Journal of Education And Humanities Research (JEHR), University of Balochistan, Quetta

Investigating Teachers’ Perceptions Regarding Online Assessment at Undergraduate Level

2024-06-24T09:00:56+05:00

The pandemic of Covid-19 resulted in shifting towards remote education worldwide. Many research studies are being conducted regarding investigating perceptions of students about online assessment. However, there is limited research in addressing teachers’ perceptions about it. The current study aimed to provide in-depth reporting about the perceptions of undergraduate teachers of Pakistan’s higher educational institutes regarding online assessment practices during pandemic of Covid-19 and the first lockdown of the country. The sample size comprised of fifteen undergraduate level teachers of private universities of Lahore, Pakistan. The data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The results of the study revealed that participants encountered numerous challenges while using technology as a means for assessing students online like technical problems, unstable internet connection, academic dishonesty among students and mostly held negative perceptions about online assessment. Teachers did not Online tests were not thought to be as effective by teachers as in-person tests. The outcomes also showed that students who took examinations online as opposed to those who did them in person showed different levels of academic accomplishment. Online tests were not perceived as effective by teachers as on campus tests. Additionally, the results indicated that there were differences in academic achievement between students who took online tests and those who took exams on campus. The findings also indicated that the teachers mostly used formative, summative and diagnostic assessments for assessing students online. The major recommendations of the study is about the participants views regarding suggesting various strategies for improving or changing the online modes of assessment. Moreover, the research study further recommended that teachers must be provided with proper training regarding how to conduct online assessments effectively so that unfair means cannot be used by students.

The Potentials of the Jigsaw Approach: A Study on Saudi Female EFL Learners' Perspectives, Experiences, and Attitudes Towards Their Reading Comprehension Skills

2024-06-24T09:07:55+05:00

The jigsaw approach encourages peer interaction and peer tutoring that enhance learners’ interpersonal skills through learning to cooperate in small cooperative groups. The design is particularly utilized in language classrooms to maximize students’ social interaction, learning productivity, engagement, teamwork skills, and proficiency in language skills. This study seeks to evaluate the perceptions of Saudi female EFL students regarding the efficacy of the Jigsaw method and its influence on their reading comprehension difficulties and anxiety. The researcher created a quantitative tool to gather data from the participants. A 40-item Likert scale of strongly disagree to strongly agree was used to generate statistical results from the participants’ perspectives. The study involved both control and experimental groups to assess how Jigsaw influences the social, emotional, and academic abilities of learners. The opinionnaire was distributed to one hundred and ten (n=110) female EFL learners at a Saudi Undergraduate University to record their opinions on the jigsaw approach’s efficacy. The statistical results show that the participants greatly admired the idea of working collaboratively with their peers to internalize learning and achieve their mutual goals. However, the participants negatively responded to the concept eliciting their knowledge of vocabulary, grammar, and the recognition of the words in the control group as these items remained the least preferred item in the relevant cluster. Therefore, in the experimental group learners’ perceptions were changed regarding their feedback on these items.

Circle of escalation: What explains North Korea’s selective response to military exercises?

2024-06-10T18:12:37+05:00

After brief ease of tension between the United States and North Korea in 2018, situation on the Korean Peninsula deteriorated again in 2022 as both the number and intensity of US-South Korea joint military exercises (JMEs) and North Korean missile launches increased. While existing literature mainly applies quantitative methods to investigate the relationship between JMEs and North Korean behavior, this study applies qualitative comparative analysis (QCA) approach which aims to test the mixed motives instead of a single cause of the situation of the Korean Peninsula. This is done through a comparison of 26 US-South Korea joint military exercises between 2012 and 2022 using fuzzy-set qualitative comparative analysis (fs/QCA). The result demonstrates that the regime’s internal incentive to promote its missile program is the key explanatory condition. However, when combined with high level of threat and/or the absence of recent international sanctions, the causal paths do not correlate strongly with the outcome. This result shows the instability and unpredictability of the North Korean regime

Assessment Practices at PhD Level: A Phenomenological Study of the PhD Scholars’ Experiences

