American Journal of Educational Research

The paper succinctly describes the role of pictogram in library, description, area, importance, use, types, standards and opinion of users and librarian about pictogram. The survey of the role of pictogram and users was carried out of public, district, college, special, non government organization (NGO) and university library of Gadchiroli district in the state of Maharashtra. It was found that 92% disabled users stated the role of pictogram quite useful and important from entry to exist in library, 90% to find out modern services, 87 % OPAC, and 93 % facilities available in the library. The other user stated the role of pictogram 94 % Interior to Exterior work, 83 % way finding of library and other sections, 91 % rules of library, 91 % drinking water , 95 % toilets, 96 % to locate books and services and facilities. It was concluded that the pictogram are quick and clear communication without language or words, understood independently of writing, words, culture and language and indicator of path finding, interpreted quickly or clearly and gives knowledge and save the time of users, draw attention and therefore useful in library and for users.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1062-1067. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-19
Pub. Date: August 21, 2015

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Environmental Education – A Model of the Gulf Stream

by Renata Holubova

Opinion Paper

Environmental education is a part of the Framework Educational Programme for Basic Education in the Czech Republic and is supported all over the world. The goal of our activity was the use of models in environmental education. Our attention was focused on the knowledge about one of the environmental problems due to global warming – the properties of the Gulf Stream, and its improvement. The Gulf Stream is one of the most famous sea currents and, in connection with the problems of global warming, also much discussed. The aim of the project was to prepare a simple flow model of the Gulf Stream. In the first part of the paper the impact of environmental education is mentioned. In the second part the model of the Gulf Stream is described. The model is the starting point for the discussion and further reading about the ocean and atmosphere transport of heat. The key points of the discussed problems are the impact of the Gulf Stream, and the slowing down of the Gulf Stream. It is thought that gen Y are the best educated generation in environmental problems. But most information Millennials get from TV, Internet, newspapers, and sometimes the information are questionable and insufficient. This model will help the learners get deeper knowledge of heat transport.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1057-1061. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-18
Pub. Date: August 17, 2015

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A Study on Individuals’ Art Preferences according to Their Personality Traits via Computer-Aided Web Site

by Recep ÖZ, Ahmet Ragıp ÖZPOLAT and Orhan TAŞKESEN

Original Research

Aim of this study is to examine the relationship between individuals’ art preferences and personality traits. In this study where relational scanning model was used, 336 students of a university, which has total 28.000 students, make up the research group. Students in the research group are from different classes and demographic traits. Five-factor personality scale, a computer-aided art preferences survey that includes 24 visuals from the arts of Renaissance, Cubism, Abstract Art, Traditional Art, Impressionism and Surrealism and personal information form were used to obtain the research data. According to results it was found that people with the personality traits of extroversion and openness to experience mostly prefer surrealist works and those with personality traits of tender-mindedness usually prefer Impressionist work of art.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1052-1056. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-17
Pub. Date: August 14, 2015

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Teachers Perceptions and Needs towards the Use ofE-Learning in Teaching of Physics at Secondary Level

by Muhammad Tanveer Afzal, Asma Safdar and Munnaza Ambreen

Original Research

The modern technologies particularly the internet and social media, made education no longer limited in the boundaries classroom. Measuring attitudes, perceptions and efforts to improve attitudes towards technology got pivotal importance to effect any change through technology. The study focused towards the perception and needs of the teachers of physics for the use of technology for teaching learning process. Pedagogical aspects, performance expectancy, facilitation conditions, behavioural intentions and social influence were the key dimensions on the basis of which the initial pool of items were written, validated and pilot tested for the questionnaire of teachers. The participant teachers’ responses were analysed and interpreted according to the gender and duration of their weekly internet usage. The empirical results indicated that teachers showed great readiness and positive intention towards the use of technology. Statistical analysis of the results of the study indicates that students believe that technology is more effective than the traditional mode of physics teaching. They also indicate that students were more receptive to the learning material in the form of an e-learning than a traditional lecture or textbook. The study suggests that the use of internet as a tool has clear benefits as perceived by secondary school students in terms of the time they take to revise and how much they feel they can learn. The findings of this study provides on-line professional guidelines for e-learning system to be designed effectively to improve students and teachers interest and motivation in the learning environment.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1045-1051. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-16
Pub. Date: August 14, 2015

