Exploring Students’ Academic Success in English at Schools of Rural Area: A Case Study

Understanding the factors that contribute to students’ academic success in English is crucial, especially in rural schools where educational resources and opportunities may differ significantly from urban settings. This case study explores the unique challenges and successes experienced by students in rural areas, shedding light on the educational strategies that foster academic achievement in English. By analyzing these dynamics, this research aims to explore the learning experiences of high-achieving English students, identify the factors influencing their success, and examine the challenges they face while learning English in rural areas. This research employs a qualitative case study methodology, focusing on nine high-achieving students from SMPN 4 South Bungku. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires and analyzed using the Interactive Model of Data Analysis. The findings revealed that students experienced four types of learning: individual, group, direct, and indirect. Two primary factors influencing their academic achievement were the role of teachers and the lack of truancy. However, students faced external challenges such as inadequate teaching and learning facilities, significantly impacting their academic performance. The implications of the study suggest the importance of providing diverse learning experiences, supporting personalized learning strategies, fostering strong parental and teacher relationships, and addressing infrastructure issues in rural schools. Policymakers should consider these findings to create inclusive and resourceful learning environments that cater to diverse student needs and address specific rural challenges.

Strategic Adaptation in Focus: Unfolding Stories of Novice Principals

Being novice principals is a transformative experience that entails effective leadership principles. Their ability to adapt to varied circumstances can yield excellent outcomes in the educational setting. This study explored the experiences of novice principals in strategic adaptation to the newly assigned schools. It utilized qualitative research design, particularly phenomenological approach. In-depth Interview was used to generate responses from the participants. There were ten novice principals involved in the study selected through purposive sampling.  Based on their experiences in strategic adaptation, there were six themes emerged: strong support and collaboration with stakeholders, building good social relations and open communication, teacher empowerment, difficulty in adjusting to deeply rooted culture, shortage of budget allocation, and constraints on implementation of instructional delivery and maintenance of physical facilities. On the other hand, their collaborative planning practices were captured in four dominant themes: conducting interactive dialogue and consultation through regular meetings, practicing transformational leadership style, empowering teachers and stakeholders, and developing strong sense of commitment and shared responsibility. However, they adopted coping mechanisms to address the challenges by establishing democratic and consultative work environment, identifying priority improvement area, instituting generation of financial resources, adopting clear scientific approach to problem solving, and lobbying support from DepEd authorities and multi-stakeholders. The findings have implications on stressing the need to promote or develop more the principals’ leadership dimensions: educational, people, and strategic leadership especially in dealing with instructional delivery, financial management, collaboration with stakeholders, and instituting planning in schools.

Implementation of Regent Regulation Number 47 of 2020 Concerning Integrated Acceleration of Stunting Prevention in Suruh District, Trenggalek Regency

Stunting is a major nutritional problem that affects the social and economic life of the community. There is clear evidence that people with stunting have higher mortality rates and increased morbidity for several reasons: stunting impairs physical performance, and mental and intellectual functions are impaired. The form of commitment to reducing stunting in Trenggalek Regency has actually been stated in the Implementation of Trenggalek Regency Regent Regulation Number 47 of 2020 concerning the Acceleration of Integrated Stunting Prevention. One of the focuses of this study is Suruh District, where Suruh District has the highest Stunting rate in Trenggalek Regency.

The purpose of this study is to describe and analyze the Implementation of Trenggalek Regency Regent Regulation Number 47 of 2020 concerning the Acceleration of Integrated Stunting Prevention in Suruh District, Trenggalek Regency.

This qualitative research explores the Stunting Reduction Policy. Data collection in this study used interviews, documentation and observation. The results obtained were then collected, reduced, presented and conclusions were drawn.

The results of this study according to Van Metter Van Horn’s Theory and based on the results of the analysis of indicators and the findings of the discussion of the previous chapters, the researcher concluded that the implementation of Trenggalek Regency Regent Regulation Number 47 of 2020 concerning the Acceleration of Integrated Stunting Prevention in Suruh District has not been carried out optimally. However, in the variable of Communication between organizations and implementing activities in the Implementation of the Stunting Reduction Policy, the Trenggalek Regency Government only coordinates with related agency units and this is carried out together, it is indeed carried out, one of which is through the variable of communication between organizations, namely between Bappelitbangda, the Health Office and the Suruh District Health Center. But it is not carried out to the lowest level, namely the community.

Compliance Level of Junior Staff to Work Ethics in Delta State Tertiary Institutions

This study examined compliance level of junior staff to work ethics in Delta state tertiary institutions. A descriptive survey research design was used to investigate the study. To guide the study, three research hypotheses were raised. Questionnaire tagged “junior staff compliance to work ethics questionnaire” was used to collect data needed for the study. The population of the study was made up of 1,598 junior staff in the selected tertiary institutions out of which a sample of 799 junior staffs representing 50% made up of male and female junior workers was drawn from the population. Data collected were analyzed using ANOVA statistical tool to test the stated hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The researcher’s findings revealed that the level of compliance of junior staff to work ethics is poor in studied tertiary institutions. It is therefore recommended that institution management should ensure that the work environment for their junior staff is conducive and make available working equipment/tools, good working conditions, regular promotion and training of junior staff be organized by institution administrators and heads on the importance of ethical compliance to the organization for junior workers.

