Showing papers in "IJAEDU- International E-Journal of Advances in Education in 2017"

Interactive teaching methods: challenges and perspectives

Abstract: Georgian educational system has gone through the traditional methods of teaching. One of the main forms of teaching in high school was a lecture, during which the lecturer was a transmitter and the student was a recipient of knowledge. Integration with modern Euro-Atlantic educational space requires modernization of existing learning methods and the introduction of modern activities in the process of learning that will facilitate the establishment of an active, independent and free person with critical thinking. Western education system became the main focus of the Georgian educational policy. The educational strategy has been changed and its main purpose has become bringing up of free, active, informed and responsible citizens, equipped with the skills of critical thinking and loyal to the modern democratic community in order to meet the demands of present-day democratic society. The analysis of the research results shows that interactive teaching best helps students to get maximum involvement in the lecturing process. The student is not only a passive recipient of knowledge, who is constantly in the position of the listener but is actively involved in the lecturing process and gets maximum knowledge. As a result, the information received is remembered for a longer time. Recent studies show that interactive learning helps the learner not only to easily acquire new material but to memorize it for a longer period of time. The article does not attempt to contrast interactive and traditional methods but rather to highlight advantages of the interactive method and underline its effectiveness to activate creative thinking, analytic and argumentation skills in students.

Entry opportunities in the bulgarian military- educational system and ensuring of civil rights

Abstract: The report presents all current challenges which the Bulgarian military - education al system is facing in the context of the basic features of the security environment and trends for the first half of the 20 th century, by identifying the main problem areas in its functioning. The status and the capabilities of the military - education al system of the Republic of Bulgaria are discussed on the bas i s of conducted analysis about key strategic documents in the sectors of education, security and defen c e, as well as the current state of the military and civil education and the inherent activities of the training institutions. Outline d are the basic principles of construction and operation of the military - educational systems and the fundamental strategic goals and tasks according to modern strategic security environment and dynamically changing conditions in NATO and the EU. Described are the main elements of the military - education al system as a complex, adaptive and flexible system that develops in unity and complementarity with the system of civi l education in Bulgaria . Guidelines are formulated for improving the military - education al system in relation to its contribution to strengthening national security and defen c e of the country in three directions - conceptual, organizational and technological improvement.

Analysis of the environment for military educational system functioning and its impact on the preparation of cadets for military professional activities in the republic of bulgaria

Abstract: The realisation of the goals and priorities of the National Security Strategy and the National Defence Strategy, as well as the realisation of the activities in the National Program "Bulgaria in NATO and in European Defense - 2020", and the Investment Plan-Program of the Ministry of Defense to 2020 set new tasks to the military educational system of the Republic of Bulgaria and in particular to the logistics officers preparation. The tasks have a complex character and include: improving the quality and competitiveness of the military education, increasing personal cadets’ satisfaction in the process of training, and improving the organisation and content of the military professional training of the future officers. Military education is a complex, adaptable and flexible system which is developed in unity with the complementary system of the civic education in Bulgaria. The target of research is the military professional activity, while the subject of research is the military professional activity of the Logistic Officers. Methods of research: during the research a theoretical analysis of the military educational literature and of the normative documents was used; analysis and synthesis of the extent and the contents of the basic concepts, used in the elaboration; abstraction; substantiation; general conclusion and analogy.

Building competencies for social work through continuing vocational training

Abstract: The occupation of the social worker in modern times is challenged by the dynamically changing economic and social environment, growing requirements to their qulifications and competences and the needs of gaining new skills and permanen development and improvement. The aim of the presented study of defining the needs for continuing vocational training of specialists providing social services is to provide recommendations regarding the need of training for skills contributing to the increase in the degree of correspondence between labor supply and demand on the labor market, contributing to the improvement of the quality of the labor force in the country as a competitive factor with an increasing importance for successful economic development. The investigation and the specific examples discussed can be a solid basis for future studies and development of models for improvement the system of continuing and vocational training for acquiring the needed knowledge, skills and competences for effective work.

Learning analytics for smart classrooms in higher education

Abstract: Higher education sector has always been incorporating changes pertaining to technology in order to provide better teaching and learning environment to the stakeholders, including students and faculty members. A smart classroom is the one, which is equipped with latest tools and technologies that are based on the internet. Various web-based tools are also being used to enhance teaching and learning experience. To provide appropriate content to the students, based on their level of understanding, learning analytics could be helpful. Students would be provided with the content, based on assessments and tests, the result of which could analyze the area of improvement suggested for them. In this way, faculty can ensure that learning is taking place at each level in the classroom. This research paper highlights such environment which provides a strong base for learning analytics for enhanced learning environment in higher education.

