Science Related Video Increases Students Performance in Science

Problem Statement

There are two well recognized subjects that most of the students find it hard to learn, its either mathematics or science. In case of learning, there are many interventions and programs that the government already prepared. However, there are little changes gained from the programs. On the other hand, the school curriculum does not have any help in improving the learning, especially for the students who are truly slow learners. Because of the arise in educational problems, there are many proposals that aims to capture the ability to use a concept of learning, and one of those is the use of science-related videos to support the learning of the students in science. However, what is the impact of this kind of intervention in students’ learning and to increase their performance?

Rationale of the Study

The rationale of the study falls in its purpose to increase the academic competency of the students particularly in sciences. Although there are educational programs that create such improvement in the literacy achievement of the students, the study on the science-related videos concentrates in improving the level of learning in science of the students. It is believed that through this system, the students can have their focus in performing in science subjects as well as practicing in medical laboratories and hospitals (for professional opportunity). In addition, the use of videos is preferred solution such as learning through a computer. It is natural to implement changes in the school as inspired by the movement of the new generation on information technology.

Research Aim and Objectives

The main aim of the study is to determine the impact and effectiveness of science-related videos in the performance of the students in science. In order to achieve this aim, the study prepared three objectives that need to be satisfied. First is to recognize the current science curriculum or programs implemented in most of the schools and compare it with the other subjects that use the video materials in learning. Second is to measure the differences in student learning from the said settings. And third is to recommend appropriate approach that can improve the learning of the students through videos relating to their subject.

Brief Literature Review

According to the study, the learning capacity of a student has many barriers and sometimes situational. There are problems such as early pregnancy or marriage, legal or family problems, work, social behavior, language, and many others. However, there are three problems that might strongly affect the learning ability of the student, particularly on science, and that are boredom in school, problems with other students and/or teachers, and absenteeism. On the other hand, the school administrator and teachers also identified the hindrances in the learning of their students. The school also addressed the factors regarding the academic problems and performance and even the encouragement and motivations. Videos are linked to standards, are short (ranging from 4 to 25 minutes), incorporate graphics, and include content information in a story format with modeling by students and scientists. The use of videos for students learning in health care settings will provide the explanation and demonstration. For such, the use of videos as part of the students’ module in learning encourages the students. Classroom activities with the aid of videos in learning provide the guidance in practice and skills training. The science-related videos and activity, provides an opportunity for students to share health knowledge with their parents create active learning. It also enhances the learning and motivation and may result in higher science achievement and higher retention

Methodology

The method will be used in the study is the survey and interview. The survey will be conducted on the students in either high school or colleges and will the Likert Scale form of questionnaire. Through the survey, the researcher can gain the perceptions of the students regarding the traditional teaching to science-related videos. In addition, this will give the researcher an idea on what would be the most effective way for a student to learn. On the other hand, the interview will be conducted on the school administrators and teachers. Therefore, the researcher can capture the idea of the administrators and teachers on the use of science-related videos in their teaching and be part of the entire school system.

Conclusions

Improving the skills or increasing the knowledge of the students is the top priorities of the schools. This doesn’t change even for a long time, in fact, because of the increasing demand and spread of challenges in the education, the schools are keeping abreast with the provisions and curriculum to satisfy their priorities. Teaching is a noble work thus; many teachers are looking for the best way to make the students keep learning.

Provisional Timetable

				Weeks
Activity	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8
Research Assessment
Literature Review
Gathering and Assessing the data
Initial survey
Final survey and interview
Organization of Materials
Submission
Revision
Binding and Final Submission

Preliminary References:

Evam, A., Gray, T., & Olchefske, J., (2006) The Gateway to Student Success in Mathematics and Science, American Institutes for Research [Online] Available at: http://download.microsoft.com/download/F/6/0/F60F9CB1-B18D-4B4A-9976-BD95BADB7284/Call%20for%20middle%20school%20reform_11%201%2006%20version.pdf [Accessed 16 August 2010].

Murray, N.G., Opuni, K.A., Reininger, B., Sessions, N., Mowry, M.M., & Hobbs, M., (2009) A Multimedia Educational Program That Increases Science Achievement Among Inner-City Non-Asian Minority Middle-School Students, Academic Medicine, 84(6) [Online] Available at: http://www.sph.uth.tmc.edu/uploadedFiles/Centers/Dell/HEADS%20UP%20Academic%20Medicine.pdf [Accessed 16 August 2010].

