American Journal of Educational Research

The challenges that humanity faces in the 21^st century are overwhelming, to the point that the very survival of humanity and the ecosystem are jeopardized. Yet, most people in the West are “comfortably unaware” of the consequences of their lifestyles for the planet Earth as an ecosystem as well as for its inhabitants, human and animal. Language teachers can become agents of change by choosing environmental, human and animal rights topics as reading material and as themes for group discussion starting from a B1 language level. The acquisitive nature of education in the 21st century has neglected the human side of education- that is, of developing the individual's personality, empathy and awareness. The aim of this paper is to create awareness of the problems humanity faces in the 21st century by including transcendental values in our language courses. Using our academic freedom responsibly, we will not only improve our students' language skills, but develop their critical and analytical skills and seek solutions to global problems.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 790-792. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-19
Pub. Date: June 10, 2015

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Reducing Examination Malpractices in Nigerian Schools through Effective Continuous Assessment (C.A) Techniques as an Alternative to One- Shot Examination in Osun State, Nigeria

by Akanni Olubukola. O and Odofin Bankole

Original Research

The study assessed the usage of effective Continuous Assessment Techniques in reducing examination malpractices in Nigerian schools rather than the use of one shot examination in Ilesa East Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria. The population for the study were teachers (in training and service.) The purposive sampling techniques were used to select the schools and the stratified random samplings were used to select the samples. The samples included 200 participants, consisting 100 males and 100 females Year II students-teacher in training from Osun state College of Education Ilesa and teachers in service in secondary schools. The study used descriptive survey design. The instruments used were Students’ Questionnaire on Effective Continuous Assessment Techniques (SQECAT) and the Secondary School Teachers Questionnaire on Effective Continuous Assessment Techniques (SSTQECAT). Two research hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The hypotheses were tested using simple percentage and independent T-test statistical techniques. The results of the analysis showed that there is a significant difference in students’ and teachers’ adoption of Continuous Assessment (CA) as an alternative effective technique in reducing examination malpractices in Nigerian schools. On the basis of the results it was recommended among others that it would be better to adopt the effective and proper implementation of the techniques of Continuous Assessment in Schools as an alternative to one shot examination in Nigerian Schools which would help in reducing examination malpractices, make students work harder and make teachers become more innovative

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 783-789. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-18
Pub. Date: June 08, 2015

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Outcomes of Community-Based Infant/ Toddler Teacher Preparation: Tiered Supports for Pre-service early Childhood Education Teachers in Early Head Start

by Adam S. Kennedy and Anna Lees

Original Research

This study examined results associated with a field-based undergraduate early childhood teacher education program designed as a response to calls for enhanced field experiences and community-situated teacher education that narrows the preparation-to-practice gap. Specifically, classroom observations were used to assess undergraduates’ progress in developmentally appropriate adult-child interaction during a portion of a semester-long professional preparation sequence focused on infants and toddlers offered in an urban Early Head Start program serving low-income children. During the sequence, a model relying on guided apprenticeship with classroom teachers and continuous direct supervision from university faculty was employed. In addition, a tiered model including universal, targeted, and intensive supports was implemented in order to support candidates in identifying and developing specific areas of need. The participants in this study demonstrated greater responsivity and intentional engagement with infants and toddlers as a result of this intensive preparation sequence. Participants who did not show an initial increase in skills responded to targeted and and/or intensive intervention strategies. This model suggests that by refocusing early childhood teacher preparation through a lens of partnership between EHS teachers, university faculty, and early childhood special education (ECSE) teacher candidates, significant gains in developmentally appropriate practice can be achieved even for candidates early in a preparation program.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 770-782. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-17
Pub. Date: June 05, 2015

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Psychological Capital: A Positive Approach to Enhance Commitment to Change among University Students

by Shashika Naotunna

Original Research

Higher Education Institutions need to engage in planned change initiatives in order to enhance the quality of higher education. However, gaining commitment for such change efforts is still problematic. Even though, considerable scholarly work has been devoted to commitment to change over the years it remains as an issue. Following this problem, the study aimed to investigates the impact of Psychological Capital (PsyCap) on dimensions of commitment to change (i.e. Affective Commitment to Change, Continuance Commitment to Change, and Normative Commitment to Change). The respondents of the study were undergraduates of Faculty of Management Studies of Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka. Data were collected through a standard and validated questionnaire survey. Survey resulted in 396 usable questionnaires. SPSS 21 and Amos 16 were used to analyze data. Results suggest that PsyCap positively and significantly related to affective commitment to change, normative commitment to change and negatively affects continuance commitment to change. The results imply the importance of Psychological capital in enhancing affective and normative commitment to change while minimizing negative effects of continuance commitment. This research makes a novel contribution by being among the first to examine the impact of Psychological Capital in explaining commitment to change among university students.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 765-769. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-16
Pub. Date: June 05, 2015

