1 Teacher professional development in Lebanese schools, Norma Ghamrawi
The aim of this study was to investigate the degree teacher professional development (TPD) practices in Lebanese schools were aligned with international norms. For this purpose, an extensive review of the literature of TPD was conducted which constituted the base for the generation of a survey instrument consisting of two sections: one that collects information about actual practices within TPD and another that requests evaluation of TPD in school. The questionnaire was sent to 65 private schools and 65 public schools. The total sample consisted of 50 school principals (N=50) and 520 teachers (N’= 520). Data was analyzed using SPSS 18.0 for windows. Results indicate that TPD practices in Lebanese schools were far away from international standards and norms. The image of TPD, however, in public schools is quite darker than that in private schools. Limitations of the study and recommendations for future research are suggested. Keywords: Teachers- professional development- leadership- schools
2 The effect of video-based and text-based instruction on enhancing L2 vocabulary learning, Hassan Mohebbi
L2 vocabulary learning is currently receiving increased emphasis in the language teaching curriculum. Additionally, with the emergence and prevalence of emergent technologies, in particular computer-assisted language learning and multimedia language teachers and practitioners are assumed to take advantage of the options provided through these technologies in prompting L2 learning. This study investigates the effect of using multimedia on prompting L2 vocabulary learning of Iranian language learners. To this end, twenty language learners were randomly assigned to two participating groups, namely a multimedia group and a comparison group. The multimedia group took advantage of a multimedia software and watched three movies with subtitles plus the texts. The comparison group attended the teacher-fronted classes and read the texts of the movies. After three sessions, the participating groups were given a posttest. The data analysis showed that the participants who were provided with multimedia outperformed the participants in the comparison group. The findings and the pedagogical implications of the study are explained in detail. Keywords: L2 vocabulary learning; multimedia; computer-assisted language learning
3 Computer Assisted Language Instruction in EFL Academic Environment: A Hindrance or a Facilitator, Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
With the rising integration of computer technologies into educational systems, Computer Assisted Language Instruction (CALI) has become a trend in language learning and teaching particularly in English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) academic environment. This study tries to display whether CALI has any significant effect on English language learning in an unexplored EFL academic environment in Iran. To this end, 60 senior university students (age range = 22-25), studying English as a Foreign language at the department of Foreign language in Isfahan University were randomly selected. Then, the sample was divided into two groups, i.e. control group (n=30) and experimental group (n= 30). In order to assure the homogeneity of the subjects regarding the English language proficiency, a standardized TOEFL Exam as a pretest was administered. Whereas the experimental group was taught via computer assisted language instruction, the control group received no CALI-related treatment. The language learning lasted for six-weeks. CALI included exercises and short quizzes on four language skills which were conducted at the end of every session. Overall data analysis revealed that in an EFL academic setting CALI would have a positively influential effect on learning English as a Foreign Language. Keywords: Computer Assisted Language Instruction, EFL, Language Learners, Academic Setting, Iran.
4 Boko Haram and 21st century Nigeria, Aniago Magnus, A
For over three years Boko Haram, the deadly Islamic group has dominated the Nigerian polity notoriously because of their unprecedented suicide attacks and bombings on Nigerian citizens. This paper traces the origin of Boko Haram and their metamorphosis into a radical and terrorist group. It is found that ignorance and illiteracy is a major factor providing raw materials and the persons that are brainwashed to carry out the suicide attacks. It is difficult to convince a university professor to carry out a suicide attack. The leaders play on the ignorance of the followers. It is recommended that every hand should be on deck to promote education especially those of the amajiris just as the federal government and the governor of Kano state, kwankwaso are doing. The security agents should be more tactical in handling the manace of Boko Haram. Keywords: Boko haram, Federal government, Terrorist group, Ignorance and Security Agents
5 Malaysian undergraduate science physics students’ and pre-service science teachers’ perceptions of online learning, Fauziah Sulaiman
This paper reports the results of a study concerning of Malaysian undergraduate science physics students’ and pre-service science teachers’ perceptions of learning through online learning. Specifically, it required to ascertain whether students had positive perceptions of the new teaching and learning medium. 102 students were involved in this study which consists of 61 students from the School of Science and Technology (SST, science student) and 41 students from the School of Education and Social Development (SESD, pre-service science teachers). Both programmes were from University Malaysia Sabah. The students then followed all learning activities for sixteen weeks through online. The online learning environment (i.e., learning management system, LMS) was used as the main medium to carry the full learning process throughout the second semester of 2008/2009 academic year. Data were gathered from an established open-ended questionnaire that administered after they completed with the learning activities at the end of the semester. Students’ perceptions after experiencing the online learning were analysed into three main themes: students’ readiness for online learning; motivation affects of online learning; and understanding of learning contents. Generally, though the results yields that students perception were vary but it has shown clearly that students welcome the online learning very well. Keywords: Online learning; physics students; pre-service science teachers.
