Volume 5, Issue 3, July 2012 Edition
Harnessing students’ diversities for effective instruction in inclusive classes: The case of Zimbabwe’s Secondary Schools
Onias Mafa
Abstract
In view of the current movement towards inclusive education and education for all which means having students with special educational needs in the regular classrooms rather than special schooling, it has become imperative to find a workable solution that will benefit all students. This study focuses, from a didactic (teaching and learning) perspective; on how teachers can optimise inclusion for effective instruction. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, which made use of case study research design. Twenty five secondary school teachers from Bulawayo urban were purposively sampled. Focus group discussions and face-to-face interviews were used for data generation. Findings were that while teachers were aware of student diversities, and teaching strategies that could be used to exploit student diversities, they were not harnessing student diversities. Reasons were: time factor in relation to syllabi coverage; demanding nature of student-centred teaching methods; lack of resources; nature of student assessment and teachers’ limited skills. Recommendations were that: there is need for pro-inclusive teacher development programmes; increasing resource availability including well equipped libraries and rethinking student assessment.
Key words:students’ diversities, inclusive classes, effective instruction, secondary schools
Performing Leadership: Observations from the World of Music
Ralph Bathurst and Donna Ladkin
Abstract
This paper explores leadership as an emergent social process. We begin by discussing and contesting the tradition privileging linear management processes, and offer as a counterpoint accounts of distributed leadership out of which our focus on leadership as a plural process grows. Our concept of leadership as a plural process is enriched by an inquiry into musical ensembles with formal leaders as well as those which are leaderless that find ways of moving collectively towards shared goals. The specific issues that we explore are: personal preparation, expressing readiness to begin, establishing a way of operating, and dealing with unexpected problems as they arise. We conclude by speculating about how these elements could inform our understanding of how leadership arises from teams beyond the musical world.
Key words: ensemble-consciousness; group leadership; hierarchy; jazz; narrative; orchestra; structure
Pandora’s Well: Hubris, Deregulation, Fossil Fuels, and the BP Oil Disaster in the Gulf
Anthony E. Ladd
Abstract
The BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico—the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history—represents far more than an oil rig “accident” caused by human error, mechanical failure, or poor engineering decisions driven by an industry mantra of “Drill, Baby, Drill!” At its roots are deeper questions about corporate power, corruption, and accountability; technological risk; government deregulation; fossil fuel dependence; and the inability of most Americans to envision a shift to a clean and renewable energy future. In this article and commentary, the author draws on various media accounts and disaster studies to trace some of the key events leading up to the catastrophe, as well as its preliminary and evolving impacts. The author then offers some critical observations about our ability to prevent future energy-driven disasters in an era marked by corporate power; congressional timidity; and the control that the fossil fuel industry exercises over our economy, culture, and energy policy. As with the 9/11 tragedy a decade ago, the BP blowout represents yet another national wake-up call for the United States to heed the disaster lessons of the last 40 years, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and begin the transition to a sustainable energy economy.
Key words: BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, oil spills, technological disasters, offshore oil drilling, deregulation, fossil fuels, alternative energy policy
Teaching of corrosion based on critical evaluation of urban furniture of a public square
Fernando B. Mainier, Luciane P. C. Monteiro , Fabio Merçon, Pedro Ivo C. Guimarães, Renata J. Mainier
Abstract
This work is part of an educational project intended to foster the teaching of chemistry and corrosion in engineering courses, based on the following points: to facilitate and broaden the understanding of corrosion processes and corrosion protection techniques; awaken critical consciousness in the student, based on the necessity of developing and clarifying mechanisms involved in each corrosive process. Corrosion education at the University Federal Fluminense (Brazil) is becoming increasingly important because corrosion problems affect virtually all segments of human activity and the vast majority of these problems could be avoided if anticorrosive techniques and the expertise already established were applied. This study took public squares as the research lab because public urban furnishings (benches, rubbish bins, playgrounds, etc.) and historical monuments are subject to atmospheric corrosion and pollution. The objective is to enable students to develop their skills in the development of the theme “atmospheric corrosion” based on the following points: teamwork; analysis and evaluation of information from observations; decision making from a restricted amount of information; querying technical bibliographies; making technical reports and oral presentations.
