Social Constructivist Theory Research Articles

Learner perception on tactile materials as a correlate of performance in mathematics: The case of Thika high school for the Blind, Kiambu County, Kenya

Mathematics is considered the foundation of scientific and technological growth, making one of the most important subjects taught in formal schools. Yet learners with visual impairment continue to perform poorly in Mathematics due multiple factors, among them unfavorable perceptions on the subject. Drawing from the social constructivism theory, this study aimed to establish learner perception on tactile materials as a correlate of performance in Mathematics among learners in Thika High School for the Blind. The objectives were to investigate general performance of mathematic among the learners who are blind and assess learners’ perception on the mathematic tactile learning materials in relation to their performance in Mathematics. This study used a case study research design. The target population comprised 80 learners who are blind in the school. Stratified random sampling was used to select the learners 24 who are blind according to class and gender. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data was collected, coded and organized. Data analysis was through descriptive summaries and correlational analyses. There was a weak positive relationship between learners’ perception in learning Mathematics and performance in Mathematics (r = 0.203, p = 0.342). The majority the students indicated doing their homework daily when given by the teacher, getting homework marked daily, and doing homework alone daily. Therefore, this study recommends the need for the Ministry of Education to initiate strategies to enhance positive perceptions toward Mathematics among learners who are blind.

Negotiating between speech and silence as a form of agency: Understanding Dalit women's experiences of sexual violence in India

This article explores the complexities of non-disclosure among female Dalit survivors of rape who negotiate between speech and silence as a means of exercising agency. It analyses the role of Brahmanical patriarchy, Dalit feminism and social constructionist theory to unpack the silence, shame, secrecy and cultural censorship surrounding sex and sexual violence both in India at large and for Dalit women in particular. The study comprised 28 qualitative interviews with Dalit women who had been raped by men; it employs Foucault's notion of resistance, regulation and subjectivity to explore when and to whom these participants chose to disclose their rape. It thus seeks to theories these women's varied responses to their rape as acts of agency and resistance, demonstrating how silence can operate on multiple levels: individual, family and community. It draws on India's #LoSHA movement to demonstrate the dangers of universalizing victim-survivors' experiences of sexual violence and to parse the complexities of speaking out or remaining silent and how these play out in individual and collective contexts. In focusing on Dalit women and situating their non-disclosure within an intersectional context, this work differentiates between the passivity of being silenced and the agency and resistance inherent in the decision to remain silent. Therefore, this paper makes a unique contribution to the literature on patriarchy, Dalit studies, feminism and social constructivism.

Tactile materials as correlates of performance in mathematics among learners who are blind: The case of Thika high school for the blind, Kiambu County, Kenya

The purpose of the study was to assess the use of tactile materials as correlates of performance in Mathematics among learners in Thika High School for the Blind. The objectives were to: identify the tactile Mathematics materials used by teachers while teaching learners who are blind, explore the adequacy of the tactile teaching and learning materials, and identify the challenges that teachers face in adapting Mathematic tactile teaching materials. This study adopted social constructivism theory and used a case study research design. Target population was 85 respondents comprising 5 Mathematics teachers and 80 learners who are blind in the school. Purposive sampling technique was used to select Mathematics teachers while stratified random sampling was used to select the learners who are blind according to class and gender. Thereafter, simple random sampling was used to select 24 learners. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Quantitative data was collected, coded and organized. Data analysis was through descriptive summaries and correlational analyses. From the findings, most essential tactile materials for teaching Mathematics were not available in the school. Some teachers were not proficient in Braille Mathematics, thus a major hindrance for them to teach effectively. Many respondents recommended that the government should set aside more funds for Mathematic teaching and learning resources since their use in teaching was of uttermost importance. Therefore, this study recommends a need for the Ministry of Education to introduce AT courses in teacher training colleges. In addition, more time should be allocated in the school timetable for effective use of materials in teaching Mathematics to learners with visual impairment. Also, there is need for proper planning; preparation, presentation, appropriate application and essential follow up make the use tactile Mathematics materials ineffective by the teachers.