Sustainability, Profitability and Challenges Encountered in Income Generating Projects of University of Rizal System

In today’s educational landscape, financial constraints are common among institutions. However, income-generating projects (IGPs) offer a sustainable solution, as noted by Boqueo (2023), providing both financial stability and valuable learning experiences for students. State universities and colleges (SUCs) particularly see IGPs as a vital income source, reflecting a shift towards collaborative funding efforts between the government and development partners (Adan & Keiyoro, 2019).Insights from Adora and Ultra (2022) highlight IGPs’ effectiveness in securing additional resources for schools, supporting various programs and bridging funding gaps. Embracing IGPs, as emphasized by Battad (2019), offers solutions to various challenges by integrating research, instruction, and extension while fostering job creation and supplementing school budgets.

In this context, this study was conceived to determine the level of profitability, level of sustainability, and challenges encountered in income generating projects of University of Rizal System. The study utilized descriptive-correlational research design. Copeland (2022) stated that the aim of descriptive research is to describe a phenomenon and its characteristics. Correlational research refers to a non-experimental research method which studies the relationship between two variables with the help of statistical analysis. In particular, this study described level of sustainability, level of profitability and challenges encountered in income generating projects of University of Rizal System.

The respondents of the study composed of the 130 admin and finance officials  of University of Rizal System . The actual sample of 98 was computed using the Raosoft Calculator and were chosen through the random sampling method (Rahi, 2017) with a confidence level of 95% and 5% a margin of error. A stratified sampling technique was in the study.

The findings revealed that the overall weighted mean of 3.37 indicates that there was a “Very High” level of sustainability in income generating projects of University of Rizal System . More so, the overall weighted mean of 3.25 indicates that there was a “Very High’  level of profitability in income generating projects of URS .The University of Rizal System faces several challenges in its Income Generating Projects (IGPs) based on survey responses. Major hurdles includes lack of funding for initial investments, insufficient project execution infrastructure, and resistance to change among faculty and staff, and difficulties aligning projects with academic goals. The level of sustainability significantly correlated with the level of profitability as shown by the Pearson r values of market demand and level of profitability along revenue generation (r=0.832; p=0.000) and financial and cost management (r=0.781; p=0.000) level of sustainability; Community engagement  and level of profitability along revenue generation (r=0.738; p=0.000) and financial and cost management (r=0.731; p=0.000), level of sustainability; Legal laws and regulations  and level of profitability along revenue generation (r=0.622 p= p=0.000)Financial and cost management (r=0.609 p=0.000) level of sustainability environmental and social impact and level of profitability along revenue generation (r=0.635 p=0.000) which were all less than the 0.01 and 0.05 level of significance. A value of 0.000 indicates a high level of prediction of the dependent variable (Level of Profitability). The obtained R square of 0.723 shows the independent variable ( market demand, Community engagement, Legal laws and regulations, Environmental and social impact)explain the variability of the dependent variable (level of profitability). Further, the ANOVA shows that the independent variable (level of Sustainability) being statistically significantly predicted the dependent variable Level of Profitability with an F-value of 47.922 and a probability value of 0.000which is less than the 0.05 significance level.

In conclusion, the Income Generating Projects (IGPs) at University of Rizal System (URS) achieved a very high level of sustainability. This is a manifestation that the IGPs are not only meeting legal requirements but are also making positive contributions to the environment, society, and community. The high level of profitability in Income Generating Projects (IGPs) of University of Rizal System (URS) signifies outstanding performance in terms of revenue generation and financial management. The Income Generating Projects (IGPs) at University of Rizal System (URS) reveals a comprehensive understanding of the challenges faced in their implementation. The predominant challenges include a lack of funding for initial investments, insufficient project execution infrastructure, and resistance to change among faculty and staff. The higher the level of sustainability along with market demand, community engagement, legal laws and regulations and environmental and social impact, the higher the level of profitability along with the revenue generation and financial and cost management. The independent variable level of sustainability is the driver of level of profitability, hence, the proposed action plan may be implemented to address the challenges encountered in income-generating projects at the University of Rizal System.

Volatility of Oil Revenue and the Real Exchange, Empirical Evidence from Iraq

This paper analyses the extent to which a boom in a particular export commodity sector (i.e., oil) affects relative price of non-tradable goods against tradable goods, the real exchange rate in the case of Iraqi economy. This paper examines whether appreciation or depreciation real exchange rate does exist in Iraqi case?. It produces some empirical evidence for the explanation booming oil sector and appreciation real exchange rate. The main findings form this paper that the Iraqi economy was subject to have the appreciation real exchange rate during high oil revenue. Some of the indications of the high oil revenue, remarkably the increase of relative prices, and the real exchange rate appreciation.  The study uses annual time series data sourced from home and international agencies from 1970 to 2013. Due to problem with endogeneity, the data are analyzed through the use of two stages least square.

