Showing papers in "Review of European Studies in 2015"

Using Social Media as a Tool for Improving Academic Performance through Collaborative Learning in Malaysian Higher Education

Abstract: Nowadays, many higher education institutions are still depending on the traditionally-based learning management systems that actually do not use full capabilities of social media in engaging researchers in collaborative learning. Due to recent rise in social media usage, especially among researchers and lecturers of educational institutions, a great deal of research was conducted to explore how to take advantage of social media and use it to improve the researchers ‘academic performance through collaborative learning. To achieve this objective, it is important to explore the actual relationship between two variables: social media and academic performance. This study is aimed at examining the relationship between using social media and improving academic performance. A survey was conducted among the research students of Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, and 323 valid responses were received. Structural equation modeling was employed to test the relationship between three constructs: social media, collaborative learning, and academic performance. The results showed a significant effect of social media on the students’ academic performance with collaborative learning as the mediating variable. Without good collaborative learning, an education institution cannot take advantage of social media for improving academic performance.

Determinants of Profitability: Evidence from Industrial Companies Listed on Muscat Securities Market

Abstract: This study investigates the determinants of profitability for industrial firms in Oman. Therefore, a sample of 17 industrial companies listed on Muscat securities market covering the period from 2006 till 2013 is utilized. Results from the panel ordinary least squares model reveal a positive and statistical significant relationship between profitability, the firm size, growth, fixed assets and working capital. On the other hand, the average tax rate and the financial leverage variables show a negative relationship with profitability. However, this relationship is significant only for the financial leverage variable. The study concludes that large growing firms with efficiently managed assets improve revenue and ultimately enhance profitability.

Effect of training, compensation and work discipline against employee job performance: (Studies in the office of PT. PLN (Persero) Service Area and Network Malang)

Abstract: The purpose of this study is to describe the training variable and to know the simultaneous and partial effects from the variables of training, compensation and work discipline toward the employee work performance of PT PLN (Persero) Malang Service and Network Area. This research is an explanatory research or explanation study, which explain the causal relationship among the variables through the testing of hypotheses. This research is held in the office of PT PLN (Persero) Malang Service and Network Area. The sample in this research is 44 respondents. The independent variables are: Training (X1), Compensation (X2) and Work Discipline (X3). The dependent variable is Employee Work Performance (Y). Multiple linear regression analysis is used as the statistical method. Based on the descriptive analysis on this research result, it can be conclude that the training followed by the employees is assessed on its target especially for the content of the material and optimal time duration. Compensation is rated in good level, especially on the salaries and complementary compensation. While for the facility element consists of vehicle and residence needs to be improved. Employee work performance is also very positively responded in its three elements such as punctuality, work quality and work quantity. The training, compensation and work discipline simultaneously and partially have significant effects toward the employee work performance in PT. PLN (Persero) Malang Service and Network Area. The whole effects of the independent variables have a positive direction. The largest contribution comes from the training variable.

Parent-Child Relationship: Peculiarities and Outcome

Abstract: The relationship between parents and their children can be regarded as the most important relationship an individual can experience. This paper, examines theoretical and empirical literature on parent-child relationships by analyzing recent accomplishments on this issue. It turns first to the question of which behaviors in children are associated with those of their parents? This paper also reviews researches on: factors that influence parent-child relationship from an integrative contextual-empirical perspective. It is indeed true that parents are usually the ones who spend the most time with young children over extended periods of time; therefore this paper seek answers to the question of whether parents really have influence(s)on their children, to what extent and the importance of these influences. The results of this paper showed that temperament, antisocial and externalizing behaviors (e.g. substance abuse) were the most reported behavioral characteristics between parents and their children.

Structural-Functional Model for Corporate Training of Specialists in Carrying Out Mentoring

Abstract: Embeddedness of mentoring in the professional activity demands from company specialists not only a high level of their psycho-pedagogical formation, but also others which include common cultural and professional competencies for effective corporate training of interns and young employees. The purpose of the article is to develop a structural-functional model of corporate training of technical specialists in mentoring in the conditions of modern production. The leading method is modeling, allowing consideration of this issue as task-oriented and organized process for improving the professional, common cultural competences, and for formation of special competences of company specialists, that they will need to effectively carry out the mentoring activities. The structural-functional model of corporate training of technical specialists in carrying out mentoring in modern production includes objective, methodological, content-related, organizational and procedural and efficiency components. The model aims at integrating professional production and psycho-pedagogical training of teachers, in which the improvement of their professional and interprofessional competencies for conscious and responsible management of their changes in professional development, as well as for the solution of psycho-educational and organizational-methodological problems of interns’ corporate training.