Reyhner, J., & Davison, D.M., (2009) Improving Mathematics and Science Instruction for LEP Middle and High School Students through Language Activities [Online] Available at: http://www.ncela.gwu.edu/files/rcd/BE019308/Improving_Mathematics_and_Science.pdf [Accessed 16 August 2010].

Comparison on Online Learning and School-Based Subjects

Introduction

Education is one of the youth’s priorities. The growing interest of the people in the education is both seen in the developing and developed countries. However, because of the various advancements in technologies and the rapid changes in the pedagogical curriculum, the people are striving to find the most convenient approach in which they can learn without having the trouble in going to school. Because of this search the online-learning is introduced against the traditional learning setting. Because of the two modes of learning, what are the advantages and disadvantages of two systems?

School-Based Subject or Online Learning

As we all know, the school-based learning are done within the school premises. The interaction of people is important as well as the area of communication and collaboration. Teachers and books are the only source of information and peers are very common in this setting. Most of the time of a normal student is allotted for the school and other extra-curricular activities. In the entire day of a student, it can be stressful and full of pressure.

On the other hand, the advances in the communication technologies that started in the mid-1990 became the foundation and inspiration in different types of institutions. The common type of organizations that uses the information technologies are the international organizations that needs to communicate in all parts of the world, the banks, and the prestigious hospitals. The feasibility of the other organization can be also applied with the education; therefore, the online learning is introduced. Online learning is also called as the e-learning, virtual learning, distance education, and web-based education are the terms applied to the new kind of trend in education that is dedicated to provide the education, ideally, for the students that are in remote areas. Because of their situation, the teacher can still reach the students and learn their subjects even without going to school (Stennes, 2005).

Pros and Cons

Both School-based learning and online learning faces the issues regarding the advantages and disadvantages. Of course, there is no system that can provide all the advantages for the people and the system, and it is better that the student can weigh the pros and cons before creating the decision on what suits the student’s needs.

In the comparison of the benefits and drawbacks of online learning against the school-based learning, the online learning can be the most adventure type of learning method that can be applied. Through the use of online learning, the student can discover other areas of knowledge and be advanced on learning against the other students who uses the school-based learning. The online learners have more potential in using the technologies and technically, the media. However, the online learners are prone to lose their concentrations while learning via online. Because of the popularity of social networking sites, online games, and other offerings through the internet, the learning can be delayed.

Furthermore, the online learning can be convenient to the students, especially if they are working students. The costs that the student should pay are expected to be higher than the normal school learning. This is because, most of the universities are offering scholarships in which do not apply in online learning and the government has subsidized the tuition of the students in which again, do not take effect in the online learning. The online learning has fixed courses, which means that the online learners have the disadvantages in catching the changes pedagogical curriculum if there were no updates on the databases.

The personal contact or socialization is also missing. It is important for the total growth of a person to interact with other people and create a connection between them (Thomas & Macgregor, 2005). Meeting friends through socialization is totally different in meeting friends via online. However, the reliability of the information on online learning is still in questions. Many documents and information are spread throughout the internet, which may difficult for the student to weigh its reliability. However, the teachers are the primary people who can assess the appropriate information and can create an in-depth explanation regarding the subjects. Ethical considerations are also a topic in the online learning. Such examples are the use of permission from the original owners in obtaining the information, logos, photos, and other essential learning needs (Sullivan, 2002).

Conclusion

The choice of the learner depends on his situation. There are no wrong decisions because both settings has a concept of educating and no matter what a student prefer, they can still earn the knowledge. However, they should still consider on what he thinks suits to him.

References:

Stennes, B., (2005) Advantages and Disadvantages of Web-based Learning [Online] Available at: http://www.resourcesunlimited.com/images/Advantages_and_Disadvantages_of_Web-based_Learning.pdf [Accessed 05 Aug 2010].

Sullivan, K.M., (2002) Online Learning Adventure: Extending Student Learning [Online] Available at: http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/sullivk/online_learning_adventures.htm [Accessed 05 Aug 2010].