6 Surveying digital literacy use and motivation in elementary school students, Barbara A. Marinak
New technologies are rapidly transforming the nature of literacy. Research has indicated that students are interested in digital literacies. Investigators hypothesized that digital literacy instruction can nurture intrinsic motivation by providing opportunities to engage in real-world problem solving. An investigation commenced to identify elementary students’ interest and motivation levels towards digital literacies versus printed literature. Ninety third graders completed a digital literacy survey, yielding a statistically significant difference in value towards digital literacies between those who prefer reading traditional texts and those who prefer reading on the computer. Keywords: digital literacies, reading, efficacy, e-books, print
7 The critical analysis of the pythagorean theorem and of the problem of irrational numbers, Temur Z. Kalanov
The critical analysis of the Pythagorean theorem and of the problem of irrational numbers is proposed. Methodological basis for the analysis is the unity of formal logic and of rational dialectics. It is shown that: 1) the Pythagorean theorem represents a conventional (conditional) theoretical proposition because, in some cases, the theorem contradicts the formal-logical laws and leads to the appearance of irrational numbers; 2) the standard theoretical proposition on the existence of incommensurable segments is a mathematical fiction, a consequence of violation of the two formal-logical laws: the law of identity of geometrical forms and the law of lack of contradiction of geometrical forms; 3) the concept of irrational numbers is the result of violation of the dialectical unity of the qualitative aspect (i.e. form) and quantitative aspect (i.e. content: length, area) of geometric objects. Irrational numbers represent a calculation process and, therefore, do not exist on the number scale. There are only rational numbers. Keywords: Pythagorean theorem, geometry, trigonometry, theory of number, mathematics, physics, philosophy of science.
8 A cross-linguistic investigation of language apology speech act; a case of Persian and Kurdish children, Mohammad Reza Sadeghi
With the rising integration of computer technologies into educational systems, Computer Assisted Language Instruction (CALI) has become a trend in language learning and teaching particularly in English-as-a-Foreign-Language (EFL) academic environment. This study tries to display whether CALI has any significant effect on English language learning in an unexplored EFL academic environment in Iran. To this end, 60 senior university students (age range = 22-25), studying English as a Foreign language at the department of Foreign language in Isfahan University were randomly selected. Then, the sample was divided into two groups, i.e. control group (n=30) and experimental group (n= 30). In order to assure the homogeneity of the subjects regarding the English language proficiency, a standardized TOEFL Exam as a pretest was administered. Whereas the experimental group was taught via computer assisted language instruction, the control group received no CALI-related treatment. The language learning lasted for six-weeks. CALI included exercises and short quizzes on four language skills which were conducted at the end of every session. Overall data analysis revealed that in an EFL academic setting CALI would have a positively influential effect on learning English as a Foreign Language. Keywords: Computer Assisted Language Instruction, EFL, Language Learners, Academic Setting, Iran.
9 The Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme in Nigeria: Problems and Prospects, Uche S
This paper looked at the role of education in the development of a nation, noting among others that education enables people to be good citizens. It therefore saw the need for a qualitative education in Nigeria as such education is what empowers its recipients to be useful members of the society and prepares them for success in life. The paper traced educational development in Nigeria from Independence to the launching of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) in September 1999. The UBE was launched in Nigeria to address the problems that brought about the failures of the previous educational policies and programmes that existed before it. The aim was to address the agitations and yearnings of the Nigerian people for an educational system that would be more relevant to the socio-economic, political and cultural background of the country. However, the UBE itself is also being bedeviled by a lot of problems. The paper examines these problems and considers the benefits of proper implementation of the UBE programme. Suggestions were made for a way forward. Keywords: Education, UBE Programme, Problems, Prospects.
