Rosna Awang Hashim

Proximal and distal outcomes of organizational socialization among new teachers: a mediation analysis

This study was designed to examine the relationship between socialization experience and the task performance of new teachers. It proposed to do this by testing a structural model. In explicating the relationship between the two constructs, teacher engagement in workplace learning activities and wellbeing were included in the structural model as plausible mediators. The study used a survey research method to gather data from a sample of 182 beginning teachers in northern peninsular Malaysia. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 16.0 and AMOS 16.0. The findings indicate that the structural model adequately fits the data. There is a significant indirect influence of socialization factors on the task performance of new teachers, with 81% of the variance explained.

FAKTOR RINTANGAN KE ATAS KEMPEN TAK NAK MEROKOK (RESISTANCE IN THE ‘SAY NO TO SMOKING’ CAMPAIGN)

The study aims to identify the relationship between the characteristics of innovation and resistance towards the ‘Say No to Smoking’ campaign. By using cluster sampling, a total of n396 respondents were selected from eight secondary schools in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia.Data were collected through a survey method data and were analyzed using the Pearson ncorrelation statistical analysis. The results showed that there was a significant relationship between innovation characteristics i.e., relative advantage, compatibility, complexity and trialbility with the existence of resistance towards the ‘Say No to Smoking’ campaign.This study also showed that factors such as the characteristics of innovation which could lead to one more innovation may fail to get disseminated. In fact, this study can help decision makers nto identify the causes of rejection of new innovations in health campaigns that are being introduced to the community in an effort nto improve public’s receptiveness of future health campaigns.

Effective criteria of item analysis software

In Malaysia there is a move to abolish centralized assessments such as the Primary Six UPSR in 2012 and the Lower Secondary Three PMR Examinations. This is in line with the current global trend towards decentralising summative assessment and increased attention given to formative school and classroom based assessment. Therefore, this study aimed at developing and evaluating a user-friendly electronic item analysis and item banking software referred to SuperSETIA. Data was collected from teachers from three states using semi-structured interview questions and checklists. In relation to the usefulness of item analysis software, findings indicated that respondents were satisfied with the effectiveness criteria and the program content of the software. Majority of the respondents also concurred that the software is able to prepare teachers for real-world item analysis and teaching enhancement. Additionally, this study has helped the researchers obtain constructive feedback and the need to look into some key issues related to the user interface, audience appeal, navigation and presentation of the software. Last but not least, it is believed that with further exposure and training, this item analysis software can be widely accepted and used among the target audience.