American Journal of Educational Research

Modern biotechnology has a large impact on society and requires informed decision-making and critical attitudes among the public. The purpose of this study was to determine the attitudes of Lebanese secondary school students and their biology teachers towards biotechnology and its teaching. Two questionnaires were administered to 400 students and 53 biology teachers. Results showed that teachers have more positive attitudes than students. Both had negative opinion towards consumption of genetically modified food. A mismatch between the teachers and their students was revealed concerning the socioconstructivist environment in biotechnology classes. The three components of attitudes (cognitive, affective and behavioral) were correlated in the case of students, while there was no correlation in the case of teachers.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 430-435. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-15
Pub. Date: June 22, 2014

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Teacher Supply and Demand: The School Level Perspective

by Smadar Donitsa-Schmidt and Ruth Zuzovsky

Original Research

This study seeks to investigate the teacher shortage from the school perspective. It was guided by the assumption that activities occurring on the micro level, i.e., strategies implemented by school principals in order to cope with the shortage, mask the situation. Following this assumption the study aimed to reveal these strategies and their impact on teaching and learning in schools. The research methodology included surveys of school principals and regional inspectors and examination over two years of job advertisements appearing on teacher union internet sites. Findings reveal an ongoing search for teachers throughout the school year and a balance between supply and demand toward the beginning of the school year. The most common strategies used by principals to cope with the demand are increasing teaching loads of existing teachers, hiring under-qualified and uncertified teachers, and employing temporary teachers for long periods of time. These findings redirect the problem of a quantitative teacher shortage toward the problem of a hidden shortage that relates to the quality of the teaching force.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 420-429. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-14
Pub. Date: June 19, 2014

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The Impact of a First Year Development Course on Student Success in a Community College: An Empirical Investigation

by Edgar Garza and Randall Bowden

Original Research

Virtually every institution of higher education in the United States is faced with the issue of student retention and success. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a development course toward retention and academic achievement. Specifically, this study focused on the Student Development Course (SDEV) offered at a community college in central Texas, serving 15,000 students. The course focuses on both life skills and study skills, including familiarity with college regulations, communication and study skills, goal setting, priority management, reading for comprehension, note-taking, test-taking, creativity, establishing relationships, and the power of a positive attitude. The research design involved the analysis of existing transcript data that are maintained by the college in its student registration and information data base. Participants included 1557 first-time-in-college students who were required to take a college development course either on campus or online. Data were analyzed with analysis of variance, post hoc analyses, and bivariate correlations. Results were statistically significant. Students who took the developmental course tended to stay in college over a four term time frame. Additionally, it was statistically significant that they had grade point averages at a C or better. Gender was not statistically significant, however ethnicity was. This supports theory suggesting that comprehensive integration programs can lead to student success. Issues for future consideration should include quality of faculty instruction, external forces, academic advising, and student accountability. Finally, researchers could compare students who complete a first-year-in-college program at a community college and continue to four-year institutions.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 402-419. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-13
Pub. Date: June 16, 2014

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An Evaluation of the Major Implementation Problems of Primary School Curriculum in Cross River State, Nigeria

by Grace Chikadibia Domike and Edward Ogar Odey

Original Research

There is no gain saying the fact that effective implementation is very vital if the primary school curriculum is to achieve its goals of inculcating permanent literacy and numeracy, ability to communicate effectively, laying a sound basis for scientific and reflective thinking. Efforts of the federal government towards implementation of a sound curriculum for the schools have yielded little or no dividends due to issues which are inherent in the implementation of the primary school curriculum. These problems include under funding, ecology of the classroom, acute shortage of infrastructures, lack of health facilities, lack of qualified teachers, and neglect of the mother tongue, amongst others. This paper, therefore takes a critical look at the challenges of implementing the primary school curriculum in Cross River State. It was therefore recommended that the local government should be more aggressive in its implementation programs, government need for strategic planning, institutional capacity building and positive coordination of man and natural resources.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 397-401. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-12
Pub. Date: June 16, 2014

