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The Effect of Asian Students’ Culture on Perceptions of Blended Learning Instructional Design
No full textDue to globalization and internationalization, an increasing number of international students have chosen to study in the United States, requiring colleges and universities to integrate more intercultural dimensions into academic activities. One of the top trends to emerge is the implementation of a blended learning model for instructional delivery. However, the cultural influences of Confucianism affect the experience of blended learning for Asian students. As a result of the barriers and challenges from cultural differences and communication patterns, Asian students may have a lower success rate than non-Asian students participating in blended courses. This quantitative study used a survey questionnaire to collect data from 210 Asian students from four universities and colleges. Quantitative methodology with qualitative analysis support was used to explore the effect of blended learning instructional design on Asian students’ performance and to gain information about student preference in higher education. Results demonstrate that most Asian students have quite a high success rate in blended courses, as well as a high level of satisfaction with blended learning. Students report this is due to the flexibility and improved technology resources. When educators share an awareness of the Asian cultural and potential conflicts that may arise as a result of cultural differences, instructors modulate their teaching methods and are able to provide additional supports, such as shared cooperation, instructor-led lessons, nonverbal communication cues, and face-to-face contact. This study provides Western instructors with different perspectives of cross-cultural and communication patterns of Asian students, and instructional needs to establish a structured and guided blended learning environment in order to increase performance and to implement higher level learning and critical thinking. The findings in this study will increase effectiveness of blended learning instructional design for instructors and increase knowledge of blended learning practices for future generations of international students
Comprehensive School Reform: A Study on the Effectiveness of the High Schools That Work Program in Texas
Get PDFThis mixed methods, sequential explanatory research study evaluated the effectiveness of a comprehensive school reform program titled High Schools That Work (HSTW). High schools were tasked with having students meet passing standards on high-stakes assessments or face sanctions. This study was necessary because, as Herman et al. (2008) said, “unfortunately, the research base on effective strategies for quickly turning around low-performing schools is sparse” (p. 4). Quantitative and qualitative data were collected to determine if schools improved after the HSTW program was implemented. First, Academic Excellence Indicator System reports on Texas HSTW program schools were downloaded from the Texas Education Agency’s website. At least 3 consecutive years of data from 2005–2012 was needed. Demographic and performance data were used to determine which schools to include. Second, administrator and teacher surveys were distributed online to participants. Third, a basic interpretive and descriptive qualitative study was conducted in which 5 administrators were interviewed regarding HSTW experiences. Data from all 3 sources were linked and conclusions were drawn about HSTW implementation and its impact on students’ academic performance. Results from the study yielded positive results for the HSTW program. On average, 10th grade students’ academic performance improved in the areas of English language arts (ELA) and mathematics for all students and for subpopulations in Year 5 after implementation. Limited English proficient and economically disadvantaged subpopulations’ scores improved, but the special education subpopulation demonstrated the greatest increase. 6 of 10 HSTW key components assessed from surveying administrators and teachers included guidance, keeping score, teachers working together, academic studies, program of study, work-based learning, and students actively engaged. Administrators, teachers, and parents were committed to implementing HSTW. High levels of collaboration with peers and tri-level support (school administrators, district administrators, and HSTW staff) resulted in increased buy-in. 5 administrators were interviewed and the following themes emerged: implementation, support for implementation, change culture, structure and preplanning, monitoring and feedback, and data gathering. 4 of 5 administrators had positive experiences with implementing HSTW. Responses from interviews were similar to survey responses indicating that a high level of support and collaboration was instrumental in program effectiveness. Connecting themes revealed convergent patterns that emerged from collecting multiple forms of data. Results suggested that HSTW was an effective comprehensive school reform when implemented with fidelity. HSTW was most successful in closing achievement gaps between special education students’ average assessment scores and all students’ scores. Administrators and teachers collaborated and received tri-level support creating experiences that led to commitment to the program. Relationships fostered buy-in to implementing the program, inevitably leading to program success. Replicating the current study is feasible for evaluating the effectiveness of other Comprehensive School Reform programs
Mental Health Clinical Managers and Their Multicultural Leadership Practices