Impact of Work Engagement on Performance in Indian Higher Education System

Abstract: The moments in which employees attach themselves with their work roles are called as the moments of engagement (Kahn, 1992). The number of higher educational institutions is rapidly growing in India to cater to the increasing demand for advanced studies (KPMG, 2014). As a result, Indian academia is facing the challenge of keeping academics engaged so that academics can happily and efficiently perform a larger role. So, this study examines the influence of job resources on engagement along with how the interaction among job resources and perceived autonomy impacts performance in service delivery. We also examine the mediating role of work engagement between the job resources and service employee performance relationship. Two hundred sixty one academics elected from different Indian universities were asked to rate themselves on the support, autonomy and engagement scales. Further, 261 students were asked to rate the performance of these academics. Structural equation modeling was used to test the formulated hypotheses. The results suggest that work engagement mediates the relationship between supervisory support and service employee performance. Moreover, perceived autonomy moderates relationship between co-worker support and work engagement relationship. These findings extend the theoretical understanding of engagement enhancing the performance in service delivery as reflected in the feedback from students. Results also urge universities to make policies that enhance coworker and supervisory support which can create a culture of co-operation. Certain limitations and future research directions of this study have also been discussed in greater detail.

Professional Thinking Formation Features of Prospective Natural Science Teachers Relying on the Competence-Based Approach

Abstract: This paper experimentally proved and implemented a specific approach to designing a control system for formation and development of professionally oriented thinking of students - future teachers of physics, chemistry and biology. Specific methods for regulating the control and self-control of the progress of its development have been proposed, developed in the logic of the educational process in a pedagogical higher school and directed to achievement of educational goals. The primary means of forming professionally oriented thinking in the unity of its procedural, substantive and operational components is to optimize the educational process of higher school through the implementation of the objectives arising from the peculiarities of professional thinking of a teacher. The contents of this article are of value to teachers of physics, chemistry and biology, as well as to future teachers.

To Flip or Not to Flip: The Challenges and Benefits of Using Flipped Classroom in Geography Lessons in Brunei Darussalam

Abstract: This study examined the use of flipped classroom in geography lessons in one of the pre-university colleges in Brunei Darussalam. The benefits and challenges of using the flipped classroom as a pedagogical tool in geography were also investigated. Data were collected through action research adopting the use of a flipped classroom approach. This meant that learning geography as subject content was done outside the classroom. The findings of this study revealed that it was not necessary to apply flipped classroom for every lessons. Yet, this study found that flipped classroom was most beneficial when students worked on the application of geographical concepts where they learned to analyse and evaluate given scenarios. A significant improvement in the students’ academic achievement was also observed where through the interactive classroom activities, students developed a deeper understanding of the subject concepts. On the other hand, there were challenges in conducting a flipped classroom, for instance, some students had problems in accessing the lessons outside the classroom. This was one of the crucial elements conveyed in order to successfully implement a flipped classroom and to create an active learning environment during the class time. Without learning the concepts before the class time, the students reported the feeling of being lost, and thus could not fully participate in the classroom activities. Furthermore, a significant amount of time was wasted during the class time in teaching the students the concepts since they were supposed to have learned them prior to the lesson itself. Finally, the flipped classroom was also found to be a challenge to implement in a classroom known to have a passive learning environment.

Information and Logistic Foundations of Pedagogical Education Design and Content Education

Abstract: The statement and solution of the design problem and implementation of pedagogical education content on the basis of information streams integration demands scientific and experimental justification which is carried out within the problem field of pedagogical science. In this regard, this article aims at developing an information-logistic model for designing and implementing the content of teacher education. The presented information-logistic model for designing and implementing the content of teacher education in the article presupposes the disclosure of the pedagogical system component structure as the base of information traffics differentiation. Materials of the article can be useful for the improvement of teachers’ training system focused on their professional growth and their future competitiveness in the conditions of information society and innovative production development.

