The Good Research Guide: For Small-Scale Social Research Projects
... 103) stressed the importance of this technique in any research, although obviously in countless different ways. Here, in conducting the documentary analysis, the focus was on the literature review, as outlined by Denscombe [54] (p. 11), who considered it an integral part of the documentary analysis. ...
... 11), who considered it an integral part of the documentary analysis. The goal of this stage, according to the same author, is to show how the research relates to previous research and generate specific questions and ideas [54] (p. 293). ...
... In other words, as Elias [32] (pp. 53,54) suggested in relation to Erasmus' treatise, there were symptoms indicating that a new emotional climate was emerging, that something was different and changing. However, there is no way of predicting exactly 'how' or 'when' these climates will emerge and whether they will emerge under the conditions outlined-as indeed did not happen with the very foundational ideals of modern society [76]. ...
In recent decades, there has been a growing interest in the study of emotions, demonstrating their importance in understanding diverse human and social dynamics. However, as this field of study develops and diversifies, a structural yet simple question remains virtually undiscussed: Is it really possible to say that societies possess emotions or a certain sensitivity akin to individual experiences? This exploratory study, based on documentary analysis, endeavours to identify and examine emotional patterns across six different periods, spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day. Among the eight secondary findings, three fundamental conclusions stand out: (1) throughout history, societies have experienced different emotional atmospheres, sometimes simultaneously; (2) although societies generally propose an emotional model to follow, the reality does not always conform to it; and (3) it is mainly through the culture that society creates a certain emotional harmony, allowing the social body to remain cohesive and develop, thus postponing or preventing its disintegration. This study aims to offer a modest contribution to the complex and under-explored discussion on the correlation between specific emotional climates and particular social contexts.
... A case study approach facilitates the researcher in attaining exclusive contextualised data on individuals experiences of RPL and provide the opportunity to develop understandings of the complex process of RPL and how it impact upon candidates' mindset and meta-learning techniques. Case studies are particularly appropriate for individual researchers because it provides an opportunity for one aspect of a problem to be studied in some depth (Bell, 2014) (Denscombe, 2010). Predominantly, case studies are used in relation to the discovery of information following an inductive logic (Denscombe, 2010). ...
... Case studies are particularly appropriate for individual researchers because it provides an opportunity for one aspect of a problem to be studied in some depth (Bell, 2014) (Denscombe, 2010). Predominantly, case studies are used in relation to the discovery of information following an inductive logic (Denscombe, 2010). Case studies work well with surveys to either put flesh on the bones of a survey or after a case study that has identified key issues (Bell, 2014). ...
... Case studies work well with surveys to either put flesh on the bones of a survey or after a case study that has identified key issues (Bell, 2014). A major critic of case studies is that generalisation is not always possible (Denscombe, 2010). The researcher would like to maintain options to use surveys post case study if time allows. ...
Literature review for the Masters Thesis - The Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) Candidate - a neglected stakeholder
... Data analysis is aimed at describing, explaining, and then interpreting the studied subject to enable the researcher to optimally answer the research questions (Denscombe, 2014). Such an analysis should be well-structured and systematic (Karlsson, 2010). ...
... According to Williamson (2002), data analysis is the process of bringing order, structure, and meaning to the mass of collected data. Further, qualitative data analysis is predominantly concerned with the analysis of verbal and written information (Denscombe, 2014). There are mainly three parts for qualitative data analysis according to Miles et al. (2014): data reduction, data display, and drawing of conclusion/verification. Data reduction is at the core of the task of analysing the qualitative data and begins with the reduction of research control data and reduction of contextual data for example, transcribing recorded interviews and workshops into text. ...
... The final step of the process is to draw conclusions and verify them to derive meaning from data and build a logical chain of evidence. According to Denscombe (2014), empirical data can be analysed alongside data collection, which is a common practice in qualitative research. ...
The ability to offer unique solutions that meet customer demands has beenconsidered a competitive advantage in the industrialised house building (IHB)industry. However, IHB companies are struggling due to varying customer needs and the simultaneous need to fulfil legal regulations, market demands, and production constraints. This has forced companies to develop unique
solutions for every housing project to satisfy individual requirements, which automatically drives them to follow an engineer-to-order (ETO)-based strategy. The high involvement of customers in the design process results in the need for considerable engineering activities to validate and adjust to the
customer demands, thereby providing individualised solutions. Moreover, designers adopt different production strategies based on the degree of preengineering. Product platform approaches have been acknowledged as one of the prominent means to improve both internal and external efficiencies. However, the use of traditional platform-based strategies does not suffice for
the design of ETO-based components in an IHB system. A systematic approach is required to align the product platform and different production strategies so that customer requirements can be easily managed. Thus, this research aims to outline the means to support the design phase of IHB by applying a product platform approach when using a mixed production strategy.
A Swedish multi-storey house building company that uses a glulam-based post and beam building system was used as the main case in this research. Empirical data were collected mainly from interviews, observations, workshops, and document analysis. This research proposes a framework for the systematic development and use of the product platform by following an
inductive approach. Further, a parametric design platform method is proposed to achieve a platform-based development for ETO-based components by identifying, formalising, and reusing the design assets. The findings reveal how the transition of production strategies can be managed with supporting
tools and methods. Moreover, this thesis emphasizes the importance of adopting the design for manufacturing and assembly (DfMA) in IHB. In addition, the research contributes to the existing knowledge on product platforms in IHB by providing the context of mixed production strategies and best practices to improve the IHB design process.
... Case studies aim to understand social phenomena where it is of interest to study a specific thing in-depth by using different data and research methods (Denscombe, 2014;Yin, 2018). This study is both exploratory and explanatory, and case studies lend themselves well for both types (Yin, 2018). ...
... This study's aims and research question is phrased using what but truly explore the reasoning and whys behind intelligence agencies moving to the cloud. Case studies work well to explain and understand how different facets affect the case (Denscombe, 2014), and to explore current events (Yin, 2018), in this case the lack of research concerning the intelligence community and the cloud. ...
... 2. Preparation for data collection -literature review leading to conceptualising and interviews based on these. Reviewed Denscombe (2014) and Yin (2018) for case study design. 3. Collecting evidence -semi-structed interviews circa 90 minutes long with experts in the field. ...
The purpose of this research is to discover more about the challenges and opportunities faced by intelligence agencies wishing to move their data to the cloud. Intelligence agencies collect and process enormous amounts of data and information and need the tools to do so. Two intelligence communities have moved to the cloud to face these issues but there is little scientific knowledge about moving an intelligence agency’s data to the cloud. No research on the topic could be found and this study aims to fill part of that gap by using a case study research strategy and interviews with experts in the field. A literature review was completed to understand previously identified challenges when adopting cloud and was used to create two sets of interview questions. Five interviews were conducted, and a thematic analysis done resulting in fourteen themes. The themes revealed that there are many challenges with laws and regulations being the biggest one, while the opportunities brought by a cloud solution are the processing and analysis of data, and information sharing.
... A purposive sample was used by inviting participants via email. However, It is a convenience sample because the company is known to the researcher [10]. ...
... First, the sample size may warrants caution in generalizability, as it was limited to two participants. However, in order to deepen research questions, smaller sample size even one participant is conducive to be sufficiently informative [17,10]. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the research questions has been answered. ...