Introducing Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in K12 Education to Foster 21st Century Skills: From Theory to Practice

This paper focuses on the interdisciplinary and collaborative approach underpinning the European funded project Edu4AI “Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning to Foster 21st Century Skills in Secondary Education”. The methodology has been conceived to enhance the practice of teaching from course design to content delivery, drawing inspiration from social constructivist theories, and inquiry project based learning instructional methods, combining elements from the maker movement and the educational robotics platforms. The final output of this process has been a particle handbook that comprises ready to use project toolkits, suitable to guide the seamless integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in K12 school curricula, including non-scientific ones. The paper introduces the theoretical frameworks inspiring the toolkits that have been created cooperatively with the teachers’ community and piloted in the school real contexts for validation. One of the toolkit projects is also presented in the article, outlining the corresponding learning goals in terms of both hard and transversal life skills acquired, in order to ensure correspondence with students' learning outcomes evaluation. Following the presentation of the results from questionnaires collected during the project, the article concludes with some key recommendations for practitioners willing to replicate the initiative.

Innovative and Creative English Teaching Strategies: A Conceptual Framework

Utilizing innovative and creative strategies to enhance English language teaching is one of the most significant factors that English teachers should consider. This review paper focuses on the significance of the innovative and creative teaching strategies that educators should adopt. These strategies will create an engaging and motivating learning environment to help college EFL/ESL students improve their problem solving and critical thinking skills. This paper elucidates how technology, lesson planning, student-centered approach, and teaching flexibility contribute to enhancing teachers’ skills to implement innovative and creative teaching strategies in the classroom. As a result, a conceptual framework was developed by integrating Vygotsky’s social constructivism theory to cultivate innovative and creative English language teaching strategies. These strategies include a student-centered approach, cooperative learning, and flexibility in teaching, which contribute to more holistic learning.

Problems in Fulfilling the Rights of Crime Victims Due to Misconceptions of Restitution Terminology

Restitution rights are problematic in fulfilling the rights of victims of crime, mainly due to misconceptions about restitution terminology. This research aims to explore and analyze the misconceptions of restitution terminology by the society and its impact on the fulfillment of the rights of victims of crime using the analysis of Social Construction Theory. This research uses an empirical juridical approach by utilizing primary data in the form questionnaires distributed to community service participants and the focused discussion process in Community Service activities and secondary data in the form of primary, secondary and tertiary legal materials. The findings of this study indicate that the misconception of restitution terminology is formed through the social construction of legal norms on the wrong meaning of restitution terminology These misconceptions take the form of restitution being understood as peace, restitution is the same as compensation and restitution results in the elimination of imprisonment for the perpetrator. These misconceptions have implications for the non-fulfillment of the rights of victims of crime, which will arrise in the difficulty in submitting requests for restitution, the victim's perception of justice is reduced and a negative impact on the victim's recovery process. This misconception will also lead to weak law enforcement against criminal offenders.

Social Constructivism in Learning Islamic Religious Education in State Senior High Schools in Palu City, Indonesia

This study explores the perspectives and implementation of social constructivism in the context of Islamic Education learning in State Senior High Schools in Palu City. The research method applied is a qualitative multi-case study. Data was gathered through direct observation, in-depth interviews, and written document analysis. Interviews involve two school principals and fifteen Islamic education teachers from two State Senior High Schools. The data was then analyzed using thematic analysis. This study found that the paradigm of the school principals demonstrates an understanding and support that needs improvement to delve into and precisely support the theory of social constructivism in the teaching of Islamic religious education. Nonetheless, the school principals also exhibit awareness of the significance of applying the principles of social constructivism in the context of Islamic education. In both schools, the teachers still need to understand social constructivism thoroughly. The teaching practices still rely on lecture methods as the primary approach, leading to the teacher's role primarily focused on imparting information, with collaborative learning implemented as question-and-answer sessions and group discussions. Limitations in assigning collaborative tasks and projects result in the potential for developing the Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) among students, which needs to be fully optimized. The concept of scaffolding is only provided to students who inquire; thus, the principles of social constructivism in learning still need to be fully optimized. This study concluded that academics have the opportunity to enrich their knowledge, education practitioners can improve teaching skills, and policymakers can design more effective educational strategies and programs. Joint efforts are needed to enhance the understanding and implementation of social constructivism in Islamic Education learning in State Senior High Schools in Palu City.