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Relations Between Anthropometric Dimensions and Overcome Resistance in Recurring Motion

by Miroslav Dodig

Original Research

The research was carried out on a sample of 124 subjects, 15-16 year old males. An analysis was performed of the relations of anthropometric body characteristics and overcome resistance in recurring motion. The evaluation of resistance in motion was based on conducting motion with 75% of the maximum achieved, overcome weight, repetitive motion is carried out until the maximum number of correctly executed repetitions. Obtained information was submitted for mathematical analysis, the MULTREG program, from the statistical program “STAT – PACK” (Gauss – Jordan, 1954, Cooley – Lohnes, 1962). On the basis of maximum cohesion and regressive coefficients, variables that measured body volume, transversal skeletal dimension and longitudinal skeletal dimension have the highest cohesion with the overcome maximum resistance in recurring motion from anthropometric body characteristics. High cohesion of variables of the overcome resistance in recurring motion with anthropometric body characteristics indicates that a part of the resistance variable in motion is expectedly significant. As the overcome maximum resistance in motion is mainly conditioned by the structure for generating intensity and duration of energy release, thus the anthropometric dimensions, especially in the volume segment, body volume and transversal skeletal dimensionality, present a factor that significantly participates in the realization of motion with increased requirements for overcoming maximum resistance in motion.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 393-396. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-11
Pub. Date: June 13, 2014

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Difficulty of Science and Biology Teachers to Teach Entomology in Elementary and High Schools in the State of Pará, Northern Brazil

by Reinaldo Lucas Cajaiba

Original Research

This study aimed to determine the main difficulties encountered by teachers of science and biology, on the teaching of the insects in public schools in three municipalities in the State of Pará. Most teachers pointed out how difficult the overcrowding of classrooms, lack of laboratories and materials for fieldwork, students ' disinterest by theme and lack of content mastery. The main teaching medium adopted by professors is the book, using data show projector and educational videos. They do not make use of practical classes to work the theme. Relative to the themes worked in the classroom were cited, the external morphology of insects, ecological importance and forms of reproduction. Hence the need to adopt a differentiated pedagogical practice in teaching Entomology, such as field trips, practical classes, didactic models and educational games among others.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 389-392. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-10
Pub. Date: June 12, 2014

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The Power of Extrinsic Motivation in Tertiary Education

by Emilie Joy Kistnasamy

Original Research

Motivation is one of the most significant psychological concepts in education and can be indicated by the achievement of personal goal setting and developing an interest in the subject area; and reliance on external rewards and pressures. Successful students have a continuous motivating cycle of reflection, connection, confidence and positive self-esteem. Therefore, it is imperative for an educator in a tertiary setting to create a positive and encouraging environment that enhances student learning and personal fulfilment. This article looks at the power of extrinsic motivation as implemented in various modes at a University in Durban, South Africa. Four main categories of extrinsic motivation are discussed. Each category is underpinned by examples used to motivate the student to achieve excellence and thrive successfully. The benefits of implementing the various motivation techniques have shown decreased or minimal absenteeism, students endeavouring to achieve 75% and above for each assessment, a sense of accomplishment for the student, an increase in general well-being and personal empowerment and an enhancing of best teaching and learning practices.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 383-388. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-9
Pub. Date: June 12, 2014

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Formation in Baccalaureates and Masters of General Cultural and Professional Scopes in Field of Health Care

by Abaskalova Nadegda Pavlovna and Aizman Roman Idelevich

Opinion Paper

In the article the general characteristics of contemporaryy formation, training competent authorities in questions of the health care formation are examined. Is described the mechanism of training baccalaureates and masters through the educational programs, which reflect the formation of professional scopes. The concept of health monitoring is represented.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 378-382. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-8
Pub. Date: June 11, 2014

