Kaviraj Goodoory | Mauritius Institute of Education (original) (raw)

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Instructional design models provide teachers with a guide that shapes the learning process in the... more Instructional design models provide teachers with a guide that shapes the learning process in the classroom. Although instructional design models can be used in any field of study, teachers are confronted with the question of which instructional design model to choose in the teaching of a specific topic. The aim of this study was to understand factors that affect the choice of instructional design models from four given instructional design models; namely, Merrill's First Principle of Instruction, ADDIE, ASSURE, and the Dick and Carey model.

Data for this study was obtained from reflective reports from 15 teachers of Computer Science working in both private and public institutions in Mauritius. The data was tabulated in a spreadsheet package and content analysis was performed on the data.

The results show that teachers have a preference for Merrill's First Principle of Instruction as they find it easy to use, it requires less preparation time, and more engagement from learners.
keywords: instructional design models, computer science, teaching and learning.

In order to meet the challenges of the future, reforms have been found to be necessary in all fie... more In order to meet the challenges of the future, reforms have been found to be necessary in all fields. Reform in education is the first step towards greater changes in the country ahead. An educational reform at this point in time is an indication that our country is on the right track on its path to progress and adheres to the fact that Mauritius is no longer considered as a developing country but a newly developed country. Nevertheless, educational reform is a high risk political activity which is invariably accompanied by controversy and resistance. This paper aims at looking at this major educational reform in Mauritius. It also provides a framework to analyse reforms in education.

Data for this study was obtained through policy papers, official documents, newspapers and interviews and afterthoughts of high profile individuals in the field of education. Content analysis was performed and an existing framework, used for reforms in health service system was proposed to analyse the data.

The results show that there are many hurdles on the way ahead and proper planning as well as adequate resources are key to make this reform a success. The research also shows the adequacy of the modified framework to be used in order to analyse reforms in educational system.
keywords: educational reform, nine year schooling, evaluating educational system.

The Deaf Acculturation Scale (DAS) was developed by Deborah Maxwell-McCaw and Maria Cecilia Zea o... more The Deaf Acculturation Scale (DAS) was developed by Deborah Maxwell-McCaw and Maria Cecilia Zea of Gallaudet University. The purpose of the tool was to measure cultural identity for Deaf and hard-of-hearing (hh) populations. Mauritius is a culturally rich and quite a complex society with diverse culture and languages being present. So far, very few studies have been conducted to understand the identity of the Deaf and hard-of-hearing population in Mauritius. The study is an attempt to understanding Cultural Deaf Identities of deaf learners studying in a special school for the deaf.

Data for this study was obtained through a questionnaire that was translated to Creole language. Thirteen deaf learners filled in the questionnaires. The analysis was done using an online qualitative data analysis tool (http://www.dedoose.com)

The result show that the learners identify themselves as Deaf. They are engaged in activities conducted by Deaf. This study illustrates the importance of understanding Deaf culture in order to understand the deaf learners.
keywords: deaf learners, deaf identity, deaf culture, special education.

This paper describes the experiences of trainee teachers in developing digital stories. Digital s... more This paper describes the experiences of trainee teachers in developing digital stories. Digital stories have been used for various purposes. Some studies report their use in educational setting. The increasing availability of web based video-editing tools as well as faster access to the Internet is making digital story popular. However, its as a teaching and learning tool is yet to be fully explored. The study was conducted to investigate the technological tools that are used by deaf learners and to explore their use of Facebook.

Data for this study was obtained through a questionnaire, interview of 11 trainee teachers and content analysis of their postings a forum set up for the course. The analysis was done using an online qualitative data analysis tool (http://www.dedoose.com)

The results show developing digital stories allowed trainee educators to reflect on their practice and share with their peer.. The results also show that digital stories can be used in the teaching of topics from various subject areas. This study illustrates the potential of digital story telling as an educational tool.
keywords: teacher training, digital storytelling, technology.

This exploratory study aims at determining the current state of home school community partnership... more This exploratory study aims at determining the current state of home school community partnership in Mauritius. Such partnership allows families, schools and communities develop mutual respect, understanding and ways of working together to improve students’ learning outcome. A framework for home school community is proposed by Epstein (2009) which suggests that there are six types of involvements. This study explores how schools involve home and community.

Data for this exploratory study was obtained through online questionnaire and interviews. The participants of this study were teachers working in preprimary, primary and secondary schools in the island. The analysis was performed by using WEFT QDA which is a freely available qualitative data analysis tool.

The results show that while communication, volunteering and collaborating with community is taking place quite commonly parenting, learning at home and decision making are areas where schools are not involving parents. The results also show that private schools are engaging with parents and community more than public schools.

This paper describes the use experiences of deaf learners attending a special school in using Fac... more This paper describes the use experiences of deaf learners attending a special school in using Facebook. Social networking sites have been used students for various purposes. Some studies report their use as an informal learning environment. These sites provide a platform to deaf learners to stay in touch and discuss with peers who are hearing and those with hearing impairment. The study was conducted to investigate the technological tools that are used by deaf learners and to explore their use of Facebook.

Data for this study was obtained through a questionnaire, interview of 12 deaf learners and 2 teachers and content analysis of their Facebook pages. The analysis was done using an online qualitative data analysis tool (http://www.dedoose.com) and a network analysis software.

The results show that mobile phones ans laptop where the main technological tools used by deaf learners. The results also show that while Facebook was used a a means to be in touch and communicate with friends, and at the same time as a platform interacting about their learning. This study illustrates the potential of Facebook as an educational tool.