Chinese human resource manages are looking for new ways to manage workforce because of increasing employee turnover. The humanistic management approach may be useful for Chinese managers and companies. However, few qualitative studies have explored the views of Chinese enterprises towards humanistic management approach. The research aims to investigate the perspectives and experiences of managers on the introduction of humanistic management approach into a Chinese Company in-depth. Semi-structured Interviews were conducted with two managers participated in work for a technology company known for its people-oriented management. The results demonstrated that The implementation of people-oriented management in the research company is mainly reflected in the corporate culture and employee welfare. Its main advantages include co-development and freedom of expression. However, the underlying concerns of the humanistic approach lie in low motivated employees and unfairness. These factors should be considered in the development of humanistic management approach to increase the applicability from Chinese companies.
... Interpretivism emphasises understanding human behaviour, experiences, and social phenomena in their natural context. It seeks to explore the meanings and interpretations that individuals give to their experiences rather than aiming for generalizable laws or predictions (Denscombe, 2014). It enables a comprehensive understanding of complex and multifaceted issues, especially when exploring topics involving human emotions, attitudes, and beliefs. ...
... A case study approach was chosen in this paper to obtain further in-depth information on the experiences, perspectives, and actions of SECC leaders. It provides an opportunity to go deeper into the issues, qualities, values, and tactics employed by head teachers (Denscombe, 2014), resulting in a thorough and profound understanding of their leadership practices. Nevertheless, this study technique creates certain concerns due to the lack of properly defined boundaries (Given, 2008). ...
The purpose of this dissertation is to examine the leadership values, characteristics, and strategies necessary for principals to be successful in schools that face extremely challenging circumstances. The research was conducted by performing a qualitative research study to explore the case of a Colombia-based school facing “extreme challenges”. Research methods employed include semi-structured interviews with five members of staff of the school in Villanueva, Colombia, and two external participants (both of them, successful principals in their schools). The results obtained by this research could prove that principals in successful schools suffering from extremely challenging circumstances share similar characteristics, values, and strategies, even when each school faces its own unique reality.
... We chose the case study as our research methodology due to its suitability for smallscale projects [40] and its typical linkage to naturally occurring phenomena [41] within real-life contexts [42]. This approach aligns with our study on environmental education for sustainable development in a kindergarten, focusing on the emergence of a sustainable lifestyle in real-life settings and the collaboration between parents and professionals. ...
... Mac-Donald and Walker [43] describe it as a study of instances of action, which resonates with our focus on specific actions within families and kindergartens to explore factors contributing to sustainability. Our study, characterized by multiple phases analyzed with different methods, reflects the holistic nature of case studies as described by Denscombe [41]. Although case studies face criticism for limited generalizability, the insights they provide can aid in developing theoretical frameworks for the phenomenon studied, thereby improving analytical generalizability [42]. ...
This multimethod study investigated an environmental recycling project in a Finnish kindergarten group, tailored for children aged 4 to 6, as part of early childhood environmental education for sustainable development. We aimed to identify the main drivers of sustainable lifestyles in the families of kindergarten children and evaluate the project’s effective practices. We utilized a qualitative approach using interviews with parents and feedback from teachers and employed the Following a Thread approach alongside inductive thematic analysis. The results highlight the crucial role of Finland’s socio-cultural context, including the emphasis on free play in natural settings and the encouragement of exploration under gentle guidance, in fostering sustainable behaviors among children. Additionally, the parents’ strong environmental sensitivity was manifested in their will to engage with their surrounding community to promote sustainability. The results underscore the importance of collaboration between parents and educators in promoting environmental awareness from an early age. The study advocates for policy changes to ensure that children and teachers have access to natural environments during day care, suggesting that integrating free play in nature with hands-on recycling activities can significantly contribute to sustainable education. Moreover, this topic should be further investigated in different living environments.
... While debated , qualitative research has been shown to have benefits within healthcare, discovering values, needs and experiences (Vougioukalou et al., 2019). The primary method used in this study was ethnographic, semi-structured interviews, as used by several other similar studies on emotions and similar phenomena (Weatherly & Reay, 2022;Lim et al., 2021;Haines-Gadd et al., 2018), allowing the researcher to explore emotions and the underlying goals (King et al., 2019;Denscombe, 2021), while also allowing users the opportunity to express their truth without the bias of leading questions (Seale, 2018). Additionally, with the ethical implications of a study investigating deeper emotions in vulnerable people, the study instead investigated the experience as a whole using a similar approach to Chen (2020), deriving emotions and their corresponding psychological needs using thematic analysis. ...
... The study was exploratory in nature and so used non-random, non-probability sampling techniques (Denscombe, 2021). Purposive sampling was used to identify participants with type 1 diabetes using glucose monitors, to produce the most valuable insights and develop an initial construct (Lim et al., 2021). ...
With the current strain on the healthcare service, wearable technology presents a solution. However, there is a lack of adoption from user groups due to a focus on clinical and financial factors. This study explores the implementation of positive design in medicine, outlining contributing factors to positive emotional experiences. Using a qualitative methodology in the form of semi-structured interviews with users and experts, a construct was defined consisting of five key psychological needs, including control, stimulation, competence, social factors, and purpose & growth.
... Non-probability sampling methods involving purposive and theoretical techniques were employed for this study. Two dissertations and 2 theses utilising a qualitative and quantitative RM were purposively selected for analysis based on the core categories which were developed premised on the central phenomenon of the RP (Denscombe, 2014). The established preconceived notions were used to analyse and compare other projects selected continuously until theoretical saturation was achieved (Charmaz, 2014;Denscombe, 2014). ...
... Two dissertations and 2 theses utilising a qualitative and quantitative RM were purposively selected for analysis based on the core categories which were developed premised on the central phenomenon of the RP (Denscombe, 2014). The established preconceived notions were used to analyse and compare other projects selected continuously until theoretical saturation was achieved (Charmaz, 2014;Denscombe, 2014). Theoretical saturation was realised when no other new insights or additional data emerged (Glaser & Strauss, 2007). ...
The review examined the relationship between Chapter 1 and its subsequent Chapters in a dissertation or thesis, informed by a constructivist paradigm utilising a qualitative approach. It further demonstrated how the contrasting ontological, epistemological assumptions and models of human beings the researcher brings to the research process have direct implications for one’s methodological concerns in a project. To ascertain these philosophical assumptions, thirty postgraduate projects were purposively selected and theoretical saturation determined the sample as depth was sought employing a grounded theory. Different Chapter 1s of various dissertations and theses were scrutinised first and used to develop a framework of analysis which was later fine-tuned using literature surveyed. Guided by an interactive process combining the elements of content and inductive thematic analysis, the major components of the study were identified, namely; the research problem, objectives, sub-problems or hypotheses. In turn, these influenced the literature surveyed, research methodology utilised, analysis and interpretation of data, conclusions drawn and recommendations made. These technicalities if carefully observed are meant to guide postgraduate students to produce a quality product independently and reveal the symbiotic relationship that exists between Chapter 1 and its subsequent Chapters in a dissertation or theses.
... Direct observations were also done during the interviews to counter-check some responses from respondents. Observations are important because they allow one to scrutinize what happens in real-life situations [58]. They also allow a researcher to corroborate data collected from other research methods [58]. ...
