Philosophy of Education
shahdad abdollahikhanghah; Yahya Ghaedi; saeed zarghami; ramazan barkhordari
Abstract
Introduction According to deconstructive genealogical hypotheses, the transformation of concepts is not only not the result of development of science in fields of knowledge such as psychology and social science, but also indicates that such an developments are the result of historical and common events ...
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Introduction According to deconstructive genealogical hypotheses, the transformation of concepts is not only not the result of development of science in fields of knowledge such as psychology and social science, but also indicates that such an developments are the result of historical and common events occurring in the course of transformation. On the basis of this presupposition, the main aim of this study is to explain events, developments and processes that form the concept of elite student and deconstruct the concept in order to explain the marginalized possibilities in students’ life in educational system the contemporary of Iran. Method The method in this research is genealogy. In genealogy, the objective is to discern how a problem or a fact came about in history. Results Finally, in both Shahab and sampad plans, background factors and power relations play a role in the evolution of the concepts. Discussion That indicated the most important discursive formations in this period of time are Shahab and Sampad plans in the contemporary Iran. The first impression that the analysis of genealogy of an elite student gives us is the macro layers that fill the gaps between two formations. The most important factor is the deconstruction of “intelligence” and addition of the sociological concepts to elite students’ training. To this effect a diversity can be noted in social arenas and different dimensions of giftedness in its current formation i.e. Shahab plan. Although more important matter in accordance to genealogy is the analysis of genealogy based matters on non-discursive factors, which indicates that the revolution is not only not the result of development of science in fields of knowledge such as psychology and social science, but also indicates that such an improvement is the result of historical and common events which have occurred in the middle of the path of improvement. Some significant and obvious events which can be mentioned here are brain drain, economic crisis in Iran, change of economic concepts, the inappropriate population density of special instructions for elite students and the reduction of the population of students. Key words: Elite students, genealogy, the contemporary educational system of Iran, non-discursive factors, discursive formation
Educational Management
Khalil Gholami
Abstract
Introduction The employment of teachers in Iran’s public education system is mainly performed in two main ways: first, the selection of volunteers through the national entrance exam for admission to teacher education universities. The second method is by a call for employment for graduates from ...
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Introduction The employment of teachers in Iran’s public education system is mainly performed in two main ways: first, the selection of volunteers through the national entrance exam for admission to teacher education universities. The second method is by a call for employment for graduates from different universities through an employment test. In both of these cases, selection interviews are conducted after a written exam. Despite the widespread annual use of interviewing to recruit required teachers, so far the response of admitted or failed applicants and the consequences and shortcomings of interviews have not been researched or reported. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to investigate teachers’ experiences of job interviews and to identify their related problems in Iran’s public education system. Method A mixed-method research design was adopted. The potential contributors were teachers who had an experience in job interviews. In the qualitative part, 41 teachers were purposively selected, observing and with maximum diversity, to participate in a semi-structured interview protocol. Results Data analysis based on phenomenography method demonstrated that the participants’ experiences of job interview process in Iran’s education system can be described in five different patterns: Interview as headhunting tool for the selection of qualified applicants. Interview as access to information, by which the perspective of the prospective employer and necessary information are sought by a purposeful conversation. Interview as glass wall which is mostly considered to be an apparent tool that sometimes does not harm the organization, if not conducted. Interview as a screening tool for removing some of the applicants from the final recruitment stage. And finally interview as the beginning of teacher applicants’ socialization process which is used for simplification of teacher applicants’ compatibility with the education system. In the quantitative part, 400 teachers were selected by stratified random sampling in order to fill the 38 items questionnaire. Results of demonstrated that the problems of job interviews could be categorized into five major domains including, 1) problems related to interviewees 2) perceptual errors 3) psychometric indexes 4) procedural problems and 5) an authoritarian approach in the interview process. From the of applicants’ viewpoints, problems related to interviewees and perceptual errors were the most significant issues of education job interviews. Discussion The finding leads us to the point that interview is part of the employment process, in which human interaction reaches its climax, and is highly susceptible to biases. The categories can be related to the theories proposed in the research literature. For example, the concept of interview as socialization was justified by the theory of organizational attraction. It seems that the use of the interview approach as socialization is likely to ensure the similarity of the recruited peoples’ values to the value of educational policymakers. Some participants had experienced the interview as a recursive approach. The important thing is to deal with those who have not been accepted. These people should not be ignored; proper treatment with them is important in shaping the public image of the organization. The findings indicated that some contributors had experienced interviews as a means of accessing information about the organization they were seeking to hire. Hence, understanding interviews requires a mix of interviewing interviewees and recruitment candidates. A detailed description of the experiences of recruitment interviews by contributors can enhance our understanding of the processes involved in organizational and organizational engagement, as well as raising our awareness of potential discrimination and biases. This study is a good starting point for gaining a better understanding of the recruitment process in education. Therefore, it is suggested that educational policy makers provide specific training programs for interviewers before conducting recruitment interviews.