Key words: Atmospheric Corrosion, Corrosion, Corrosion Education, Urban Furniture
The Islamic Perceptions of Knowledge vis-à-vis the Western Perceptions as the Bedrocks of Educational Systems
Muhammad Tahir Saleem
Abstract
Knowledge and its various perceptions from the ancient times to the Islamic and the modern era constitute essentials bedrock of Islamic and Western system of education. Knowledge in the Islamic world finds its basis in the Qur’ān as well as the in the Muslim philosophies of education, while the Western education is based on the Western philosophies besides the physiological educational concepts which developed in the 20th century. Both philosophies, Islamic and Western, have led to the development of two distinct systems of education currently prevalent in the Muslim world, particularly in Pakistan. The inadequacy of the Islamic system of education to meet the challenges of today has been long felt. This paper attempts to investigate into this broad field of inquiry in the hope that its serves to understand the educational superstructures raised on two philosophies of education. Further, it highlights how the Islamic systems initiated the spread of education initially and yet with time it lost its appeal. It has been shown how the later philosophies of education in the West have dominated the world and today’s educational scenario with the lesson that the Muslim world should heed to the demands of the modern times and improve their systems of education.
Key words: Knowledge and its perceptions, the Islamic philosophy of education, the Western philosophy of education, Educational concepts of knowledge, the Islamic vis-à-vis western system of education
Providing Physical Fitness and Wellness for the School Children through School Health Programme
Ajayi-Vincent, O.B
Abstract
Today, inactivity and unhealthy lifestyle habits have eaten deep into the fabric of modern man’s life posing serious threat to good health. To address this trend requires urgency in looking for means by which the awareness of man could be re-awaken towards ways by which an individual can be equipped with knowledge to improve his health by taking actions that guarantee better and healthier life. This paper therefore discussed physical fitness, wellness and their components in relation to how they could be provided for, through a well planned and implemented school health education programme for the school children to combat inactivity and negative lifestyle habits. It was concluded that a well planned, organized and funded school health programme can provide for physical fitness and wellness programme in the school system.
Key words: physical fitness, wellness, children, health programme
A Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Legal and Environmental (PESTLE) Approach for Risk Identification of the Tidal Industry in the United Kingdom
Athanasios Kolios and George Read
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of renewable and especially tidal energy through a political, economic, social, technology, legal and environmental (PESTLE) analysis approach and by reviewing the most up to date relevant literature. The study focuses on the United Kingdom given the favourable environmental resources for such technologies; the number of different design concepts that are currently under development as well as the research funding that has been invested over the last few years. Findings of the analysis identify the risks and multiple stakeholders involved at all stages of the tidal energy projects development from the conceptualization of the design, right through to decommissioning. Many of the stakeholders present benefits to the tidal developers through funding, incentives and knowledge sharing, but at the same time they also present potential risks to the future of projects. This is mostly down to different approaches of the most important aspect of tidal energy that needs to be considered, making it hard for technologists and developers to equally address all requirements. From this research it can be concluded that several of these risks can be mitigated early on providing that particular stakeholders are involved at the correct stage of a project.
Key words: PESTLE analysis; tidal industry; risk identification
The Involvement of Parents in the Education of their Children in Zimbabwe’s Rural Primary Schools: The Case of Matabeleland North Province
Onias Mafa and Esther Makuba
Abstract
The study sought to explore the schools’ involvement of parents in their children’s education. It adopted a qualitative case study design. Data were generated from 15 primary school teachers, who were purposively sampled from three primary schools (five teachers per school). The five teachers from each school formed three focus groups. The data were triangulated by interviewing each of the three school heads from schools where teachers were sampled. Major findings were that: participants understood the meaning of parental involvement; they were aware of the benefits accruing from such an involvement; in their respective schools they were making attempts to involve parents; a number of barriers limited the effective involvement of parents. The study concluded that while teachers were aware of the benefits of parental involvement, levels of parental involvement were low. Recommendations to enhance involvement include strengthening home-school ties; equipping schools with the necessary resources to enable them to involve parents in more meaningful ways; exploring other avenues of communicating with parents and sensitising parents on the need to be actively involved in the education of their children.
Key words: parental involvement, education, children, rural primary schools
A Perfect Chord: Trinity in Music, Music in the Trinity
Chiara Bertoglio
Abstract
The doctrine of God’s Triunity is at the core of Christian faith; this article presents a theological survey of how it has been understood in a musical way during the Christian era. The role of music as a participation in the liturgy of mutual love eternally experienced in the Trinity is first analyzed, with references to the Church Fathers and to modern/contemporary theologians. Later, the three main forms of congregational singing are taken into account (i.e., monody, polyphony and harmony), pointing out how each has been seen in turn as a symbol of the Trinity’s love.
