Unstructured Interviews Research Articles

Teaching English for Specific Purposes in Tertiary Contexts: Navigating Education and Assessment Challenges

ABSTRACT Since its inception in the early 1960s, English for specific purposes (ESP) has been characterised as a materials-driven and a teacher-led movement. Distinctively separated from general English teaching, ESP teachers often function as designers and implementers in curriculum development. Attaining a certain degree of disciplinary expertise is the greatest challenge that they encounter while transitioning from general to specific language teaching. Recognising a dearth of research on ESP teacher development, this study has emerged from in-depth, unstructured interviews conducted with both novice and expert educators. This qualitative inquiry examines the collaborative strategies employed and hurdles encountered by ESP educators within the tertiary education arena, with a specific emphasis on their vital contributions to the English language instruction of undergraduate students in India. The findings offer insights into the evolving specificity of English language education in India, particularly for educators and institutions committed to improving language teaching practices in higher education.

Analysis of push and pull factors influencing the migration of Ugandan domestic workers to Saudi Arabia

The study explored the push and pull factors driving Ugandan domestic workers to migrate to Saudi Arabia. The research paradigm employed was social constructivism, where individuals seek to understand their world and develop meanings based on their experiences. A qualitative approach using a phenomenological research design was utilised. Data was collected from a sample of eighteen (18) respondents through unstructured interviews to identify the factors contributing to the migration of Ugandan domestic workers to Saudi Arabia. Thematic analysis was conducted during data analysis. The migration factors were presented in concept maps created using Nvivo 10.0. The study uncovered that push factors varied from person to person, but major ones included poverty, unemployment, school dropout, family obligations, marital neglect, domestic violence, personal development goals, poor working conditions, work-related challenges, peer influence, and single parenting. Pull factors include the influence of Arabian family culture that promotes the demand for maids, bilateral labour agreements, adventure, attractive job prospects, free travel documents, cost-effective job processes, and an easy migration process. The study concluded that without effectively addressing push factors to provide long-term solutions, the migration of Ugandan domestic workers to Saudi Arabia will persist. It is recommended that the Government of Uganda take steps to create a conducive environment with satisfying employment opportunities for these young individuals to reduce the number of people seeking jobs outside Uganda. This involves generating employment opportunities to regulate internal domestic work and make it highly profitable, thereby encouraging young people to remain in Uganda.

Wild Edible Mushroom Lore in A Suburban Mestizo Community

Objective: To record the mycological lore related to wild edible mushrooms (WEM) in Santa Ana Jilotzingo, a mestizo rural community greatly influenced by the urban area of Mexico City. Design/Methodology/Approach: Unstructured and semi-structured interviews were conducted over the course of three years. Results: Sixty-six WEM species were recorded. Ninety-one traditional names were documented: 65 Spanish names, 3 Nahuatl names, 4 mixed names, and 19 indeterminate names. Local gatherers have a precise knowledge of the biology, ecology, and distribution of the used species; the knowledge preserved by older people is more diverse and accurate. Nowadays, gathering WEM in the rainy season has lost its relevance as an economic activity. However, WEM foraging as a livelihood food supplement remains important for the community. Study Limitations/Implications: The 2020 pandemic hindered the field work. Findings/Conclusions: In the study area, relevant mycological lore still survives despite complex adverse conditions, such as acculturation, migration, and deforestation.

The Influence of Saudi Board of Emergency Medicine Residency Educators on Residents' Academic and Clinical Performance in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The Saudi Board of Emergency Medicine (SBEM) is required to assign educators including program directors to supervise their residents. These educators may impact the residents' academic and clinical performances. After thorough review, we noticed that the current literature lacks information about the direct influence of emergency medicine educators on their residents' academic and clinical performances. The main purpose of this study is to assess the residents' confidence level, and to measure the program directors' satisfaction of the residents' performances during their SBEM training yearsin Riyadh hospitals. This concurrent mixed-methods study was conducted in nine training hospitals in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during the 2021-2022 academic year. For the quantitative aspect, a cross-sectional survey was used, based on a questionnaire administered to postgraduate year (PGY)-2 to PGY-4 SBEM residents (n=120) using a nonprobability convenient sampling technique. The survey aimed to assess residents' confidence in their academic and clinical performance, influenced by their educators. A Likert scale with a total of 25 items, covering the seven roles of the CANMEDs framework, was employed. This assessment utilized a published tool called the In-Training Evaluation Report. For the qualitative aspect, program directors' perspectives were gathered through one-on-one unstructured interviews (n=9), guided by theoretical saturation. A purposive sampling technique was employed to select program directors. The interview tool collected demographic data, including gender, years of experience, and training hospital, and included 17 open-ended questions to explore program directors' opinions. The result of mixed methods showed that both quantitative and qualitative data sets were divergent with all independent variables (resident's age, gender, and training level) with the exception of the training hospital which was convergent. Thus, the residents' confidence toward their academic and clinical performances induced by their institutional educators was high. However, the program directors indicated changes that related to residents' training level. The residents' confidence toward their academic and clinical performance induced by their institutional educators was high.The educators had a great deal of influence over the academic and clinical performance of the residents. However,the program directors thought there were some issues with the performance of the residents.Most of the program directors also believed that several influential factors that may have affected the residents' overall performance includestress and receiptof constructive feedback.