Comparative analysis of the formation of military professional skills in the cadets to be trained in logistics specializations

Abstract: The social, political and economic changes in the Bulgarian society leave their traces in all spheres of the public life, in particular of the military education system. The implemented in the Republic of Bulgaria reforms assign to the Vasil Levski National Military University the task to train logistic officers at a high level of professional skills, who are ready to solve efficiently the assigned tasks. The specific character of the logistic officers’ activity sets increased requirements to their management skills and abilities and to the management effectiveness, related to them. In connection with this the disclosure of holdings of cadets from different specializations logistics management, organizational and communication skills is the topical trend to disclose ways to improve military professional training and formation of readiness for a timely and quality management decision making. The research target is the military professional training of the future logistic officers, while the developed in the course of their military professional training management skills, management, organizational and communication skills of the future logistic officers are subject of research. The research aim is to analyze the acquired in the course of the military professional training of the future logistic officers management skills and abilities and the related to them management effectiveness. The methods of research are: a theoretical analysis of the military education literature is used during the research; also the methods of inquiry, statistics, substantiation and general conclusion.

Education and behavioural failures

Abstract: The work defences the thesis that even ensured equal opportunities to invest in education and to get better life, even if this is the best life alternative for them, young people and their families would hardly take complete advantage of these opportunities . This particularly regards the ones in an unequal position . The reasons are looked for in behavioural failures connected to hyperbolic discounting and to focusing on the present , momentum , stereotypes , herd-instinct behaviour , the paralysis at the availability of numerous options and defects of will . The work also suggests solutions, which to help young people and their families to take adequate advantage of educational opportunities and to develop their potential, getting over or softening behavioural deformations and deviations from reality .

Technology enhanced learning assisted by free and open source software

Abstract: The education system of the present day has undergone a great revolution, with the enhancement of education technology. Especially in the higher education sector, IT is playing a vital role in the advancement of teaching and learning practices. Most of the educational organizations have already adopted smart learning environment by upgrading their infrastructure and with proper capacity building among staff members. But in the education sector, sustainability of technology is always being a challenge. To develop learning materials, many institutions have already started using free and open source software (FOSS) tools. FOSS gives freedom to the developer with the provision of various customization options as per the requirements of the class or subject. Moreover, in the longer run, free and open source software could be considered as the best option in education for e-learning implementation, for sustainability. There are many tools which are available for e-learning resource development. Some of them are available online and some are available as an installer for the various platform. In order to adapt ICT in education, especially in non-IT specialization, the faculty members need the training to learn and implement these tools in their classes. But there are many tools, which are specially designed for educators with basic knowledge of computers. Educators can plan their sessions, based on content, duration as well as the level of the subject and the students. This research paper will highlight various aspects of the implementation of FOSS, in education by using such easy-to-implement tools and techniques. This would provide general guidelines for the development of various e-learning solutions for technology-enhanced teaching and learning practices in higher education.

Artistic and aesthetic education of students by the means of the national arts and crafts: the tatarstan republic experience

Abstract: The research is devoted to the problem of aesthetic education in contest of moral education. Aesthetic education is studied in context of Russian educational reformation (The end of ХХ – the beginning of XXI century) and growth of national consciousness and spiritual revival of the people. This period is suggested as an ideological return to the national cultural and historical traditions. This period is characterises by the rise of public activity towards national heritage and traditions of folk culture and art. Authors suggest and prove that the separation of education and national culture, as soon as lack of training in national-cultural issues, leads not only to local culture regression but to certain problems in international relations and national egoism. Only spiritually and morally enriched education, that means not only local language study, as it is often done in Russian Federation, but also study of traditional customs, art and values of cultural and historical traditions of local nationality (in our research Tatars), allows to teach children to appreciate the human values and spiritual achievements of other nationalities. This means that today the educational process at schools has to be inherent in the nature of the identification of possible and effective forms and methods for the implementation of the students education on national traditions and art, as the most valuable thing for centuries, formed by the wisdom and culture of the people, should become a part of the upbringing and education of the modern school. The authors developed the system of artistic and aesthetic education of students by means of Tatar decorative and applied arts that promote artistic and aesthetic education, development of artistic and creative abilities of students, on the basis of national consciousness of personality development. This system creates the sense of humanity of students and develops there interethnic attitudes to others. This system was implemented at a number of schools where developed course has welcomed by authorities. Students have studied a corresponding material of the Tatar arts and crafts together with their parents and teachers. The results have shown that not only the level of students’ spiritual and moral education, aesthetic education has risen. The growth of their tolerance to other nation’s representatives from the position of understanding of prevention every national culture peculiarities became the most amazing.

