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Catastrophic Sways of Floods on the Education Sector in Pakistan
Get PDFThis study aimed to identify the impact of the 2022 floods on the education sector of Pakistan and to cope with the challenges faced by various stakeholders in the sector. The study employed qualitative research methodology to curate in-depth knowledge of the issue. A semi-structured interview guide was prepared to collect the data through individual interviews. The findings showed that the effects of floods ranged from damage to the school buildings to administrative and institutional infrastructure, along with a thrust on the psychosocial and economic impact on the families, educators, and children. The findings further highlighted the educational activities that had to be halted for months, leaving educators and learners stranded. It also highlighted the observations of local community leaders to deal with the education crisis on an urgent basis, giving direction in terms of preparedness to handle floods of similar magnitude in the future. The recommendations include reconstruction of the damaged schools, teacher training, coordination and cooperation among various departments, inter-sectoral cooperation to reach out to the poorest, and the provision of Temporary Learning Centres (TLCs). The study will assist in creating awareness about the grave nature of damages that occurred to the educational sector of Pakistan and the need for support
Infrastructural Needs for Establishing Non-Formal Schools in Afghanistan: A Case Study
Get PDFThis study explored the infrastructural needs for the establishment of Non-Formal Schools (NFSs) within the existing setup of mosques and guesthouses of the community, aiming to enrol out-of-school children and alleviate illiteracy in Kunar province, Afghanistan. Employing a case study and qualitative research design, 62 research participants from the education sector and the Hajj and Islamic Affairs sector were purposively selected. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that generally buildings and carpets were the available facilities for the initiative; however, other essential facilities such as furniture, teaching materials, stationery, and qualified teaching staff were needed for the establishment of NFSs in the province. The study suggests that the government need to collaborate with non-governmental organizations and support the initiative by devising comprehensive policies, allocating sufficient funds, and providing the basic infrastructure facilities to open NFSs addressing the issue of illiteracy in the province and the country
Developing Social Self-Efficacy and Self-Esteem Through Cooperative Learning in Social Studies Classrooms
Get PDFThe present study aimed to examine the effect of cooperative learning (CL) on students\u27 social self-efficacy and self-esteem in social studies classrooms. A pretest-posttest equivalent group design was deployed involving a sample of 100 students (N=50 control and N=50 experimental) in 7th grade from a public secondary school in District Mansehra, Pakistan. Student Team Achievement Division (STAD) based treatment was provided to the experimental group for eight weeks using 15 lessons from a Social Studies textbook. The control group was taught the same material through the traditional teaching method for the same duration. Social self-efficacy and self-esteem scales were administered before and after the treatment. Effect size and percentile points gain were used as statistical tools to compare the effect of CL. The analyzed data revealed that students of the experimental group (high-achievers, average-achievers, and low-achievers) exhibited higher social self-efficacy and self-esteem levels than those of the control group. Furthermore, the percentile gain for average and low achievers was no more or less than that of high achievers. The study results indicate that CL is an effective intervention for maximizing students\u27 social self-efficacy and self-esteem across diverse achievement levels, emphasizing the need for its widespread implementation to promote inclusive and supportive educational environments
Exploring Oral Health Knowledge and Practices among Early Childhood Caregivers: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Get PDFEarly childhood is a crucial developmental phase of a child\u27s well-being, which lays the foundation for their future growth. Lack of good oral practices may cause dental issues during this fundamental phase of development and have a long-lasting impact on a child\u27s overall well-being. This cross-sectional study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Karachi, Pakistan, to explore oral health knowledge and practices among the caregivers of young children. A sample of 94 participants, including parents, caregivers, early childhood educators, and healthcare professionals (HCPS), was included through a convenient sampling technique. An online survey questionnaire was administered, which covered various aspects of oral hygiene practices to prevent common oral diseases among children. All statistical analyses were performed using SPSS 22.0. Statistical significance was accepted as p ≤0.05. Results of the study revealed no significant differences in oral health knowledge and practices based on age and gender. However, comparisons based on profession and roles showed a significant difference. Most participants agreed on the importance of regular oral hygiene practices. However, their opinions differed on certain oral hygiene practices, including the frequency of brushing and the timing of the first dental visit. This study underscores the importance of targeted education and interventions to improve oral health outcomes during the critical developmental phase of childhood
Enhancing Awareness and Understanding of Autism Spectrum Disorder in Minchinabad: A Participatory Action Research Approach
Get PDFThis study investigates the effectiveness of interventions aimed at enhancing awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in Minchinabad through a participatory action research approach. A total of 100 participants were included in this research. They were Community Leaders, Healthcare Professionals, Religious Leaders, and Educators picked through Convenience Sampling. Initial data collection reveals prevalent misconceptions and barriers surrounding ASD awareness. Among them, 89% of respondents expressed a lack of sufficient awareness and 85% attributed ASD to divine factors. Subsequently, community-led workshops, social media campaigns, and Religious institutions-based awareness activities were implemented to address these challenges. Evaluation indicates a significant improvement in awareness levels. Improvement with 53% acknowledging adequate awareness. However, more than 40% still perceive a stigma associated with seeking an ASD diagnosis. While cultural beliefs persist, such as 60% to 68% believing in the divine causation of ASD. The interventions have contributed to a positive shift in community perceptions. The findings underscore the importance of sustained efforts to promote understanding and acceptance of ASD within the community, emphasizing the need for continued engagement and advocacy for ASD Awareness