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Measurement of Education Productivity Using Cohort Analysis for Headmaster of State Elementary School and State Junior High School

by Dwi Deswary

Original Research

This Research purpose is to know headmaster ability in measured education productivity using cohort analysis of student to realize the efficiency of education management especially for headmaster of State Elementary School and State Junior High School in East Jakarta. Research of education productivity measurement using cohort analysis was conducted with descriptive approach that based on finding explanation as things have panned out that exist in field of research result. Data Analysis was conducted in descriptive and interpretation in each research finding which is conducted in qualitative. Step interpretation in this research was conducted as follows: (1) Data Collection, (2) Data Reduction, (3) Data Display, and (4) Data Verification. Research result shows the readiness of school in delivery of student data and supporting information generally that already ready for importance of education productivity measurement. Nevertheless, there was still school headmaster that have not yet comprehended analysis in understanding cohort and how to compile and analysis it for the sake of efficient education management. Recommendation of this research shows there must be performed some training activity and technical partner intensively about cohort compilation and analysis to all headmasters especially in State Elementary School and State Junior High School in East Jakarta that conducted by partner related like College.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 758-764. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-15
Pub. Date: June 05, 2015

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Certainty and the Linguistic Intervention Program in Foreign Language Learning

by Eva Stranovská and Silvia Hvozdíková

Special Issue

The purpose of the research study was to investigate the dynamics and the stability of personal variable of certainty in foreign language learning through the tools of the Linguistic Intervention Program - LIP. The research study examined the effect the program had on certainty in foreign language performance as well as durability of the LIP on foreign language performance – one year after the program. The focus was drawn on two kinds of certainty: a) normal certainty I1 and pathological certainty I3. The Linguistic Intervention Program represented a method of active social learning, of self-directed learning, a set of specifically designed techniques and strategies of foreign language learning; for instance: cognitive, relaxation, cooperative, communicative techniques, and the techniques specifically designed for social perception and intercultural communication. The Linguistic Intervention Program emphasized on a natural way of learning foreign language. The research sample included 396 subjects - university students - studying various teaching programs at the of the Philosopher in the city of , . The research tool of Certainty-Uncertainty Scale served the purpose. The participating, first, second, and third-year students, enrolled for the seminars of foreign languages for specific academic purposes. The outcomes of the research showed remarkable findings of the variable certainty – normal and pathological; associated with the dynamics and the stability of foreign language performance through the means of the LIP. The results proved statistical significance in I1 and statistically significant higher score in time durability. The examined variable I3 was referred to as a relatively stabile characteristic in foreign language performance.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 753-757. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-14
Pub. Date: June 03, 2015

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Teaching English Reported Speech to Engineering Students

by Irina-Ana Drobot

Special Issue

The purpose of this paper is to underscore some common difficulties that Romanian engineering students face in learning English reported speech. The paper will consider situations in which students will need both to use and to understand reported speech, and will also suggest teaching activities that can help to improve students’ communications skills.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 749-752. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-13
Pub. Date: June 03, 2015

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The Implementation of Generative Learning Model on Physics Lesson to Increase Mastery Concepts and Generic Science Skills of Vocational Students

by Johar Maknun

Original Research

The weakness of learning process is one of the problems faced by the education world. The learning model used has not been able to make students become active in the learning process on physics lessons. One of the learning model has been developed is the generative learning model. The students are required prepare themselves mentally and for understanding the material information studied on the generative learning activity. The knowledge with the mental a connection has been produced from the concept formulation by the active students in the learning process. This study represents a quasi experimental research design is the randomized pretest-posttest control groups design. The generative learning model provides a better impact in increasing mastery concepts of physics for vocational students. Generic science skills were developed on the lesson of vocational physics, mass and unit topic as well as particle kinematics are direct observation techniques, large scale consciousness of nature’s objects, fluency using the symbolic language, proficiency perform logical inference, and proficiency make the mathematics modeling. The Generative learning model provides a better impact in increasing Generic Science Skills of Vocational Students.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 742-748. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-12
Pub. Date: June 02, 2015

