bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The South Sudan Conflict: Continentalan and International Implications
Authors: Chinyanganya John Max , Mhlanga Johns
Published: August 2020

The South Sudan conflict which started in December 2013 is now entering its second year with continental and international implications far beyond comprehension in terms of human tragedy in one of the world’s newest nations. Continued fi ghting between the government troops and the rebel forces has displaced more than 1 000 000 and killed over 10 0000 people while a humanitarian crisis threatens many more South Sudanese and their neighbouring states. The war risks tearing the country apart as well as creating a potential humanitarian crisis of epic proportions on neighbouring states. Hence, this article examines the continental and international implications of the current South Sudanese confl ict which has roped in the African Union spearheaded by the Inter-Governmental Organization and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan. It argues that the heart of this post-independence conflict in South Sudan is the personal rivalry between President Salva Kiir and his former Vice President Riek Machar. This study attempts to provide a detailed outline of the South Sudanese civil confl ict by conducting an in-depth investigation of secondary data as well as interviews with military peacekeepers imbued with experience on the ground in South Sudan. To address the conflict, this paper suggests that the international community and the country’s leadership need to focus on resolving this personality-driven rivalry to pave way for sustainable peace in the country
Democracy Consolidation and Governance of the Security Sector in Nigeria: Trends and Challenges
Authors: Olasunkanmi Olusola Olawale
Published: August 2020

In no other sector is the challenge of governance much more tasking in contemporary Nigeria than security. Conceived broadly to imply both physical and human security, security has remained at the core of Nigeria’s governance challenges since its return to democracy in 1999. Weak institutions, growing inequality, poverty, injustice and corruption have together undermined the capacity of democracy as a preferred system of rule, to salvage the nation’s security from prolonged years of military rule and inept leadership. With Nigeria’s almost two decades of democratic experience, and the recent ushering to power of another party, the first of this development since 1999, there is indeed, an urgent need for the overhaul of the sector if the expected gains of democracy are to be met. It is the contention of this paper that democracy and security are mutually reinforcing and a disconnect can have deleterious implications for Nigeria. This paper also stresses the need to revamp the country’s security institutions especially in the light of the internal challenges of Boko Haram and in particular, militia groups whose propensity to relapse into military confrontation under the guise of the underlying historical problems associated with the Nigerian state are well documented.
Comparative Health Analysis of the National Bank, Joint Venture Banks and Foreign Banks in Indonesia
Authors: Rudianto Dudi
Published: August 2020

The Risk-Based Bank Rating approach (RBBR) is used to determine the health of banks in Indonesia, both for national banks, joint venture banks and foreign banks. This approach uses five (5) proxies, i.e. Non Performing Loan (NPL), Loan to Deposit Ratio (LDR), Return on Assets (ROA), Net Interesr Margin (NIM), and the Capital Adequacy Ratio (CAR). The overall result of the 5 (five) variables studied show that national banks are healthier than the other two types of banks, namely venture banks and foreign banks, because the national bank has a value beyond the provisions of Bank Indonesia. The partial variable LDR consistently varies significantly between national banks, joint venture banks and foreign banks. The LDR of joint venture banks and foreign banks is higher than the national bank. These conditions indicate that the bargaining position of joint venture banks and foreign banks in serving the needs of public borrowing is much higher than the national bank, which results in increasing the ability of both types of banks in generating profit. Simultaneously throughout the study variables was significantly different among the national banks, joint venture banks and foreign banks..
Liberia’s Post-1990 Ecomog Incursion: An Assessment of Anglophone – Francophone Dichotomy
Authors: Mohammed Sambo Abubakar , Othman Muhammad Fuad , Omar Rusdi
Published: August 2020

One of the successful stories of regional economic communities (RECs) today is that of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Founded in 1975, it is a conglomeration of states having similar but distinctively different colonial experiences in West Africa; the Anglophone, the Francophone and the Lexiphone. Contemporary political events in the world had made ECOWAS flexible and receptive to reforms. Although there was little internal wrangling within the ECOWAS member states, because of the transformation and expansion of the economic bloc’s re-establishing, its grasps over political, security and social events within the sub-region after the cold war, the development brought division in ECOWAS, and expressed such in the form of Anglophone and Francophone dichotomy, for reason of not agreeing to military intervention. The ECOWAS shift from non-interference principles to military intervention was noticeable when ECOMOG intervened in Liberia’s 1990 internal conflict; thereby changing her non-interference posture to that of collective security action as an alternative in the sub-region. This paper attempted to establish the shift in ECOWAS security paradigm, leading to a division within ECOWAS member states along ‘linguistic lines’ and how this division affected ECOWAS in the post-Liberian intervention. Additionally, it x-rayed the nature, manifestation and consequences of such dichotomy. The paper recommended a policy option for ECOWAS to guard against future distractions among the member states in order not to divert ECOWAS from achieving her goals of economic integration.
Malaysia-Thailand Cross Border Trade and Cross Border Special Economic Zone Potential: A Case Study of Rantau Panjang ­Sungai Kolok Cross Border Town
Authors: Anuar Abdul Rahim , Harun Azhar
Published: August 2020

