Perception - IRJSTEM

Students’ perception of community as classroom for learning Geography in middle secondary school

admin_irjstem Abstract Challenges, Community as classroom, Opportunities, Perception, Strategy

Karma Sonam Rigdel , Mani Raj Thapa
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

It is crucial to collaborate with the local community for learning to assist students in understanding reality given the changing needs of the world. By considering this perspective, a community-centred approach is embedded within local to global contexts to enhance students’ learning and civic development. However, the Department of Curriculum and Professional Development (2019) revealed that Community-Based Learning is rarely integrated into Geography lessons. Given these contexts, the present study seeks to explore the use of Community as Classroom (CAC) as a teaching strategy in learning Geography in middle secondary schools. As guided by pragmatism, a mixed-method design is applied to assess the students’ perceptions of the use of CAC as a learning strategy. The study also explored the relationship between the use of CAC strategy and students’ learning outcomes, opportunities, challenges and relevancy of CAC in the Bhutanese Geography curriculum. The survey questionnaires were administered to 264 students and four focus group interviews consisting of 6 members in a group were conducted and employed a purposive sampling strategy. Responses were analyzed using statistical and thematic analysis followed by triangulation of the quantitative and qualitative findings. The study revealed that the CAC strategy was relevant in enhancing social and academic standards. The findings indicated that the communities have abundant resources and the use of CAC strategy has imperative opportunities. However, this potential is hindered by several challenges. Moreover, the findings are consistent with the Bhutan Baccalaureate which considered community inclusion towards the creation of a knowledgeable and sustainable society.

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Public awareness of forensic science: A cross sectional study in Lebanon

admin_irjstem Abstract Forensic science, Knowledge, Lebanon, Perception, Public awareness

Paula Romanos
Independent researcher, Beirut, Lebanon
Corresponding Email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T
Forensic science is the application of science in order to serve the law. Among the vast field of forensics, forensic DNA casework is widely considered as one of the most outstanding types of forensic evidence. To better implement forensic investigation procedures, public awareness of forensic science is crucially required. The aim of this study is to evaluate the level of awareness among Lebanese public community by assessing their knowledge and perception regarding forensics and to question their willingness to participate in the national DNA database or in scientific research. A cross sectional study was conducted over 400 adult Lebanese from both genders residing in the five Lebanese governorates. The survey questionnaire was designed and carried out from August 2021 to February 2022 with 89% as responsive rate. The participants’ characteristics were under study as well as their knowledge and perception statements in the purpose of investigating their relative association through independent t-test. The study revealed that 40% of the participants were aware of the forensic science. In addition, only 26% of the participants are willing to provide DNA sample. Moreover, sex and marital status factors has no impact neither on their public awareness nor on their intention to donate a DNA sample. Nevertheless, characteristics such as age, education, profession, and residency has significant differences. The survey identified that younger, employed, more educated people, and individuals residing in cities showed a better awareness of forensic science and intention to provide a DNA sample. However, it is very early to decisively predict the level of awareness and the rates of participation given the fact that nationwide surveys have yet to be launched. By consequence, awareness campaigns to increase public awareness on the importance of forensics is necessary to reduce concerns and gaps in Lebanese personal knowledge, and to encourage their future participation.

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