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1 – 10 of 625Erastus Karanja and Laurell C. Malone
This study aims to investigate how to improve the project management (PM) curriculum by evaluating the nature and alignment of learning outcomes in the PM course syllabi with…
Abstract
Purpose
This study aims to investigate how to improve the project management (PM) curriculum by evaluating the nature and alignment of learning outcomes in the PM course syllabi with Bloom’s Taxonomy framework.
Design/methodology/approach
The research methodology for this study is an integrative approach that uses document analysis and content analysis. The data set was selected based on a purposeful sampling method and came from PM course syllabi for classes that were taught during the 2016–2018 academic years.
Findings
Results revealed that most of the reviewed PM course syllabi contained learning outcomes although they were written and assessed at the lower levels of Bloom’s Taxonomy and knowledge dimensions. The study calls for the academy and industry to partner in improving the PM curriculum to lower the PM talent deficit and increase project success rates.
Research limitations/implications
The absence of PM learning outcomes or the presence of poorly written PM learning outcomes in a course implies that the academy should provide professional development programs to help professors learn how to formulate and write specific, measurable, achievable, relevant and timely learning outcomes. The professors should also ensure that the learning outcomes use a type of cognitive taxonomy that is aligned with the appropriate assessments to measure, monitor and guarantee assurance of learning.
Practical implications
Academy and industry partners can work collaboratively to provide students with opportunities that expose them to real-world experiential projects, internships and job opportunities while concurrently giving them hands-on practical applications of learned PM knowledge and skills. The society will be well served when the academy is able to produce well-qualified PM personnel capable of successfully carrying out PM activities and lowering the project’s failure rates.
Social implications
The society will be well served when the academy is able to produce well-qualified PM personnel capable of successfully carrying out PM activities and lowering the project’s failure rates.
Originality/value
To the researchers’ knowledge, this is the first study to specifically investigate the presence and nature of PM learning outcomes in course syllabi. By evaluating the alignment between PM learning outcomes and Bloom’s Taxonomy action verbs and cognitive processes, the study provides some exemplars of well-written and measurable learning outcomes that professors can use to inform their PM curriculum through course design or redesign.
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Mathews Zanda Nkhoma, Tri Khai Lam, Narumon Sriratanaviriyakul, Joan Richardson, Booi Kam and Kwok Hung Lau
The purpose of this paper is to propose the use of case studies in teaching an undergraduate course of Internet for Business in class, based on the revised Bloom’s taxonomy. The…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to propose the use of case studies in teaching an undergraduate course of Internet for Business in class, based on the revised Bloom’s taxonomy. The study provides the empirical evidence about the effect of case-based teaching method integrated the revised Bloom’s taxonomy on students’ incremental learning, measured by the four constructs: knowledge application, higher-order thinking, practice evaluation knowledge and knowledge improvement.
Design/methodology/approach
In this study, learning activities associated with the revised taxonomy-based learning strategy were proposed to support the development of higher-level cognitive skills. Revised application scale, higher-order thinking scale, practice evaluation knowledge scale and knowledge improvement scale were used to measure students’ perception of skills corresponding to their level of application, analysis, evaluation and creation, respectively. After completing each task pertinent to case studies, students were encouraged to complete the survey questionnaire. Structural equation modelling (SEM) was employed to examine the relationships between constructs. Students participate in a course where case studies are employed as the main learning activities to promote higher-order thinking. Upon completing the course, they fill in a survey to evaluate the four constructs of incremental learning: level of knowledge application, higher-order thinking, practice evaluation knowledge and knowledge improvement. The relationships between the four constructs are then examined using SEM.
Findings
Analysis reveals that with the use of case-based learning activities, knowledge application creates a positive impact on higher-order thinking. Higher-order thinking has positive influence on practice evaluation knowledge. Eventually, practice evaluation knowledge produces a positive effect on knowledge improvement. The results show the desired effects of incremental learning.
Research limitations/implications
The case studies designed for teaching the Internet for Business course might not be suitable in terms of content for other courses, which limit the implication of the findings.
Practical implications
The key implication is that cognitive process is enhanced by using case studies where learning activities are designed, based on the revised Bloom’s taxonomy.
Originality/value
The paper offers a comprehensive perspective on incremental learning where students’ knowledge of Internet for Business moves developmentally towards the higher-order cognitive process dimension of the revised Bloom’s taxonomy.
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The purpose of this paper is to suggest and state that an individual or company who aims to follow through the strategic leadership improvement pathway will find Bloom’s taxonomy…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to suggest and state that an individual or company who aims to follow through the strategic leadership improvement pathway will find Bloom’s taxonomy useful practically when it comes to self-evaluation and simplification.