Influence of Courtyard on the Behavioural, Cultural, Climatic and Spatial Characteristics in a Transformed Vernacular Courtyard House – A Case Study in Kumbakonam, Tamil Nadu

Background: Courtyard have been used in residential vernacular architecture for many decades. It was incorporated within the spatial design of a house for both its cultural and climatic significance. Objectives: To understand the significance of courtyard in modern-day context, this research aims to explore the behavioural, cultural, climatic and spatial characteristics of courtyard in a transformed vernacular house in Tamil Nadu. Methods: The vernacular house was documented. Unstructured interviews were conducted with the residents to understand the relationship of the courtyard and its surrounding spaces. A matrix of attributes was developed in the research. In-situ measurements were recorded in 2021 December (Winter) and 2022 May (Summer). A statistical analysis using ArcGIS software was carried out to evaluate the correlation between the attributes. Findings: Results indicated that the cultural links with climatic and spatial attributes have been either weakened or lost in a few cases after transformations. Cultural links with courtyard have been lost to a larger extent. The links between cultural attributes and spatio temporal activities have been lost in recent years. Spatio temporal activities are more linked to privacy in recent times. The relationship between courtyard and climatic attributes has been altered with the changes in spatial configuration. The links between the climatic and spatial attributes have become weak due to transformations but not lost. The courtyard is strongly linked to temperature compared to all other climatic attributes. Spatio temporal activities are more related to temperature and day lighting. These activities are associated with spatial attributes like size, enclosure and openings. Spatial attributes like enclosure and openings are more linked to courtyard. Novelty: The study establishes the relationship between the behavioural, cultural, climatic and spatial attributes of a residential courtyard. Keywords: Courtyard, Culture, Climate, Activity pattern, Transformation

Peranan Program Tahfidz Al Qur’an dalam Pembentukan Perilaku Istiqomah Akhlak Terpuji Siswa di Muhammadiyah Boarding School (MBS)

Education plays a crucial role in building the character of students. Quran-based education has a positive influence on the spiritual and emotional development of children. Memorizing the Quran is a program introduced to produce a Hafidz, someone who preserves the memorization of the Quran. Maintaining this memorization requires the virtue of Istiqomah, which is one of the noble virtues. Muhammadiyah Boarding School (MBS) is one of the Islamic boarding schools that prioritizes the Quran Memorization Program and has produced many Hafidz. This research is conducted using a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data collection techniques include unstructured interviews, observations, and documentation. Data analysis is carried out through data transcription. The results of this research show that the Quran Memorization Program at MBS consists of Tahsin (Quranic pronunciation improvement) and Tahfidz (Quran memorization). Tahsin aims to improve Quranic recitation, while Tahfidz requires students to memorize one Juz (section) of the Quran within a year. Religious values are consistently incorporated into the Tahfidz program, which helps train discipline and obedience, fostering the virtue of Istiqomah. The Quran, with its numerous teachings on noble character traits, plays a significant role in this process. Additionally, guidance from the teachers and the students' growing spiritual awareness while delving deeper into the Quran contribute to their success.Supporting factors in achieving the program's goals include students' strong determination, a tranquil and comfortable geographical environment. However, there are also hindering factors, such as the lack of integration between the Tahfidz curriculum and the regular school curriculum, diverse student backgrounds, and time constraints due to the intensive schedule of the Islamic boarding school and general education priorities.

