Validity Of Research Instrument Research Articles

EFFECTS OF UTILIZATION OF MONITORING AND EVALUATION RESULTS ON PROJECT PERFORMANCE

Globally, any organization's goal is to be effective, and efficient, attain its objectives and exceed in performance. The need to be successful and have a more remarkable performance has created the need for regular tracking of projects to ensure the project follows the right course for optimal performance. The role of NDMA in Kenya is very crucial in attaining the Kenya vision 2030, the big four agenda, and SDG 2 on ending hunger and achieving food security. Therefore, with this background, the research sought to substantiate the impact of utilization of monitoring, and evaluation results on the performance of drought resilience projects by the National Drought Management Authority (NDMA) in Mandera County. This study adopted systems theory and a descriptive research design. The study undertook a census survey where all the 60 members of the project under NDMA were studied. Data from primary and secondary sources were utilized and the researcher employed semi-structured questionnaires to collect data. Reliability and validity of research instruments and study results were attained by pilot testing the research instruments. SPSS statistical package using descriptive statistics was employed to analyze the collected data. Inferential statistics were applied to ascertain the relationship between independent and dependent variables. The findings show that utilization of monitoring and evaluation results significantly influences project performance at r=.231 p<0.005. Additionally, the findings concur with the theoretical foundation of the study that utilization of M&E results, affects the other aspects of the project thus influencing the performance.<p> </p><p><strong> Article visualizations:</strong></p><p><img src="/-counters-/edu_01/0333/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /></p>

Teacher Professional Qualification in Early Childhood Education and Its Influence on Promotion Rates in Public Primary Schools in Embu County, Kenya

Early Childhood Education (ECE) is fundamental to holistic development of children between zeros to eight years old. Thus, teacher professional development is key to enabling children grow and develop in the most appropriate ways. This study examined the extent to which teacher professional qualification in Early Childhood Education influences promotion rates of children in public primary schools in Embu County, Kenya. To achieve this objective the study adopted correlation research design, where stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to sample 39 ECE schools attached to public primary schools. Simple random sampling was used to select 39 public primary headteachers, 39 ECE teachers and 156 public primary teachers Data for this study was collected through the use of questionnaires. An observation schedule checklist and documentary analysis guide for purposes of data triangulation. To check reliability and validity of research instruments, a pilot study was conducted Data from the questionnaire was analyzed through the use descriptive and inferential statistics while data from interviews and documentary analysis guide was analyzed in themes in line with the research objective. Research findings from quantitative data were presented using frequencies, percentages, means, standard deviations, and inferential statistics using Pearson Chi-Square Tests. Results showed that there is a positive correlation between teacher professional qualification in ECE and promotion rates in public primary schools ECE (r=.672, n=37, p<.05). The research concluded that there is a positive correlation between teacher professional qualification in ECE and the promotion rates of learners in public primary schools. The study recommended that the Teacher’s Service Commission in collaboration with the County Governments should continue to deploy adequate and qualified primary and ECE teachers to both primary and ECE schools to improve internal efficiency.

Teamwork competency scale (TCS) from the individual perspective in university students

The main purpose of this study was to design and validate a scale to evaluate the development of teamwork competence of undergraduate students (TCS, teamwork competence scale). The research instrument used for validation and design has nine specific dimensions: Collective efficacy, learning orientation, establishing group goals, planning and coordination, communication, conflict management, problem solving, performance monitoring and back-up behavior. The sample consisted of a total of 802 freshmen of a Chilean university. For the statistical analysis, the method of partial least squares (PLS) was approached within a structural equation modeling (SEM). Results show that the TCS is a valid and reliable research instrument to assess the level of development of teamwork competence in undergraduate students.

The Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Teaching and Learning Process in Higher Learning Institutions in Tanzania: A Case of Mwanza Region

This study examined the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on teaching and learning process in higher learning institutions in Mwanza, Tanzania. The study intended to explore the negative impact of this pandemic on higher education, and also to identify the possible measures to overcome the negative impact of this pandemic. The study has adopted a mixed research approach and an explanatory sequential mixed design. It has involved 188 participants, and data was collected using questionnaires and an interview guide. Content and face validity of research instruments were cross-checked by different research experts. Furthermore, the reliability of research instruments was checked using the split-half technique. Finally, the study discovered some negative impacts which are; slowing down the participation and interaction in teaching and learning which has hindered the attainment of teaching and learning goals. The study has put forward some possible measures to overcome the negative impact of this pandemic which are: to strengthen the e-learning infrastructures, construct more classrooms, and employ more teaching staffs. Then the study recommends that the government of Tanzania and all the educational stakeholders should take education as its number one priority and finance it effectively to ensure a profitable educational process during and after the pandemic.

Predictors of young adults’ movement capability in physical activity

Background And Study Aim. The purpose of the study is to identify the predictors of the movement capability of the individuals in physical activity.
 Materials and Methods. Quantitative descriptive predictive method was employed in identifying the significant relationship of the identified factors that can predict movement capability in physical activity. There were 263 participants in the study from one of the Higher Educational Institutions in Cebu City, Philippines which were randomly sampled using Raosoft Sample Size Calculator. Experts validated research instruments were used and data gathered were analyzed using descriptive (percentile, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (multiple regression).
 Results. Findings revealed that only three factors: blood type, attitude towards physical activity, and perceived action – scaled affordance were predictors of movement capability and five movement dimensions were influenced by blood type, attitude towards physical activity, and perceived action – scaled affordance. Thus, blood type is predictor to flexibility, accuracy, speed and endurance. On the other hand, attitude towards physical activity is predictor of endurance. While, perceived action – scaled affordance is predictor of strength, accuracy and endurance.
 Conclusions. It was concluded that a person’s capability to engage in physical activity is contributed by biological factors (blood type) and psychological factors (attitude and perceived action-scaled affordance). It is recommended that validation study be conducted to strengthen the claims of the identified factors to movement capability of an individual.

The The Development of Relation and Function Modules Based on Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) Approaches with Integrated Islamic Values

The development model used is ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation with the aim of producing a module based on a Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach that integrates Islamic values ​​in relational and functional materials that meet valid, practical and effective criteria. The research was conducted at Islamic Junior High School Darussakinah Batu Bersurat. The data collection techniques used in the form of questionnaires and posttest questions. The research instrument validity consisted of a research instrument validation sheet, a module validation sheet by an educational technology expert and learning materials. It it also used a practical instrument, namely a student response questionnaire, and an effectiveness instrument, namely a posttest. The data used in the form of quantitative and qualitative data. The data obtained were analyzed with qualitative descriptive and quantitative descriptive analysis techniques. Based on data analysis, it was found that the developed module was declared very valid with an average validity of 95,26%, it was very practical with the practicallity about 86,56% , it is also effective. The results of the study indicate that the module that has been developed can be used for learning mathematics on relations and functions in Islamic schools.

AN ANALYSIS OF ACADEMIC WRITING ACQUISITION OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN INDONESIAN CLASSES

Academic writing is arguably the most important skill in academic contexts and also the most difficult skill for most students to master. Consequently, extra learning efforts are necessary to be carried out by the students to ensure that their acquisition up to the present academic requirement. This study was conducted to find out the acquisition of students’ academic writing skills. Study was conducted in Indonesian classes consisting of 30 students as the sample of the study which were selected by random sampling technique. Valid and reliable research instruments in the form of essay test was administered to the sample to collect the required data. This study found that university students of Indonesian classes have sufficient acquisition in academic writing. Therefore, this study implies that academic writing of the students should continually be improved to ensure that the students have higher acquisition in academic writing.

