PREDICTION OF THE CORRELATION BETWEEN PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS AND CONCEPTUAL REASONING IN STOICHIOMETRY

The importance of teacher performance in improving achievement to determine the quality of education and school performance, This study is an Exploratory Sequential mixed method design study. aims to influence leadership, work motivation, and organizational culture on teacher performance and achievement, both partially and simultaneously with Exploratory Sequential Design . This approach combines qualitative and quantitative methods, starting with an in-depth exploration of the factors that influence the effectiveness of teacher work performance, followed by testing the quantitative model. This research was conducted at SMP Negeri 3 Numfor Barat in a remote area. To achieve the objectives of this study, the researcher applied Exploratory Sequential mixed method design research with a case study approach . In the qualitative stage, the research data was collected through observation, in-depth interviews with 1 head of educational unit and 10 subject teachers, and document analysis to identify needs, challenges, and best practices in management. The research data was processed through the stages of data collection, data presentation, data reduction, and data conclusion drawing. To ensure the validity of the research data, the researcher conducted data confirmation and credibility by involving the Education Office for the development of educational resources and school supervisors. The results of the study indicate that: (1) the teacher training management model in improving work performance that has been implemented in remote areas consists of the planning, organizing, implementing and evaluating stages. (2) The function of the teacher training management model in improving work performance that has been implemented in remote areas runs effectively and efficiently. The results of this study provide important information for the government, school supervisors, principals and teachers. leadership, work motivation, and organizational culture simultaneously have a positive and significant effect on teacher work performance.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the inquiry-based learning method supported by metacognitive strategies on students’ problem-solving and problem-posing skills. The research was conducted in two stages using an exploratory sequential design, which is one of the mixed methods research. The case study design was used in the first stage, while the quasi-experimental design with the pretest and posttest for control group was employed in the second stage. The method that is considered effective in students’ gaining problem-solving and problem-posing skills was determined in the first stage. In the second stage, the designated method supported by metacognitive strategies was tested with 63 fourth-grade students. The data for the first stage of the study were collected through interviews held with 12 primary school teachers, the mathematics curriculum, and a group of 10 experts’ opinions on the methods in the relevant literature. A content analysis and Lawshe’s method were employed to analyze the data at hand. Data in the second stage were collected using the problem-solving skills test and problem-posing skills test. The Mann–Whitney U test was used in the analysis of unrelated measurements, whereas the Wilcoxon signed ranks test was employed in the analysis of related measurements. The analysis results in the first stage revealed that the inquiry-based learning method might be effective in improving students’ problem-solving and problem-solving skills. Thus, it was decided to utilize this method in the second stage. The results of the analysis in the second stage showed that the inquiry-based learning method supported by metacognitive strategies and the inquiry-based learning method could be effective in developing students’ problem solving and problem-posing skills. Moreover, it was concluded that the methods applied were more effective in developing problem-solving skills and structured problem-posing skills of the students from sub-dimensions compared to the control group, but not effective in the development of semi-structured and free problem-posing skills from sub-dimensions.

Elementary schools in Jakarta face gaps in science learning resources, resulting in uneven and often theoretical practical experiences for students. Virtual laboratories offer a pathway toward equity, yet poorly structured designs can trigger cognitive overload and undermine learning. This study examines how a virtual lab optimized with cognitive load theory—the Cognitive Load–Optimized Virtual Lab (CLOVL)—influences fifth graders’ conceptual understanding of heat transfer in six elementary schools (three central and three suburban) in Jakarta. Using an explanatory sequential mixed-methods design, we involved 120 students and 12 science teachers. The experimental group used CLOVL, which incorporated five-minute segments, pre-training of key vocabulary, narrative–visual modalities, and personalization through culturally Indonesian avatars. The control group used a conventional virtual lab. Quantitative data consisted of pre- and post-tests, an adapted cognitive load scale, and eye-tracking for a sub-sample (n = 40). Qualitative data were gathered from teacher interviews, classroom observations, and student focus groups. Results indicated higher conceptual understanding in the CLOVL group (normalized gain ⟨g⟩ = 0.52) compared to the control group (⟨g⟩ = 0.23), with a large standardized effect size (Hedges’ g ≈ 1.20), particularly in suburban schools, where gains were approximately 45% greater than in central schools. Integrative analyses showed shorter fixation durations and a higher proportion of gaze directed toward relevant areas. These findings support the application of cognitive load principles and underscore the role of cultural relevance in virtual lab design for urban Indonesian settings, while highlighting the theoretical, practical, and policy implications for further research.