Teachers’ views on students’ performance in english language proficiency courses via cefr descriptors

Abstract: ‘The English Language Education in Malaysia: An Agenda for Reform 2015-2025’ is a blueprint initiated by The Ministry of Education (MOE), Malaysia, currently launched in 2016. The key pledge to this blueprint is the alignment of Malaysia’s English Language Education System with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). CEFR is a benchmark for an international standard that focuses on developing learners who are able to communicate and interact in any language, in this instance, English. The focal point of the Malaysian education reform is to adopt the CEFR levels as the guiding beacon or regulating framework for curriculum development, issues regarding learning materials and the measurement of learning outcomes. In keeping with this reform, the study aims to understand English language teachers’ views on the English language proficiency courses in a local university, in Malaysia, based on CEFR scales. The study employs a quantitative approach, where surveys were distributed to twenty-five English language teachers. The data is then analysed quantitatively by frequency counts and percentage. Data shows there are variations in teachers’ views towards English language proficiency courses, and this may not necessarily fit into the CEFR standards targeted for university learners. The result of this study acts as preliminary data for further research on the link between English language course content and CEFR standards, as well as expected English language proficiency of university learners. Through this study, it is hoped that future design of teaching and learning materials that contribute to ‘proficient’ learners at the end of university years, can be developed.

The needs of continuing vocational training of social work specialists providing social services

Abstract: This study justifies the need for building a system for research, identification and monitoring of the needs of vocational training in compliance to the constantly changing needs of the labour market. When considered in a narrower sense this problem justifies and proves the need for this activity related to social work and social workers. A method for determining the need for continuing vocational training of specialists in social work is developed and an experimental model for its implementation is offered.

The use of multiliteration model to improve mathematical connection ability of primary school on geometry

Abstract: The data of Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) in 2015 has shown that the primary students in Indonesia have the 6 th lowest skill. This is occurred as the students have not been facilitated by connection skill to improve their standard one. Mathematics learning activity can be used to improve the connection skill for it has a systematic and connection concepts affecting to their good attitude and logical systematic and rational thinking. Therefore, teachers should be able to choose a learning model to improve mathematical connection skill of the students. One of which is by using Multiliteration learning model. Multiliteration learning model consists of four learning stages including setup, explore, discuss, presenting . The research aims to determine student’s mathematical connection skill between learning using Multiliteration and conventional model. This used a quasi-experimental research with non-equivalent control group design. The research had been examined in Primary School. The m aterial taken in the research is Geometry in Theme 7 Curriculum 2013. Based on data processing of connection skill test, the average pretest results of control group is 28,3 and experimental group is 27,7. After receiving different treatment, the average posttest result of control group is 63,3 and experimental group is 86,3. Improvement quality of student’s mathematical connection of experimental group is higher than control group, which is in medium. Thus, Multiliteration learning model can be used as one of the alternative learning model to improve the student’s mathematical connection.

New and even newer fostering innovativeness in primary education

Abstract: This paper describes the need for the implementation of an education for innovativeness. Innovativeness as the ability to participate in innovation processes is a competence closely linked to participation processes in a complex, dynamic and ever-changing world that needs mature citizens to shape present and future societies in accordance with their ideas, interests, and social responsibility. This involves questioning current circumstances (reflexivity), developing new ideas (creativity) and bringing those ideas into action (implementivity), which are the three core dimensions of innovativeness. Participation options in innovation processes are multifaceted as they occur in an active, idea-creating manner, and/or in a reactive, innovation-evaluating and implementing orientation as well. An education for innovativeness addresses all these extents. This paper outlines, that current educational-political documents in the case of Germany are nominally supportive towards an education for innovativeness at least by promoting the ability to participate. However, these calls do not comprehensively meet the standards of innovativeness: Firstly, because the term innovation is fuzzy and dominated by catch-word usage. Secondly, innovation and participation are mostly obligated to a neoliberalist ideal that rather supports consolidation of a given framework than mature societal changes. Widely deepening rudimentary educational-political calls for participation, this paper, in contrast, argues for a humanistic perspective on innovation processes in accordance with the humanistic ideal of education, allowing real participation as well as future- and development-oriented structuring of society. The case of the German subject Sachunterricht (Primary Social and Science Education) illustrates that innovativeness can be taught in school -even in the early years- as this interdisciplinary subject meets the open character of innovativeness and provides linkages to lifeworld related scenarios. Nevertheless, a schoolbook task analysis regarding the subject Sachunterricht reveals that there is almost no fostering of innovativeness in this given material. Space and obligation are left to develop concepts and instruments that foster innovativeness in school.

