Journal of Nusantara Studies (JONUS) (Journal of UniSZA - Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin)
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HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND HUMAN SECURITY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: A CASE STUDY OF BANGLADESHI FOREIGN WORKERS IN MALAYSIA
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: In the modern globalisation epoch, security threats no longer concern the state’s hostilities, military operation, or nuclear proliferation. It involves non-traditional menaces like human trafficking, which is believed to escalate quickly. The goal of this research is to identify human trafficking activities and to reveal the experiences of victims in the Southeast Asia region, particularly in Malaysia.
Methodology: This study used a qualitative method through a case study approach. It involved an in-depth interview session with five primary informants (represented as Cases 1 to 5) who were the victims of human trafficking from Bangladesh, a government officer from related agency, two local academicians and a representative of Bangladesh foreign workers’ vending system company.
Findings: The study discovered that human trafficking crimes produce detrimental effects on the survival of the victims, especially on the economic and individual security aspect. Their wages are not fully paid and their freedom to socialize is restricted.
Contribution: This study calls for policy formulation and policy implementation to protect the interest and security of people despite their citizenship which is considered the most trustworthy, relevant and universal approach in rectifying these illegal activities within Southeast Asia region especially in Malaysia.
Keywords: Bangladesh, labour migration, human security, human trafficking.
Cite as: Dolhan, N., Othman, Z., & Idris, N. A. (2021). Human trafficking and human security in Southeast Asia: A case study of Bangladeshi foreign workers in Malaysia. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 136-155. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp136-15
EXAMINING COMPETENCE IN ACTION RESEARCH OF BASIC EDUCATION TEACHERS IN CEBU CITY, PHILIPPINES
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: This study examined the self-perceived competence in action research (AR) components of basic education teachers in Cebu City to identify their challenges in conducting AR. The results aimed to provide baseline information for the planned professional development program.
Methodology: It employed a sequential explanatory design (QUAN→qual). It is characterized by collecting and analyzing quantitative data in the primary phase and then by collecting and analyzing qualitative data. 166 teachers participated in the online survey. These teachers previously underwent professional development programs in designing AR projects, and two-thirds did an AR. Using their responses, they were grouped through a hierarchical clustering technique to create distinct groups of teachers sharing the similarity of competence or needs in the AR components. The cluster analysis yields four groups. Eventually, eight teachers were interviewed regarding their responses, which means two teachers represented each cluster.
Findings: For very few teachers in cluster one (n=4), they regard selecting AR topic, planning the project, analyzing and presenting data, and integrating ethics as areas of non-difficulty while integrating technology, reflecting on AR, and communicating results as areas of difficulty. For the majority of the teachers belonging to Cluster 2 (n=76), cluster 3 (n=37), and Cluster 4 (n=49), all AR components are regarded as difficult, indicating all are critical areas for professional development.
Contributions: A conventional way of conducting a needs assessment of teachers’ competence in AR as a basis for a professional development program is done by calculating the mean and standard deviation per AR competence or skills of all teachers participating in a survey. However, this method disregards the individual professional needs of teachers as it presents the general level of competence in each skill set. The professional needs may vary from one teacher to another. Thus, this study presents a novel way of examining teachers’ needs in AR by using cluster analysis to homogenously group participants according to the similarity of their responses or professional needs. This gives key reference points on which AR skills need to be improved for teachers in the same group when planning a teacher development program in AR.
Keywords: Action research, competence, in-service teacher, professional development, teacher research
DECORATIVE ARTS OF THE BATEK INDIGENOUS PEOPLE: A SYSTEMATIC DOCUMENTATION OF FEATURES
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: The present paper discussed the features of the Batek Hep tribe of the Tembeling River, Pahang National Park dwellers’ decorative arts, and the characteristics of three features which include the influence of Fibonacci numbers and Golden ratio in these decorative arts as well as whether its symmetrical elements are leaning towards the vertical or horizontal axis.
Methodology: The study adopted a qualitative approach where a content analysis was conducted. The art being studied was the carvings on Batek bamboo dart cases. The initial impressionistic exploratory overview suggested some similar patterns. Therefore, a hundred bamboo dart containers were conveniently documented by systematic labelling, photographed, and analytically documented. Each bamboo dart casing was then purposively visually analysed. Immerging features were coded and themed. Simple quantification in terms of the carvings, the diameter, and the base segment height of 26 bamboo dart cases was performed to put forth the three analysed art forms that are available and visible in Batek Arts for discussion.
Findings: The findings suggest that Batek decorative arts were mostly vertically symmetrical and conform to initial reported representations. The influence of Fibonacci numbers and Golden ratio could also be seen in these decorative arts. There were also repetitions of a sequential pattern that could be found on the dart cases.
Contributions: This study is significant because it documents an endangered artistic element and serves as a mechanism to set apart Batek Hep’s decorative arts from other indigenous decorative arts through systematic and analytical study of its characteristics. Therefore, the findings contribute to the Malaysian artistic heritage pool of knowledge.