Educational Management
habib kamari; mohammad nourian; nader soleimani; esmat masoodi nodooshan
Abstract
Introduction The compilation and operation of strategic programs depend upon strategic thinking and The absence of strategic thinking is among the basic deficits in most organizations which can weaken the possibility of discovering new opportunities. This study aims at doing a systematic research and ...
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Introduction The compilation and operation of strategic programs depend upon strategic thinking and The absence of strategic thinking is among the basic deficits in most organizations which can weaken the possibility of discovering new opportunities. This study aims at doing a systematic research and presenting a meta-synthesis of theoretical patterns and researches, already performed. Method The research is methodologically qualitative and synthetic in type and its content is analyzed according to the meta-synthesis performed in this study subscribing to its practical aim. Results The result of analyzing the inductive content and the combination of categories and results of analysis and combinations is the extraction of a conceptual framework in the field of strategic thinking studies in the form of 56 concepts and 12 components around three levels, individual, group, and organizational. The results point to the relationship between managers' strategic thinking and the success rate of organizations, and the integration of strategic thinking in the organization creates vital capabilities that form the basis of a sustainable competitive advantage and, accordingly, a strategic thinking model was designed. Discussion In this research, by studying the researches, the effective variables of strategic thinking were identified, codified and classified and theoretical grounds, main categories and themes were extracted and the conceptual model of strategic thinking was developed. Although it could be seen that the intuitive and systemic dimensions were separate, with more emphasis on studies, these dimensions were subdivided into the next dimension of the individual. On the other hand, in order to understand strategic thinking in an organizational environment, one has to look beyond the subjects such as the context of the group and its impact on the ability to think strategically and ultimately to provide a framework for strategic thinking, we combine the micro-focus of the individuals and groups with a macro-focus of the organization.
Philosophy of Education
Roohollah Karimi
Abstract
Introduction When we discuss of moral education from the Aristotle view it comes to our mind one of the important theory namely " habituation theory". The concept of habituation as a lenghthy learning process that results in a kind of social and operational condition of the individual by bothe the immediate ...
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Introduction When we discuss of moral education from the Aristotle view it comes to our mind one of the important theory namely " habituation theory". The concept of habituation as a lenghthy learning process that results in a kind of social and operational condition of the individual by bothe the immediate and the broder social environment into which the individual is embedded. Method The purpose of this article is a philosophical critique of habituation as the most prominent aspect of moral education in the Nicomachean Ethics basedon Tusi's interpretation. To achieve this goal, the method of content analysis and logical deduction was used. Results It was shown that although Tusi's interpretation, because of its emphasis on the part of the will in the process of habituation, cannot be called mechanical interpretation, there are still serious differences, like mechanical interpretation, between Aristotle's habituation in Nicomachean ethics and Tusi's habituation in Nasirean Ethics. Discussion I first try to elaborate mechanical interpretation, since in many cases commentators of Aristotle have considered the traditional interpretations containing Tusi's asmechanical interpretation. I try to show that mechanical interpretation is based on the principles of behaviorism, and we can’t attribute this interpretation not only to Aristotle, but to his traditional commentators like Tusi, because behaviorism refuses to acknowledge the internal workings of persons containing the will, which confirmed by Aristotle and his traditional commentators. This is while an important feature in Tusi's interpretation is to emphasize the will and strengthen it. The role of the will in Tusi's interpretation is so important that we can consider other parameters of his moral education as punishment and encourage, practical training, austerity, modeling and etc. to strengthen the will in trainee. Although mechanical interpretation cannot be attributed to neither Aristotle nor Tusi, Tusi's habituation in Nasirean Ethics isn't the same Aristotle's habituation in Nicomachean ethics. At least two major criticisms are made on Tusi's reading. First, since the will has intentionality, and virtuous acts can't be separated from certain situations, the reinforcement of pure will cannot be achieved. Secondly, Tusi doesn’t pay sufficient attention to phronesis, while it has very important role in the Nicomachean Ethics, as far as Aristotle says virtue cannot exist without phronesis. It causes the portion of reason and rational education in moral education in Nasirean Ethics is less than the Nicomakhean Ethics. In the end, it is tried to show that the interpretation of Nasir al-Din is rooted in the sharp separation of the powers of the soul, which is influenced by the separation of the material universe from the universe of ideas in Neoplatonism, which is not confirmed by Aristotle.