Towns along the Malaysia-Thailand border have always been associated with backwardness and being low-income regions. This is mainly because policy development in these border regions is based more on defence and security rather than economic considerations. Economic structures and cross-border trade towns of Sg. Kolok (Narathiwat, Southern Thailand) and Rantau Panjang (Kelantan, Malaysia) were examined with the objective to measure cross-border economic activity and the feasibility of establishing a Cross Border Special Economic Zone. Both towns are a shopping haven among local and foreign tourists, and have the potential to become a leading cross-border tourism product of the Malaysia-Thailand border. The Malaysian government has also implemented the Eastern Corridor Economic Region to develop the East Coast region including Kelantan. Meanwhile, the Thailand Government has carried out the Southern Border Provinces Special Zone to develop its Southern region, including Narathiwat. With the security assurance in Southern Thailand coupled with both development plans being implemented, this may intensify economic activities in the towns of Rantau Panjang and Sg. Kolok. It was revealed that this has a spill-over effect in the border areas and the potential of creating a Cross Border Special Economic Zone at these border towns.
A Clog on the Right to Quality Education through OER: A Case of Japan and Malaysia
Authors: Wahid Ratnaria , Saidin Khaliza , Arif Nurhaizal Azam
Published: August 2020

States and world institutions have globally recognized the right to quality education. One of the method to access quality education is via Open Educational Resources (OER) that operates under the concept of “openness” where knowledge should be freely shared and disseminated for all. Yet, copyright law appears to be an area of great concern hampering OER development. This paper begins by clarifying the fundamental right to education which can be supported by developing trends of using digital resources. It then describes some of the developments in achieving sustainable development goal towards quality education through OER. The paper then explains certain legal challenges hampering open education initiatives by highlighting relevant copyright laws at the international and domestic levels. This investigation takes the form of a qualitative case-study approach comparing Malaysia and Japan practices in respect of its OER initiatives within their higher education institutions. This study specifically examines related regulations extracted from relevant statutes, cases, reports and secondary sources available in both countries. There appears to be a growing tension between the desire to promote open access to quality education and the need to protect works even though OER may be useful and beneficial for society.
Factors Influencing the Relationship Quality between Exporters and Foreign Intermediaries on SMEs Export Performance
Authors: Hamir Basah Norliza
Published: August 2020

This study aims to investigate factors that influence the relationship quality between Malaysia SMEs exporter and foreign intermediaries. This paper draws insights from two integrating theories such as social capital theory (SCT) and internationalization process (IP) theory to evaluate the synergistic consequences of several constructs such as cultural similarity, effective communication, knowledge sharing and trust on export performance. The model is tested using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) via Smart PLS on a sample of 203 SME exporters in Malaysia. The findings revealed that all hypotheses are supported. The research highlights that cultural similarity is a catalyst in internationalization process and show the mechanism on how cultural similarity can influence effective communication and knowledge sharing thus impetus trust which finally reflect the performance outcomes. The findings extended the application of the underpinning theories and their tenets in explaining the Malaysian SMEs’ export performance use foreign intermediaries.
Cybercrimes Act in Nigeria: Experimenting Compliance With Internationally Recognized Human Rights Provisions
Authors: Abdulkadir Abdulkadir Bolaji , Abdulkadir Abdulrazaq Owolabi
Published: August 2020

The occurrence of criminal activities has increased owing to the advent of internet or computer technology. Access to internet has posed serious challenges to the existing legal regime and enforcement paradigm. The recent experience concerning rate of technology and online communication has no doubt fashioned-out a dramatic increase in the incidence of criminal activities. It has also resulted in the occurrence of what is considered as a new approach of criminal activities. Although, the emergence of electronic communication advances economic prosperity of the world’s commerce, fraudsters have gained access and seen the medium as a fertile ground for pretence. This paper firstly discusses the wide-ranging descriptions that led to the complex concept of cybercrime. The paper then examines the importance of cybercrimes regulations to curb infidelity in the use of computer technology. It also investigates the interface between cybercrimes and human rights and argued that human rights are an onerous matter that should be given proper consideration when dealing with cybercrime offenders. The paper utilizes legal research method by way of examining the Nigerian Cybercrimes Act 2015 and its relationship with several human rights provisions. It concludes by revealing the need to prevent cybercrimes that coincide with the right of an individual to enjoy his right to privacy and at the same time ensuring cyber security.
The Western Media and the Crisis in Zimbabwe
Authors: Zengeni Knocks Tapiwa
Published: August 2020

