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1 April 13, 2023
Editorial
1. Jacob Owusu Sarfo
Artificial Intelligence Chatbots, High-Tech Plagiarism, and Academic Publishing Integrity Conundrum: Are Local Journals in Africa Ready?
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 3-5.
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 3-5.
Abstract:
Artificial intelligence chatbots are one of the innovative examples of machine learning technology today. The inception of this technology has escalated several discussions on high-tech plagiarism in academic publishing. As the world gets overwhelmed with issues regarding academic integrity, an important task facing local African journals is “How equipped are their systems to ensure academic publishing integrity in the face of high-tech plagiarism?” This question demands a multifaceted call to action and a serious look at the current challenges facing local journals.
Artificial intelligence chatbots are one of the innovative examples of machine learning technology today. The inception of this technology has escalated several discussions on high-tech plagiarism in academic publishing. As the world gets overwhelmed with issues regarding academic integrity, an important task facing local African journals is “How equipped are their systems to ensure academic publishing integrity in the face of high-tech plagiarism?” This question demands a multifaceted call to action and a serious look at the current challenges facing local journals.
Articles
2. John C.H. Hu
Supporting Youth Access to Research Dissemination through Digital Media: Analysis of Mental Health Impacts
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 6-17.
3. Mariette Fourie, Gawie SchlebuschJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 6-17.
Abstract:
Research outputs towards dissemination – such as journal articles and academic conferences – may be difficult to access for marginalized youth, despite the fact that engaging youth in this access can help them equitably benefit from the existing research evidence-base while mobilizing new generations towards research utilization and application. A pilot study was conducted to assess digital media as an alternative tool for disseminating research to marginalized youth. Specifically, this article focuses on the mental health implications of communicating research to marginalized youth via digital media. Grounded in the perspectives of marginalized youth themselves, the three-phase study includes an exploratory literature review, a first round of interviews (n = 5) to refine the interview guide, and a second round of interviews with marginalized youth (n = 8) for a pilot investigation. Mental health impacts are analyzed with six emerging themes, with findings below. First, youth self-censor and can experience constant fear even in expressing support for a piece of digital media. Second, youth report intentionally seeking negative emotional experiences via digital media for personal growth and development. Third, youth can successfully receive transformational knowledge via digital media, but the inability to communicate this knowledge to peers and the powerlessness they can experience in being unable to utilize this knowledge can result in greater isolation. Lastly, the intrinsic link between digital media and creation of online communities around a common interest could be further explored towards successful research dissemination and utilization in the future.
Research outputs towards dissemination – such as journal articles and academic conferences – may be difficult to access for marginalized youth, despite the fact that engaging youth in this access can help them equitably benefit from the existing research evidence-base while mobilizing new generations towards research utilization and application. A pilot study was conducted to assess digital media as an alternative tool for disseminating research to marginalized youth. Specifically, this article focuses on the mental health implications of communicating research to marginalized youth via digital media. Grounded in the perspectives of marginalized youth themselves, the three-phase study includes an exploratory literature review, a first round of interviews (n = 5) to refine the interview guide, and a second round of interviews with marginalized youth (n = 8) for a pilot investigation. Mental health impacts are analyzed with six emerging themes, with findings below. First, youth self-censor and can experience constant fear even in expressing support for a piece of digital media. Second, youth report intentionally seeking negative emotional experiences via digital media for personal growth and development. Third, youth can successfully receive transformational knowledge via digital media, but the inability to communicate this knowledge to peers and the powerlessness they can experience in being unable to utilize this knowledge can result in greater isolation. Lastly, the intrinsic link between digital media and creation of online communities around a common interest could be further explored towards successful research dissemination and utilization in the future.
A Cognitive Stance to Enhance Learner Information Processing Ability in the Classroom: Structural Equation Modelling Approach
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 18-31.
4. Dumisani W Mncube, Blanche Hadebe-NdlovuJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 18-31.
Abstract:
The purpose of this study is rooted within the post-positivist research paradigm and aimed at enhancing learner information processing ability in the classroom through the application of structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis. Despite previous years of good educational practice, it is evident from academic results that learners fail to engage in meaningful learning experiences in most South African classrooms. Solutions to teaching and learning problems in education today require a more sophisticated and complex approach. The dynamic merging of the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and pedagogy explores effective teaching and learning practices in light of current knowledge about the brain, learning processes, and factors that influence successful learning. This study employed a closed-ended questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The sample of the study included 650 Grade 11 learners that represented 20 schools of the 65 schools in the Fezile Dabi education district. Data gathered through a non-experimental quantitative design, following the survey method, was analysed through the application of inferential statistics. The main findings of the study illustrated a statistically significant relationship between the information processing ability of learners and conscious awareness, cognitive engagement, and metacognitive engagement. Teachers should take special interest in the study of the brain (i.e., from an educational-neuroscientific stance) because they should understand how the brain contributes to educational phenomena, such as learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, information processing and memory.