Design and Implementation of Mobile Learning Tools and Resources in the Modern Educational Environment of University

Abstract: The article introduces the issue of mobile learning in higher education. It examines designing and implementation of mobile learning system in university education process through the use of mobile devices. It explores benefits of m-learning, the basic requirements for mobile learning tools and resources. The article represents the author’s m-learning system of programming mobile applications for Android. The results of the study which was carried out with the students of the Applied Mathematics and Informatics Department show high impact mobile learning has on teaching and learning process in higher education.

Tolerant Pedagogic Space as a Condition of Non-Violence Position Education among Elementary School Pupils

Abstract: The purpose of article is to justify the necessity of tolerant educational space creation at elementary school as condition of non-violence position education of elementary school pupils. Essential characteristics of pedagogical ensuring education of non-violence position among elementary school pupils are revealed in the article. The features of tolerant educational space creation as conditions of non-violence position education among elementary school pupils in teaching and educational process at elementary school are revealed. Materials of the article can be useful for tutors and teachers of elementary schools, and also for the researchers dealing with problems of non-violence pedagogics.

What Are the Barriers in the Use of Computer Technology in EFL Instruction

Abstract: A lot of teachers have serious problems in the effective use of computer technology There are many barriers facing EFL teachers to use computer technology in their instruction This paper reviews some of the important barriers toward using computer technology in EFL instruction They are availability of hardware and software, lack of computer knowledge, lack of computer experience, inadequate computer technology support, time factor, teacher attitudes, and lack of professional development in computer technology integration A review of these barriers will indicate how they influence the teaching and learning processes and what could be done to urge EFL teachers to use computer technology in their instruction

The Influence of Motivation and Discipline Work against Employee Work Productivity Tona’an Markets

Abstract: The purpose of this study was to determine and examine whether there is influence of motivation, and discipline kerjai on employee productivity in office environments Bangkalan tona’an market? The method used in this research is quantitative research approach with linear regression analysis techniques. multiple. The population in this study were all employees of the office market tona’an Bangkalan of 20 people, while samples in this study were all employees of the market tona’an some 20 people. Results from this study is, the hypothesis that motivational effect on work productivity in office environments market Tona’an Bangkalan district rejected / not proven. While the hypothesis Discipline influential work on employee productivity in office environments tona’an market Bangkalan Received / confirmed.

How Do Depression Medications Taken By Pilots Affect Passengers' Willingness to Fly? A Mediation Analysis

Abstract: The mental health of airline pilots has been a concern for decades. In 2010, the United States Federal Aviation Administration began allowing four types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to be used by pilots suffering from depression. After a procedural wait period, pilots may be awarded a special issuance of their medical certificates to maintain flight currency. Missing from the literature was any research on consumer’s perceptions of pilots taking antidepressants, along with some other approved medications. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to examine consumer’s willingness to fly once told that the pilot of their hypothetical flight was taking medication compared to a control group in which the pilot was not on any prescribed and approved medications. The current study also manipulated dosage levels and gathered affect data to determine if consumers’ responses were rationally or emotionally motivated. Across two studies, consumers were less willing to fly when the pilot was taking medication, and when the medication was a high dose opposed to a low dose. Additionally, affect was found to completely mediate the relationship between three of the four medications when compared to the control condition, suggesting that participants’ responses were emotionally driven. Finally, a discussion of the findings and practical implications of the study are provided.

The Implementation of the Cluster Approach in the Regional System of Vocational Education

Abstract: The relevance of the problem stems from the fact that the implementation of the cluster approach in the regional system of vocational education aimed at the maintenance and development of joint potential opportunities of industrial and educational spheres, which create prospects for progressive development of the Tatarstan Republic. This article aims to identify the features of the cluster approach in the regional system of vocational training that focus on strengthening the relationship network between the cluster members in order to facilitate access to new industrial and educational technologies, to share knowledge and fixed-capital assets, to accelerate learning processes due to continuity and integration processes in a single integrated regional educational-industrial complex. The article stuff is valuable for managers of vocational training institutions and representatives of the industrial sector in order to prepare specialists meeting the requirements of modern production.