The effect of ethnomathematics-based savi (somatic, auditory, visualization, intelectually) approach on mathematical communication skill on geometry in elementary school

Abstract: The mathematics learning process in elementary schools is still focused on the more active teachers in the classroom than students. Students are not much given the opportunity to gain direct experience in the learning process so that it cause s low understanding of mathematical concepts and mathematical communication skill of students. The aim of this research are to obtain a description of the effect of ethnomathematics -based SAVI (Somatic, Auditory, Visualization, Intellectually) approach on mathematical communication skill of students in geometry in 5 th grade one of elementary school in Serang , Indonesia and to gain an overview of the results of mathematical communication skill of students using ethnomathematics -based SAVI approach better than the use of conventional learning . The research was qua n titative research and employed quasi experimental research which is nonequivalent control group des ig n. This research was located at one of elementary school in Serang, Indonesia. The subject s of this research were 38 students of class A as an experimental class and 38 students class B as a control class . The d ata were collected through test which is mathematical communication skill test and interviews and analyzed by using data processing SPSS 21 version programs . The result showed that the average of pre - test of mathematical communication skill in experimental class is 40,92 and the control class is 34,74 . After given different treatment and the final mathematical communication skill test, the average value is 72,11 in experimental class and 60,53 for the control class. The mean value of gain is 0,53 in experimental class including the medium category. So based on these results, it can be concluded that the ethnomathematics -based SAVI approach affect s to mathematical communication skill of students.

Prospects for development of higher education in bulgaria

Abstract: The system of higher education in Europe nowadays is faced with a number of challenges regarding standards of accreditation and quality assessment, relations to other organizations and labor market, expectations and demand of learners, university management, etc. The many-year reforms conducted in Bulgaria have led to some characteristics in higher education system and the institutions felled in the trap of changes, thus being in a situation which imposes the need of urgent and adequate actions in term of a purposeful national policy and an effective strategic management at university level. Current paper makes discussions on the most topical problems of Bulgarian universities regarding provision of quality education and competitiveness on international markets. The results presented on the basis of the analyses of the main legislative and strategic documents on national levels are complemented by the data provided by the Bulgarian University Ranking System and the information provided by the National accreditation and evaluation agency. Prospects for future development of the system of higher education in Bulgaria are outlined in the context of the accreditation procedures, quality assurance and ranking systems, academic staff development and links to scientific research, economy and society. The conclusions and recommendations made could be useful as an experience analyzed and a practice presented, as well as a basis for further discussions and research.

Analyzing the utility of grammar translation method & direct method for teaching english at intermediate level

Abstract: English is considered as fascinating and laureates’ language in Pakistan. It has also become a status symbol in our society. Pakistani learners are facing difficulty while studying English because they are not taught English as a skill rather as a subject. For the benefits of students, language teachers had a thrust to invent new methods to satisfy their students’ needs. The current study was designed to explore the utility of combination of grammar translation method and direct method for teaching English at intermediate level. The next objective was to investigate the impact of teaching methods on the effectiveness of teachers separately. All the intermediate level teachers from district Bahawalpur were the population of the study. Four hundred teachers were selected randomly from eighty colleges with equal participation of males and females. A self-constructed instrument Teaching Methods Survey (TMS) was used. Data were analyzed with the help of SPSS version 22. The results revealed that there exists a significant difference between male and female teachers’ effectiveness. The mean score shows that female teachers had improved effectiveness as compared with male teachers. There exists non-significant difference between DM and GTM. A non-significant difference was found between male and female teachers. The analysis revealed a significant difference between male and female teachers. The mean score shows that female teachers had better effectiveness as compared with male teachers. It is recommended that there should be use of both teaching methods in the context of Pakistan. No single method is successful.

The value of character education in andai-andai folklore and its use as learning material for literature subject in elementary school

Abstract: This research departed from many variations of folklore in Indonesia especifically in Kedurang society which contains many values of character education that can be taught in literature learning for pupils in elementary school because It is important to teach of good characters early. The purposes of this research were to describe values of character education in andai-andai folklore in Kedurang society and to describe the use of andai-Andai folklore as material for literature subject in elementary school. The method used in this research was a qualitative method with content analysis technique. The data in this research were collected by doing observation, interview, and recording. The techniques of data analysis were by (1) collecting data (2) selecting data (3) interpreting data and (4) drawing conclusion. The results and discussion of this research showed that: (1) Seven andai-andai folklores having been analysed in this research contain many values of character education such as social empathy value, religious value, compiliance value, hardwork value, creativity value, patience value, and promise-keeping value. (2) The andai-Andai folklores in Kedurang Society in Indonesia can be used as learning material for literature subject in elementary school in-as-much as the major characters in those forklores are children and animals. It can also be taught by doing story-telling method with hypnoteaching technique and making a reading text for pupils. The implication of the result of this research for pupils is to make them more motivated and enthusiastic to learn with good characters. Then, for the society in Kedurang, this research can hopefully be one way in preserving folklores. Therefore, the andai-andai folklores are ideal to be used as learning material for literature subject since it contains many good values of character education so that it is needed to maintain and to tell the folklores from generation to generation.