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Student Feedback to Enhance Student Support Services in a Blackboard Community: A Quality Improvement Project

by Kayla Wright and Sandra Davis

Original Research

On-line Nurse Practitioner (NP) programs require a unique set of support services to promote student engagement and success. This study used a descriptive mixed-methods approach to better understand the use of a NP Blackboard® Community for providing student support services by examining student feedback related to utilization and sense of community. Forty-nine percent of students surveyed accessed the NP Community 2 to 5 times per semester while the remaining 51% accessed the site less frequently. The NP Community was most useful in providing students with information needed for clinical placements and it was a close second to Facebook for fostering a sense of community among students (50% and 44 % respectively). Provision of an effective NP Blackboard® Community for providing support services requires creative management and on-going evaluation. Today’s students are immersed in technology that offers virtually instantaneous forms communicating, finding information and retrieving data. Strategies for incorporating newer social media applications for providing support services and fostering a sense of community should be considered.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1040-1044. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-15
Pub. Date: August 11, 2015

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University Students’ Expectations and Perceptions of Study Abroad: Case Studies in Administrative Sciences

by Claudia DÖRFER

Original Research

This study is part of a research project on student mobility in a Mexican public university in the northeast of the country and presents here the results from undergraduate students of public accounting, international business and information technology. The study shows the emotions that students experienced during and after their stay at a European university, influencing their cultural awareness, self-directed learning and personal development. The qualitative approach contextualizes the students’ contributions, which were obtained through interviews and written reports. The work contributes to the rethinking of training processes, where curriculum support is included to promote intercultural competence in the preparation of students before going abroad.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1036-1039. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-14
Pub. Date: August 07, 2015

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The Teacher Leader in Context of Shared Leadership in Public Schools

by Münevver Çetin and Sıtar Keser

Original Research

In this research, the main purpose is that teachers put forward their views in the context of the responsibilities they incur in the presence of the existing change and conversion at schools, and assess these views within the teacher leader perspective in the context of shared leadership. Thus, in this research the responsibilities of teachers, what kind of a role they play in the context of change and conversion, their views about their position in the school organization and the sufficiency of this position are the points that are targeted to be found out. In this study, qualitative data collection design is used in accordance with the purpose of receiving the opinions of teachers regarding the teacher leader responsibilities in the context of shared leadership. The study group of this research consists of 30 teachers from various fields who work in public schools in the 2014-2015 academic year. The data acquired from the opinions of participant teachers are evaluated in the context of five different themes: (1) Student learning, (2) Career development, (3) Organizational change, (4) Environmental change and (5) Education policies. The analysis of the opinions of participants in the context of student learning reveals that the altruist approach that centers students in providing student learning and developing it is expressed more. The analysis of the participants’ opinions in the context of career development reveals that this kind of efforts develop based on following periodicals, reading books, experience sharing and exchange of ideas.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1027-1035. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-13
Pub. Date: August 05, 2015

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An Empirical Investigation of Faculty Members' Organizational Commitmentin the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

by Maha B. BinBakr and Eman I. Ahmed

Original Research

The present study utilizes the Meyer and Allen three–component model of organizational commitment to measure commitment among faculty members in Saudi Arabia. The study further investigates the relationship between the faculty's demographic variables (gender, academic rank, college cluster, years of experience, and nationality) and their organizational commitment. A survey research design was used to measure 185 faculty members’ commitment to their organizations. This study’s results demonstrate high levels of effective organizational commitment among respondents. Academic rank was found to be significantly related to organizational commitment among other demographic variables. The implications of the study could be used to improve organizational commitment among faculty members in Saudi Arabia.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1020-1026. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-12
Pub. Date: August 04, 2015

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The Time Equations and Formula Budgeting in Jointed Model for Higher Education

by Cheporov Valeriy and Cheporova Galina

Original Research

Formula budgeting is the most common and simple method of university funding, which is based on the amount of funding for all the resources or just FTE staff, depending on the number of students. The aim is to establish the relationship between demand and supply of resources as a function of the number of students and levels of activity. The paper develops a model of non-monetary break-even in the meters by combining both time equations of time driven activity based costing and formula budgeting. Results for Ukrainian universities show that the tuition fees provide less means of student / teacher ratio, than the one proposed by the Government.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1015-1019. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-11
Pub. Date: July 30, 2015