Keywords: Batek hep, decorative arts, Fibonacci numbers, golden ratio, symmetrical elements
THE WORLD'S OLDEST UNIVERSITY AND ITS FINANCING EXPERIENCE: A STUDY ON AL-QARAWIYYIN UNIVERSITY (859-990)
Get PDFAl-Qarawiyyin University's independence in terms of finances had been a significant and influential factor in making it possible for the university to maintain its high quality. Therefore, this paper aims to examine and analyse the financial sources for the development and operation of this university. It reviews and analyses historical data through relevant literature and documents. Waqf played a significant role in providing financial assistance to the university's communities and in strengthening its academic quality. There were four significant types of waqf sources which were the individual fund, the collective waqf fund, the Sultan fund and the alumni fund along with different other types of charities, i.e. sadaqah. This article adds new knowledge by examining the financing experiences of the world's oldest university. It is expected that the instance of Al-Qarawiyyin University may contribute to finding out a solution for the funding crises in contemporary institutions. This review is hoped to constitute a significant contribution to scholarship in general and act as a suggestion for solving the contemporary funding crisis of higher educational institutions.
Keywords: Al-Qarawiyyin University, financing higher education, Morocco, Waqf.
Cite as: Hoque, M. N., & Abdullah, M. F. (2021). The world's oldest university and its financing experience: A study on Al-Qarawiyyin University (859-990). Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 24-41. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp24-4
CULTURAL CONTENTS IN THE ELT TEXTBOOK PREPARED BY THE INDONESIAN MINISTRY OF EDUCATION FOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Learning materials are powerful resources in facilitating students’ intercultural communication competence; therefore, this study aims to investigate the cultural contents presented in the textbook for Year 11 students in Indonesian secondary schools. Methodology: This study employed a content analysis approach based on the framework by Cortazzi and Jin (1999). The texts, dialogues and images in the textbook were analyzed to understand which culture they represent. Findings: The textbook contains elements of the target culture, native culture and other international cultures in varying degrees. The dominant culture presented in the textbook is the target culture (57.6%). Elements of native culture represent about one-third of the content (30.3%). However, the content related to other international cultures is very limited (12.1%). When there is a lack of exposure to international cultures, students’ cognitive and affective skills may subsequently reduce and this leads to difficulty in developing their intercultural competence. Revision to some parts of the textbook should be done to meet the ideal requirements. Contributions: The study provides insights into the cultural contents of the ELT textbook used in Indonesian secondary schools and it suggests that the textbook should be revised to meet the requirement of intercultural competence.
Keywords: ELT textbook, intercultural competence, international culture, native culture, target culture.
Cite as: Deswila, N., Kustati, M., Yusuf, Y. Q., Raja Harun, R. N. S., Besral, & Rehani. (2021). Cultural contents in the ELT textbook prepared by the Indonesian ministry of education for secondary schools. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 222-241. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp222-24
A CASE STUDY OF NEEDS ASSESSMENT OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM) EDUCATION IN LOWER SECONDARY SCHOOLS
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education in the formal school curriculum can be described as a STEM-related individual subject; as a learning package offering learning pathway for STEM elective subjects and as an integrated STEM learning approach. This study focuses on the needs assessment of STEM education as a learning approach among lower secondary school teachers in a local district in Malaysia. The current and desired situations were analysed as well as the causal factors which guide the choice of any intervention programs to address the actual needs.
Methodology: Three schools were selected through heterogenous purposive sampling. The teachers from each school were selected through criterion sampling based on predetermined criteria. 31 teachers from the lower secondary level who teach STEM related subjects as well as the head of panel and departments of the STEM subjects, were selected as the participants. Focus group and one-to-one interviews were conducted with the participants after receiving their consent.
Findings: There is a gap between the desired situation and the current situation in the implementation of integrated STEM education. The implementation of STEM education at the lower secondary level can be facilitated through various means such as a comprehensive STEM education professional development or training for teachers, collaborations between STEM subjects teachers through lesson studies or professional learning community, and working together with local STEM expertise or community of practice.
Contributions: The findings provide relevant information and guidance on the selection of intervention for the integrated STEM education in addressing the needs. It also initiates the planning of the integrated STEM education programs which focuses on the gaps as the means to achieve the desired results.
Keywords: STEM education, needs assessment, case study, gap, interventions
Cite as: Loh, S. L., Pang, V., & Lajium, D. (2021). A case study of needs assessment of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) education in lower secondary schools. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 242-264. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp242-26
THE THIRD WAVE: DEMOCRATIZATION IN THE LATE TWENTIETH CENTURY, BY SAMUEL P HUNTINGTON. OKLAHOMA: UNIVERSITY OF OKLAHOMA PRESS, 1991, 384 PAGES. ISBN: 9788475099606
Get PDFThe discourse on democratization features prominently in the work of Samuel P. Huntington (1927-2008) entitled ‘The Third Wave’ which was published in 1991. Huntington was one of the most influential political scientists and previously held the position of university professor at the prestigious Harvard Kennedy School in the US. He authored many academic books on comparative politics and was the founder of the Foreign Policy Journal as well as the former president of the American Political Science Association (IPSA). Written in six interesting chapters, Huntington’s Third Wave provides a clear-cut discussion on fundamental questions of when, why and how democratization occurs in different parts of the world. This fascinating book has contributed significantly to the empirical analyses on comparative transition to democracy and autocracy in around thirty global southern states, primarily in Latin America and Asia, and remains relevant for discourses on any future wave of global democratization.
