Research Article

Influencing postgraduates’ cognition in research methodology via active-interactive PowerPoint-based learning strategy

Sirak Tsegaye Yimer 1 *
More Detail
1 Department of Mathematics, College of Natural and Computational Sciences, Ambo University, Ambo, Oromia, ETHIOPIA* Corresponding Author
Mediterranean Journal of Social & Behavioral Research, 7(3), October 2023, 141-149, https://doi.org/10.30935/mjosbr/13380
Published Online: 10 June 2023, Published: 01 September 2023
OPEN ACCESS   1090 Views   674 Downloads
Download Full Text (PDF)

ABSTRACT

The rationale of this study was the paradigm shift due to the integration of the educational research methodology course into the curriculum of mathematics postgraduates. However, in most literature reported for postgraduates of education, social, and other science disciplines, who have often enrolled for it, the pedagogics of these curricula have not yet appropriately embedded in the content in a well-structured manner. Because postgraduates poorly conceived research methodology theories, they have been highly challenged in executing their research projects. This study aimed to examine the influence of the active-collaborative PowerPoint-based approach on postgraduates’ cognitive knowledge progress in achievement tests and writing and peer presentation skills on open-ended tasks. The mixed methods in a one-group pre-/post-test pre-experimental design were used. Data were collected using the five-point Likert scale questionnaire, achievement test and open-ended questions and analyzed through descriptive statistics, paired samples t-test and thematic analysis techniques. The findings reveal that the active-collaborative learning strategy highly contributed to postgraduates’ progress in cognitive performance on the achievement test as there was a statistically significant difference between post-test and pre-test scores; t(33)=17.3; p<0.05; η2=0.9. Postgraduates’ conception, understanding, justification, and discourse towards writing and peer presentation on open-ended tasks were not substantial.

CITATION (APA)

Yimer, S. T. (2023). Influencing postgraduates’ cognition in research methodology via active-interactive PowerPoint-based learning strategy. Mediterranean Journal of Social & Behavioral Research, 7(3), 141-149. https://doi.org/10.30935/mjosbr/13380