Identifying students’ scientific argumentation skill at junior high school 1 argamakmur, north bengkulu

Abstract: This is a preliminary study aimed to identify students’ scientific argumentation skill at Junior High School 1, Argamakmur, North Bengkulu. The data were gathered by online survey to 8 science teachers in Bengkulu and test to 32 students of grade eight in Junior High School 1, Argamakmur, North Bengkulu. Online survey consisted of 4 questions focused on science learning issues. The essay test to obtain scientific argumentation skill consisted of 4 questions, where each question was covering four indicators of scientific argumentation: claim, data, warrant and backing. A valid scientific argumentation test was adopted from Putri (2016). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics by calculating the percentage of average score of teacher answers and students’ scientific argumentation skill as a whole. The data analysis revealed that the teachers argue that students’ scientific argumentation skill was still very low compared to others skill like the science process skill, critical thinking skill, creative thinking skill, scientific literacy skill and student independence and this statement supported by test result where the score of students’ argumentation skill achieved low category. This phenomenon might be caused by the lack of educational learning process that facilitates students in expressing their opinions according to scientific evidence both orally and in writing. This paper also offers an idea helping teachers to improve students’ scientific argumentation skill by implementing phenomenon-based learning with video assistance through a modified " flipped classroom " approach.

The implementation of problem-based learning in writing discussion text on indonesian language learning

Abstract: Writing is very important to master in order to make students into communicative language users. To equip students with good writing skills requires an effective learning model. This paper aims to describe the effect of the implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) model on the ability to write text discussion of students on learning Indonesian. The research method used is quasi experimental method of design pretest-posttest control group design. The population of this research is eighth-grade in one of the secondary schools in Indonesia . The data were obtained using four kinds of data collection methods, namely interview, test, observation, and questionnaire. This paper describes 1) the learning profile of writing discussion text in eighth-grade 2) the implementation process of problem-based learning model in writing discussion text on learning Indonesian in experiment class 3) a significant difference between the ability to write the text of the discussion of eighth-grade in one of the secondary schools in Indonesia using a problem-based learning model in the experimental class and the model of the learning process in the control class. The results showed a significant difference between the students 'writing ability in the experimental class with the ability to write the students' discussion text in the control class. The implication of the implementation of this PBL model is that students in the experimental class can (1) build motivation and confidence when writing; (2) able to pour his ideas in writing systematically, ranging from defining problems, finding and processing information relating to the problem and then provide solutions to the problems at hand; (3) able to develop social skills through: sensitivity to solve problems, work in teams to exchange ideas, and correlate writing with friends; and (4) write in correct and communicative Indonesian Language.

Are comics effective materials for teaching ells? a literature review on graphic media for l2 instruction

Abstract: In spite of the arguments teachers, parents, librarians, and critics have raised against students reading comics, research has demonstrated the effective use of comics in the classroom. This paper is a review of the literature that justifies how comics have been used to spark student motivation, heighten vocabulary acquisition, enhance multiple literacies, and improve multimodal skills during the learning process. These multimodal skills are essential for reading comics, since readers are required to make meaning of the visual, audio, and narration features of a comic. Even though the idea of using comics in the general education classroom is becoming more accepted, these discoveries still do not answer a vital question in the field of English Language Learning Pedagogy, which is “Are comics effective materials to use with English Language Learners (ELLs)?” This question helps professionals and researchers further explore the legitimacy of using comics as a tool for teaching and improving language skills. Using James W. Brown’s (1977) research as a theoretical foundation, experiences that language learners encounter while reading comics in the target foreign language are clarified. In addition, further language pedagogical practices, based on fieldwork and teaching experience with ELLs in public grade schools and universities in New York City and abroad, are proposed at the conclusion of this literature review. Such proposed practices are instructional practices from the following locations: New York, United States; Tsinghua University in Beijing, China; Chon Buri, Thailand; Traduc Inc. in Santiago, Chile; and Puerto Bolivar, Ecuador.

