Research Journal of Social Sciences and Economics Review

Evaluating the Impact of Online Applications: An Exploratory Study of Online English Language Learning at the University Level in Faisalabad

Ifrah Fatima, Ata ul Ghafar, Tayyaba Aslam — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This research endeavors to investigate the utilization of contemporary online applications for the acquisition of English as a second language at the university level in Faisalabad, Pakistan. The study aims to achieve the following objectives: (a) to examine the prevalent online applications employed for English language learning, and (b) to assess the influence of these online applications on students' learning strategies concerning the English language. An exploratory research design has been employed for this study, involving the random selection of undergraduate English language learners from four prominent universities in Faisalabad. To collect data, a structured online questionnaire consisting of 15 closed-ended questions was administered to a sample of 50 participants, encompassing both male and female students. These participants, who are pursuing English as a second language at the National University of Modern Languages, The University of Faisalabad, Riphah International University, and Government College University Faisalabad, were selected through convenient sampling. Quantitative data analysis methods are employed to derive findings that have been visually presented in the form of pie charts. The results indicate that online applications exhibit a predominantly positive impact on students' English language proficiency while there are also certain negative influences associated with their usage. This research provides valuable insights for students, facilitating their informed and effective use of online applications for English language learning, considering both the advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, it offers educational institutions a deeper understanding of the implications of incorporating online applications into their English language learning programs.

Encountering ‘Terrorism’ through ‘Sufism’: Institutional Analysis of “The National Council for the Promotion of Sufism, Pakistan”

Dr. Mansoor Ahmed, Sundas Sumaira, Muhammad Husnain — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The New World Order after September 11, 2001, changed not only the course of American history but impacted many other nations of the world, most significant among them was Pakistan, a close ally and neighbor of the Taliban-led Afghanistan. Pakistan under the military-led government of General Pervez Musharraf witnessed a wave of terrorism incidents all over the country due to its earlier support of Jihad against the foreigners during Soviet war and under pressure from America renamed them from 'jihadi' to 'terrorist'. General Pervez Musharraf's government terrorism took several steps providing the army with the latest equipment, increasing the security of government installations, and further establishing a state institution namely "The National Council for the Promotion of Sufism" in 2006 to counter the ideology behind the terrorism. This institution remained functional until the end of Musharraf's government and his predecessor Asif Ali Zardar's government renamed it as Sufi Advisory Council. This paper while going through its working procedures, profiles of its members, and activities performed by this institution available in media and archives will attempt to reveal the goals of this institution and its impacts on Pakistani society. It concludes that the doctrine of Sufism for a traditional Pakistani society could have been more effectively used to encounter the ideology behind the terrorism but the will of the government seems dubious in using it for the stated purposes.

In-service Teachers’ Attitude and Knowledge towards School Bullying: A Conceptual and Empirical Analysis

Dr. Mateen Iqbal, Nargis Abbas Mirza, Dr. Najeeb Ullah Khan — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study aimed to identify in-service elementary school teachers' attitudes and knowledge towards the prevalence of school bullying. The study examined whether the teachers had a clear understanding of the concept of school bullying and how this understanding affected their awareness and understanding of bullying, as well as classroom discipline and rule factors such as creating a respectful and fair environment while avoiding harsh disciplinary measures. The study also looked at classroom management factors, including authoritarian, authoritative, democratic, and laissez-faire styles. Additionally, the research explored the impact of bullying on learning and how this affected teachers' attitudes towards school bullying. The population for the current study was included all public elementary school teachers’ of district Sargodha. A sample of 300 teachers’ was selected from public sector of district Sargodha. A quantitative survey research design was used to collect reliable data, and the instrument's reliability was verified through Cronbach’s Alpha, which was found to be 0.85. The results showed that the concept of school bullying had a significant impact on the attitudes of teachers towards bullying. The study concluded that classroom discipline and rules, classroom management, and the impact of bullying on learning all affected teachers' attitudes towards school bullying.

Relationship between Management Skills and Emotional Stability of Middle-Level Managers in Public Sector Universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Aurang Zeb, Dr. Iqbal Amin Khan, Dr. Munir Khan — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between management skills and the emotional stability of heads of teaching departments in public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. By using the stratified random sampling method 122 heads of teaching departments were selected as the sample of the study from six public sector universities of the province. For data collection, a questionnaire was developed after reviewing related literature from the previous studies comprising seven management skills and emotional stability. The questionnaire was validated through a panel of experts. The reliability of the questionnaire was established through inter inter-item consistency method (Cronbach’s alpha) which was found to be 0.880 and 0.804 for management skills and emotional stability respectively. The findings revealed that heads of teaching departments had above-average levels of managerial skills and emotional stability respectively. The results also revealed that a positive moderate significant relationship was found between management skills and emotional stability of heads of teaching at public sector universities of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. It was recommended that continuous in-service training in the area of managerial skills be provided to heads of teaching departments so that they may be able to utilize physical, human, and capital resources for the achievement of departmental goals. Furthermore, they may also be provided ample chances of training opportunities to maintain emotional balance under stressful situations and respond accordingly.

Procrastination in the Execution of Inclusive Practices: Existing Scenarios and Preparedness of Education System at Various levels in Punjab

Dr. Fauzia Khurshid, Prof. Dr. Shahid Farooq — Sat, 30 Sep 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The present study was designed to explore the causes of the procrastination in the execution of inclusive education practices in Punjab; it further aims to dig out the preparedness of the Education System for inclusive education at various levels. The major objectives of the study were to investigate the existing situation of inclusive education across Punjab and to determine the present preparedness of the school education Department for the accommodation of children with disabilities in their institutions by focusing on admission policy, physical infrastructure, teacher training, curriculum, collaboration with related professionals and community awareness. The population of the study was comprised of various stakeholders working in the school education Department, Special Education Department, Academia, Quaid–e–Azam Institute of Education Development (QAED), Project Management and Execution Unit (PMIU), and Punjab Examination Commission (PEC). Data were collected through in-depth qualitative interviews with stakeholders due to the nature of the study. Findings revealed that procrastination, lack of commitment on the part of stakeholders, and lack of inter-sectoral collaboration were among the main reasons for procrastination. In addition to this due to the rapid transfer posting of higher authorities’ the task of the execution of inclusive education remains not implemented therefore, political will, seriousness on the part of stakeholders, and inter-sectoral collaborations are urgently required to decide the role and responsibilities of various stakeholders in promoting inclusive education with specific timelines without to avoid further delay. Serious efforts are required for inclusive teacher training, inclusive curriculum development, and inclusive assessment on an equitable basis for the smooth execution of inclusive education in the mainstream school system.