Measuring Mathematical Competence of Grade 3 Students in New General Curriculum: A Case of Vietnam

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The general education curriculum promulgated by the Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training in 2018 has identified 10 common competencies that need to be formed and developed for students in the coming period, including computing capacity. The Math general education curriculum issued in 2018 helps students form and develop mathematical competence (the most concentrated expression of computing capacity) including the following core elements: mathematical thinking and reasoning; mathematical modeling; mathematical problem solving; mathematical communication; use mathematical learning tools and media.

The aim of this study was to design an assessment framework for mathematical competence.

From the Grade 3 Math curriculum, the research team has proposed a math competency standard with 90 items. From these 90 items, design 6 illustrative test questions. Each test consists of 30 questions, between which there are 15 fixed questions designed to measure students’ mathematical competence.

A sample of 383 students in grade 3 were recruited for the study with the participation of 3 researchers and 5 elementary school teachers. A mathematical competence framework and six tests with anchor items were designed to measure students’ mathematical competence.

The results of analysis using an approach to item response theory showed that the items had good fits with the model and they could be used to describe mathematical competence learning progression with different levels of proficiency. The tests were reliable and valid, and the anchor items were good for connecting students’ mathematical competence.

The Influence of Implementing the Geography Virtual Laboratory (Geovlab) on Interest and Increasing Academic Achievement Abilities

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Purpose: This research aims to examine the effect of implementing a virtual geography laboratory (Geovlab) on students’ interest and increasing academic achievement.

Patients and methods: The type of research used is experimental research. The research was conducted at SMA Plus Al-Fatimah Bojonegoro, East Java, Indonesia. The subjects of this research were 60 students. The research instruments used to collect data were interest questionnaires and cognitive measurement tests. Data analysis was tested using percentages and paired sample t test statistics.

Results: Based on the analysis of research results, it shows that there are students who have a high interest in using Geovlab and there is a significant average difference between pre-test and post-test in cognitive aspects of academic achievement.

Conclusion: Geovlab allows students to learn geography interactively. They can explore geographic maps, simulations, and models that help them understand geographic concepts better than traditional textbook-only learning.

Factors of Performance Management System and Work Motivation on Employee Engagement through Employee Performance as a Mediation Variable

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This study aimed to identify Performance Management System (PMS), work motivation, and employee performance factors through employee engagement as mediation. Measuring the value of each performance achievement using the PLS SEM method. The research was conducted from March to April 2023. The data collected in this study were primary data obtained from an Indonesian-language questionnaire survey which was distributed via the Google form link using a Likert scale. The sampling method (respondents) used was quota sampling. Data is processed and analyzed using SEM-PLS. The results of the study obtained 240 respondents and showed that all variables had an effect. The managerial implication of this research is that state-owned banking companies in Indonesia are advised to increase their current employee engagement and pay attention to factors that can inhibit or reduce employee engagement to maintain company performance in the future. One of the factors that has an impact on the performance of employees and the company at this time is the occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic and changes in the company’s internal environment. Thus, communication between companies and employees must be maintained to minimize misunderstandings regarding their work. The ability of employees to manage emotions, control themselves and establish good relations with fellow co-workers will have an impact on improving performance both at work and in social life.

Purpose: Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the company’s performance measurement system with a more in-depth Performance management system approach, so that by providing suggestions for improvements to several aspects of PMS, it is expected to form a company to improve the performance of its employees. Because, performance improvement is very influential for the company, especially in terms of creating profit value for the company.

Patients and methods: Measuring the value of each performance achievement using the PLS SEM method. The research was conducted from March to April 2023. The data collected in this study were primary data questionnaire survey which was distributed via the Google form link using a Likert scale. The sampling method (respondents) used was quota sampling. Data is processed and analyzed using SEM-PLS.

Results: The results of the study obtained 240 respondents and showed that all variables had an effect. The managerial implication of this research is that state-owned banking companies in Indonesia are advised to increase the engagement of their current employees and pay attention again to the factors that can hinder or reduce their employee engagement to maintain the company’s future performance. One of the factors that has an impact on the current performance of employees and companies is the occurrence of the Covid-19 pandemic and the changing internal environment of the company.

Conclusion: The employee engagement variable mediates the influence between the performance management system, work motivation, and employee performance. Employee Engagement is able to partially mediate the effect of work motivation on employee performance. Work motivation in BUMN companies in the banking sector is good and balanced with employees who have high engagement, it will improve the performance of the employees concerned. When employees feel comfortable with their work environment they will be more easily engaged with their work.

Let off Steam: Exploring the Anger in the English Proverbs

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This study explores the complex relationship between language and emotion, specifically focusing on how anger is depicted in English proverbs. Using a unique combination of Cognitive Semantics Analysis (CSA) and Qualitative Methodology (QM), this research uncovers the underlying cognitive structures that shape the expression of anger in a diverse range of proverbs. The study identifies and analyzes how anger is conceptualized and communicated across various contexts by examining linguistic patterns, metaphors, and cultural nuances. The proverbs displayed a cohesive set of linguistic patterns that intensified the emotional impact of anger-related expressions. The findings provide insight into the cognitive mechanisms behind the creation of anger-related proverbs and offer a deeper understanding of the micro-cultural and social dimensions that influence these expressions. Through our analysis of English proverbs, we found a complex web of cognitive structures and metaphors that underlie the expression of anger. This investigation contributes to cognitive linguistics, emotion studies, and cultural analysis, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the intricate relationship between language, emotion, and cultural cognition.