International graduates: pakistani fulbright alumni on their return to pakistan

Abstract: The study contributes to the under-explored topic of international alumni and their professional activities back in the home countries, and especially the impact such activities may have on the alumni’s communities. The study is based on interviews with six Pakistani Fulbright alumni, three males and three females, who had graduated from art and design institutes in the U.S. in the last seven years; the alumni discuss the influence of their U.S.A. experience on their teaching and involvement in the community. The interviews sought the answers to the following two questions: 1. What was the impact of the Fulbright program on the alumni’s teaching? and 2. What were the alumni’s perceptions, informed by their Fulbright period, of the cross-national humanistic influence of art on human relations? The questions were informed by the recently acknowledged fact that art practice is an effective means of reaching out across groups of society. Educators’ experience confirms that art helps students to interact with peers of different social backgrounds; practicing art allows students to communicate more deeply and has a harmonizing effect for all the participants. It was hypothesized that Fulbright experience may trigger off changes in the alumni’s pedagogy towards a more student-oriented approach; it was also hypothesized that Fulbright alumni may see more clearly the link between student-oriented teaching and humanistic relations in society, especially between the less privileged and more privileged groups of population. The results of the study included the following. All six interviewees pointed out that the Fulbright program had a positive impact on their teaching and academic experiences. Specifically, it enabled them to move from lecturing to more interactive student-centered teaching styles. Examples included taking students out of the classroom into real-life settings, giving more value to a “relational, interactive and collaborative space” rather than just a “speculative one,” and practicing inclusive pedagogy (teaching autistic and deaf students). Likewise, all six interviewees indicated that there is a link between their innovative pedagogy and broader humanistic projects which they have launched since their return to Pakistan. The study concluded that when interacting with domestic students, the Fulbright graduates were transferring the skills they received abroad, thus becoming informal ambassadors of new ideas and practices. In this respect, Fulbright graduates have potential to influence Pakistan’s academic and cultural development; therefore, it is important to establish closer contacts with them, as well as maintain these links for extended time.

Mooc development on multimedia systems and applications course

Abstract: Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) is one of an e-learning platform to cater Education 4.0 and Industry 4.0 today. It is identified that MOOC on Multimedia Systems and Applications Course (MSAC) yet to be developed on Open Learning platform. Thus, this research presents a design of MSAC MOOC to provide students with essential knowledge on multimedia systems and applications based on interactive teaching and learning. Students can apply the acquired knowledge in designing multimedia systems and applications such as text, graphics images, audio, video, animation which can be presented online on MOOC. The designed MOOC is different to attracts everybody in the world to participate online no matters which academic background they have. The MOOC course started with a promo video, introductory video, course synopsis, course learning outcome, durations and course plan for 14 weeks. It is also designed with badges and certificates to excellent students who finish the course and able to gain understanding with interactive and active students on the MOOC. Theoretically, eleven topics are covered throughout the MOOC that consists of learning outcome for each topic. Content in text, images, animation and video is designed in subtopic. Practically three activities in each topic are designed with assessment on quizzes and interactive online questions. Educational hyperlink is supported on the MOOC for interactive knowledge based module, video on YouTube and Multimedia channel forum related to the course. Online discussion with students and submitted online short reports is applied to show their understanding of Intellectual Property Rights concept in designing multimedia system and applications. The designed MOOC then is analyzed and result based on student’s participations, origins, assessment and feedback from the students is presented. Research is significant in identifying students’ completion of the course understanding applied tools. The MOOC course is significant for today’s teaching and learning strategy that need to be ready align with new technologies and development.

The malaysian secondary school efl speaking curriculum: a theoretical foundation alignment analysis

Abstract: Goal–achieving curricular are often coherent at their fundamental level. In order for a curriculum to achieve its goals, it is imperative that the curriculum is coherent at all levels. The contents presented in a curriculum must align with its theoretical underpinning. The present Malaysian English language curriculum is developed and designed based on the Communicative Language Teaching (CLT). Thus, the purpose of the current study was to examine if the theoretical grounding of the Malaysian form five English language curriculum, in particular the speaking curriculum, is in alignment with its communicative label. In line with its label, the speaking curriculum embedded in the Malaysian form five English language curriculum should be developed and designed based on the CLT. It should reflect the CLT approach. The data for this study were collected from the Form Five English Language Curriculum Specifications document and the Form Five English Language textbook. In analyzing the alignment of the Malaysian form five English language speaking curriculum with the communicative approach, the data were categorized under major second language acquisition (SLA) theories and second language (L2) speaking theories. The findings show that the socio-cognitive and socio-cultural theories are highly reflected in the Malaysian form five English Language speaking curriculum, the two theories which are closely related to the communicative approach. This shows that the Malaysian form five English language speaking curriculum is primarily in alignment with its communicative label. The findings are discussed in relation to their implications on English as a foreign language (EFL) speaking instruction.