Thomas, W.R., Macgregor, S.K., (2005) Online Project-Based Learning: How Collaborative Strategies and Problem Solving Processes Impact Performance, Journal of Interactive Learning Research, 16(1)

The Impact of Supervision on the Staff Performance in the Special Schools in Ghana

Introduction

Staff performance among the schools received the increasing interests and concerns among the researchers. The performance of every staff is expected to reflect in their ability to drive the changes within the schools and therefore can create an impact towards the school. Because of the lack of monitoring and guidance coming from the higher officials or often referred as the supervisors, the staff and their performance cannot be assured as effective in the schools.

Definition of Supervision

In connection in a relationship, organization or system, the supervision can be defined within a concept of “parenting”. This means that a senior manager is assigned to parent a person according to his task. This is important to ensure that there is continuity in the activity involved and who will be the one responsible towards that activity (Bossert, et al., 2004). This very same idea is supported by other author that the supervision comprises with the idea of coaching and guiding an individual to achieve his potential in an activity and perform well. Based on the various coaching theories, the supervisor should have the knowledge in the area of the staff and have to build the relationship. This is for the reason that supervisors should build the respect, trust, and collegiality that increase the interaction abilities of the staff. Both staff and the supervisor should engage in wide variety of activities. Through the help of the guidance and supervision program, the staff are allowed too experiment, practice, and learn through their mistakes. All of the experience that the staff can gather is effective reference or sources for his sole decision making. The school administration should thereby, promote the supervision initiatives with the aim of long-term professional development strategy (Burkhauser & Metz, 2009).

The Rationale of Supervision of Staff Performance

The performance of a staff in school for special children is important. Therefore the functions and roles assigned for them should be well addressed. The factors involved are the organizational structure in which they operate, their workload, and work management. With the appropriate supervision, the performance of the staffs can have a significant outcome according to the tasks or responsibilities given to them (Henderson & Gysbers, 2006). The purpose of supervision is to provide the standards necessary among the special schools in Ghana. Therefore, the common goal of staff supervision is to increase the knowledge and skills of the staff in order to facilitate the improvement in their performance (Burkhauser & Metz, 2009).

Indicators on the Impact of Supervision on Staff Performance

Providing the education among the schools has been a noble opportunity, especially in the special schools. It is a great challenge for the educators and staff to provide the needs of the children. With the aid of the appropriate supervision, the staffs can achieve their highest possible performance. The indicators that are chosen for supervision involves three variables:

1. Develop supervision guideline to highly facilitate the improvement of the staff.

2. Decide on supervision schedules which are according to the time, place, and work situation of the staffs.

3. Assign staff to supervision which means that the supervisor and staff should be at the same level of position or nature of work in order to facilitate the supervision.

Suggestion for Supervision of Staff Performance

The supervision on the staff performance can be developed by firstly maintaining the best approach the organization included in their system. Another is keeping the methods updated and using the tools such as the assessment methods and appraisal kits. These are important to determine the improvement in the performance of the staff even in a more complex environment. This will also help the staff to accomplish their job according to the goals of the organization.

Conclusion

There are many questions that can be asked on the efficacy of supervision, but in the examination on the school settings from various countries, the supervision and the associated actions or concern on supervision services depends on the situation of the country or their traditions, the specific roles and functions of the supervisions. Furthermore, the experience of teaching is also highlighted to create a successful drive on the control and support of supervision. The supervisors’ roles are also changed and sometimes called as the “advisors” of the staff which definitely creates a great amount of contribution on the total staff performance. The supervision apparently, became important especially in guiding the staff in different services.

References:

Bossert, T., Bowser, D., Amenyah, J., & Copeland, R., (2004) Ghana: Decentralization and the Health Logistics Systems [Online] Available at: http://deliver.jsi.com/dlvr_content/resources/allpubs/policypapers/GH_DeceHealLogi.pdf [Accessed 30 July 2010]

Burkhauser, M., & Metz, A.J., (2009) Using Coaching to Provide Ongoing Support and Supervision to Out-of-School Time Staff, Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Out-of-School Time Programs: The Role of Frontline Staff, [Online] Available at: http://www.childtrends.org/Files/Child_Trends-2009_02_11_RB_StaffCoaching.pdf [Accessed 30July 2010].

Henderson, P., & Gysbers, N.C., (2006) Providing Administrative and Counseling Supervision for School Counselors [Online] Available at: http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas06/vistas06.35.pdf [Accessed 30 July 2010].