Mentors and Trainees Professional Interaction Features at the Modern Enterprises in Russia

Abstract: The modern condition of mentoring, which revived its traditions in conditions of information technology and intellectualization of modern enterprises is presented in the article. The meaning of such notions as a coach, mentor, intern, mentoring activities, corporate training, mentors and trainees professional cooperation peculiarities is revealed, selected types of mentoring on the content of activities and time characteristics are outlined and mentoring benefits are identified. The scope of the article’s results application covers the practice of mentors corporate training, practice of mentors and trainees interaction, as well as the results obtained can be used in the development of modern provisions on mentoring.

Integration Processes in Education: Classification of Integration Types

Abstract: The relevance of the stated problem is due to the fact that integration is a system formation that combines procedural and resulting components contributing to the appearance of a system’s new integrative quality, which cannot be reduced to the sum of the qualities of its autonomous elements. The paper presents a theoretical justification for the classification of types of integration: by quality characteristics of an integrated system (unproductive integration, quasi-integration, preproductive integration, productive integration); by presence of necessary components of an integrated system (full integration, partial integration, disintegration); by temporal characteristics of an integrated system (episodic integration, periodic integration, systematic integration); by types of integrating subjects (sectoral integration, inter-sectoral integration, allied integration). The article submissions represent a theoretical value to researchers concerned with integration issues, and also have practical significance for subjects of the integrated system of “education-production” in order to prepare specialists meeting the requirements of modern production.

The Essential, Objective and Functional Characteristics of the Students' Academic Mobility in Higher Education

Abstract: The globalization of education triggers fair criticism of the university self-sufficiency in any country to train competent professionals, moreover, today the necessity to expand the students’ academic mobility is universally recognized. The article describes the basic methodological approaches to defining the essence of the concept of “academic mobility”. It explores the goal, objectives, functions of the students’ academic mobility in the context of international educational integration. This publication submits a classification of the forms of academic mobility of the higher education students on the following grounds: on the type of educational process, on the period of study in a foreign educational establishment, on the nature of the students’ involvement. The article can be useful to the academic staff of higher educational institutions, to the staff of the university centers of academic mobility as well as the employees of the university international departments in the development of international cooperation and academic mobility of the students.

The Main Directions of International Educational Integration: Potential Benefits and Risks of Reforming Professional Education

Abstract: The purpose of this article is to reveal the influence of the main areas of international educational integration on the processes of reforming the national professional education. The paper presents the main areas of the international educational integration at the level of statutory regulation, at the level of the goals and mission of higher professional education, at the level of organizational-structural changes, at the level of quality assurance of professional education, at the training content and management levels. The authors also proved the competitive advantages and disadvantages of the Russian market of educational services, the benefits and risks of reforming professional education under the conditions of international educational integration, economic and social effects of teaching foreign students in Russian universities. The article contents may be used by departments of international cooperation of professional educational institutions in the development of mechanisms for integrating Russian professional schools into a single educational space, as well as in the development of courses and teaching and learning aids for university heads on the issue of reforming professional education in the context of the Bologna and Copenhagen processes.

The Base Articulations of the Liminality Concept

Abstract: This study aims to clarify the meanings and the semantic articulations of the concept of liminality. The method used in the study is meta-analytic. a) There is first achieved a historical reconstruction of the concept. The semantic nucleus of the concept is represented by the action of spiritual configuration of events by which individuals are introduced in a transition state from separation to incorporation. This existential event is theoretically approached by Arnold Van Gennep through the syntagm “rites of passage”. Subsequently, Victor Turner subsumes the meanings of the spiritual event of passage to a single-word concept “liminality” and talks about “liminoid” events. b) Afterwards, there is carried out a logical-semantic reconstruction of the concept and there is concluded that the practical articulations of liminality consist in going over three stages of the process of liminality: the ambiguous state, the adaptation to new norms, rules and values and the pre-integration. As illustration of liminal transition, there is presented the current mass media case in which there is mobilized the idea of persuading the consumers of media messages to adopt a behavior which represents a passage from lack of involvement to social, economic and political involvement/engagement. The conclusion is that a) the world and people in general, are in a constant process of passage, of change, b) that liminality constitutes an important factor of individual and social development, c) and that society is marked by liminality.