... Observations are important because they allow one to scrutinize what happens in real-life situations [58]. They also allow a researcher to corroborate data collected from other research methods [58]. In this study direct observations were specifically important to confirm livelihood activities in the area and whether the assets owned by the households were in line with the established wealth rankings. ...
Forests are important ecosystems offering extensive material and immaterial benefits to people and the environment. If not well monitored and sustainably managed, forest resource use can lead to degradation, which has global environmental and socio-economic implications. There is currently limited information on the factors that lead to forest use in the Cryptosepalum forests of Zambia, and how these factors potentially influence forest integrity. This study aimed at establishing the socio-economic aspects that determine resource utilisation and forest loss in the Cryptosepalum forest of Manyinga and Zambezi Districts of North-western Zambia. Using a semi-structured questionnaire 207 randomly selected households were interviewed in 7 villages surrounding the Cryptosepalum forest (4 in Manyinga and 3 in Zambezi district). Additionally, three focus Group Discussions were conducted to triangulate interview data. Descriptive statistics, Pearson's Chi-square test of independence and binary logistic regression were used to analyse the data. The study established 14 forest products used by local communities in the study sites. Socio-economic factors, namely; gender, level of education, household size, wealth, and residence status significantly influenced use of 9 of the 14 forest products. Further, significant relationships (p < 0.5) were established between: (1) gender and use of construction poles, wood fibre, fruits, and honey production (2) level of education and utilisation of timber, tubers, caterpillars, mushrooms, and thatching grass; (3) household size and use of construction poles, wild vegetables, tubers, caterpillars, fruits and thatching grass; (4) wealth status and use of timber, construction poles, wild vegetables, wood fibre, and fruits; and (5) residence status and use of construction poles, tubers and thatching grass. Timber harvesting, agricultural expansion, and population increase were established as key drivers of forest cover loss in the Cryptosepalum forest. The study recommends that policies and strategies aimed at conserving this forest focus on strict law enforcement (monitoring and control) of timber harvesting activities; and provision of agricultural inputs and/or community sensitisation on conservation agriculture interventions to curb shifting cultivation practices. The study adds to the body of knowledge on the importance of forests to rural livelihoods in Sub-saharan Africa, and the influence of socio-economic factors on forest cover and resource use.
... The present study specifically focused on exploring the underlying assumptions embedded in EFL teachers' assessment practices. In this case, the use of in-depth semi-structured interviews are essential and adopted for this study, which helped us explore teachers' assumptions at a deeper level and allowed flexibility to probe the depth of teachers' complex, embedded and implicit assumptions on assessment (Denscombe, 2007;Dornyei, 2007). The study's focus on exploring relatively new issues (teachers' assumptions about assessment in EFL context) in depth also necessitates using the technique (Denzen & Lincoln, 2005) since it offers a more complete picture of assumptions underlying assessment practices in the target course. ...
... Open-ended questions are crucial in these regards. So, we used open-ended questions that enabled us to fully and richly collect data from the participants by allowing the interviewer to develop rapport with them and the interviewees freely express their reasoning behind assessment practices and decisions (Denscombe, 2007). ...
This study investigated EFL teachers’ underlying assumptions about assessment and how these assumptions are congruent with current perspectives in assessment. Informed by interpretivist philosophical underpinnings, the study adopted qualitative research approach. Nine teachers from three universities located in western Ethiopia participated in the semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed using thematic and content analysis approaches. Generally, the findings revealed complexity and diversity in teachers’ assumptions, which centered on four emergent themes: knowledge/content, valid approach to assessing knowledge, values and judgements, and power relations. Most of the teachers’ assumptions are contradictory with current perspectives and the expectations of the recent reforms on classroom assessment. A few modernist assumptions that teachers held even could not always translate into practice, suggesting the influences of contextual and institutional factors that should be further studied. The need to help EFL teachers develop contemporary assumptions in foreign language assessment is the primary implication of the study. Findings of this study can be considered as one of the necessary steps towards developing a new measure of assumptions about assessment that can be used to assess the underlying assumptions embedded in EFL teachers views and practices of assessment.
... Defnyddiwyd cyfweliadau grŵp ffocws gyda'r mentoriaid gan fod hyn yn caniatáu i'r cyfranogwyr rannu a thrafod eu profiadau a'u saf bwyntiau gwahanol ac ychwanegu dealltwriaeth werthfawr i'r gwaith o ddehongli rhaglen CaBan (Bryman, 2015). Defnyddiwyd holiaduron i ddechrau gyda'r ACau, gan fod hwn yn ddull cyfleus o gynhyrchu data gan nifer fwy o gyfranogwyr (Denscombe, 2017). Roedd yr holiaduron yn hawdd eu gweinyddu, a gallai'r ACau ddewis ymateb yn Saesneg neu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. ...
... Roedd yr holiaduron yn hawdd eu gweinyddu, a gallai'r ACau ddewis ymateb yn Saesneg neu trwy gyfrwng y Gymraeg. Efallai bod hyn yn fodd cyfleus o gynhyrchu data, ond roedd hefyd yn caniatáu ymatebion mwy arwynebol heb fanylder neu eglurder (Denscombe, 2017;Jones, 2015). O'r herwydd, defnyddiwyd cyfweliadau grŵp ffocws gyda 12 Athro Cyswllt hefyd i helaethu a chadarnhau'r dadansoddiad blaenorol. ...
Nod y papur hwn yw archwilio effaith rhaglen Addysg Gychwynnol Athrawon (AGA) newydd CaBan, sydd wedi dod i’r amlwg mewn ymateb i ddiwygiadau addysgol ehangach yng Nghymru. Yn fwy penodol, ei nod yw dadansoddi canfyddiadau mentoriaid ac Athrawon Cyswllt (ACau) i ddatblygu dealltwriaeth fwy digonol o’r dull mentora sydd wedi’i fabwysiadu gan CaBan. Defnyddiwyd holiaduron a chyfweliadau grŵp i gynhyrchu data gan 15 o fentoriaid a 48 athro cyswllt - gyda’r astudiaeth yn digwydd yn ystod cam olaf y rhaglen flwyddyn ôl-raddedig. Defnyddiwyd proses o ddadansoddi thematig i nodi a dadansoddi patrymau yn y data. Mae’r dull deialogaidd o fentora sydd wedi’i fabwysiadu gan CaBan wedi ail-lunio’r berthynas rhwng y mentoriaid ac ACau. Anogodd bartneriaeth fwy democrataidd sydd wedi grymuso’r ACau i herio rhai agweddau ar ymarfer a chyflawni gweithredoedd mwy creadigol. Mae adborth a thrafodaethau rheolaidd yn canolbwyntio ar ddysgu ar y cyd wedi helpu i leddfu pryderon ACau am werthuso, ond wedi creu rhywfaint o densiwn hefyd gan fod credoau mentoriaid am addysgeg yn fwy tebygol o gael eu herio. Mae gan y canfyddiadau hyn oblygiadau ar gyfer rhaglen CaBan a darparwyr AGA eraill, oherwydd bod mabwysiadu dull deialogaidd wedi arwain at newidiadau dymunol mewn strategaethau mentora. Gwelwyd gwerth yn y newidiadau hyn, ond roeddent yn dibynnu ar y mentoriaid i neilltuo mwy o amser i’r broses ddeialogaidd ac i fod yn llwyr gefnogol i sgyrsiau agored am ddysgu.
