Browsing by Author "Kayode, Bakare Kazeem"

Rapid development of alternative communication tools have brought about contentious issues in administrative and management of communication by instructors in distance learning (DL) programme. The aim of this study is to investigate the relationships between communication management indicators. These include communication practices and communication tools and learners` cognitive engagement in blended mode distance learning programme. A structural equation model (SEM) conceptual framework for communication management was developed from Moore’s transactional distance learning theory (TDLT). Particular focus was on four dimensions of interaction-learner-content, learner-learner, learner-instructor; as well as learning-interface and other existing literature on communication practices, communication tools and student engagement. A set of hypotheses concerning direct and correlational links between constructs are derived from the literature. This study was conducted using mixed-method research design. Questionnaire was used to elicit responses from 450 randomly selected in-service teachers from three Malaysia Public universities offering distance learning programmes. Interviews were conducted with three distance learning coordinators from the three universities. Data analysis was conducted using Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS) version 18 software to test the structural path of communication practices, communication tools and learners` cognitive engagement, while thematic coding and themes were used to report the result and interpretation of the interview data to support the quantitative findings. Tests of hypotheses provided evidence of measures of fit, statistical significance and decomposition of total effects on dependent construct. The findings (quantitative and qualitative) provide evidences that effective communication practices and communication tools have strong positive influence on students` cognitive engagement. The study establishes the relevance of administrators-instructors interaction, such as consistent training for DL instructors, efficient monitoring of online communication, integration of social network site (SNSs) and effective recruitment procedure.

This study examines the causes and sources of occupational stress among Islamic school administrators and senior teachers. In addition, the study also investigates the Islamic technique or methods used by administrators and senior teachers to manage their stress at work. This study adopts a quantitative study using questionnaire adapted from Chyuan, (1998). Using a systematic sampling technique, a survey has been conducted on 130 samples from the population of 200. The Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) findings reveals that—lack of support and resolving conflicts, workload, working conditions, administrators` responsibilities, and inadequate resources are the underlying factors of occupational stress among the respondents. The results also show that Solat oasis, Iman oasis, Imagination oasis, Meditation and Relaxation oasis and Remembrance oasis are the underlying dimensions of the common techniques used to manage or cope with occupational stress among the respondents. The implication of this study will alert the policy makers in educational institution (government and private) of the need to promote an awareness of health knowledge regarding administrators and senior teachers stress in the areas of administration, school climate and administrators` responsibilities through communication and training.