Prevalence of specific learning disabilities and its management among pupils in calabar educational zone, cross river state

Abstract: This study investigated the prevalence of specific learning disabilities and its management among pupils in Calabar educational zone, Cross River State. It adopted survey design,400 pupils between ages 6-14 years,200 teachers were purposively sampled across 20 schools were used for the study and three instruments two were designed by the researcher (learning disability checklist-LDC and teachers ability to manage learning disabilities-TAMLD), learning disabilities assessment and diagnostic Instrument -LDADI used in learning disabilities assessment center Jos, plateau state Nigeria. LDC and LDADI were used to identify specific learning disabilitieswhile TAMLD was used to assess teachers’ ability to manage cases of learning disabilities in the classroom. All instruments were validated by experts in relevant fields. Data from thefield were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings indicated that there are eight sub types of specific learning disabilities are common among pupils in thesampled schools; these include dyslexia 26% (n=104), dyscalculia 18% (n=72), dysgraphia 16% (n=64), ADHD 9% (n=36), dyspraxia 15% (n=60), dysorthgraphia3% (n=12),dyspinxia 8% (n=32), and dysmusia 5% (n=20).While 35% (n=70), 31% (n=62), of the teachers have poor and fair ability in managing specific learning disabilities others have 20% (n=40) and 14% (n=28) good and excellent ability to handle these disabilities. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that teachers’ capacity should be built so that they professionally meet instructional needs of pupils with these disabilities if government policies like SDGs and Inclusion must be achieved in Nigeria.

Perceptions of education lecturers in the implementation of mobile learning

Abstract: The rapid development of mobile and wireless communication technology has had a great impact on education. Previous researchers have implemented mobile device-assisted learning that is known as mobile learning. Mobile learning offers new opportunities for educators and learners in attempt to improve their quality of teaching and learning. However, mobile learning is still rarely used. One of the factors that influence it is that the teachers are still reluctant to implement mobile learning. In fact, the successful implementation of mobile learning is strongly influenced by the positive perception of its users. Therefore, it is very important to know the perception of the education lecturers. The aim of this study is to investigate the background and perception of educators in mobile learning. The method used in this study was descriptive method with qualitative approach. The data were collected from education lecturers who teach in Universitas Syiah Kuala by means of questionnaires and interviews. The results show that education lecturers in Universitas Syiah Kuala had positive perceptions of mobile learning. Interestingly, although they are not from ICT-related education, they are currently working with the ICT-related job and interested in implementing mobile learning. The financial and device issues were not to be the obstacles for the lecturers to integrate mobile learning in their class and most of them are ready to implement mobile learning before 2 years.

Saudi undergraduate efl students’ perceptions towards learning together strategy implementation in an efl reading comprehension course

Abstract: The importance of reading comprehension proficiency in enhancing the academic success, development and growth of students’ logical, intellectual, critical, emotional, social aspects and linguistic competencies is well documented. However, there is poor performance by Saudi EFL learners in reading comprehension section at both TOEFL and IELTS tests. This might be attributed to the negative perceptions Saudi EFL learners have towards reading comprehension instruction. These negative perceptions held by Saudi EFL learners towards EFL reading comprehension instruction might be due to the fact that the majority of Saudi English as a foreign language of students have been taught by conventional teaching methods. Therefore, these negative perceptions may be modified positively by applying an effective teaching method like learning together strategy of cooperative learning that may be capable of improving students’ academic achievement, perceptions and liking of EFL reading comprehension. This study aimed to investigate the effects of learning together strategy of cooperative learning on Saudi EFL undergraduate students’ perceptions towards EFL reading comprehension. The pretest-posttest quasi-experimental design was employed since Qassim University departmental system does not allow randomization of individual students. Forty EFL third-level students of Unaizah Science and Arts College taking EFL Reading Comprehension course took part in this study. The students took a pre- learning together strategy survey, then they received a learning together strategy instruction and finally they took a post-learning together strategy survey. Results of this study revealed higher positive perceptions for students using learning together strategy in the post- learning together strategy than those in the pre-learning together strategy survey. The study concluded that learning together strategy of cooperative learning has several pedagogical implications for EFL reading comprehension instruction.

