OIDA International Journal of Sustainable Development
Open access peer-reviewed journal
Assessment of Students Attitudes towards Scientific Calculators Use in Mathematics Instruction
Nabeel Abedalaziz a
a Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling,
University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 11-22, 2011.
Abstract: The aim of this study is to investigate student’s attitudes toward scientific calculator use in mathematics instruction. Specifically, the present study sought answers to the following questions: What is the overall profile of student’s attitudes towards scientific calculators use in mathematics instruction? Do student’s attitudes towards scientific calculators use in mathematics instruction differ in terms of gender variable? Do student’s attitudes towards scientific calculators use in mathematics instruction differ in terms of grade level variable? Do student’s attitudes towards scientific calculators use in mathematics instruction differ in terms of mathematical ability level? A total of 400 basic schools students were participated in this study. Attitudes scale to assess student’s attitudes toward the use of scientific calculators was developed. Results of the study show that attitudes of students towards calculators use are at high level. Significant differences were found between student’s attitudes toward calculators use related with gender, class, and the level of mathematical ability.
Keywords: Anxiety, Attitudes, Calculators, Enjoyment, Usefulness.
Environmental Sustainability: A Global Perspective
Prithpal Kaur a
a Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, Patiala, India.
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 24-29, 2011.
Abstract: In the past three decades, protecting the global environment has emerged as one of the major challenges in international relations. No fewer than ten global environmental treaties have been negotiated as well as literally hundreds of regional and bilateral agreements. Environmentalism can be seen as a social movement that seeks to influence the activism and education in order to protect natural resources and ecosystems. A concern for environment protection has recurred in diverse forms, in different parts of the world, throughout history. The environmental movement is a diverse scientific, social, and political movement. In its recognition of humanity as a participant in ecosystems, the movement is centered on ecology, health and human rights. Today, it is universally recognized that environmental protection is a parcel of national policy and programme. The well recognized mode of achieving this humble goal is “sustainable Development”. In fact, modern law and policy governing environmental protection and human development whether at national or international level, have the objective of achieving “Sustainable Development”. In spite of the gigantic environmental protective measures promoted by man over three decades of period, neither the warming of earth is put at naught, nor are the growing abnormal incidents of atmosphere reduced with the available scientific and technological knowledge. Despite the many environmental regimes and action plans negotiated in the past quarter century, important gaps still exist in the international environmental policy framework. The framework has not developed in any systematic or strategic way. Rather it is a collection of numerous treaties, each addressing relatively discrete global or regional environmental issues. Nature has become unnatural causing adverse impact on the atmosphere on one side and the health and safety of all the living and non-living on the other hand. The ecosystem is echoing with abnormal noises, vibrations, dust and smoke due to human activities. These incidents remind the mankind about the compelling need for protecting the environment willy-nilly with all zeal and vigour. Given how far we have come in damaging the global environment, international environmental efforts in the future will have to be focused more on environmental restoration than protection. Human rights laws may also present important opportunities for gaining better environmental protection.
Keywords: Environmental, Human Rights, Sustainable Development
Challenges to Sustainable development and the Role of religions and Value-based approaches
Nawal El-Gack a
a International Studies, Faculty of Arts and Design
University of Canberra, ACT, Australia.
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 30-39, 2011.
Abstract: The dominant development paradigms tend to focus on wealth, production and consumption. They rely solely on science and technology to resolve challenges related to development and environmental conservation while dismissing local knowledge. Indigenous values, traditions and moral responsibilities concerning the preservation of the earth’s resources are not fully accommodated in sustainable development strategies. In practice the roles, strengths, and essence of traditional knowledge are excluded from development interventions. Religion and beliefs, in particular, significantly influence billions of lives, in providing a respectful code of conduct and advice. If traditional knowledge and spiritual values are neglected, advanced technologies and discoveries alone will not ensure the sustainability of the earth’s resources. In this regard, this paper addresses some challenges to sustainable development, specifically, the excessive use of resources and the impact of conflict and war on development. In addressing these issues the paper will devote attention to Islamic teachings, which refer explicitly to natural resources and how mankind should utilize and protect these during peace and war. The paper provides suggestions on how religions and indigenous values can contribute to resolving current environmental problems.
Keywords: sustainable Development, excessiveness, wars, conflicts, religions, Islam,
Epistemological Beliefs of Students at high Schools: A Survey Study in Malaysia
Wail Ismail a, Nabeel Abedalaziz b, Zaharah Hussin c
a,c Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Foundations, University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
b Faculty of Education, Department of Educational Psychology and Counseling,
University of Malaya, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 39-47, 2011.
