Academy of Education and Social Sciences Review
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Applicability of the Theoretical Model of a School Becoming a Learning Organization in the Pakistani City of Karachi
Get PDFThis study aims to develop and validate a scale to measure the concept of a school as a learning organization within the context of Karachi, Pakistan. Given the growing emphasis on fostering continuous learning and adaptability in educational institutions, the research seeks to understand how schools in this emerging era can embody the principles of a learning organization. The study employs a quantitative methodology, beginning with a survey questionnaire developed on a scale consist of seven constructs adopted from the work of Kools and Stoll (2016) by measuring the responses of school heads/principals, vice principals, coordinators and teachers The data is analyzed using exploratory and factor analysis to ensure the reliability and validity of the scale. The findings obtained provide insights into the specific characteristics and challenges of implementing learning organization principles in schools within the unique cultural, social, and educational landscape of Karachi. The scale is further analyzed for its predictive validity to find out its effect on job satisfaction The validated scale that is obtained by collecting the responses from different sector schools in Karachi Pakistan will serve as a valuable tool for educational policymakers and administrators aiming to promote a culture of continuous improvement and learning in schools through transformation of their school into a learning organization across Karachi, Pakistan
Academic Motivation of Elementary School Students: Unearthing the Role of Teachers
Get PDFThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between teachers’ behaviour and students’ academic motivation. This research study employed a quantitative research design. The correlation research method was used to conduct the study. All the students studying in elementary classes of district Swabi (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan) were the population for this study. Multi-stage sampling technique was used for the selection of 656 students from the population of 10930 students. Self-regulation Questionnaire (SRQ-A) and Perceived Autonomy Support (PAS) were used to collect data about students\u27 academic motivation and students’ perception of their teacher’s behaviour, respectively. The study found that teachers’ autonomy-supportive behaviour had a moderate, positive, and significant relationship with students’ autonomous, intrinsic and identified academic motivation and a very weak correlation with students’ controlled academic motivation. It is recommended that the teachers adopt autonomy-supportive behaviour (i.e. students-centred approach) but they may avoid a controlled teaching style (i.e. teacher-centred approach) as it is considered one of the main reasons behind the dropping out of children from schools in KPK
Exploring the Portrayal of Masculinity in Howard Jacobson’s The Finkler Question: A Postmodern Perspective
Get PDFThis research article explores the portrayal of masculinity in Howard Jacobson’s novel, The Finkler Question, through a postmodern lens. It examines how the novel challenges traditional beliefs about masculinity and male identity, drawing on Jean-Francois Lyotard and Judith Butler to explore the fluid and contested nature of masculinity. Using textual analysis, the study focuses on themes of ageing, sexuality, and power in the portrayal of male characters and their relationships. The findings reveal that these characters navigate complex and contradictory identities, challenging conventional notions of masculinity. The novel critically reflects the socio-political context of contemporary Europe, highlighting diverse expressions of masculinity and the impact of societal expectations and traditional gender roles on male identity. Through its characters, the novel envisions a more inclusive and diverse understanding of male identity, emphasizing the fluid and evolving nature of masculinity. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion on gender and identity by demonstrating how The Finkler Question provides valuable insights into the nuanced nature of masculinity in contemporary Europe. The novel\u27s critique of traditional masculinity underscores the need for a more inclusive understanding of male identity and highlights the importance of a postmodern perspective in grasping the fluid nature of masculinity in modern society
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.
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
Unveiling Brand Identity: A Semiotic Exploration of Logo Design in Pakistani Clothing Brands
Get PDFIn the competitive textile market, each brand employs a unique logo or icon to distinguish itself from competitors. A logo acts as a brand\u27s visual identity, conveying its uniqueness and intended message to consumers. Therefore, creating an effective logo is crucial for designers, as it significantly influences consumer perception. This research uses a semiotic analysis based on Kress and van Leeuwen\u27s (2002) multimodality framework to examine the logos of two leading Pakistani clothing brands, including Khaadi and Junaid Jamshed. The study investigates how these logos impact consumer relationships with the brands, revealing that each logo is designed to communicate the brand\u27s distinct message. Factors such as colour schemes, logos, font, shape, words, and the inclusion of popular personalities in advertisements are essential in shaping consumer perceptions and preferences. The research involved stratified sampling to collect data, ensuring a representative analysis of consumer views. The findings indicate that well-designed logos and strategic branding elements are crucial for a strong brand-consumer connection. These elements significantly affect consumer loyalty and choice, underscoring the importance of effective logo design in building a positive brand image and influencing consumer behaviour
Exploring the Benefits and Challenges of ChatGPT in Enhancing ESL Learners Writing Skills
Get PDFDespite the growing use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education, studies are still being conducted on AI tools such as ChatGPT in improving English language writing abilities, particularly at the tertiary level in the local context. This study aims to investigate the advantages and difficulties of ChatGPT in enhancing English writing proficiency, particularly in terms of writing precision, adaptability, and grammatical accuracy, as seen by university-level second language learning students. The Data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The results indicate that students consider ChatGPT advantageous for improving grammatical precision, vocabulary, syntax, and flexible adaptation to different writing genres. Nevertheless, one hurdle is the diminished capacity for critical thinking and problem-solving abilities, as pupils frequently need help to assess the material produced by AI. The study recommends a balanced strategy that combines AI-assisted language learning tools such as ChatGPT with traditional teaching techniques to supplement and improve English academic writing skills effectively
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
Use of Social Networking Sites for Citizen Journalism
Get PDFSocial networking sites have become important platforms for obtaining political information. Nevertheless, a crucial inquiry in this context pertains to the reliability of social networking sites (SNS) as a political information source. This study investigated the extent to which politically engaged online users perceive social networking sites (SNS) as trustworthy. The positivist philosophical stance was adopted to explain the phenomena. Moreover, the deductive approach was intricated in this study to test the framed hypotheses. A digital survey strategy was used for individuals who frequently engage with social media platforms. The data was electronically collected from October 19 to November 1, 2023. The target population for this study was active social media users in Pakistan who were between the ages of 18 and 34 and data was gathered using the purposive sampling technique. The ultimate sample comprised 384 users via using the cross-sectional study design. This study found social networking sites (SNS) the least credible among the various traditional and online sources. The strongest indicator of social networking site (SNS) credibility was found to be the extent of reliance on these platforms. Moreover, it is concluded that utilizing social network sites (SNS) can be an as effective means to convince voters to support their campaigns
Navigating the Divide: A Marxist Analysis of The White Tiger
Get PDFThis study conducted a Marxist analysis of Arvind Adiga’s The White Tiger The study aims to demonstrate how desire shapes the protagonist, Balram and influences broader societal dynamics within the framework of Marxist theory. By deploying this theory as its lens, the paper seeks to unveil the underlying structures perpetuating social inequalities in the depicted Indian milieu. The narrative unfolds through a dual exploration of two distinct social classes: privileged ‘haves’ in the India of Light and the marginalized ‘have nots’ in the India of Darkness. Through meticulous examination of specific instances in the novel, the analysis reveals the illicit use of state resources by political and economic elites, showcasing the intricate interplay between desire, corruption, and societal structures. The study illuminates how Adiga portrays the extreme and practical facets of Indian society, providing a nuanced understanding of the character’s motivations and the broader socio-economic context. This exploration contributes to a deeper comprehension of the novel’s socio-political commentary, elucidating the complex connections between individual aspirations, systemic corruption, and class divisions. In conclusion, the analysis not only enriches our understanding of The White Tiger, but also augments the broader discourse on literature, ideology, and societal critique