the practice teaching experience. This study employed both quantitative and qualitative data collection tools. The data were obtained from 86 pre-service teachers at senior high school and Junior High School. The data were collected qualitatively through observation and semi-structured interviews and quantitatively using a questionnaire. The qualitative results were mapped in tabular form. The researchers analyzed qualitatively to explain why pre-service teachers do not use ICT tools. The data were also made in tabular form and were described. The results showed that the practicum schools were not very rich in the technological devices offered to the pre-service teachers for their EFL classes. The pre-service teachers were not helped by ICT available to them in their teaching practice at a not satisfying level. Insufficient training, lack of basic facilities in the practicum schools, and pre-service teachers’ selections were the main reasons for teachers to utilize ICT in teaching practice. The study’s findings discovered a mismatch between teacher training programs and real-world classrooms in ICT integration in EFL instruction. Pedagogical inferences of the study consist of the need for better integration of ICT in EFL teacher training and a more vital link between the schools and the university.

The Effects of Shared Reading Approach on Improving Students’ Comprehension

This study aimed to research the significance of using shared reading approach on improving KG students’ reading comprehension. The research was implemented with five students from KG2 who attend government kindergarten in Sharjah, United Arab Emirates. The research followed a mixed methods research design, considering both quantitative and qualitative data. A reading comprehension rubric and cloze test were used as quantitative data collection tools to masseur the students’ comprehension progress. An observation note was considered to observe students’ interaction while implementing the shared reading approach and recorded the occurrences of behaviors. A rating scale were utilized to further explore the students’ interactions. Additionally, an interview investigated English teachers’ perspectives about the shared reading and their outlook on its significant and strategies. Graphs were used to compare students’ progress. The findings showed a significant growth in students’ comprehension abilities. Results from reading comprehension rubric and cloze tests exhibited a substantial increase in comprehension. Observation notes and rating scale results showcased a positive improvement in students’ interaction skills. Implications from this study indicate the positive effects of using the shared reading approach to improve the students’ comprehension. Therefore, it is encouraged to further explore the impact of this approach on students with autism spectrum disorders (ASDS), and the students’ fluency skills

Primary School Teachers’ Attitudes and Views toward STEM Education

To produce ideas, products, and industries for the 21st-century scientists, technologists, engineers, and mathematicians are needed. It is necessary to increase the number of people who provide technical support to the problems of individuals, set a standard for the lives of the people of the world, and manage global or national life with a sustainable decision-making mechanism. Raising these individuals can only be possible through education. Countries trying to make themselves technologically aware are looking for modern methods of teaching, one of which is science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. This research aimed to determine the attitude of primary school teachers toward the STEM approach and to find out their views on the STEM approach in the primary school curriculum. Students encounter the STEM approach while they are in primary school. However, all primary school teachers do not teach only science and math; they also teach other courses such as social sciences, language, ethics, music, and art. Therefore, teacher orientation toward the STEM approach in science and math courses is crucial. This research was concurrent mixed-method research that collected quantitative and qualitative data simultaneously. The STEM attitude scale was used as a quantitative data collection tool and qualitative data were collected using semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. The qualitative data were analyzed using descriptive and content analyses. The study’s most important results showed no significant difference between STEM attitude scores regarding technology familiarity. Another significant result was that teachers who participated in quantitative and qualitative studies scored above average on the STEM attitude scale. The research results imply that pre-service primary school teachers should be given the STEM approach.

Coastal tourism entrepreneurship during COVID-19 in Estonia, Finland and Latvia

The comparative study focuses on the resilience of small tourism enterprises in coastal and marine tourism in three Baltic Sea countries - Estonia, Finland and Latvia. The research aim is to explore the response of the micro and small-scale tourism enterprises in Estonia, Finland and Latvia to COVID-19 and their development plans in the context of the pandemic. These countries share common strengths and weaknesses in tourism as well as their main tourism resources (e.g., the significance of natural resources), partially overlapping target markets. Data were collected in coastal regions in all three countries by using semi-structured interviews (Estonia N=12, Latvia N=12, Finland N= 5). Additionally, a quantitative data collection tool - a survey (N=51) was used in Finland. The content analysis generated several themes: (1) The ability of an enterprise to adapt to changes; (2) future expectations; (3) educational needs; (4) mind-set changes of entrepreneurs as a result of corona-pandemic and motivation to learn. Results suggest that more than before, coastal entrepreneurs estimate the rationality of decisions and the feasibility of investments. They report the ability to transform the design of tourism services to move towards touchless, digitized solutions as well as present an ability to produce unique service ideas under the pressure of the pandemic. Future expectations are related to the need for intensified cooperation among public and private sectors and different sectors of the economy to ensure entrepreneurial resilience and/or development. Entrepreneurs also stress their expectations regarding public (e.g. in nature areas) infrastructure development. COVID-19 pandemic has contributed to the emergence of business shrinkage strategies and vigilance toward development. The pandemic aggravated the deficit of employees and is directly linked to human resource motivation programs and the lack of resources needed to maintain that. Educational needs reveal several categories of topics entrepreneurs would like to learn about such as marketing, tourism product, and service design, management, and cooperation. The results in the three countries show a lot of similarities, the biggest differences can be seen in the various educational needs, also not in all countries the pandemic increased awareness of the role of cooperation or need to improve the quality of service when facing falling demand.