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Ending Plagiarism: Using Technology to Scaffold Article Review and Effective Source Material Integration into Student’s Work

by Alex Monceaux

Original Research

This document illustrates how to 1) engage students in active research, 2) scaffold the student’s accurate review of articles for pertinent source material, and 3) integrate that material into the student’s work to hone student’s research and analysis skills, bolster writer confidence, and avoid plagiarism.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 736-741. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-11
Pub. Date: June 02, 2015

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Status of Female Education in Jammu and Kashmir Since 1950

by Ruhee Rashid and Santosh Kumar Maharashi

Original Research

Educated women in Jammu and Kashmir can play an important role in all round development of the state. The most powerful tool that changes the position of society and nation is only women’s education. Women’s education spreads very slowly in past but very fast in present period. Education improves the status of women within the family as well as in society. So we cannot ignore the importance of women’s education in reference to women empowerment in Jammu & Kashmir. For every citizen there is a need of positive attitude towards women’s education. The aim of this study is to examine the status of women’s education, causes of increasing and decreasing female literacy rate and sex ratio in some districts of Jammu and Kashmir from 1950 to present. The present study is based on secondary sources (census).

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 731-735. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-10
Pub. Date: May 29, 2015

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The Lack of Physics Teachers: “Like a Bath with the Plug out and the Tap half on”

by Isaac Buabeng, Lindsey Conner and David Winter

Original Research

In this study, we were interested in how approaches to teaching high school physics in New Zealand influenced students’ perceptions of physics and their consequent desire to continue with physics. We also investigated the reasons participants became physics teachers to inform how more teachers might be attracted into the profession. The convergent parallel design of this study used mixed methods including a national survey as well as classroom observations and interviews with teachers and students. The study has identified how a focus on content knowledge and more “traditional” teaching approaches tends to discourage students to progress with physics.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 721-730. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-9
Pub. Date: May 28, 2015

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Contemporary Plastic Visions of Glass Formation Arts to Enrich the Aesthetic and Creative Side upon the Students of Art Education at the University of Umm Al Qura- Saudi Arabia

by Mona Ibrahim Hussein and Sanaa Mohamed Rashad Similan

Original Research

Through history the way of blowing in the glass had a special position in the production of bottles and vases of decorations, this method, which relies on air mobilization inside the vials and templates after heated and melted at high degrees of heat as the blowing process in a block of dough glass produces different forms of glass products such as jugs, vases, candy boxes, decoration boxes, flasks, and the artist identifies the form and the final size of the piece to be configured, and choose the decoration and etching type on the surface, and needs high technical skills such as assiduity in front of furnaces operating at high degrees of heat, and continuous training to master this industry, as well as providing creative and artistic ability to acquire more skill and then convoying time to keep up with innovation, development and production of various models from time to time. This research provides a modern entrances in teaching stained glass course at the Faculty of Education - Umm Al Qura University with plastic contemporary visions, so the educational and service institutions can benefit from the development of the artwork, in an effort to reach the highest degree of excellence in performance, and through the production of innovative art works in glass art, in order to identify the theoretical concepts related to the work of colored and stained glass to study the techniques and technical, aesthetic and utilitarian characteristics of glass and their applications.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 713-720. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-8
Pub. Date: May 28, 2015

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Continuing Education for High School Resource Teachers and Their Sense of Self-efficacy

by France Dubé, Nancy Granger and France Dufour

Original Research

This action-research project was conducted in three Quebec schools and its aim was to support resource teachers that teach high school students at risk and with learning difficulties. All participating resource teachers (N = 29) attended collaborative teachers-researchers meetings focusing on the characteristics and needs of students' with learning difficulties as well as on effective reading and writing strategies and procedures. Additionally, a test on their sense of self-efficacy was administered before and after the training. The paper also describes the mentoring and collaboration processes, the effects they had on actual classroom practices and on resource teachers' sense of self-efficacy. The facilitators and the obstacles encountered will also be presented and a few solutions will be proposed to improve this type of collaboration.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 707-712. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-7
Pub. Date: May 27, 2015

