Showing papers in "International Journal of Education in 2019"

Effect of Learning Module with Setting Contextual Teaching and Learning to Increase the Understanding of Concepts

Abstract: This study aims to analyze differences in conceptual understanding between students facilitated by learning modules with Contextual Teaching and Learning settings and direct learning models. This study was a quasi-experimental study using a pretest-posttest nonequivalent control groups design. . The data collected in this study are data understanding concepts with concept understanding tests. Then the concept understanding data was collected by concept understanding tests in the form of reasoned objective tests consisting of 19 items. Data on understanding concepts were analyzed descriptively using one-way analysis of variance. Research shows that understanding the concept of groups of students learning by facilitating learning modules containing Contextual Teaching and Learning is higher than the group of students who learn through direct learning models. Based on these findings it was concluded that there were differences in understanding of physics concepts between students facilitated by learning modules containing Contextual Teaching and Learning and direct learning models.

Understanding the Impact of Determinants in Game Learning Acceptance: An Empirical Study

Abstract: This study aimed to integrate Innovation Diffusion Theory (IDT) and Expectation Confirmation Model (ECM) on user intention of game learning. This study framed 10 hypotheses to investigate the objectives of this study. The results of 8 hypotheses were positive and had a significant impact on students’ behavior in the use of game learning. The method used in this research was empirical, with 164 valid respondents. The results found in this research was students’ continued intention in the use of game learning (CI), which was directly influenced by student perceived usefulness (PU), student satisfaction (SAT) and student habitual (HAB) while student satisfaction (SAT) was influenced by student perceived usefulness (PU) and triability (TRA). In addition, the findings of this research were predicted to offer useful validation from the antecedents involved in the process of deciding the user continuous intention in game learning. This research also provided a theoretical framework and understanding of the field of user behavior intention for academia and practitioners, who will benefit from the findings of this study and develop applications/software for a more adequate and competent game learning.

Industry 4.0: Employers Expectations of Accounting Graduates and its Implications on Teaching and Learning Practices

Abstract: This study aims to examine employers’ expectations of knowledge and skills in accounting graduates before hiring them. Using a qualitative approach on accounting practitioners and academics, this study shows that the expectations employers place on accounting students in the Industry 4.0 environment is set to change significantly, particularly in technologies used in the preparation, reporting and dissemination of financial information. Specifically, this study showcases the strong views expressed by a panel of experts comprising accounting practitioners, particularly on the subjects of job redundancies and the degree of replacement of human activities by electronic devices and machines. The replacement of physical human activities by machines is therefore expected. In addition, accounting practitioners see the need for accounting graduates to focus on continuous learning and education, particularly in acquiring knowledge and skills in IT. Hence, there is a need for academics and universities to incorporate various accounting technologies and simulations that are applicable to the Industry 4.0 environment, in their teaching and learning activities. This study contributes to existing education literature by providing new findings on the expectations of employers of future accounting graduates. In addition, this study contributes to the further understanding of academics and universities in strategizing ways and innovating new teaching and learning approaches so that accounting graduates’ employability can be enhanced and the needs of the current market for accountants can be accommodated.

Trends in Reading Literary Fiction in Print and Cyber Media by Undergraduate Students of Hasanuddin University.

Abstract: This research investigated the trends in reading literary fiction by students of Hasanuddin University and their main reasons for reading works of fiction. Reading tendencies were grouped into types, reading of fiction in print and fiction in electronic (cyber) media. The purposes of this study were: 1) to quantify the literary fiction reading media preferred by students; 2) to identify specific reasons for their choice of media; 3) to identify perceived personal benefits obtained from reading literary fiction, and 4) to evaluate readers’ personal choices in terms of contents. The majority of students preferred to read using electronic media (62%), although a substantial majority preferred the classical printed book format (38%). The reasons given for preferring cyber literature (defined as works of fiction presented in an electronic medium) to printed literature were mainly practical, such as ease of access using electronic devices (tablets, computers, smartphones, etc.) as well as capacity and versatility, and that one multi-functional device can hold many books or other reading media. This research indicates that young people view reading fiction not only as entertainment, but also as a valuable and rewarding activity. The trend towards electronic media provides a growing and increasingly used opportunity for casual readers and enthusiasts to access and enjoy a wide cross-section of literary fiction.