2024-03-30T10:32:26+05:00

The primary aim of this research was to investigate the experiences of PhD scholars regarding classroom assessment practices. The study adopted a qualitative approach, utilizing a phenomenological research design. The study focused on the population of scholars enrolled in PhD Education at a reputable public university in Pakistan. A sample of six PhD scholars was selected using a purposive sampling technique. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore into the assessment experiences of these scholars. Data analysis was carried out through thematic analysis manually, resulting in the identification of major themes and sub-themes. The findings highlighted the use of a variety of assessment methods, including both alternative and traditional approaches, by different teachers. Notably, PhD scholars exhibited a preference for formative assessment methods over summative assessment. Based on these results, it is recommended that a combination of various assessment methods be employed at the PhD level. Additionally, organizing training workshops for teachers to enhance their assessment practices is also recommended.

To Evaluate the Application and Implementation of Ralph Tyler's Curriculum Theory within the Realm of Elementary Education in the Contemporary Era of the 21st Century in Karachi

2023-12-27T19:12:51+05:00

This research explores the applicability of Ralph Tyler's Curriculum Theory in contemporary elementary education, focusing on Karachi, Pakistan. It delves into the shift towards 21st-century learning paradigms, emphasizing skills like critical thinking and collaboration. The study employs qualitative interviews to gather insights from educational professionals, aiming to identify patterns and themes related to adapting Tyler's principles. The research highlights the significance of qualitative research in enriching educational theory and addresses the challenges and opportunities in integrating Tyler's theory with modern curriculum. It also identifies gaps in the existing literature and discusses frameworks for curriculum development in the 21st century.

Socio-Political and Educational Reforms of Robert Sandeman in Balochistan: An analytical study

2024-06-24T09:56:45+05:00

The Present enquiry sought to analyze socio-political reforms of Robert Sandeman in Balochistan in the British era. Balochistan region has the significance because of its huge fields of profitable natural resources and assets, it is extremely important in its strategic location. Robert Sandeman was the effective ruler of Balochistan, He took the various social and political reforms in his era. Robert Sandeman reforms either social or political reflect positive impact on the social-economic conditions of Balochistan.

Analyze the Competencies of Teachers about Classroom Teaching Methodologies for Creative Teaching in Universities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir

2024-06-24T09:53:09+05:00

In recent years, there has been a great deal of emphasis and inspiration to shift from the usual “chalk and talk” to a more creative and innovative teaching methodologies. Without creativity, we have no art, no literature, no innovation, no problem solving, and no development. And it may be, less understandable that creativity has an equally vital position in teaching. That’s why it is of utmost importance to enhance creativeness in teaching methodologies in order to support learners’ learning abilities particularly, with the use of actual teaching activities, for accepting pleasure and attracting learners in a flexible and inventive way. The rationale of this study was to analyze the competencies of faculty about classroom teaching methodologies for creative teaching in universities of Azad Jammu & Kashmir. The nature of the study was quantitative. To test the research questions the survey research methodology was adopted. The sample of the study consisted of 541 university teachers. The findings of the study were based upon data analysis of questionnaires collected from university teachers. Findings of the study showed that teachers were not fully competent in all aspects of creative teaching methodologies. In some areas teachers were on high level of competency while on other hand they were on low and moderate level of competency in use of creative teaching methodologies. The study concluded on the basis of the result of the study that there is a need to improve the competencies in some areas regarding the use of teaching methodologies for promoting creativity in teaching.

Exploring the Dimension of Futurity in Women being Divorced

2024-06-24T09:50:21+05:00

Divorce is an unforeseen circumstance that may occur to anybody and has occurred to some married people. Unfortunately, some women experience a reduced quality of life after being divorce due to issues with their finances, way of life, and even their social connections. On the other hand, some women may become more independent and successful after divorce. In this study, the researcher aimed to explore the futurity of woman being divorced. A purposive sample of 15 females was taken and in-depth interviews were done. Thematic analysis was used for collecting and analyzing the data. For selecting the study participants, a purposive sampling technique was used and the researcher conducts 15 in-depth interviews. The data was analyzed by using thematic approach. Three key themes were identified: Problems (individual problems, social problems, and familial problems), Consequences (adaptive and emotional consequences), and Coping strategies (practical coping, religious coping, support keeping and acceptance). The findings showed that women being divorced experienced problems after divorced, experienced consequences of divorce and to cope with them they are using coping strategies that shows the dimension of futurity in divorce women. This research will certainly help all those Government organization, Non-Governmental organizations and other authorities, who want to help the divorced women through legislation and other measures so that this segment of society may not be left at their mercy. Moreover, this study will also help the divorced women to adopt such measures and mechanism which makes her psychologically strong to move forward in future life.

