The Developing Practice - Essay Example

?Aims and Purpose: Education is a never-ending process. The thirst for knowledge cannot be sufficiently stressed as a necessary tool in the advancement of a population and even of human’s existence in a contemplative manner. The need to be educated does not merely stop in attaining the cumulative standard of education as commonly perceived. This notion extends not only to students but especially to those who are entrusted with educating students, the teachers. In this regard, it is ideal if not necessary that educational advancement becomes a part of an educator’s goal. Recent developments have showcased various methods for this to be attained. The most recent advent of distance learning constitutes the most enticing of these. The aim of this research is to find out the influence of distance training on raising the motives of teachers to participate in training programmes. It will substantially consider the case of Saudi Arabia and will specifically explore teachers' viewpoints there, regarding the potentials distance training has that make it more favourable and encouraging as opposed to those of the traditional face-to-face approach. The research, in the process, will uncover different aspects related to teachers' training programmes. This will then be correlated to assess how teachers' motivations towards training can be increased. There has been a wide recognition that training plays an important role in upgrading and improving teachers' abilities to elevate teaching outcomes toward highly accomplished educational goals. It is to be noted that an ongoing training system has been developed in Saudi Arabia in this regard. However, the beneficial consequence of the system cannot be apparently felt and there are signs that teachers are not all that interested in participating. Several reasons might be enumerated to be behind this. However, many believe that it is the approach that relies mainly on the conventional face-to-face training that is not sufficiently motivating teachers to take place. It is assumed that applying distance training approach as an alternative would be more encouraging. Although distance training is becoming widely employed nowadays and proved to be very sufficient to gain interest, the link between distance training and motivation is not sufficiently covered by research yet. This research will try to explore this sort of link and find out how significant distance training is considered as a motivating medium. Moreover, the research will assess the extent to which conventional face-to-face approach fulfils teachers' training purposes and highlights the major obstacle facing this system. On the other hand, it will also research the opportunities of applying distance training among teachers in Saudi Arabia. It will try to build a good understanding of the available information technology infrastructure and reveal whether teachers have the basic skills to facilitate information technology tools and thus get the full benefit of distance training. The research will look at how confident teachers are with distance training and find out any sort of relation between satisfaction and motivation with distance training including other factors related to working and personal conditions such as subject and level of teaching. Strategy: The proposed research will take on a quantitative approach. It will mainly depend on gathering and analyzing quantitative secondary and primary data gathered from available literature documents and by means of social surveys. This will be supported with appropriate qualitative data and analysis to provide clarification and confidence. The research will be mostly deductive in a sense that it works from the more general to the more specific and builds up its conclusion upon initial scientific hypotheses. It ought to ascertain a preliminary assumption and generates inferences about associations among selected variables. The research will try to answer the following questions : 1-To what extent do teachers in Saudi Arabia believe distance training will increase their motives towards training? 2-What makes the distance training approach more favourable to teachers? 3-What are the main obstacles entailed with the traditional face-to-face approach that negatively influence teachers' motivations towards training? 4-How suitable is distance training for teachers in Saudi Arabia? Literature Summary: Training and motivation are two main factors for developing practice. Wide range of studies has covered the issue of motivation and training and seeks to build up conclusion and generate inferences about the general relationship between these factors. Training is defined as "a process of developing work-related knowledge and skills for the purpose of improving performance systematically" while motivation can be defined as " the characteristic of individual willing to expand effort towards a particular set of behaviour" (Tabassi and Abu Bakar, 2009). It involves processes that provide behaviour energy and direction (Lee et al., 2005). In the training context, motivation influences the willingness of trainees to attend the training programmes and exhaust effort. Concurrently, Cheng and Ho (2001) conclude that training motivation efforts affect trainee performance and transfer outcomes. Colquitt, et al. (2000) suggests that even when trainees hold the ability to learn the content of a course, they might fail to benefit from it in case there was not enough motivation (Tabassi and Abu Bakar, 2009). In the field of education, the concern of motivation accrues great interest for evident reasons. According to Brophy (1983), the most important reason for lack of success in schools is low motivation among teachers and pupils. There is a widely accepted notion that in order to provide students with proper motivation teachers should have the adequate knowledge of the subject to be able to motivate and it is imperative that they themselves are motivated. Moreover, in order for educational goals to be accomplished to great resolve, teachers’ motivation toward training must be increased (Gokce, 2010). Most of the studies conducted on motivation and training covered the topic of training in a general regard. Even when addressing specifically the approach of training, the primary focus is delineated on the conventional style of training. Slight amount of literature conducted to explore the implications of distance training on the subject of motivation has yielded it to be more appealing. Distance learning or training is recently getting wider presence and is becoming acknowledged due to the benefits that gives it its appeal. The terminologies of web-based training, internet –based instruction and e-learning have all moved into the lexicon of learning (Bright Future). Distance education is defined as “instruction or training courses delivered to remote (off-campus) sites by way of audio, video (live or pre-recorded ), or computer technologies, including both synchronous (simultaneous) and asynchronous (delayed) instruction” (Cereijo, 2006). The changes of social structures and the composition of economy along side the extreme developments in technology make distance training an overcoming alternative, that should be strongly considered (Warner, 2001), and many others agree that distance education avails educational opportunities that could not be possible otherwise (Cereijo, 2006). Note: I’m not sure whether some of the sentences are direct quotations, if they were you have to put quotation marks on them unless you paraphrased them. The application of distance training in Saudi Arabia is very recent. Although the use of internet and information technology media is growing rapidly, its integration in the educational system is still in its developmental and early stage (Saudi dissertation). In fact, Saudi Arabia has been relatively slower than a number of other countries in the field of information technology and the movement towards distance training has been comparatively slow (Al-Khalifa, 2009). Experiencing education capacity issues and the concern to improve knowledge and skills of citizens created the recognition to adopt distance education as part of the education system that includes training. Consequently, the Ministry of Education in Saudi Arabia started allocating a large amount of financial support in its budget towards e-learning and it is predicted that such development will witness a 33% average growth rate soon. Three examples illustrate the recent concern in distance learning. Note: what are those 3? If you are not sure, perhaps we could just delete the previous sentence. Although they are all in the higher education level, they offer an encouraging example. This trend seems to be highly appreciated as distance education in general presents an actual need and interest among both students and teachers. A study done by Alajaj (2001) showed that educational technology was found to have the highest level of training needs among teachers. Another study carried out by Almogbel (2002) exploring the attitudes of a number students, administrators and faculty about distance education showed vast interest in a prospective investment in distance education (Al-Asmari, 2005). This, specifically, gives a good indication that the efficiency of distance training programmes for teachers signs for a possible motivational role in it. Literature reveals that a variety of studies performed to determine the effectiveness of distance learning on the basis of different measures including students’ grades and performance are determinant factors in it. The majority of findings suggest that there are no significant difference in the outcomes of both the distance and the conventional approaches. However, there are also studies that reflect a positive result for distance learning as exemplified in a research conducted by Souder (1993) which compared a face-to-face classroom experience to a class conducted thru satellite broadcasting. The study concluded that the distance learning class performed better (Cereijo, 2006) than the traditional focus group. Another study conducted by Sankaran and Bui (2001) showed an evidently higher correlation between motivation and performance among a group taking an online class compared with a group taking a face-to-face class. This study perhaps forms a useful base to commence this research from as it presents mainly the same subject of concern and supports the hypothesis thereof. One more study that also seems to be close to our proposed research is the one carried out by Bof (2004) Note: is BOF an abbreviation for a group? If so, then it must first be written completely. On distance learning for teachers’ training in Brazil. The study showed a high percentage of attendance with nearly 85.7 % present and 99.4 % teacher-trainees affirmed that they felt their teaching practice had improved while 99.3 % agreed they had grown in their profession. Accordingly, it can be concluded that there are a indisputably good evidences regarding distance training and that even in the weakest cases, if distance training is not better, it will be worst than conventional training. Approach: The proposed research works with a hypothetical view that applying a distance training approach for teachers will increase their motivation towards training. It will consequently seek to test this kind of thought and gain insights into the occasion of a relationship between distance training and motivation in addition to association with other personal factors. Achieving this will entail applying strict and quantifiable measures to be able to build reliable statements. Therefore, a quantitative approach will be most appropriate as it emphasizes the quantification in collection and analysis of data (Bryman, 2008) providing a solid base to generate conclusion. Although there will be an apparent part of quantitative or subjective data in the form of participants’ opinions on the subject, the intention will not be to form an understanding of the human behaviour or the hidden psychological or sociological factors that stand behind the opinions. This will be the case if the research holds for example an interpretivism or constructionism way of thought. Rather, the research will focus on explanation or sighting of human behaviour or action as it sees fit for the study. This works in harmony with the positive position strongly connected with the quantitative approach that embodies the view of social reality as an external objective reality (Bryman, 2008). Perhaps there will be a slight room for means of qualitative approach that is supposed to provide a supporting and confirming tool. This is in consonance with the idea of arriving at a correlative association of the information gathered synchronized with the aims of the research. Research Design: Research design provides the framework and structure for the collection and analysis of data (Bryman, 2008). It identifies and develops the approach and procedures adopted to undertake the study and emphasises the quality of these procedures to meet the definite research criteria (Kumar, 1996). This proposed research works in line with the concept of cross- sectional design. It will entail the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data from teachers representing different cases of experience, teaching subject and education level at a single point in time by means of survey. This is to detect patterns of association taking place between variables including mainly distance training and the motivation towards training. The research will enable for other sources of correlation to be made between other influential