Sustainable Learning Environments Research Articles

Artificial Intelligence as an opportunity or a curriculum trajectory in the 21st century? Towards embracing unfamiliar discourses

This theoretical paper contributes to the ongoing debate on Artificial Intelligence (AI) in relation to curriculum and implementation in post-colonial South Africa. We contend that AI, as perceived, conceived, and implemented within the curriculum space, presents an ambivalent terrain marked by fear, uncertainty, and anxiety among stakeholders, as its presence has interfered with the everyday work of educational practitioners. Cognizant of this problem, we locate our theorisation within the framework of Sustainable Learning Environments and address two questions: (1) What are the opportunities of AI in relation to the curriculum in post-colonial South Africa? (2) What challenges are faced in the implementation of AI, especially in rural contexts where technological opportunities are not equivalent to those in urban areas? In this paper, we highlight that while AI tools like ChatGPT may appear daunting for integration into teaching and learning—potentially undermining educators' authority and raising ethical concerns—there is an urgent need to rethink and restructure teacher education. This restructuring should align with the evolving demands of an AI-enhanced curriculum and address the shifting expectations in educational contexts.

Acquisition of math knowledge in digital and non-digital game-based learning classrooms: Impact of intrinsic motivation and cognitive load

Educational games, spanning a wide spectrum from digital games to non-digital games, have been considered as promising tools to facilitate math learning. However, previous studies focused more on digital game-based learning, few compared the differences between digital and non-digital games. We conducted a quasi-experiment to examine the effects of digital and non-digital games on math knowledge acquisition, intrinsic motivation and cognitive load in Chinese classrooms. Two equivalent versions of games (digital vs non-digital) focusing on coordinate knowledge acquisition were developed, and three groups (digital game, non-digital game and traditional teaching group) were assigned. The results reveal that students in the digital game group reported significantly higher intrinsic motivation and lower intrinsic and extraneous cognitive load than non-digital game group. While non-digital game group had better knowledge acquisition performance and germane cognitive load than digital game group. Our findings suggest that affordance of game technology influences students’ motivation and cognition, causing “false” high motivation and low cognitive engagement among students. Non-digital games could serve as cost-effective alternatives to enhance math learning performance within authentic classrooms, thus providing valuable insights into establishing a resilient and sustainable game-based learning environment.

Peran Kepemimpinan Kepala Sekolah dalam Meningkatkan Kompetensi Pedagogik Guru di MTs Miftahul Jannah Segedong

This study aims to examine the role of principal leadership in improving teacher pedagogical competence at MTs Miftahul Jannah Segedong. Improving the quality of education through teacher competency development is the main focus, considering the challenges of declining quality of education at various levels. Using a qualitative approach, this study explores the leadership strategies implemented by principals to support the development of teacher pedagogical competence. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. The main findings of the study indicate that strategies such as conducting periodic workshops, ongoing teacher training, providing motivation through awards, intensive supervision, and holding regular school meetings are very effective in improving the quality of learning in the school. In addition, the principal plays a role in creating a school culture that supports collaboration and pedagogical innovation among teachers. The implications of this study highlight the importance of the role of the principal in fostering a conducive and sustainable learning environment for teacher professional development, which ultimately has a positive impact on the quality of education. Recommendations for this study include increasing policy support for teacher competency development and strengthening school leadership capacity.

The Stability Performance of Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) Parameters: Emphasize the Strategies of Sustainable Comforts in the Learning Environment in a Tropical Climate

Implementing sustainable construction practices in higher educational facilities in Malaysia would enhance the quality of learning activities. Students in higher education predominantly utilize learning areas. The objective of this study is to evaluate indices of indoor environmental quality (IEQ) that prioritise sustainability in educational environments. The major indicators comprised four significant key terms: Indoor Air Quality (IAQ), Thermal Comfort (TC), Visual Comfort (VC), and Acoustic Comfort (AC). The study utilized data from previous studies published between 2021 and 2023 to determine the present issue that emerged inside Malaysian higher educational facilities. This was achieved by a critical assessment of the parameters' findings via fieldwork measurement. This leads to a spectrum that falls within a satisfactory threshold to attain the desired degree of user comfort. The findings demonstrate that students' comfort level is enhanced by their preference for a stable level of IEQ parameters. According to this study, on average standards of IEQ parameters for a sustainable learning environment; temperature (27°C), humidity (40%), air flow (0.30 m/s), illuminate (400lux) and acoustic (40dB). The strategic framework has been recommended to enhance learning environments and act as a reference guideline for future evaluations of indoor environmental quality.