Effective Delivery of Basic Science Curriculum Concepts Using Inquiry Based Strategy on Students’ Academic Achievement in Delta Central Senatorial District

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The study investigated the effective delivery of Basic Science curriculum concepts using inquiry based strategy on students’ academic achievement in Delta Central Senatorial District. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. Quasi-experimental design was adopted for the study, specifically, non-equivalent pretest and posttest control group design. The sample for the study comprised of 275 JSS II basic science students from six mixed JSS2 classes in intact classes in Delta Central Senatorial District, drawn using Simple random sampling techniques. The experimental group was taught using inquiry based teaching strategy, while lecture method was taught using conventional. The instrument used for data collection was the Basic science Achievement Test (BSAT). Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed that inquiry based teaching strategy was superior to the conventional instructional method in facilitating students’ achievement in basic science. There was no significant difference in the mean scores of male and female students in basic science curriculum concepts. Based on the findings, it was concluded that the inquiry based strategy is a better option in delivery Basic Science curriculum concepts. It was recommended among others that science teacher’s educators should adopt inquiry based strategy when teaching in order to enhance students’ achievement in basic science and technology.

Effectiveness and Practicality of Wetland Ethnoscience E-Magazine Based on the Scientific Critical Thinking (SCT) Model for Improve Critical Thinking Skills

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This research is a research and development (R&D) study using the ADDIE model, which aims to determine the effectiveness and practicality of the SCT Model-Based Wetland Ethnoscience E-Magazine on students’ critical thinking skills in stoichiometry learning. Data collection techniques use test instruments, response questionnaires, learning implementation sheets, and the teacher’s ability to use e-magazines to test effectiveness and practicality. The effectiveness test is carried out using test instruments for critical thinking skills. Meanwhile, practicality tests were conducted on teachers’ and students’ responses to e-magazine products, observation sheets on learning implementation, and teachers’ ability to use e-magazines. The results of research on critical thinking skills in students at SMAN 3 Banjarmasin, SMAN 7 Banjarmasin, and SMAN 12 Banjarmasin showed an average n-gain value of 0.80; 0.81 and 0.80 in the high category, so it is effective for improving students’ critical thinking skills. The influence test results using the Wilcoxon test show an influence or improvement in students’ thinking skills using the significance of the Wetland Ethnoscience E-Magazine Based on the Scientific Critical Thinking (SCT) Model. The results of the difference test (Kruskall Wallis) show that there is no difference (consistency) in the increase in students’ critical thinking skills after using the Wetland Ethnoscience E-Magazine Based on the Scientific Critical Thinking (SCT) Model for each school. The results of the teacher response questionnaire regarding the use of E-magazine showed a mean value of 4.67. The response results from students at SMAN 3 Banjarmasin, SMAN Banjarmasin, and SMAN 12 Banjarmasin showed a mean of 4.31, 4.33, and 4.34 in the very good category. The results of teachers’ ability to use E-magazines at SMAN 3 Banjarmasin, SMAN 7 Banjarmasin, and SMAN 12 Banjarmasin showed scores of 4.63, respectively, 4.65 and 4.64. Learning implementation results with a score of 4.57, 4.60, and 4.58. Based on these results, it can be said that the use of the SCT Model-Based Wetland Ethnoscience E-Magazine is effective and practical in the learning process for student’s critical thinking skills.

Spiritual Leadership of Madrasah Heads in Improving Teacher Personal Competence (MTs Ma’arif NU 2 Sutojayan Blitar and MTs Ma’arif Bakung Blitar)

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This research aims to provide an in-depth description regarding 1) The spiritual leadership of the madrasa head in improving teacher personality competence 2) The spiritual leadership characteristics of the madrasa head in increasing teacher personality competence 3) The spiritual leadership strategy of the madrasa head in increasing teacher personality competence. This research uses a qualitative approach, a case study type with a multi-case design. Data collection techniques use in-depth interviews, participant observation and documentation, data analysis uses data reduction, presentation of verification data and drawing conclusions. Data is analyzed from single and cross-case data. The research results show: 1) Spiritual leadership in the two madrasas a) Able to inspire, influence and mobilize through example. b) have a very strong foundation and motivation for the progress of the institution. c) Communicate well with its members and communication does not go in one direction. 2) Characteristics of the spiritual leadership of the madrasa head a) Has a strong belief in the progress of the madrasa, has a vision, mission, goals and strategies, as well as their implementation towards progress and success in managing the organization. b) has a humble character, is patient, has emotional stability, adheres to honesty, is self-confident, can accept change and has a spirit of pious deeds, c) is very loved by his subordinates, likes the leadership model and style of the madrasah head, loves the policies and ideas of the madrasah head especially regarding policies to increase teacher competency. 3) The spiritual leadership strategy of madrasa heads in both institutions is a) Always maintaining trust. c) Communicate, collaborate and synergize to unite the vision and mission well in running the madrasah organization. c) The head of the madrasah holds training to improve teacher competency.