Exploring the Impact of Social Media Marketing Features on Purchase Intention in the Fast-Food Industry

This study was directed towards testing the effect of four social media marketing activities on purchase intention in the fast-food industry. The required data was obtained from several customers of different fast-food restaurants in the United Arab Emirates via a survey method. During data analysis, the partial least squares structural equation modelling was used for checking the reliability as well as validity of research instrument and then verify the proposed hypotheses. The results confirmed the significance of selected social media marketing activities in affecting purchase intention. Particularly, the results showed that interactivity, entertainment, informativeness, and perceived relevance have significant positive effects on consumer purchase intention. These outcomes suggest that marketing practitioners should be regularly engaged in social media advertising activities to create value for customers and influence their purchase behaviours. From a theoretical perspective, this study contributes to the existing literature by testing the role of selected social media marketing features and consumer purchase intention with new insights from a Middle East country owing to the lack of empirical studies on this topic in this region.

Gender Sensitivity and Interest of Grade 7 Technology and Livelihood Education Students

This study was anchored on Gender Role Theory and Cognitive Development Theory. It investigated the relationship between the gender sensitivity and interest of grade 7 students in their technology and livelihood education exploratory courses. The study adopted the descriptive research design and utilized a researcher-made, expert validated research instrument. A total of 120 students were purposively sampled. Results of the study showed that the composition of the respondents is almost evenly participated by male and female. It was also discovered that a vast majority of the respondents’ parents were supportive of their gender preferences and majority of them were at the average or can manage socio-economic status. The findings also showed that the teacher has very high level of gender sensitivity in terms of academic support, emotional support, and socio-relational support. Similarly, data on the status of the seventh-grade students’ interest in TLE exploratory courses indicated very high results. The null hypothesis that there is no significant relationship between the profile of the seventh-grade students and the status of their interest in TLE exploratory courses was accepted. On the other hand, null hypothesis that there is no significant relationship between the teacher’s gender sensitivity and the status of interest in TLE exploratory courses was partially rejected. The results for the teacher’s gender sensitivity in terms of socio-relational support and the status of their interest in TLE exploratory courses with regards to studying with group or partner and eliminating distractions showed significant relationship. It was recommended for the teacher to sustain the practice of ensuring gender sensitivity in terms of academic support, emotional support, and socio-relational support to promote a sense of safety and security among learners particularly to those who are experiencing fear due to their gender preferences. Students are advised to motivate themselves further in their TLE courses. School and other officials should also promote the inclusion of gender sensitivity in offering TLE exploratory courses. Finally, future researchers may conduct studies on the lived experiences of students particularly those who belong to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer or questioning (LGBTQQ). This would allow to create a better picture of their deeper thoughts and feelings on their daily experiences.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN WORK BEHAVIOUR SUB VARIABLES AND ROLE EFFICIENCY OF HEALTH SECTOR EMPLOYEE PERFORMANCE IN SELECTED PRIVATE AND TEACHING HOSPITALS IN LAGOS STATE

Employee work behaviour (WB) as a construct is critical to the task performance of any organisation. In spite of this; little or no attention has been attached to the relevance of WB as it applies to the Nigerian medical sectors employees’ performance. Consequently, this study evaluated the relationship between work behaviour sub variables and rolek efficiency of health sector employee performance in selected private and teaching hospitals in Lagos State, Nigeria. The study adopted a cross sectional research design on the population of 2,886 employees of the selected hospitals. A purposive and stratified sampling technique method was adopted to select a sample of 349 respondents using Cochran formula. Primary dada sources was adopted via a validated research instrument and collected data were analysed using multiple linear regression. The study also found that work behaviours positively correllated role efficiency in the dimension of β=4.344 Adj R2 =0.276, F(4,344), = 34,222 P<0.05. The study concluded that work behaviour variables had significant relationship with role efficiency aspect of employee performance, promotion of positive work behaviour through adequate compensation package have very strong correlation with the performance of employees in the selected teaching and private hospitals. The study recommends that stakeholders in the health sector should create policies that would facilitate health employee’s innovative behaviour and improve their organizational citizenship behaviour as well to enable enhance efficient role performance.