The Impact of Mathematics Teacher Quality on Student Achievement in Oman and Taiwan

Abstract: Following the educational reform trend around the world, Oman and Taiwan emphasize on teacher quality to improve student learning. This study investigated the relationship between teacher quality and eighth graders mathematics achievement in Oman and Taiwan by utilizing TIMSS 2011 data. The research question examined to what extent teacher quality as defined by the measurable variables (teacher qualification, teaching practices and professional development) impacts student achievement in Oman and Taiwan. The study employed Ordinary Least Square (OLS) statistical analysis to examine the relationship between teacher quality and eighth-grade student math performance in both countries. The results show that teacher quality indicators in Oman and Taiwan have a positive impact on eighth graders mathematics achievement. However, teacher quality variables that influence student achievement in both countries vary depending on the education context, student characteristics and school factors. The study findings support policy intervention aimed at improving teacher quality and recommends providing more opportunities for participation in content-focused and pedagogical-focused professional development.

Conceptual Understanding, Procedural Knowledge and Problem-Solving Skills in Mathematics: High School Graduates Work Analysis and Standpoints.

Abstract: This study measures the mathematical abilities high school graduates’ in Bahrain. Mathematical abilities encompass conceptual understanding, procedural knowledge and problem-solving skills in the five content domains which are Number and Operations, Algebra, Geometry, Measurement, and Data Analysis and Probability. While procedural understanding focusses on performing facts and algorithms, conceptual understanding reflects a student's ability to reason and comprehend mathematical concepts, operations and relations which will be helpful in solving non-routine problems. A test consisting of questions from the five content domains was administered to students where they demonstrated conceptual understanding and procedural knowledge which enabled them to solve problems in various real-life situations. Structured interviews were also conducted to test their mathematical abilities and suggest ways to improve proficiency in mathematics and eliminate misconceptions. The results show that conceptual understanding and problem-solving skills are positively correlated. This research also endeavors to correlate students’ performance in this test with their high school GPA.

The Potential Use of Social Media on Malaysian Primary Students to Improve Writing.

Abstract: English has always been the second language taught in both primary and secondary schools in Malaysia. Students need to master English for communication, job requirements, advancement in science and technology and many other reasons. One of the most difficult components to master is the writing skill. As it requires knowledge in grammar, spelling, punctuation and vocabulary to produce a good piece of writing, students must be fully equipped with all the essential abilities. Henceforth, this study aims to investigate the potential use of social media in improving the writing skill among primary students. The respondents of this research comprised of 47 ESL primary school students from a rural area in one of the states in Malaysia. The students’ perceptions were measured through a questionnaire comprising a survey and open-ended questions. The finding of this study indicated that most respondents have access to social media and that they perceived social media as beneficial for the ESL educators to incorporate ICT into their teaching repertoire. It is concluded that incorporating social media in the classroom breaks the barriers in learning and converts it into a constructive learning environment.

The influence of interest and motivation on college students’ language and art appreciation learning outcomes

Abstract: A good and appropriate learning process will motivate learners, and will eventually have an impact on improved learning outcomes. The researchers conducted an investigation into the influence of interest and motivation on learning outcomes of Korean Education Study Program students in a state university in Indonesia in the particular subject of Language and Art Appreciation. The compulsory subject is part of the faculty’s mission to cultivate literary and art appreciation of its students. A survey employing a Likert-based questionnaire consisting of 60 items was carried out, and documentary analysis was conducted to the students’ final exam grades in the subject of Language and Art Appreciation. The results show that interest and motivation had significant influence on students’ learning outcomes, as shown by their final exam grades in the subject. It can be concluded then that high level of interest and motivation determined the success of learning outcomes, especially in the subject of Language and Art Appreciation.