The crisis in Zimbabwe in the past decade has many dimensions. One of the underestimated dimensions is the impact of Western media reportage on the unfolding drama in the country. Biased reportage by some mainstream Western media channels on Zimbabwe has had a negative and damaging effect both on the Mugabe regime as well as the country’s economy. It has also highlighted the excesses of the Mugabe regime in its quest to ensure regime security. In response to these Western media blitz, the Mugabe regime has countered them by stifling media independence in the domestic arena in a calculated strategy aimed at cushioning itself from unfair and biased media attacks. While there is some truth in what is being reported about the Mugabe regime by the Western media, on balance, this paper argues that the role played by the Western media in the ensuing political crisis in Zimbabwe has done more harm than good. In a big way, the Western media has aggravated the political and socioeconomic crisis in Zimbabwe in the past decade.
Freedom of Religious Expression in Malaysia
Authors: Mohd Sani Mohd Azizuddin , Abdul Hamed Shah Dian Diana
Published: August 2020

There are always debates on the freedom of expression in today’s modern world more so in response to issues like freedom of religion, religious expression, hate speech, inter-faith dialogues etc. In Malaysia, issues especially those concerning race and religion are considered sensitive and therefore pose as obstacles to the implementation of complete religious freedom. Great care is taken not to impinge on the religious sensitivities of the various groups. It is understood that no one including the media can carry articles that question the faith or ridicule the religion and culture of the people in the country. Given that Islam is the religion of the Federation, great care is taken not to publish articles that cast slur, intended or otherwise, on the religion or its adherents. All media, including those operated by the opposition, follow this policy. Thus, religious expression has always been monitored by the government in order to protect the racial harmony in the multiracial, multicultural and multi-religious society of Malaysia. And this protection is provided for in the Constitution. This paper looks into some important issues that has caused some concern recently such as the position of Islam and freedom of religion, use of religion in politics, religious expression in the media, use of the word Allah by Christians, the publication of the Bible in the Malay language and the controversy over the so called attempt by an opposition party to make Christianity the official religion of Malaysia. The paper explains how these issues have been tackled by the government and society.
Navigational Hazards in International Maritime Chokepoints: A Study of the Straits of Malacca and Singapore
Authors: Mohd Rusli Mohd Hazmi
Published: August 2020

The Straits of Malacca and Singapore are two of the world’s most significant international maritime chokepoints. The number of ships transiting the Straits of Malacca and Singapore has increased gradually and significantly over the period of 10 years since 2000. This scenario has enhanced the likelihood of the occurrence of maritime accidents in these Straits. This is further aggravated by the fact that the Straits themselves have many navigational hazards which may make navigation difficult. The navigational hazards in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore that could potentially endanger mariners and the adverse environmental impacts arising from a maritime accident are discussed in this paper. The remedies available to the littoral States of Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore under the International law are identified for enhancing safe navigation. As an important shipping way for oil transportation, the Straits of Malacca and Singapore have to remain open for international shipping as the closure of the Straits would be detrimental to the global economy.
Supporting National Transition in Myanmar with Development Assistance
Authors: Ware Anthony
Published: August 2020

Myanmar is undergoing significant political reforms and socio-political changes, which have been more rapid and broad than anticipated by most commentators. While ongoing reforms face significant obstacles and vested interests, and is far from assured, reform to date has already significantly altered the international relations of the state. From a development perspective, the growing international acceptability of the regime has begun to change donor attitudes, with development assistance rather than merely humanitarian aid now being discussed, and the conditionality attached to international assistance changing. This paper explores these changes in donor policies toward Myanmar, examining the prospects for development partnership with relevant government programs and agencies, and analysing the ways and sectors development assistance may be able to be used to strengthen the ongoing reform and national transition.
Pengaruh Sikap Guru Terhadap Pembuatan Keputusan ke atas Komitmen Guru di Sekolah: Galakan Pengetua Sebagai Perantara
Authors: Saad Norazlinda , Sankaran Surendran
Published: August 2020

Tujuan – Kajian ini bertujuan untuk mengenal pasti pengaruh sikapguru terhadap komitmen guru dalam membuat keputusan di sekolah menengah berpencapaian tinggi di negeri Kedah serta mengkaji peranan galakan pengetua sebagai perantara.   Metodologi – Kajian ini menggunakan kaedah tinjauan untuk memperoleh data. Sampel kajian ini adalah 399 orang guru yang dipilih secara rawak dari Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan (SMK) berpencapaian tinggi di seluruh negeri Kedah. Soal selidik kajian ini mengandungi 40 item serta mempunyai kebolehpercayaan yang tinggi dengan nilai Cronbach Alpha 0.94. Data kajian ini telah dianalisis dengan menggunakan statistik deskriptif dan Analisis Regresi Berganda.   Dapatan – Dapatan kajian menunjukkan tahap galakan pengetua dalam membuat keputusan berada pada tahap tinggi manakala tahap komitmen guru dalam membuat keputusan adalah pada tahap sederhana. Analisis regresi menunjukkan faktor Sikap Guru mempunyai pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap Komitmen Guru iaitu Kesetiaan dan Kesediaan untuk Kekal di sekolah. Dapatan turut menunjukkan bahawa Galakan Pengetua menjadi perantara separa antara hubungan Sikap Guru dan Kesetiaan dan Kesediaan untuk Kekal dalam membuat keputusan.   Signifikan – Hal ini dengan jelas menggambarkan bahawa guru-guru yang menunjukkan sikap yang positif semasa terlibat dalam proses membuat keputusan di sekolah berpencapaian tinggi akan terus kekal di sekolah tersebut. Dapatan juga menjelaskan bahawa Galakan daripada pengetua secara berterusan akan mempengaruhi sikap guru untuk turut terlibat dalam membuat keputusan dan seterusnya meningkatkan komitmen guru.
Reflecting on Malaysian Teacher Trainees’ Journals
Authors: Yaacob Aizan , Walters Lynne Masel , Md Ali Ruzlan , Abdullah Sarimah Shaik , Walters Timothy
Published: August 2020