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The Effectiveness of Concept Mapping on Learning: A Study in a Saudi College-Level Context

by Abdullah M.A. Alhomaidan

Original Research

Concepts play a key role at the teaching and learning processes of different disciplines, and due to the importance of concepts many researches such as Ausubel [3], Gowin [12], Skinner [25], Piaget [21] and Gagne, [11] believe that concepts and the clarity of them are considered to be the essence of any discipline This study aims to investigate the effect of using concepts mapping on developing the learning outcome of college-level students studying at the College of Technology at Arrass. In order to achieve this objective two groups (experimental and control) were randomly assigned by the researcher; the experimental group has been asked to employ concepts mapping in their learning, while the control group members were not given instructions to do so. Both groups were tested before and after the study. The posttests results showed that the experimental group members scored higher grades compared to counterparts in the control group.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1010-1014. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-10
Pub. Date: July 27, 2015

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Construction of an Inclusive Learning Environment: Towards a New Ecological Class

by Bagnariol Silvio

Original Research

The Italian school inclusion and integration process still involve considerable troubles and difficulties: “integration is not at issue, yet it is often unsatisfactory” [1]. Junior high school and high school students with intellectual disability tend to take little part in the learning process or, even worse, to remain in a situation of separation most of the time [2]. This two-group experimental study focused on six classes from a vocational high school. The assumption was that a learning environment expressly designed [3] to encourage analogical tools, processes and languages can effectively help all students – not only students with intellectual disability - to learn and to relate better. The “ecological approach” [4], started from a rearrangement of the traditional classroom, which was divided into different learning environments, specifically designed for static, movement, materials and new technologies. The setting of the students’ tables and of the teacher’s desk - which is no longer an “active mediator” in high school [5] - was rearranged in order to allow all students to play an active part in the learning experience. Throughout a few weeks, the new learning environment based on the “capability approach” [6] made it possible to set [7] the specific analogical languages of that student with intellectual disability – such as images, pictures, charts, cards, drawings, videos, concept maps – allowing the whole class to experience a laboratory learning training. Cognitive tests proved that the experimental classes managed to develop better learning processes in specific cognitive domains. Furthermore, the socio-metric test results, which were recorded in a few socio-grams, showed an increase in popularity and involvement of the students with intellectual disability.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 1005-1009. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-9
Pub. Date: July 27, 2015

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Profile of Non-Formal Islamic Education in Indonesia: A Case Study of Surau and Madrasah in Minangkabau

by M. Haviz, Afwadi, Ika Metiza Maris and Adripen

Original Research

The research was aimed at describing the existing condition of surau and madrasah in Minangkabau West Sumatra, Indonesia. Formerly, surau serves not only as the center of Minangkabau culture and its community activities, but also as education Islamic institution and Islam sufi education. Currently, surau is a place that is used to study the Islam particularly al-Quran recitation and some other religious subjects. Because of the transition of this function, it is necessary to study on the existing condition of surau and madrasah in Minangkabau of West Sumatra, Indonesia. This is a mixed method research. The study was conducted in four Nagari Tanjung Alai and Sumani (Solok), Gadut (Agam) and Lubuk Jantan (Tanah Datar). Participant of the research was stakeholders; 10 peoples, principals/managers; 53 peoples and religious social activists; 235 peoples. Interview guide and questionnaire were used as the instrument of the research. Quantitative data obtained will be analyzed with descriptive statistics. The qualitative data was analyzed by data reduction, data display, and conclusion. The results showed surau and madrasah in Minangkabau of West Sumatra, Indonesia is considered as a part or a form of non-formal Islamic education institutions. The results also showed that the profile of surau and madrasah in Minangkabau of West Sumatra Indonesia which has been converted to under the minimum service that have been established by government regulations. There are, firstly, management and organization; identity, vision and mission, as well as management. Secondly, the curriculum; instructional planning, implementation of learning, evaluation of learning, teachers/educators and students. Thirdly, media and learning resources; infrastructure, facilities and instructional media. Fourthly, funding and accountability. Hence, one of the efforts that can be done to overcome this problems is to empower the surau and madrasah Minangkabau West Sumatra Indonesia.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 996-1004. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-8
Pub. Date: July 23, 2015