Design/methodology/approach
The global leadership survey statistics and findings are stated to define why global leadership is important and needed. In addition, there is an emphasis on the global confluence of markets, economy and technology, and how in the upcoming decades individuals would be required to build the skills stated in Bloom’s taxonomy in order to sustain and enhance their employment value. A strategic leadership development toolkit is used. Then Bloom’s taxonomy is infused with it, hence providing a practical implementation of how taxonomy simplifies the strategic leadership development process in organizations.
Findings
Statistics and facts of global leadership and technological surveys and studies are highlighted to emphasize the significance of strategic leadership. The required abilities needed in strategic leadership are linked to the six levels of thinking in Bloom’s taxonomy, thus implying that it can be used in the strategic leadership development process.
Originality/value
It is suggested that Bloom’s taxonomy should not only be used for educational purposes but can aid leaders in their quest to develop strategic leadership abilities and simplify the process to start and sustain their organization’s prosperity.
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This paper aims to explore the objectives and methods of teaching engineering and technology education (ETE) through the lens of three educational taxonomies in cognitive…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to explore the objectives and methods of teaching engineering and technology education (ETE) through the lens of three educational taxonomies in cognitive, knowledge and problem-solving perspectives. This analysis is useful in light of today's increasing interest in teaching engineering and technology in K-12 education, instead of crafts or manual skills.
Design/methodology/approach
This is an exploratory study. Technology and engineering education is a relatively new area in K-12 education, and little has been written about the use of general educational taxonomies for analysing and designing the teaching and learning of this subject.
Findings
The literature analysis teaches us that fostering students' higher-order capabilities such as design and problem solving in engineering and technology cannot take place in isolation from specific knowledge. Instruction should be designed to: develop a certain degree of factual, procedural, conceptual and meta-cognitive knowledge in relevant areas of technology, science and mathematics; and engage learners in assignments of increasing cognitive levels, from simple to complex ones.
Originality/value
This work is original and valuable in that it explores ETE through tools often used in the educational literature and research, rather than regarding technology education as an exceptional school subject. This could encourage making engineering and technology a core component in the overall curriculum.
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Hina Amin and Munawar Sultana Mirza
This paper intended to explore the knowledge and use of the digital verbs and tools by the students and teachers for conceptual understanding in the virtual and conventional…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper intended to explore the knowledge and use of the digital verbs and tools by the students and teachers for conceptual understanding in the virtual and conventional learning environment. The study also explored the use of such digital tools for lower- and higher-order thinking.
Design/methodology/approach
A survey research method was used for the study. All the students and teachers of the faculty of education from one virtual and one conventional university were the population of this study. Teachers were selected through census sampling. Student enrollment in the faculty of education of the virtual university during Spring 2019 was 1,139 while the conventional university had 1,809 students. In total, 20% of the students from each of the two universities were sampled by using a convenient proportionate sampling technique. A questionnaire was developed by the researchers and validated by three experts before administration. The reliability of the instrument was a = 0.934. Mean, SD, parametric and nonparametric statistics were applied for data analysis.
Findings
The study reveals that the students of ODL are far better in using digital tools and activities that is, googling, collaborating and Skyping. They are good at understanding and application levels and are involved in higher-order thinking tasks, that is, publishing and podcasting as well. Unlike the students, the teachers of the virtual university are using digital tools of lower-order thinking. The authors infer that the students and teachers of the online universities are using these tools regularly because of the demands of the ODL environment. These findings suggest further research to explore the factors that hinder the use of higher-order thinking skills by the teachers in the online environment.
Originality/value
The study suggests the adoption of Bloom's digital taxonomy in teaching–learning processes, that is, curriculum, instructions and assessment for the millennials. The findings may motivate the online and conventional higher education institutions to adopt digital pedagogy for instructional purposes as the students of the digital age are already extensively involved with digital tools.
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Cubie Lau, John F Hulpke, Michelle To and Aidan Kelly
The purpose of this paper is to ask whether ethics can be taught? Can we teach how to make decisions in issues involving ethics? Preliminary results suggest we can.
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to ask whether ethics can be taught? Can we teach how to make decisions in issues involving ethics? Preliminary results suggest we can.
Design/methodology/approach
The paper describes how managerial ethical decision making is taught using a tool called the JUSTICE framework. Each letter introduces a decision making criterion: J for Justice, U for Utilitarian, S for Spiritual Values, T for TV Rule, I for Influence, C for Core Values, and E for Emergency.
Findings
It is not known if ethics can be taught, but we now believed we can teach our students learn ways to face managerial ethical decisions. What the JUSTICE model lacks in theoretical underpinning it makes up for in pragmatic results. Students learned (memorized) all seven criteria, and learned to select their three favorites, and then to use the model to decide in numerous cases. It works.
Originality/value
The paper introduces the JUSTICE approach.