Purpose – In this study, 37 English Language Teaching (ELT) teacher trainees from a Malaysian university conducted an action-research project to determine whether journals kept during their fi eldwork in primary schools located in an area close to the university allowed them to reflect on their beliefs and behaviors in the classroom.   Methodology – Themes were revealed using emergent coding in their journals. Van Manen’s (1977) three-stage model (practical, technical and critical) was used to determine the issues raised and the level of critical reflection reached in the journal entries   Findings – The findings indicated that the teacher trainees demonstrated practical and technical level thinking, but rarely rose to the critical level of reflection. Nonetheless, they also demonstrated changes in their beliefs and behaviours, essential for professional development.   Significance – Reflective thinking is critical to teaching and is important in the United States and in countries striving to replicate its pedagogical tools and techniques. However, many Western practices associated with the nurturing of critical thinking are not familiar to Malaysian teacher trainees. We conclude that prospective teachers here do use their journals to reflect on their educational practice, but not at the deepest levels of insight. Critical thinking must be taught to Malaysian teacher trainees and filtered through the local culture if it is to improve teaching and learning in the nation’s classrooms.
Enhancing Higher Order Thinking Skills through Clinical Simulation
Authors: Varutharaju Elengovan , Ratnavadivel Nagendralingan
Published: August 2020

Purpose – The study aimed to explore, describe and analyse the design and implementation of clinical simulation as a pedagogical tool in bridging the deficiency of higher order thinking skills among para-medical students, and to make recommendations on incorporating clinical simulation as a pedagogical tool to enhance thinking skills and align the curriculum.   Methodology – A qualitative approach using interpretativedescriptive case study design was utilized in framing the researchstudy. Purposive sampling was used to select 20 final year paramedicalstudents and five teaching staff who participated in thisstudy. Data was collected through direct and participant observation,interviews and document analysis. Thematic analysis using Stake’sCountenance Model was utilized to analyse and present the findings.   Findings – On the basis of these analyses, the study supports that (i) clinical simulation facilitates the infusion of higher order thinking skills; (ii) clinical simulation that uses thinking pedagogy nurtures the development of higher order thinking skills; and (iii) clinical simulation uses higher order thinking modality to promote, understand and transfer learning. While facilitators play a crucial role in engaging learners with higher order thinking modality and make students’ thinking visible by utilizing the use of metacognition and self-regulation abilities, learners become more autonomous, strategic and motivated to apply effort and strategies in a variety of meaningful contexts.   Significance – The findings of this study can assist curriculum managers, college administrators and educators regarding the inclusion of clinical simulation as an instructional approach to enhance higher order thinking skills among para-medical students.
Mastery of Scientific Argumentation on the Concept of Neutralization in Chemistry: A Malaysian Perspective
Authors: Heng Lee Ling , Surif Johari , Seng Cher Hau , Ibrahim Nor Hasniza
Published: August 2020

Purpose – Argumentative practices are central to science education, and have recently been emphasised to promote students’ reasoning skills and to develop student’s understanding of scientific concepts. This study examines the mastery of scientific argumentation, based on the concept of neutralisation, among secondary level science students, when engaged in individual and group argumentations.   Methodology – 356 form four science students were first randomly assigned to an argumentative condition, after their lesson on acids and bases, presented using the developed instructional materials. Each individual or group was then asked to answer an Open-ended Scientific Argumentation Test (OSAT). Discussions during group argumentations were observed and recorded. All the answers provided in the OSAT were then analysed based on their accuracy, the triplet relationship in chemistry and for the presence of argumentation elements. Observations from the group argumentations were transcribed and assessed.   Findings – The results show that in both argumentative conditions, most of the arguments constructed tend to consist of the elements of claim and evidence. The results also show that students who work in groups outperform students who work individually. As individuals, most of the arguments presented tend to be simple with reasoning at a macro-level. As groups, the arguments presented are more complex, where justifications are provided at the sub-micro and symbolic levels, and with fewer misconceptions. That is because group argumentation participants have the opportunity to shareideas, detect and correct each other’s mistakes, seek explanations and explain ideas.   Significance – The study implies that group argumentation enhances students’ argumentation and reasoning skills and improves their mastery of scientific concepts. In addition, this study also investigates students’ performance from the Malaysian perspective.
Exploring the Interactions on an Online Narrative Writing Platform
Authors: Annamalai Nagaletchimee , Eng Tan Kok , Abdullah Amelia , Sivagurunathan Sorojini
Published: August 2020