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Evaluation Model for Islamic Education Learning in Junior High School and Its Significance to Students’ Behaviours

by Badrun Kartowagiran and Harsul Maddini

Original Research

This study was aimed at: (1) developing an evaluation model for the learning of Islam religious education (IRE) in the Junior High School (JHS) and its significance to students’ behaviours, and (2) testing the feasibility of the model by looking at the compatibility and significance of the model among the research variables. The study was developmental research using the mixed approach (quantitative and qualitative) of the embedded type in three phases: pre-development, development, and dissemination. The research model consisted of (1) the evaluation procedure and (2) the evaluation instruments in the forms of (a) analysis sheet for the lesson plan, (b) observation sheet, and (c) questionnaire. Validity for the lesson plan analysis and observation instruments was obtained through expert judgment for content validity. The reliability measure of the lesson plan analysis was estimated by the Cronbach’s Alpha, while that of the observation sheet by the Genova. The validity evidence for the questionnaire was construct validity using the exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) while its reliability was estimated by the Cronbach’s Alpha. The research results showed that (1) the evaluation implementation procedure was systematic; (2) all the research instruments possessed a good measure of validity and reliability; and (3) the model was fit and the influence of each independent variable (Environments of Religiosity, Process, and Result) upon the dependent variable (Impact) was significant. The research result was also completed with a description of the developed model.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 990-995. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-7
Pub. Date: July 22, 2015

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Exploring Genre Acculturation of Novice Argentinean Researchers

by Viviana A. Innocentini and Ana B. Forte

Original Research

Genre acculturation has proved to be a useful strategy to help novice researchers improve their writing skills through feedback and negotiation with members of the discourse community they are striving to integrate. It is through acculturation that novice researchers become “legitimate peripheral” participants in such community. In the case of non-English speaking (NES) novice researchers who are struggling with a new genre as well as a foreign language, acculturation is indeed essential. When no acculturation exists, or when the process is dysfunctional in nature, NES novice researchers efforts to write for publication are likely to be useless; the lack of a genuine apprenticeship may thus be highly detrimental This study explored the novice-expert relationship of a group of Argentinian novice researchers in an attempt to gather insights concerning actual practices when writing research articles (RAs) in English for publication. Findings are in line with prior research about the isolation felt by these NES novice Argentinean researchers; they not only lack awareness about generic conventions existing for the writing and publishing of RAs but also, and most importantly, they lack genuine acculturation through hands-on involvement along the writing for publication process. These deficiencies have resulted either in rejection of their research or in the adoption of practices described in prior studies as “corruptive” in their attempts to get their research published. As reflected by the above situation, further involvement of novice researchers is needed, through gradual but hands-on acculturation in order to aid their publication process. Given the apparent inability of senior researchers to mediate in the writing process and engage their novice research group members through real participatory writing activities, implications for ESP /EAP teachers are evident. Interventions by ESP/EAP teachers in the form of course design and materials adaptation are suggested here as a form of compensatory intervention.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 982-989. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-6
Pub. Date: July 21, 2015

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Developing Structure for Management of Quality in Schools: Steps towards Quality Assurance Systems

by Farokhnejad Amir

Original Research

Quality Assurance (QA) strategies have been considered in Iranian schools as an effective tool for creating, applying and reconstructing structures of quality and as the vital tool to improve teaching and learning processes in educational settings. Educational administrators and teachers in Iran tend to use these strategies to assist them in creating effective, creative and sustainable learning environment, but they are not aware of the real implications that QA might have. In this paper, our purpose is to shed light on developing QA strategies and structures. Based on an empirical study consisting of 150 educational experts in Iranian secondary schools, the research was conducted with the mixed methods. According to the results, feasibility of QA system was measured and the comprehensive structure of QA system was also designed including philosophy, goals, organizational structure, main networks stakeholders, functions and future plans. Findings may help academics and managers design QA systems in order to achieve higher innovation of quality performance management in schools.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 977-981. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-5
Pub. Date: July 14, 2015

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Student and Teacher Perceptions of Inquiry Based Science Education in Secondary Education in Greece

by Kallia Katsampoxaki-Hodgetts, Maria Fouskaki, Katy Siakavara, Roumpini Moschochoritou and Nikos Chaniotakis

