Research in Social Sciences and Technology
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Effectiveness of Scientific Calculators’ Usage in the Teaching and Learning of Grade 11 Parabola Functions to Improve Learner Performance
Full text linkThe use of scientific calculators in teaching parabola functions has been shown to have significant effect in learner performance. This study examined the effectiveness of scientific calculators’ usage in the teaching and learning of Grade 11 parabola functions to improve learner performance. Bandura’s observational learning theory underpinned this study. A non-equivalent quazi-experimental design was espoused to collect data from the experimental and control groups. A pre-test and a post-test were administered to both experimental group and control group in the same day and at the same time, to avoid contamination of results. Wilcoxon-Rank sum test was used to determine the significant difference between the two study groups. The results showed that the experimental group performed significantly better than the control groupin the post-test after the implementation of scientific calculators in teaching parabola functions. The study suggests that scientific calculators can be used to teach parabola functions to improve learner performance and advance teacher content knowledge, pedagogical content knowledge and professional development
Teachers’ Readiness towards the Integration of Information and Communications Technology in Teaching and Learning of Engineering Graphics and Design in KwaZulu-Natal
Full text linkThe integration of information and communications technology (ICT) into the education system has led to changes in the way teaching and learning are conducted. These changes have necessitated the need for teachers to have ICT skills that would help them integrate ICT into teaching and learning (T&L). Hence, this qualitative study was conducted to investigate the state of readiness of Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD) teachers in the integration of ICT in T&L in uMgungundlovu secondary schools. Convenience sampling was employed to select nine EGD teachers to partake in this study. Semi-structured interviews and classroom observations were used to collect data. Data gathered from interviews was subjected to thematic analysis, and data gathered from observations was reported descriptively. The findings of this study revealed that EGD teachers in uMgungundlovu District are ready to integrate ICT into the T&L of EGD, as they indicated that ICT integration in EGD lessons is essential. The study further revealed a shortage of ICT resources and a lack of ICT skills among teachers, which hinder the successful integration of ICT. The study recommends that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) provide teachers with ICT training so that those who are technically disadvantaged can be equipped with relevant ICT skills. The study further recommends that DBE give the schools an AutoCAD license, as it has been proven to be a useful ICT tool
The Possible Uses of Foldscopes as a Form of Frugal Science in the Biology Classroom As Well As in Out-of-School Science Activities
Full text linkThis article explores the possibilities of a cheap one-dollar microscope, the Foldscope, for enhancing out-of-school science education. Developed by Manu Prakash and Jim Cybulski from Stanford University, these origami-type paper microscopes make it possible to provide all students with their own microscopes, due to the low cost. This provides students the opportunity to engage in science outside of the classroom, as amateur sleuths engaged in environmental inquiries, e.g., determining the levels of pollution of local water resources. In this article the authors share two sets of research data: an activity where school students engaged in authentic problem-based learning using the Foldscopes, as well as student teachers’ experiences of engaging with Foldscope microscopes. The outcomes of the first research project indicate that affective outcomes and cognitive gains were achieved. Responses in the second research project included five categories: preparation and presentation; potential of the Foldscope; use of slideshow; energy/complements; and limitations. The conclusion reached was that Foldscopes hold possibilities for enhancing STS (science-technology-society) approaches inside and outside the classroom. One recommendation is that such frugal-science approaches are emphasized more in both pre-and in-service teacher education
Implications of Career Choice of Undergraduates on their Employability Prospects in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR)
Full text linkChoice of career is one of the most important decisions that everyone makes in life. This choice in most cases determines placement in the workplace. The determinants of the choices students make career-wise include parents, peers, passion and perceived prospects among others. The choice of career made by individuals have long-term implications on their employability status most especially in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) which aims at raising global income levels and improve the quality of life for populations around the world through applied science and technology. The descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The multi-stage sampling procedure was used. A purposive sampling technique was used to select five faculties out of the existing thirteen faculties at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria. Five hundred (500) undergraduates were selected across the five selected faculties using simple random sampling technique with 100 students selected from each faculty. Descriptive and Inferential statistics were used to analyse the data collected for the study. The study found out that parental values and expectations has significant influence on the career choice of students and that career choice in turn has significant relationship with their employability prospects. The paper recommended among others the need for students to be allowed to make their career choices based on interest and ability with proper guidance by parents and surrogate parents. 
Augmented Reality for Teaching Storytelling in a Rural Foundation Phase Primary School: Integrating a Place-Based Approach
Full text linkAugmented reality (AR) has recently become a new leading edge in mobile-assisted language learning attributed to the popularity of smartphones. The place-based approach (PBA) is a situated, context-rich teaching and learning modality characterized by its relationship to place. AR and PBA have proven to be useful in educational settings; however, few studies have observed them being used jointly. This study aims to explore the combination of AR and PBA in teaching storytelling in a foundation phase (FP) rural primary school. Based on current trends, the study also aims to design learning principles for teaching that will help language teachers integrate this innovative technology and approach into literacy teaching. The study was tested with two FP teachers and 12 FP learners in a real classroom and carried out with qualitative observations and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that learners are more motivated and interested in activities that have been enhanced because they encourage problem-solving, discovery, and socialization. The findings also suggest that technological interventions, particularly when learners work as a team, may have a bigger impact than non-technology-integrated instruction. These results offer demonstrable support for technology use and have useful results for future practice
Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Automation in the World of Work: A Threat to Employees?