Purpose – This paper reports a study that investigated the interactions of six students learning to write narrative essays on an online narrative writing platform (ONWP). Participants were six students and a teacher from an urban Chinese Secondary School in the northern region of Malaysia.   Methodology –The qualitative data used in this study were online interaction archives and narrative essays collected from an ONWP used by the teacher to teach narrative writing. The student-teacher interactions were coded based on the categories related to cognitive, teaching and social presences as suggested by the Community of Inquiry Model (Garrison, Archer & Anderson, 2000).   Findings – Findings indicated that the cognitive, teaching and social presences suggested by the CoI model were present in the interactions while students were engaged in the ONWP. However, certain descriptors of the CoI were not found in the study. The major contribution of this study is the single, dual and triple phases which emerged from this study. The essays’ scores revealed that the students improved in their narrative writing ability after engaging in the ONWP.   Significance – The fi ndings have placed the model in a new environment involving the application of CoI model in a Chinese Secondary School. Being online to fulfil wide-ranging tasks does not only involve critical thinking but also creative writing. Teachers involved in online teaching and learning activities need to encourage students to be involved in critical thinking. Students should also realise that there is more to learn in writing than just making corrections based on the comments.
Pemodelan Hubungan antara Kesejahteraan Hidup, Keserakanan, dan Kesejahteraan di Tempat Kerja dengan Efikasi Guru secara Kolektif
Authors: Yusof Yusni Zaini , Awang Hashim Rosna , Tengku Ariffin Tengku Faekah
Published: August 2020

Tujuan – Berdasarkan model kognitif sosial, kajian ini mengkaji kesan langsung dan tidak langsung terhadap efikasi guru secara kolektif. Secara khusus, kajian ini menilai peranan kesejahteraan hidup, keserakanan, kesejahteraan di tempat kerja dalam menerangkan efikasi guru secara kolektif.   Metodologi – Seramai 836 sampel guru dipilih secara rawak dari dua belas buah MRSM Zon Timur di Malaysia. Data kajian ini diperolehi melalui soal selidik yang mengandungi 85 item. Data ini telah dianalisis dengan menggunakan statistik deskriptif dan Analisis Persamaan Berstruktur.   Dapatan – Dapatan kajian ini menunjukkan kesejahteraan hidup, keserakanan dan kesejahteraan di tempat kerja adalah secara signifikan mempengaruhi efikasi guru secara kolektif. Berdasarkan kepada penilaian keseluruhan model, didapati bahawa kesepadanan model adalah munasabah. Dapatan analisis persamaan berstruktur menunjukkan bahawa kesejahteraan di tempat kerja adalah pengantara separa hubungan kesejahteraan hidup guru, keserakanan guru dan efikasi guru secara kolektif. Berbanding kesejahteraan hidup, keserakanan guru memperlihatkan kesan yang lebih kuat terhadap efikasi guru secara kolektif.   Signifikan – Kajian ini memperkenalkan model yang menunjukkan kepentingan kesejahteraan hidup, keserakanan dan kesejahteraan di tempat kerja sebagai penyumbang yang signifi kan kepada efikasi guru secara kolektif. Ia juga mengenal pasti kepentingan keserakanan guru dalam membangunkan efikasi guru secara kolektif.
MALAYSIAN STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN TIMSS 2011: DOES SCIENCE INQUIRY REALLY MATTER?
Authors: Abdullah Mubarak Amani , Abdul Razak Nordin
Published: August 2020

Purpose – This study investigates the relationship of student and teacher level variables on Trend for International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) 2011 Science achievement among Malaysian students. Specifically, it aims to examine the effect of students’ achievement when a science inquiry approach is considered.   Method – Thirteen educational context variables were selected from the teacher and student questionnaires and were tested on the TIMSS 2011Science achievement. The data were retrieved from the IEA official website and consisted of 177 Science teachers and 5,549 Grade Eight students. A secondary data analysis was employed to examine the relationships between the variables from the perspective of the Dynamic Model of Educational Effectiveness Research. A two-level model of the Hierarchical Linear Modelling (HLM) consisting of Teacher-Student Level was employed. The 13 independent variables are: student gender, parents’ education level, home educational resources, liking Science, valuing Science, teacher gender, class size, teacher who emphasises on academic success, inquiry approach, science assessment, frequency of science test, teacher experience and teacher qualification. The nested data of students and teachers were analysed using Hierarchical Linear Modelling 6.0 statistical software. Findings – The study finds that teacher differences between schools account for 70% variation in the students’ achievement due to factors, such as teacher gender, enthusiasm of teacher in emphasising the academic success of students and class size. However, Science Inquiry is not a contributor to students’ achievement in Science; it has only a moderating effect on students’ achievement to value Science learning.   Significance – The findings have important implications for stakeholders, specifically to Teachers’ Training Institutions, Curriculum Development Centres and the Teachers’ Development Division, on the Science teachers’ quality in Malaysia. Affective domain of the students is equally important as the cognitive domain and should not be ignored.
THE LINGUISTIC CHALLENGES OF MATHEMATICS WORD PROBLEMS: A RESEARCH AND LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Fatmanissa Namirah , Kusnandi Kusnandi
Published: August 2020