... Case studies aim to study and examine a phenomenon in depth and within its contemporary context (Johannesson & Perjons, 2014). This research strategy provides a detailed description of the research, providing a holistic perspective of the phenomenon, its processes, and its potential relationships within its context (Denscombe, 2014). Since this study seeks to investigate and validate whether a framework developed for Cyber Pearl Harbor (CPH) can be applied to three additional cases, a case study approach was deemed the most suitable research strategy. ...
... Since this study seeks to investigate and validate whether a framework developed for Cyber Pearl Harbor (CPH) can be applied to three additional cases, a case study approach was deemed the most suitable research strategy. Furthermore, the flexible nature of this strategy not only facilitates the creation of new theories and/or the validation of existing frameworks but also allows for the integration of other research strategies (Denscombe, 2014). These characteristics are particularly relevant in this study, where a validation of an existing framework, published by Huskaj (2023), is undertaken. ...
The use of cyberattacks against organizations, health care and individuals have increased along with the constant digitalisation. Nations have also fallen victim to cyberattacks, often combined with other means of war. A Cyber-Pearl Harbor (further shortened as CPH) is a term mentioned by the former United States Secretary of Defense, Mr. Leon Panetta, who described it as “combined attacks that result in human death and physical destruction and that paralyzes an entire nation”. Gazmend Huskaj used Panetta's definition in order to create a framework (herein the “DSLP-framework”) for classifying an event as a CPH. This study strives to see if the DSLP-framework can be validated since the term has been widely used for the last 25 years. However, a universal definition of the term seems to be missing, therefore it is not certain that the criteria presented in the framework is accurate. A qualitative case study was conducted through a literature review regarding the term CPH and semi structured interviews with three experts were done, which were later analysed through a thematic analysis. The framework was applied to three real life cases: a public health sector in Costa Rica, a TV-tower in Kyiv, Ukraine and the grocery company Coop in Sweden. The result from applying the DSLP-framework to each case was that only the case of TV-tower in Kiev, Ukraine, could be classified as a CPH. The following conclusions were drawn in this study: 1) The framework could not be validated due to lack of data, and 2) The interviewees views differed from the framework making it hard to find common ground.
... The questionnaire design employed in this study was deemed appropriate and readily comprehensible by the survey participants. According to Denscombe (2010), an interview is a research instrument employed to assess an individual's knowledge, personal values, preferences, worries, experiences, attitudes, and beliefs. In order to optimise the efficiency of the questionnaire, a set of semi-structured interview questions was specifically tailored for this study. ...
The acquisition and utilisation of knowledge possessed by employees within an organisation, particularly in the context of the Civil Service, can be a crucial asset in achieving the organization's continuous business goals and objectives. This study investigates the methods and implementation of Knowledge Management (KM) in the public service Organisations of Mauritius. The objective is to identify the attributes that contribute to the effectiveness of knowledge management (KM) and address significant obstacles in the KM process. The objective of this study is to increase awareness of Knowledge Management (KM) as a feasible option for enhancing the efficiency of civil service organisations. The study results imply that knowledge management in civil service organisations is still in its nascent phase, indicating a significant need for advancement in the whole knowledge management process. This study examines the present condition of knowledge management in the civil service organisations of Mauritius. The study primarily aimed to collect empirical data on the subjective impressions, attitudes, and perspectives of the respondents or interviewers regarding the investigated issues. The study use interpretive methodology rather than positive approaches. Nevertheless, this research solely concentrates on the 25 governmental ministries of the Republic of Mauritius. The proposed framework is anticipated to be easily implemented in para-statal entities and government-owned firms, necessitating only minimal adjustments. The objective of this project is to build an empirical basis for the creation of a knowledge management system tailored to the needs of Civil Service Organisations. This study focuses on analysing the mechanisms of Knowledge Management (KM) and their impact on productivity and efficiency in Mauritian Civil Service Organisations.
... This method consists of analyzing documents containing information about the phenomenon to be studied (Bailey, 1994;Guba & Lincoln, 1982), possibly resorting to different sources (Godoy, 1995). The documents include institutional reports and government publications (Denscombe, 2017;Bailey, 1994). ...
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... The draw and hat method was used, in which 460 pieces of paper with 230 "Yes" and 230 "No" inscriptions were folded and placed in a box, and retired teachers were given an equal opportunity to pick a "Yes" to be a part of the study, and all teachers who picked "Yes" were included in the study, while all who picked "No" were excluded. The justification for using random sampling is that if a sufficiently large number of teachers are chosen and their selection is truly "at random," then the resulting sample is likely to provide a representative cross-section of the whole" (Denscombe, 2010). 230 people were chosen to participate in the study. ...
Purpose: The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of retirement experiences on psychological well-being of retired teachers in the East Gonja Municipality. The study employed a quantitative approach underpinned by analytical cross-sectional design. The target population of the study comprised of retired teachers in the East Gonja Municipality. A total of 320 retired teachers from East Gonja Municipality were purposively selected to constitute the sample for the study. Methodology: Scale of Positive and Negative Experience (SPANE) and Psychological Well-Being Scale were adopted for data collection. Data was analysed using means and standard deviation and linear regression. Findings: The study found that most of the retired teachers in the East Gonja Municipality in the Savannah Region of Ghana experience positive emotions, express optimism, and are satisfied with their lives in their retirement phase of life. Unique contribution to theory, policy and practice: The study concludes that retirement experiences are unique and can be a liberating experience for retired teachers, where they can pursue their interests and hobbies without any restrictions. It is recommended that retirement should be a time for retired teachers to focus on their health and well-being, a time they can pursue activities that promote physical and mental health. This study recommends to education system to provide pre-retirement counselling and post-retirement support programmes, focusing on mental health and well-being. Also, the study recommends to pension and retirement agencies to develop and implement workshops and peer support programmes to promote retired teachers’ psychological well-being, addressing issues of social isolation and identity loss.
... Based on the topic of the research, which was the US perspective on the Israel-Palestine war, purposive sampling was done. According to (Denscombe, 1998), "The term is applied to those situations where the researcher already knows something about the specific people or events and deliberately selects particular ones because they are seen as instances that are likely to produce the most valuable data (p.17). Based on this definition, current US President Biden's speech on the visit of Jordan's King for an immediate ceasefire is selected and subjected to Fairclough's three-dimensional model to investigate the US contemporary perspective on the Israel-Palestine war. ...
The study is the investigation of Biden's speech delivered at Jordan's King Abdullah II visit amid the Israel-Palestine war for an immediate ceasefire. The study aims to explore the US perspective on the Israel-Palestine war through Biden's speech. Purposive sampling of US President Biden's recent speech delivered on February 13th, 2024, is done to investigate the contemporary perspective of the US on the Israel-Palestine war using Fairclough's three-dimensional model. Findings revealed that, at the description level, values of words and grammar through contrastive schemes represent specific ideologies associated with Hamas and Israel. At the interpretation level, text and context indicate Hamas as the only one responsible for the chaos and Israel as the bearer of circumstances. At the explanation phase, the speech seems normative as the US projects its diplomatic role as a global power in sustaining peace and seems to support Israel due to shared cultural values.