Educational Management
Abstract
Introduction Universities and higher education institutions centers have a certain position that act as the engines of societies, so upgrading and enhancing its efficacy can in turn better and more effective service to the community. It seems that the use of the servant leadership style as a moral and ...
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Introduction Universities and higher education institutions centers have a certain position that act as the engines of societies, so upgrading and enhancing its efficacy can in turn better and more effective service to the community. It seems that the use of the servant leadership style as a moral and ethical approach can provide the opportunities to achieve these goals. The servant leadership is based on the servitude philosophy which has a optimistic nature focusing on ethical behavior, serving the development of others, and philanthropic philosophy. Thus, the main objective of this study was to design a model of servant leadership that would suit the cultural considerations and requirements of Iranian Islamic society in broader sense and the University of Farhangian particularly. Method In order to discover the very true participants' tastes, experience, attitudes and perceptions, grounded theory (Strauss and Corbin, 2008) was employed. Through targeted sampling regarding the two characteristics of familiarity with the context of Farhangyan university and having long experience in leadership, seven faculty members and eight head masters (totally fifteen) in Farhangian University were selected to be interviewed. Qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interviewing techniques and reviewing written documents (University Statutes, management charters, Managers' Letter Covenants, by university officials' interviews and lectures). Qualitative Analysis Software (Nvivo) was applied for data analysis. Based on Strauss and Carbian systematic approach, in the three stages of Open Coding, Axial Coding, Selective Coding. Validation through triangulation was reviewed by contributors and non-contributing experts. Results Dimensions of paradigm pattern include: Causal conditions (Ethical and psychological characteristics, service motivation and hooliganism, attorney-trust look and feelings of divine duty), core category or phenomenon (Servant Leadership), context conditions (establishment and preparation of facilities, agility, making perspectives, Religious Principles, Islamic System Values), intervening conditions (establishment of core competencies, expertise and experience, strong communication network, managerial instability and Just evaluation of performance), Strategies (institutionalization of servant leadership, optimization and enhancement of the management and development of partnership), consequences (promoting the quality of the leader-follower relationship, The psychological atmosphere based on trust, effective individual and organizational results), upon which, model of service leadership was designed and validated. Discussion The success of organizations depends on the efficient and effective leaders who are capable of grasping chances and fulfill weak points to accommodate needs. Such leaders are winners by adopting a leadership style that is soothing to chaotic conditions of the new world and consistent with the cultural considerations and value of the community as well. Accordingly, university of Farhangian obliged a style of management that best accommodate academic system necessities, furthermore, to be committed to the principles of value and ethics in Islam. As the findings of this study showed that, servant leadership has a broad range of advantages for the organization and that is compatible with the culture and traditions of the Islamic environment, a value-dominent model in line with cultural values of the country was designed and validated that seems promising to direct educational campuses particularly, Farhangian universities.
jafar amiri farahabadi; Mahmoud Abolghasemi; Mohammad Ghahramani
Abstract
Introduction According to many experts and scholars of higher education, nowadays the most important factor of inefficiency of higher education policymaking in Iran is nonconformity of policies and decisions with scientific, theoretical and research basics. Policy research is defined as a research process, ...