The Effects of Motivation, Learning Engagement on the Students’ English Achievement

Purpose: This research aims to find out the Motivation, Learning engagement and English Achievement of the students and the effects of students’ Motivation and Learning Engagement on students’ English achievement. of junior high school in Limbung.

Methods: The sample of this research were 88 class VIII students of SMP Muhammadiyah Limbung who were chosen random from 363 total population. This research used Descriptive Quantitative Research. The data was obtained by using questionnaires filled in by students and the students’ final grades in listening and speaking materials.

Results: The results of data analysis from 88 samples showed that motivation (X1) was good with score 77.09, learning engagement (X2) was good with score 74.56 and students’ English achievement (Y) was very good with score 82.26. And the students’ motivation in English achievement has a very strong effect with R coefficient was 0.917 in listening skill and 0.903 in reading skill. Also the students’ English engagement in English achievement has a very strong effect too with R coefficient was 0.882 in listening, and 0.883 in reading.

Conclusion: The students of SMP Muhammadiyah Limbung have good motivation and learning engagement, also their English Achievement is very good. There is a very strong effect between students’ motivation, Learning engagement and their English achievement (listening and reading).

The Impact of Teacher Competency, Transformational Leadership of School Principals, and Organizational Culture on Teacher Performance

This study examines the impact of teacher competency, transformational leadership of school principals, and organizational culture on teacher performance. The objectives of this research are to analyze: (1) the effect of teacher competency on teacher performance, (2) the effect of transformational leadership of school principals on teacher performance, (3) the effect of organizational culture on teacher performance, and (4) the combined effect of teacher competency, transformational leadership of school principals, and organizational culture on teacher performance. The research method used is a survey. The research was conducted in Madrasah Aliyah based in Pesantren in the South Halmahera district with a sample of 25 teachers. Data analysis utilized simple regression analysis and multiple regression analysis. The results of the study indicate that: (1) there is a positive and significant influence of teacher competency on teacher performance with an F-value of 51.317 and a significance level less than 0.05, (2) there is a positive and significant influence of transformational leadership of school principals on teacher performance with an F-value of 51.792 and a significance level less than 0.05, (3) there is a positive and significant influence of organizational culture on teacher performance with an F-value of 86.576 and a significance level less than 0.05, and (4) there is a positive and significant combined influence of teacher competency, transformational leadership of school principals, and organizational culture on teacher performance with an F-value of 75.208 and a significance level less than 0.05. The influence of organizational culture is greater compared to teacher competency and transformational leadership of school principals.

Tax Planning Competencies, Legal Compliance, and Impact of Tax Audit Examinations Among Philippine Economic Zone Authority Registered Entities

The study aimed to identify the relationship between tax planning competencies, legal compliance, and the impact of tax audit examinations among Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA) registered entities in Laguna, Philippines. A descriptive correlational research design was used in this study. The study revealed that tax planning competencies were observed with an average weighted mean of 3.23, legal compliance was highly practiced with an average weighted mean of 3.22, and the impact of tax audit examinations was agreed with a weighted mean of 2.79. Correlations indicated that there was a significant relationship between tax planning competencies and legal compliance, tax planning competencies and impact of tax audit examinations and legal compliance and impact of tax audit examinations. In terms of significant relationships, legal compliance in terms of regulatory reporting and training and education is dependent on the tax planning competencies of PEZA registered entities. Also, proves that tax audit examination in terms of financial implications and company’s reputation is dependent on the tax planning competencies of PEZA registered entities. Lastly, there was a low positive correlation between respondents’ level of legal compliance and impact of tax audit examination under company’s reputation among PEZA registered entities. Regulatory reporting shows a weak and nonsignificant correlation with both financial implications and company reputation.

A Descriptive Study on the Difficulties that EFL Students Encounter in Writing Essays at a University in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Nowadays, it goes without saying that English has become the most popular language in the world. However, a lot of English learners in Vietnam, especially in the Mekong Delta sub-region have to face serious problems in writing skills, especially essay writing. For this reason, the study was conducted to figure out common obstacles in writing English essays encountered by EFL sophomores. The research participants were 62 second-year students of English at a university who finished their essay-writing courses already. To achieve the desired aim of this study, the researcher combined both qualitative and quantitative methods, using questionnaires and interviews as the main instruments. The SPSS version 22 was used to analyze data from the questionnaire and thematic analysis was adopted to treat the qualitative data. The results showed that these participants had various problems with their English essay writing including vocabulary, grammar, background knowledge, and idea organization. From the findings of this study, some suggestions were given to help teachers and learners in order to improve their English writing and learning experience.