Author name: sulaimanh

Abstract This correlational study assessed teachers’ psycho-demographic dynamics and students’ academic performance in Physical and Health Education in Ogun State, Nigeria. A convenience sample of 134 Physical and Health Education teachers was surveyed using a self-developed questionnaire comprising items measuring teachers’ psycho-demographic factors and students’ academic performance. Multiple regression analysis was employed for data analysis. The results revealed a significant relationship between teachers’ psycho-demographic dynamics and students’  academic performance in Physical and Health Education (R2 =0.418,  Adj. R2 =0.390, p-value < 0.5). The results also highlighted the relative contributions of school location, self-efficacy, gender,  self-esteem, teaching experience, educational qualifications and goal setting to the dependent measure. The study concluded that teachers’ psycho-demographic dynamics have a significant combined influence on students’ academic performance in Physical and Health Education in Ogun State. In particular, self-efficacy, gender, self-esteem, goal-setting, teaching experience, and educational qualification were found to significantly influence students’ academic performance. The study recommends that teachers’ incentives and pay structures be re-evaluated to create more opportunities for performance-based remunerations. By: Adewale Olugbemiga AdeleyeOlabisi Onabanjo University Nigeria Read more…

Abstract Programming skills are indispensable for the development of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools. However, secondary school students often encounter difficulties in this particular aspect of computer science. This study investigated the moderating influence of students’ cognitive styles on the contribution of their creativity to their learning of programming. Utilizing the correlational design, the study surveyed 270 senior secondary school three (SS3) students from public senior secondary schools in the Ikeja Local Government Area, Lagos State, Nigeria. The survey data was collected using the Students’ Achievement Test in Programming (r=0.74), Programming Creative Style Inventory (0.86), and Cognitive Style Inventory in Programming (r=0.76). The data collected were analysed through descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation and inferential statistics of hierarchical multiple regression.The findings of the study indicated that both creativity and cognitive styles significantly contributed to students’ programming learning. However, cognitive style did not play a moderating role in the influence of creativity on students’ programming achievement. From these findings, the study recommended that teachers promote students’ creativity by employing essay questions rather than multiple-choice formats and adapt their instructional strategies to cater to the diverse needs of learners, regardless of their cultural backgrounds. This study sheds light on the significance of creativity and cognitive style in programming learning, and the findings can be utilized to design interventions aimed at enhancing programming learning among students with varying cognitive styles. By: Saka Adewale OwodunniOlabisi Onabanjo University Nigeria Olurinola DessyOlabisi Onabanjo University Nigeria Adebanjo AdedoyinOlabisi Onabanjo University Nigeria Read more…

Abstract A significant advancement in educational mobility is the emergence of the Erasmus+ program, which has facilitated study experiences abroad for numerous students, including those from Azerbaijan. Among them is Khazar University where there is a noticeable gap in research regarding the motives and challenges encountered by students participating in the Erasmus+ program. Additionally, the challenges faced by these students remain inadequately addressed, largely due to the absence of comprehensive documentation and transparent reporting of participants’ experiences. In line with this, this mixed-methods research explores the motives and challenges experienced by Erasmus+ students from Khazar University. The study involved 16 students who participated in the Erasmus+ program between 2017 and 2023. All 16 students participated in a quantitative survey conducted via an online questionnaire. Subsequently, semi- structured interviews were held with seven of them to gather qualitative data. Using SPSS for analysis, the findings revealed that the primary motives for participating in the program include the opportunity to study abroad, meet new people, have fun, and gain independence or self-sustainability. Conversely, students perceived the pre-Erasmus period as the most challenging, with paperwork being the most daunting challenge. However, significant hurdles during the Erasmus program include variations in education systems, financial constraints, and culture shock. After the Erasmus period, many students grapple with what can be described as “post-Erasmus adjustment syndrome.” The study will illuminate the policy makers and school administrators to address the identified challenges and tailor the students’ motives by providing comprehensive Erasmus+ information sessions, so the program should satisfactorily meet the expectations of the participants. By: Hamza ChirwaKHAZAR UNIVERSITY Read more…

AbstractThis research illuminates the imperative for strategic energy management within the higher education sector, as evidenced by the multifaceted challenges and opportunities elucidated across diverse university contexts. The comprehensive data collection efforts provided valuable insights into energy consumption patterns among various stakeholders, ranging from students and faculty to staff members locally. Moreover, the methodological rigor employed in data acquisition and analysis at Academic City University underscores the percentage of about 95% of staff, student and faculty having knowledge about energy management, only about 65% really practice effect energy management and hence the formulation of evidence-based policies and strategies for effective energy management. By leveraging these insights, universities can develop targeted interventions to optimize resource allocation, mitigate financial burdens, and foster a culture of energy consciousness and stewardship. By: Bismark BuduAcademic City University Ghana Jordan Oluwatito FadayiroAcademic City University Ghana Enoch LampteyAcademic City University Ghana Michael MensahAcademic City University Ghana Read more…