Cite as: Syazli Saidin, M. I. (2021). The third wave: Democratization in the late twentieth century. (Book review). Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 394-400. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp394-40
FRAMEWORK FOR DEVELOPING INTELLECTUAL SKILLS USING COLLABORATIVE LEARNING TOOLS: THE EXPERTS’ CONSENSUS
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Students in higher education need intellectual skills for critical thinking, problem-solving and creating new knowledge. Social interactions during collaborative learning (CL) encourage these cognitive processes. However, instructors lack the skill to develop intellectual skills using appropriate pedagogy and CL tools. Hence, this study seeks to develop a framework for developing intellectual skills.
Methodology: The Fuzzy Delphi Method (FDM) was employed to identify and determine consensus on elements to teach intellectual skills among 16 panel of experts in educational technology and continuous professional development. In the first round, semi-structured interviews were conducted among four experts and the themes emerging from the interviews were used to develop the FDM questionnaire. The questionnaire was used in the second round of the FDM to determine consensus among the experts based on calculations of the defuzzification value.
Findings: The consensus among the experts is that resources for teaching intellectual skills are videos, interactive slides, animation/graphics and quizzes while the corresponding assessments are student-generated contents (i.e videos, infographic posters, interactive slides and designed products).
Contribution: The framework with the instructional strategies, resources and assessment provides a guideline for instructors to plan instruction for developing intellectual skills and generating new knowledge.
Keywords: intellectual skills, collaborative learning, collaborative learning tools, Fuzzy Delphi, Merrill’s First Principles of Instruction
Cite as: Vasodavan, V., DeWitt, D., & Alias, N. (2021). Framework for developing intellectual skills using collaborative learning tools: The experts’ consensus. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 6(1), 284-308. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol6iss1pp284-30
SCRIPTS ON LINGUISTIC LANDSCAPES: A MARKER OF HYBRID IDENTITY IN URBAN AREAS OF PAKISTAN
Get PDFBackground and Purpose: Scripts have strong relationship with religion, culture, and identity. This research was conducted to analyze how choice of different language scripts indicates identity crisis by observing placement, size, and preference of one code over the other. Furthermore, it also demonstrates the existence of plurilingual practices on linguistic landscapes.
Methodology: The relationship of scripts with culture and religion was analyzed by following the theoretical framework of semiotics given by Scollon and Scollon (2003) and Huebner (2006). Data was collected through photographs of linguistic landscapes and passersby interviews. Altogether, a corpus of 1064 photographs was collected from three cities in Pakistan (i.e Rawalpindi, Islamabad & Wah Cantt) and 10 passersby were interviewed.
Findings: Data analysis reveals some distinctive linguistic modifications in shop signs and billboards; including deviation in spellings, transliteration, linguistic hybridity, vocabulary, visual representation of language, lack of knowledge of Urdu vocabulary, acceptance of English vocabulary as part of Urdu language and use of sub-standard English vocabulary.
Contribution: The research concludes that erroneous use of language and transliteration practices cause hybrid hybridity. Moreover, considering Urdu alternatives as an oddity, along with inability to retrieve Urdu vocabulary are major challenges for policy makers to promote and implement Urdu language policies.
Keywords: Linguistic landscape, plurilingualism, script and identity, transliteration, translanguaging, linguistic hybridity
EFFECTS OF STRATEGIC AND UNPRESSURED WITHIN-TASK PLANNING ON IRANIAN INTERMEDIATE EFL LEARNERS’ ORAL PRODUCTION
Get PDFBackground/Purpose: This study is an attempt to investigate the effect of strategic planning and unpressured within-task planning on Iranian EFL learners’ oral performance.
Methodology: Following a quasi-experimental research design, 60 intermediate EFL Iranian learners were recruited as the participants of the study and they were assigned into two groups of 30. In group one, the participants were asked to perform the task under unpressured online planning condition. In group two, the learners were asked to do the task under strategic planning condition. The pre and post-tests included story-telling narratives tasks followed with a 15-minute silent movie under two planning conditions for the two groups.
Findings: The results of data analysis showed that pre-task strategic planning and within-task planning (online planning) had a positive effect on learners’ oral production; hence, planning time provided opportunity for learners to be able to produce more fluent, accurate, and complex language than no-planners. The results indicated that the participants in the strategic planning group (STPG) significantly outperformed the participants in unpressured within-task-planning (UWPG), leading us to claim that strategic planning was more effective than unpressured within-task planning in improving oral production.
Contributions: This study has numerous benefits for language teachers and specialists in content production. Teachers should incorporate strategic planning in their regular teaching programs to encourage learners to balance their level of speech. Moreover, providing learners with the ability to plan the success of a task allows them to create a more fluent and nuanced language.
Keywords: Accuracy, complexity, fluency, strategic planning, unpressured within-task planning