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Introduction According to many experts and scholars of higher education, nowadays the most important factor of inefficiency of higher education policymaking in Iran is nonconformity of policies and decisions with scientific, theoretical and research basics. Policy research is defined as a research process, focused on providing policy options and referred to the practice of policymakers and can contribute to reasonable and rational policymaking in the field of higher education. Method the main aim of this research was designing and validation of pathology model of Iranian higher education policy research process. For this purpose mixed exploratory approach was used. Process of this research has been conducted in quantitative and qualitative phases. In qualitative phase through semi-structured interviews with 15 policy makers, policy researchers and scientific experts and subsequently content analysis of interviews, a list of the current damaging factors of policy research process in Iranian higher education was adopted. Then, mentioned list is confirmed by participants through Delphi technique (binomial test). Based on the findings of qualitative phase of research, quantitative questionnaire was designed and conducted. Statistical population of quantitative phase were higher education policy researchers and decision-makers including those affiliated to the Ministry of Science, Research and Technology (as institute for social and cultural studies, institute for research and planning in higher education, center for international scientific studies and collaboration and etc.), those not affiliated to the Ministry (as national research institute for science policy, Islamic parliament research center, supreme council of cultural revolution), higher education policy-makers and scientific experts. 203 questionnaires were completed by them. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to examine research questions. Results During the present research process, 93 sub-components were identified in the form of 12 main components and 5 dimensions: 26 components for contextual and environmental dimension, 11 components for structural dimension, 23 components for functional dimension (higher education policy makers), 23 components for functional dimension (higher education policy researchers) and 10 components for communicational and interactional dimension. Discussion In order to reduce the damage of current policy research process of Iranian higher education, some solutions can be considered, including: reforming the system of evaluation and promotion of higher education policy-researchers, need-based establishment of policy-research structures, prioritizing policy-making needs in higher education, more participation of policy-makers in policy research process, Balanced distribution of power between policy-makers and policy-researchers. nsion.
Educational Psychology
Saeed Gharaaghaji; Shahram Vahedi; Eskandar Fathi Azar; yousef adib
Abstract
Introduction The tendency to postpone learning activities is regarded as an important reason for low academic performances among students. Academic procrastination is a complex phenomenon and despite numerous studies, there is no consensus among experts about its components. Method This study ...
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Introduction The tendency to postpone learning activities is regarded as an important reason for low academic performances among students. Academic procrastination is a complex phenomenon and despite numerous studies, there is no consensus among experts about its components. Method This study aimed to explore the contextual, processual, and consequential factors related to procrastination. For this purpose, the current study used grounded theory. 30 third-grade high school students in the academic year 95-96 were selected through purposive and theoretical sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect data. During this process, open and axial coding were carried out. Related categories in the field of paradigmatic model, process and outcome were determined. Then in the selective coding, the core category or main research theme was extracted. Results The findings revealed 12 main themes and 33 sub-themes in the model paradigm. In the domain of context, the structure of the educational system, factors related to teachers, peers, tasks, parents, and individual traits; in processual domain, poor planning and time management, low mindfulness and delay in doing homework, and finally academic and emotional consequences were extracted. The central category extracted was an instrumental attitude towards learning. Discussion According to the results of this study, students consider learning as an instrument for achieving external outcomes. Therefore, learning activities take priority when there is a possibility that they might lead to the desired results; otherwise they will be set aside. Central category linked context to the process making the consequences of procrastination more comprehensible. Findings specified the components of academic procrastination in the framework of grounded theory. Based on this model, suggestions were presented in different areas for education authorities, teachers, parents and students.
Educational Management
maryam nabavi; aliakbar aminbeidokhti; sakineh jafari
Abstract
Future developments of the country in terms of economic, social, cultural and political fields depend on students’ competencies and the programs offered by higher education and extending and improving the learning and teaching are the most important priorities of higher education. In this regard, ...