variables such as subject and level of education. However, as a cross-sectional based research, the focus will be mainly on findings pertaining to relationships among variables without necessarily being able to draw conclusion or build confidence about casual factors. Criteria : According to Bryman (2008), the most prominent criteria to evaluate social research are reliability, replicability and validity. A research is said to be reliable if it is consistent and stable, and therefore, predictable and accurate (Kumar, 1996). Reliability is a key issue in quantitative research in the sense that research outcomes are accurate and trustworthy, that anyone using the same method will ideally get the same results. Replicability is almost synonymous to reliability. It is important that the researcher spill out the procedures taken to be able to later repeat and replicate findings of the research when necessary. The quality of the research is strongly associated with its validity. Validity is concerned with the integrity of the conclusions generated (Bryman, 2008). It is defined as "the degree to which the researcher has measured what he has set out to measure" (Smith 1991 cited in Kumar 1996). There are various sorts of validity that can be entailed. These include measurement validity, internal validity, external validity and ecological validity. Another primary criteria is confirmability. It is important that researcher be objective in the sense that he does not allow his own values or thoughts be regarded in a high degree. This manifests the objectivity of the study and allows for a faithful conduct of the research process. The researcher shall take into account applying necessary procedures and tests to maintain and fulfil these criteria. This must pass through different steps of research including sample selection, collection of data, processing and analysis of data and the application of statistical procedures and writing. . Practical consideration: The design of the research would take into account the limitations this sort of work requires. Being the subject of a Master’s Degree thesis entails that there will be strict constraints in terms of time and funding. Accordingly, it is necessary to develop a manageable and achievable working scheme that will maintain attaining research objectives without losing its validity or reliability. There will be a need to gain official approvals from a number of national and local authorities to be able to carry on the data collection survey smoothly. It will be necessary to approach these authorities at the earliest possible stage providing all relevant documents for approvals will be ready in time. In order to be able to control the data collection process and analysis, the research will use the least valid and representative sample size, and will apply a means of questionnaire that will be clear and as short and straight to the point as possible. The researcher might also get the help of a number of informed assistants in distributing and collecting the questionnaires to delegate for time practicability issues. According to cultural and beliefs, education is segregated among males and females in Saudi Arabia. This will make it more practical to approach only male schools from which the study sample will be selected from. The constraints in teachers' time are also an important factor to be considered. The researcher has to avoid imposing questionnaire or interviews during their busy class schedules. The researcher also has to steer clear of influencing or directing sample members towards his personal viewpoint as a teacher on the level as his subjects. As well, data should be analyzed with regard to questionnaire and interview outputs disregarding the researcher's own thoughts and prejudices. Ethical Considerations: The researcher has the responsibility to take into account the subject of ethics theory and guidance throughout the research. Kumar (1996) identified three stakeholders in research to which ethical issues should be considered. These include the participants or subjects, the researcher, and the sponsoring body. As this is a self-funded Master’s Degree research, there will be no related funding or sponsoring organisation that requests achieving certain purpose or encountering specific guidelines or roles. However, the research will still have to work in response to the procedures and guidance for ethics stated by the educational body that provides supervision and assessment for it. In this case, it is the Cardiff School of Social Sciences. In relation to the researcher, there should be a strong attention towards avoiding bias either from hiding what the researcher has found or highlighting something disproportionately to its true or actual existence. In addition, the researcher has to use the most appropriate research methodology that could be carried out within the available resources and conditions. This includes approaching and selecting a suitable representative sample as well as data collection and analysis processes. It also comprises correct reporting that do not change or stun findings that serve or reflect the researcher's own interest or viewpoint. Regarding participants or research subjects, it is necessary to be considerate not to waste participants’ time and effort. Comity involves being prepared and capable of utilizing time and resources efficiently. There will be no expected cause of harm to the participants. The research does not conduct any kind of physical action or body inspection, neither does it investigate highly sensitive and vulnerable issues that might cause any sort of stress, anxiety or fear. The intrusion to privacy will also be the minimal given the nature of the study. The data collection process including the survey and interviews will take place during working hours and in their working area, therefore, it will not interfere with the participants’ private life. In addition, the information gathered will include simple basic figures and some personal opinions on important but benign issues. The researcher will make sure to maintain confidentiality whenever necessary and avoid deception or misrepresentation when approaching the participants. Informed consents will always be fundamental as the participants will be introduced with the work and given as much information as which might be needed to make informed decisions about their interest in taking part or not, as well as their right to withdraw whenever they want to. Proposed Research Method: Methods of enquiry: The work will be carried out through three sequential stages. Review of official statistics: The first stage will include a review and analysis of statistical data obtained from official records. This will help in building a better understanding of the current attitudes and outcomes of training programmes and