A Case Study: Evaluating the Quality of Teaching at a Private University in Karachi

2024-06-24T11:02:57+05:00

The objective of the study was to evaluate the quality of teaching at a private university. The study focused on the influence of teacher qualifications and expertise on teaching quality and to examine teachers' insights of feedback and reflection and their impact on teaching effectiveness. Research questions were raised based on objectives of the study. The scope of the study was limited to a private university. Relevant literature was analyzed. Theoretical framework contributes to ensure teaching quality at the university level, encircling teacher qualifications, effective teaching practices, feedback and reflection. Data was collected from two purposefully selected faculty members through interviews and observations. Data was analyzed through content analysis. Faculty members stressed the importance of qualifications and expertise in determining teaching approaches and affecting teaching quality. Proficiency on subject, experience, and keep on updated with new trends are the basic features supporting to effective teaching. Active interaction with learning resources, feedback and reflection practices improve teaching effectiveness.

Digital Transformation in Education: Readiness of Prospective Teachers in Karachi

2023-12-18T07:40:20+05:00

The emergence of digital tools and Artificial Intelligence (AI) has significantly changed the role of the teacher in the classroom. In this age of digital transformation, using digital tools in the classroom is becoming more and more important. This study looks into how prepared aspiring educators are to use technology in the classroom. The purpose of the study was to determine if age factor and teaching experience were associated with any differences. The results show that readiness for technology integration is not significantly impacted by age. Compared to the older group, which had an average mean value of 4.10, the younger group of pre-service teachers, who were between the ages of 20 and 22, had an average mean value of 4.3. In comparison to the younger group, the older group received lower overall scores. This research offers significant perspectives on the obstacles and possibilities associated with integrating technology in the classroom.

The Impact of Infrastructural and Technological Resources on The Academic Achievement of Hostel’s Students at University Level in Quetta City.

2024-06-24T09:44:13+05:00

This study investigated the impact of infrastructural and technological resources on the academic achievement of the students living in on-campus hostel in the three public sector universities 1; Sardaar Bahadur Khan Women University 2; University of Baluchistan 3; Baluchistan University of Information and Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences in Quetta city. Data for the study was collected through a self-constructed questionnaire survey from randomly selected 210 students of final year from BS, Masters, MS/M.Phil. living in hostels of these three universities both boys and girls. The IBM Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 23 was used to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics were employed for the demographic of students and multiple regression was applied to identify the impact of infrastructural problems (library, bedrooms, bathroom, toilet, laundry furniture) and technological problems (internet connection, electricity, WIFI) on students’ academic achievement. The regression analysis showed the positive impact of independent variables (technological and infrastructural problems) on dependent variable (Academic achievement of students).

Effect Of Using Lab Rotation Method (LRM) on the Academic Achievement Of Grade IX Students in the Subject of Physics

2024-06-24T09:33:52+05:00

The study was conducted to empirically verify the effect of using Lab Rotation Method on the academic achievement of the students, at Grade IX, in Physics. Lab Rotation Method is basically one of the sub-models of Blended Learning. We conducted a quantitative study on True- Experimental Design. The Randomized Pre-test-Post-test Control Group Design was used. The research tools were Pre-test and Post-test, designed with Proper Tables of Specification (TOS). Validity and reliability of the tools were ensured. The population of the study was all the male students at Secondary level, in Public Sector Schools of District Chakwal, in Province of Punjab. We selected a sample of 40 students and matched them in pairs on the scores of Pre-test, followed by their random assignment, to Control and Experimental Groups. The intervention was the use of OERs, on educational Apps “Prep by PGC”, “Taleem Ghar” and “eLearn.Punjab”, through Lab Rotation Method. Inferential Statistics were applied to achieve the objectives of the study. The findings of the study highlighted the positive effect of Lab Rotation Method on the academic achievement of the students, with better score then Traditional Method. On the basis of findings, it is suggested that Lab Rotation Method (LRM) may be used in all Public Schools, to use OERs, for teaching at Secondary Level, to cope with the challenges of shortage of Subject Specialist Staff, unavailability of Science Labs and to train the students to use such OERs at home for compensating the loss of study, in school closure days.