Lecture Method Preferences, Auditory or Visual, of Ukrainian Consumers of Educational Services : A Statistical Analysis

Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the lecture method preferences of Ukrainian consumers of educational services. The study has observed two popular methods of providing educational services: the auditory method and the visual method. Research methodology included: information research; questioning and statistical processing of questionnaires; graphical representation of results and verification of statistical hypotheses. The sampling included two groups of students and one group of school teachers. It was statistically proved that Ukrainian students prefer the visual method of lectures but not the auditory method in availing educational services. Since the results are strongly significant, they have a great practical importance, recommending university teachers to use visual methods of lectures more than auditory while providing educational services. This will help them to adapt their lecture form and technique according to the needs and preferences of students as consumers of educational services.In addition, the results will also be useful to design and formulate training programs for teachers of Ukrainian Universities and making policy design for the Ukrainian Higher Education.

Investigating Employment and Career Decision of Health Sciences Teachers in the Rural School Districts and Communities: A Social Cognitive Career Approach

Abstract: Article History Received: 6 May 2019 Revised: 14 June 2019 Accepted: 17 July 2019 Published: 4 September 2019

The Relationship between Teachers Beliefs, Teachers Behaviors, and Teachers Professional Development: A Literature Review

Abstract: Foreign language teaching and learning is one of the topics in the field of K-12 education and adult learning. Most of the current research studies tend to focus on the development and training of foreign language learners. However, issues such as teaching strategies, methodologies, classroom management, and personal beliefs of teaching and learning are neglected. As teachers are primary tools to deliver lessons at all different levels, educators and researchers are increasingly concerned about how teachers’ beliefs and personal background may influence classroom management, curriculum and instruction planning and expectations of students. The current study is a literature review of the concept of teachers’ beliefs, followed by a review of studies exploring teachers’ beliefs using different methodologies. The relationship between teachers’ beliefs and teachers’ classroom practices is also discussed, along with factors influencing teachers’ beliefs in teaching professional development courses.

Substantiation of the Term “Digital Asset”: Economic and Legal Aspects

Abstract: Background and Aim of Study: The development of the digital economy has led to the emergence of new terms. The research work focuses on the introduction of the term “digital asset” into the scientific use. The scientific publications and research works on the interpretation of the term “digital asset” have been analyzed, and various fields of its use have been considered. It has been determined that today there is no clear definition and understanding of the term “digital asset”. The aim of the study: to substantiate the essence and content of the term “digital asset” on the basis of etymological analysis in the economic and legal aspects. Materials and Methods: To substantiate the essence and content of the term “digital asset” in the economic and legal aspects, the following complex of theoretical research methods has been used: deduction and induction, analysis and synthesis, comparison, generalization, systematization and interpretation of results. Results: The term “digital asset” in the economic and legal aspects has been clarified in the research work. Digital asset is an information resource derivative of the right to a value and circulating in the distributed ledger in the form of a unique identifier. The components of the clarified term have been considered in detail in the economic and legal aspects; the interconnection and interdependence between them have been revealed. Conclusions: The essence and content of the term “digital asset” have been analyzed on the basis of etymological analysis. The use of a complex of theoretical research methods allowed determining the essential semantic features of the phenomenon under consideration, which are characterized by the following four components: economic, legal, information, value. This allowed substantiating the essence and content of the term “digital asset” in the economic and legal aspects, identifying features of the use of this term, as well as clarifying the interconnection and interdependence between its components. Further research will focus on identifying the characteristics of this phenomenon, fields and levels of application, as well as methodological tools.

Do Teachers' Attitudes, Perception of Usefulness, and Perceived Social Influences Predict Their Behavioral Intentions to Use Gamification in EFL Classrooms? Evidence from the Middle East.

Abstract: To motivate learners, teachers of English as a foreign language (EFL) are encouraged to use gaming elements, which can stimulate students take a more active role in the learning process. There are many free and informal online applications now available to support this model, but not all EFL teachers, particularly female ones, are inclined to introduce gamification. Three essential variables that may influence their behavioral intentions to use gamified applications are attitude, perceived usefulness, and perceived social influence, which this study aims to investigate. This is a quantitative study based on a sample of 157 female EFL teachers. The data was collected through a questionnaire, the results of which indicate that attitude, perceived usefulness, and perceived social influence are significant predictors of teachers’ behavioral intentions to use gamification.

