American Journal of Educational Research

The study x-rays the damaging effects of brain drain on university education in Africa as a result of colonisation and globalisation. Despite its positive impact, globalisation has divided the world into the superrich and absolutely poor. Africa is the poorest of the poor. This is supported by Capitalism and the Marxist Theory. The study highlights the fact that Africa’s loss of her talented brains dates back to the 16^th century. Today, globalisation has worsened the situation and has given rise to the emergence of supranational institutions as well as neo-liberalism. The study posits that although the human being is a nation’s most important resource, and that human resource is central to economic development, globalisation pressure has damaging effects on poor countries and Africa in particular. Globalisation has permeated the phenomenal world of individuals, creating rifts in various segments of the nation especially in the universities, giving rise to the flight of talents, commonly called brain-drain. The need for Africa to develop credible strategy for progress in the areas that led the cream of her society to leave is highlighted. It is also pointed out that the strategy must address and explore various areas such as economic development, giving space to develop and expand the entrepreneurial talents. Africans in Diaspora should explore ways they can help their continent through diasporic spheres.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2013, 1(2), 58-62. DOI: 10.12691/education-1-2-4
Pub. Date: April 12, 2013

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A Functional Grammar Approach to Analysing Asian Students’ Writing

by Dr Angelia Lu

Original Research

This paper compares aspects of Singaporean and PRC students’ writing at the university level while enrolled in the freshman composition courses. These aspects involve instances of nominalization, theme, and use of modals (or their inappropriate usage) at various parts of the essays submitted by these students. These items are measured and reported in percentages as to gain greater insight to the depth of similarities and differences between the two sets of writing. In addition, the author is concerned that idiosyncractic usage of such anomaly in writing impedes comprehension when reading and is hardly audience-centred. It is noteworthy that the writing of Singaporean and Chinese students do produce various interesting similarities and differences, possibly attributable to their sociolinguistic and educational backgrounds. The implications of the results are analysed and discussed, with possible pedagogical solutions suggested in order to overcome difficulties of teaching separate students with different linguistic abilities.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2013, 1(2), 49-57. DOI: 10.12691/education-1-2-3
Pub. Date: March 28, 2013

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A Microsoft Learning Content Development System (LCDS) Based Learning Package for Electrical and Electronics Technology-Issues on Acceptability and Usability in Nigeria

by Ayotola AREMU and Bamidele Michael EFUWAPE

Case Report

This study reported the use of a Free Open Source Software (FOSS), the Microsoft Learning Content Development System (Ms LCDS) to design and develop a learning package in electrical and electronic technology for teaching thermionic emission and investigated the acceptability and usability of the learning package. This study adopted a descriptive survey design. 80 students of electrical and electronics engineering and technology were randomly selected from two higher institutions in the country. A structured questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.89 was used for data collection. Six research questions were raised and data collected was analysed using mean, standard deviation and Multiple Regression at 0.05 level of significance. The research findings revealed high acceptability and usability levels of the learning package (Mean=5.14 and Mean=3.35 respectively). A significant joint effect of self-efficacy, attitude and subjective satisfaction was revealed on acceptability (F _{(3, 76)} =9.458; p<0.05) while a significant joint effect of perceived enjoyment, self-efficacy, attitude and subjective satisfaction was revealed on usability (F _{(4, 75)} =9.418; p<0.05). Based on the findings, it is recommended amongst other things that computer assisted materials or packages be developed for topics that may need some extra support to teach.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2013, 1(2), 41-48. DOI: 10.12691/education-1-2-2
Pub. Date: March 26, 2013

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The Role of Motor Activity in the Self-Esteem of Primary School Pupils

by MANUELA VALENTINI, ELISA DI MASSA, GIOVANNA TROIANO and ARIO FEDERICI

Original Research

The purpose of this study is to analyze the importance of motor activity in the increase of self-esteem in Primary School pupils. To have positive self-esteem is a significant aspect of the growth of a person as a whole . Depending on the level of self-esteem, individuals take risks in various situations and respond to failure in different ways . Nine year old children are moving towards the threshold of adolescence, a time when physical change is predominant. Therefore, aiming at the development of self-esteem through motor activity has the purpose of building confidence in children who are about to face these changes. In this study, X classes were given two identical tests: the MOVIT test , evaluating physical perceptions and capabilities, and the TMA test , evaluating global and specific self-esteem. Pupils were tested in October and then in the following March. During this period the target group worked on autonomy and on interpersonal relationships by means of planned activities involving team-play.The average test results of the two groups demonstrated that the work group had improved significantly both in the physical field and in self-esteem with respect to the control group, therefore planned motor activities are effective in building self-esteem in Primary school pupils.Motor activity is of vital importance for the development of capacity and cognitive skills and with specific reference to the analyzed case, motor activity influences the growth of self-esteem, leading the subject to a full physical and mental development.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2013, 1(2), 37-40. DOI: 10.12691/education-1-2-1
Pub. Date: March 16, 2013

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