Muallim Journal of Social Sciences and Humanities

Kesan Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) dalam meningkatkan tahap pencapaian kefahaman membaca pelajar [The effect of Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) in improving students’ comprehension]

2024-04-02T02:49:09+00:00

This study explores the strategy of Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) on the achievement of reading comprehension in Year 7 in one of the secondary schools in the Brunei and Muara districts, Brunei Darussalam. In addition, this study also examines students' perceptions of DRTA in teaching and learning comprehension in the classroom. The purpose of this study is to examine students' ability to comprehend the content of reading. This study uses an action research design, and the sample consisted of 14 students from Years 7 in moderate to weak levels. The results of this study were analysed using a paired t-test to assess whether there was a significant difference in the mean score in the achievement of the pre-study test and the post-study test of the students. In addition, the researcher also used mean scores to find out students' perceptions of DRTA techniques in teaching and learning comprehension. Based on paired t-test analysis, it shows a difference in the mean score in the achievement of pre-study test and post-study test of students, t (14) = -6.79, p .000< .005. While the results of the mean score analysis for students' perception of the DRTA technique in teaching and learning comprehension show a positive reaction and response between a mean of 3.07 to 3.57. Therefore, the overall study of the DRTA technique proves that this technique can improve student achievement in reading and comprehension.

[Kajian ini mengenal pasti strategi Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA) terhadap pencapaian kefahaman membaca pelajar Tahun 7 di salah sebuah sekolah menengah di daerah Brunei dan Muara, Negara Brunei Darussalam. Selain itu, kajian ini juga mengenal pasti persepsi pelajar terhadap penggunaan teknik DRTA di dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran bacaan dan kefahaman di dalam kelas. Tujuan kajian ini dilaksanakan adalah untuk menilai kebolehan pelajar memahami isi bacaan. Kajian ini menggunakan reka bentuk kajian tindakan dan sampel bagi kajian melibatkan 14 orang pelajar tahun 7 bertahap sederhana lemah. Hasil kajian ini dianalisis menggunakan ujian-t berpasangan untuk menilai sama ada terdapat perbezaan yang signifikan bagi skor min dalam pencapaian ujian prakajian dan ujian pascakajian pelajar. Di samping itu, pengkaji juga menggunakan skor pengiraan min bagi mengetahui persepsi pelajar terhadap teknik DRTA dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran kefahaman. Berdasarkan analisis ujian-t berpasangan menunjukkan bahawa terdapat perbezaan skor min dalam pencapaian ujian prakajian dan ujian pascakajian pelajar, t (14) = -6.79, p .000< .005. Manakala hasil analisis skor pengiraan min bagi persepsi pelajar terhadap teknik DRTA dalam pengajaran dan pembelajaran kefahaman menunjukkan reaksi dan respon yang positif iaitu di antara min 3.07 hingga 3.57. Oleh yang demikian, secara keseluruhannya kajian terhadap teknik DRTA ini membuktikan bahawa teknik ini dapat meningkatkan pencapaian pelajar dalam bacaan dan kefahaman.]

Encouraging pro-environmental behaviour: the function of environmental connectedness, environmental ethics, & environmental knowledge

2024-04-02T02:49:10+00:00

The environment is essential in determining the well-being and quality of human life. The rapid development of human civilization causes humans to depend highly on the world of science and technology. Unfortunately, this speed causes people to become complacent in carrying out their responsibility to protect the environment. The effects of these activities have begun to be felt by today's generation. Despite a strong consensus about human environmental responsibility, many people fail to behave in line with their pro-environmental behaviour. This study examines the interrelationship between environmental connectedness, ethics, knowledge, and pro-environmental behaviour. The quantitative survey method and convenience sampling collected data from the Malaysian public. The final valid data of 247 respondents were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression analysis conducted within SPSS. The regression results showed that environmental connectedness, ethics, and knowledge significantly influenced pro-environmental behaviour. These results indicate that citizens who are emotionally attached to the environment, ethically value the environment, and are highly knowledgeable on how to preserve and conserve the environment will help guarantee a comfortable life. Several theoretical and practical implications are also highlighted in this paper.