Anxiety in Classroom Presentation in Teaching-Learning Interaction in English for Students of Indonesian Study Program at Higher Education.

Abstract: Bastract: Anxiety in the classroom presentation has a debilitating effect on students’ success in learning a foreign language (FL) or a second language (L2). This article aimed at investigating students’ Anxiety in classroom presentation in Teaching — Learning Interaction of English as a Foreign Language for Students of Indonesian Study Program in general at higher education levels in Indonesia. The participants of this study were the students of Indonesian Education and Literature Department, Faculty of Education and Literature, UniversitasNegeri Makassar (N = 62). There were 55 or 88.71% females and 7 or 11.29% males from the seventh (42 or 67.75%) and ninth (20 or 32.25%) semesters. The findings reveal that the most frequent source of students’ anxiety was attending disorganized classroom presentation. The implication of the study is that anxiety is an interesting phenomenon in language study which potentially contributes to students’ failure. Therefore, teachers at a school need to manage the class well, while the lecturers at the university need to give a lot of time for students to learn the topics for discussion.

The influence of learning styles and metacognitive skills on students’ critical thinking in the context of student creativity program

Abstract: Improving students’ critical thinking is very important in learning process because one of the goals of critical thinking is to develop students ' critical thinking in the perspective of collectable information. The approach used to address the problem of critical thinking is through learning style and metacognitive skill. The Student Creativity Program is a great way to hone critical thinking at the university level. This research is intended to find out the level of metacognitive skills, learning style, and critical thinking and the influence of metacognitive skills and learning styles among a total of 55 students of a Korean Education Study Program at a state university in Indonesia in the context of Student Creativity Program. This research used survey to find about students’ learning styles and their level of metacognitive skill. A test was also conducted to find out the level of students’ critical thinking. The data were calculated by the SPSS to test the hypothesis. The research results for learning styles show that 33 (60%) of the students were in the “medium” category and 22 (40%) were in the “high” category, and there was no student categorised into the “low” category. In terms of metacognitive skills, 53 students (98.2%) were in the “high” category and 2 (1.8%) in the “medium” category, and no one was in the “low” category. All students were identified to have “high” level critical thinking. Based on the significance test, there learning style had no significance influence on critical thinking; however, there metacognition skills had significant influence on critical thinking because.

Partnership as a Factor in the Effectiveness of Practice-Oriented Education of Students

Abstract: The task of ensuring the effectiveness of practice-oriented secondary and higher professional education based on social partnership and network interaction of subjects of education in an innovative educational environment is set based on the requirements of the Federal State Educational Standard 3+ for the pedagogical and psychological specialties in higher education and modern (actualized) educational standards for the specialties “Construction and exploitation of buildings” (08.02.01) and “Primary school teaching” (44.02.02) in vocational professional education for the formation of general (general cultural) and professional competencies of students and graduates of institutions of secondary vocational and higher education. The aim of this study is to present the results of theoretical and experimental studies of activities and innovation platforms based on the institution of secondary vocational education, in conditions of the social-network educational partnership. The main methods used in this study were analyses, experiments, questioning and expert evaluation. The results of the experiments show the positive impact of partnerships on the levels of innovative activity of teachers and formation of general (general cultural) and professional competencies of students and graduates of secondary vocational education organizations. The study proves the role and importance of social-network educational partnerships in ensuring the effectiveness of practice-oriented education in modern professional schools, as it takes into account and reflects the characteristics, requirements and needs of the society and individual. It allows one to fulfill his role and take into account the interaction of organizations, institutions and individuals in ensuring the transfer and mastering of the content of professional education in organizations of secondary vocational and higher education.

Shifting Primary School Teachers' Understanding of Songs Teaching Methods: An Action Research Study in Indonesia.