identifying the key factors that influence its performance and success. It will also provide useful data that will contribute in formulating the outlines and questions for the survey questionnaire and later on for the interviews. The Questionnaire: This forms the major data collection stage in the study. A self-completion questionnaire is to be used to obtain responses of research participants on the subject of the study. This will run through a collective administration scheme as this ensures a very high response rate and gives the opportunity to have a direct contact with the study population to provide necessary explanation for the research. In that sense, the researcher will approach teachers from different schools and have a captive audience to clarify the researcher’s purpose together with a session carried out in each school. The questionnaire will be as simple as possible using clear and categorical language in a well presented format. It will be developed in accordance with the rules for designing questions identified by Bryman (2008) which include: avoiding the use of ambiguous terms, avoiding long and double barrelled questions, avoiding very general questions, avoiding use of technical terms and avoiding the use of leading or negative questions. The study population will comprise of teachers working in the city of Riyadh in Saudi Arabia as the sample population representing the whole country. Only male teachers will be referred to for practical reason as previously mentioned. The proposed sample size is 300 participants distributed over the three educational levels: primary, intermediate, secondary with an average of 100 teachers for each level. However, as Riyadh is a very big and widely extended city it will be very hard to cover all the fourteen educational directorates that are embodied in it within the limited time frame of the research. Therefore, two or three will be selected for the sample. A multi-stage cluster sampling will accordingly be used to ensure a suitable coverage and representation within the sample. Each directory will be split into three groups each presenting an educational level from which a number of schools will be selected. Within each school, a number of teachers will be approached. The number of schools selected within each directorate will depend on the size and coverage area of the directorate. Through this, the research will then end up with an overall sample that is assumed to be representative of the accurate population to cover as much variance as possible within the study limitations. Semi-Structured Interviews: The purpose of applying interviews is to obtain deeper clarifications and obtain meaningful insights about the subject of the study and the interviews, opinions, and aspirations in a kind of triangulation with the survey. This will be helpful in comprehending the matter regarding the association between distance training and motivation. The sum of the persistent semi-structured face-to-face interviews will be conducted with teachers representing the three previously mentioned categories. This use of semi-structured interviews will allow interviewees to answer more on their own terms, but still grant a structure of uniform information for comparability (May, 2001). It provides more flexibility in the sequence of frame of reference for the use of the questions. This will give the opportunity to gain more detailed qualitative data in comparison to closed interviews, but at the same time maintains a manageable sort of information that can be analyzed and processed as opposed to the comprehensive ones achieved by open interviews. The interviews will be conducted in accordance with the general guidelines and recommendations stated by Bryman (2008), Kumar (1996), May (2001) and others. These include formulating a guide or outline, comprising the questions to be asked and the topics to be covered. They also include the use of clear comprehensible language, introducing and formalization of interviews with the subject of the research as well as providing suitable arrangement for the venue that is conducive to both parties. Data Processing and Analysis: After the data is collected, it will then go throw an editing process to make sure it is free from inconsistencies and incompleteness as far as possible. This will be followed by a coding process to make it ready for statistical and analytical procedures. Research variables and measures are still under development. However, it is expected that the research will be dealing with most if not all types of variables identified by Bryman (2008) which include ratio variables, ordinal variables, nominal variables and dichotomous variables. The data will be analyzed by means of statistical analysis including univariate analysis such as frequency measures and measures of central tendency. Bivariate analysis and cross tabulations will be also be used to explore relationship among variables. Tests for correlation and statistical significance will be used whenever required. For the qualitative data generated from interviews there could be a use of thematic analysis where the research will look for themes such as repetitions, missing data and similarities and differences. This is ought to provide the confidence that the qualitative part of the research is assumed to provide. Possible difficulties: It is expected that the research will come across a number of obstacles that need to be overcome. These include the following: -Obtaining all necessary approvals from relevant authorities constitutes the first obstacle. Without having these consents, the research will not be able to get easy access and support with data collection. There is a concern that in addition to some expected difficulties, getting those approvals will cost the researcher additional time and effort. -As with any type of survey, the response rate will form an important issue. Sample members might not all be interested in taking part either in the questionnaire or in the interviews. This might affect the research time frame as to achieve the required sample size. -Time and cost limitations are two conventional constraints. Being a full time student burdened with loaded study work schedule will leave the researcher with a very limited period of time to conduct the survey. It must be taken into consideration that the data collection process will take place in a far away location and the researcher has to be assured that he will be able to accomplish the data collection within a variable time. All these difficulties will be discussed and thought of deeply. Yet, in order to diminish the influences of expected difficulties the researcher has to work carefully with a well-stated timeframe and work plan that will prevent losing time and effort. Being well organized and prepared in advance will be necessary. Read More