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Development of Social Groups among University Hostel Students
Get PDFThe purpose of the present study was to investigate the development of social groups among hostel students at the university level in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study was mainly concerned with the groups formed by students while residing in the university hostel. Participant observation and interviewing techniques were used to collect the data. The present study focused on how groups are formed among the hostel students, to what extent they support each other, establish social settings, and how they feel while living in such groups. The analysed data reports that the students have different perceptions based on their experiences, which in turn affect their behavioural patterns. A permanent friendship develops between these students due to their similar geographical belongingness and sharing the same academic interests. The findings will support universities in developing relevant policies to minimize untoward incidences in the hostel
A Study about Identifying the Factors Related to Mainstream Teachers’ Attitudes toward Inclusive Education
Get PDFThe study used a descriptive methodology to investigate teachers\u27 perspectives on inclusive education practices in urban schools, with teacher attitudes serving as the dependent variable and taking into account factors such as disability types, the role of co-teaching, administrative support, and in-service training for inclusive educational success. The survey included 122 District East high school mainstream teachers from the Karachi Division. Participation was completely voluntary and considered a convenience sample. Females responded at a greater rate (69%), and the majority of participants were above the age of 45 with Master\u27s degrees. The study reveals an evenly divided instruction level between three teaching levels, with seminar/workshop attendance ranking was comparatively high. However, only few of them had no special needs courses. The study found that mainstream teachers\u27 attitudes toward the inclusion of children with special needs are typically positive, but they may be improved, consistent with earlier studies. In conclusion, the study reveals that teachers have modest views on inclusive education with significant challenges in all five sub-domains. Despite this, most teachers believe children with special needs can be effectively taught in regular classrooms
Effect of Social Dimension of Home on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students of District Buner
Get PDFStudents\u27 academic performance has been highly valued and considered a major educational goal. This study is an attempt to explore the effect of the social dimension of home on the academic performance of District Buner secondary school students. The population of the current study was students of class 10th in District Buner. Cluster Random sampling technique was used to select the sample from the population. A standardized tool was used to measure the social dimension of the home of secondary school students. The data were analyzed quantitatively using mean, Standard Deviation, and Pearson correlation coefficient (‘r’) and results revealed that the children with a high social dimension of the home have higher academic performance. Level of Control is positively correlated with academic performance in the case of girls and negatively correlated in the case of boys. Permissiveness correlated negatively with academic performance for both girls and boys. Parents are recommended to create a home where everyone feels safe and loved. The government and media should also periodically conduct seminars and workshops to educate parents on improving social dimensions in the home environment that enhance children\u27s overall development
Impact of Organizational Culture, Work Attitude and Job Involvement on Employees’ Performance: A Case of Higher Education Institutes in Karachi, Pakistan
Get PDFThis study attempted to explore the impact of organizational culture and work attitude on employees\u27 performance with the mediating effect of job involvement amongst the Higher Education Institutes in Karachi, Pakistan. Utilizing a quantitative research method, it targeted the employees currently working in the private Higher Education Institutes (HEIs) in Karachi, Pakistan that offer different programs in the evening, weekend and morning. The findings reveal a significant relationship between organizational culture, attitude towards work, job involvement, and employee performance. The organizational culture encourages employee tactics and confidence with an orientation to appealing organizational participation and commitment. If the job involvement and organizational culture cannot reach the level of employee satisfaction, a change in the organization may also happen
Exploring Superstitious Beliefs Among Educated Urban Population
Get PDFTechnical revolutions and scientific advancements are conspicuous, but still, false beliefs and superstitious behaviour are quite commonplace. It could be believed that these beliefs are held by less educated people. Therefore, the present study investigated superstitions among educated urban people. Using a qualitative research method, data was collected through interviews and analyzed through thematic analysis. A total of 8 participants (i.e., 2 males and 6 females) participated in the study. All of the participants were highly educated (16 years’ education or above). A purposive sampling technique was used to include participants in this research. Detailed semi-structured interviews were conducted with each participant with their consent. Seven themes were derived including brooming, marriage fixing, palm itching, eye blink, glass break, lucky stones, and lucky numbers. The study recommends inculcating scientific knowledge on a broader level in Pakistan
Impact of Socioeconomic Factors on Academic Performance: A Gender-Based Study among University Students