Abstract: In order to teach songs properly, primary school teachers need to be equipped with various strategies in songs teaching, and develop an understanding about correct methods of songs teaching. These primary school teachers teach songs through traditional oral methods with their own voices as the role model, though they did not have a perfect pitch. This research aims at rectifying primary school teachers’ understanding of their own teaching methods in vocal teaching. This research exemplifies the results of a collaborative teamwork for critical units in order to change primary school teachers’ understanding on teaching songs to their students. The result of these units show that by providing information about the impact of teaching songs to their prospective students who sang with poor singing skills and did not have a good pitch, it is possible to change teachers’ understanding of teaching songs by using modern teaching methods. Moreover, guiding teachers to use various applications and media in teaching songs would provide new insight into them to choose supporting devices, and improve teaching literacy for vocal teaching.

Gender Differences in Academic Achievement in Saudi Arabia: A Wake-Up Call to Educational Leaders

Abstract: Educational leaders must consider equity in education as a priority to make sure all students receive the best education possible. Studies on this topic in Saudi Arabia, however, are still in the embryonic stage. This article, thus, examines whether significant differences in academic achievement exist between male and female students based on gender, subject value, and expectations of education attainment. From a sample study of 3,759 students, the findings showed that female outperformed male students in both math, science, and their domains. Further, the more students value a subject or expect to go far in their education, the higher the score for both students, but female still outperformed male students. Educational leaders should consider these findings a wake-up call to the persistent academic achievement disparities.

Pedagogical competence development of university teachers with non-education background: the case of a large university of education in indonesia

Abstract: Pedagogical competence of university teachers or lecturers has lately gained much attention from researchers; however, no research has specifically examined the pedagogical competence of lecturers with a non-education background. Herein, drawing upon Olsson et al. (2010) pedagogical competence development and under the Indonesian legislation of lecturer pedagogical competence, we investigated the efforts made by lecturers with a non-education background in a large Indonesian university of education to develop their pedagogical competence. As many as 40 lecturers took part in our preliminary survey of lecturer pedagogical development, and 20 of them joined our interviews and focus group discussions. Based on the results of the survey and focus group discussions, we gained a description of the efforts made by the lecturers in developing their pedagogical competence, their perceptions of the extent to which their university has facilitated their pedagogical development, and the perceived challenges. Recommendations are drawn based on the results of the research to create a model of pedagogical competence development that is suitable for the lecturers and lecturers with a non-education background in general.

Pre-Service Teachers Professional Development through Four-Step Problem-Solving Model: A Seminar Method

Abstract: Effective teaching and learning strategy is one of the most important topics in the field of teachers’ professional development. Teachers’ education and pre-service teachers’ training programmes provide necessary coursework, field experience, and student teaching internship experience to pre-service, potential, and second career teachers who are seeking initial license status. Due to the rapid developments in Hong Kong, China, school teachers face challenges, difficulties, and social problems due to excess enrolment of teachers from different backgrounds. The regular curriculum and material also fail to cover all these issues. The current study applied the seminar technique as recommended in Polya’s Four-Step Problem-Solving Model with targeted discussion topics and engaged 12 STEM pre-service teachers at one of the Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) programmes. The results indicated that beyond regular coursework, field experience, and internship experiences embedded in the curriculum, additional seminars allowed the participants to establish inter-disciplinary teaching strategies and critical thinking skills. The results of this study serve as a blueprint for teachers’ education programme leaders and school administrators to establish similar seminars and conduct such sessions for their pre-service and in-service teachers to refresh and advance their teaching and learning strategies.

The Feasibility and Expediency of Gamification Activities in Higher Education.

Abstract: This study aimed to identify the feasibility and expediency of gamifying activities in higher education institutions, for which an original methodology was used. However, gamification is complex and carries a high degree of risk in achieving organizational efficiency. It is therefore advisable to adopt a fragmented approach and selectively gamify individual processes and features, focusing on educational and research activities. When introducing gamification, top management should provide conceptual and regulatory support and HR specialists coordination. Using a distribution model of managerial functions for gaming activities and determining priorities, taking the use of artificial intelligence into account, is shown to be expedient.