Assessing the Perspective of Distance and Online Learners about Institutional Support for the Learning Process

2024-05-27T11:30:11+05:00

This study was aimed to analyze the perspective of distance and online learners about the institutional support for their learning process. Quantitative survey design was used to conduct this study. All the graduate students studying in the distance and online learning programs were the population for this study. Simple random sampling technique was used to select the respondents from different degree programs, semester, geographic area, age group, status of students (working or full-time students), and gender. In total, 518 students submitted their response to the research instrument. There were four factors covered in the 7-point scale: tutors' characteristics, academic competency support, use of technology in instruction and teaching practices. The study concluded that there was a statistically significant difference among students' responses from various semesters on tutors' characteristics, academic competency support, use of technology in instruction and teaching practices. The gender wise statistically significant difference was also noticed for the study variables. The study recommended to analyze the needs and preferences of students from various backgrounds to make the teaching-learning process more inclusive and welcoming for students.

Successful Aging as a Determinant of Life Satisfaction and Will to Live among Older Adults

2024-06-24T11:42:00+05:00

The study's objective was to determine how older adults' life satisfaction and will to live are affected by successful aging. The Institute of Southern Punjab employees in Multan, Pakistan, were the target population. The older individuals in the Multan region who were at least 55 years old were the target population. Purposive sampling was used to get a sample of individuals. Older people having at least an intermediate level of education met the inclusion criteria for the sample. The research design used for the study was correlational. A sample of 106 people was used to collect data. The method of surveying was used for collecting data. One of the tools utilized to gather data was the Successful Aging Scale. (Gary T. Reker, 2009), The Satisfaction with Life Scale (Diener, 1985) and the will-to-live (Sara Carmel, 2015). The acquired data was examined with the use of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences, (SPSS 23). All the variables showed a significant association, according to the results. Regression analysis and correlation were performed on the collected information using SPSS. The study's findings show that successful aging significantly improves older adults' life satisfaction and will to live. The results would be useful in conducting further research. This research will expand the body of knowledge on psychological studies including elderly people. It will result in an increased awareness of the significance of the aging phenomenon and its effects on older persons' psychological well-being.

Pakistani Youth and Political Awareness: A Review of Pakistani Universities

2024-06-27T07:45:39+05:00

In an era of rapid political change, education can be critical in shaping young people's political perspectives. Pakistani universities play a key role in training the minds of future leaders in particular. This study attempts to provide a comprehensive assessment of political awareness among youth and the impact of political education in universities. An attempt was made to understand how various factors affect the political knowledge of Pakistani university students. It also assessed how Pakistani universities are developing politically conscious youth, from curriculum design and faculty influence to student-led activities. In this study, students of various public and private universities in Pakistan were surveyed regarding curriculum content, faculty influence, and student-led political activities and analyzed using the percentage method. Research has shown that students in higher education can learn about their basic rights as a result of political awareness, increase their political awareness, and develop the skills necessary to engage in constructive dialogue. Education, especially political education, enables young people to actively participate in decision-making, advocate for their rights, and play a positive role in society.

Researchers’ Perception Regarding Administrative Processes in Higher Education Institutions of Quetta

2024-06-20T11:08:27+05:00

The current study aims to explore the perception of researchers regarding the administrative processes followed by them for pursuing a research in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). The ponder point of the current study is either these administrative protocols are facilitating research activities or impeding the output of the research. To answer this question a quantitative approach was adopted to surveyed the respondents. A number of 600 contacted through web-based and paper based for response utilizing convenience sampling technique. A number of 513 researchers responded to the questions. The finding of the study suggests that in the surveyed HEIs, a simple and clear guideline is followed for pursuing research. Moreover, the finding also reveals that majority of the respondents consider administrative protocols are time consuming, DE motivational tasks and hurdle in doing quality research in their fields. Based on findings, it is recommended the HEIs administration should adopt research friendly protocols which will not only impact the overall productivity of the researchers but also improve the research culture of the HEIs.