The University of the West Indies at Mona, Jamaica: UWI Journals
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Measuring Self-efficacy for self-directed learning: An evaluation of the Hoban and Sersland Self-Efficacy for Self-Directed Learning Questionnaire
No full textBackground: There is well documented evidence of benefits of self-directed learning in nursing education. Measuring self-efficacy for self-directed learning is necessary to guide self-directed learning intervention, given its predictive influence. The Self-Efficacy for Self-Directed Learning Questionnaire intends to measure beliefs in one’s self-directed learning abilities; however, its properties are not widely known. This study aimed to determine whether the questionnaire provided an interpretable measure of self-efficacy for self-directed learning among undergraduate nursing students in Jamaica.
Methods: A descriptive cohort study using the mixed methods approach. A purposive sample of 73 first-year students completed the 10-point, 10-item questionnaire. Exploratory factor analysis using principal component extraction with oblique rotation was conducted, followed by thematic analysis of items. Factorability was determined using the Kaiser-Myer-Olkin (KMO) minimum index of 0.5, anti-image diagonals greater than 0.5 and a significant Bartlett’s Test for Sphercity. Statistical analysis was assisted by SPSS® version 17.0.
Results: The data met all criteria of factorability: i) KMO index =0 .86; ii) anti-image diagonals exceeded 0.5 (0.75-0.94); iii) Bartlett’s Test for Sphercity was significant (χ2 [45] = 484; p < .001). One (1) component was extracted which explained 57.90% of variance. Item loading ranged from 0.60 to 0.91 and reliability was strong (α=.92). Content analysis yielded several themes: independent learning, task mastery when challenged, learner responsibility, learning need orientation and self-control.
Conclusion: The Self-Efficacy for-Self-Directed Learning Questionnaire possesses a single factor structure and is highly reliable. Items reflect self-directed learning attributes; therefore, the instrument may provide interpretable data regarding self-efficacy for self-directed learning within the study cohort.
Keywords: self-efficacy, self-directed learning, factor analysis, self-efficacy theor
A STUDY OF CANDIDATE BIOMASS BRIQUETTES FOR LOCAL FUEL CONSUMPTION
No full textCharcoal briquettes are widely used in Trinidad and Tobago for outdoor recreational cooking. This study evaluated two invasive plant species Syzygium and Leucaena Leucocephalawell and
dry coconut husks as raw materials for charcoal briquettes. Samples were made into charcoal using a method adopted from MIT D-Lab. Cassava and corn starch binder was used separately
for combining crushed charcoal samples into cylindrical briquettes of various combinations using a manual press. Each charcoal briquette sample was tested for burning time, ash content, calorific value, moisture content and phosphorus content. All six types of charcoal briquette samples displayed burning times of more than 4 hours, ash content of 7-9%, calorific values of 3100-4000 kcal/kg, moisture content of 36-46% and phosphorus content of 267-566 mg/L. These
results are similar to briquettes sold commercially. This work provides supporting data for the development of a viable and sustainable local charcoal briquette manufacturing industry
Rape and the Inordinate Quest for Pleasure: Implications for Social Cohesion and National Development
Get PDFFor every action performed by human beings within a given social precinct, there are implications - whether good or bad. This explains why human actions are said to be value loaded and not value neutral. Thus, human actions are critically evaluated by one set of values or another. Rape is one such human action that calls for urgent appraisal; the increase in the reported cases of rape shows that it is a serious moral problem that must be investigated. Undoubtedly, rape like all other social vices like drug abuse, prostitution, etc have eaten deep into the heart of our society. As we begin to philosophize on this matter, the following questions become pertinent to ask: why do people engage in rape? Is it for the mere fun of it or as a pseudo-punitive measure against the victims? Is human freedom to act antithetic to the doctrine of responsible behaviour? is the rapist morally justified to transgress the bounds of decency in defiling other oral agents within the society? However, our aim is not just to raise rhetorical questions without confronting this problem on its head. Rather, this paper seeks a conceptual understanding of the issue of rape in an attempt to trace its adverse effects on social co-existence and human flourishing. Further, it argues that if this social ill is not checked, it could constitute a clog in the wheels of national development. The paper conclusively maintains that rape is an immoral act and should be condemned by all and sundry
The Legislature in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic and the Imperative for Ideology Politics for Transparent Governance in Africa
Get PDFThis paper addresses some basic questions, chief of which revolve around: a) What factors accounted for the representative deficit of the legislature and legislative practices in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic? and b) What factors have hindered the effective performance of the legislature in accountability terms? We use library and archival searches to situate Nigeria’s dilemma of instituting enduring representative government and consolidating popular participation. We offer reflective insights into avoidable structural pitfalls in the nation’s renewed bid to engender popular participation through effective representative institutions particularly the legislature at the national and subnational levels. The paper falls within the area of political philosophy and leadership philosophy with a view to strengthening a culture of democratic practice in Nigeria and the continent of Africa
Neuroscience of Depression: A Review
No full textNeuroscience of depression encompasses functional integration between cognitive and neurobiological states, in which vulnerability relates to a dysfunctional reaction to environmental or external stressors. Interrelatedness between brain structures and processes, the environmental and psychosocial factors have been implicated in depression