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Corey Seemiller and Rich Whitney
This study used the Delphi technique with 31 seasoned leadership educators who, over the course of two rounds, were tasked to categorize the level of complexity of 60 leadership…
Abstract
This study used the Delphi technique with 31 seasoned leadership educators who, over the course of two rounds, were tasked to categorize the level of complexity of 60 leadership competencies. What resulted was a five-tier taxonomy based on the level of complexity of each of the 60 competencies assessed. The taxonomy also includes four categorical clusters of similar competencies and three domain levels of instructional design. A description of the Delphi technique, results of the study, the taxonomy model, and methods for employing the model are described.
Rosanne M. Cordell and Linda F. Fisher
The purpose of this paper is to present a study which was designed to use questions asked at an Information Commons Desk as an authentic assessment to determine if an information…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to present a study which was designed to use questions asked at an Information Commons Desk as an authentic assessment to determine if an information literacy course actually changes research behavior outside of information literacy course assignments.
Design/methodology/approach
For four years, the initial reference question asked at the Information Commons Desk was recorded, along with demographic information and whether the user had taken the required introduction to information literacy course. A taxonomy of research questions was developed, based on Bloom's Taxonomy of Educational Objectives Handbook I: Cognitive Domain, and each question was assigned a sophistication level, according to the authors' taxonomy.
Findings
Over a four‐year period, means of the taxonomy levels of questions showed a clear trend upward each spring semester over the previous spring semester.
Research limitations/implications
Statistically significant differences were not found in the data comparing categories of students. The nature of the study left it open to influence by such unexpected factors as a sharp rise in enrollment and transfers to campus, possibly diluting the overall effect of the course on the student population.
Practical implications
The information literacy course has undergone regular pre‐ and post‐test assessments, which show a highly significant difference between the scores. Feedback from campus faculty indicates greater satisfaction in the research abilities of undergraduate students who have taken this course. This study further supports the value of a required information literacy course as part of the general education program for all undergraduate students.
Originality/value
The taxonomy of research questions used in this study was designed by the authors and is unique in the depth in which it differentiates levels of research knowledge. Other researchers are encouraged to modify, expand, or use this taxonomy in their own research to further the profession's understanding of the cognitive levels of research behaviors.
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Vandana Savara, Yousef Assaf, Mustafa Hariri, Haya Bassam Alastal and Rania Asad
This paper aims to shed light on how the composition of future blended learning (BL) courses can be changed to provide students with quality academic learning experiences. The…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper aims to shed light on how the composition of future blended learning (BL) courses can be changed to provide students with quality academic learning experiences. The model suggested in this study will guide instructors on how to design their course learning outcomes to ensure effective delivery.
Design/methodology/approach
The new model has been developed by combining Bloom's taxonomy and Carman's model. Later, a new framework entitled “PATHCO” based on an extensive literature review is applied to enhance the quality of all five components of Carman's model.
Findings
The PATHCO conceptual framework has been developed to ensure quality in the five main teaching and learning factors. This framework covers criteria like pedagogical, assessments, technical, health care and organizational. Further research is required to broaden the main elements of the suggested framework and to validate this research through a case study.
Originality/value
The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed the landscape of the education sector by encouraging an extensive acceptance of technology-enhanced learning and teaching. Blended learning (BL) has become the most appropriate medium to deliver online learning (OL). However, educators and students have reported dissatisfaction with the BL mode of delivery. To address this dissatisfaction, this study outlines, using the PATHCO model, all the essential building blocks which are required to find the right blend of both face-to-face and online components.
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Currently, teachers meet difficulties when design the modern classes so that they respond to the requirements of new educational standards. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to…
Abstract
Purpose
Currently, teachers meet difficulties when design the modern classes so that they respond to the requirements of new educational standards. Thus, the purpose of this paper is to justify the algorithm for applying the “foundations” for designing modern classes of different types and varied subject areas.
Design/methodology/approach
The author coordinates the “foundations” of constructing modern occupations in various subject areas on the example of lessons for children mastering the basic level of preparation and higher one. As the basis for building classes in modern conditions, the author considers the taxonomy of the pedagogical goals of B. Bloom and G. Gardner’s theory of multiple intelligences (MI).
Findings
The taxonomy of pedagogical goals can be one of the key foundations in the design of modern occupations of various types; the theory of MI – in the construction of classes of different subject areas. As examples for the argumentation, the author used the educational technologies of “problem education” and “project education.”
Practical implications
This study is a modest contribution to didactics (the science of theories and learning technologies). The results of the research actualize the work of B. Bloom and G. Gardner in the context of modern requirements for the results and content of education in general and vocational schools. The main provisions of the paper should supplement a number of such works where the solution of modern problems in education is built on the traditions and innovations balance.
Originality/value
The algorithm of applying the “foundations” in the modern studies’ planning can be used for lessons of various types and different subject areas. Further, research can be built in the context of interpreting the algorithm and testing its effectiveness using examples of other educational technologies.
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