Key words: Trinity; liturgy; monody; polyphony; harmony; history of music
Harnessing students’ diversities for effective instruction in inclusive classes: The case of Zimbabwe’s Secondary Schools
Onias Mafa
Abstract
In view of the current movement towards inclusive education and education for all which means having students with special educational needs in the regular classrooms rather than special schooling, it has become imperative to find a workable solution that will benefit all students. This study focuses, from a didactic (teaching and learning) perspective; on how teachers can optimise inclusion for effective instruction. The study adopted a qualitative methodology, which made use of case study research design. Twenty five secondary school teachers from Bulawayo urban were purposively sampled. Focus group discussions and face-to-face interviews were used for data generation. Findings were that while teachers were aware of student diversities, and teaching strategies that could be used to exploit student diversities, they were not harnessing student diversities. Reasons were: time factor in relation to syllabi coverage; demanding nature of student-centred teaching methods; lack of resources; nature of student assessment and teachers’ limited skills. Recommendations were that: there is need for pro-inclusive teacher development programmes; increasing resource availability including well equipped libraries and rethinking student assessment.
Key words:students’ diversities, inclusive classes, effective instruction, secondary schools
 [Abstract-PDF]
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[References]
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5.3.7.2012.1
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Performing Leadership: Observations from the World of Music
Ralph Bathurst and Donna Ladkin
Abstract
This paper explores leadership as an emergent social process. We begin by discussing and contesting the tradition privileging linear management processes, and offer as a counterpoint accounts of distributed leadership out of which our focus on leadership as a plural process grows. Our concept of leadership as a plural process is enriched by an inquiry into musical ensembles with formal leaders as well as those which are leaderless that find ways of moving collectively towards shared goals. The specific issues that we explore are: personal preparation, expressing readiness to begin, establishing a way of operating, and dealing with unexpected problems as they arise. We conclude by speculating about how these elements could inform our understanding of how leadership arises from teams beyond the musical world.
Key words: ensemble-consciousness; group leadership; hierarchy; jazz; narrative; orchestra; structure
| [Abstract-PDF]
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[References]
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5.3.7.2012.2
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Pandora’s Well: Hubris, Deregulation, Fossil Fuels, and the BP Oil Disaster in the Gulf
Anthony E. Ladd
Abstract
The BP oil disaster in the Gulf of Mexico—the largest environmental disaster in U.S. history—represents far more than an oil rig “accident” caused by human error, mechanical failure, or poor engineering decisions driven by an industry mantra of “Drill, Baby, Drill!” At its roots are deeper questions about corporate power, corruption, and accountability; technological risk; government deregulation; fossil fuel dependence; and the inability of most Americans to envision a shift to a clean and renewable energy future. In this article and commentary, the author draws on various media accounts and disaster studies to trace some of the key events leading up to the catastrophe, as well as its preliminary and evolving impacts. The author then offers some critical observations about our ability to prevent future energy-driven disasters in an era marked by corporate power; congressional timidity; and the control that the fossil fuel industry exercises over our economy, culture, and energy policy. As with the 9/11 tragedy a decade ago, the BP blowout represents yet another national wake-up call for the United States to heed the disaster lessons of the last 40 years, reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, and begin the transition to a sustainable energy economy.
Key words: BP Deepwater Horizon oil disaster, oil spills, technological disasters, offshore oil drilling, deregulation, fossil fuels, alternative energy policy
| [Abstract-PDF]
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[References]
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5.3.7.2012.3
|
Teaching of corrosion based on critical evaluation of urban furniture of a public square
Fernando B. Mainier, Luciane P. C. Monteiro , Fabio Merçon, Pedro Ivo C. Guimarães, Renata J. Mainier
Abstract
This work is part of an educational project intended to foster the teaching of chemistry and corrosion in engineering courses, based on the following points: to facilitate and broaden the understanding of corrosion processes and corrosion protection techniques; awaken critical consciousness in the student, based on the necessity of developing and clarifying mechanisms involved in each corrosive process. Corrosion education at the University Federal Fluminense (Brazil) is becoming increasingly important because corrosion problems affect virtually all segments of human activity and the vast majority of these problems could be avoided if anticorrosive techniques and the expertise already established were applied. This study took public squares as the research lab because public urban furnishings (benches, rubbish bins, playgrounds, etc.) and historical monuments are subject to atmospheric corrosion and pollution. The objective is to enable students to develop their skills in the development of the theme “atmospheric corrosion” based on the following points: teamwork; analysis and evaluation of information from observations; decision making from a restricted amount of information; querying technical bibliographies; making technical reports and oral presentations.