This research aims to examine the effect of Mind Games activities on problem-solving skills and computational thinking skills of 5th grade students. Sequential explanatory design, one of the mixed research methods, was used in the research. The research was carried out in a quasi-experimental design pretest-posttest without a control group with 17 5th grade students in a secondary school in Adıyaman. The research was carried out with an experimental period of 6 weeks. Before the experimental study, the problem-solving skills and computational thinking skills scales were applied to the students as a pre-test. Kapsul game activity was performed in the first week of the experimental study. ABC Baglama activity was held during the week. Sudoku activity was held in the 3rd week. In the 4th week, Three Stone game activities were held. Kendoku game activity was held in the 5th week. In the 6th week, Kakuro game activity was held. Statistical values in the study were calculated using the SPSS program. To collect quantitative data, a pre-test of problem-solving skills and computational thinking skills was applied to the students before the experimental process. After the experimental process, problem-solving skills and computational thinking skills scales were applied as a posttest. The applied pre-test and post-test results were analyzed with the paired sample t-test. Additionally, to collect qualitative data to strengthen the research, an interview form was applied to obtain the opinions of the students about the experimental process. In line with the findings obtained because of the experimental study, it can be said that the mind game activities have a positive effect on the students' computational thinking and problem-solving skills, and the lesson turns into more fun.

The aim of this study is to determine the effect of the Narrative Based Online Career Group Counseling Program on the career exploration, career and talent development self-efficacy, and career development of fourth grade primary school students. An explanatory sequential mixed-method design was used in the study. A 2 × 3 quasiexperimental design was used in the quantitative part, and a focus group interview was used in the qualitative part. The results showed that the program had a significant impact and could support career development in children. Thus, a career program with proven effectiveness that can be implemented in schools has been emerged.

This study was conducted to determine the attitudes of visual arts teacher candidates regarding design courses (Basic Design-I, Basic Design-II, Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Writing, etc.) in Turkey. This study employed an exploratory sequential mixed method design. This design involves the process that the researcher initially carries out a quantitative study and uses the results of the quantitative study in order to generate a more detailed structure of the study by means of qualitative research. Quantitative data were collected through a Likert type measurement called Design Lessons Attitude Scale developed by researchers with a descriptive screening method and qualitative data was collected through semi-structured interview forms. The universe of the research consists of 142 Visual Arts teacher candidates studying in the Department of Art Education at Agri Ibrahim Cecen, Ataturk, Canakkale Onsekiz Mart, Dokuz Eylul, Erzincan Binali Yildirim, Uludag, Van Yuzuncu Yil Universities in the fall semester of the 2019-2020 academic year. In the study, quantitative data obtained with personal information form were presented by taking their frequency and percentages. Descriptive statistical analyzes were performed in the analysis of the data and the data were determined as percentage, frequency, mean and standard deviation. One-way analysis of variance was used to test whether there was a significant difference in terms of points between the groups created. Analysis results were tested at p <0.05 significance level. In order to analyze the data found after applying the semi-structured interview form, it was classified into categories by examining the qualitative data regularly and classifying by providing data coding. According to the data obtained as a result of the practice, they stated that the practices that the pre-service teachers made in the design courses enable them to think more creatively and differently, that these courses highlight the concepts of innovation, original and aesthetics for them, and also increase their problem-solving skills as well as design. Article visualizations:

Aims: Malaysia’s rapid ascent as an ageing nation with 7.7% of its population now over 65 which heralds unprecedented pressure on its health system. This demographic shift exposes critical vulnerabilities in healthcare financing and access, particularly for distinct subgroups like military veterans. The pension status of Malaysian Armed Forces (MAF) veterans creates a fundamental inequity in their capacity to manage health costs, a key determinant of well-being that remains systematically unexamined. Study Design: Sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. Place and Duration of Study: All states in Malaysia with department of veteran affairs between Dec 2024 to May 2025. Methodology: This study employed a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design. Qualitative themes from in-depth interviews with 10 veterans were used to develop a quantitative survey, which was then administered to a stratified random sample of 475 MAF veterans. The core output of this analysis is the development and validation of a multidimensional Healthcare Sustainability Index (HSI), a composite measure integrating critical domains of workforce capacity, infrastructure, pharmaceutical access, and most critically, fiscal resilience. Results: The study will identify disparity in healthcare financial sustainability between pensioned and non-pensioned veterans. The validated HSI will provides a precise metric to quantify this gap, revealing that non-pensioned veterans face substantially higher risks of catastrophic health expenditure and forgoing necessary care due to cost. Conclusion: This research will provide the evidence of a pension-based healthcare inequity within Malaysia's veteran community. The HSI will serve as a vital policy tool for designing targeted, evidence-based interventions. The findings will inform strategies to strengthen government financing mechanisms, safeguard veteran well-being, and enhance the overall resilience of Malaysia’s health system in the face of demographic ageing. By proposing a replicable model for assessing financial risk protection, this study will offer insights for policymakers in Malaysia.