Case Study

National Science education reform initiatives stress the need for steering away from the traditional teacher-centered mode of instruction. This study is part of a three-year project ‘Chain Reaction’, funded by the European Commission, investigating the approaches of a sustainable Inquiry Based Science Education (IBSE) framework across twelve partner countries. The purpose of this paper is to provide information on how this innovative project was integrated in five Greek Secondary Schools, and to explore the perceptions of all stakeholders: management, teacher educators, teachers and students. Five schools, ten teachers, and one hundred and fifty students aged 14-16 took part in this study. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to identify all stakeholders’ views. Based on this analysis, it is suggested that as long as this project is tailored to each partner's individual cultural and curricular needs, all stakeholders had a positive experience, which constitutes IBSE as an optimal learning mode with positive contribution to the educational process.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 968-976. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-4
Pub. Date: July 13, 2015

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Learning Approach of Problem Solving for Increase Learning Achievement of the Civil Engineering Evaluation Program

by Riyan Arthur

Original Research

Objective of This study aims to obtain empirical data on the application of problem solving to improve learning achievement of the subject civil engineering evaluation program. The method used in this research is a classroom action research method is performed in two cycles, each cycle consisting of four phases: 1) planning, 2) action 3). Observation and 4) reflection. The sample was 40 students of educational civil engineering, in State University of Jakarta, conducted by two cycles used to measure cognitive assessment test results and observation for affective domain. The terms of the plan to prepare teacher learning, quiz, student worksheets, observation sheet. Results collaborators response data, the activity of students, in Cycle I 56.72; Cycle II 79.56. At each cycle was carried out as a form of reflection and triangulation of data verification on each cycle. Based on the results, it can be concluded that with the implementation of problem solving approach, was able to improve learning achievement of students in the subject of civil engineering evaluation program.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 964-967. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-3
Pub. Date: July 12, 2015

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Focusing on Change in Educational Leadership: The Need for Female Leaders in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria

by AKUDO FLORENCE U. and OKENWA GETRUDE N.

Original Research

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria guaranteed social, economic and political rights to all citizens irrespective of sex, age, religion, cultural background among others. But it was observed that women are under-represented in leadership positions in the tertiary education sector of the nation, even though they constitute the majority of the teaching workforce. They seem to possess unique qualities that enhance their leadership potentials, as they bring into leadership communication, intermediary and interpersonal skills that many men do not possess. This paper argues that educational leadership in Nigeria need to be re-focused. It presents research findings using Personality assessment questions, demographic analysis and interview on the personality qualities and motivational factors of leaders in the tertiary institutions in Anambra State of Nigeria. Literature were reviewed on leadership, educational leadership, changes and rational for change in formal organization and female leadership. It concludes that there are no distinctive variance in male and female leadership roles. But that female leaders are more assertive, persuasive, emphatic, flexible and are willing to take risks etc. That application of more sustainable leadership styles would lead to change in educational leadership in Nigeria.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 959-963. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-2
Pub. Date: July 10, 2015

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Surveying the Relationship of Emotional Intelligence and Staffs' Job Performance Case: Chahar Mahal Bakhtiari Province Gas Company

by Somayyeh Bahramian, Seyyed Ali Siadat and Tayyebeh Sharifi

Original Research

The aim of this paper is to urvey the relationship of emotional intelligence (EI) and job performance (JP) of staffs working in Chahar Mahal Bakhtiari Province Gas Company (CMBPGC). Study population consisted of 147 staff working in CMBPGC all of which 147 persons were selected as study sample. Data were obtained via two staffs' job performance (Paterson, 1990) and EI (Farnhaeim, 2002) questionnaires having 15 items, and 30 ones respectively based on Likert Scale from completely disagree to completely agree. Findings, based on Pearson's Correlation Coefficient, showed that there would be a significantly positive relationship between emotional intelligence and staffs' job performance. Also, there would be a significantly positive relationship between staffs' self-managerial; self-motivation, social awareness, and management of relations with job performance. Some suggestions were finally raised to make job performance improve through increasing in emotional intelligence to managers.

American Journal of Educational Research. 2015, 3(8), 956-958. DOI: 10.12691/education-3-8-1
Pub. Date: July 09, 2015

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