Get PDFThere is a general recognition that the United States has historically failed to provide adequate mental health services to ethnic minorities. The American Counseling Association has mandated multicultural competence of counseling professionals in today’s context of dramatic demographic change. Despite numerous studies on practitioners, organizations, models, and interventions geared toward minorities, disparities in access, usage, and outcomes in still exist. Simultaneously, counseling fields have emphasized leadership development as a key factor in improving services, yet training or research on leadership remains scarce. In response to these conditions, this basic interpretive qualitative study focused on exploring clinical managers’ perceptions of their multicultural leadership practices in daily interactions in outpatient mental health settings. Bennett’s (2003) Developmental Model of Intercultural Sensitivity was used as the study’s guiding theoretical framework. Using face-to-face interviews with 10 licensed psychotherapists in positions of mental health leadership in the southwestern United States, data was collected about the participants’ learning experiences and beliefs about how to relate to cultural difference as clinical managers. The constant comparison analysis indicated four major themes: culture as a complex concept, multicultural learning experiences outside of formal educational settings, leadership issues, and the recognition of organizational culture and its impact. The findings uncovered specific information about the participants’ self-identified multicultural leadership practices such as specific ways of handling human resource issues, shared decision making, and staffing and supervision strategies. The findings also spoke to the roles of the organization, executive leadership and the multiple cultural influences that impacted the multicultural leadership learning experiences and practices of the participants in the study. Original contributions of the research included the following: (a) the clinical managers in the study formulated their own unique multicultural leadership practices independent of organizational directives or formalized training; and (b) the organization can impact multicultural leadership practices through a variety of means. Future research should focus on clinical managers’ cultural interactions in mental health, intercultural sensitivity at work, and organizational factors that affect multicultural leadership with the aim of creating multicultural leadership models to guide professional practice
Perspectives of Hispanic Men Who Overcame the Odds to Become Senior Leaders
Get PDFDriven by the rapid growth of the Hispanic population in the United States, ethnic minorities will become the new majority group in the next 30 to 40 years. Yet, despite the substantial increase of Hispanics in this country, they remain underrepresented in senior leadership positions. This dissertation explored the perspectives of Hispanic male leaders to determine how they overcame barriers to successfully reach the senior leader levels. This topic is important for two reasons: (a) as U.S. businesses expand globally, they will need diverse leaders who can understand and relate to various cultures, and (b) with the increasing purchasing power of Hispanics, businesses will need Hispanic leaders to create effective strategies to capture this emerging market. The purpose of this qualitative interpretive study was to explore the perspectives of Hispanic men who successfully reached senior leadership positions. The research protocol consisted of open-ended interviews with 10 Hispanic male leaders who were purposefully selected from 4 different sectors: corporate, federal civil service, military, and academia. The interviews were conducted in 1-hour sessions and the data was analyzed using the Development Research Sequence. Analysis revealed 7 domains and 3 taxonomies relevant to the purpose of the study and research questions. The domains included (1) encountering structural disadvantages, (2) having role models, (3) capitalizing on opportunities, (4) being intrinsically driven, (5) knowing how to lead, (6) understanding the importance of mentors, and (7) belonging to a network. The relationships among domains were further examined to construct the 3 taxonomies of (a) becoming competitive, (b) becoming a leader, and (c) developing professional relationships. These findings were considered through the theoretical lens of social capital, and indicated that these taxonomies contributed to the participants’ ability to overcome challenges and advance in their careers. Five recommendations were proposed to increase the number of Hispanics in senior leader positions: (1) emphasize higher education, (2) establish mentorship programs, (3) instill the value of networking, (4) educate Hispanics about potential barriers, and (5) develop executive training programs
Experiences of Women Entrepreneurs: An Interpretive Study
No full textThe topic of women entrepreneurs has been largely neglected in society. Women are struggling with work-life balance issues and corporate America is not meeting their needs. This study was based on the premise that women entrepreneurship was considered important for the stability and growth of the economy. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2012) forecasted that women would create more than half of the 9.72 million new small-business jobs by 2018. In spite of this paradigm shift, there was still a shortage of available research data that explored their experiences. The majority of studies on entrepreneurship reflected a male’s perspective. This basic interpretive study explored the lived experiences and perceptions of eight women entrepreneurs in South Texas. In-depth, semi-structured interviews provided rich, thick descriptions, feelings, and an interpretive perspective of this purposive sampling. The method of triangulation improved the quality of the data and ensured trustworthiness and credibility. The goal was to gain a better understanding of how they met their needs through entrepreneurship. This study contributed new knowledge from a women’s perspective. The theoretical framework was grounded in Bandura (1986), Bussey and Bandura (1999), and Sen (2000). The findings revealed six final emergent themes: scheduling flexibility, non-formal education, nondiscrimination, start-up funds, motivation, and perseverance. Recommendations are made for additional research studies in other geographic locations and quantitative research studies to further explore the link between women entrepreneurship and economic development
Cost Accounting in Bangladesh: Use, Value, Obstacles, and Education Needs