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Application of Computer Based Learning Model Tutorial as Medium of Learning

by Ambar Sri Lestari

Original Research

This study aimed to describe the application of computer-based learning tutorial models in presenting learning materials. The approach used in this study is a qualitative approach in the form of assignment to students about the application of computer-based learning tutorial model as a medium of learning by using portfolio assessment. This research was conducted on students of Islamic religious education (PAI) in class III A, B and C odd semester 2014/2015 who take courses learning media. Assessment used in this study is an assessment portfolio because of: 1) the assessment should be based on the work / student work, 3) assessment include cognitive, affective and psychomotor student. Provides an overview of research results by applying a computer-based learning tutorial models are more motivated students in receiving and delivering the material because it is more varied and not monotonous at a lecture course, in addition to the students to be more creative in the presentation of the material. With the tutorial models are abstract concepts that can visualized more concrete so that learning becomes more meaningful.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 702-706. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-6
Pub. Date: May 27, 2015

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Correlations between Medical Students National Admission Test Score, Preclinical and Clinical Year Mean Cumulative GPA and UKDI Score

by Jacob Manuputty, Irawan Yusuf, Ilhamjaya Patellongi, Suryani As’ad and Budu

Original Research

Objective: The purpose of this study was to determine whether medical students’ national admission test scores correlated with their preclinical and clinical year GPAs. We also sought to correlate their national admission test scores and GPAs with the Indonesian Medical Doctor Competency Examination (UKDI) score. Method: A retrospective cohort study was done based on past medical students’ record. Samples were students admitted to the medical school commencing 2006 (after Competency-based Curriculum was implemented) and had passed their first-time UKDI. Data collection was conducted on medical school of four public universities who agreed to provide the data of their medical students’ data. Correlation between variables was analyzed using a two-tailed Pearson correlation for normally distributed data, and Spearman’s rho for non-normal distribution. Result: We found significant correlation between preclinical year GPA with basic math (r=0.31), with English (r=0.35; r=0.38), with Chemistry (r=0.20) and with physic (r=0.20). Clinical year GPA had a significant correlation with natural science math (r=-0.20), with chemistry (r= 0.17) and with English (r = 0.12; r = 0.29). UKDI score was correlated with Biology (r = 0.29), with Physic (r = 0.20; r = 0.11), and with chemistry (r = 0.11). UKDI score also had significant correlation with clinical year GPA (r = 0.45; r = 0.23; r = 0.26). UKDI score was significantly correlated with preclinical year GPA and the result was consistent on all medical schools; Andalas students (r = 0.40), Brawijaya students (r = 0.49), Hasanuddin students (r = 0.37), and Sriwijaya students (r = 0.45). Conclusion: National admission test scores were significantly correlated with preclinical and clinical year GPAs, and with UKDI scores, but the correlations were seen only on certain medical schools. Preclinical year GPA was significantly correlated with UKDI score and the result was consistent on all medical schools.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 697-701. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-5
Pub. Date: May 24, 2015

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Some Modern Trends in Educational Leadership and Its Role in Developing the Performance of the Egyptian Secondary School Managers

by Hany R Alalfy

Original Research

The study Aimed developing the performance of secondary school managers in Egypt in light of some modern trends for educational leadership throw identifying the problems that face those managers, identifying the requirements of the application of those trends and identifying new roles for those managers in the light of these trends. The study problem: The Egyptian secondary schools are suffering from more problems that eliminate from Efficient and effective performance of the managers of those schools. These influential problems are creating the need for new trends to the leading of the Egyptian secondary schools. The study problem is summarized in the main following question what is the role of modern trends in educational leadership in the development of secondary school performance managers in Egypt? The study used a descriptive approach for its suitability for the nature of the study. The study found out many results one of the most important results is revealed that the Egyptian secondary school managers find it difficult to meet the new managerial expectations that are brought about by the changes in educational environment and frequent problems that faced them. The study suggested organizing training programs to the manager of the Egyptian secondary school for training in the application of these modern trends and Develop mechanisms to motivate the Egyptian secondary school managers on the application of these modern trends.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 689-696. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-4
Pub. Date: May 22, 2015