REFERENCES

  1. Akhmetov, T. A., Baimukhambetova, B. S., Smagliy, T. I., Utegenova, B. M., Aydnalieva, N. A., & Kifik, N. Y. (2016). Experimental work organization for preparing master’s degree students for research activities. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 11(5), 1359-1371.
  2. Arruabarrena, R., Sánchez, A., Blanco, J. M., Vadillo, J. A., & Usandizaga, I. (2019). Integration of good practices of active methodologies with the reuse of student-generated content. International Journal of Educational Technology in Higher Education, 16(1), 1-20. https://doi.org/10.1186/s41239-019-0140-7
  3. Bolliger, D. U., & Armier Jr, D. D. (2013). Active learning in the online environment: The integration of student-generated audio files. Active Learning in Higher Education, 14(3), 201-211. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787413498032
  4. Carr, R., Palmer, S., & Hagel, P. (2015). Active learning: The importance of developing a comprehensive measure. Active Learning in Higher Education, 16(3), 173-186. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787415589529
  5. Clinton, V., & Kelly, A. E. (2020). Student attitudes toward group discussions. Active Learning in Higher Education, 21(2), 154-164. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787417740277
  6. Cohen, L., Manion, L., & Morrison, K. (2018). Research methods in education. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9781315456539
  7. Daniel, B., Kumar, V., & Omar, N. (2018). Postgraduate conception of research methodology: Implications for learning and teaching. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 41(2), 220-236. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2017.1283397
  8. Eison, J. (2010). Using active learning instructional strategies to create excitement and enhance learning. Jurnal Pendidikantentang Strategi Pembelajaran Aktif (Active Learning) Books [Journal of Education on Active Learning Strategies (Active Learning) Books], 2(1), 1-10.
  9. Gámiz-Sánchez, V. M. (2017). ICT-based active methodologies. Procedia-Social and Behavioural Sciences, 237, 606-612. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2017.02.018
  10. Gay, L. R., Mills, G. E., & Airasian, P. (2012). Educational research: Competencies for analysis and applications. Pearson.
  11. John, W. B., & James V. K. (2006). Research in education. Pearson.
  12. Johnson, R. B., & Christensen, L. (2019). Educational research: Quantitative, qualitative and mixed approaches. SAGE.
  13. Kilburn, D., Nind, M., & Wiles, R. (2014). Learning as researchers and teachers: The development of a pedagogical culture for social science research methods? British Journal of Educational Studies, 62(2), 191-207. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071005.2014.918576
  14. Lewthwaite, S., & Nind, M. (2016). Teaching research methods in the social sciences: Expert perspectives on pedagogy and practice. British Journal of Educational Studies, 64(4), 413-430. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071005.2016.1197882
  15. Marciniak, M. (2017). Active learning in developmental classes of mathematics. Mathematics Teaching Research Journal, 9(1-2), 1-12.
  16. Mishore, E., & Abate, T. (2023). Difficulties pre-service science teachers encountered in conducting research projects at teacher education college. Cogent Education, 10(1), 2196289. https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2196289
  17. Mohamed Osman, R. (2018). Educational research. African Virtual University. https://oer4nosp.col.org/id/eprint/112/
  18. Nicol, A. A., Owens, S. M., Le Coze, S. S., MacIntyre, A., & Eastwood, C. (2018). Comparison of high-technology active learning and low-technology active learning classrooms. Active Learning in Higher Education, 19(3), 253-265. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787417731176
  19. Nind, M., & Katramadou, A. (2022). Lessons for teaching social science research methods in higher education: Synthesis of the literature 2014-2020. British Journal of Educational Studies. https://doi.org/10.1080/00071005.2022.2092066
  20. Othman, Z. S., Tarmuji, N. H., & Hilmi, Z. A. G. (2017). Students perception on the usage of PowerPoint in learning calculus. AIP Conference Proceedings, 1830, 050005. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4980942
  21. Phillips, A., Rahman, S., Zhong, Q., Cesljarev, C., Liu, C., Ariyaratne, T., McClain, J., & Akerson, V. (2022). Nature of science conceptions and identity development among science education doctoral students: Preparing NOS teacher educators. International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 8(4), 626-646. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.2986
  22. Roberts, D. (2019). Higher education lectures: From passive to active learning via imagery? Active Learning in Higher Education, 20(1), 63-77. https://doi.org/10.1177/1469787417731198
  23. Saeed, M. A., & Al Qunayeer, H. S. (2021). Can we engage postgraduates in active research methodology learning? Challenges, strategies and evaluation of learning. International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 44(1), 3-19. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2020.1728526
  24. Saeed, M. A., Mohammed H. Al-Ahdal, A. A., & Al Qunayeer, H. S. (2021). Integrating research proposal writing into a postgraduate research method course: what does it tell us? International Journal of Research & Method in Education, 44(3), 303-318. https://doi.org/10.1080/1743727X.2020.1777963
  25. Sheikh, D. M. A., & Bibi, S. (2009). Research methods and skills module. Higher Education Commission Pakistan.
  26. Soiferman, L. K. (2010). Compare and contrast inductive and deductive research approaches. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED542066.pdf
  27. Villarroel, V., Benavente, M., Chuecas, M. J., & Bruna, D. (2020). Experiential learning in higher education. A student-centered teaching method that improves perceived learning. Journal of University Teaching & Learning Practice, 17(5), 1-18. https://doi.org/10.53761/1.17.5.8
  28. Vygotsky, L. S. (1980). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard uUniversity Press. https://doi.org/10.2307/j.ctvjf9vz4
  29. Yimer, S. T. (2022). Effective instruction for calculus learning outcomes through blending co-operative learning and Geogebra. Mathematics Teaching Research Journal, 4(3), 170-189.