Gender-Based Violence against Zimbabwean Migrant Women in Botswana

This study prioritises the experiences of Zimbabwean migrant women and their human security in the context of gender-based violence in Botswana. The study utilised the social constructivism theory and the social-ecological model to provide a comprehensive understanding of how gender-based violence occurs in society and how social realities construct migrant women’s experiences. Using a qualitative research approach, secondary data was collected to investigate the gender-based violence experiences of Zimbabwean migrant women. The study found that migrant women experienced various forms of abuse, including intimate partner violence with both foreign and local partners, sexual violence and harassment in their host communities, trafficking and smuggling, and sexual abuse in detention centres, all rooted in xenophobic sentiments. Power imbalances and irregularities in structural relationships between men and women were identified as significant factors contributing to violence. The findings indicate that cultural beliefs and gender roles from the country of origin and host country contribute to migrant women’s reluctance to report or disclose their experiences of gender-based violence. Patriarchal ideologies further affect judgment towards survivors and contribute to the acceptance and normalization of gender-based violence. This study contributes to the literature on human insecurities faced by migrant women and their responses to these insecurities. It highlights the need for policies that address the underlying causes of gender-based violence and promote the empowerment of migrant women.

Makna Generasi Sandwich Pada Film Cinta Pertama, Kedua, dan Ketiga (Analisis Semiotika Charles Sanders Peirce)

Indonesia is facing the phenomenon of the sandwich generation, which plays a dual role in the financial affairs of three generations at once. Data from the March 2022 National Socio-Economic Survey shows that 8.4 million Indonesians (62.71%) belong to the sandwich generation. The movie "First, Second, and Third Love" reflects this reality, directed by Gina S. Noer based on a true story. This study applies Charles Sanders Peirce's Semiotic method to analyze triadic signs. The research shows that individuals give meaning to societal experiences by using the Social Reality Construction Theory. The movie becomes a representation of social reality, helping to understand the complexity of the sandwich generation's life in the context of Indonesian families. To break the chain of the sandwich generation that can damage the next generation, priority awareness, implementation of life limit setting, role as an entrepreneur, and increased educational awareness are needed to change the toxic culture.

High-end fashion as a social phenomenon: Exploring the perceptions of designers and consumers

Grounded on the social constructionist theory, this paper intends to compare the perceptions of the realities of high-end consumers and fashion designers on high-end brands. The main aim is to understand how the perception of luxury brands is socially constructed by designers and consumers and to explore the impact of the social interaction, specifically, the designers' realities impacting consumers' realities.The research consists of two studies. Study 1 comprised sixteen interviews with worldwide high-end fashion designers, while Study 2 considered three consumer samples (A) consumer interviews (B) consumers' tweets (n = 145,986) specifically on sixteen high-end fashion brands, and (C) consumer online questionnaire (n = 330). We found that high-end fashion designers had more negative (less positive) sentiments compared to the consumers. Designers defined different characteristics that comprise luxury brands. They tend to classify their brand category lower than the consumers. Corroborating the social constructionist theory, we found that the value of high-end brands is constructed by the designers' and consumers' interactions. Consumers gave lower value to a luxury brand if they knew that the designers were unsatisfied and critical of their work, compared to when they were satisfied and confident about it. Therefore, high-end fashion brand managers should consider the different realities of designers and consumers and their interaction in the strategic planning process to ensure designers are satisfied with their work and aligned with the brand's values and image to maintain its luxurious status and appeal to consumers.