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The Civic Educational (PKn) Learning through Thematic Principle in an Effort Developing Moral Intelligence (Study of Qualitative in SD Laboratorium PGSD FIP UNJ 2010)

by Nina Nurhasanah and Nadiroh

Original Research

The objective of this research is to find out the implementation of PKn learning through thematic principle in an effort to develop moral intelligence, especially about feeling of respect toward others and empathy for students at first grade of SD Laboratorium PGSD FIP UNJ. This research is using qualitative method. The process of accumulation data is done through triangulation which consisted of (1) observation, (2) interview, and (3) document analysis. The data is being analyzed with focused observation, taxonomy analysis, chosen observation, component analysis, and theme analysis. The data’s validity is done by extension of participation, tenuously observation and triangulation. This research finding shows that: (1) moral intelligence of the first grade elementary school student had abled to develop moral intelligence, especially feeling of respect towards others and empathy, but there are some students still have difficulties in developing respect; (2) factors that are influencing feeling of respect toward others and empathy consist of supporting factor such as curriculum; teacher; book; and student. Where the factors that become obstacles consist of curriculum; book; student; media; (3) the strategy which is used by the teacher in developing feeling of respect toward others and empathy is consist of introduction, main activity and closing. With this thematic learning that is implemented through PKn (civil education) in SD Laboratorium PGSD FIP UNJ absolutely can develop the moral intelligence of student especially feeling of respect toward others and empathy.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 683-688. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-3
Pub. Date: May 21, 2015

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Functional Continuity in Adaptive Reuse of Historic Buildings: Evaluating a Studio Experience

by Nilüfer Sağlar Onay and Deniz Ayşe Yazıcıoğlu

Original Research

Interior architecture is mainly concerned with adapting existing buildings to new uses and requirements. While determining the extent of intervention, the historic and cultural background of the building plays a very important role. Therefore in adaptive reuse, before starting to develop design proposals, buildings of cultural significance need to be analyzed carefully in order to determine architectural and spatial potentials. This paper aims to evaluate the process and results of a design studio, which was realized during 2014-2015 Fall Semester in the ITU Department of Interior Architecture. The main purpose of the studio experience was to create adaptive reuse proposals for a historic commercial building by focusing on the theme of “functional unity”. In the first phase of the study, course program was organized in three basic steps: analyzing spatial potential, determining compatible use and developing project proposals. At the end of every step there was a jury to evaluate each phase. Every step had its own priorities and criteria for the jury. After evaluations project proposals were classified according to their main foci as well as advantages and disadvantages of different approaches in terms of functional unity. As a result it was observed that in historic buildings there are different ways of maintaining functional unity based on the intention of the intervention. While identifying compatible use or uses for a historic building, functional unity needs to be evaluated as one of the basic design criteria in order to retain its cultural significance. This is mainly because a historic building can fully reveal it’s potential only if it is experienced and evaluated as a whole.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 674-682. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-2
Pub. Date: May 20, 2015

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Prospect of Integrating African Indigenous Knowledge Systems into the Teaching of Sciences in Africa

by J. Abah, P. Mashebe and D.D. Denuga

Review Article

The consideration of cultural backgrounds of the learners in planning and teaching science has informed much recent discussions in making teaching more learner-centered. In many countries today, formal education continues to be Euro-centric in outlook and academic in orientation, reflecting Western scientific cultures rather than the cultures of learners and the teachers. This phenomenon is a major concern in developing countries, where formal education does not put into consideration the way the majorities of learners communicate, think and learn. Leaners’ underachievement in school has been attributed to the ‘cultural gaps’ between the expectations of school curriculum and those of the environment in which the learners are socialized. In the developing countries, this gap also existed for majority of the teachers and thus, raises the question of whose and what knowledge is considered worthwhile? The current euphoria for market driven economies and education development make issues such as cross cultural transfer of knowledge, globalized curricula integration and appropriate teaching-learning strategies critically important for consideration. While commendable efforts are being made to better align educational curricula with indigenous realities, the interrelationship and balance between these two different ways of learning remain delicate especially in the African context. This review study focuses among others, the indigenous peoples’ systems of knowledge creation and transmission, modern science versus African indigenous knowledge, improving Science teaching in Africa, and the impact of indigenous knowledge system on scientific discovery and development.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(6), 668-673. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-6-1
Pub. Date: May 17, 2015

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