Critique of a Journal Article (CJA) Paper

Critique of a Journal Article (CJA) Paper

Summary:

The research investigated the perceptions of teachers and implementations of constructivist learning methods, specifically focusing on question-answer, individual work, and group work at the Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Design (EiTEX). This study utilized a quantitative approach, with the researcher employing a questionnaire-based survey with 82 teachers from three programs—Textile Production, Laser Technology, and Fashion Design (Jemberie, 2021). The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20, which helped to reveal important insights into the practices and beliefs of teachers regarding constructivist learning.

The theoretical foundation of this study draws from constructivist principles, which lay emphasis on the importance of connecting learning tasks with real-life situations, fostering cooperative learning, encouraging student responsibility in the learning process, and facilitating knowledge construction. The findings of the study indicated that nearly half of the teachers recognized the significance of linking tasks to students’ real-life situations in individual work, while a smaller percentage did so in group work (Jemberie, 2021). Moreover, teachers acknowledged the importance of student self-regulation and cooperation in completing tasks.

Examining knowledge construction, most teachers felt that both working alone and working in groups help students learn. But when it comes to connecting new information with what they already know, the teachers thought that it is better for students to work alone. They believe that changing or adding to what students already know happens more effectively when they work on their own.Top of Form Regarding the question-answer method, most teachers agreed that questions should relate to students’ real-life situations. However, there was a noticeable discrepancy between teachers’ views and practices. While they claimed to ask challenging questions related to prior knowledge, classroom observations suggested a divergence from this constructivist approach.

The study revealed a significant misalignment between teachers’ perceptions and actual practices in implementing constructivist methods. Although teachers expressed an understanding of constructivist principles, the application of these principles in the classroom was inconsistent (Jemberie, 2021). They acknowledged the benefits of the constructivist methods as they help create collaboration and enhance communication, but many teachers found it difficult to utilize the methods in their daily teaching. Additionally, Jemberie’s (2021) research delved into the impact of educational workshops on constructivist methods teachers use, noting that longer participation is linked to a more constructivist teaching style.

Usefulness & Applicability:

The article proves valuable in providing information on the constructivist teaching approach, particularly in the EiTEX context. As such, Jemberie’s (2021) study would apply in enhancing my teaching approach, as it provides insights concerning how I can promote and maintain a more effective learning environment centered on accommodating the individual needs of all students.

Example #1: Implementation of Constructivist Approaches in Mathematics

Leveraging this article, I would use Jemberie’s (2021) insights to make my Math lessons more interactive and engaging. Besides, the article highlights the imperative need to connect the class to real life. In this regard, I can design Math activities/lessons involving real-world applications instead of presenting Math problems in an abstract way. For example, when teaching geometry, students can collaboratively work on a project to design a blueprint for a community garden. This project not only incorporates mathematical concepts but also encourages cooperative learning as students apply geometric principles to solve practical, real-life problems.

Example #2: Professional Development in Mathematics Education

The research underscores the impact of pedagogical workshops on teachers’ constructivist practices. As a mathematics teacher, attending workshops focused on constructivist methodologies in mathematics education can significantly enhance my teaching. Workshops could provide strategies for implementing interactive question-answer sessions that promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills. For instance, I might learn techniques to pose open-ended questions that encourage students to explore various approaches to problem-solving, promoting a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts.

Critique:

The title, “Teachers’ Perception and Implementation of Constructivist Approaches in Teaching: The Case of Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology,” effectively communicates the focus and scope of the research. It accurately reflects the examination of teachers’ views and practices related to constructivist teaching approaches at a specific institution. The abstract, on its part, provides a clear and concise summary of the research, offering insights into the research design, participants, data collection methods, and key findings. It effectively serves as a snapshot of the entire article, aiding readers in understanding the study’s purpose and outcomes. Focusing on the statement of purpose, the purpose of the article is explicitly stated in the introduction, emphasizing the investigation of teachers’ perceptions and implementations of constructivist approaches. The research aims to shed light on the alignment between teachers’ beliefs and their actual teaching practices. Besides, the researcher clearly states the two research questions, letting the reader know the exact purpose of the study.

The author did provide some details about the research procedure, including the research design, data collection methods, and analysis techniques. However, there is room for improvement in terms of providing comprehensive details that would allow other researchers to duplicate the study without confusion. The article could benefit from a more in-depth description of certain aspects, such as the specific questions included in the questionnaire, the content and structure of the pedagogical workshops, and more detailed insights into classroom observations.

Turning to evidence to support claims, the article utilizes quantitative data obtained through questionnaires, with statistical analysis performed using SPSS. While this approach is suitable for certain aspects, a more in-depth exploration of teachers’ experiences and qualitative data could have enriched the evidence and offered a holistic view of the subject. On the question of section expansion or condensation, the section on the participants’ demographic characteristics appears extensive and detailed. It could potentially be condensed to focus more on the key findings. This would allow for a more streamlined presentation of results and their implications.