Reading the book of revelation through the lens of dystopia

2024-04-02T02:49:10+00:00

Christianity is one of the most influential religions in the world and there are numerous sacred texts that are closely associated with it, particularly the Holy Bible. The Book of Revelation, which is a significant part of the bible, is well regarded as one of the essential texts in Christianity that has been studied extensively from theological and historical standpoints over the years. The book is attributed to Apostle John and contains discussions related to the apocalypse and a new beginning. Meanwhile, dystopia is a literary concept that focusses on harrowing societies with a bleak and depressing atmosphere. Served as the direct oppositional term for Utopia, dystopian themes revolve closely around the notions of oppression, destruction, and pandemonium. This study aims to investigate the relationship between the two by examining various dystopian themes and motives including environmental destruction, corruption of moral values, and governmental control. Besides, this study also probes into the dualistic nature of God and his angels through their portrayal of the necessary evil in order to warn people of the danger of a possible dystopian reality. By examining the text through the lens of Dystopia, it intensifies the impact of the warnings, compelling people to pay attention to the possibility of a bleak dystopian future filled with pain and suffering. This perpetuates the relevance of the book of Revelation with modern readers, as dystopia is a concept closely studied at present. Finally, this study also expands the discourse related to dystopia and the book of Revelation by highlighting that the former can be read as a text of secular social commentary rather than merely a religious text referred to for spiritual guidance and prophecies.

Communication for digital leadership: an exploration to the factors that contribute to low index

2024-04-02T02:49:10+00:00

Digital leadership is important today because leadership development is a key element of sustainability education. To achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), leaders should deploy resources, be visionary and ethical, and focus on long-term goals without neglecting values and principles. There are nine elements to assess the digital leadership of teachers. One of the crucial elements in digital leadership of teachers is communication. However, previous studies show that communication has a low index in digital leadership compared to the other elements. Therefore, this study aims to explore the factors that contribute to a low index of communication in digital leadership. In this paper, a qualitative approach using a semi-structured interview is adopted. The interview protocol consists of basic information about the participants, guidelines for the participants, interview questions, and appreciation for the participants. The interviews were conducted thoroughly, although there was only one interview question. The interviews were conducted online via the Zoom application. The interview participants were selected by using purposive sampling that involved four teachers from primary and secondary schools in Perak, Selangor and Sabah. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The analysis revealed five factors: inefficient use of communication channels, inappropriate attitude of parents, lack of face-to-face communication, inappropriate teaching methods of teachers and limited internet access. The implications of this study point to the possibility of improving the use of communication channels in an efficient way, improving teaching methods so that students can understand what is being taught by teachers, and improving Internet access to increase the frequency of communication and diversify the methods of online communication between teachers and students. Stakeholders, administration and teachers should be more proactive in seeking solutions to overcome these challenges. It is suggested that a further study on communication in digital leadership be conducted, involving teachers from all states and using a quantitative approach and interviews among teachers in all types of Malaysian schools.

Embarking on a journey: unraveling cultural tapestry in the realm of in-service english language instructors within a Malaysian higher education haven

2024-04-02T02:49:10+00:00

This study explores how English language instructors (ELIs) at a Malaysian international university comprehend cultural diversity, apply culturally responsive teaching in their classrooms, and align their practices with Banks's four levels of ethnic content integration. Through qualitative case analysis, we interviewed five seasoned ELIs, aiming to unravel the connection between their beliefs and teaching methods. Understanding teachers' perceptions is crucial for the successful implementation of multicultural education. Our inductive thematic analysis reveals that instructors at the selected university possess only a surface-level grasp of cultural diversity. Interestingly, their perception and incorporation of cultural diversity elements into ELIs don't align with Banks's model. Furthermore, teachers' beliefs are rooted in a color-evasive ideology, influencing their reflexivity and efforts to foster culturally responsive teaching. This study's findings offer valuable insights for refining teacher training programs, ensuring a more effective implementation of culturally responsive instruction in educational institutions characterized by diverse student populations.