‘What is natural in natural playgrounds?’: nature, sustainability and environmental education in Calgary’s natural playgrounds

Although natural playgrounds have originated from an intention to provide greater access to nature for children, these play spaces offer a designed and regulated space that diverges from other natural contexts. This study investigated the perceived and sociomaterially constructed role of nature in natural playgrounds by examining what people (i.e. playground designers and users) perceive and experience as natural within five natural playground sites in Calgary, Alberta. Drawing from interviews with playground developers, caregivers, and children that use the natural playground sites, this study describes what features are perceived as natural within the playgrounds, what shapes these forms of nature, and how these forms of nature may contribute to sustainable learning environments. This study found several opportunities and challenges surrounding sustainability, including the use of sustainable design within sites, the tension of sharing sites with non-human users, and the potential for further environmental education embedded within site design.

Assessment of Teachers’ Knowledge and Practices on Laboratory Waste Disposal

In alignment with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals 2030 (UN SDGs 2030), which emphasise the importance of ensuring education inclusivity and quality for all, this study investigated the quality of education in the context of science teachers’ knowledge and practice related to laboratory waste disposal. Understanding the critical role that science teachers have in fostering a safe and sustainable learning environment, the research focused on the gap between the awareness and application of proper laboratory waste management techniques. Filling this gap is imperative not only for the well-being of the school community but also for the contribution to the broader goals of sustainable development outlined in the UN SDGs 2030. Consequently, this study assessed teachers’ knowledge and practice in handling laboratory waste disposal. As a qualitative research, this study used a phenomenological design with semi-structured interviews using open-ended questions to gather data from 20 public science teachers from Santa Rosa City and Cabuyao City in Laguna Province as respondents. Regarding teachers’ knowledge, three themes emerged, namely: (1) recycling techniques, (2) waste segregation and disposal, as well as (3) treatment of laboratory waste. However, the majority of science teachers admit that they have limited knowledge of how laboratory waste should be disposed of. They tended to apply basic knowledge of waste management that they already knew, despite being aware that laboratory waste should be treated differently from solid waste generated by our offices at schools. Teacher’s practice on laboratory waste disposal involved three steps, including identification, segregation of laboratory waste, and laboratory waste management disposal. Unfortunately, all were found to be inadequate to maintain proper laboratory waste disposal at schools. Hence, this study highlights the need to enhance awareness and facilitate training on laboratory waste disposal among teachers in public schools. Specific training and education on laboratory waste management, treatment, and disposal are essential for teachers in public schools who work in laboratory settings. Regular monitoring and evaluations of teachers’ laboratory waste disposal practices should also be implemented to ensure that they adhere to the proper procedures

Konsep Arsitektur Organik pada Perancangan Politeknik Pertanian dengan Pendekatan Piramida Efektivitas Belajar

This architectural design explores the application of the millennial concept in organic architecture at the Indramayu Agricultural Polytechnic with a learning effectiveness pyramid approach. Focusing on millennial values ​​such as collaboration, sustainability, and technology integration, the learning space design is designed to maximize learning effectiveness. By integrating natural beauty, sustainability and technology, this research aims to create an innovative and sustainable learning environment at the Indramayu Agricultural Polytechnic, encouraging student interaction and critical thinking according to the pyramid concept of learning effectiveness.