Investigating Issues and Challenges in Employing Action Research for Teacher Training in Malaysian Context.

Abstract: In teacher education, action research has served as one of the tools for reflective practice to bridge the gap between the educational theories learned in the teacher training college and the actual pedagogical practice within the four walls of the classroom. In this descriptive and explorative research study, first the concept and characteristics of action research are outlined, supported by a discussion on action research types and models that are relevant to teacher training in Malaysia. Then, this paper explored the implementation of action research component in teacher education in Malaysia by first providing brief background information of action research in Malaysian teacher training institutes. Then, it discussed issues and challenges that are faced in terms of curriculum, teaching methods and objectives. The study also discussed the rationale for integrating action research component in teacher education programme. The result shows that the implementation of action research is hampered by the absence of exposure to action research in the earlier part of the training, the curriculum lacks practical input and the objectives set can be general and vague. It is recommended that action research workshops and trainings are conducted earlier in the training program and that more hands-on learning experience is introduced.

Leadership in Higher Education in Saudi Arabia: Benefits, Constraints and Challenges of Adopting Servant Leadership Model by Department Chairs.

Abstract: Effective leadership is crucial to the success of every academic institution. In Saudi higher education, the pressure has increased on department chairs to achieve the departmental goals required for the general reform of the country. Therefore, the type of leadership that the chairs adopt and express plays a significant role in the progress of the department. Servant leadership is a contemporary approach that has gained increasing acceptance in leadership and organisational literature. From this point of view, this study aims to identify the possible effects of embracing servant leadership by department chairs, and to determine the strengths and weaknesses that the style could bring to the department. A qualitative inquiry using semi-structured interview designed around a vignette was used to elicit the perspectives of 14 department chairs on adopting servant leadership. The finding indicates that servant leadership has positive impacts in the working environment which can be taken advantage of. However, some drawbacks were noted which could impact the department negatively if the style was not used properly. Some challenges for implementing the style also emerged.

Assessing the Impact of Entrepreneurship Education on the Entrepreneurial Intention of Nigerian Entrepreneurship Students

Abstract: This study investigated the impact of entrepreneurship education on the entrepreneurial intentions (EI) of students enrolled at the Department of Entrepreneurship and Business Studies located in the Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria. It employed a cross-section survey design using a questionnaire adapted from Turker & Selcuk (2009). A comparison of the mean EI scores of 82 final-year and 68 second-year students revealed that there was no significant difference in entrepreneurial intentions between the two groups of students. This implied that the curriculum of the department needed to be revised, and that a policy of mandating entrepreneurship education at the university level was insufficient to address the alarming youth unemployment problem in Nigeria.

Secondary school students attitude towards junior school certificate (jsc) examination in bangladesh

Abstract: The study investigates secondary students’ attitude towards junior school certificate (JSC) examination in Bangladesh. The study is mainly quantitative and data was collected in a computable manner through questionnaires. Secondary students who would take the JSC examination were the main data source of the study. Two hundred fifty students (120 male and 130 female) were chosen randomly from ten secondary schools (five private and five government) in Dhaka. The study revealed that secondary students have a positive attitude towards JSC examination. There was no significant difference between male and female students’ attitude towards JSC examination. JSC exam had increased students’ both quality of study and study time, enhanced students’ creativity, and reduced the fear of examination. On the contrary, JSC examination had hampered students’ normal life by extra stress, reduced their playtime, and made them dependent on guidebooks for better grades. Therefore, the study suggests changing current JSC examination systems by creating test items focused on creativity and problem-solving tasks to ensure the quality of education in Bangladesh. These findings can inform the government as well as other relevant stakeholders in making necessary changes in the JSC examination in Bangladesh.