Full text linkThe introduction of machines driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and automation technologies has already had a significant impact on the manufacturing, automotive, logistics, retail, and wholesale industries, and the repercussions of their replacement on the human labour has been a hotly disputed subject. AI and automation technical advancements are having a big influence on workforce turnover. The aim of this study was to look at employees' attitudes on Artificial Intelligence and Automation at work, specifically whether they see AI as a threat or not. Secondary data sources from several authors were utilised in this article. This data was gathered from published and peer-reviewed publications, internet sources, and textbooks pertinent to the issue under consideration. Some researchers contend that automation is likely to add to South Africa's high unemployment rate. There is a scarcity of empirical data in the form of published empirical research concentrating on the stress that AI and automation place on employees, hence the study is being conducted. Based on this study, it appeared that employees feel threatened by this rise of Artificial Intelligence and Automation. 
Conceptualisation and Contextualisation of Mixed-Methods Research: A Review
Full text linkThe purpose of this study was to investigate the conceptualisation and contextualisation of mixed-methods research within the research methodology paradigm to ascertain the categorisation of mixed methods as a type of research, research design or research approach. The methodology adopted for this paper is qualitative in nature and involves the analysis of documents and contents. The content of journals and books was analysed to review and draw inferences relating to the themes set out for investigation in the study. Thematic analysis was used for the analysis of data for the study. The study revealed that mixed-methods research was situated within the context of types of research, research design and research approach as evident in the result of the systematic review of the articles selected for the study. Findings from the study further revealed that the conceptualisation of mixed methods within the context type of research and research approach was more than that of a research design. This study is novel and has contributed new knowledge in the aspect of research methodology with specific emphasis and definitive conceptualisation, contextualisation, and categorisation of mixed methods as a type of research, research design or research approach. Just like qualitative and quantitative research, there is a need for definitive conceptualisation, contextualisation, and categorisation of mixed-methods research. Meanwhile, this article is a synthesis for further discourse on mixed-methods research to establish a definitive conclusion on mixed-methods research conceptualisation. 
Teachers’ Perspectives on the Efficacy of Oral Presentation Tasks toward Promoted Linguistic Acquisition
Full text linkTo unlock language proficiency among learners, speaking is regarded to be an essential and crucial aspect to master, not only for learning purposes but for recognized communication dynamics. Language learning has numerous critical aspects. To be lacking in speaking proficiencies has been noted to impart negatively toward language learning. This paper explores whether oral presentations can be regarded as a vital tool to unlock learner language development. To collect data, qualitative research approaches embedded in a case study design were used. These are methods well known to assist in attaining better understanding in real-life situations. Three English language teachers were perceived relevant since they teach English to first-year university students. Although studies have been conducted on advantages of using oral tasks in a schooling environment, little to nothing is mentioned in the literature about how such tasks can be viable instruments to augment critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Findings suggest that motivated learning and enhanced communication skills were major factors that could lead to enhanced language aptitudes. This paper concludes that for teaching and learning to incorporate oral tasks brings numerous benefits for language learning as well as other subjects underpinning the prescribed curriculum. It is proposed that it is necessary to consider diverse perspectives in discussions related to teaching methods as oral activities are prominent tools for language expansion. 
Teaching Democratic Humility to Improve Classroom Discussion
Full text linkDemocratic discussion in the classroom has been viewed as a way to increase consensus, however the spread of false and misleading information through social media and influencers can make classroom discussions problematic. This electronic text analysis study highlights the social media site of Quora and posts related to the Gulf War. Posts related to the Gulf War is critically analyzed and their potential impacts are examined. This study also analyzes the posts and potential impacts of a conservative influencer named James Lindsay. It also analyzes specific polarizing posts that Lindsay has made on Instagram and highlight the potential impacts on classroom discussions of some of these posts. A purpose of the study is to analyze negative potential impacts of social media on student’s views and on classroom discussions. The study also highlights two potential solutions to overcoming these negative potential impacts. One solution is to use Stanford History Education Group’s Civic Online Reasoning, and another solution is to explicitly teach Democratic humility. With democratic humility, individuals learn not to make hyperbolic claims about their beliefs. Students could also be taught when learning about democratic humility, the importance of suspending judgement until they have gathered sufficient information on the topic
Examining the Relationship between Life Satisfaction and the Happiness-increasing Strategies used by Mothers for their Children
Full text linkThe aim of this research is to reveal the relationship between the life satisfaction of mothers and the happiness-increasing strategies they use for their children. Within the scope of the general purpose of the study, it was also examined whether the life satisfaction of the mothers and the happiness-enhancing strategies they used for their children differed in terms of some demographic variables. The correlational model, one of the quantitative research designs, was used in the study, and the sample group consisted of 298 mothers with children aged 3-5 years. A Demographic Information Form, a Scale for Determining Happiness-increasing Strategies Used by Mothers, and a Life Satisfaction Scale were used as data collection tools. In the research; t test and single-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA) were performed for independent samples with differentiation tests to examine the differences between the life satisfaction levels of the mothers and the happiness-increasing strategies they applied according to variables such as education level, economic status, and working status. Pearson moments multiplication correlation analysis was performed to examine the relationship between mothers' life satisfaction levels, happiness-increasing strategy levels, age of mothers, and child age, and multiple linear regression analysis was performed to determine the predictive power of the independent variable (happiness-enhancing strategies) to the dependent variable (life satisfaction). At the end of the research, it was concluded that the level of life satisfaction increased as the education level and economic status of the mothers increased, and the levels of happiness-increasing strategies showed a significant difference according to the economic status. It was seen that there was a significant relationship between the life satisfaction levels of the mothers and the strategies to increase happiness. Recommendations were developed in line with the findings obtained as a result of the research