Blended Learning Delivery Methods for a Sustainable Learning Environment: A Delphi Study

The outbreak of COVID-19 necessitated social distancing. Universities around the world were left with two options: a total suspension or a major reduction in students’ attendance. While the nature of many courses made it very difficult to teach them online, blended learning was the most suitable approach to teach these types of courses. Academics and educational institutions have realized the significance of blended learning not only as a response to immediate disruptions but also as a pivotal element in fostering a sustainable learning environment. However, designing successful blended learning courses requires making challenging decisions regarding the selection of the most appropriate delivery methods to achieve learning outcomes. To support higher education adoption of blended learning, this study identifies and rates the importance of the delivery methods that need consideration when designing a blended learning course. The aim is to assist academics to prioritize their delivery options and provide adaptable and resilient educational models. A Delphi study of two rounds was conducted to identify and rate the delivery methods. An expert panel of 19 academics with extensive experience in course design and online delivery was recruited. The findings indicate that online collaborative work and face-to-face collaborative work should be academics’ first delivery choices. Interestingly, face-to-face instructor-led learning was at the bottom of the list and rated well below all the other delivery methods.

What drives the adoption of mobile learning services among college students: An application of SEM-neural network modeling

This research aimed at examining factors influencing college students to adopt mobile learning (m-learning) services. An integrated model combined the information systems success (ISS) and Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2), was developed to identify m-learning determinants. A sample of 552 was recruited to test hypotheses using structural equation modeling (SEM). The significant factors explained 70 % of the variance toward Behavioral Intention (BI) based on SEM results. While price value (PV), effort expectancy (EE), performance expectancy (PE), and privacy (PR) were not significant predictors of BI, the results of the neural network model ranked the predictive power of the factors in the following order: information quality, habit (HB), system quality (SYQ), hedonic motivation (HM), facilitating condition (FC), and social influence (SI), positively influenced m-learning adoption. The findings of this study helps the policy makers at higher educational institutions to formulate strategies to enhance students’ learning experience in upcoming crises and place a focus on sustainable mobile learning environment.

The Role of Physical Education and Sports in Shaping the Nation's Character

Physical education and sports play a crucial role in shaping the nation's character. Through a holistic approach, this education not only enhances physical fitness but also instills fundamental moral, social, and leadership values for both individual and societal development. This study delves into the significance of physical education and sports as a cornerstone in nation-building. We highlight their vital contributions in fostering discipline, cooperation, sportsmanship, and other positive values essential for cultivating strong and responsible personalities. The analysis explores various methods and approaches for effective implementation of physical education and sports, emphasizing the importance of integrating academic and non-academic curricula to create sustainable and holistic learning environments. By strengthening the role of physical education and sports within the education system, we can nurture a healthier, more competitive, and morally responsible generation for building the nation's future.

INVESTIGATING LANGUAGE LEARNERS’ EMOTION REGULATION STRATEGIES VIA ACHIEVEMENT EMOTIONS IN LANGUAGE LEARNING CONTEXTS

This study investigates the role of emotion regulation strategies on achievement emotions among tertiary-level English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students. It also explores the strategies employed by students to regulate these emotions. Employing a mixed-method sequential explanatory design, data was collected from forty-nine language learners attending prep-classes at the Department of Foreign Languages in a state university in Türkiye. The participants were categorized based on their utilization of cognitive reappraisal (CR), expressive suppression (ES), or a combination of both emotion regulation strategies (ERSs). They completed the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire and the Academic Emotions Questionnaire-Foreign Language Classroom to assess differences in achievement emotions among groups. Subsequently, the participants provided narratives regarding their perceptions and regulation of emotions. Thematic analysis using MAXQDA (Version 2020) was conducted. Results revealed significant variations in emotions among groups, with the ES group reporting lower levels of positive emotions and higher levels of negative emotions compared to others. The study underscores the importance of evaluating emotion regulation strategies to foster sustainable and enjoyable language learning environments.