AbstractThe Reading Seed Programme (RSP) by PUSTAKA Negeri Sarawak has the potential to be the main nationwide literacy programme, especially to inculcate a reading culture. For instance, the RSP is designed to aid children in developing their reading vocabulary, and the RSP’s target participants were pregnant mothers. The mothers would be utilising the RSP kits during pregnancy and after childbirth on their babies and toddlers. A substantial number of survey respondents were mothers and/or guardians of toddlers under three years old, and they shared their experiences with the RSP programme. Therefore, this paper aims to collect empirical data to assess the extent to which the RSP has achieved its objective of enhancing vocabulary ability among the toddlers during their participation in the reading programme. Convenience sampling was employed to collect the data among the RSP participants (the parents who enrolled in the RSP). This pilot study targeted RSP users in Kuching City, the hometown of PUSTAKA Negeri Sarawak. 385 respondents completed the online questionnaires, which yielded a 92.33% response rate. The findings of this research demonstrate that the RSP has proven to significantly contribute to the toddlers’ vocabulary ability in reading. However, the RSP needs to address individual learning capabilities, incorporate updates or monitoring systems, improve training, establish a strategic roadmap of the RSP outcomes, and clarify the programme’s attitudinal components with respect to the targeted outcomes. The RSP should continuously empower programme implementation to develop a global brand of early childhood reading programmes. By: Awang RozaimieFaculty of Business and Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sarawak Malaysia. Aiza JohariAcademy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Sarawak, Malaysia Abdul Ismail Mohd JawiFaculty of Information Management, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Sarawak Malaysia. Norseha UninAcademy of Language Studies, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Cawangan Sarawak, Malaysia Read more…

Abstract This study aims to explore the challenges of teaching the Arabic language to its heritage speakers among Syrian refugee children in Turkey from the perspective of teachers. It discusses the impact of Turkish integration policies, which prioritize Turkish as the first language while marginalizing Arabic. As a result, the Arabic language skills of refugee children have weakened, posing a threat to their cultural, social, and potentially religious identity for future Syrian generations. The research adopts a qualitative methodology, utilizing semi-structured interviews as the primary data collection tool with a sample of Arabic language teachers involved in the “My Mother Tongue” project in the Hatay province of Turkey. The findings reveal several challenges, most notably the lack of governmental support, the weakness of curricula designed for heritage language learners, and the linguistic shift toward Turkish. The study also highlights the importance of motivating students, employing innovative teaching strategies, incorporating interactive activities, blending traditional and technological teaching methods, and integrating cultural aspects into Arabic language curricula for heritage speakers. The study recommends the development of comprehensive educational programs and curricula that address the needs of Syrian refugee children in Turkey, and the provision of support to teachers in order to improve the quality of education. By: Al-Muqdad Al-Baraa IbrahimInternational Islamic Univerisity Malaysia Erfan AbdeldaimIIUM Read more…

Abstract This phenomenological study describes the supporting and inhibiting factors of Islamic educational management and mental health guidance rendered to patients with a mild disorder at two Indonesian social rehabilitation centres. Data were collected from semi-structured individual interviews with 10 participants (seven men and three women aged between 23 and 61 years) who comprised managers, social workers, assistants, kiayis or ustads (religious teachers), and patients with mild mental health disorders at the two centres. Data were analysed for recurring patterns, themes and subthemes using Computer-Assisted Qualitative Data Analysis (CAQDAS) and N-Vivo. The findings highlight two categories of support and inhibition, i.e., internal and external factors. Internal support factors include client engagement, the roles of companions and social workers, adequate funding and proper infrastructure. External support factors include stakeholders, cooperation, clients’ families, and available funding. On the other hand, a major internal factor that inhibits the implementation of Islamic education and mental health guidance is the clients themselves with all their issues, while external inhibitors stem from the government, bad weather conditions, the lack of funds, and the absence of family to support ODGJs. The findings underscore the importance of improving current practices in Islamic social rehabilitation as these practices will increase the likelihood of patients’ recovery from mental health disorder. Further research should consider developing a holistic Islamic approach to rehabilitation and spiritual healing that integrates solat, dhikir, Qur’an reading and God-centred conversations to help ODGJs return to normal life. By: Awang SaputraMuhammadiyah Jakarta University Indonesia Adi FahrudinMuhammadiyah Jakarta University Indonesia Munaya FauziahMuhammadiyah Jakarta University Indonesia Read more…