Purpose – Word problems are still considered challenging for students when compared to other type of mathematics problems. Many emerging findings regarding this issue highlight that the challenges are predominately caused by linguistic aspects. This article aims to present a review and synthesis of literatures regarding the linguistic challenges of mathematics word problems and recommend solutions to address these challenges. Methodology – Systematic search was done and 35 articles from inside and outside Indonesia were selected. The linguistic challenges and recommended solutions found were analyzed using the main features constructing mathematics language: multiple semiotic system, particular features of vocabulary and grammar, and complex syntax. Findings – The review shows various difficulties shown by students in each feature of mathematics language. The review also recommends the practice of mathematics teaching and learning in which language aspects are discussed and exercised both among students and between the students and the teacher in order to help students face their linguistics challenges. It is also imperative for teachers to understand the structure and linguistic features involved in constructing word problems. Significance – This review breaks down the difficulties of mathematics word problems from the perspective of linguistic features constructing them. The findings of this review offer teachers  different point of view to deal with teaching word problems, which is by understanding word problem as an entity of language rather than only as an entity of mathematics. This review also provides some solutions to help teachers address the difficulty for each linguistic feature.
CHANGES IN TEACHERS’ REFLECTION AFTER LESSON STUDY PROCESS
Authors: Fen Tan Saw , Sam Lim Chap , Meng Chew Cheng
Published: August 2020

Purpose – This qualitative study explores if there were any changes in teachers’ reflection in terms of content and levels after participating in five lesson study cycles. Method – Case study method was employed in this study. Six mathematics teachers from a primary school participated in this study. They set up a lesson study group and conducted five lesson study cycles. In each lesson study cycle, the lesson study team members plan, teach and observe a research lesson. Qualitative data was collected through participatory observation, reflection sessions, collection of artefacts and interviews. Findings – Analysis of data revealed that there were some slight and slow changes in the teachers’ reflection as they progressed from the first to the fifth reflection sessions. These changes included: (1) teachers’ reflection became more specific and in-depth; (2) teachers’ reflection about the pupils’ learning became more in-depth; (3) teachers reflected from pupils’ perspectives; and (4) teachers reflect athigher level of reflection. Significance – The study revealed that the criteria of lesson study, collaborative and classroom observation, made it feasible in promoting teachers’ reflection. The educators could employ lesson study as an approach to promote teachers’ reflection. However, the effectiveness of lesson study in promoting teachers’ reflection is 146 Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction: Special Issues 2017: 145-172 affected by the number of lesson study cycles being carried out and the presence of the knowledgeable others.
YOUTUBE WITHIN ESL CLASSROOM: EXPLORING AN INSTRUCTOR’S AND HER LEARNERS’ EXPERIENCES CONCERNING THE AUTHENTICITY OF LANGUAGE AND TECHNOLOGY USE
Authors: Nur Morat Berlian , Shaari Anis , Zainol Abidin Mohamad Jafre , Abdullah Amelia
Published: August 2020

Purpose – This study was aimed to explore the experiences of an instructor and her learners concerning the authenticity of language and technology use in YouTube-aided ESL classroom. Methodology – A qualitative case study was employed involving an ESL instructor and seven learners from a higher learning institution in Malaysia. To achieve the objective, the experiences were uncovered through in-depth interviews and a series of journal entries. Findings – The findings demonstrate that the content of YouTube could be exploited to expose the learners to authentic English. In addition to that, the web 2.0 features of YouTube can familiarise the learners with the current technology application. Significance – This study is significant as it shares with the readers the experiences of an ESL instructor and the learners concerning the potential of YouTube in offering authentic materials and use of technology. By adopting an online video platform and not relying solely on textbook and other printed materials, ESL practitioners are anticipated to be more creative in delivering the subject. This is especially true in teaching today’s generation who is the digital native. Accordingly, it helps ESL instructors to be able to keep pace with the trendy technology in order to enhance teaching and learning as well as fulfilling current learners’ technological demand.
Science Epistemological Beliefs of Form Four Students and Their Science Achievement Using Web-Based Learning
Authors: Kim Tina Lim Swee
Published: August 2020