Recommended Practices for Improving the Competitiveness of the Russian Education Services Market under the Conditions of the International Educational Integration

Abstract: To achieve and maintain a level of training for competitive specialists who meet modern requirements first and foremost in professional education it requires ensuring the competitiveness of the Russian education services market. In the article the research and methodological practices are proposed for improving the competitiveness of the Russian education services market under the conditions of international educational integration at the federal (legal and regulatory, organizational and pedagogical, organizational and methodological program), regional (legal and regulatory, organizational and administrative, organizational and methodological, and socially-pedagogical program) and university levels (legal and regulatory, organizational and administrative, socially-pedagogical, learning and teaching, and information-technology program). The proposed recommendations in the article are of practical value for international departments of higher education institutions in order to optimize the processes of Russian universities entering into the international educational space.

Peculiarities of Demonstrative Behavior Manifestations of Teenagers Brought up in Orphanages

Abstract: Theoretical justification and experimental validation of forms and methods applied for psychological-pedagogical correction of demonstrative behavior of teenagers brought up in orphanages have become the research objective. 127 pupils of orphanages of the Republic of Tatarstan participated in the experiment To collect the information there were applied two variations of the test for ostentation, methods of mathematical statistics, Student’s t-criteria to check hypotheses of mean average precision. The results revealed during the stating experiment showed that teenagers brought up in orphanages have a high level of demonstrative behavior. The majority of respondents are fond of attention; they are emotionally mobile, artistic and inclined to self-deception. The level of demonstrative behaviour lowered considerably after the program “Demonstrative behaviout: is it good or bad” aimed at the psychological-pedagogical correction of demonstrative behaviour of teenagers brought up in orphanages was applied at the forming stage of the experiment. Thereafter their demonstrative behaviour started to be of more positive character. There is observed a tendency to the average and low level of demonstrative behaviour of teenagers brought up in orphanages.

The Role of Recruitment and Selection Practices in the Organizational Performance of Iraqi Oil and Gas Sector: A Brief Literature Review

Abstract: Oil and gas sector forms the backbone of Iraqi economy with more than 80 percent of all businesses in Iraq related to oil and gas. The sector also employs a bulk of the workforce, playing a crucial part in economic and social development in Iraq. Therefore, the health of this vital sector is very important to up keep the health of the overall economy. However, for the past two decades, this sector has shown a sluggish growth and performance in achieving the expected goals. Many businesses seem to have gone out of business due to various reasons but mainly due to lack of competent workforce. The firms entering into businesses are much less as compared to firms going out of business. One of the reasons for the high rate of business failures among oil & gas sector is due to its lack of attention on the human resource aspects. Therefore, the broader objective of this study is to review the role of Strategic Human Resource Management (SHRM) practices in oil & gas related firms in Iraq. Specifically, this study attempts to review the relationship between recruiting and selection practices and firm performance in oil & gas sector Search depends in test hypotheses on the theoretical analysis in the study of the relationship between recruitment and selection and organizational performance in the Iraqi oil and gas sector. Based on the literature review, a strong relationship between recruitment & selection and firm performance of oil and gas sector in Iraq is found. Therefore, the researchers hereby recommends future research in the field of study to deeply look into the role HRM practices in iraqi oil and gas sector.

Formation of University Students' Readiness for Parenthood

Abstract: Forming students’ readiness for family life involves the formation of their readiness for responsible parenthood. The aim of the study was the theoretical basis and experimental testing of the training program to form the students’ readiness for parenthood. The article deals with the relevance of the problem, defining parenting in psychological, educational, social and philosophical literature, the study of the problem in Russia, research methodology and experimental study on the issue. During the research we have developed and tested a training program. The results of pedagogical experiment allow to come to the conclusion about the effectiveness of the developed program “I am a Future Parent”.

Humanization of Education in the Context of Janusz Korczak Pedagogical Ideas

Abstract: The article investigates the problems of humanization of education. It updates the main objectives and results of this process: direction of the process of children’s training and education in the development of the individual as an active subject of his perfection; change of the relationship in the dyad “adult-child” , in which each respects the dignity of the person and another takes his goals, needs and interests. As the education paradigm shift factor in modern Russia a positive educational experience is named. The article reveals the pedagogical concept and practice of a prominent Polish humanist educator Janusz Korczak. His ideas became the basis for the establishment in 1993 of Korczak integration camp “Nash Dom” (“Our House”). Educational work in the camp is built on the ideas of J. Korczak intrinsic value of childhood, child rights, the dialogue between adults and children as their dominant relationship of forgiveness as a basic principle of academic work, the attitude to the child not as an abstract figure, but as a particular person and his real life. The authors describe a 23-year-old experimental work of this camp, forms and methods of humanization of childhood space.