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Polygons Teaching Through Creative Drama in Mathematics Teaching

by Esen ERSOY

Original Research

Creative drama, one of the contemporary teaching methods, allows student to explore. Geometry teaching through creative drama, a teaching method, is the main focus of this study. In the study, creative drama practices were carried out aiming at two acquisitions pertaining to geometry learning area polygon learning area in 7th grade mathematics subject. In the study, the purpose is to put forward the applicability of creative drama in mathematics teaching. The study is a private case work and, workshop plan and an assessment form composed of 3 open-ended questions, which were developed by the researcher, were used as data collection tools. Descriptive analysis method was used in the analysis of the data. The practices were carried out with 40 students attending Samsun Gazi Primary School in the second term of 2012-2013 academic year. Within the scope of the practices, 20 students treated the subject via creative drama practices, while the other 20 students treated the subject via conventional method. In consequence of the application, it became apparent that the students in the creative drama group could better understand the processes of forming polygon, deriving polygon, forming a polygon similar to a polygon than the conventional group. As a result, it was concluded that it is positive for the acquisitions pertaining to polygon sub learning area to be provided via creative drama.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 372-377. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-7
Pub. Date: June 11, 2014

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Learning Process of the Steel Use in Building Engineering Students

by Carolina Cabrera, Carlos Moron and Alfonso Garcia

Original Research

The present work has as main aim to make a small introduction about the types of steels, specially the ones used in the construction industry. This material is appreciated in construction due to its many advantages as strengths, resistance, adaptability and flexibility in design, durability, recyclability,…; even thou its also has week points like a low resistance to fire, weak against corrosion and a high initial cost compared with other materials. There are a high variety of ways to classify steel. So, it is very important to the building engineering students to know the classification of steel will be focused on the chemical composition of the steel, as it is the most common way of classifying it. The different types of steel will be grouped in four types: carbon steel, alloy steel, stainless steel and tool steel. In carbon steel the main alloying constituent is carbon, in a range between 0.12% and 2%. It may also content small amounts of other elements like manganese, sulphur, phosphorus and silicon. Variations in the carbon content of carbon steel can modify its mechanical properties, for example, with an increase in the carbon content from 0.01 to 1.5% in the alloy, its strength and hardness increases but still such an increase beyond 1.5% causes appreciable reduction in the ductility and malleability of the steel. Alloy steel is a term used referring to steels with other alloying elements in addition to the carbon. The content of this alloying element is between 1.0% and 50% by weight. The most common alloying elements used in this type of steel are manganese, nickel, chromium, molybdenum, vanadium, silicon, and boron; less common alloyants are aluminium, cobalt, copper, cerium, niobium, titanium, tungsten, tin, zinc, lead, and zirconium. By varying the alloy proportions steel properties such as hardenability, corrosion resistance, strength, formability, weldability or ductility can be manipulated. Stainless steel is the alloy of any type of iron that contains at least 10.50 % of chromium and no more than 1.20 % of carbon. It also may content other alloy elements such as nickel or molybdenum. These steels can be divided into four groups based on their crystalline structure. Tool steels is a variety of carbon and alloy steels, its carbon content ranges between 0.7% and 1.5%, it also contains tungsten, molybdenum, cobalt and vanadium in varying quantities to increase heat resistance and durability. They are ideal for cutting and drilling equipment, this suitability comes from their distinctive hardness, resistance to abrasion, their ability to hold a cutting edge, and/or their resistance to deformation at elevated temperatures (red-hardness).

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 366-371. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-6
Pub. Date: June 11, 2014

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Paying Attention to Intention to Transfer in Faculty Development Using the Theory of Planned Behavior

by Tejinder Singh, Willem De Grave, Jaishree Ganjiwale, Arno Muijtjens and Cees van der Vleuten

Original Research

Context: Only a small proportion of knowledge and skills acquired during faculty development is actually applied on the job, leading to poor transfer of training. This results in wastage of training efforts. The present study was designed to predict the intention to transfer after participation in a faculty development workshop using theory of planned behavior (TPB). Methods: A questionnaire was designed covering direct measures of the TPB constructs viz. ‘attitudes towards behavior’, ‘perceived control over behavior’ and ‘subjective norms’, which was used to predict intention to transfer. Three hundred twenty four mid-level medical educators took the survey. Results: Respondents had a mean of 10.59 ± 7.39 and 5.25 ± 5.24 years of experience of teaching undergraduate and postgraduate classes respectively. The model accounted for 41% change in intention to transfer, with standard regression co-efficient equal to 0.51 for ‘attitudes towards behavior’, 0.21 for ‘perceived control over behavior’ and 0.07 for ‘subjective norm’. Discussion: Attitudes towards behavior and perceived control over behavior had greater influence over intention to transfer compared to subjective norms. The faculty development programs should focus on developing positive attitudes and perceived control over behavior of the participants.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 361-365. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-5
Pub. Date: June 05, 2014