Social deixis among indian transgenders in Malaysia

2024-04-02T02:49:10+00:00

This study looks into the social deixis of six Indian transgenders who live in northern regions of Malaysia. The purpose of this study is to discover how social deixis (pronouns, names, and kinship relationships) are used by Indian transgenders and to determine the influence of social deixis on in-group and out-group formation among Indian transgenders. The social deixis used by Indian transgenders to indicate themselves is pointed out in this study, and they place themselves in relation to others who surround them. The research enables readers to make informed decisions in order to break the communication barriers and embrace transgenders for who they are without excluding them because of their languages. Findings in this study revealed that the transgenders used a social deixis approach in their daily communication, and it is also maintained that address forms are the best place to look at the close bond between language and society.

A kick-start to explore the concept of personal quality

2024-04-02T02:49:10+00:00

This paper explains the concept of personal quality through the lens of the Big Five Personality Model and Self-Efficacy Theory. Personal qualities are described as a visionary, accountable, consistent, always motivated, tolerant and always committed individual. The Big Five Personality Model identifies five fundamental dimensions of personality, including openness to experience, conscientiousness, extraversion, agreeableness, and neuroticism. These personality traits play a crucial role in determining how individuals interact with others, handle stress, and approach challenges, thereby influencing their personal quality. In conjunction with the Big Five Personality Model, the Self-Efficacy Theory posits that highly motivated behavior as a conscious cognitive process that involves the ability to anticipate objectives and rewards, as well as the application of judgment, evaluation and decision making. Understanding personal quality through the integration of these psychological frameworks allows for a comprehensive evaluation of human behavior and individual differences. By recognizing the role of personality traits and self-belief in shaping personal quality, researchers and scholars can design effective interventions to enhance personal growth and well-being, thus contributing to a more fulfilling and productive society.

The implementation of project-based learning (PJBL) in writing skills: an analysis of learning approach

2024-04-02T02:49:10+00:00

Project-based learning (PjBL) is a pivotal approach in language education, which aligns seamlessly with the demands of the 21^st century. Essentially, the importance of the constructivist approach has become more significant in recent years to create effective teaching and learning strategies. The 21^st century has provided significant contributions to the evolution of contemporary language acquisition. As such, focusing on students’ needs and evaluating the effectiveness of existing teaching methods in preparing students to master the language proficiently are crucial in this dynamic landscape. The need to enhance language proficiency, particularly writing skills, has prompted educators to seek novel approaches to student engagement in Malaysia. English, which is recognised as the second language, plays a pivotal role in primary, secondary, and tertiary education. The prevalence of unsatisfactory English writing skills among Malaysian students underscores the significance of implementing effective strategies to address the current issue. Hence, highlighting and adopting innovative approaches to elevate Malaysian students’ English writing skills are vital. The present study aims to appraise teachers’ and students’ acceptance and perceptions of implementing PjBL in writing skills. A document analysis method was employed through secondary resources to determine the PjBL effectiveness in enhancing students’ writing skills. Discussions and recommendations were also provided to relevant parties regarding PjBL as an innovative approach to improving writing skills.

Exploring the potential of Tiktok as a supplementary tool for English language learning among students

2024-04-02T02:49:10+00:00

The use of social media as a profound educational platform holds great potential in augmenting students’ mastery of the English language, thereby facilitating substantial advancements in their linguistic competence. The introduction of TikTok has led to its rapid acceptance and preference among youth as a favoured social media platform. To explore the potential of TikTok as a supplementary tool for English as a Second Language (ESL) learning, a set of questionnaires was distributed to 150 students from various courses at Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Shah Alam Campus. The results revealed that there was a strong preference for utilising the platform in language learning as it fosters a sense of comfort and effective learning, allowing students to enhance their English language skills and establish familiarity with the language. Thus, the findings of this study demonstrate the considerable potential of TikTok as a supplementary tool for English language learning among university students. However, further research is required to explore the pedagogical implications of integrating TikTok as a tool in language learning curricula.