The purpose of this study is rooted within the post-positivist research paradigm and aimed at enhancing learner information processing ability in the classroom through the application of structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis. Despite previous years of good educational practice, it is evident from academic results that learners fail to engage in meaningful learning experiences in most South African classrooms. Solutions to teaching and learning problems in education today require a more sophisticated and complex approach. The dynamic merging of the fields of neuroscience, psychology, and pedagogy explores effective teaching and learning practices in light of current knowledge about the brain, learning processes, and factors that influence successful learning. This study employed a closed-ended questionnaire as the data collection instrument. The sample of the study included 650 Grade 11 learners that represented 20 schools of the 65 schools in the Fezile Dabi education district. Data gathered through a non-experimental quantitative design, following the survey method, was analysed through the application of inferential statistics. The main findings of the study illustrated a statistically significant relationship between the information processing ability of learners and conscious awareness, cognitive engagement, and metacognitive engagement. Teachers should take special interest in the study of the brain (i.e., from an educational-neuroscientific stance) because they should understand how the brain contributes to educational phenomena, such as learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, information processing and memory.
Decolonising Life Skills using Indigenous Games in the Foundation Phase: Exploring Rural Learning Theory and Ubuntu Philosophy
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 32-42.
5. David Boohene, Amma Addae-Nketiah, Amita Maxwell, Joseph Asante DarkwahJournal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 32-42.
Abstract:
This paper foregrounds values-based education, as linked to the inclusion of sustainable rural learning and knowledge in the form of indigenous games to decolonise school curricula. Certain curriculum challenges are unique to rural ecology and can only be addressed by experts and philosophers passionate about sustainable rural learning using ubuntu perspectives. This approach of using rural learning methodologies to teach school children is fertile ground for innovation in this study. Interpretivism, in the form of a phenomenological case study approach, was employed, using semi-structured interviews and classroom observation. Document analysis was also used to corroborate the findings. The findings reveal that indigenous games are implied in the curriculum, and teachers do their best to infuse local games in the Grade R, 1, and 2 Life Skills curricula. It was found that many indigenous games are a perfect strategy for infusing sustainable rural learning methods useful for teaching Life Skills in a decolonised approach. Teachers showed pedagogical content knowledge and skills for teaching Life Skills using indigenous games and Ubuntu philosophy. The results call for supportive in-service teacher programmes that can equip Foundation Phase teachers to improve their teaching strategies. In addition, resources should be earmarked to promote pedagogical content knowledge aligned with rural learning.
This paper foregrounds values-based education, as linked to the inclusion of sustainable rural learning and knowledge in the form of indigenous games to decolonise school curricula. Certain curriculum challenges are unique to rural ecology and can only be addressed by experts and philosophers passionate about sustainable rural learning using ubuntu perspectives. This approach of using rural learning methodologies to teach school children is fertile ground for innovation in this study. Interpretivism, in the form of a phenomenological case study approach, was employed, using semi-structured interviews and classroom observation. Document analysis was also used to corroborate the findings. The findings reveal that indigenous games are implied in the curriculum, and teachers do their best to infuse local games in the Grade R, 1, and 2 Life Skills curricula. It was found that many indigenous games are a perfect strategy for infusing sustainable rural learning methods useful for teaching Life Skills in a decolonised approach. Teachers showed pedagogical content knowledge and skills for teaching Life Skills using indigenous games and Ubuntu philosophy. The results call for supportive in-service teacher programmes that can equip Foundation Phase teachers to improve their teaching strategies. In addition, resources should be earmarked to promote pedagogical content knowledge aligned with rural learning.
Adoption of Electronic Banking in Ghana: Does Convenience, Management Support, Security and Human Capital Matter?
Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 43-52.
6. Journal of Advocacy, Research and Education. 2023. 10(1): 43-52.
Abstract:
This study looks into the elements that influence the adoption of electronic banking. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design to sample 347 customers that patronize the services of Commercial banks in Ghana. According to the study, users of electronic banking services believe that convenience, management support, and security are three variables that influence the adoption of electronic banking (e-banking) and hence the growth of their customer base. Furthermore, the study found that Human Capital, as represented by customers’ level of education, impacted whether or not customers of Ghanaian banks adopted e-banking. Customers with greater levels of education appeared to be more prepared to adopt e-banking. The study suggests that marketing initiatives should focus on guiding consumers on how to use e-banking services. Additionally, banks should consider the level of education of their target market share while developing their promotional strategies. Again, commercial banks in Ghana should work to ensure the safety and security of internet transactions. This will significantly boost confidence and encourage the use of e-banking services.
This study looks into the elements that influence the adoption of electronic banking. The study used a cross-sectional descriptive research design to sample 347 customers that patronize the services of Commercial banks in Ghana. According to the study, users of electronic banking services believe that convenience, management support, and security are three variables that influence the adoption of electronic banking (e-banking) and hence the growth of their customer base. Furthermore, the study found that Human Capital, as represented by customers’ level of education, impacted whether or not customers of Ghanaian banks adopted e-banking. Customers with greater levels of education appeared to be more prepared to adopt e-banking. The study suggests that marketing initiatives should focus on guiding consumers on how to use e-banking services. Additionally, banks should consider the level of education of their target market share while developing their promotional strategies. Again, commercial banks in Ghana should work to ensure the safety and security of internet transactions. This will significantly boost confidence and encourage the use of e-banking services.
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