... Second, it ensures that there are sufficient numbers in the sample from each of the categories examined such as gender, age, and level of education. A stratified sample can be defined as one in that every member of the population has an equal chance of being selected in relation to their proportion within the total population (Blaikie 2001;Creswell 2009;Denscombe 2003;Henn, Weinstein, and Foard 2009). ...
This paper investigates social dimensions in the Libyan family and their relationship to the common practice of bribery. In Libya, bribery is most noticeable in administrative contexts where other practices such as favouritism, fraud and forgery are also found. The paper aims to make an original contribution to knowledge in a little-researched area by examining social dimensions and cultural practices. The paper is based on the basic assumption that there is a relationship between accepting bribes and social dimensions surrounding the family in Libya and will thus also examine bribery as a social culture, by means of a set of variables such as gifts, promises, assistance and loans. The study took place in Benghazi, Libya, where the number of employees exceeded 200. The study was conducted using an interpretative epistemology and a quantitative method. Data were collected using quantitative research instruments and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. The findings of the study suggest that there is a relationship between family relationships, social status and the commission of the crime of bribery except for variables of social status and cultural background, in addition to the social relationship's effect on administration.
... This method consists of analyzing documents containing information about the phenomenon to be studied (Bailey, 1994;Guba & Lincoln, 1982), possibly resorting to different sources (Godoy, 1995). The documents include institutional reports and government publications (Denscombe, 2017;Bailey, 1994). ...
Purpose: This article aims to analyze pioneering public finance initiatives based on blockchain technology, identifying the Brazilian context amid the international. Additionally, this study seeks to present opportunities for blockchain technology applications and the challenges encountered for their expansion. Originality/value: Few studies have covered the public sector, especially public finance, despite using and testing this technology in different areas. The development of these innovative applications is limited, particularly in Brazil. Design/methodology/approach: Public documents, such as reports and official websites of public agencies, associations, and institutions, were identified and selected from the unit of analysis “pioneering public finance initiatives based on blockchain technology.” Findings: Blockchain technology has been used in government projects related to research, identity, economic development, and financial services, among others. Blockchain initiatives have been led by Brazil’s financial, technology, and education/media sectors. Finding technology applications in public finance was one of the difficulties in the research. The number of projects in this category involving blockchain and the public sector is scarce in Brazil and internationally. However, this scenario has shown signs of change. Although reduced, public sector participation has increased in recent years. Blockchain has much to offer the public finance sector, but governments have been cautious and insecure about introducing the technology. It happens because of uncertainty about whether the technology is developed enough to withstand critical problems in the public system or what unique issues could arise from that technology.
... This shall be done using a quantitative, qualitative, or multimodal method design. A mixed method design performed quantitatively and objectively in this error analysis study is used [29]. The researcher used this design to analyze errors. ...
Students often struggle with grammatical accuracy when writing in English as a second language. This study investigates the types and frequencies of errors made by ninth-grade Indonesian students in their English narrative compositions. The research objectives were to 1) identify common error categories within student-generated narrative texts and 2) determine which error type occurs most frequently. The study utilized a descriptive qualitative approach. Ninth-grade students at SMP IT Qurata’Ayun Palu were assigned a narrative writing task on a designated topic. The collected texts were analyzed using Dulay, Burt, and Krashen's (1982) surface approach error taxonomy. Results indicated a total of 70 errors across the students' work. The most prevalent error type was misformation (50%), followed by omission (36%), addition (13%), and misordering (1%). These findings suggest that difficulties applying correct grammatical forms are a significant obstacle to accurate narrative writing for these students.
... Scholars often note that textbooks have limited information on research methods and methodology (Mackenzie & Knipe, 2006). We also looked at several more recently published methods textbooks and found that there are issues with authors not clearly introducing and/or defining methodology (e.g., Denscombe, 2010Denscombe, , 2021Flick, 2015;Vear, 2022;Walliman, 2011). ...
There is a distinct difference between methodology and methods in research. However, too many students, researchers, and authors of academic papers do not seem to pay attention to the crucial difference. This is true not only in education research but also in many other academic disciplines. In simple terms, the term methods refers to the research tools and techniques; for example, in the qualitative field, interviews are a tool to collect data, and in the quantitative field, a questionnaire-based survey is an example of a data collection tool. Methodology is a broader concept as it refers to the overall approach to the research, includes a justification for this approach, and links to research philosophy, i.e., how we produce knowledge. This methodological note aims to explain the confusion, drawing on examples from the published literature in education research and beyond. It also considers the complexities and crossovers. The final section ends with key advice to researchers and authors on key mistakes to avoid regarding the difference between methods and methodology, including covering this in early supervision discussions.
... A case study design was used to obtain in-depth information for this study. The choice of this methodology was grounded on the nature of the research problem, which demanded for the detailed information from the respondents that could otherwise not be obtained through deployment of other designs as asserted by Bryman (2016), Denscombe (2014) and Yin (2014). ...
This study assessed the teaching approaches employed by secondary school teachers teaching in inclusive classrooms incorporating students with visual impairment in Tanzania. The aim of the study was to find out the extent to which the approaches suited the students’ learning needs. The study adopted a qualitative research approach, employing a single case research design. Purposive sampling procedures were employed to obtain a sample of 24 respondents. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, non-participant observations and documentary reviews. The collected data were analyzed through thematic data analysis procedures and presented using descriptions, tables and charts. The findings have revealed that some of the teaching approaches executed by teachers accommodated the learning needs of students with visual impairment, while others did not. It is recommended that teachers should adapt teaching approaches that suit students with visual impairment. Further, the government should organize more regular trainings and professional development courses for raising teachers’ awareness on inclusive issues.
... The study employed a semi structured interview format, also known as a guided interview, as its second data collection tool. This format comprises a set of questions designed to elicit detailed responses from senior academics, department heads, coordinators, and directors of the chosen universities regarding their beliefs on internationalizing their discipline's curriculum [55,56]. The questions for the interview were prepared grounded on the general definition of the term "belief" that it is introduced by the phrase "do you believe that … " preceding "each of the four level major scales' propositions regarding CI in order to infer from what the participants say" [57,58]. ...
This study set out to investigate the beliefs of academics regarding the importance of curriculum internationalization in Ethiopian research universities. A convergent-parallel mixed-method design was used to achieve this purpose. Quantitative data was gathered from 415 randomly chosen academics taken from a sample frame of 6808 through a questionnaire. Using a semi-structured interview, 16 purposefully chosen individuals provided qualitative data. The questionnaire's construct, face, content, and pilot test validity were examined. Moreover, triangulation, use of multiple methods, external audits, and low inference descriptors were employed for the qualitative instrument. Descriptive statistics (frequency, percent, mean, and standard deviation) and inferential statics (Chi-square, Cramer's-V test, and one-way ANOVA) were used to examine the quantitative data. Bell's “Spectrum of Acceptance of Internationalizing Curriculum,” integrated with Ellingboe's “Great Divide,” was used to identify the positions of the academics in their beliefs. The qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive statements and presented thematically based on research questions. Hence, major findings revealed that academics' representations based on their demographic variables were not as expected; their variation was practically not significant among universities; the majority of academics had crossed Ellingboe's “Great Divide”; significant differences among disciplines and/or universities were not observed in this study. Finally, urging academics to actively integrate international perspectives into their curricula, elevating curriculum internationalization of higher education to a national priority, and undertaking extensive national research emerged as key recommendations for the Ethiopian Research Universities, Ethiopian Ministry of Education, and future research endeavors, respectively.