The Impact of Supervision on the Staff Performance in the Special Schools in Ghana

Introduction

Staff performance among the schools received the increasing interests and concerns among the researchers. The performance of every staff is expected to reflect in their ability to drive the changes within the schools and therefore can create an impact towards the school. Because of the lack of monitoring and guidance coming from the higher officials or often referred as the supervisors, the staff and their performance cannot be assured as effective in the schools.

Definition of Supervision

In connection in a relationship, organization or system, the supervision can be defined within a concept of “parenting”. This means that a senior manager is assigned to parent a person according to his task. This is important to ensure that there is continuity in the activity involved and who will be the one responsible towards that activity (Bossert, et al., 2004). This very same idea is supported by other author that the supervision comprises with the idea of coaching and guiding an individual to achieve his potential in an activity and perform well. Based on the various coaching theories, the supervisor should have the knowledge in the area of the staff and have to build the relationship. This is for the reason that supervisors should build the respect, trust, and collegiality that increase the interaction abilities of the staff. Both staff and the supervisor should engage in wide variety of activities. Through the help of the guidance and supervision program, the staff are allowed too experiment, practice, and learn through their mistakes. All of the experience that the staff can gather is effective reference or sources for his sole decision making. The school administration should thereby, promote the supervision initiatives with the aim of long-term professional development strategy (Burkhauser & Metz, 2009).

The Rationale of Supervision of Staff Performance

The performance of a staff in school for special children is important. Therefore the functions and roles assigned for them should be well addressed. The factors involved are the organizational structure in which they operate, their workload, and work management. With the appropriate supervision, the performance of the staffs can have a significant outcome according to the tasks or responsibilities given to them (Henderson & Gysbers, 2006). The purpose of supervision is to provide the standards necessary among the special schools in Ghana. Therefore, the common goal of staff supervision is to increase the knowledge and skills of the staff in order to facilitate the improvement in their performance (Burkhauser & Metz, 2009).

Indicators on the Impact of Supervision on Staff Performance

Providing the education among the schools has been a noble opportunity, especially in the special schools. It is a great challenge for the educators and staff to provide the needs of the children. With the aid of the appropriate supervision, the staffs can achieve their highest possible performance. The indicators that are chosen for supervision involves three variables:

1. Develop supervision guideline to highly facilitate the improvement of the staff.

2. Decide on supervision schedules which are according to the time, place, and work situation of the staffs.

3. Assign staff to supervision which means that the supervisor and staff should be at the same level of position or nature of work in order to facilitate the supervision.

Suggestion for Supervision of Staff Performance

The supervision on the staff performance can be developed by firstly maintaining the best approach the organization included in their system. Another is keeping the methods updated and using the tools such as the assessment methods and appraisal kits. These are important to determine the improvement in the performance of the staff even in a more complex environment. This will also help the staff to accomplish their job according to the goals of the organization.

Conclusion

There are many questions that can be asked on the efficacy of supervision, but in the examination on the school settings from various countries, the supervision and the associated actions or concern on supervision services depends on the situation of the country or their traditions, the specific roles and functions of the supervisions. Furthermore, the experience of teaching is also highlighted to create a successful drive on the control and support of supervision. The supervisors’ roles are also changed and sometimes called as the “advisors” of the staff which definitely creates a great amount of contribution on the total staff performance. The supervision apparently, became important especially in guiding the staff in different services.

References:

Bossert, T., Bowser, D., Amenyah, J., & Copeland, R., (2004) Ghana: Decentralization and the Health Logistics Systems [Online] Available at: http://deliver.jsi.com/dlvr_content/resources/allpubs/policypapers/GH_DeceHealLogi.pdf [Accessed 30 July 2010]

Burkhauser, M., & Metz, A.J., (2009) Using Coaching to Provide Ongoing Support and Supervision to Out-of-School Time Staff, Implementing Evidence-Based Practices in Out-of-School Time Programs: The Role of Frontline Staff, [Online] Available at: http://www.childtrends.org/Files/Child_Trends-2009_02_11_RB_StaffCoaching.pdf [Accessed 30July 2010].

Henderson, P., & Gysbers, N.C., (2006) Providing Administrative and Counseling Supervision for School Counselors [Online] Available at: http://counselingoutfitters.com/vistas/vistas06/vistas06.35.pdf [Accessed 30 July 2010].