In alignment with the Kurikulum Merdeka, Problem-Based Learning (PBL) has been widely promoted as a strategy to enhance critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills. The integration of technology into PBL further strengthens its potential by providing multimodal resources and interactive opportunities for learners. However, limited research has examined students’ readiness to participate in technology-enhanced PBL within Indonesian EFL classrooms, creating a gap in understanding the feasibility of its implementation. This study aims to investigate how technology integration is applied in PBL and to evaluate students’ readiness to engage in this approach. An exploratory sequential mixed-methods design was employed. Participants included one English teacher and ninety-seven tenth-grade students from three classes. Instruments consisted of observation sheets, field notes, and a readiness questionnaire adapted from Dalton and Gottlieb’s framework. Data collection began with classroom observations to identify teacher practices, followed by the administration of the questionnaire to measure student readiness. Qualitative data were analyzed using Miles and Huberman’s model, while quantitative data were analyzed descriptively. The findings revealed that the teacher successfully integrated videos and PowerPoint slides across PBL stages, supporting contextual understanding and engagement. Nevertheless, students demonstrated only moderate readiness across effort, willingness, and technological capacity.

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this research is to explore the metacognitive reading strategies used by low and high proficiency Form Three ESL (English as Second Language) students and highlight suitable strategies that can be exposed to the low proficiency students.&#x0D; &#x0D; Methodology: To serve the purpose of this research, an explanatory sequential mixed method design was used. As for the sampling, purposive sampling was employed in this study. The respondents were drawn from two Form Three classes in the selected secondary school in Pasir Gudang, Johor, Malaysia. There were twenty-four boys and thirty-six girls. They were all fifteen years old and represented three main ethnic groups which are Malays, Indians and Chinese. The number of respondents was equally the same for both groups; 30 from the low proficiency group and 30 from the high proficiency group.&#x0D; &#x0D; Findings: The data gathered in this study revealed that the most popular metacognitive reading strategy among the respondents is self-evaluation. In addition, the most significant difference between the high and low proficiency students is that the latter employed fewer metacognitive reading strategies than the former. Furthermore, through the findings, this research also suggested the metacognitive reading strategies suitable for the low proficiency students; advanced organization, selective attention, self-management, directed attention and monitoring.&#x0D; &#x0D; Contributions: This research aids the teachers in adapting their instructions and putting extra effort into training students, especially low proficiency students, to use suitable metacognitive reading strategies.&#x0D; Keywords: Low proficiency students, high proficiency students, purposive sampling, metacognitive reading strategies, explanatory sequential mixed method design.&#x0D; &#x0D; Cite as: Jeevaratnam, J. A., &amp; Stapa, M. (2022). Exploring metacognitive reading strategies used by low and high proficiency form three ESL students. Journal of Nusantara Studies, 7(1), 335-365. http://dx.doi.org/10.24200/jonus.vol7iss1pp335-365

BackgroundNowadays, nearly half of the world population lives in societies with low fertility or the below-replacement fertility. This potentially grounds the critical situation of reduction in the workforce and causes the aging of population due to an overall increase in life expectancy and standard of living. Hence, population and its transitions including the issue of fertility decline has become a topic of intense debate in the agenda-setting and policy-making processes in both the developed and developing countries. In this view, what can practically be done to respond to the fertility decline that entails effectively addressing the determinants of fertility change? In line with the literature, how people form their marriages or patterns of marriage is amongst influencing factors which potentially affect their reproductive practices as diverse societies recognize different conventions for marriage. This study is to examine women’s reproductive practices by the various patterns of marriage using the explanatory sequential mixed methods design.Methods/designThis study has an explanatory sequential mixed methods design, the follow-up explanations variant model, with two strands. This design will be implemented in two distinct phases. In the first phase, a cross-sectional quantitative study will be done using a cluster sampling strategy on 850 married women 15–49 years old living in Babol city, Iran. In order to obtain a deeper understanding of the results of the quantitative phase, researchers will implement a qualitative research in the second phase of this study. This design will provide an explanation of the quantitative research results using the qualitative evidence.DiscussionAs patterns of marriage have implications for the status of women, their health and fertility, the result of this study can provide a rich source of information for the required health-related interventions and policies are required to put the demographic changes on the right track at micro and macro level and improve the reproductive practices of women at micro level.