In terms of clarity and coherence, the arguments in the article are generally presented with clarity, accuracy, and coherence. The structure of the document is logical, with a clear progression from the introduction through the methodology, findings, and conclusion. However, some sections contain ambiguous statements, such as the reasons behind the discrepancy between teachers’ views and practices. Clarifying the factors contributing to this incongruity would enhance the comprehensibility of this research.

The conclusions made by the author are well aligned with the research findings. They are logical and well-explained. However, the author would have strengthened the overall impact of the article by proposing avenues for future research. On the issue of errors, there are no significant concerns regarding facts or interpretation. The literature review, while touching on essential constructivist principles, could benefit from a more extensive examination of current research and theoretical frameworks in educational psychology. Additionally, the findings highlight a significant gap between teachers’ perceptions and actual implementation of constructivist methods, calling for a deeper analysis of the reasons behind these discrepancies. The article’s strength lies in its use of quantitative data, but a more balanced approach incorporating qualitative insights could provide a richer understanding of the subject. Lastly, the conclusions could be strengthened by explicitly discussing the practical implications of the study for educators in textile and fashion programs, offering specific recommendations for bridging the gap between perception and practice.

In terms of objectivity, the author maintains objectivity throughout the article by presenting findings without apparent bias. The research is conducted in a professional and unbiased manner. The fact that the author cites other studies by different scholars helps eliminate personal bias. If I were the author, to enhance the article, I would provide more detailed information about the research procedures, consider incorporating qualitative data for a more comprehensive analysis, and explicitly discuss the limitations and potential implications of the findings. Additionally, I would acknowledge the role of institutional context in shaping teaching practices, which could add depth to the discussion.

References

Jemberie, L. W. (2021). Teachers’ perception and implementation of constructivist learning approaches: Focus on Ethiopian Institute of Textile and Fashion Technology, Bahir Dar. Cogent Education, 8(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/

ORDER A PLAGIARISM-FREE PAPER HERE

We’ll write everything from scratch

---

Please use the library’s website to find an academic article that is relevant to our class and is about something that you would like to learn more about. Make sure that the article is an academic article published in a journal (with a volume number). The article should not be older than 5 years and must be at least 4 pages long, excluding the cover page or reference page. If you are in doubt about the appropriateness of an article, email me the actual article as an attachment and please state the class you are enrolled in. If you plan to email me about the appropriateness of the article you chose, please keep in mind that this inquiry should be made at least 24 hours before the deadline for the assignment. For this assignment, you do not need to keep citing the article. Two attempts are allowed for the submissions.

 Do not copy/paste information from anywhere. Write your answers in your own words. Generative AI tools, like ChatGPT, are allowed for specific purposes in this course, such as brainstorming, information gathering, outlining, and grammar/style checks. However, it is not allowed to submit work that is fully or partially created by AI tools. This includes using AI to write sentences, paragraphs, Refer to the syllabus for guidance on the appropriate use of AI and the potential consequences associated with its misusage.]. Please avoid direct quotations unless you find the author’s language reveals distinctive phrasing or a lack of clarity. By paraphrasing, you are showing the reader your level of understanding of the article. If you use direct quotations, which should be limited to one or two short quotations, please understand that they will not count towards the word limit. Do not forget to attach the actual journal article (as PDF) when you submit your assignment, no link.

 Please remove the section highlighted in yellow (including this sentence) in your paper before submitting your paper. Your paper should have the following sections; Summary, Usefulness, Critique, and References.

 Summary: Summary of the article in your own words (no direct quotations in the summary, no opinions—you can write your opinions in other sections, especially in the “Critique” section), (minimum 350 words).

Usefulness & Applicability: How can the information provided in this article enhance your teaching, parenting skills, or your understanding of language/literacy development?  If you have never taught before or if you are not a parent yet, answer this question in a hypothetical way. Make sure to provide at least two specific examples, numbering them as Example #1 and Example #2. (minimum 250 words).

 Critique: What is your critique of the article? (minimum 400 words)

Here are some questions to guide your critical analysis, most of which should be addressed in your paper (make sure to employ a critical perspective):

Is the title of the article appropriate? If not, what do you think would be the best title for this article? Explain.

Does the abstract provide a good overview of the article?

Is the purpose of the article stated early in the article (i.e., introduction)?

What is the author’s purpose in this document?

If this is an empirical/research article, do you think the author(s) gave enough details about the procedure for other researchers to duplicate the study without confusion?

Does the author provide convincing evidence to support his/her claims?

Are there any sections in the article that should be expanded, condensed, or omitted? Explain.

Is there any repeated content in the article?

Are the arguments presented in a clear way with accuracy, order, and coherence?

Are there any ambiguous statements in the article? Provide examples along with your suggestions to make these statements clear.

Do you agree with the author’s conclusions? Why?

Are there any errors with regard to fact or interpretation?

Do you have any concerns about the literature review, the findings, the methods, or the conclusions?

Do you find the author(s) objective throughout the article?

 If you were the author, what would you do differently to improve the article?