Get PDFThe study examined the effect of gender and socioeconomic characteristics on the academic performance of university students, as measured by their academic scores. The study aimed to i) examine the socioeconomic factors affecting undergraduates, ii) investigate the academic performance of undergraduates, and iii) analyze the comparative impact of socioeconomic factors on the academic scores of undergraduates. Data from 480 students enrolled in the BS program at three selected universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was collected using a questionnaire that investigated the socioeconomic status of their parents. The data analysis indicated that factors such as parental qualifications, parental income, parental work type, and the family\u27s social position do not influence academic performance based on gender. Regardless of parents’ social class, the quality of learning facilities impacts student’s academic success, indicative of parents’ involvement in the studies. It is suggested to provide scholarships and establish assistance programs aimed at enhancing the academic performance of undergraduates whose parents possess fewer resources due to poor income and job positions
Spatial Cognition and Learners’ Readiness toward STEM in Post-Pandemic
Get PDFSpatial Cognition plays a very significant role towards the success of various scientific disciplines, as literature has demonstrated clearly that these skills are highly demanded for learning and pursuing STEM fields. This study was carried out to explore the level of spatial cognition among high school students and examine the learners\u27 readiness towards STEM subjects. The study was descriptive and a quantitative research method was applied. A standardized tool was utilized to assess the spatial cognition of the students of the science group of grades 9 to 12th. 130 students from 13 to 18 years with an average age of 15.5 were administered the Mental Rotation Test (MRT) for measuring spatial cognition and readiness was measured through statements using a 5-point Likert scale. The results were analyzed using the SPSS-21 version. It was found that the majority of the students had low level of spatial cognition, which hindered their readiness regarding STEM in post-pandemic situations. There was a positive linear relationship between spatial cognition and readiness of the learners’ regarding STEM subjects. Moreover, it was concluded that there was a significant impact of spatial cognition on the readiness of the learners towards STEM. Therefore, it was recommended that the science curriculum should be designed in such a way that incorporates spatial reasoning skills among students. This study\u27s findings serve as a baseline to attract the science educationists towards a challenging predictor
Concept Mapping as a Tool to Scaffold Summary Writing
Get PDFSecond language learners generally struggle with comprehending and identifying main ideas while reading academic texts. Moreover, students are expected to write summaries of texts as a part of their curriculum to facilitate their reading comprehension. Whereas summary writing can be considered a sound post-reading strategy that facilitates comprehension, it is a skill that needs to be mastered. The present action research introduces concept mapping, a fundamental cognitive learning strategy, to facilitate tertiary-level students\u27 reading comprehension and summary writing skills. The sample consisted of 22 undergraduate students, male and female, from the Faculty of Social Sciences in a public sector university in Karachi. Two four-week action cycles engaged students in reading and summary writing tasks using a direct method with model summary samples and a concept mapping tool. Students’ reflective notes and written summaries were used as data collection tools. Thematic data analysis revealed that concept mapping proved to be an effective tool in summary writing and facilitated students in identifying and organizing main ideas. Findings and ethical considerations are discussed.
Effectiveness of Literacy and Numeracy Drive Application: An Analytical Study Based on Teachers’ Perceptions and Students’ Learning Achievements in Punjab
Get PDFThe study’s objective was to discover head teachers’ and teachers’ perceptions about the role and students’ achievement trends in Literacy and Numeracy Drive (LND) data in mathematics and English except Urdu. LND as an application was a step taken by the Government of Punjab, Pakistan, which started in 2015 and continues in the government primary section schools for grade three students of the province. The population comprised all primary section heads and teachers in 53 boy’s public schools, consisting of 390 head teachers and teachers using a stratified sampling technique. The study’s nature was quantitative and involved a survey method for data collection. The achievements of students’ trends were analysed. The data collected were analysed using Mean as statistics with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The data revealed that head teachers and teachers have positive perceptions of English and mathematics, with high perceptions of mathematics. The students’ trends were also more positive in mathematics. It was recommended that mathematics in LND is more favourable than English. A study may be conducted for boys and girls separately by considering all three subjects of LND in Punjab province
English Grammar Test App: An Assessment of Grammar Skill from the Lens of Computerized Software
Get PDFThe study aims to assess the significance of the English grammar test application for secondary-level students to improve their English language grammar skills. Using an appropriate smartphone application for teaching and learning ESL grammar skills is a challenge that must be considered. On the other hand, other associated challenges, such as internet connection, suitable ESL teaching pedagogy, learners\u27 socio-cultural and socio-economic background, and low level of motivation among ESL learners, need a viable solution. Through mixed method techniques, pre-tests and post-tests were conducted. In both phases of the study, a purposeful sampling technique was used and the assigned teacher and a total of ten students were selected for filling in a questionnaire after the post-test. The data collected from the pre-test and post-test were analyzed through charts and tables, whereas the questionnaires were analyzed through QDA Miner and Word Stat. The study employed Skinner\u27s learning theory of Behaviorism (1976) to practice stimulus, response, and reinforcement techniques. The findings concluded that although the students faced learning constraints, the teacher and the students positively responded to the English grammar test application. The study can be useful for ESL /EFL students in various contexts