The Role of Mother Tongue and Its Impact on Learning English Grammar at Elementary Level: A Case Study of District Karak
Get PDFThe mother tongue plays a vital role in facilitating the understanding of English grammar, making it easier for students to grasp complex concepts. Its use in teaching can bridge linguistic gaps, leading to more effective language acquisition. Therefore, the current study investigates the role of the mother tongue (L1) and its impact on learning English grammar, particularly Tenses, at the elementary level in District Karak. The main objective was to examine how using the native language, Pashto, affects students\u27 understanding of English grammar. The research was experimental, employing a pre-test and post-test equivalent-groups design. Two groups of students were formed: an experimental group, taught using a combination of the target language (English), national language, and mother tongue, and a control group, taught exclusively in English. Students were assigned to these groups based on random sampling, ensuring balanced placement. The findings revealed no significant difference in the pre-test and post-test results of the control group, while the experimental group showed notable improvement in their post-test scores. The study recommends incorporating the mother tongue in English grammar instruction at the elementary level and suggests similar investigations in girls\u27 schools
Perception of Students Regarding the Issues of Online Education at Secondary Level District Lakki Marwat
Get PDFOnline education at the secondary level encounters significant challenges, particularly in underprivileged regions, where limited access to technology and reliable internet exacerbates disparities in learning opportunities. Additionally, issues such as low student engagement and difficulties in sustaining motivation within remote learning environments further complicate the effectiveness of online education. This study was conducted to explore the perceptions of students regarding these issues at the secondary level. A sample of 276 students was randomly selected from Government High Schools in Lakki Marwat. A descriptive survey methodology was employed for this study, utilizing a self-developed questionnaire to gather data from the participants. The instrument\u27s reliability was verified using Cronbach\u27s Alpha to ensure internal consistency. The collected data was then processed and analysed with descriptive tabulation applied to interpret the results. The findings indicate that while online education presents significant opportunities to address contemporary challenges in the educational field, it also highlights critical areas for improvement to enhance its effectiveness and accessibility
Psychological Capital and Emotional Intelligence among Neurotic Patients
Get PDFThis study aimed to examine the relationship between psychological capital and emotional intelligence among neurotic patients. This study was based on a correlational design and a quantitative approach was used to collect the data using a questionnaire method. The sample size of this study consisted of neurotic patients from different psychological clinics and hospitals in Rawalpindi and Islamabad. The sample included both genders and people with diverse backgrounds were included to have more reliable results. All the ethical considerations were strictly followed throughout the study. The gathered data was analysed statistically and the results of the analysis showed that there was a significant positive association between psychological capital and emotional intelligence among patients with neurosis. The results also showed that married people showed higher levels of PsyCap than single or divorced people. Comparably, individuals with shared family structures had higher levels in PsyCap, underscoring the significance of family support for mental health outcomes
Exploring the Themes of Horrors of The War, Power and Hegemony in The Manga “Barefoot Gen Vol. 1” in the Light of Dual Coding Theory
Get PDFThis study explores the themes of hegemony, power dynamics, and the horrors of war in the manga "Barefoot Gen Vol. 1" using Allan Paivio\u27s Dual Coding Theory as a framework. A semi-autobiographical historical manga titled "Barefoot Gen Volume 1" by Keiji Nakazawa is based on the Hiroshima bombing and all the hardships people endured before and after the attack. The research gap that has been identified highlights the lack of previous applications of Dual Coding Theory to Barefoot Gen Volume 1 as well as the lack of acknowledgement of manga as a helpful information source with visually appealing content. Six participants – comprising both manga-experienced and non-manga readers –were recruited using a semi-structured interview technique with deliberate sampling to assess images\u27 significance in comprehension. A thematic analysis of the provided interviews was conducted using the Braun and Clarke model. The findings highlight visuals\u27 pivotal role in improving comprehension of narratives related to history or war and show broad consensus regarding the theory\u27s applicability. By filling in the gaps in the literature, this work advances knowledge about the multifaceted role manga plays in narrating historical events and capturing readers\u27 attention through a dual-channel cognitive process
Experiencing School Leadership: A Phenomenological Study of the Mental Models of Secondary School Principals in Karachi
Get PDFSchool leadership has been studied extensively in recent decades. There is, however, a lack of research on the mental models of school leadership, particularly in the context of a developing country like Pakistan. In this qualitative phenomenological study, we explored the mental models of school leadership among 14 secondary school principals working in the private sector in Karachi, Pakistan. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data. A step-by-step phenomenological data analysis was conducted, incorporating processes such as epoché, horizonalization, thematic portrayal, textural description, structural description and textural-structural synthesis. The study revealed seven major themes: enormous responsibility, sacred work, change is indispensable, troubling experiences with teachers and parents, principals as leaders in multiple roles, support needed from staff and parents, and challenging areas of school management. Recommendations of the study were – but not limited to – that school principals should reflect on their thinking, views, beliefs and assumptions related to school leadership to see how their mental models are affecting their leadership practices either positively or negatively