... The researchers utilized the "Responsibility index Questionnaire" (Appendix B) which was obtained from CPI (California Psychology Inventory) in order to delve into the hidden layers of EFL learners' psychological trends and behavior, specifically responsibility index. The researchers in the present study chose questionnaire because scholars believe that questionnaires are the most economical and efficient means of eliciting information (Denscombe, 2014). The Responsibility index Questionnaire Profile is the most robust instrument in existence for assessing responsibility index -the capacity to take constructively the responsibility of challenges assigned. ...
Abstract
The triangle of sender-media-receiver is the necessary chain for any human interaction. In language learning field, learners are always focused as the decisive elements in communications; hence, the importance of the adversities to be confronted and the un-predicted .........
... There are 43 nodes and 61 relationships in the ANA part and 60 nodes and 50 relationships in the BpNA. The selection of respondents was based on meetings with members of the SAdK municipality and a snowball effect (Denscombe, 2017). This strategy enabled us to produce a list of citizen groups and organizations working in the SAdK territory. ...
In this paper, we evaluate emergency and risk management by combining social network analysis and the study of social representations. We use a classical, bipartite network analysis method to highlight the key actors in emergency and risk management. The use of social representations anchors our data in a particular territorial experience. Indeed, the proposed article is a case study of the municipality of Saint-André-de-Kamouraska located in the Bas-Saint-Laurent administrative region of Quebec. We argue that the main advantages of our method are: to reveal the key actors in emergency and risk management; to reveal the impact of these actors on the governance of emergencies and risks; to draw the socialization to risk and emergency of the studied population.
... This present study adopted case study as a research method because case study as an empirical enquiry explores a contemporary phenomenon within its real-life context of an individual unit which can be a person, a class, or a community (Cohen, Manion, & Morrison, 2000;Yin, 2003). Case study is based on a qualitative and interpretive research paradigm that could be viewed as personal and subjective, and that can potentially portray a much more complex reality of individual experiences through substantiated interpretations (Denscombe, 2003;Holliday, 2002). Underpinned by the qualitative case study research method, the research setting in this present study took place at an Australian university located in one of the most multicultural and multilingual cities in Australia. ...
... 3 The research is underpinned by an idealist ontology, with a belief that the meanings and interpretations created and maintained by social actors constitute social reality (Blaike, 2007). The study is based on purposive sampling (Denscombe, 2010) to generate 'insight and in-depth understanding' (Patton, 2015, p. 266), concentrating on the strategic nature of the data sources rather than viewing the data as a statistical representation of a population. Data collection is principally through published university sources and semi-structured interviews with 40 participants across the case university in academic, academic support, management, leadership positions, chair of the governing council, as well as with representatives of the students' union. ...
Concerns about commercialisation, high costs of study, elitism, massification, and the challenge of quantity over quality are some of the common themes across the globe in the discussions on international higher education. Viewed through the lens of a small public university in the UK, this paper presents the results from a study examining the meaning of internationalisation, its practice, and what it means in the context of an inclusive international higher education strategy. It argues that in a world where 97% of the world’s student population engaged in higher education is not globally mobile for a variety of reasons, internationalisation to be inclusive must adopt a holistic approach and be woven into the fabric of the institution’s life. Implemented as a Whole Institution Initiative (WII), this must be accompanied by clear Intent, Investment, and Infrastructure (3 I’s), connecting strategy, policy, and day-to-day practices at all levels and functions of the institution. The framework that has been developed as a result of this study provides insight and practical guidance to Higher Education institutions on how to approach internationalisation holistically. At a strategic level, it will be useful to institutional leaders and national policymakers to understand the issues entailed in formulating international strategies, processes, and programmes in developing an inclusive internationalisation strategy and not merely focusing on international student recruitment and inward mobility. At a course/programme level, it provides valuable practical insight and guidance to academics and programme administrators involved in developing and delivering inclusive internationalisation.
... To understand the multifaceted dimensions of sustainable urban development, different research approaches, such as quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods, should be used [30][31][32]. This paper adopted a literature review, a sub-method of qualitative research, to enumerate the nuances that impede and accelerate sustainable and inclusive urban development in South Africa. ...
Globally, the need for sustainable urban development has never been more urgent than it is now. This is because estimates indicate that more than half of the global population will be living in urban areas by 2050, with South Africa estimated at 80%. This paper focuses on socio-economic nuances that impede sustainable urban development, as well as the strategies that can accelerate sustainable and inclusive urban development in South Africa. Through a literature-review methodology, the analysis identified the following issues as impediments to sustainable urban development in South Africa: informality, lack of consultations with urban citizens, unresolved apartheid legacies, crime and insecurity, and migration intricacies in South Africa. The paper also establishes prospective strategies to accelerate sustainable urban development, such as working with informality and not against it, promoting inclusivity and access to resources, accelerating policy reforms, investing in rural towns, and investing in superior technology and innovation. These findings imply that there is a need to seek alternative development models and approaches, to address poverty, unemployment, and poor housing, aspects that negatively impact urban development planning and sustainable development. The paper recommends inclusive urban housing as a remedy to address the challenges of access, affordability, and the quality of housing facilities in urban areas.
... To address the research questions, the mixed methods design was conducted to view the findings from different angles instead of relying on a single approach (Denscombe 2017). A stratified random sampling was carried out where the researcher ensured that various groups are included. ...
Purpose - The purpose of this research paper was to determine whether there is a relationship between the frequency and the range of morphemes used in students’ essays and their actual essay scores.
Methodology - To address the research questions, the mixed methods design was conducted to view the findings from different angles.
Findings - The results suggest that there is a strong relationship between the range of morphemes used in students’ essays and essay scores.
Implications - These findings can have meaningful implications for English teachers and linguists in the UAE, specifically, about the significance of considering the morphology used in students’ essays.
Originality - This paper adds to the growing body of literature by adding information on the frequency and the range of morphemes used in students’ writing and essay scores in the UAE’s education sector. This may contribute to more significant information within the field of linguistics.
... The articles from Foulds (2013) and Blumberg (2015) discuss the gendered content reflected on textbooks used in Kenya and on educational policy from worldwide views. Furthermore, a research from Warouw (2008), used the content analysis procedure proposed by Denscombe (2006) in analyzing textbooks content. The units of analysis are coded based on categories and the units of analysis in her study are in the form of written texts such as words, sentences or paragraphs, and the forms of visual images such as pictures, photographs or drawings. ...
In the wake of transformative alterations in the Industrial Revolution epoch, a discernible transition has transpired, heralding a departure from conventional printed instructional resources to a realm dominated by digitalized pedagogical materials. In light of this evolution, the present investigation aspires to delve into a discerning framework tailored to scrutinize the efficacy of educational media crafted to propagate gender egalitarianism. Methodologically, this qualitative inquiry has harnessed the potency of document analysis as a means to amass pertinent data, augmented by the application of content analysis techniques to dissect the amassed information stemming from both traditional print and contemporary digital teaching media. The study's outcomes elucidate an emergent paradigm derived from the pre-existing evaluative framework, delineating a novel trajectory in discerning gender-centric content within didactic materials. In conclusion, the criteria underpinning this evaluative process extend beyond conventional parameters, encapsulating innovative benchmarks such as progressiveness and neutrality, though not circumscribed exclusively to these classifications. This study thus unveils a nuanced perspective, casting a discerning light on the multifaceted facets of evaluating pedagogical materials in the dynamic milieu of digitalized education
... Additionally, for framework validation and preparation of the facility management assessment format and evaluation range, a small number of experts (6-12) were recommended and utilized, especially for focus group discussion (Van Eeuwijk & Angehrn, 2017). In this scenario, the selection of respondents was based on their knowledge, and the ability to provide high-quality and valuable information is advisable, following the guidance of Denscombe (2017). The respondents were chosen from both private and government higher academic institutions found in Hawassa city, building consultants, building coordinators from the Hawassa city municipality and the Sidama national regional state urban development and Construction Bureau, and facility and purchasing managers with relevant experience. ...