Epistemological Implications of Radical Skepticism

Purpose: The general objective of this study was to explore the epistemological implications of radical skepticism. Methodology: The study adopted a desktop research methodology. Desk research refers to secondary data or that which can be collected without fieldwork. Desk research is basically involved in collecting data from existing resources hence it is often considered a low cost technique as compared to field research, as the main cost is involved in executive’s time, telephone charges and directories. Thus, the study relied on already published studies, reports and statistics. This secondary data was easily accessed through the online journals and library. Findings: The findings reveal that there exists a contextual and methodological gap relating to epistemological implications of radical skepticism. Preliminary empirical review revealed that the pervasive influence of skepticism on individuals' perceptions and decision-making processes, leading to feelings of anxiety and uncertainty but also empowerment and critical thinking skills. The findings emphasized the importance of promoting transparency, accountability, and public engagement in scientific discourse, as well as the need for supportive learning environments and cultural sensitivity in addressing epistemological uncertainty. Overall, the study highlighted the complex nature of skepticism and underscored the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration and ethical decision-making in navigating epistemological challenges. Unique Contribution to Theory, Practice and Policy: The Constructivism theory, Social Constructionism theory and the Pragmatism theory may be used to anchor future studies on radical skepticism. The research contributed theoretical insights into knowledge formation and psychological responses to skepticism, offering practical recommendations for educators, policymakers, and practitioners. Policy recommendations emphasized the importance of promoting transparency and accountability in governance, while practical suggestions focused on fostering critical thinking skills and media literacy among the public. The study also identified avenues for future research, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations and comparative studies across cultural contexts. Overall, the study offered a comprehensive examination of skepticism's impact and potential strategies for mitigating its effects. Keywords: Epistemological, Implications, Radical Skepticism, Education, Media Literacy, Governance, Psychological Responses, Interdisciplinary, Comparative Studies, Transparency, Accountability

Unveiling the Missing Link: Women in Stem Leadership – A Comprehensive Review

This paper extensively examined the representation of women in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) within Malaysia, contextualized globally and historically. Existing research affirms the growing presence of women in the workforce (Gupta, 2020; National Academies of Sciences & Medicine, 2020), their progress in higher education (Manongsong & Ghosh, 2021; Vietze et al., 2022), their presence in professional and managerial roles (Burton et al., 2020; Evans & Maley, 2021), and their successful elevation to CEO positions (Dadanlar & Abebe, 2020). However, women continue to be significantly underrepresented in leadership positions, particularly within STEM firms (Hideg & Shen, 2019; National Academies of Sciences & Medicine, 2020). Young Malaysian women excel in both academic and extracurricular STEM activities from primary to university. Despite this gender equity achieved in STEM education, with 29% of tertiary engineering graduates and 57% of science degree holders being female, only 6% of women pursue careers as STEM professionals (Looi, 2022). Additionally, slightly over 4% of women hold leadership roles in technology firms in Malaysia (Amin & Tan, 2018). Using social constructivist and feminist theories, this analysis examines how societal and environmental factors affect girls’ performance in math and science. Educators and parents play a vital role in providing crucial support. This study also highlights a major research gap, particularly in understanding where qualified women in STEM go, especially within Malaysia.

Perilaku Toxic Masculinity di Kalangan Pelajar SMK

Toxic masculinity behavior has become one of the examples of emerging reality in society. It talks about how a teenager male is bound to a long-formed social construction against the determination of attitudes and behaviors that men should be carrying out. Like a man should be strong, not crying, and so on. This study aims to identify toxic masculinity behavior that occurs among SMK students. The method used is qualitative research with a case study approach that is reviewed from Berger and Luckmann's theory of social reality construction and supported by Raewyn Connell's hegemonic masculinity theory. Subjects in this study were students of SMK Bina Karya 1 Karawang who consisted of five informants (three perpetrators and two victims) and selected on the basis of certain criteria. The data collection techniques used are observations, interviews and documentation.The results show that toxic masculinity in reality is based on three stages: externalization, objectification and internalization. At the externalization stage, the role of the family as well as the infancy of the informant becomes an important stage in the formation of their character as a man. Then at the objectivization stage, individuals begin to interact and see the reality that exists in their social environment through the meaning created for men. Lastly, the stage of internalization in which individuals embody existing subjectivity and become part of the members of society as a male.