Abstract: Epistemological beliefs reflect the viewpoint of the individual about what and how knowledge can be acquired and the degree of certainty. The present study sought answers to the following questions: What are the overall epistemological beliefs of students at high schools? Do epistemological beliefs of students at high schools differ by gender? Do epistemological beliefs of students at high schools differ by school type? Epistemological beliefs scale comprising 62 items measuring five components of beliefs (i.e. Quick Learning, knowledge, Certain Knowledge, Omniscient authority, innate ability, and simple knowledge) was administered to a sample of 301 form five students from public schools in Kuala Lumpur/Malaysia. Descriptive statistics, and MANOVA were used. Results indicated that: (1) participants had naive beliefs about Quick Learning, Certain Knowledge, Omniscient authority, innate ability, and simple knowledge, (2) no significant differences were found in students’ beliefs due to gender and school type.
Keywords: Certain Knowledge, Innate ability, Omniscient authority, Quick Learning, Simple knowledge.
On post occupancy evaluation of the preferred luminous environment and occupants’ satisfaction for office buildings in malaysia: a survey
Elina Mohd Husini a , Fadli Arabi b , Mohd Zin Kandar c
a,b,c Department of Architecture, Faculty of Built Environment, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Malaysia.
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 47-59, 2011.
Abstract: Lighting is desired for work and it has an impact to occupants’ satisfaction with their workspace to improve the preferred luminous condition in daylit office. This study investigates the acceptable illuminance level that meet the requirement for visual comfort through post occupancy evaluations for office buildings in Malaysia. This paper presents the literature that shows an overview of investigation in daylight distribution and availability that relates to acceptable illuminance levels in daylit offices. The investigations are to know until what extend do people aware on luminance environment by obtaining occupant’s feedback. The results of a survey are conducted through occupant’s respond of daylight availability in work area by using four different layout in office building and the responses fromoccupants in the same building with different characterized of fenestrations. The acceptable daylight availability and illuminance levels by occupant for each room can be seen from the field experiment based on photo simulation using High Dynamic Range ( HDR) images and field survey on different layout in office building. This study of daylight distribution in an open plan will result the findings on how peoples’ attitude toward openings and the acceptable illuminance level is related to visual comfort. Through these variables, it becomes the parameter to this research. It is observed that the office buildings are not designed for daylight utilization, with average daylight factor (DF) lower than 1.5 per cent and not all the office building has achieved MS1525 :2007 minimum work plane illuminance (WPI) recommendation of 300-500 lux when electric lights were on [9].The combination of
daylighting and artificial light were still needed in office building even though there was plenty of sunlight in this country which was abundance [2]. More than 60 per cent of occupants felt the distribution of daylighting is uneven and caused visual discomfort when electric lights were off. The relationship between luminous condition and visual discomfort had the significant to peoples’ attitudes toward windows .This resulting key will provide better understanding for the development of window opening, internal shading control for the office occupants and acceptable illuminance level in office building in Malaysia.
Keywords: Daylighting, Illuminance , Occupant satisfaction, Post-occupancy evaluation, Visual discomfort.
Police Rebellion And Coup D’etat In West Africa: The Cases Of Senegal And Nigeria
Fatai Ayisa Olasupo a
a Department of Local Government Studies, Faculty Of Administration,
Obafemi Awolowo University,Ile-Ife,Osun-State, Nigeria.
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 60-68, 2011.
Abstract: Rebellion against the state in Africa has been a common phenomenon since most African countries became independent but it has been confined to ethnic separatism or secession and military mutiny or coup de ‘tat.
However, talking of police rebellion or coup d’état against the state, as it recently took place in one of Nigeria’s provinces, is a new and dangerous dimension to police and policing activities in Africa. Senegal and Nigeria in particular are two typical countries in West Africa where clear evidences of these have been recorded. How they happened and the aftermath of their occurrence is the subject of this paper
Keywords: Coup d’état, Police, Policing, Rebellion, Security
The Culture Of Individualism And Collectivism In Balancing Accountability And Innovation In Education: An Islamic Perspective
Mohammed Borhandden Musah a
a Institute of Education, International Islamic University Malaysia.
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 70-77, 2011.
Abstract: The concept of individualism and collectivism has been widely studied with reference to the cultural elements, which have nothing in common pertaining to integrity. That is, individualism and collectivism always stand in sharp contrast to each other. In other words, these concepts occupy opposing edges of the platform that seeks to shape lifestyle and attitude of societies. In that light, this paper discusses individualism and collectivism from Islamic perspective, highlighting the interplay between these two inseparable concepts. Islam views individualism (accountability) and collectivism (innovation) as foundational and innovative concepts. The former, as fundamental building bricks that constitutes principles of accountability in human activities, and the latter as an innovative element that flourishes from principles of accountability and stipulates human activities. Furthermore, the paper gives insightful implications of individualism and collectivism with particular reference to education.
Keywords: individualism, collectivism, accountability, Islamic perspective, innovation, education.
The Relevance of the Right to Environmental Education to Sustainable Development
Kafayat Quadri a, Abdul Fatai O. Sambo b
a, b Post Graduate Unit, Faculty of Law, International Islamic University Malaysia, Malaysia.