Students' Inductive Reasoning Ability in Solving Fractional Problems Through Contextual Approach

Students can think and reason about a math problem if they can understand the math problem. A way of looking at mathematical problems also influences the mindset about the solution to be done. Through a contextual approach, students can practice their thinking skills in solving problems. This study aims to determine the ability of mathematical inductive reasoning with a contextual approach in solving fractional problems. This type of research is descriptive qualitative. The number of subjects in this study was 1 obtained using the Purposive Sampling technique using certain criteria, namely student test results on fractional material. The instruments used are using tests and interviews. Tests are used for the process of determining subjects, and interviews are used to determine inductive reasoning abilities. The interview process used is an unstructured interview and is conducted on subjects, peers, and subject teachers. Data analysis techniques using qualitative analysis consist of data collection, data presentation, and conclusions. The results of data analysis show that subjects in the process of solving problems on fractional material have inductive reasoning abilities in the process of solving problems and meet all indicators of inductive reasoning used in this study, namely observing the pattern of questions given, looking for relationships contained in the questions to facilitate problem solving, and determining the estimation of problem solving and drawing conclusions, and can predict the pattern of solving the next problem

Investigating the Impact of Multilingualism on Language Development: A Case Study Approach

This research study follows the effects of a multilingual setting on the language development of a toddler. The participant of this research grew up in a household where three languages were spoken. The case study investigates the participant's language development via observational analysis, unstructured child interviews, and parental questionnaire. The findings conclude that the respected individual’s language development progressed at a slower pace compared to normal language development patterns. Her exposure to different linguistic structures and limited peer-peer interactions affected her language development, resulting in code mixing and cross linguistic influence. Moreover, there is also a comparison of the participant’s language milestones to the normal pattern of speech development in this study. Lastly, the study concludes that multilingualism can have both positive and negative influence on language development, and early intervention strategies are recommended for children with language delay in multilingual environments. Further research is encouraged to explore the impact of cross linguistic influence on multilingualism in diverse populations.

The Influence of Brand Image Service Quality and Green Marketing on Consumer Purchasing Decisions of The Body Shop at Malls in South Jakarta

This study aims to analyze the effect of service quality, brand image, and green marketing on consumer purchasing decision of The Body Shop at mall in South Jakarta. The result of this research is using primary data in the form of questionnaires to 100 respondents of The Body Shop consumers in mall in South Jakarta using Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS) method. Data collection techniques in this study by observation and survey, unstructured interviews, and using questionnaires. The result of the research using F test and t test indicate that there is influence of service quality, brand image and green marketing towards purchasing decision of The Body Shop at mall in South Jakarta.

Floating Market History, Status, and Changes: Insights from Vietnam

Floating markets are a unique form of traditional commercial business, playing an important role in waterway trade and featuring distinctively attractive local cultural values. Studies of floating markets not only provide insights into cultural heritage but also foster better conservation and effective destination marketing and promotion. Research data were collected from structured interviews with 80 merchants and 8 representatives of state management agencies responsible for culture and tourism. Moreover, unstructured interviews with 34 merchants were undertaken. Field observations and literature review also provided relevant sources of information to frame our research. The findings in this study indicate that floating markets in Vietnam have distinctive features that have been historically long formed as a consequence of both natural and socioeconomic factors. Floating markets are found to play a focal role in the socioeconomic and cultural development of the country. There are also some critical changes made to conventional spaces, trading boat quantity, travel and trading activities, community relations, and impacts in the floating markets.

Implementation of a computerized tool to address barriers to academic success among college students

Objective Academic assistance professionals work with college students to address barriers to academic success, although few assessment tools exist. This feasibility study examined the results of implementing a computerized tool for academic assistance professionals to help students. The Measure of Obstacles to Succeeding Academically in College (MOSAIC) is a 31-item risk assessment tool used to characterize academic barriers. It utilizes a tailored computer algorithm on a mobile device to match students with resources to address academic barriers. Methods The MOSAIC was customized and administered at seven universities around the United States. Student responses were analyzed in Microsoft Excel. Academic assistance professionals were asked about implementation in unstructured interviews. Results Stress and study skill concerns were the most reported barriers. The MOSAIC was well received, especially among students experiencing academic difficulties, but integration into routine workflow was an obstacle to sustained implementation. Conclusions The MOSAIC holds promise in addressing issues impeding academic success.

Taken, blessed, broken, and shared: lived experiences of parish catechists teaching religion in public schools

Catechists play a significant role in the church’s evangelization. Despite the numerous problems they experienced, they remained faithful to their vocation. Thus, this phenomenological study intends to explore the lived experiences of the parish catechists teaching religion in public schools. Using a purposive sampling method, the data were gathered from six conversation partners coming from the north, south, and central of the diocese through an unstructured in-depth interview. There was only one overarching question and probing questions were asked to cull out significant information. The data were analyzed using recursive textual analysis adopting the framework of Lichtman's 3C's. The findings of the study reveal that in teaching religion in public schools, catechists found meaning in their vocation, encountered numerous challenges in their teaching ministry, utilized different strategies in overcoming the challenges, and experienced joy in teaching religion. Generally, they are happy and committed in their teaching ministry despite the challenges they encountered. With these results, full support is necessary to address their needs and to ensure the quality of their teaching performance.

