Suhaida Abdul Kadir

Lifelong learning program's evaluation: a cost analysis study

This study aimed to compare cost of lifelong learning program particularly for Kluster Jahitan dan Pakaian at three community colleges from three different zone in Malaysia. This study only discusses the cost of programs run by community colleges from 2014 until 2016. The cost-effectiveness analysis methods were used to achieve the objectives of the study. The results found that community colleges spend 56% of the total cost in personnel costs, 43% on the cost of equipment and only 1% of the cost of materials. The financial analysis cost showed that there is a difference among community colleges.

Meaning and Experiences in Managing Primary Education Development Programme School Funds among Public Primary Schools Head Teachers in Tanzania

The main purpose of the study was to understand the meaning and experiences of primary schools head teachers in managing Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP) funds. The study was guided by two major research questions. The first question is; what meaning do head teachers construe regarding the management of Primary Education Development Programme (PEDP) funds? And the second is; how do head teachers manage Primary Education Development Programme funds? The study used the descriptive phenomenological as it was deemed relevant to examine head teachers‘ meaning and experiences about the phenomenon. Data was collected using semi-structured interviews with head teachers, observations and analysis of documents at public primary schools. Seven informants were selected from a number of schools based on educational attainment and experience serving as a head teacher. Interviews were recorded, transcribed verbatim and analyzed systematically. In addition, data from observations and documents analysis supported the data obtained from in-depth interviews. Four major themes that emerged from analysis of data are: allocation of funds, accountability, control of funds and competence and traits. The study revealed bureaucracy, insufficiency and inconsistency of funding and delays of disbursements as sub themes associated with allocation of funds. Accountability, as a theme in this study is associated with head teachers considering themselves responsible, challenging roles, adhering to ethics, and complying with instructions. It was also revealed in this study that, limited resources, selection of options, accepting duties and participatory decisions are sub themes associated with control of funds. Furthermore, the study revealed that personal aspiration, level of education, democratic leadership support from others and mindfulness of school funds as sub themes linked to competence and traits. Four major conclusions were drawn from this study. First, direct school funding has only offered limited solutions to resources acquisition in schools due to availability of insufficient funds in schools. Secondly, schools do not have full autonomy to use the allocated funds to fulfil locally determined school requirements. Thirdly, at school levels there is a state of confusion between participatory decision making and the issue of taking responsibilities. Fourthly, there is a need and urgency to build their capacities through continuous trainings. Based on these conclusions, the study recommends for systemic approach to understanding allocation of PEDP funds in order to improve quality of education in public primary schools in Tanzania. Finally, for head teachers and other stakeholders to act and facilitate effective implementation of educational programmes such as PEDP, there is a need and urgency to build their capacities to competently manage these educational programmes.

Quality Assurance Implementation Practices in Selected Malaysian Public Universities

The quest to improve and compete globally has prompted universities around the world to subscribe to quality assurance practices and the Malaysian public universities are no exception. This study was conducted with the aim of exploring the quality assurance practices in Malaysian public universities and the challenges faced by those entrusted to oversee the implementation processes. Utilizing qualitative approach, we examined in-depth the experiences and views of fourteen informants through interviews, who were entrusted with managing quality assurance practices in the selected universities. Four major themes emerged comprising commitment to addressing quality assurance, quality management system, understanding of quality assurance implementation, and challenge to nurture quality culture. Interestingly, the universities have well documented policies on quality assurance implementation and proper structures to oversee the quality assurance practices adhering to government policies and aspirations. However, there were differences in the interpretation and understanding of quality assurance practices among the two major groups of informants, the academics and the full time career administrators. Despite the efforts also, the universities faced with various challenges to nurture quality culture among the staff and much more are still needed if Malaysian universities are to be regarded as providing quality services within the framework of quality assurance practices.

Tahap Kemahiran dan Kecenderungan Pemikiran Kritis Murid Tingkatan Dua Dalam Mata Pelajaran Kemahiran Hidup Bersepadu (KHB) di Negeri Kedah dan Hubungannya

Penyelidikan ini menilai tahap kemahiran pemikiran kritis dan tahap kecenderungan pemikiran kritis dalam kalangan murid tingkatan dua di Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan di Daerah Kuala Muda dan Yan, Kedah dan melihat hubungan antara kedua-dua pemboleh ubah. Dimensi-dimensi kemahiran pemikiran kritis yang dianalisis dalam kajian ini ialah 1) Induksi; 2) Deduksi; 3) Kredibiliti Peryataan; dan 4) Mengenal Pasti Andaian manakala bagi tahap kecenderungan pemikiran kritis murid pula meliputi aspek inoviasi, kematangan kognitif dan juga penglibatan. Instrumen yang digunakan dalam kajian ini ialah ujian pemikiran kritis Cornell (Cornell Critical Thinking Test) bagi menilai tahap pemikiran kritis dan bagi mengukur tahap kecenderungan pemikiran kritis menggunakan instrumen University of Florida – Engagement, Maturity and Innovativeness (UF/EMI). Kedua-dua instrument ini diadaptasikan ke dalam bahasa Melayu dan diberi pengujian secara rawak kepada 370 orang murid. Analisis data menggunakan statistik deskriptif seperti min, sisihan piawai dan peratusan. Manakala statistik inferensi juga digunakan untuk menganalisis data iaitu Korelasi Pearson bagi melihat hubungan antara kedua-dua pemboleh ubah. Dapatan kajian menunjukkan bahawa tahap kemahiran pemikiran kritis murid tingkatan dua dalam mata pelajaran Kemahiran Hidup Bersepadu (KHB) di negeri Kedah berada pada tahap lemah. Manakala tahap kecenderungan pemikiran kritis berada pada tahap kuat dan hubungan antara kemahiran pemikiran kritis dengan kecenderungan pemikiran kritis pula menunjukkan wujudnya hubungan yang positif antara kedua-dua pembolehubah.