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 77-84, 2011.
Abstract: After the Stockholm Declaration of 1972, the Belgrade Charter of 1975, the Tbilisi Declaration of 1978 and their unanimous propagation of the importance of environmental education; not much has been achieved despite evaluation modules created and incorporated by non-governmental organisation concerned with these issues. Instead, funds going to these NGOs have drastically reduced; ensuring less hope for the younger generations the opportunity to have an environmental education and to give possible innovative contributions towards tackling environmental problems. Environmental problems are our ‘common heritage’ despite the unequal share of environmental pollution. The whole world is collectively responsible for protecting the environment and for proffering solutions to these problems. The goal of environmental education is to develop a world population that is aware of, and concerned about the environment with a commitment to work individually and collectively towards the practice of sustainable development. Recently in India, the Supreme Court made a judgement upholding the rights of the citizens to environmental education. This new development is very important as it may lead to the United Nations and all the nations of the world to the recognition of the right to environmental education as a basic human right. This paper will be divided into four parts. The first part introduces the topic while delving into its historical background. The second part will tackle the definition of humans rights and the right to environmental education. The third part will give an exposition into the relevant international instruments. The fourth part will discuss the presence of the right to environmental education in India and Malaysia. The fifth part will conclude the paper with necessary recommendations especially the need for the inclusion of the right to environmental education as a basic human right.
Keywords: Common Heritage, Education, Environment, Human Rights, Sustainable Development
The Role of Multiple Intelligences and Creativity in Students’ Learning Style
Hor Yen Yi a, Tajularipin Sulaiman b Roselan Baki c
a Centre for Foundation Studies and Extension Education (FOSEE), Multimedia University,
Jalan Multimedia, Cyberjaya, Selangor, Malaysia
b, c Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, Selangor, Malaysia.
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 85-95, 2011.
Abstracts: Developments and studies in the field of intelligence and creativity had been widely popularized by educators, practitioners and psychologists. Many studies had been conducted in examining the relationship between intelligence and creativity where contradicting findings were reported. The types or degree of intelligences varies among individuals and is not a fixed attribute which is similar with the nature of creativity. Both intelligence and creativity could be developed in varying degrees throughout the development of an individual. Therefore, it is the objective of this study to examine the relationship between creativity and intelligence. This study adopted a descriptive survey method where a set of questionnaire was used for the purpose of data collection in determining the relationship between the two variables. A total of 1040 randomly selected students which consisted of both male and female students were involved in the study. Research findings showed that overall, there was a significant and positive relationship between multiple intelligences and creativity (r=0.648). Research findings also showed that students from both gender possessed high intelligence in common domains, namely interpersonal (M=3.795, SD=0.61), followed by intrapersonal (M=3.656, SD=0.628) and musical (M=3.648, SD=0.863) as well as similar characteristics of creativity in two constructs (imagination and fantasy, and playfulness). To conclude, it is important to identify students’ intelligence profile as well as their creativity level according to domains. This is to aid students learning, providing them with the optimum learning environment through their preferred learning medium and help them to achieve their fullest potential in their respective talented areas.
Keywords: creativity, intelligence, learning style, multiple intelligences, multiple intelligence profile.
The African Case of Microenterprise In The Light of Islamic Development Financing
Masudul Alam Choudhury a
a Department of Economics and Finance, College of Commerce and Economics,
Sultan Qaboos University, Oman.
Volume 03, Issue 08, Pg. 95-113, 2011.
Abstract: What can bring about and sustain the life of microenterprise and microcredit for poverty alleviation? The answer is given in this paper by way of the epistemology of organic unity of markets, finance and society premised on the essential outlook of how the Islamic worldview prevails in this tripartite interrelationship. This paper settles this issue of integrative development financing to bring about participation between markets, finance and society in a complementary way so as to connect the poor with mainstream economic order by raising their productivity and market access. Such transformations are necessary for survival of microenterprises in today’s world of bitter competition and conflict between the rich and poor.
The argument launched here is that the competition model of microenterprises is not appropriate for the sustainability and poverty alleviation. Contrarily, an epistemic foundation of unity reflected in a participatory development framework is necessary. Islamic finance ought to be studied within such an alternative comprehensive model of organic unity. Systemic unity is equivalent to participation by complementarities between the three subsystems comprising sustainability. These are namely markets, finance and society as these are represented by their variables. This paper thus establishes a model of general-system equilibrium between these embedded subsystems in order to study the possibility of poverty alleviation by means of Islamic financing of microenterprise and microcredit.
The model formalized here is argued to be the appropriate one for Africa in the area of participatory development of microenterprises and poverty alleviation. The example of microenterprises in Sudan is studied in the context of a general-system model.
Keywords: comparative microenterprise and socioeconomic development, microenterprise in Sudan, Islamic development financing.