Journal of Excellence in Social Sciences

The effectiveness of educational software and applications for primary students' learning outcomes: A systematic review

Muhammad Tahir Khan Farooqi, Zafar Siddique, Sher Muhammad Awan — Thu, 22 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

In the ever-evolving field of primary education, effectively integrating innovative teaching techniques and technology is crucial. This systematic review explores how educational software and applications impact primary students' learning outcomes. We searched several academic databases, including PubMed, PsycINFO, ERIC, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, focusing on research articles published between 2018 and 2023. Among 150 initially identified studies, 35 met the inclusion criteria after carefully screening and removing duplicates. These studies, which used both qualitative and quantitative methods, were analyzed to uncover key themes and insights. This review reveals that educational software positively impacts students' cognitive, behavioral, and emotional development. Mobile applications and computer-assisted learning (CAL) tools notably improve mathematics, science, and literacy outcomes. Key features such as autonomous learning, personalization, and feedback are critical. Additionally, gamified learning and interactive apps boost motivation, engagement, and self-directed learning, enhancing academic performance and satisfaction. However, effectiveness varies by software type, subject, and student demographics. Challenges include design flaws, implementation issues, and accessibility barriers. Recommendations emphasize integrating key pedagogical features, continuous teacher training, and tailored interventions for diverse needs.

Investigating the Impact of Teachers' Actions on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Students

Mon, 26 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of the current study was to investigate how secondary school teachers' actions affect their students' academic achievement. It was a quantitative research. The research adopted a positivist research paradigm with an ex-post facto design. The study sample consists of 250 students in 10th grade from Federal Government Educational Institutions of Lahore. The sample was selected through a cluster sampling technique. A validated Likert scale instrument was used to assess the impact of teachers’ actions on students’ GPA. The "Teacher Attitude Valuation Scale" has been employed to measure teachers' behavior. The student's grades have been recorded and are used to gauge their academic success. The data was analyzed using SPSS software. Findings explored a positive correlation between teachers’ actions and students’ success.

A Critical discourse analysis (CDA) of Obama and Trump’s speeches on Afghan policy

Rameen Fatima — Mon, 19 Aug 2024 00:00:00 +0000

This research analyzes the persuasive appeals President Obama and Donald Trump used in speeches regarding the Afghan policy using American Exceptionalism, Power and Ideology. The research used critical discourse analysis (CDA) within this study. For this purpose, the key speeches by both presidents were chosen: pronouns, voice, nominalization, word choice, and metaphors. The findings reveal that while both leaders aimed to justify America’s prolonged military involvement in Afghanistan, they employed distinct approaches. While Obama was politer and more appealed to ethical considerations pointing to the mission’s just nature, Trump was more forceful and utilitarian, framing the conflict as an endeavor for which the cost and benefits are clear. Thus, the study shows the significance of the CDA method of political speech analysis for ideology and hegemony detection and stresses that the problem of power usage accountability remains actual on the international level. The research also advocates the exploration of the speech acts towards a narrower range of power and the utilization of more kinds of analyses on a greater selection of speeches for a better understanding of the multifaceted connection between language, power, and international relations.