Epistemological beliefs affect student motivation and learning. They have been found to play a significant role in the acquisition of the capacity to control and direct one’s cognitive processing (Lindner, 1993). In particular, science epistemological belief is considered an important factor in science achievement and positive science attitudes among students (Cobern, 1991). Based on the premise above, the purpose of this study was (1) to examine the science epistemological beliefs of Form Four students in Malaysia, and (2) to find out if there was a significant difference in the science achievement of students with high science epistemological beliefs and those with low belief when learning science using different Web-based modules. The sample comprised 169 students from ten schools in the state of Perak. The instrument used in this study was the “Nature of Scientific Knowledge Scale” developed by Rubba (1977). Six factors of the science epistemological beliefs, that is amoral, creative, developmental, parsimonious, testable and unified, were analysed using descriptive statistics. Results showed that the highest ranked factor was testable, followed by unified, creative, developmental and amoral. The lowest ranked factor was parsimonious. Analysis of t-tests for independent means showed that the science achievement of students with high science epistemological beliefs who followed the constructivist approach was significantly higher than those who followed the direct instruction approach. However, there was no significant difference between the science achievement of students with low science epistemological beliefs who followed the constructivist approach and those who followed the direct instruction approach. 2-way ANOVA analysis showed that the interaction effect between type of approach for web-based learning and science epistemological beliefs was significant, suggesting that the effect of the type of web-based learning approach is dependent on the science epistemological beliefs held by the students.
The Effects of Modeling, Prompting, and Reinforcement in Deictic Gesture Instruction of a Student with Autism
Authors: Tang Jung Chang , Shih Wan Ju
Published: August 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of gesture instruction on the communication abilities of a student with autism. The multiple probe across settings of the single-case approach was conducted. The independent variable was gesture instruction, and the dependent variable was communication behaviour including the frequency of motoric gesture communication and deictic gesture communication. The participant accepted the experimental treatment of baseline, processing and maintenance phase one by one. Visual inspection was employed to assess the treatment effects of gesture instruction on this student. Results of this study showed that gesture instruction enhanced the frequency of the student’s deictic gesture communication behaviour. The treatment effects could be maintained for two weeks and be generalized to another situation. Additionally, gesture instruction decreased the frequency of the student’s motoric gesture communication behaviour and the treatment effects could be maintained for two weeks. After intervention, both teachers and parents interviewed indicated positive attitudes toward the gesture instruction, and confirmed the improvement on communication performance of this student.
Assessing the Approaches to Learning of Twinning Programme Students in Malaysia
Authors: Choo Pauline Goh Swee
Published: August 2020

The study set out to examine the psychometric properties of the scores obtained on the modified 20-item Revised Two Factor Study Process Questionnaire (R-SPQ-2F). The study also investigated the relationship between scores on the R-SPQ-2F and students’ learning-related outcomes. In addition, it also examined for any relationships among student’s background variables of gender, choice of academic discipline, age, English language competency, approaches to learning, and learning-related outcomes. Data based on responses of 368 Malaysian students undertaking the twinning mode of study showed the modified R-SPQ-2F to be reliable and factorially valid. The findings also found deep approaches to learning were positively related to students’ learning-related outcomes, while surface approaches to learning were negatively associated. Students’ background characteristics such as choice of academic discipline and English language competency, and approaches to learning were good predictors of students’ learning-related outcomes.
A Confirmatory Factor Analysis of a Newly Integrated Multidimensional School Engagement Scale
Authors: Awang-Hashim Rosna , Murad Sani Azlina
Published: August 2020

Inconsistencies in measures of school engagement in the literature have called for a re-conceptualization of the school engagement construct. Although many researchers view school engagement as a multifaceted construct, to our knowledge, none of the available instruments have integrated all the important domains that represent its multifaceted nature. This study is our first attempt to examine the psychometric properties of a newly integrated Multidimensional School Engagement Scale (MSES). Data were gathered from 2,381 secondary school students, aged 14 to 16, from 40 day schools in northern Malaysia. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analytic techniques were used to examine the instrument. Based on the available literature, we posited an a priori hypothesis that the scales could be explained by three first-order factors and one second-order factor. We used SPSS v.12 and AMOS 6.0 to analyze the data. Findings supported our hypothesis that the school engagement construct can be explained by three first-order factors and one hierarchical factor comprising cognitive engagement, behavioural engagement, and psychological engagement sub-scales. Findings also showed acceptable internal consistency reliability for the overall scale and the three specific sub-scales of adolescent school engagement.
Hubungan Gender dengan Strategi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab dalam kalangan Pelajar Sekolah Menengah Agama di Terengganu
Authors: Mat Teh Kamarul Shukri , Nik Yusoff Nik Mohd Rahimi , Embi Mohamed Amin , Mahamod Zamri
Published: August 2020

Beberapa kajian yang merentasi pelbagai budaya menunjukkan bahawa pelajar perempuan lebih banyak dan kerap menggunakan Strategi Pembelajaran Bahasa (SPB) berbanding pelajar lelaki (Ehrman & Oxford, 1989; Green & Oxford, 1995). Namun begitu, terdapat kajian menunjukkan tiada perbezaan signifikan antara pelajar lelaki dan pelajar perempuan dalam penggunaan SPB (Chang, 1990; Chou, 2002). Malah, ada juga kajian menyimpulkan bahawa kadangkala pelajar lelaki lebih banyak menggunakan sesetengah strategi tertentu (Oxford, 1994; Wharton, 2000).Perbezaan linguistik seperti ortografi juga dapat mempengaruhi penggunaan strategi (Douglas, 1992; Grabe, 1986). Justeru, kertas ini memerihalkan dapatan kajian tentang penggunaan SPB dalam pembelajaran bahasa Arab berdasarkan perbezaan gender. Data dikumpulkan dengan menggunakan soal selidik kendiri Strategi Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab (SPBA) yang diadaptasi daripada SILL (Oxford, 1990). Subjek kajian yang dipilih secara rawak adalah terdiri daripada 460 orang pelajar Tingkatan 4 di 13 buah sekolah menengah agama di Terengganu.. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan pelajar perempuan lebih banyak menggunakan SPB secara keseluruhan berbanding pelajar lelaki semasa mempelajari bahasa Arab. Kajian ini juga menunjukkan pelajar perempuan lebih kerap menggunakan strategi memori, afektif, dan metafizik berbanding pelajar lelaki. Tiada perbezaan signifikan pada penggunaan strategi kognitif, metakognitif, tampungan, dan sosial.
Kebolehan Penyelesaian Persamaan Linear: Satu Kerangka dalam Penaksiran Bilik Darjah
Authors: Lian Lim Hooi , Yew Wun Thiam , Idris Noraini
Published: August 2020