Get PDFMany business organizations in Bangladesh struggle for survival, not only due to poor quality products or bad service, but because executives lack the appropriate managerial tools necessary to control the businesses and to set strategic goals. Cost accounting is a vital tool to achieve greater efficiency for developing businesses. The purpose of this study was to identify the present level of use of cost accounting by the nature and type of organizations in the main cities of Bangladesh to improve use of cost accounting. The research identified the need for and the areas of current problems and prospects of use of cost accounting. This study also attempted to determine the level and nature of educational skills required effectively to apply cost accounting. The research used a descriptive qualitative method with two parts: (a) descriptive and demographic questionnaires investigated the current level of use of cost accounting, its importance, and current obstacles and prospects; and (b) interview questions identified the importance for and need of cost accounting, plus the required education effectively to apply cost accounting in business enterprises in Bangladesh. The results showed that the use of cost accounting was not up to expectation due to the present obstacles: an absence of statutory requirement, a lack of appreciation of its importance, and a lack of qualified manpower. Interview data found that cost accounting was vital to serve management‘s strategic planning and informational needs, but was often inadequate or lacking in businesses. Business departments in colleges and universities offered cost accounting courses in graduate and master‘s programs, but they were inadequate to provide in-depth knowledge in cost accounting. Educational institutes were not providing practical training as needed for business organizations in Bangladesh. Findings showed that cost audit should be mandatory for the development of businesses, and more help should be provided to improve cost accounting education and training in the country. Implications of the findings were discussed and recommendations made for business practices and education, as well as future research opportunities, in Bangladesh
Expanding Human Capabilities Through the Adoption and Utilization of Free, Libre, and Open Source Software
Get PDFFree, libre, and open source software (FLOSS) is software that is collaboratively developed. FLOSS provides end-users with the source code and the freedom to adapt or modify a piece of software to fit their needs (Deek & McHugh, 2008; Stallman, 2010). FLOSS has a 30 year history that dates to the open hacker community at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) where information and knowledge was freely shared among a community of programmers and end-users (Lessig, 2006; Stallman, 2010; Sullivan, 2011). The advent of a proprietary or closed software development model in the late 1970s and early 1980s prompted FLOSS advocates like Richard Stallman to develop tools to protect end-users\u27 rights to modify, share, and create software (Lessig, 2006, Stallman, 2010). Since then, the FLOSS and proprietary software development models have become two diametrically opposed points-of-view with advocates and detractors on both sides. This qualitative case study sought to understand in which human spaces FLOSS helped promote sustainable human development by expanding human capabilities in accessing the world\u27s knowledge and information in one community. It sought to answer: How has FLOSS helped to expand human capabilities by providing access to information? Amartya Sen\u27s (1999, 2009) capability approach was used to explore Reglue, a non-profit organization in Taylor, Texas, whose mission is to close the digital divide by providing students and their families with Linux-based computers. Heuristic inquiry was used to analyze participants\u27 experiences using or migrating to FLOSS to explore FLOSS\u27 influence on human capabilities within the boundaries of the case (Moustakas, 1994). Creswell\u27s (2008) qualitative data handling and analysis methodology was also used to identify themes. Five themes emerged from the data that included 14 sub-themes. The study\u27s results revealed that FLOSS does promote sustainable human development by expanding human capabilities in accessing the world\u27s knowledge and information. The results, however, indicate that continued training and guidance were needed to ensure that the participants\u27 success with migrating to and using FLOSS were successful. Conclusions and recommendations were made within the framework of the capability approach that serve to inform practice and policy for future FLOSS ventures or studies as well as to fill a gap that exists within the corpus of current FLOSS literature by adding a human-based case study to the body of FLOSS literature
Oral History of Professional Theater Beaders in New York City
Get PDFA historic division between fine and mechanical arts led to a marginalization of certain art forms including textile beading and embroidery. Despite the opulence of beading and embroidery in theater costumes, there is limited documented history and scant scholarly literature about professional beading and the beaders who create the costumes. The aims of this study were to construct a history of professional theater beading in New York and to examine the oral histories of professional theater beaders. This qualitative oral history study included 12 participants who work in the professional beading industry. Open-ended interviews took place in New York City and focused on the development of the professional theater beading industry through the perspectives of each participant. Three beaders were interviewed a second time to ascertain their perspectives about relationships of their memoires and histories. Using a three-step analysis process, I identified three themes according to how the participants described professional theater beading: industry origins, specific companies in professional beading, and specific people related to professional beading. Participants described five origins for professional beading in theater: the fashion beading industry, actors and high fashion, the need to replicate historical designs, the glamor of beading, and uniform companies. Participants also described changes in theater beading companies, including company mergers and loss of samples and history. Finally, participants provided detailed accounts about specific people whom they considered important to professional theater beading. The second set of interviews yielded two additional themes: knowledge of history and value of history to the beaders, the industry, and larger audiences. This research built an oral history of professional theater beading and presented views from the artists’ perspectives, meeting the oral history and qualitative goals to contribute scholarly knowledge from the point of view of the participants. This study added scholarly research to a marginalized area of study using oral history methodologies. Participant narratives show the importance of viewing professional beading as an art form. This research can be used in teaching costume and embroidery courses as well as courses in theater history and fashion design