Creating Sustainable Posthuman Accounting Learning Environments: The Case for Green Accounting in South Africa

The study aims to explore the infusion of Environmental Accounting, or Green Accounting or Sustainability Accounting, into Posthuman Accounting Learning Environments (PALE) that promote deep learning. Posthuman Accounting Learning Environments (PALE) refer to the teaching and learning of Accounting that recognises the contributions of both the human and non-human aspects in the processes of acquiring and disseminating Accounting knowledge; seemingly, such knowledge leads to the derivation of the final products such as the financial statements. The latter, in turn, constitute the final product of the Accounting processes, affecting Accounting information used by shareholders, managers, prospective investors, lending institutions, government, employees, regulatory agencies, and researchers, who attempt to make relevant decisions that impact the circular flow of resources in a country. To date, Environmental Accounting is neglected in all these. Thus, PALE’s significant impact on the social, economic, and environmental conditions is not appreciated or taught in our institutions. This paper demonstrates an urgent need to explore ecological knowledge and its contribution to the teaching and learning of Accounting, leading to the conclusion that the sustainability infused Accounting curriculum embodies the totality of all the teaching and learning experiences aimed at understanding, for example, the issues of cybersecurity, diversified Accounting skills, advanced marketing strategies and the knowledge to align Accounting with globalisation processes, which are the subject matter of the PALE, including the sustainability content, principles, pedagogic approaches, implicit and explicit norms, and values inherent in the sustainability learning and teaching process.

EDUCATION STRATEGY FOR GENERATING A TECHNOLOGY-BASED ENTREPRENEURIAL GENERATION

The rapid growth in information and communication technology (ICT) has fundamentally transformed the business landscape, leading to the emergence of new business models and accelerating the pace of change. In this context, it is essential to prepare the next generation with the appropriate skills to face challenges and leverage opportunities offered by the technology revolution. The purpose of this research is to examine education strategies to produce a technology-based entrepreneurial generation. This study is a qualitative literature review aiming to investigate various approaches in academic literature related to the research topic. Data for this research will be retrieved from Google Scholar with a range of years from 2018 to 2023. The study findings indicate that education strategies to produce a technology-based entrepreneurial generation must be comprehensive, holistic, and sustainable. Education should prioritize the development of technical skills, creative thinking, and entrepreneurial attitudes in an inclusive and sustainable learning environment. Additionally, education should integrate project-based learning and real-world experiences, as well as strengthen soft skills essential for success in business.

Identifications of Barriers in Implementation of Digital Technology in Secondary schools of Punjab

The objective of this study was to discuss the benefits of digitization in Pakistani schools. After identifying barriers related with infrastructure, teacher and students, the aim of this study was to encourage students for the tackling of these barriers. As these barriers are main hindrances to get quality education. Quantitative approach was used in the study. Survey method was applied. The accessible population of the study was school teachers from various Public sector schools of Punjab, Pakistan. Convenience sampling technique was used to obtain sample of the study. The sample of the study was 300 school teachers. A questionnaire was developed for the collection of data. The validity of the questionnaire was obtained through expert opinion while reliability was obtained through cronbach alpha. The alpha value was .75. Descriptive statistical techniques were used for data analysis. The findings of the study were that key barriers in implementation of digital technology include inadequate infrastructure, limited access to technology, insufficient teacher training, resistance to change, concerns about privacy and security, and disparities in digital literacy among students. Furthermore, the research delves into the socio-economic, cultural, and policy-related factors that contribute to the complexity of these barriers. It also investigates potential strategies and solutions to overcome these obstacles, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts between stakeholders, policy-makers, educators, and technology developers. The findings of this study contribute to the ongoing discourse on technology in education and provide valuable insights for creating more inclusive, effective, and sustainable digital learning environments.

Women Leadership Performance in Learning Management at Private Madrasah Ibtidaiyah during the Covid-19 Pandemic in South Kalimantan

This study aims to explore the role of female madrasah principals in education management, especially in the Ibtidaiyah madrasah environment. Qualitative research methods were conducted through observation, interviews, and documentation analysis in 13 districts of South Kalimantan province. The research focused on women's leadership roles in leveraging resources, building collaboration with the community, planning the curriculum, and utilizing technology in learning management. The results show that female madrasah principals play a key role in leveraging madrasah resources, building collaboration with the community, planning a responsive curriculum, and utilizing technology to improve learning. They are also active in developing an inclusive work culture, implementing effective supervision strategies, and creating open communication and active engagement within the madrasah environment. The findings provide an overview of the importance of women's leadership roles in managing education, confirming their contribution to creating an inclusive, innovative, and sustainable learning environment.

