The study aims to examine the extent to which considerations of syllabus design and materials development are employed in a grade 9 English textbook of Ethiopia- English for Ethiopia: Secondary English Course: Grade 9 Students Book with particular emphasis on Multiple Intelligence Theory (MIT).The study is an evaluation research which makes use of a mixed method approach. Data were collected using interviews, coding form and a teachers’ questionnaire. The study involved English language syllabus writers in the Ministry of Education in Ethiopia. Furthermore, 50% of the contents of the Grade 9 English Textbook (6 of 12) were used for content analysis. In addition, 218 Grade 9 English teachers from fifty high schools that were drawn from 6 Regional States of the country responded to the questionnaire. In line with this, I collected quantitative data using a coding form and a questionnaire, as well as other forms of qualitative data using interview. Data were analysed both qualitatively and quantitatively. The study revealed that the syllabus writers used the competency-based approach in developing the Grade 9 English language syllabus. However, this approach has some drawbacks. On the one hand, competency-based education is a manifestation of the behaviouristic approach that is excessively reductionist, narrow, rigid and atomized; many areas in which people need certain competencies are impossible to operationalise; the approach does not clearly show how the list of competencies could be realised, how they should be formatted and presented so as to address learner differences. Above all, describing an activity in terms of a set of different competencies is not enough in order to deal with the complexity of the learning process as a whole. Regardless of these drawbacks, CBL was used to identify and list down the contents as well as the learning outcomes to be incorporated in the textbook. Thus, the how aspect remain obscured in that a theory driven approach to developing teaching/learning materials that meet learners' differences was not markedly taken note of as a guiding framework in developing the Grade 9 English language syllabus. The study showed that the great majority of the language tasks are meant to nurture verbal/linguistic intelligence followed by interpersonal and intrapersonal intelligences respectively. As a language textbook, it is good that it gives more coverage to these two intelligence profiles. When it comes to intentional application of principles of task design and materials development, many of the listening, reading and speaking lessons are appropriate in terms of providing comprehensible input, engaging students cognitively and affectively, promoting emotional/affective involvement and facilitating better language use. Similarly, visual imaging is also well taken care of with exception of few of the vocabulary and the grammar lessons. The study also revealed that the syllabus writers were well aware of the need of integrating various language skills, and it was found that the issue of using the integrated approach to ELT materials development was also well addressed and most of the language tasks are designed in an integrated manner with the exception of few of the vocabulary and the grammar lessons. Some drawbacks were also identified with few of the vocabulary and the grammar lessons in terms of providing comprehensible input and enhancing language use. On the other hand, as implementers of the textbook, the target schools’ Grade 9 English language teachers have a good understanding of language learning theories and task design principles. This understanding could help them design supplementary language tasks for their English classes. At last, conclusions are drawn and recommendations are given. / English Studies / D. Litt. et Phil. (English)

No description available.

Amidst the ever-evolving dynamics of the labour market, business graduates continuallyfind themselves adapting their skill sets to stay competitive and relevant. Extensiveresearch has delved into employability, highlighting the pivotal role of soft skills inadequately preparing business students for today's labour market. Notably, existingliterature indicates that the cultivation of these skills often occurs during youth and isparticularly profound within university settings. However, a debate arises regarding theeffectiveness of business universities in imparting soft skills to students. Given this, priorstudies advocate for closer collaboration between business schools and industry to aligneducation with professional demands and equip students with essential soft skills. In thiscontext, internships emerge as a focal point, with previous research emphasizing theirrole in effectively developing soft skills among students. However, there remains a needfor further research to comprehensively understand how internships influence the processof the development of soft skills. Through a qualitative study and the incorporation ofwell-known theories related to this area, we will delve deeper into this subject. The purpose of this study is to examine the role of internships in enhancing theemployability of business students by contribution to the process of developing four keysoft skills: communication, teamwork, self-management, and problem-solving. Thisobjective is pursued by addressing the following research questions: How can internshipscontribute to the process of the development of communication, teamwork, self-management, and problem-solving skills among Swedish nationals enrolled in businesseducation programs? To achieve this, we conducted in-depth interviews with sevenformer business administration students, all of whom completed internships. Theseindividuals secured employment before their graduation dates, spanning from 2022 to2023, and are all Swedish nationals who pursued their business education at universitiesin Sweden. Through these interviews, we gained insights into their subjectiveexperiences. It has been found, with the application of the experiential learning theory, human capitaltheory, and emotional intelligence theory, that internships indeed contribute to the processof developing communication, teamwork, self-management, and problem-solving skillsamong business students. Furthermore, enhances students’ employability. The analysisindicates that alumni collectively emphasize that internships significantly contribute tothe development of these soft skills, crediting practical experiences, increasedresponsibility, and exposure to workplace dynamics. Consequently, we suggest thatbusiness students should engage in internships. Further, that both business universitiesand organizations at large should encourage and support them in achieving this goal

The main research question of the study was: How can spiritual intelligence (SQ) be developed in secondary school students? This was motivated out of concern for the moral degeneration that secondary school students experience in South Africa. The literature review focused on the nature of SQ and how it can foster adaptive functioning and transformation in adolescents and the complexity of Religion Education (RE) in South African secondary schools. A case was made for developing educational strategies that can develop SQ in adolescents and create educational environments that not only encourages students to engage in dialogue that involves a broader conversation about religion and spirituality, but also supports transformational learning. The empirical investigation to evaluate the approach and educational strategies that were used, implemented a qualitative case study design. Gardner’s Multiple Intelligence (MI) theory and the social constructivist theory were used as conceptual frameworks. Purposive and convenient sampling was employed to select ten Grade 11 students in a secondary school in Gauteng that reflected the demographics of the country’s population. Qualitative data collection included reflective activities and informal conversation interviews. Field notes were kept and all observations were documented in a self-reflective journal. This was followed by a focus group session and semi-structured interviews. Findings revealed that the educational strategies had the capacity to develop core traits and mental abilities of SQ, provide peak experiences and enhance virtuous behaviour in adolescents. It was concluded that education should include content around the nature of SQ in conjunction with reflective and experiential activities. SQ provided a platform for epistemic relativity. It was thus concluded that SQ can be deliberately developed in South African secondary school contexts. The recommendations focussed on the role of institutions of higher learning in sensitising stakeholders regarding the relevance of SQ in South African educational contexts; training of in-service teachers; the importance of Life Orientation (LO) as conveyer of SQ and the role of the LO teacher in cascading SQ down to school students. Finally, a SQ training workshop was proposed. The study concluded with recommendations for further research. The limitations of the study were also presented. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

No description available.