The Features of Social Partnership as a Mechanism for the Integration of Education and Production

Abstract: In present time the development of partnership between education and employment is becoming increasingly important. The interaction between professional education institutions and employers appears as an integral part of social partnership. In this context, this article aims to identify the features of social partnership as a mechanism for the education and production integration. The paper presents the objectives, tasks, principles, forms, benefits (for the students of the professional education institutions and the occupational sector), the criteria and performance indicators of social partnership, the key directions of its progression. The article findings can be valuable for the heads of the secondary and higher vocational education institutions, representatives of the manufacturing sector as well as for the researchers concerned with the issues of integration of education and production.

Structure and Content of Higher Professional School Lecturer Education Competence

Abstract: Article aims to develop the structure and content of higher professional school lecturer education competence as a lecturer professionalism should be evaluated not only on the quality of the studies, but also for his participation in education activities in higher school. It is needed to rely on a stating that education competence is an integral feature of professional and educational activities aimed at the effectiveness of the educational process in higher professional school in developing its structure and content. In the structure of the lecturer education competence there are four components: humanologic, socio-pedagogical, organizational and methodical, professional personal. Their content is disclosed in knowledge, skills, abilities and personal qualities as necessary for the implementation of the education activities in higher professional school. The presented structure of high school lecturer education competence facilitates the efficient evaluation of the competences, the identification of the gaps in the competencies development levels and their correction with additional measures and means aimed to their effective formation.

The Formation of the Pedagogical Values of Future Primary School Teachers at the University

Abstract: The relevance of this study is due to the search and identifying of effective pedagogical conditions of formation of the modern student, future teacher of primary school, priority orientations on spiritual and moral values of teaching activities, to practical necessity of formation of pedagogical values of a specialist in the field of primary education and the development of a methodological model of the formation of the pedagogical values of future primary school teachers. The purpose of this article is to reveal the essential characteristics of pedagogical values in modern conditions, the identification and justification of pedagogical values of future primary school teachers as the basis for his professionalism, the development of the methodological model of the formation of the pedagogical values of the future specialist in the field of primary education. A leading method of this problem study is a pedagogical experiment (ascertainment, formation and control stages) as well as the method of expert estimations, statistical processing of the quantitative results of the study, testing students, monitoring of their activities. The main results of the research are revealing of essential characteristic of pedagogical values identifying and justifying of pedagogical values of future primary school teachers, elaboration of methodical model of formation of pedagogical values of the primary school teachers. The article can be useful for teachers of higher educational institutions interested in the problem of ways and methods of forming the pedagogical values of students, leading to high achievements in pedagogical activity.

Functions and Main Directions of Development of the Integrated Educational-Industrial Complex “College—University—Enterprise”

Abstract: Structural and functional stability of college, university and industry integration in regional system of professional education is achieved through the creation of common educational-industrial space. The leading approach to the study of this problem is an integrative approach which allows predicting the transition of the integrated system “college—university—enterprise” on the qualitatively new level due to the agreed goals, tasks, functions, and actions of this system subjects, contributing to the implementation of forward-looking professional training of competitive specialists. The main functions of the development of the integrated educational-industrial complex “college—university—enterprise” in the article are indicated as follows: coordinating, prognostic, anticipatory, consolidating, corporate, sublimating. The article submissions represent a theoretical value to researchers concerned with integration issues, and also have practical significance for subjects of the integrated system of “education—production” in order to prepare specialists meeting the requirements of modern production.

Students’ Views on the Use of a Virtual Educational Museum

Abstract: Culture and Education are two concepts intertwined together as, through Education, formal and informal, forms and elements of Culture are developed. Education is therefore one of the most important factors of enhancement, promotion and preservation of cultural heritage through the development of appropriate educational “spaces” directed to different social groups. The research took place in Greece over the Academic year 2013-14 and it was carried out nationally aiming students’ depiction of views and attitudes on the use of a virtual educational Museum. The total number of respondents nationwide was 22902 students of first, second and third grade of High School.