Sosialisasi Manajemen Parenting dalam Pendampingan Belajar Anak di Rumah oleh Orang Tua

The role of parents in children's learning process is vital. In the Merdeka Belajar Curriculum, parents are the key to creating an ideal and sustainable learning environment by actively participating in the child's learning process. In line with its implementation, parents often experience difficulties in assisting children's learning, such as difficulties in getting children to focus, be interested, and understand the material being taught. Lack of understanding about parenting management is one of the reasons for this problem. Therefore, parenting management was socialized to assist children's learning at home at SDN Kandangan, Krembung Sub-district, Sidoarjo Regency. This activity aims to increase parents' understanding of the application of parenting knowledge in learning with children. There are three stages in the implementation of this activity: planning, implementation, and evaluation. The method used is descriptive analysis. Data collection techniques were carried out by distributing pre-test and post-test questionnaires. The data was then processed using the Wilcoxon test. The results of the Wilcoxon test obtained a significant value of 2.736x10-6 (p <0.05). Thus, it was concluded that there was a real difference in understanding before and after the activity. This understanding of parenting is expected to improve the quality of education, especially at SDN Kandangan.

Assessment of physical condition and status of maintenance of public primary schools infrastructure in Port Harcourt metropolis

This study presents a comprehensive assessment of the physical condition and maintenance status of public primary school infrastructure in Port Harcourt Metropolis. The investigation delves into various aspects, including the establishment and age of schools, building components, furniture conditions, security infrastructure, basic amenities, and environmental elements. The majority of schools were established after 1960, with a notable concentration of building construction between 2010-2020, indicating recent infrastructural development. While essential components such as classrooms, administrative offices, auditoriums, libraries, and ICT facilities are universally present, variations in the conditions of roofs, ceilings, and electricity supply from the national grid emphasize the need for targeted maintenance efforts. The study identifies a commendable commitment to transparency and accountability, as evidenced by the reporting of infrastructure conditions to higher authorities. However, a significant percentage reporting no major maintenance in the past 5 years raises concerns about the longevity of infrastructure. Recommendations include prioritizing maintenance on critical components, strategic investments in security infrastructure, and fostering sustainability through ongoing maintenance practices. The findings underscore the importance of a multifaceted approach to infrastructure management, aiming for a conducive and sustainable learning environment in public primary schools. The commitment to transparency, coupled with proactive maintenance strategies, is essential for fostering an environment conducive to effective teaching and learning, ultimately contributing to the overall well-being of the educational system in Port Harcourt Metropolis.

Exploring the Role of Individual Differences on Instructors’ Technology Acceptance in Online Education through a Motivational Perspective

The present study aims to investigate the potential variables that influence the faculty members’ intention to continue using online learning systems during and after the pandemic based on extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and Self Determination Theory (SDT), and to study individual differences between these variables. The methodology of the study was based on survey research and causal comparative methods. Convenience sampling method was used to identify the participants of the study, who are 302 faculty members working at twelve different state universities. Explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis (EFA-CFA) were used to test the factor structure of the data collection tool and to validate the tool through examining the model fit. Descriptive statistics were used to examine the distribution of the dependent variable scores of the participants, and one-way MANOVA was used to compare the variables based on individual differences. The findings indicated that CMP had the highest mean score, followed by the constructs of SDT (competence, autonomy, relatedness). A significant difference for male participants was observed in perceived ease of use and competence variables based on gender. No significant difference was found between the variables based on academic title. The present study established that all variables except relatedness indicated a significant difference that favors instructors with high and medium level online learning experience. It was concluded that the comparison of the motivational variables based on the individual differences of the instructors, which have critical importance in online education as well as in higher education, can contribute to the establishment of effective and sustainable quality learning environments (distance or hybrid) and to the existing literature.