A Study on Improving Metamemory through Cognitive Language Activities Worksheets among Individuals with psychosomatic symptoms

Psychosomatic condition refers to mental and physical dysfunction arising from physical and psychological symptoms. This research aims to employ cognitive language activities to increase and improve the participants' metamemory who have a psychosomatic illness. Engineering students from the Vellore region studying at the tertiary level were selected as the study participants. Participants in late adolescence were chosen for the study because they displayed a high level of psychosomatic condition. The study employs a non-equivalent control group Design (NEGD), which incorporates both qualitative and quantitative analysis, as the study involves non-randomization,and contest the variables. The sampling method employed in the study is purposive sampling hence, non-parametric test was performed in SPSS. Unstructured interview was also employed after each session and their symptoms were inquired and marked in PSQ. Participants were given and instructed to employ coping startegies and memory strategies to reduce the impact of memory decline, psychosomatic symptoms, stress and anxiety. The intervention took place over eight weeks, and participants were given four sets of worksheets like chunking and embroidery. To assess the participants' progress, eight successive tests were administered. Ninety-three people were chosen to participate in the current study. The pre-test and post-test scores' significant value was 0.000. The results indicate a substantial difference between the metamemory pre-test and post-test scores. Cognitive activities have significantly triggered the pre-frontal cortex region of the brain (responsible for memory and have negative effect due to psychosomatic condition) and improved the metamemory and memory strategies.

Socially Haunted? Exploring Young People’s Views on Education and Marginalization

This paper explores the views of a group of young men aged 16–18, studying towards a Level 1 diploma in music in the North East area of England. It uses the conceptualization of “social haunting” to focus our discussions about how Level 1 learners articulated their experiences in the context of their learning journeys and perceived marginalization. The research took place at a large Further Education (FE) college and included a series of five “research encounters” with the group of Level 1 learners. These encounters included a range of activities, resulting in a variety of data being collected, including several activity worksheets, structured and unstructured focus group interviews, and questionnaires. This paper focusses on the outcomes of a single research activity that focused on exploring the topic of marginalization. We present a discussion on social haunting as one of the emerging findings from this research encounter, outlining how the reality of the social and cultural legacy of the UK’s industrial past can shape today’s youth and their futures. We will talk about the young men’s views of marginalization, their school-to-work transitions, the formation of masculinity in post-industrial communities and the role of Further Education in it. The paper concludes by discussing some insights for practice and future research.

The Conditions and Guidelines of Action Learning Resources Through Miang Indigenous Wisdom in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai Thailand

The objectives of this qualitative research were to study the conditions of the action learning resources through Miang indigenous wisdom in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai Thailand, key informants consisted of twenty-six respondents, the instrument used was an unstructured interview form, the data were analyzed by content analysis and summarized into issues, and to study guidelines of the action learning resources through Miang indigenous wisdom in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai Thailand; key informants consisted of twenty-five respondents, the data were analyzed by classifying into items. The research results were as follows: 1. The conditions of the action learning resources through Miang indigenous wisdom in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai Thailand consisted of six aspects including 1.1 The social structure of Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai Thailand, 1.2 Ways of life, livelihood, and local wisdom, 1.3 Occupations and living, 1.4 Miang planters as an occupation, 1.5 Characteristics, and 1.6 Economics. 2. Guidelines of action learning resources through Miang indigenous wisdom to promote creative education in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai Thailand consisted of the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the action learning resources applying as derived data to construct a model of action learning resources through Miang indigenous wisdom in Mae Kampong Village, Chiang Mai Thailand.

Children’s competitive microcultures: an examination of the social organization of rules and roles in gender inclusive and performance-based outdoor play

ABSTRACT Children’s microcultures consist of small peer communities that they develop with distinct rules and roles operating outside of traditional daily activities. Presently, there is little understanding for how children may develop microcultures during competitive play, where they attempt to outperform their peers. In this study, we address the question, ‘How may competitive outdoor play shape children’s development of microcultures?’ We conducted unstructured interviews with 9- to 13-year-old children (7 girls, 6 boys) and engaged in naturalistic observations of their play in Vancouver, Canada, throughout a two-week period. Findings from our thematic analysis suggest children develop gender-inclusive microcultures during their competitive play and children are evaluated by one another on their physical and cognitive competencies. Importantly, these findings suggest microcultures can afford children with opportunities to participate in thrilling play that may otherwise be restricted by adults. Further, they suggest competition may serve as a catalyst for disrupting gender segregated play.