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk membentuk satu kerangka berdasarkan model SOLO (Struktur Hasil Pembelajaran Yang Diperhatikan atau Structure of the Observed Learning Outcome) bagi mencirikan kebolehan penyelesaian persamaan linear pelajar melalui empat domain kandungan, iaitu pola linear (bergambar), ubahan langsung, konsep fungsi dan jujukan aritmetik. Data bagi kajian ini telah dikumpul melalui teknik temubual klinikal. Subjek kajian ini terdiri daripada sembilan orang pelajar Tingkatan Empat. Kertas ini hanya berfokus kepada perbincangan dapatan kajian bagi tugas jujukan aritmetik. Dapatan kajian ini telah mengenal pasti enam peringkat kebolehan penyelesaian persamaan linear dalam menyelesaikan tugas jujukan aritmetik, iaitu peringkat prastruktural, peringkat unistruktural, peringkat multistruktural, peringkat relasional rendah, peringkat relasional atas, dan peringkat abstrak lanjutan. Kesahan berhubung dengan penaksiran dan penghalusan deskriptordeskriptor dalam kerangka telah menunjukkan konsistensi dan kesepadanan yang kuat antara kerangka dengan respons subjek.
Pola Efikasi Guru-Guru Novis Sekolah Menengah
Authors: Johari Khalid
Published: August 2020

Kajian ini bertujuan untuk menentukan aras efikasi guru dalam kalangan guru-guru novis yang mengajar di 21 buah sekolah menengah di Sabah, Malaysia. Di samping itu, perbezaan efi kasi guru mengikut jantina, jenis latihan guru dan subjek pengajaran juga dikaji. Data dikumpul menggunakan “Teacher Sense of Effi cacy Scale” daripada 176 guru novis di 21 buah sekolah. Dapatan menunjukkan min efi kasi guru novis berada pada aras sederhana tinggi, dengan lebih memberi tumpuan terhadap pengurusan kelas. Dapatan menunjukkan efi kasi guru adalah berbeza secara signifi kan mengikut jantina, jenis latihan guru dan subjek pengajaran. Jenis latihan guru didapati lebih utama dalam menyumbang perbezaan ke atas efi kasi guru berbanding jantina dan subjek pengajaran. Kajian ini mencadangkan agar guru-guru novis diberi ruang yang lebih luas dalam meningkatkan tahap profesionalisme guru.
Trainee Teachers’ Critical Thinking in an Online Discussion Forum: A Content Analysis
Authors: Umar Irfan Naufal , Ahmad Noor Hazita
Published: August 2020

Purpose – The application of asynchronous mode of computermediated communication such as the online discussion forum is becoming more prevalent in our learning environment. Online forum is important for learning to take place as it allows the creation of a "virtual community of inquiry" that encourages problem solving, critical thinking, and knowledge construction. Thus, this study sought to analyse the content of trainee teachers’ discussion in an online forum, especially in terms of their critical thinking levels. An online discussion forum was created for the trainee teachers to discuss their experience and problems encountered during the teaching practicum.   Method – A total of 30 Universiti Sains Malaysia pre-service teachers who underwent 20 weeks of teaching practice in secondary schools were involved in this study. The Newman, Webb and Cochrane (1995) framework was used to analyse the students’ levels of critical thinking skills as indicated in their messages or reflections. The depth of the their critical thinking in terms of relevance, importance, novelty, accuracy, linking ideas or interpretation, justification, critical assessment, and practical utility were of interest in this study.   Findings – Throughout the 20 weeks of teaching practice, a total of 896 positive critical thinking indicators were recorded from the participants’ discussion. Their reflections focused mainly on the aspects of relevance, importance, and justification of the issues being discussed. However, the trainees hardly tried to bring outside knowledge or experience to address problems, and their input barely refl ected their width of understanding in discussing the issues. The online discussion forum, nevertheless, has provided a platform for the trainees to share and reflect their problems during the teaching practicum session. 76 Value – The paper explores the potential of an online discussion forum to be applied during teacher practice session. Based on these findings, it is recommended that our teacher training institutions integrate this technology into their curriculum.