The COVID-19 pandemic has forced an immediate implementation of online learning. However, little is known about its effectiveness and challenges faced by the students. Thus, this study is aimed at examining the effectiveness of online learning and the challenges that it presents to pupils’ abilities to learn. This study employed a case study design using a survey questionnaire, administered to 99 students from a secondary school in Jasin, Melaka. Data were analysed descriptively (calculation of percentage and frequency). Generally, the findings indicated that the students have computers or smartphones and an internet connection at home. Besides, it was found that that the ability and comfortability to use computers was high (>93%). However, their motivation in online learning was low (41.5%) and ability to work in a group was at a moderate level (66.7%). They also agreed that conventional teaching (face-to-face) was important for their learning (98%). These findings are valuable for the government, school administrators, teachers and parents to acknowledge the importance of well-equipped facilities and a stable internet connection for effective learning. However, it is recommended for future researchers to utilize a larger sample size and students from various backgrounds to better understand this issue. Keywords: COVID-19; online learning; students’ challenges; remote learning.
The unprecedented disruption in education due to the COVID-19 pandemic has forced teachers worldwide to adapt to online teaching and the immediate implementation of home-based learning (HBL). However, little is known regarding teacher readiness for HBL. Thus, there is a pressing need to develop an instrument to measure teachers’ readiness for online teaching, which can provide feedback to guide policymakers and school leaders in planning strategic interventions and support for implementing HBL. This study aimed to refine and validate the HBL Teacher Readiness Scale and to ascertain the view of secondary school teachers on aspects of their readiness to implement HBL. A total of 931 from a population of 3826 secondary school teachers were selected using random sampling, from the state of Selangor, Malaysia. The validity and reliability of the HBL Teacher Readiness instrument were tested using exploratory factor analysis and reliability analysis. As a result of the analysis, the scale remained at 26 items across four factors, namely efficacy in technology, attitude, perceived behaviour control, and subjective norms. The Cronbach Alpha coefficient for the entire scale was 0.94. Demographic analysis revealed that, overall, the in-service teachers’ level of readiness was at a high level across all dimensions, although the highest was in attitude and the lowest was in subjective norms. Based on this initial sample, the HBL Teacher Readiness Scale was shown to be a suitable instrument to measure teacher readiness for change in the context of the implementation of HBL, although further testing should be conducted on more diverse groups.
This research examined leadership practices in the unique context of primary schools with smaller levels of enrolment, specifically small schools in Malaysia. These are schools with an enrolment of up to 150 students that are primarily located in rural areas. This study explored the challenges encountered by experienced head teachers of such schools and, more importantly, identified the strategies head teachers employed to overcome these challenges. This was achieved through a qualitative analysis of interviews conducted with experienced head teachers from five small schools. The findings demonstrate that all five schools faced similar challenges: financial constraints, a dilapidated infrastructure, lack of human resources, and competence-related issues among teachers. All respondents overcame these challenges with creativity and passion. They found alternative methods with which to generate school funds, adopted the role of learner leaders by developing their information and communication technology skills, and served as role models for instructional leadership. The findings will enable policymakers and school leaders, particularly those involved in small schools, to provide quality education for every child. Nevertheless, further studies involving a greater number of respondents are needed to understand the complex challenges involved in managing small schools and the optimal ways of overcoming these.
Previous studies show that there are still issues of Malaysia principal competency in managing curriculum. Therefore the purpose of this study is to identify how far this statement is true and to recommend the best solution in handling this issue. The definition of competency in this study is the level of knowledge and skill that principals have in managing curriculum. To get the data, questionnaires has been sent to 314 principals, 720 senior assistants, and 611 senior teachers from all over Malaysia. Findings show that based on principals self evaluation and their subordinates evaluation, overall, principals competency in managing curriculum is at a high level with a mean score 4.30. Principals self evaluation also show that their knowledge to plan strategies to improve curriculum achievement is at a very high level but their skills to ensure teachers give priority to teaching and learning, to ensure curriculum change that is fully implemented, to encourage cooperation among teachers in implementing teaching and learning, and to mobilize effective programs are still at a medium level. Based on these findings, this study recommends that all principals must attend leadership training before being appointed as principals.
Integrating values in managing a school is crucial to balance the role of school leaders as leaders and managers under one roof. This study highlights the practice of ethical leadership (branch of value-based leadership) based on seven dimensions. Using a mixed method (QUAN-qual) approach, this study i) identifies the level of principal’s ethical leadership practices and trust in leader as perceived by primary and secondary school teachers of Malaysia, ii) explores the relationship between both variables and classifies accordingly the subconstructs of ethical leadership practices that significantly contribute to developing trust in their leaders, iii) ascertain the understanding and practices of ethical leadership style among the principals as perceived by the principals themselves. The quantitative data were collected via Ethical Leadership at Workplace (ELW) and Trust in Leader (TL) questionnaire. A total of 438 public school teachers nationwide responded to the questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical method. The findings show that principals throughout the country practiced high ethical leadership. The level of teacher's trust in principals was also high. The inference analysis found very strong significant relationship between ethical leadership and teachers' trust on their principals. A semi-structured interview with three school principals was conducted to collect the qualitative data revealed that the Malaysian principals lacked the understanding of ethical leadership style, nevertheless practiced several dimensions of ethical leadership in their school administration. The study suggests ethical leadership to be integrated into current school leadership practices to further understand its impact. Keywords: Ethical leadership, School Leadership, Trust in Leader, Value-based Leadership
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