Key words: Atmospheric Corrosion, Corrosion, Corrosion Education, Urban Furniture
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
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5.3.7.2012.4
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The Islamic Perceptions of Knowledge vis-à-vis the Western Perceptions as the Bedrocks of Educational Systems
Muhammad Tahir Saleem
Abstract
Knowledge and its various perceptions from the ancient times to the Islamic and the modern era constitute essentials bedrock of Islamic and Western system of education. Knowledge in the Islamic world finds its basis in the Qur’ān as well as the in the Muslim philosophies of education, while the Western education is based on the Western philosophies besides the physiological educational concepts which developed in the 20th century. Both philosophies, Islamic and Western, have led to the development of two distinct systems of education currently prevalent in the Muslim world, particularly in Pakistan. The inadequacy of the Islamic system of education to meet the challenges of today has been long felt. This paper attempts to investigate into this broad field of inquiry in the hope that its serves to understand the educational superstructures raised on two philosophies of education. Further, it highlights how the Islamic systems initiated the spread of education initially and yet with time it lost its appeal. It has been shown how the later philosophies of education in the West have dominated the world and today’s educational scenario with the lesson that the Muslim world should heed to the demands of the modern times and improve their systems of education.
Key words: Knowledge and its perceptions, the Islamic philosophy of education, the Western philosophy of education, Educational concepts of knowledge, the Islamic vis-à-vis western system of education
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
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5.3.7.2012.5
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Providing Physical Fitness and Wellness for the School Children through School Health Programme
Ajayi-Vincent, O.B
Abstract
Today, inactivity and unhealthy lifestyle habits have eaten deep into the fabric of modern man’s life posing serious threat to good health. To address this trend requires urgency in looking for means by which the awareness of man could be re-awaken towards ways by which an individual can be equipped with knowledge to improve his health by taking actions that guarantee better and healthier life. This paper therefore discussed physical fitness, wellness and their components in relation to how they could be provided for, through a well planned and implemented school health education programme for the school children to combat inactivity and negative lifestyle habits. It was concluded that a well planned, organized and funded school health programme can provide for physical fitness and wellness programme in the school system.
Key words: physical fitness, wellness, children, health programme
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
5.3.7.2012.6
|
A Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Legal and Environmental (PESTLE) Approach for Risk Identification of the Tidal Industry in the United Kingdom
Athanasios Kolios and George Read
Abstract
This paper presents a comprehensive analysis of renewable and especially tidal energy through a political, economic, social, technology, legal and environmental (PESTLE) analysis approach and by reviewing the most up to date relevant literature. The study focuses on the United Kingdom given the favourable environmental resources for such technologies; the number of different design concepts that are currently under development as well as the research funding that has been invested over the last few years. Findings of the analysis identify the risks and multiple stakeholders involved at all stages of the tidal energy projects development from the conceptualization of the design, right through to decommissioning. Many of the stakeholders present benefits to the tidal developers through funding, incentives and knowledge sharing, but at the same time they also present potential risks to the future of projects. This is mostly down to different approaches of the most important aspect of tidal energy that needs to be considered, making it hard for technologists and developers to equally address all requirements. From this research it can be concluded that several of these risks can be mitigated early on providing that particular stakeholders are involved at the correct stage of a project.
Key words: PESTLE analysis; tidal industry; risk identification
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
5.3.7.2012.7
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The Involvement of Parents in the Education of their Children in Zimbabwe’s Rural Primary Schools: The Case of Matabeleland North Province
Onias Mafa and Esther Makuba
Abstract
The study sought to explore the schools’ involvement of parents in their children’s education. It adopted a qualitative case study design. Data were generated from 15 primary school teachers, who were purposively sampled from three primary schools (five teachers per school). The five teachers from each school formed three focus groups. The data were triangulated by interviewing each of the three school heads from schools where teachers were sampled. Major findings were that: participants understood the meaning of parental involvement; they were aware of the benefits accruing from such an involvement; in their respective schools they were making attempts to involve parents; a number of barriers limited the effective involvement of parents. The study concluded that while teachers were aware of the benefits of parental involvement, levels of parental involvement were low. Recommendations to enhance involvement include strengthening home-school ties; equipping schools with the necessary resources to enable them to involve parents in more meaningful ways; exploring other avenues of communicating with parents and sensitising parents on the need to be actively involved in the education of their children.
Key words: parental involvement, education, children, rural primary schools
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
|
5.3.7.2012.8
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A Perfect Chord: Trinity in Music, Music in the Trinity
Chiara Bertoglio
Abstract
The doctrine of God’s Triunity is at the core of Christian faith; this article presents a theological survey of how it has been understood in a musical way during the Christian era. The role of music as a participation in the liturgy of mutual love eternally experienced in the Trinity is first analyzed, with references to the Church Fathers and to modern/contemporary theologians. Later, the three main forms of congregational singing are taken into account (i.e., monody, polyphony and harmony), pointing out how each has been seen in turn as a symbol of the Trinity’s love.
Key words: Trinity; liturgy; monody; polyphony; harmony; history of music
| [Abstract-PDF]
|
[References]
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5.3.7.2012.9
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