Jordan Journal of Educational Sciences

Students' Perception of Classroom Learning Environment in Physics Lessons & its Relation to Class Level of Study, Sex and Teachers' Degree of Knowledge about Constructivism Theory

Sumaya El-Muhtaseb — 2005-12-01

The aim of this study was to investigate secondary students'
perceptions of learning classroom environment in physics lessons, and
to identify the effects of class level, gender and teachers' degree of
knowledge about the constructivist theory on these perceptions. A
constructivist learning environment questionnaire was developed for
the purpose of the study. The sample consisted of (733) students,The
results showed that the sample mean is in the moderate level of
conception. Moreover, there was a significant difference in students'
perceptions regarding class level in favor of the first secondary class,
and gender in favor of female students. Regarding the degree of
teachers' knowledge, the results showed a significant difference
between the three levels in favor of the constructivist and transitional
theories. The results also showed, a significant difference regarding
the interaction between the three variables. Consequently, several
recommendations were proposed to improve the learning environment
of the physics lessons

Analyzing Islamic Values Included in Kindergarten Rhymes in Jordan

Ramzi Haroun — 2005-12-01

The study aimed at demonstrating the Islamic values
included in kindergarten rhymes in Jordan by answering the following
questions: 1-What are the Islamic values included in kindergarten
rhymes in Jordan, and their percentages? 2- How could Islamic
values included in kindergarten rhymes be categorized or
classified?3- Which methods are used in presenting Islamic values to
children? And to what extent these methods are appropriate to
children’s characteristics?. To answer the previous questions, the
researchers used the analytical approach. The analysis showed that
rhymes included (28) Islamic values, of which some were appropriate
for the age of the children. On the other hand, other rhymes included
Islamic values which were not appropriate for the characteristics of
children at this stage of development. In addition, the analysis showed
that the most important Islamic values presented in children’s rhymes
were those relating the child to his or her creator and significant
people surrounding him or her such as parents. Finally, the analysis
showed that most methods used to present Islamic values were
inappropriate and in contrast to children’s characteristics. The study
recommended that it be necessary to pay attention to the kinds of
Islamic values presented to children, and to the methods used to
present these values. Finally, the study emphasized that rhymes were
appropriate moderators to teach children Islamic values at the
kindergarten stage

The Extent of Variation of the Educational Research Skills of the Master's Students in the Faculties of Educational Sciences in Jordanian Universities due to the Variation in the Master's Program Track

Abdelhafez Al-Shayeb — 2005-12-01

The study aimed at identifying the extent of the variation of
the educational research skills of the Masters students in the faculties
of educational sciences in Jordanian universities due to variation of
the Masters program track (thesis, comprehensive the exam). An
Achievement test was developed for the purpose of the study. Data
were collected from a sample of (74) Masters students in two
universities. The results revealed a significant mean difference
(t(72, 0.05) = 7.035). However, ANCOVA indicated the same results
after adjusting the scores through controlling the “undergraduate
major” variable. It is revealed that (45 %) of the variance in the
educational research skills was attributed to the program track.

The Status of Physical Education in Jordanian Basic Stage (Grades 1-3) Schools as Reported by Classroom Teachers

Mousa Abu dalbouh — 2005-12-01

This study investigated the status of Physical
Education in the Basic Stage schools (grades 1-3) in the
Northern part of Jordan. The sample of the study consisted of
230 classroom teachers. For the purposes of this study a sixtytwo-
item questionnaire of 4 likert items was developed.
Descriptive statistics (frequency and percentages) were used
to analyze the collected data. The results revealed that 34.5%
of the basic stage classroom teachers were not familiar with
the importance of the implementation of physical education
activities. The results also revealed that physical education
has a low status regarding its suitability to Basic Stage
schools. The study recommended conducting in-service
workshops for Basic Stage classroom teachers on how to
implement new ideas and methods of implementing physical
education classes

Determinants of University Students’ Motivation to Use Educational Technology: A Path Analytic Study

Samer Khasawneh — 2005-12-01

The objective of the present study was to model and
test the extent to which previous success, educational
technology (ET) anxiety, and instructor-provided training
influenced ET efficacy beliefs, and subsequent motivation to
use ET in the university classroom. Social Learning Theory
(Bandura, 1982) was used as the theoretical framework to
develop hypotheses and to test relationships. The results,
based on a sample of 282 students, supported the hypothesized
causal model. Previous success had a positive direct effect on
self-efficacy (β = 0.10) and negative effect on anxiety (β = -
0.23). Training had a negative direct effect on anxiety (β = -
0.41) and positive effect on self-efficacy (β = 0.43). Anxiety
had a negative direct effect on self-efficacy (β = -0.20).
Finally, self-efficacy had a positive direct effect on motivation
(β = .17). This study provides some evidence that this model is
helpful in determining students’ motivation to use ET.