Enhancing Educational Practices during a Pandemic: Examining Teachers' Journey with Blended Learning in Rural High Schools

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, schools and institutions all over the world utilised blended learning during the mandatory lockdowns that were imposed by their respective governments. This acted as a spur for educational reform. This study investigated teachers’ experiences with the implementation of blended learning in rural high schools during the COVID-19 era in one educational district in South Africa. The social constructivism theory served as the theoretical lens for this study. This study employed the qualitative case study design. Purposeful and convenience sampling were used to select participants for the study. The data were collected using semi-structured interviews. The interviews were recorded, transcribed, and analysed using a thematic analysis approach. This study found that teachers perceived blended learning as easy to use, simple, user-friendly, straightforward to navigate, and offering creative modes of instruction. This study further found that teachers developed a positive perception of blended learning and its potential use in teaching and learning in the post-COVID-19 era, as blended learning promoted students’ independence and engagement in the teaching-learning process. However, the participants also experienced challenges, such as a lack of pedagogical knowledge on the use of blended learning, in their respective subjects, connectivity issues, electricity cuts, and network and internet issues. This study suggests that schools implement blended learning in the post-COVID-19 era to evaluate its impact on the teaching and learning process.

Malaysian Chinese folk beliefs on Facebook based on LDA topic modelling

In the digital age, as social media evolves into a new and significant centre for the dissemination of Chinese folk beliefs, the Malaysian Chinese have actively shared information about these folk beliefs on their social media platforms. The dissemination has transcended regional barriers, encouraging more Malaysian Chinese across various states to actively participate in public discussions on this topic. This study delves into Malaysian Chinese folk beliefs by analysing data from Facebook. A comprehensive examination of 4012 text posts was conducted using the latent Dirichlet allocation (LDA) model for topic modelling. The analysis identified four main themes on social media: ‘Practitioners Worship’, ‘Temple Activities’, ‘Deity Legends’, and ‘Merchandise about Deity Statues’. Based on integrating social construction theory and media ecology theory, the study first explores the varied constructors, including practitioners, temple organisations, media organisations, and merchants. Secondly, Malaysian Chinese folk beliefs on social media present characteristics of utilitarianism, regional diversity, multiple social functions, flowing realms, strong Taoist elements, commercialisation, and a close relationship with the Spring Festival. Furthermore, ‘Safety and Peace’, ‘Pray for Demands’, and ‘Merits and Virtues’ form an interconnected semantic nexus. Hence, the findings theoretically highlight the interaction and significance of social media in the construction and practice of folk beliefs within the Malaysian Chinese community. Practically, this research provides valuable insights into the understanding and dissemination of Malaysian Chinese religious culture in the digital era.

Analysis of the Ministry of Religion's Program in Realizing Religious Moderation in Bantul Regency Society (Peter L. Berger's Social Construction Perspective)

Religious moderation is essential to prevent conflict in a diverse society. This study analyzes the program of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Bantul Regency using Peter L. Berger's social construction theory. Field research with a qualitative approach found that religious moderation is formed through three social dialectic processes: externalization, namely the adaptation of individuals to the social structure of religious moderation through religious texts and figures; objectivation, namely the development of awareness of moderation as a positive action through tradition and institutionalization; and internalization, namely the identification of individuals in the socio-cultural context that forms inclusive and exclusive groups. The program of the Ministry of Religious Affairs in Bantul Regency plays an important role in building a social foundation that supports religious moderation in Bantul.

An Investigation of the Determinants of Child Sexual Abuse in Tanzania: A Case of the Kilwa District-Lindi Region