This paper describes the experiences of secondary school students in using role play as a strateg... more This paper describes the experiences of secondary school students in using role play as a strategy in the learning of data structures at ‘A level’ Computing and how it influenced their motivation, interest and .confidence. Role play has been used in other areas (Jackson & Back, 2011, Managheb & Mosalanejad, 2011) (Roubtsova, 2010) (Samuel & Subhashini, 2011) (Smirnova, 2011) (Williams, 2012) (Wolfe, 2009) (XU, 2011) but has been scarcely used in the teaching of topics related to Computing and Computer studies. Role play is known to enhance motivation, interest and confidence of learners. At the same time, various Computing and Computer studies topics are perceived as too complex and uninteresting by students. This study reveals the impact of role play on the motivation, interest and confidence of secondary school students when role play was used in the teaching and learning of Data Structures.

Data for this case study was obtained through observation, questionnaire, and semi-structured interviews of 12 participants, aged between 16 and 17 years old and attending a secondary school in a rural area in the Eastern part of Mauritius. Analysis of the data was carried out using a web-based qualitative data analysis tool (www.deedoose.com).

The results reveal that participants are more enthusiastic to engage in class activities. They also develop social and communication skills through group activities associated with the teaching of data structures. Role play can be a very useful strategy to teach concepts that are perceived as abstract. However, meticulous preparation is required; otherwise not all students engage equally and feel that role play is a waste of time.

This paper describes the use of collaborative web based mind mapping tools by trainee teachers at... more This paper describes the use of collaborative web based mind mapping tools by trainee teachers attending full-time course in a Mauritian Teacher training institution. Mind maps have been used widely in education and lot of research already exists about its use as a teaching and learning tool. Now with the advent of web-based mind mapping tools it has become possible to build mind maps collaboratively. This study explores how trainee teachers engage in reflection when collaborating online to build mind maps.

Data for this case study was obtained through online questionnaire, analysis of mind maps, and semi-structured interviews of 16 participants, following pre-service teacher training courses. Analysis of the data was carried out using a web-based qualitative data analysis tool.
The results show that collaborative we based mind maps allow trainee teachers to engage in reflection, generate and share ideas. Trainee teachers are also more enthusiastic to use mind maps than written reports as they found it less time consuming, easier to present information, easier to understand, and allows easier flow of ideas

This paper describes the experiences of pre-service trainee teachers in Mauritius in designing an... more This paper describes the experiences of pre-service trainee teachers in Mauritius in designing and developing video clips with mobile phones, for use as teaching and learning resources for History at primary level. History is perceived as a dull and boring subject requiring rote learning.One way to make the teaching and learning of History lively and interesting is through the use of technology. Teachers are using mobile technology in their daily life to communicate and share multimedia information. This study involved a sample of trainee teachers to select a historical site found in their locality, work a storyboard, shoot with their mobile add narration and notes to produce a clip. While research has been done in the teaching and learning of history and the use of technology, no much research exist on the use of Mobile as a pedagogical tool. Also, no such work has been conducted in the local context. The purpose of this research was to investigate the experiences of trainee teachers in the developing of video clips for the teaching and learning of history.

The data for this case study was gathered through an online questionnaire from 12 participants, structured and semi-structured interview and the analysis storyboards, and video clips produced. The findings reveal that the perception of trainee teachers about History Education has changed. The project also helped trainee teachers develop communication and interpersonal skills. The trainee teachers also realized the potential of Mobile phones as a pedagogical tool.
This study shows use of mobile phones to develop teaching resources. Such activities engage trainee teachers in thinking, reflecting and researching about ways of taking teaching of history beyond the pages of textbooks.
keywords: mobile phone, history education, teacher training.

This paper describes the experiences of trainee teachers while developing interactive pedagogical... more This paper describes the experiences of trainee teachers while developing interactive pedagogical tools and how it impacts on their creativity and problem solving skills. Interactive Pedagogical tools are pedagogical tools that help the teacher take learning to the reach of learners. These pedagogical tools differ from traditional teaching aids as they can be manipulated in various ways. In their teacher training programme trainees are required to design and implement such pedagogical tools. Although there is a large body of literature on the design and use of teaching aids, none exist on the use of interactive pedagogical tools. The purpose of this research is to investigate the experiences of trainee teachers as they engage in the conception of these interactive pedagogical tools. The study reveals the challenges they face and how they turn a printed poster into an interactive pedagogical tool.

Data for this case study was obtained through online questionnaires from 49 participants from varied background. Focus groups interviews and individual semi-structured interviews were also used. Analysis of the interactive pedagogical tool and mindmaps created by trainee teachers was carried out.

The results show that working on interactive pedagogical tools help trainee teachers to become more creative, be more responsible, and develop problem solving skills. The challenges that trainee teachers faced was working in groups, deciding about a topic and to make a printed poster interactive. The forms of interactions vary from manipulative arms, flashcards, and pockets to enhance interactiveness and creativeness.

Interactive posters not only look appealing but are also very useful in teaching abstract concepts. Its conception requires trainee teachers to work as a group and design an original piece of work as well as engage in thinking and problem solving.
keywords: teaching aid, interactive pedagogical tool, teacher training.

In 2001, the newly appointed Minister of Education proposed a modified curriculum for the primary... more In 2001, the newly appointed Minister of Education proposed a modified curriculum for the primary schools. For the first time Information and Communication Technology (ICT) was introduced as a subject in the primary schools. However, it is to be noted that the ministry took a long time to implement this decision. Even during the implementation phase, some important problems have cropped up and this further delayed the introduction of ICT in these schools. This paper therefore tries to measure the degree to which ICT education has been either a success or a failure in primary schools and analyses some issues that have emerged since its introduction in this sector. The hope placed by some teachers and parents in ICT to enhance teaching and learning has moved to despair because it has increased the digital divide between the haves and the haves not.

Kaviraj Goodoory | Mauritius Institute of Education (original) (raw)

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