Monitoring and Evaluation Practices and Performance of the Renewable Energy Projects in Rwanda: A Case of Nyandungu Urban Wetland Eco-Tourism Park, the Engie Energy Access Rwanda Programme

This research analyzed the influence of monitoring and evaluation practices on project of Nyandungu Ecotourism Wetland Park project. Specifically, the study focused on the effect of community involvement, technical expertise, and management involvement on project performance of Nyandungu Ecotourism Wetland Park Renewable Energy Project. The study will be of significance to Government Projects, Researcher, Mount Kenya University, Nyandungu Ecotourism Wetland Park Renewable Energy to enhance project performance. The study used program and results based management theories. The study used descriptive research diagram in answering investigational questions. Target populace was 132 and pattern of 100 respondents of Nyandungu Ecotourism Wetland Park renewable energy project was sampled. The study further adopted probability sampling technique with the adoption of easy random sampling. A questionnaire was used to generate required statistics for analysis. Drop and pick out up later method was further used to accumulate facts. A Pre-test was carried out to decide reliable and valid research instruments. Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 was beneficial to evaluate information. The findings indicated that majority of respondents (85.3% )  agreed that community involvement has positive effect on project performance, 84.2% of respondents agreed that participatory observing and approach was used in deciding objectives, confirmed, 83.8% consented that participation of stakeholders in M&E influence effectiveness of a development intervention, and 91.2% of respondents disagreed that community members are involving in monitoring and evaluation, planning and budgeting. The overall mean was 2.4744 and standard deviation was 1.1684) in stimulating project performance. The study concluded that putting adequate community involvement would improve project time, cost and quality in Rwanda. The study suggested that management should involve community members are in monitoring and evaluation, planning and budgeting at project initial stages. Management should involve stakeholders in monitoring and evaluation decision making procedures at all levels. Project management should hire skilled and experienced personnel about monitoring and evaluation. Project management should carry out training for staff members. The study suggested to analyse effect of community involvement on economic growth of all rural areas in Rwanda. Keywords: Monitoring and Evaluation Practices, Performance, Renewable Energy Projects, Rwanda

Quality Assurance Parameters as Predictors of Teachers’ Motivation in Kwara State Public Junior Secondary Schools

The study examined quality assurance parameters as predictors of teachers’ motivation in public junior secondary schools in Kwara State. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design of correlation type. The population for this study comprised 5149 teachers of public junior secondary schools in Kwara State. The sample comprised of 640 teachers selected using the multistage sampling technique. A self-developed and validated research instrument titled “Quality Assurance Parameters and Motivation Questionnaire” (QAPMQ) was used to collect information with a reliability coefficient of 0.85. The result showed that teachers in public junior secondary schools in Kwara State had a moderate level of motivation (52.3%). The further showed that quality assurance parameters are significant predictors of teachers’ motivation (72.6% (Adj. R2= 0.726); and each of the quality assurance parameters of human resource maintenance (Beta= 0.704, t= 25.132) and data management (Beta= 0.366, t= 13.101) had significant predictions to teachers’ motivation, while funding was not significant (Beta= -0.275, t= -9.638) in Kwara State public junior secondary schools. Therefore, it was recommended that Kwara State government should not relent its efforts and continue to work collaboratively with Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), philanthropists, and other stakeholders in the education sector to ensure its assurance parameters are continued and appropriately used in stimulating teachers’ motivation in the State public secondary schools.

Validity and Reliability of the Postgraduate Self-Determined Learning Questionnaire (PSLQ)

Abstract: Postgraduate students have to play active roles in self-determined learning, as major agent in their own learning and research activities. There is a lack of validated research instruments to measure self-determined learning among postgraduate students. The Postgraduate Self-Determined Learning Questionnaire (PSLQ) was specifically developed to fill in the gaps. This study aims to examine the validity and reliability of the PSLQ through exploratory factor analysis (EFA). The original version of PSLQ has 59 items and it was administered to a sample of 201 postgraduate students from a research-intensive university in Malaysia. The results of EFA revealed that PSLQ measures four distinct factors; learner-centered learning, interactive non-linear learning, double-loop reflection, and capacity development, which accounted for 54.22% of the variance in self-determined learning. The total number of items in PSLQ has been reduced to 42, after 17 items were removed. The instrument demonstrated excellent internal consistency, with a Cronbach’s alpha value of a=.959. The findings suggest that PSLQ is a valid and reliable instrument that can be used to measure self-determined learning among postgraduate students. Implications of the research findings are discussed in this paper.
 