This study investigated the relationship between children's influence and violence against children in selected Bugiri schools based on the fact that Bugiri district had reported high rates of violence against children. The study was guided by the following three research objectives: To establish the level of children’s influence in the chosen schools, determining the level of violence against children at the chosen schools, and lastly to determine the relationship between the two factors (children’s influence and violence against children) at the chosen schools. The study used a sequential explanatory mixed method design and was carried out at two government-aided primary schools in the Bugiri district of Uganda. Two hundred thirty-six (236) young children in primary three comprised the sample, out of the 365 children in the accessible population. The data were analysed using regression analysis and Pearson's correlation coefficient index. The results indicated a statistically significant, correlation between children influence and violence against children in schools (self-esteem, role model attachment and decision-making capacity). The study recommends that children should be used to influence violence decisions and planning at school. Programs at school meant to lessen violence have to include children in choosing violence reduction strategies and implementing violence-reduction activities in schools

Critical thinking and problem-solving skills are essential components of 21st-century education goals. Weak problem-solving and higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) can become problematic for students studying physics, particularly in the context of magnetism. To address this issue, efforts are being made to improve physics problem-solving skills through the application of problem-based learning (PBL) and HOTS. The study aims to determine whether students' physics problem-solving skills are better when using PBL-HOTS compared to PBL alone. Additionally, the study aims to determine the improvement and profile of physics problem-solving skills according to Heller after the application of PBL-HOTS on magnetism material. The study employed a mixed-methods sequential explanatory pre-test post-test control group design. The participants were ninth-grade students from SMP Negeri 1 Kersana during the 2021/2022 academic year. The sample was selected using purposive sampling, with Class IX A as the experimental group and Class IX C as the control group. Data was collected using a physics problem-solving test, including descriptions, interviews, and post-test documentation checks. The t-test results indicate that students who applied PBL-HOTS had better physics problem-solving skills than those who applied PBL. Additionally, the N-Gain test showed a moderate increase in students' physics problem-solving skills after the application of PBL-HOTS, with an average N-Gain score of 0.4785. The results of interviews and examination of posttest documentation support Heller's profile of students' physics problem-solving skills. This includes indicators of focusing on the problem (84.69%), describing physics concepts (70.94%), planning solutions (87.81%), implementing problem-solving plans (95.63%), and evaluating solutions (46.88%).

Accessible tourism, which involves travel activities for people with disabilities, has become an increasingly important niche market for the hotel industry. This study aims to develop a valid and reliable measurement scale to assess the expectations of individuals with disabilities regarding hotel accommodations in the context of accessible tourism. A sequential exploratory mixed methods design was employed, beginning with semi-structured interviews conducted with disabled individuals to generate scale items, followed by a quantitative survey administered to 386 participants. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25.0 and SmartPLS 4. The scale development process involved exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses, resulting in a final scale of 28 items across four dimensions: structural and legal expectations, communicative and interactional expectations, economic expectations, and psycho-social expectations. This study is among the first to develop and validate a hotel expectation scale specifically for individuals with disabilities in the Turkish context using an exploratory sequential mixed-method design. The results provide practical implications for hotel managers and policymakers aiming to improve accessibility in tourism services, and offer a psychometrically sound tool for future academic and applied research.