Kuḻantai tatteṭupput toṭarpāṉa caṭṭa niyāyaviyal oru varalāṟṟup pakuppāyvu [The jurisprudence of child adoptation: a historical review]

2024-04-02T02:49:10+00:00

Child adoption has been a longstanding practice in several legal traditions throughout human history. The national progression of child adoption has influenced the corresponding legislative modifications. Examining the Legal Framework of Child Adoption within the Context of Jurisprudence This article provides a historical analysis of the progression toward different legal frameworks. The qualitative examination of pertinent literature is predicated on investigating its content. Both individual countries and international organizations are actively engaged in developing legal frameworks that infringe upon children's rights and compromise their best interests. The adoption laws rooted in the penal code within the common law system have limited efficacy in mitigating instances of child abuse. In addition, international declarations, treaties, legal actions, and established norms protect the rights and interests of adopted children. Utilizing these tools is particularly noteworthy within the context of the intercountry adoption procedure. The legal laws pertaining to adoption have undergone significant development in various aspects, including the criteria for adopter eligibility, the requirement of adopter permission, the determination of adoptive family rights, and the establishment of support obligations.

[மானிடசமூகத்தில் தொன்றுதொட்டு வழக்கிலுள்ள குழந்தை தத்தெடுத்தல் தொடர்பான சில சட்ட மரபுகள் அக்கால முதல் நடைமுறையில் இருந்துள்ளது. குழந்தை தத்தெடுப்பில் ஏற்பட்ட கால தேச பரிணாம வளர்ச்சி அது தொடர்பான சட்ட பரினாமங்களில் தாக்கத்தினை ஏற்படுத்த்pயுள்ளது. குழந்தை தத்தெடுத்தலை சட்ட நியாயவியல் வாதங்களுக்கு உட்படுத்தி; பல்வேறுபட்ட சட்ட ஏற்பாடுகளாக பரிணமிக்க மேற்கொள்ளப்பட்ட முன்னெடுப்புகளை வரலாற்று ரீதியாக இவ்வாய்வு பரிசீலிக்குட்படுத்துகின்றது. பண்பு ரீதியான இவ்வாய்வு சம்மந்தப்பட்ட இலக்கியங்கள் மீதான மீளாய்வு அவற்றின் உள்ளடக்க பகுப்பாய்வு என்பனவற்றை அடிப்படையாகக் கொண்டது. குழந்தை மற்றும் சிறுவர் உரிமைகளை மீறி, அவர்களின் நலன்களை பாழ்படுத்தும் சூழல்கள், நிலைமைகள் கருத்தில்கொண்டதான சட்ட ஏற்பாடுகளை தோற்றுவிக்கும் முனைவில் தனிப்பட்ட நாடுகளும் சர்வதேச அமைப்புகளும் கரிசனைகொண்டு ஈடுபட்டுள்ளன. தத்nடுத்தல் தொடர்பான சட்டவிதிகள் பொதுச்சட்ட முறைமை, தண்டனைச் சட்டக்கோவையில் உள்ளீர்க்கபட்டமை சிறுவர் துஷ்பிரயோகங்களை வெகுவாக குறைத்துவிடவல்லது. இதுதவிர, சர்வதேச பிரகடனங்கள், ஒப்பந்தங்கள் விதிக்கும் சட்டப்பெறுமானங்கள், நடைமுறைகள் தத்துக் குழந்தைகளிள் உரிமைகளை, நலன்களை உறுதிசெய்வதை உத்தரவாதப்படுத்தவல்லன. குறிப்பாக நாடுகளுக்கிடையிலான தத்தெடுத்தல் செயல்பாட்டில் அவற்றின் பயன்பாடு குறிப்பிடத்தக்கது. இந்த சட்ட ஏற்பாடுகள் தத்தெடுப்பவரின் தகுதிவிதிகள், தத்துகொடுப்போரின் சம்மதம், தத்துக் குழச்தைக்கான சொத்துரிமை, பாராமரிப்பு போன்ற தளங்களில் பரிணமித்துள்ளது.]