10 The relationship between foreign language anxiety and belief toward FLL among children EFL learners, Mohammad Reza Talebinejad
The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between foreign language anxiety and beliefs about foreign language learning among children in the Iranian context (at Navid Language Institute) as well as comparing their beliefs with that of their teachers. In this study 42 linguistically homogeneous female students were selected after the Nelson test and were subjected to BALLI and FLCAS designed by Horwitz (1987). For answering the second research question, also 9 teachers were selected. After test administrations, the data from two questionnaires were analyzed statically. The findings revealed that children EFL learners hold the same idea with regard to BALLI and FLCAS. In order to compare both BALLI questionnaires completed by the students and teachers an independent sample t-test was applied. The findings reveal that teachers and students hold almost similar ideas with regard to their responses to BALLI and the result of t-test sample. The findings are in line with previous studies in this area. Keywords: Foreign Language Anxiety, Beliefs about Language Learning, FLCAS, BALLI, Children EFL learners
11 Personality structure and creative potential of male and female academically gifted students, N.A. Nadeem
The present study was conducted to compare personality structure and creative potential of male and female academically gifted students. The sample of study was drawn randomly from different professional colleges and academic colleges of the valley of J and K state. The investigators used two valid and reliable tools to collect data from the sample subjects. The data was exposed to various statistical treatments to reach at definite conclusions. The study revealed that female academically gifted students were found to be more creative and possess better personality characteristics than male academically gifted students. Keywords: Personality structure, creative potential, academically gifted students
12 Advancing mathematical content knowledge for in-service teachers, Rebecca R. Robichaux
This pre/post design study assessed the efficacy of the Multidimensional Content-Based Mathematics Professional Development Project. This project was designed to ameliorate middle and high school teachers’ fundamental mathematical conceptual knowledge through an intensive two week all day summer session with six all day Saturday sessions scheduled throughout the following fall semester. Data were analyzed by conducting the following non-parametric tests, (a) Cochran, (b) Kendall’s coefficient, and (c) McNemar. The results provided convincing evidence of the effectiveness of the project with statistical and practical significance of greater mathematical content knowledge. Preliminary results strongly suggest the implementation of this project for math teachers aspiring to develop their mathematical content knowledge. Keywords: Mathematical Knowledge, Professional Development, In-Service Math Teachers
13 Managerial appraisal of the provision and use of fire extinguishers by motorists along Benin-Asaba expressway in Nigeria, Alagbu Chukwubuikem Eugene
Good management of human resources also includes taking measures and steps that would help to protect life and prevent all possible events that might lead to loss of life or injury or deformity. Accident prevention must therefore be taken very seriously especially the type that involves victims being trapped inside a burning vehicle, without any viable means of putting off such fire, like, a functional fire extinguisher. It is on this premise that this research was predicated, to investigate the Managerial Appraisal of the provision and use of fire Extinguishers by motorists along Benin-Asaba Expressway in Nigeria. The research was conducted between July 1 and September 2012 along Benin-Asaba Expressway in Nigeria, specifically at five Road Safety Check Points, in collaboration with the Nigerian Road Safety Corps based in Benin, Agbor and Asaba. The driver of each car intercepted was requested to (1) Show the fire extinguisher of his/her car. (2) To demonstrate how to operate the fire extinguisher. Thereafter the true functionality of the fire extinguisher was ascertained and certified by the researchers/Road Safety Corps Officers. A total of 2878 cars were intercepted and checked, out of which 2618 had fire extinguishers. Structured Interview/question guide and check-list, were the data collecting techniques used for the study. The data collected were analysed using frequency counts and percentages. Results, show that only few of the male drivers lacked knowledge of how to operate the fire extinguishers in their cars, while the worst offenders were the female drivers. Recommendations were made. Keywords: Fire extinguishers, partial disability temporal disability, total disability accident prevention.
14 Never underestimate the power of the sandwiched: Middle leaders and school culture, Norma Ghamrawi
The purpose of this study was to investigate any relationship existing between the leadership styles exhibited by middle leaders, particularly subject leaders, and school climate. The sample was comprised of 250 teachers from 31 private K-12 schools in Beirut, Lebanon. The Multi-factor Leadership Questionnaire (5X) was employed in order to collect data pertaining to the leadership styles of subject leaders as perceived by teachers, while the School Culture Survey utilized to secure a profile for the prevailing culture of the participating schools. Additionally, participants responded to a single question- whom do you think is more influential in shaping school culture: subject leaders or the school principal? Explain. SPSS 18.0 was used to calculate Pearson product-moment correlation coefficients to detect the relationship between leadership styles of subject leaders and school culture. Findings indicate a strong positive relationship existing between the two variables. Besides, 87.61% of participant teachers considered their subject leaders to be more effective in shaping school culture by virtue of being sandwiched between senior leadership from one side and teachers, students and parents from the other side. Through the sandwich model, subject leaders play six critical roles which enable them to shape school culture. Roles include subject leaders as: (1) communicators; (2) curriculum designers; (3) liaisons; (4) event organizers; (5) role models; and (6) change agents. Keywords: School culture- leadership styles – subcultures- middle leadership- subject leadership
15 Role of Pedagogy in Effective Teaching, Monoranjan Bhowmik
In this article, I tried to reflect the necessity of acquired knowledge of every teacher concerning pedagogy to perform in his/her teaching profession so effectively. The word teaching is a simple word but its meaning or significant is not so and the term effective teaching demands various integrated activities in teaching-learning system. Pedagogy is the art and as well as science of teaching. It is a master-plan that includes a detailed analysis of what is to be done by a teacher. Keyword: Pedagogy, pedagogical analysis, teaching, effective teaching, instructional-objectives, content analysis.