 Keywords: Heutagogy, Postgraduates, Reliability, Self-determined learning, Validity

Attitude Over Knowledge and Skill: Enabler of Research Productivity (RP) Among Graduate Students in One State University in the Philippines

The aim of this study is to measure the research knowledge, skills, and attitudes (KSA) of graduate students and test whether the KSA are enablers of research productivity (RP) of graduate students. A descriptive-correlation research design of the research was employed with fifty purposively selected graduate students served as the respondents of the study. A validated research instrument consisting of 121 items was utilized with an average Cronbach’s alpha of 0.967. The questionnaire was administered before the classes in Advanced methods of research begins. Based on the study, the level of knowledge and skills of the graduate students were on the average level while their attitude was high. It was also found that the research productivity of graduate students considering the completed research, presented, published, and research with citations was low. Results of the study showed that attitude affects significantly research productivity. Problems on research writing of the graduate students based on the results include knowledge on statistical analysis, confidence, instrument preparation, among others. Several trainings requested by the respondents are included in the paper.

Uses and gratifications of educational apps: A study during COVID-19 pandemic

Although educational apps have emerged as an easily available and accessible alternative to classroom learning, particularly at the time of pandemics like COVID-19, no research has attempted to identify learners intentions behind the usage of different educational apps. The current study developed a valid and reliable research instrument to measure the motivations behind using educational apps. Using the mixed method approach commonly used in uses and gratification (U&G) research, i.e., open-ended essays & national survey (N = 552), this study identified seven gratifications behind learners intention to use educational apps: academic assistance, convenience, entertainment, social influence, novelty, engagement and activity. The result suggests that academic assistance, convenience and social influence were the significant predictors of the intention to use educational apps. The current research also identified the moderating effect of gender in selecting educational apps. One of the most significant contributions of the present study is that it extended the uses and gratification theory applications beyond the traditional media to explain the intention to use educational apps.

The Effectiveness of Cognitive-Behavioral Play Therapy on the Aggression and Anxiety of Mentally Retarded Students

Aim: The present article was done with the aim to investigate the effectiveness of cognitive-behavioral play therapy on the aggression and anxiety of mentally retarded students. Methods: The research method was quasi-experimental method with a pretest, posttest and delay post design plus control group. The statistical society of the study consisted of mentally retarded male students of second grade of elementary exceptional schools during 2021-2022 and among them 30 students were selected as the sample case and categorized in experimental group (15 students) and control group (15 students). Data collection tools included Shahim (2007) aggression questionnaire and March et al (1997) anxiety questionnaire. The validity of research instruments was confirmed by the approval of specialists, for the research instruments`, the reliability was estimated and approved by calculating Cronbach alpha coefficient (α> 0.7). Prior to the study, Pre-test of aggression and anxiety was implemented in both groups. The experimental group received cognitive-behavioral play therapy through the training package in 12 sessions, but the control group did not receive any training therapy. After the training course in the post-test stage, both of the groups answered to the same questionnaire of pre-test stage; and two months later, research instruments were performed again between both groups. Results: The research data was analyzed with between- within mixed subjects Covariance Analysis. The results revealed that the cognitive-behavioral play therapy had a positive effect on the reduction of students` aggression and anxiety and this effectiveness has been remained stable after two months(P<0.05). Conclusion: According to cognitive-behavioral play therapy effectiveness and its stability in the present research, it was suggested to apply periodically the methods of cognitive-behavioral play therapy with the aim to decrease mentally retarded students` aggression and anxiety.