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About the Peculiar Aspects of Relativity and Beyond: A Pedagogical Perspective

by Paolo Di Sia

Original Research

In this paper a pedagogical, but rigorous introduction to the key concepts of relativity is presented. Starting by the notions of space and time, of fundamental importance for the evolution for the global knowledge of children already in the primary school, we arrive to indications about the teaching of relativity in high school and university. Interesting considerations related to fascinating topics, like the evolution of the concept of space-time and the unusual amazing peculiarities emerging by the extensions of relativity, will be done.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 357-360. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-4
Pub. Date: June 04, 2014

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Student Attitudes towards Chemistry: an Examination of Choices and Preferences

by Jassem G. Mahdi

Original Research

Chemistry is one of the foundations of science, technology and industry. It forms the fundamentals of the life sciences. This study, aims to investigate what make students choose or not to choose Chemistry and what are the main factors that contribute to the understanding of Chemistry as a subject? Four aspects were used to appraise students’ attitudes towards Chemical education, including student’s perceptions toward Chemistry, the concept of chemical knowledge and its understanding, application of chemical knowledge and understanding and career, help and school, using a questionnaire technique. Respondents indicated that students were positive with most statements to support their education, despite the perception that Chemistry is a difficult subject. Furthermore, respondents indicated that Chemistry is an interesting and not a boring subject, which certainly demands more attention to raise its status. Having help at home and from teachers were important factors that play significant roles in the student’s preference to Chemistry but there is a disfavoured option for various careers, which may hinder student’s interest in Chemistry.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 351-356. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-3
Pub. Date: June 02, 2014

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Development and Evaluation of Modules in Technical Writing

by Ma. Theresa B. Nardo and Esther R. Hufana

Original Research

This study focused on the development and evaluation of Technical Writing modules to develop autonomous learning among students. The modules were based on the needs such as special techniques in technical writing, constructing verbal to non-verbal data, writing conclusions from research findings, writing recommendations for research, stating research problems, among others. Module II was evaluated along subject matter, vocabulary and structures, exercises, illustrations, and physical make-up. Module II was rated “Good” by the control (2.94) and experimental (3.12) students. The English teachers rated the modules “Excellent”. The modules were evaluated fit for the curriculum, for the students and for the teachers and were recommended for use in the Technical Writing class. Researches of similar nature of the study may be conducted to validate the findings of the study.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 341-350. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-2
Pub. Date: May 22, 2014

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Teaching Strategies Used by Mathematics Teachers in the Jordan Public Schools and Their Relationship with Some Variables

by Mohammad AbdelWahab H. Hamzeh

Original Research

This study investigated the use of teaching strategies among Mathematics Teachers at the Public schools in Jordon, and its relationships with teachers' gender, experience, and scientific level. A stratified random sample of (75) teachers is drown. To assess the Teaching strategy use, a questionnaire with (51) items is developed. The results showed that the general level of using teaching strategies was moderate, while the level of the behavioral strategies used by the teachers was high; whereas the cognitive and affective strategies were moderate. The results also showed that there were no significant differences (α ≤ 0.05) in the Teaching strategies use related to teachers' gender, But there were significant differences in the Teaching strategies use related to experience variable in the affective strategies domain in favor of the teachers with less than (5) years experience. The results also showed significant differences in the Teaching strategies use related to scientific level variable in favor of the post graduate teachers. The researcher recommends training mathematics teachers on using the teaching strategies.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2014, 2(6), 331-340. DOI: 10.12691/education-2-6-1
Pub. Date: May 21, 2014

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