Journal of Education and Learning 

About: Journal of Education and Learning is an academic journal published by Canadian Center of Science and Education. The journal publishes majorly in the area(s): Teaching method & Curriculum. It has an ISSN identifier of 1927-5250. It is also open access. Over the lifetime, 1247 publications have been published receiving 10098 citations. The journal is also known as: JEL.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Using Qualitative and Quantitative Approaches and Methods in Language “Testing and Assessment” Research: A Literature Review

Abstract: The researchers of various disciplines often use qualitative and quantitative research methods and approaches for their studies. Some of these researchers like to be known as qualitative researchers; others like to be regarded as quantitative researchers. The researchers, thus, are sharply polarised; and they involve in a competition of pointing out the benefits of their own preferred methods and approaches. But, both the methods and approaches (qualitative and quantitative) have pros and cons. This study, therefore, aims to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using qualitative and quantitative research approaches and methods in language testing and assessment research. There is a focus on ethical considerations too. The study found some strengths of using qualitative methods for language “assessment and testing” research—such as, eliciting deeper insights into designing, administering, and interpreting assessment and testing; and exploring test-takers’ behaviour, perceptions, feelings, and understanding. Some weaknesses are, for instance, smaller sample size and time consuming. Quantitative research methods, on the other hand, involve a larger sample, and do not require relatively a longer time for data collection. Some limitations are that quantitative research methods take snapshots of a phenomenon: not in-depth, and overlook test-takers’ and testers’ experiences as well as what they mean by something. Among these two research paradigms, the quantitative one is dominant in the context of language testing and assessment research.

Integrating Quantitative and Qualitative Data in Mixed Methods Research--Challenges and Benefits.

Abstract: This paper is concerned with investigating the integration of quantitative and qualitative data in mixed methods research and whether, in spite of its challenges, it can be of positive benefit to many investigative studies. The paper introduces the topic, defines the terms with which this subject deals and undertakes a literature review to outline the challenges and benefits of employing this approach to research. The specific terms research, educational research, research methodologies and methods, research design, quantitative approaches, qualitative approaches and mixed methods approaches are all defined. Mixed methods approaches are outlined in terms of their challenges and benefits, with the researcher offering a personal opinion in conclusion to the paper. The conclusion that was drawn was that provided that mixed methods research was a suitable approach to any given project, its use would yield positive benefits, in that the use of differing approaches has the potential to provide a greater depth and breadth of information which is not possible utilising singular approaches in isolation. In spite of its time-consuming nature, and the suspicion with which some quarters of academia still regard mixed methods research, it does afford opportunities for researchers to have an informed conversation or debate involving information that is generated by both quantitative and qualitative collection methods. Furthermore, evidence would suggest that, rather than restricting the opportunities for research by only utilising either qualitative or quantitative methods, a mixed methods approach provides researchers with a greater scope to investigate educational issues using both words and numbers, to the benefit of educational establishments and society as a whole.

How Motivation Influences Student Engagement: A Qualitative Case Study.

Abstract: The authors use Ryan and Deci’s (2000) Self-Determination Theory (SDT) to better understand how student motivation and engagement are linked combined with Schlechty’s Student Engagement Continuum to analyse the impact of intrinsic and extrinsic motivation on students’ different engagement types. The study seeks to understand which type of motivation – intrinsic or extrinsic – is more closely aligned to authentic student engagement as identified by Schlechty (2002, 2011). A qualitative research framework was adopted and data was collected from one elementary school class. According to Ryan and Deci’s SDT, the majority of students who indicated that their motivation type was either intrinsic or integrated regulated motivation also demonstrated that they were authentically engaged in their education (Schlechty, 2002, 2011). The students who preferred extrinsic motivation also showed ritual and retreatist forms of engagement and students demonstrating both intrinsic and extrinsic motivation showed authentic, ritual, retreatist and rebellious engagement. In line with findings by Zyngier (2008) in this particular study at least, when pedagogical reciprocity (Zyngier, 2011) was present, intrinsic motivation assisted authentic student engagement in learning, and that extrinsic motivation served to develop ritual engagement in students however, students who had both types of motivation showed different types of engagement in their learning.

Barriers to Successful Implementation of STEM Education

Abstract: The implementation of STEM education in schools across the globe is to prepare the future workforce with strong scientific and mathematical backgrounds to enhance skills development across STEM disciplines. However, for STEM education to achieve its goals and objectives, addressing the barriers to STEM education should start by fixing the problems at the elementary, junior and senior high school levels; the grassroots and potential feeders to colleges and universities. Since many nations including the United States of America is in dire need of the workforce with adequate preparation in science and mathematics to help address the nation’s economy that is in shambles, the barriers to its successful implementation should be identified and addressed. In this paper, (a) the definition of STEM education and (b) some barriers to successful implementation of STEM education are discussed and elaborated.

Character Education and Students Social Behavior

Abstract: In an educational environment, in the form of character education program has been done both formally and informally. It's intended as one of the supporting ideas for follow-up in the form of design activities. Character education should basically refers to the vision and mission of the institution concerned. It shows the orientation of the two things in the character of the students are: aspects of human character and individual learners hallmark institution. In this paper, these two aspects is the author trying to ideas by referring to some other writings. The end result, the authors expect the birth of a design patent as early referral to spearhead a character development program learners.