Advancing Sustainable Learning Environments: A Literature Review on Data Encoding Techniques for Student Performance Prediction using Deep Learning Models in Education

The utilization of neural model techniques for predicting learner performance has exhibited success across various technical domains, including natural language processing. In recent times, researchers have progressively directed their attention towards employing these methods to contribute to socioeconomic sustainability, particularly in the context of forecasting student academic performance. Additionally, educational data frequently encompass numerous categorical variables, and the efficacy of prediction models becomes intricately tied to sustainable encoding techniques applied to manage and interpret this data. This approach aligns with the broader goal of fostering sustainable development in education, emphasizing responsible and equitable practices in leveraging advanced technologies for enhanced learning outcomes. Building on this insight, this paper presents a literature review that delves into the use of machine learning techniques for predicting learner outcomes in online training courses. The objective is to offer a summary of the most recent models designed for forecasting student performance, categorical coding methodologies, and the datasets employed. The research conducts experiments to assess the suggested models both against each other and in comparison to certain prediction techniques utilizing alternative machine learning algorithms concurrently. The findings suggest that employing the encoding technique for transforming categorical data enhances the effectiveness of deep learning architectures. Notably, when integrated with long short-term memory networks, this strategy yields exceptional results for the examined issue.

Sustainable Learning Environment Amidst the Pandemic: An Adoption of Mobile Learning Readiness Among Undergraduate Students in Malaysia's Higher Institutions

Aim/Purpose: The present study explores the key determinants that influence the intention of public higher education institutions in Malaysia to utilize mobile learning. Furthermore, this study investigates the correlation between these attributes and the components that affect the sustainability viability of mobile learning. Background: The proliferation of mobile devices and the impact of COVID-19 have both played a role in the exponential growth of mobile learning. Mobile learning has emerged as an essential instrument and principal approach to student education within the higher education system amidst the pandemic. Nevertheless, research concerning the sustainability of mobile learning is still in its nascent phases in the post-pandemic period. Methodology: Structural equation modeling is utilized to analyze the gathered data and validate the hypotheses in this study, which comprises an online survey of 280 undergraduate students attending public higher education institutions in Malaysia. Contribution: This mobile learning research on the sustainability of learning environments during COVID-19 adds to the educational literature. This study reconstructs the antecedent factors of three fundamental constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior (TPB) to explain the features of mobile learning sustainability. This research provides a theoretical framework for mobile learning sustainability. Findings: Based on the empirical evidence, the intention to adopt mobile learning in Malaysian higher education institutions is notably and directly influenced by attitude, subjective norms, and perceived behavioral control. Additionally, the core constructs of TPB are significantly impacted by perceived usefulness, instructor readiness, student readiness, perceived self-efficacy, and learning autonomy. Nevertheless, in Malaysian higher education institutions, the intention to adopt mobile learning is not significantly affected by the perceived ease of use. Recommendations for Practitioners: Mobile learning providers should work on enhancing the performance of this technology to improve content appropriateness and support. Higher education administrators should improve faculty readiness to strengthen the sustainability and efficacy of mobile learning. Improving students’ self-discipline in mobile learning and their perceived preparedness and self-efficacy is critical. Recommendation for Researchers: This study provides future researchers with a comprehensive perspective on mobile learning, which should be studied regarding technology acceptance, self-perception, and external influences, as well as a holistic research framework that combines internal and external aspects to explain mobile learning adoption behavior. Furthermore, future researchers should broaden their study horizons to include other educational institutions and populations and identify disparities to encourage broader use of mobile learning. Impact on Society: COVID-19 has profoundly impacted educational quality and the achievement of sustainable development goals (SDGs). This study demonstrates how mobile learning gives a unique chance for students to continue their learning journey from the comfort of their homes, lessening the disruption caused by pandemics and contributing to the progress of excellent education globally. Future Research: Based on the findings, future research should broaden the study’s scope to include selecting students (undergraduate and postgraduate) and instructors from multiple universities in various states of Malaysia, collecting data and examining the differences between them, and providing an overall view of mobile learning adoption behaviors (intention to adopt and actual usage) from the perspective of both interactions.