Measures of Socio-Economic Status in Educational Research: The Canadian Context

Abstract: This study aims to recommend and test a conceptual model for socio-economic status (SES) and variables to measure it that are available to researchers in Canada and applicable in other countries. Recommendations for quantitative researchers are presented to address issues that arise with including SES in analyses. The study analyzed data linking student achievement in mathematics and literacy to both economic and social factors. Results from hierarchical linear modelling showed that the use of intersecting variables was better served to answer research questions than any individual SES measure or a composite measure. Using SES measures at the school and neighbourhood level is also recommended.

Effectiveness of Gamification of Web-Based Learning in Improving Academic Achievement and Creative Thinking among Primary School Students.

Abstract: Gamification is one of the most significant modern trends in educational technology. The present study aims to identify the effectiveness of gamification of web-based learning on academic achievement and creative thinking among primary school students. A learning environment was designed based on gamification of web-based learning. A quasi-experimental approach was utilized to identify the effect of the independent variable, gamification, on the dependent variables, academic achievement and creative thinking among participants. An academic achievement test and the Torrance test of creative thinking were applied to the participants. Results revealed that there was a statistically significant difference between the means of scores of the experimental and control groups in the post-test academic achievement test and the Torrance test of creative thinking in favor of the experimental group. This suggests a high level of academic achievement and creative thinking after using gamification. The study recommends training in-service teachers in the use of gamification for web-based teaching of English.

The Effect of Teacher Competencies on Student Achievement in Vocational High School

Abstract: This research aims to measure the effect of teacher competencies on student learning outcomes. This was a quantitative research by conducting hypothesis testing. The research sample consisted of 60 teachers and 60 students at Muhammadiyah Bambanglipuro Vocational High School, Bantul, Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The data was collected through a questionnaire method. The collected data were analyzed using simple regression with SPSS. Based on calculations with the SPSS Statistics application, it showed the determination result of the independent variable that the determination coefficient showed the direct effect of the teacher competencies variable on learning outcomes stated in percentages. In this case, the calculated result is 0,084. It means that the teacher competencies variable directly affects the student learning outcome variable by 8,4%, while the (100% - 8,4%) 91,6% is influenced by other factors beyond the teacher competencies variable. The findings of this research recommend the importance of teacher competencies development programs, both by the government and schools, because increasing teacher competencies will increase the student learning achievement.

Analysis of Problem-Based Learning Models by Typology of Knowledge Pollock and Cruz (1999)

Abstract: Problem-based learning (PBL) is learning where students build knowledge based on learning experiences to solve problems. This model generally is known by teachers around the world and successfully attracted many researchers. However, very limited study has been conducted to analyze this learning model using the typology of knowledge by Pollock and Cruz (1999). This paper analyzed the PBL model using Pollock and Cruz instrument. This study discovered that learning knowledge and facilities contributed to the success of the learning process. However, the internalism typology instrument recommends for the teacher to select and choose appropriate knowledge. Particularly in specific student experience and scaffolding in constructivism through identification and screening system. Another instrument is externalism typology, found that the absorbs of knowledge depends on the developmental age and group compositions, primarily, in first-third grade students. This instrument suggested that a teacher must be more active to be facilitator and mediator in the absorption of knowledge through the assimilation and accommodations mechanism.

Misconceptions between Social Studies and Social Sciences among Pre-Service Elementary Teachers

Abstract: This quantitative study was conducted to identify the misconception between social studies and social sciences among pre-service elementary teachers. Data were collected from the subjects (n=122) drawn by cluster sampling in Yogyakarta. Aiken's validity and Cronbach Alpha were then employed to examine the instrument's quality. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive techniques to examine the level of misconception. The popular misconceptions between social studies and social sciences were identified by the criteria developed by Abraham, Grzybowski, Renner, & Marek (1992). The results of the study show that there was a greater understanding of social studies and social sciences for the specific fields of geography, anthropology, and politics. Therefore, the main emphasis should be placed on these fields. The fields that were misconceived included economics, geography, and history. The implications of this research will eventually become the basis and guideline for social studies lecturers to give emphases on the fields of study belonging to social studies, distinguishing them from those of social sciences. In addition, each social science discipline adopted into social studies must receive special attention, given the greater level of misconception among the pre-service teachers in these fields.