Rohaida Binti Mohd Saat

Problem-Based Learning in Asian Universities.

This study reports teacher and student experiences of problem‐based learning (PBL) in three Asian countries. PBL was introduced to provide an education that would allow students to compete successfully in a changing world. Student and tutor experiences were positive and PBL was seen to work extremely well, despite the typical problems that students can experience working in groups. However, conceptions of PBL varied between tutors, and PBL as a ‘method’ appeared to have limited utility for guiding teaching practice. There was evidence that students were developing useful knowledge and lifelong learning skills, but there were concerns about where this occurred in the PBL curriculum. We looked closely at the PBL tutorial in each programme, and how it lived up to the idea that it should be a key site for facilitating higher‐order thinking. We found that the tutorial was largely a space for reporting the outcomes of student inquiries, and there was little evidence for critical engagement. A key impediment to such engagement was the cultural inappropriateness of challenging peers or the tutor. A new type of academic socialisation may be required for Asian students and tutors to explicitly help them overcome this. A conceptual foundation for PBL is suggested, in which it is understood as a methodological idea founded on a system of principles, practices and methods. Introduced as a methodology, tutors and course teams would take the basic idea of PBL and align it with their ontological and epistemological beliefs as a starting point for instructional design and teaching.

The acquisition of integrated science process skills in a web‐based learning environment

Web‐based learning is becoming prevalent in science learning. Some use specially designed programs, while others use materials available on the Internet. This qualitative case study examined the process of acquisition of integrated science process skills, particularly the skill of controlling variables, in a web‐based learning environment among grade 5 children. Data were gathered primarily from children’s conversations and teacher–student conversations. Analysis of the data revealed that the children acquired the skill in three phases: from the phase of recognition to the phase of familiarization and finally to the phase of automation. Nevertheless, the acquisition of the skill only involved the acquisition of certain subskills of the skill of controlling variables. This progression could be influenced by the web‐based instructional material that provided declarative knowledge, concrete visualization and opportunities for practise.Web‐based learning is becoming prevalent in science learning. Some use specially designed programs, while others use materials available on the Internet. This qualitative case study examined the process of acquisition of integrated science process skills, particularly the skill of controlling variables, in a web‐based learning environment among grade 5 children. Data were gathered primarily from children’s conversations and teacher–student conversations. Analysis of the data revealed that the children acquired the skill in three phases: from the phase of recognition to the phase of familiarization and finally to the phase of automation. Nevertheless, the acquisition of the skill only involved the acquisition of certain subskills of the skill of controlling variables. This progression could be influenced by the web‐based instructional material that provided declarative knowledge, concrete visualization and opportunities for practise.

Overcoming time and ethical constraints in the qualitative data collection process: A case of information literacy research

While a simultaneous data collection process is generally not recommended in qualitative research, this technique becomes necessary under certain circumstances where conducting one-site-at-a-time fieldwork is not possible. This article discusses the design of an information literacy case study that is driven by time and ethical constraints, and the strategies employed to overcome them. The constraints, (a) a brief three-month school project under study; and (b) restricted access to the respondents, have greatly influenced and shaped the design of this qualitative study. The theory applied in the study also has its impact in the research design. We argue that with meticulous planning, brief phenomenon and other challenges could still be investigated qualitatively. The study employed simultaneous data collection activities, carried out in three stages over an 18-month timespan to overcome the two constraints. This is done by carefully crafting the research protocol: firstly, by adhering to the Gorman and Clayton’s research plan circle framework; secondly, by constructing the multi-stage, simultaneous data collection protocol that addresses the unique challenges in the context of the study; and finally, by operationalizing the research plan.

The Concept of Qailulah (Midday Napping) from Neuroscientific and Islamic Perspectives

Abstract Napping/siesta during the day is a phenomenon, which is widely practised in the world. However, the timing, frequency, and duration may vary. The basis of napping is also diverse, but it is mainly done for improvement in alertness and general well-being. Neuroscience reveals that midday napping improves memory, enhances alertness, boosts wakefulness and performance, and recovers certain qualities of lost night sleep. Interestingly, Islam, the religion of the Muslims, advocates midday napping primarily because it was a practice preferred by Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The objectives of this review were to investigate and compare identical key points on focused topic from both neuroscientific and Islamic perspectives and make recommendations for future researches.

Issues Related to Research Ethics in e-Research Collaboration

The advancement of information and communication technologies changes the landscape of scientific research. Today’s scientific research demand collaboration among international as well as local members and many have adopted e-research collaboration. It ensures greater sharing of resources and expertise, greater networking and cooperation for scientific advancement while offering greater opportunities for technology, skills, and knowledge transfer. However, collaboration has posed challenges particularly regarding ethical issues. Collaboration projects across disciplines or nations which are governed by different rules cannot be easily resolved. For example, the dilemma arising from research involving countries or institutions that have IRB and those do not. Whose rules should be adhered to? Other issues that threaten e-research collaboration is the distortion of data due to technological glitches, threaten security which include invasion of privacy and tampered confidentiality. These issues need to be addressed to ensure more effective and efficient e-research collaboration that has the support and trust of the larger public.

Senile Dementia from Neuroscientific and Islamic Perspectives

Diseases involving the nervous system drastically change lives of victims and commonly increase dependency on others. This paper focuses on senile dementia from both the neuroscientific and Islamic perspectives, with special emphasis on the integration of ideas between the two different disciplines. This would enable effective implementation of strategies to address issues involving this disease across different cultures, especially among the world-wide Muslim communities. In addition, certain incongruence ideas on similar issues can be understood better. The former perspective is molded according to conventional modern science, while the latter on the analysis of various texts including the holy Qur’an, sunnah [sayings and actions of the Islamic prophet, Muhammad (pbuh)] and writings of Islamic scholars. Emphasis is particularly given on causes, symptoms, treatments and prevention of dementia.