IRA International Journal of Education and Multidisciplinary Studies 

About: IRA International Journal of Education and Multidisciplinary Studies is an academic journal published by Institute of Research Advances. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Computer science & Higher education. It has an ISSN identifier of 2455-2526. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 310 publications have been published receiving 505 citations.

Student Centric Curriculum Design and Implementation – Challenges & Opportunities in Business Management & IT Education

Abstract: Student-centric curriculum design and implementation in higher education system are getting importance due to the reason of creating employable and skilled graduates who can take optimum decisions for industry problems and who can lead technocrat society. Even though student-centric curriculum is essential in all areas of higher education, it became essential in business management and information technology due to the fact that these areas are changing at a faster rate due to the enhanced competition in globalized business. In this paper, we have discussed the challenges and opportunities in curriculum planning, designing, and effective implementation in autonomous and affiliated business schools. We have discussed the possibility of designing industry oriented curriculum in business management and information technology, which contain both industry and research experience components. This student centric curriculum improvement model will take care of rapid growth of both the fields and the requirement of updating the curriculum with present developments. The opportunities and challenges of student centric curriculum design and developments in Business management subject and in Information technology subjects are discussed. The advantages, benefits, constraints, and disadvantages of such system are listed. Though the implementation of the new model is challenging, the advantages and the benefits outlay the disadvantages and the constraints.

A Study of the Differences between EFL and ESL for English Classroom Teaching in China

Abstract: Starting with the definitions of EFL and ESL, this paper compares and analyses their differences from the perspectives of the audience, teaching purposes and teaching methods, learning purposes and learning environment. Previous research found that English Classroom Teaching in China is inclined to EFL teaching, and for ESL teaching can be used for reference to improve the development of English Classroom Teaching in China.

The Student Teachers’ Experiences during Teaching Practice and Its Impact on their Perception of the Teaching Profession

Abstract: Teaching practice is an integral component of teacher training in Kenyan universities. Teaching practice in Kenyan universities is organized in the schools of education and is mandatory for all students who pursue education. Students go out to real classroom environment for a whole term (approximately 14 weeks).This activity grants student teachers experiences in the real teaching and learning environment. This paper looks at the students’ experiences and its impact on their perception of the teaching profession and also assesses the challenges that students encounter while in the schools that they are attached for teaching practice. The sample was drawn from third year student teachers from the University of Eldoret who had done teaching practice. A survey design was used and a quantitative questionnaire was administered to 100 student teachers. The findings of this research indicate that students’ experiences had an impact on their perception of the teaching profession and they did experience challenges while on teaching practice. Based on the findings of this study recommendations are given on how to improve students’ perspective and challenges.

Piano Performing Art of Russia: Major Development Trends in the 20th Century

Abstract: The purpose of the article is to identify features of the development of piano playing in Russia in the 20 th century in the context of key trends and leading genre and styles. In connection with the goal, the following tasks were identifying: to consider Essence of Definition “Russian Piano School”; to characterize Russian Piano School in Conditions of Reorganization of System of Music Education after 1917; to consider Russian Piano Performance Art in 1930–1950s; to describe Russian Pianism in 1960–1990s. This work elucidates the Russian Piano School’s evolving characteristics, its tendencies and styles, and how it received such authority and respect throughout the world. This article also reveals the Russian Piano School’s principal musical pedagogical figures, and how diverse and original they are, especially modern Russian pianists. The unique and pivotal influence of these artists is clearly defined in the context of an emerging and distinct Russian Piano School.

The Pedagogy of Blended Learning: A Brief Review

Abstract: Pedagogy has long been seen in terms of an art, a science or a craft. The journey of pedagogy has seen many ups and downs, like it was a practice of luxury in the past, made for the privileged ones; then it also became a tool of oppression in some places. Today, it is again going through a churning phase- marked with numerous experiments and novelties. The present paper is an effort to review the methods of teaching and training students focusing on a few upcoming pedagogical methods. Blended learning environment is based on the assumption that the inherent benefits of face-to-face interaction maybe enhanced by using on-line methods. It promotes a student-centred learning and encourages increased student interaction. In addition, by providing students with more control over their learning, blended learning can also help in improving a critical thinking. It gives students more autonomy to choose their learning practices. The teacher may not be an omniscient and omnipresent figure any more but his/ her optimal presence is altered for the better as well. The teacher needs to be more creative with his/her learning now. But as freedom always comes with more responsibility, Blended Learning also needs a very careful assimilation of the various methods.