E Ngwenya

Just Give Me a Break, Will You? Effects of Uninterrupted Break Time on Teachers’ Work Lives

Time allocation is important for work, leisure, and well-being. How time is spent in schools has always been a topical issue (Perlow, 1999) and has implications for the work-time and leisure-time allocation of learners (Jones, 1934; Rosenshine & Berliner, 1978) and teachers.

Global Evidence of Age-Structured Differences in MDG Awareness Among Users of Personal Computers

One of the major challenges facing the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) is the level of MDG awareness. High levels of MDG awareness require information and communication technology (ICT) for propagating, promoting and monitoring goals, programs and achievement of goals. The use of ICT in promoting MDGs relies on access to and the extent of use of personal computers (PCs). Exposure and use of PCs varies considerably, across age cohorts. It is paramount, therefore, to examine any evidence of age-structured differences in MDG awareness across use of PCs. Data from the World Value Surveys (2005–2008) are examined, drawing from a sample of 50,773 respondents. The link between MDG awareness and PC use is examined using t-tests of differences in proportions of MDG-aware respondents. Determinants of MDG awareness among PC users, in seven age groups, are identified using odds ratios (ORs) from a logistic regression model of MDG awareness. The results obtained are of global significance given that the impact of the ICT revolution on achieving MDGs is considered to rely significantly on PC use and access to broadband. These results have implications for promoting and monitoring achievement of MDG targets.

An Empirical Analysis of Gendered Differences in MDG Awareness Across Sources of Information

Awareness of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) relies heavily on the way information about MDGs is propagated. The various types of media that are sources of MDG information include newspapers, news and current affairs, magazines, detailed technical reports, books, internet and friends. These information sources appeal to different demographics. Current empirical evidence suggests that MDG awareness is relatively low particularly in developed countries, and that the levels of MDG awareness vary considerably across socio-economic variables or demographics. In this chapter, the research problem of the variation in MDG awareness, among males and females, across seven types of sources of information is considered. The research question is, therefore: to what extent does MDG awareness vary across gender groups, across types of information sources? Data from the World Value Surveys (2005–2008) are analysed using a sample of 86,877 respondents. Evidence of gendered differences in MDG awareness is sought using t-tests of differences in proportions. Factors likely to influence MDG awareness are identified using logistic regressions and reported through the use of odds ratio. The results have implications for promoting and monitoring MDG progress locally and globally.