Behavioral Factors Influencing the Adoption of 1/2S d/2 Tapping System by Smallholder Rubber Farmers in Moneragala District

The adoption of the 1/2S d/2 tapping system by rubber smallholders is far behind the expectation of the Rubber Research Institute of Sri Lanka in Moneragala District. This study has assessed the behavioral factors that influence the adoption of the 1/2S d/2 tapping system. Data were collected using stratified random sampling. A self-administrated survey was deployed among rubber smallholders (self-tappers) in Moneragala District during 2020. The conceptual model was developed based on the decomposed theory of planned behavior. Study variables were measured using validated research instruments. A two-stage model-building process was applied. The conceptualized model was tested empirically, using partial least square structural equation modeling (SMART- PLS 3.2 version). The composite six-predictor conceptual framework and structural model explained 79% of the variance in the adoption of the 1/2S d/2 tapping system by rubber smallholders. The adoption of 1/2S d/2 by rubber smallholders positively correlated with the behavioral factors, behavioral intention, and perceived behavioral control. There were positive relationships between; compatibility and attitude, relative advantage and attitude, perceived usefulness and attitude, perceived ease of use and attitude, subjective norms and behavioral intention, facilitating condition, and perceived behavioral control. These findings can help boost the behavioral intention of rubber smallholders in Moneragala District in using 1/2S d/2, especially by improving the aspects of attitude and subjective norms of tappers.

Development and Initial Validation of the Nonparticipation in Nonformal Education Questionnaire

Nonformal adult education (NFE) provides adults with the opportunity to obtain competences needed to adapt to today’s changing job market. Despite the well-documented positive effects of NFE, there remains a lack of valid research instruments to assess factors of nonparticipation. Specifically, defining the perspectives of social groups with the highest incidence of barriers and the lowest level of participation in NFE has not been a primary research goal. This study describes the development and initial validation of a novel research tool entitled the Nonparticipation in Nonformal Education Questionnaire (NP-NFE-Q). The analysis covers the use of the NP-NFE-Q on a representative sample of the adult population ( n = 878) as well as three additional cohorts: low-educated workers ( n = 227), persons caring for children under the age of three ( n = 227), and retired persons ( n = 232). The results consistently support the validation of a correlated five-factor model, which includes two situational, one institutional and two dispositional factors.

Effect of The Covid-19 Pandemic Period on Zero Waste Awareness: A Scale Development Survey

<p>The purpose of study was to develop and validate a scale in order to investigate the consciousness and habits of individuals on zero waste awareness pre-pandemic and during COVID-19 period in Turkey. The study group which was sampled using criteria-sampling consists of 523 individuals who have or have not been infected with the virus. The data collected were analyzed using IBM SPPS and IBM SPSS AMOS software. Cronbach's alpha coefficient calculated for internal consistency in determining the level of reliability of the developed scale was 0.82 and 0.79 for pre- pandemic and during pandemic, respectively. The Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin coefficients (0.77 and 0.79) and the Bartlett test of sphericity results (both p<0.000) showed that the sample size is satisfactory for the measurement of the construct and the items have patterned relationships. Principal component analysis generated an 8-item scale with two factors. While the 8 items chosen to explain 62% of the total variance for pre- pandemic, they explain 61% of the total variance for during pandemic. Using the results, the goodness of fit indices used (chi-square/df, RMSEA, GFI, IFI, CFI, CR, AVE) for the model have presented that the scale developed in study is valid and reliable research instrument.</p>

Validation of The Mobile Training Management to Improve The Quality Results Training

The success of the training can be seen from how the activation process takes place. One of them is by designing an innovative training model. This research aims to analyze results validation of the mobile training management model. This research uses descriptive quantitative analysis in determining the level of validation of research instruments. This research method uses descriptive quantitative research to assess the level of validation of the research instrument. The sample of this research is the participants of basic level seafaring training at the Surabaya Shipping Polytechnic, the Director of the Surabaya Shipping Polytechnic, and local government employees related to mobile training activities. The research was analyzed based on results validation of the training and education management experts. The results reserach show that the mobile training model instrument is declared valid. Results of expert assessment from training management and managing education are categorized as good. This shows that the mobile training development model in improving the quality of education and training is worthy of further research.