Mobile learning module system with logo characterization

Abstract: This paper presents a development of Mobile Learning Module system that characterized logo and recognized learning module using mobile system. The system is based on computer vision to easy identify logo and information of the course module which is online on server. The developed system is based on image processing, which can control the classification, qualification and segmentation of images hence to recognize the logo Module information. Objectives of the project are first to design Multimedia Learning Module system that uses a mobile phone to interface with online server that compare and classify the captured image and trained into the system’s database. Secondly, module is collected and characterization its type of logo on online server and stored notes module that can be accessed globally from time to time. The last objective is to analyze the designed system and techniques of accessing the Modules on more than 36 participants and presents the result. The methodology development of the system consists of three stages which are capturing an image of each course module, recording the logos according to type and related information of identified courses. Mobile hand phone is used and mobile programming is coded on the server. One course is taken as sample for recognized the logo modules. The course module is transferred to pdf and put as accessible mobile online. Course information is characterized and classify by chapter in pdf file through mobile phone. Successfully results presented multimedia modules image logo can be captured and recognition subject name and online module is extracted. Analysis of students used of the system is presented. Students are able to easily access the module anytime, anywhere with recorded accessed. This project is significant to academics which is less complex and relatively faster to capture online module for learning and teaching approach.

The effect of mathematical habits of mind learning strategy based on problem toward students’ mathematical creative thinking disposition

Abstract: One of the evaluation standards given by the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) is mathematical disposition. Disposition refers not simply to attitudes but to a tendency to think and to act in positive ways. Creative thinking disposition is the tendency to thinking and acting creativ e ly in mathematics. The aims of this research is to determine the effect of mathematical habits of mind learning based on problems toward the students’ mathematical creative thinking disposition . This research was conducted at one of SMPN (Junior High School) Padang Ratu, Indonesia. The method used in this research is quasi experiment with posttest only control group research design. The population of this research is 2 14 students . The sample of this study is 70 students at grade VII which consists of 36 students in experimental group and 34 students in control group. The experimental group was taught by mathematical habists of mind learning strategy based on problem and the control group was taught by conventional learning strategy ( teacher centered ). The sampling technique used is cluster random sampling . The instrument used to collect data in this research is questionaire checklist to determine students’ mathematical creative thinking disposition . Data analysis used in this research is t-test. The results showed that students’ mathematical creative thinking disposition which is taught by mathematical habits of mind learning strategy base d on problem are better than the students which taught by conventional learning strategy . In future research, we recommend to use the mathematical habits of mind learning strategy base d on problem in learning process to increase student’s creative thinking disposition.

Science education teaching and learning activity in islamic boarding school

Abstract: Nowadays, Islamic education like pesantren (Islamic boarding school) has the undeniably substantial contributions to the advancement of education in Indonesia. However, as a matter of fact, the learning system of Islamic boarding school could be a great burden for students since it urges them to focus on both learning the national curriculum (K13) and the school’s curriculum. SMP Daarut Tauhid, an example of Islamic boarding school, that has two types of class, namely regular and takhasuz class, has been implementing this sort of system. In regular class, students are required to memorize at least 1 juz of Al-Qur’an when they are at 9 th grade. Meanwhile, students in takhasuz class have an obligation to memorize 30 juz of Al-Qur’an when they are at 9 th grade. As a consequence, this would interference the learning of the other subjects including science lesson. Therefore, this study was undertaken to investigate learning activities of science lesson in takhasuz class which cover the use of learning media, assessment and evaluation and also to figure out the differences between teaching learning activities in regular class and those in takhasuz class. This study was conducted as a qualitative research with descriptive approach. Questionnaire and interview were used to collect the data needed. Questionnaire was used to get the information regarding to the teaching learning process and the facilities that are used. To validate the data, interview was used as well. The findings show that although in takhasuz class, students have more hours to focus on learning the school’s curriculum, teacher still gives the best results on their achievement just like in regular class. The teacher also gives an extra support such as using media that can make students understand easily, making group for students so that they can study independently, and providing laboratory activity to boost their activeness. Despite that, the findings also reveal some problems faced by the teacher, which are the lack of facilities in the laboratory and the limited hours for doing an experiment. Based on the research results, it is suggested that the teacher should do the experiment that are suitable with the allocation time of study, and use the materials that can be easily obtained for the experiment.

The effect of digital material towards standard two students’s achievement in reading

Abstract: Teaching and learning through digital technology is currently experiencing very rapid changes. Changes, especially in the reading system can be seen through the use of digital material with technology-based. To achieve that context, this research was carried out to test an interactive reading material for Standard Two primary school student. The experiment group was exposed to the use of interactive multimedia material, while the control group was exposed to the use of conventional material. Quasi-experimental method was used in this study to test Standard Two Student’s achievement in reading comprehension. Data were analyzed by descriptive and inferential methods. Descriptive data are mean and standard deviation. Inferential data were analyzed using ANCOVA statistic. The result showed that there were significant difference between the use of interactive and conventional material when the pre-test is statistically controlled or covariates. The result shows the implication that interactive multimedia reading material makes student more creative and critical in reading. Therefore, it is proposed to the Ministry of Education, Malaysia to intensify the use of interactive multimedia materials in order to improve the achievement of student in reading.