Facility management involves the daily operations that are essential for maintaining a
physical environment that aligns with an organization's requirements and main functions. This amplifies the importance of facility management in enhancing organizational performance on a global scale. One of the key indicator for effective facility management existence is the facility management assessment tool, which is used to evaluate and control the performance of facility management. Unfortunately, there is a lack of this tool in Hawassa City, including Ethiopia as a whole. And this made it difficult to know the performance of facility management, especially in public office buildings of Hawassa city. Thus, the objective of this study was to develop a facility management assessment tool for public office buildings in the context of Hawassa City, which would be used in the operation phase. The study used both secondary and primary data sources; secondary data from the existing literature review, and primary data obtained from purposively selected respondents by using closed-ended qestionnaires, open-ended questionnaires, and focus group discussions. The data was analyzed by using item content validity index, analytical hierarchy process, descriptive analysis and inferential analysis as per data type and specific objective of the study with the help of Microsoft Excel version 2016 and a Statistical Package for Social Science Software version 2023. The literature review identified 81 indicators related
to facility management across nine categories. These indicators were further evaluated for their content validity using the item content validity index analysis. After the analysis, 67 indicators remained, categorized into eight different groups. The results of the content validity study were then compared through survey questionnaires based on the analytical hierarchical process. Based on the data analysis, financial, functional, learning, and management categories were identified as the most three critical categories for the facility management performance evaluation. From sub-indicators, leadership skills of the top management, energy efficiency, and understanding of Ethiopian law related to facility management were identified as the top three critical indicators for the facility management performance assessment. On top of prioritization, evaluation, and status award points were suggested. Accordingly, a score of ≤ 20 indicates poor performance, 21-40 indicates low performance, 41–60 indicates medium or good performance, 61-80 indicates very good performance and 81–100 indicates excellent performance of facility management. By using the result of the prioritization and evaluation range, the facility management practice was evaluated. And as per the result, the socio-cultural, financial, and human resource management practices were found in a medium or good performance. Whereas, technical category service was found in the lowest range than others, and overall facility management performance of the public office building in Hawassa city resulted in low performance. Finally, based on the result of overall data analysis, a conceptual framework has been developed which can be applied to facility management in the public office building of Hawassa city, which can improve the existing facility management practice
... To address research question 3, qualitative data was collected by focus groups from three purposively sampled (Denscombe, 2010) kindergartens from a total of thirty kindergartens in the City of Tirana, Albania. Each focus group was conducted in each kindergarten separately. ...
The Albanian Groundwork-case drew on Post-Positivist and Social Constructivist approaches implementing mixed methods to: i) gather secondary data from educational settings policies and national policies to establish if Bowlby's attachment theory was part of kindergarten-staff required qualifications for working with children (0-3 years); ii) administer online questionnaires were administered to 863 kindergarten staff from a population of 46,000 Kindergarten-staff from across Albania with a response rate of 78%; iii) qualitative data was collected by focus groups from three purposively sampled kindergartens from a total of thirty kindergartens in the City of Tirana, Albania. Evidence reveals Bowlby's attachment theory is not part of Kindergarten-staff qualifications and not known or applied by Kindergarten-staff. Kindergarten-staff build relationships with children spontaneously without referring to theories, frameworks or guidelines.
This chapter explores the causes of onshore oil and gas pipeline infrastructure insecurity and critically analyses the vandalism of Nembe Creek Trunk Line (NCTL). It does so by identifying the underlying socio-economic and political grievances that led to the vandalism of the NCTL pipelines. As well as further insecurity in the Nembe community and the wider Niger Delta region. It points out that some of these collective grievances exist in most resource-rich countries in the Global South. The chapter uses the Frustration-Aggression-Displacement theory (FADT) to analyse the underlying factors that trigger anger and frustration resulting in aggression that causes vandalism, and militancy problems (Almond, Almond and Coleman (eds), The Politics of the Developing Ages, Princeton University Press, 2015; Bushman et al., 2018; Dollard and Sears et al., 1939; Paes, W. C. (2003). Oil Production and National Security in sub-Saharan Africa. In Oil Policy in the Gulf of Guinea. Friedrich-Ebert-Stiftung). FADT is suitable for this research because it presents a more realistic analysis of the outcome of the socio-economic, political, and environmental impacts of oil and gas companies on local communities in Bayelsa. Thereby filling the gaps in Structural-Functionalism (SF) and Greed versus Grievance models. SF which came to political science by way of sociology sees society as a complex system. It proposes the integration of different inputs and processes of societal structures such as education, the extractive sector, and the criminal justice system (Ray, 2004). Its integrative nature makes it an explanatory hypothesis relevant to all aspects of political systems. However, the “greed” versus “grievance” model argues that the opportunity for benefits and income through increased power motivates greedy behaviours (Hoeffler, Studies in Ethnicity and Nationalism Journal 11:274–284, 2011). This greedy behaviours by political leaders are common phenomena in Nigeria, and most countries in the Global South. Grievance, on the other hand, is the outcome of deprivations, denial of benefits, and inequalities which leads to anger, tensions, fuel violent resistance, and conflicts. The outcome of using the critical discourse analysis technique in this chapter showed conflict in text and language in documented and literature evidence that narrates the social, cultural, political, and security structures in Nigeria and how they influence the oil and gas insecurity in Bayelsa.
This chapter reports a case study on Vietnamese EFL student and teacher perceptions of the benefits and difficulties of using translanguaging in literature courses. Using semi-structured interviews and thematic analysis, this study engaged seven students and five teachers to address the research questions. The results revealed that the students perceived benefits in using Vietnamese in teaching English literature courses, including improving understanding and analyses of literary works, cultural connections, and group interactions. Similarly, the teachers recognized benefits such as increasing comprehension, student engagement, cultural awareness, and confidence. However, students encountered difficulties related to the use of colloquial language, translation complexities, and cultural disparities. Likely, teachers observed diminishing student engagement, hindrances to students' English language proficiency, and comprehension difficulties. These results thereby contribute to the existing understanding of translanguaging in the classroom.