Background and Aims: Vocal music performance is the expression of talent and ability through public exhibition and focuses on the human voice as the major component. It requires training and development of self-efficacy to achieve the best results. Self-leadership and self-efficacy are related concepts that both play important roles in personal and professional development. Self-leadership can enhance self-efficacy in vocal music students by assisting in the setting of goals and maintaining motivation to overcome obstacles. This study aimed to develop a model of self-leadership to enhance the self-efficacy of vocal music students. Material and Methods: The research design was a sequential exploratory mixed-methods design that combined both qualitative and quantitative methods to develop an instrument that was used to collect data from the target population. The population for this study was vocal music students from four universities in Hunan. The sample size was 1,009 students. Results: Findings showed that the students’ levels of self-leadership and self-efficacy were overall, at a low level. A multiple regression analysis was conducted to find the significant self-leadership strategies. Predictor variables of self-efficacy were successful foresight (r=.31, p&lt;.001), self-goal setting (r=.24, p&lt;.001), belief hypothesis evaluation (r=.25, p&lt;.001), self-punishment (r=.27, p&lt;.001), self-observation (r=.24, p&lt;.001), and natural reward (r=.23, p&lt;.001). A theoretical model was developed from the findings and validated by experts. Conclusions: Increasing self-leadership in vocal music students can help them to take charge of their musical development and help them to become more confident, motivated, and independent.

Background People living with advanced cancer’ end-of-life care preferences in oncology units, medical-surgical units, nursing homes and palliative care services have been established in a number of countries, including Saudi Arabia. However, less is known about the end-of-life care preferences of people living with advanced cancer in intensive care units and family members in Saudi Arabia. AimThe studies in this thesis aimed to determine end-of-life care preferences for people living with advanced cancer in intensive care units and family members in Saudi Arabia, and to develop and pilot test end-of-life care preference tools for use in intensive care clinical settings in Saudi Arabia. ObjectivesThe objectives of the studies in this thesis were to summarise systematically the evidence in the peer-reviewed literature on the elements of end-of-life care in intensive care units from the perspective of people living with advanced cancer and their family members; to determine the end-of-life care preferences of people living with advanced cancer and family members in intensive care units in Saudi Arabia; and to quantify the findings by developing and pilot-testing an end-of-life care preference tool with people living with advanced cancer in intensive care units in Saudi Arabia and with family members. Research Design A systematic literature review was undertaken to identify end-of-life care elements and preferences from the perspectives of people living with advanced cancer in intensive care settings and family members. A Sequential Exploratory Mixed-Methods design was used to address the remaining objectives of the research. Study One involved qualitative methods, undertaking semi-structured interviews with people living with advanced cancer and family members at two study sites, conducted separately to elicit independent responses from participants about end-of-life care elements. The findings informed the design of Study Two, which involved developing and pilot-testing two end-of-life care preference tools. Results The systematic search of the literature identified 12 articles reporting outcomes from 10 studies. The majority were retrospective chart reviews (n=7), conducted in developed countries (n=9). The literature suggests that care preferences change over time with deteriorating physical condition, and that marital status, gender and ethnicity appear to influence care preferences. The elements of patient-centred communication and shared decision-making are critical, as is teamwork and coordination of care through the involvement of a palliative care team.The studies examining patient preferences, and/or the reception of these preferences by healthcare staff, were aligned with fewer than half of the 10 essential elements for end-of-life care identified in the Australian National Consensus Statement. Very few studies were found that explored end-of-life care elements for people living with advanced cancer and family members in intensive care units in any country, but even fewer were conducted in developing countries or in countries where cultural and/or religious differences may influence end-of-life care preferences. This gap reinforced the need for research in this area in the Saudi Arabian context. The results from the systematic literature review informed the prompt questions for the semi-structured interviews in Study One.Study One generated five elements of end-of-life care for people living with advanced cancer, including experience of respect and dignity, not being in pain, experience of comfort, being at peace, and closeness to significant others. These elements were generated from 15 interviews with people living with advanced cancer. Similarly, five elements of end-of-life care were generated from 20 interviews with family members of people living with advanced cancer: not being in pain, experience of respect and dignity, being at peace, emotional and psychological support, and closeness to significant others. These elements, along with those identified in the systematic literature review, informed the statements of care included in both end-of-life care preference tools developed in Study Two.Study Two involved five experts in assessing the content validity of the statements of care included in the tools. The tool for people living with advanced cancer consisted of 13 statements, and the tool for family members consisted of 14 statements. A total of 92 participants, 49 for each tool, completed the tools for the pilot study. The Cronbach’s alpha scores for the tools were 0.759 and 0.720 respectively. Conclusions End-of-life care preferences identified by people living with advanced cancer and family members in intensive care units in Saudi Arabia were similar to those receiving end-of-life care in other settings, such as palliative care settings and in other countries. However, there were subtle differences, with religious needs featuring strongly for participants in this study. The tools developed in this study for use in intensive care units in Saudi Arabia had acceptable internal consistency; however, further testing with a greater number of participants is needed.