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Future developments of the country in terms of economic, social, cultural and political fields depend on students’ competencies and the programs offered by higher education and extending and improving the learning and teaching are the most important priorities of higher education. In this regard, one of the most important elements of higher education and universities is faculty members who play a decisive and undeniable role in achieving the goals and missions of higher education in quantitative and qualitative terms, so, examining their qualifications and competencies in different dimensions especially in the field of teaching and the impact they can have on improving the quality of learners’ learning and their achievements of education is very necessary. Accordingly, the aim of the present study is to examine the mediating role of cooperative learning in relation with teaching qualification and professional competence of faculty members with the students’ academic achievement at Semnan University. Method present study is regard, purpose is practical and is regard method of data collection, it is considered as descriptive-correlational. The statistical population of the study consisted of all B.A and M.A students (16,000 people) of Semnan University in the academic year 1394-95 of which 260 people were selected as the sample of the study using cluster sampling method (179 B.A students and 81 M.A students). All of them completed faculty members’ teaching qualification (Robert et al, 2009), faculty members’ professional competence (Robert et al, 2009), cooperative learning (Moghimi & Ramezani, 2013) and students’ academic achievement (Pace & Kuh, 2000) scales. The data were analyzed by using statistical correlation techniques and path analysis after the validity and reliability of the scales were assessed. Based on the purpose of the study, the following hypothesis was considered and followed up. Teaching qualification and professional competence of faculty members with the mediation of cooperative learning have an indirect and significant effect on students’ academic achievement. Results The findings showed that there is a significant positive relationship between teaching qualification, professional competence of faculty members, cooperative learning and students’ academic achievement. Teaching qualification of faculty members has an indirect and significant effect on students’ academic achievement with the mediation of cooperative learning, but the direct effect is not significant. Professional competence of faculty members has a direct and significant effect on students’ academic achievement but it does not have an indirect and significant impact on students’ academic achievement with the mediation of cooperative learning. Teaching qualification and professional competence of faculty members and cooperative learning explain 18% of variance of students’ academic achievement. Discussion The results of this study indicated the importance of paying attention to the teaching qualification and professional competence of faculty members and cooperative learning in increasing the students’ academic achievement. The use of question generation techniques in implementation of teaching, assessment of students’ knowledge, insight and skills in accordance with teaching objectives; challenging students in relation to teaching activities; using appropriate evaluation methods and providing proper learning opportunities by faculty members can improve students’ professional achievements. Also, fostering students’ mental achievement by faculty members through supporting students in solving problems associated with the lesson, challenging students’ ideas on educational activities; using different resources to improve educational activity, and students support in order to find suitable educational resources can also be another reason for the findings of this study.
Hossein Bagherpour
Abstract
Introduction The rapid development of information and communication technology in teaching and learning has changed the main approach of pen and paper-based test system to a technology-based test. Computers and related technologies provide powerful tools for solving evaluation challenges and facilitate ...
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Introduction The rapid development of information and communication technology in teaching and learning has changed the main approach of pen and paper-based test system to a technology-based test. Computers and related technologies provide powerful tools for solving evaluation challenges and facilitate the recording of a wider set of cognitive skills. The study aims to Compare the technology-based proficiency tests and paper-based tests from the perspective of General Department of Vocational and Technical Education of Alborz test applicants has been conducted. Method The research method is a descriptive method. The population of this study were 420 examinees from Alborz Vocational and Technical Educational Department which 201 subjects were selected as cluster sampling using Cochran formula as sample size. This study in a pilot study terms of functional and data collection method. Data collection consisted of researcher- made questionnaire with 5-point scale Likert with reliability of 0.89. The questionnaire was prepared in three dimensions: Technical, environmental and managerial factors. The reliability of the questionnaire has been satisfied by AMOS software, factor analysis based on structural equations. The significance of factor loadings indicated the significance of all factor loads at the level of 0.001. The fittest indices indicated that the model has a relatively good fit. Questionnaire administered in two independent subject groups including computer-based and paper-based subject groups. Data analysis was conducted based on two levels of descriptive and inferential statistics using SPSS software, and analyzing the results was performed by the analysis of variance and t independent samples. Results The research results indicates the higher average level of electronic examinees' comments and meaningful difference between the average valuations via technology-based tests compared with traditional or paper-based tests. Discussion Also, the results of the research indicate that the average level of e- readership is higher and the mean value of the evaluation is significantly different from the traditional tests or paper tests. Regarding the results of the research, it seems that planning for implementation of new models of evaluation and the implementation of a variety of technology-based tests for the types of tests should take place.