Applying Problem Solving Approach in Teaching Addition and Subtraction Word Problems in Diverse Grade 3 Classrooms

Word problem solving is an approach that can increase knowledge, improve performance and develop learners’ critical thinking skills that can assist them in solving mathematical and real-life problems. This study examined the effectiveness of using a word problem solving approach to improve Grade 3 learners’ performance when learning addition and subtraction. The study employed this hypothesis to test the difference between the experimental and control groups and between the pre-test and post-test with learners in diverse classrooms solving addition and subtraction word problems. A pre-test-intervention-post-test research design was used to collect the data. Baseline lesson observations and unstructured interviews were conducted to understand the effectiveness of the problem solving approach in teaching number concepts, problems, addition and subtraction. The results of the study revealed a significant difference between the experimental and comparison groups when solving addition and subtraction word problems. Furthermore, there was a significant difference between the pre-test and the post-test in the experimental group. It was concluded that word problems could be taught by following steps for problem solving and equipping learners with essential reading skills to help them comprehend what they are reading. The interviews showed that teachers do not have enough time for learners who experience learning challenges and reading in particular in pursuit of covering the curriculum. Learners in the foundation phase must be taught money problems and problem-solving skills to acquire knowledge to be used in higher grades and real-life situations.

The impact of personality traits and cultural values on coordination effectiveness: A study of software development teams effectiveness

AbstractSoftware development projects depend on collaborative teams. In the past 50 years of research, various studies have explored the effect of software engineer's personality traits and cultural values on team performance. These studies have led to better understand these relationships; however, how the personality traits and cultural values influence the team effectiveness is still far away in the literature. This research aims to investigate the relationships between social and psychological complexities (including personality traits and cultural values), team coordination, team motivation, and team success (which comprises team effectiveness and team climate) to explore the impact of social and psychological issues on software team success. An online survey targeting software development professionals and unstructured interviews were followed for data collection. We received 112 responses from software developers working in different countries. Findings indicate that personality traits and cultural values, that is, consciousness, openness, harmony, and autonomy, have positive relationship with team coordination effectiveness, while other factors such as neuroticism, embeddedness, hierarchy, and mastery were found to be related negatively with it. These negative relationships can be mitigated by motivating team members appropriately. Based on our research findings, we conclude that the negative impact caused by different personality and cultural traits could be reduced by improving team coordination effectiveness using effective motivation.

FINANCIAL ANALYSIS OF ETAWAH CROSSBRED GOAT FARMS IN PEMPATAN VILLAGE, RENDANG DISTRICT, KARANGASEM REGENCY, BALI


 
 
 Goat farmers generally do not realize the impact of flock size (FS) on the income resulted from their goat farm enterprises. The purpose of this study is to observe the impacts of FS i.e., FS1-10; FS11-20; FS21-30 on income, break-even point (BEP), and profit rate of etawah crossbred (PE) goat farm enterprises in Pempatan Village. A survey method used in this study was stratified purposive sampling procedure that was adopted to ensure the se- lection referred to PE breeders. Data were obtained through observation the goat cages of each farmer and with structured and unstructured interview techniques applying from October to December 2021. Data of the total costs, total income, profit rate, and BEP were analysed using financial analysis. Results showed the largest FS provided the largest annual total income IDR 44,990,000 ± 1,976,000. In contrast, the smallest FS provided the smallest amount of the annual total income IDR 5,601,000 ± 1,976,000. The Values of BEP production and price were 18 goats and IDR 1,212,200 ± 43,490/goat, respectively. Both values were smaller than the number of goats selling 30 ± 1 goats and the goat selling price IDR 1,800,000/goat in Pempatan Village annually. In summary, the PE goat farming enterprise was above the BEP providing profit rate 63.1 ± 3.7 %/year.
 
 

Stakeholders’ Perceptions on EFL Teacher Professionalism: A Phenomenological Study at a Bachelor Programme in Nepal

Teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in the twenty-first century has witnessed several changes, which have sparked tremendous changes in the teachers’ standpoints and the conceptualizations of professionalism. In this context, this study explored the stakeholders’ perceptions of EFL teacher professionalism. For this, the phenomenological research design was adopted. The study site was a Bachelor's Programme on a community campus in Nepal. The informants comprised the real stakeholders of the programme that comprised three EFL teachers, nine students, two administrators, and one member of the campus management committee. To collect the informants’ lived experiences, the researcher used an unstructured interview in a naturalistic setting. The results revealed that EFL teachers’ professionalism can be measured by their roles and skills; teacher-student relationships; and teachers as administrators and change agents. This implies that EFL teachers, like the teachers of other subjects, should be loyal, committed, accountable, and responsible as the success or failure of the autonomous programmes mainly depends on the teachers.