This article outlines how topics and related activities based upon elements related to interest and anxiety for Nigerian senior secondary school two (SS II) science textbooks were identified, which was part of greater study conducted which was aimed to ascertain the elements and contents connected to interest and anxiety in science learning of the Nigerian SS II science curriculum. First, an initial list of items, topics, activities, and local materials relevant to interest and anxiety was established. Second, using this list and a framework for relevancy and not relevancy of the elements, topics, connected activities, and local materials for SS II science Curriculum and School Textbooks were analysed. Third, based on this content analysis, a possible list of 40 different topics and their related activities for the inclusion of elements related to interest and anxiety was arranged. The list of the elements, topics related activities and local materials were refined by applying two-round Expert consensus which has been considered consistent in Delphi technique. The Expert's consensus survey technique was employed to reach the level of consensus from specialists in the field of scientific education regarding the suitability of the items of the study (that is, aspects, subjects, related activities, and local materials in the SS II Nigerian science textbooks) that must be included. The results showed that of the element and 6 topics and related activities were 22 statements with options of "Yes" and "No" the higher percentages (%) of the experts responded "Yes" for round one. The results also indicated that of 24 statements for the suitability of the topics and related activities there are higher percentages (%) of "Yes". This confirmed that the themes, related activities, and local community learning materials could be incorporated into the Science Education module for Nigerian SS II female students.
Fink's Taxonomy, emerging as an alternative to Bloom's Taxonomy, presents a valuable framework due to its circular and interconnected nature, emphasizing affective aspects. However, there is a lack of clarity in measuring teachers' understanding levels of Fink's Taxonomy in the teaching and learning process. This study aims to develop items and measure the content validity of an instrument to assess science teachers' understanding levels of Fink's Taxonomy. The instrument development in this study involves two main phases: instrument construction phase and instrument content validation phase. The instrument construction phase in this study involves a literature review to conceptualize and operationalize the measurement instrument of Fink's Taxonomy. The instrument used in this study is a Likert scale questionnaire with 4 points. The content validation phase involves four steps: construction of expert review forms, selection of expert review panels, expert validation assessment, and analysis of content validity data. Content validity data analysis in this study uses Content Validity Ratio (CVR) with eight experts, resulting in a critical CVR value of 0.75. Fink's Taxonomy instrument comprises six constructs and 95 items. The analysis findings indicate that 88 out of 95 items are categorized as appropriate items with CVR values ranging from 0.75 to 1.00. Seven items showing values below the critical CVR require refinement and are retained in the instrument for pilot testing. The implication of this study lies in the ability to develop a Fink's Taxonomy instrument with high content validity. Further research on content validity can be conducted using CVI analysis, which can provide better item screening results and assess the validity of each domain and the entire instrument.
Urgent change is required in the governance of ocean spaces to contend with the increasing presence and impact of human activities, the solution to which is often labelled a ‘transformation.’ While diverse interpretations of this concept exist across academic disciplines, a grounded exploration of the subject with those involved in ocean governance has not been undertaken and is a critical gap in the practical implementation of the concept. Leverage points have been not only identified as a mechanism for change, but also face similar research challenges. Therefore, this research aimed to identify, through 24 expert and practitioner interviews, what exactly transformation means in the context of ocean governance, and how it can be achieved through a leverage points approach. While reactions to and perceptions of the concept were mixed, several definitions of transformation were identified, ultimately hinging on incremental and radical change to define character. A multi-intervention ‘puzzle’ style of leverage points is advocated for. Therefore, ocean governance transformation is proposed to be achieved through a model that recognises the utility and benefits of both radical and incremental change and employs a multi-leverage approach, using interventions at varying depths across the system.
In Ethiopia, there is a growing demand for early English education. Teaching vocabulary to young learners is crucial for language acquisition, and teachers’ perceptions and actions in the classroom are essential for effective teaching. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the relationship between teachers’ perceptions and their teaching practices in teaching vocabulary to young learners (TVYLs) in some selected primary schools in Ethiopia, South Western Regional State (SWRS), Dawro Zone. To explore their relationship, a descriptive survey research design with a mixed-methods approach was used. A total of 90 EFL teachers with different levels of experience participated in the study through simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected using classroom observation, questionnaires, and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation coefficients, both quantitatively and thematically. The data analysis showed individual differences in teachers’ theoretical perceptions and indicated that there is a discrepancy between their perceptions and classroom practices. The main factors affecting teachers’ effective TVYLs were large classes, teachers’ lack of knowledge of approaches, lack of time to practice vocabulary through integration with other skills, and teachers’ lack of experience in professional development. Finally, recommendations were made based on the main findings.
I explored the development of a 4-week online introduction to improv course, to verify the fit of the games and exercises used in this short course. I employed practitioner action research to develop an understanding of autistic learning needs. A socio-constructivist framework was used in the teaching, and focus groups were conducted after each class to obtain data. I recruited a total of 17 autistic participants for the Zoom-based improv classes, with groups of three to five autistic adults per course. Five courses were completed, and focus groups were run after each class to discuss the trialled improv training. The data collected identified improvements that participants felt would better support their learning. I found that autistic adults were comfortable learning with other autistic learners, and the gradual, informative teaching approach addressed their needs. An autistic teaching assistant was also found to be necessary. However, there were both desired and unwanted content, as well as contradictions about using online versus offline mode of study, and the necessary group size. The findings suggest that these considerations should be taken into account for adult education programmes aimed at autistic learners.
The emergence of Metaverse from the realms of science fiction into a tangible reality marks a transformative epoch in the digital landscape. Avatars, serving as digital embodiments of users, wield significant influence over educational interactions within this burgeoning virtual realm. This qualitative study embarks on an exploration of how avatar design shapes the landscape of virtual education within the nascent Metaverse. Structured interviews were conducted with a diverse cohort of 20 participants, comprising equal representation of 10 males and 10 females from varied educational backgrounds. Through these interviews, the research utilized qualitative analysis methods (namely as thematic coding) and delved into the nuanced perspectives of participants regarding the impact of avatar design on their learning experiences. Findings unveil the multifaceted role of avatars in online interactions, with attributes such as gender, facial features, and attire emerging as pivotal design elements. Participants' individual personalities and external influences wielded significant sway over their avatar choices, while varying emotional connections translated into preferences for either professional demeanor or self-expression within the virtual educational landscape. Amidst mixed opinions surrounding the educational efficacy of avatar design, some participants foresee heightened engagement, while others express skepticism. Despite acknowledging the socialization benefits, lingering uncertainties persist regarding the Metaverse's efficacy as an educational tool. Preferences regarding avatar promotion and customization exhibit variance, with prevalent concerns revolving around privacy and data security. Furthermore, the comprehensive data analysis of participants' demographics revealed a diverse cohort, encompassing individuals from various countries, academic disciplines, and scholastic years. This multifaceted approach facilitated a comprehensive exploration of avatar preferences and user experiences, enriching the study's findings and enhancing its applicability across diverse educational contexts.
The absence of a collaborative culture and the sporadic use of formative assessment are frequently encountered challenges in Maltese primary schools. This research investigates how primary school leaders in one state college are supporting social capital to enhance the quality of teaching and learning through formative assessment. Data was collected by means of an online focus group interview, followed by semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed through the thematic analysis approach using Microsoft Excel to colour-code the themes that emerged. The themes capture the realities as interpreted by the college primary school leaders within their environment. Findings reveal that the assessment and curricular reforms, combined by the pandemic circumstances, are stimulating the educators to join forces and work collectively. Collaborative opportunities and formative assessment are supported and promoted by the school leaders. This study unveils the importance of collaborative inquiry, through the co-teaching cycle methodology, to impact the quality of daily practices.
This article describes the use of an art-based research method used in a case to collect data from an older-population in an independent living community.
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