Child sexual abuse (CSA), which includes assault and rape, encompasses all sexual activities involving a child. Internationally, there has been a recent surge in reports of CSA and other forms of violence against children. This substantiates the global significance and gravity of the matter, given its magnitude and impact on children. The current study on assessing CSA determinants in Tanzania for the Kilwa–Lindi region is presented as a case study, intending to uncover the socioeconomic determinants of CSA. The primary data were collected from 32 parents/guardians, who were systematically selected from 384 individuals who had reported CSA to social welfare offices. The presented findings were based on the observed meanings and realities that family members and the community ascribed to CSA through the lens of social construction theory. The qualitative data were analysed using Atlas.ti, and the quantitative data was analysed using Microsoft Excel. The following factors influenced CSA in the study area of Kilwa district: the socioeconomic status of women; the belief of community members in witchcraft as a method of purging misfortune and acquiring wealth; the use of remedies for HIV and other incurable diseases; the excessive workload and passivity of parents or guardians; the apathy of community members; the prevalence of myths and sexual taboos among parents or guardians; the ignorance of parents or guardians regarding indicators of CSA; and the scarcity of parental competence. Having the presented findings, it is therefore timely for the government to consider investing in prevention measures such as the early warning signs of CSA among children and parents and the reporting points, among others. The study recommends a comprehensive study on the awareness of CSA warning signs among children and parents in Tanzania

The Social Construction of Aging Among a Clinic-Based Population and Their Healthcare Workers in Zambia.

We sought to understand the social construction of aging in a clinic-based population, with and without HIV, to address gaps in care for older individuals living with HIV in Zambia. Our exploratory qualitative study included 36 in-depth interviews with clinic clients and four focus group discussions with 36 professional and lay healthcare workers providing services to the clients. We identified themes based on social construction theory. At the individual level, aging was multidimensional, perceived both as an achievement in the HIV era and as a period of cognitive, physical, and economic decline. In social interactions, older individuals were often stereotyped and treated as helpless, poor, and "witches." Those living with HIV faced the additional stigma of being labeled as promiscuous. Some of the participants living without HIV refused to take daily medication for non-communicable diseases to avoid being mistaken for taking antiretroviral therapy for HIV. Older individuals wanted quality healthcare and family support to address the intersectional stigma of aging, poverty, and chronic illness. Multifaceted interventions are required to combat age-related prejudice, intersectional stigma, and discriminatory practices, particularly for people living with HIV.

Analisis Framing Pemberitaan Tragedi Kanjuruhan Malang pada Media Online Detik.com dan Kompas.com

This study aims to analyze the media framing of Detik.com and Kompas.com regarding the Kanjuruhan football riot tragedy in Malang at the end of 2022, with a focus on identifying the framing and media ideologies reflected in online reporting. The research employs the approach of the theory of social reality construction, with data collection through observation, documentation, and a literature review of 20 news articles covering the period from October 2 to October 14, 2022. The research findings reveal that Detik.com emphasizes framing news around the victims, attempting to convey empathy for them, and its reporting tends to be brief and less in-depth. On the other hand, Kompas.com is more oriented toward the development of events and problem resolution, with more informative and comprehensive reporting. The media ideology of Detik.com is more pronounced in its focus on the perspectives of the victims and the quantity of reporting, whereas Kompas.com emphasizes the development of issues and the government's role in resolving the case, with reporting focused on facts and data.

PREPARING STUDENT TEACHERS TO TEACH: A TECHNOLOGY-ENHANCED, REFLECTIVE, AND COLLABORATIVE MODEL

In language teacher education programs, to train learners to become effective and qualified teachers, theories of learning and teaching are taught. In the methodology courses, learners experience teaching to their peers as a link between theory and practice. To improve teaching experiences, the current study focuses on a special methodology course, Teaching English to Young Learners, by implementing technology, reflective feedback, and collaborative learning, and it presents a model that is grounded within the social constructivist theory. Sixty-two learners participated in the study. Two groups were randomly assigned to the Technology Enhanced Group and Control Group to investigate the effectiveness of the technology-enhanced, reflective, and collaborative model; and to explore the learners’ perceptions. The qualitative data was analyzed using feedback, reflections, and learner interviews. The technology-enhanced, reflective, and collaborative model of teaching how to teach to young learners proved to be effective. Participants noticed the pedagogical aspects of the teaching model presented to them and their perceptions were positive. It is concluded that it is crucial to search for ways to help learners learn the theory and prepare future teachers for their actual classroom experience in language teacher education programs.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu/0108/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>