Study of factors influencing research productivity of agriculture faculty members in Iran

The purpose of this research is to analyze the relationship between individual, institutional and demographic characteristics on one hand and the research productivity of agriculture faculty members on the other. The statistical population of the research comprises 280 academic staff in agricultural faculties all over Tehran Province. The data regarding research productivity and demographic characteristics were extracted from the faculty members’ profiles. Questionnaires were utilized to collect information concerning individual and institutional variables. The reliably of the questionnaire was calculated to be between 0.74 and 0.97 using the Cronbach’s Alpha. The regression analysis revealed that from among demographic characteristics two variables, namely, academic rank and age ( \textR_\textAD ² {\text{R}}_{\text{AD}}^{ 2}  = 0.265), among individual characteristics, three variables, namely, working habits, creativity as well as autonomy and commitment ( \textR_\textAD ² {\text{R}}_{\text{AD}}^{ 2}  = 0.097), and among institutional characteristics four variables namely, network of communication with colleagues, resources of facilities, corporate management and clear research objectives ( \textR_\textAD ² {\text{R}}_{\text{AD}}^{ 2}  = 0.151) were significant predictors for agricultural faculty members’ research productivity.     

Reasons for demotivation across years of study: voices from Iranian English major students

Language learning failure is often directly related to demotivation. The purpose of this study is to examine the process of demotivation and identify its sources within four years of an undergraduate degree programme. To this end, based on the complex dynamic systems perspective of the dynamic systems theories (DSTs), the demotivation test battery was developed and administered to 308 English major students. The results identified three salient demotivating constructs: (1) Institution related, (2) Significant others related and (3) Self-related, from among which the Institution related was the most influential and progressive through years. While MANOVA results confirmed the same pattern, it revealed stronger impact for the 3rd- and 4th-year students. In sum, the present findings provide support for the DSTs and indicate that the wider social context and prevailing discourses of the society are in constant interaction with the functions and attitudes of the others existing within that context.     

Re-examination of second language teacher motivation management from a dynamic perspective / Reanálisis de la gestión motivacional del profesor de lengua extranjera desde una perspectiva dinámica

Abstract

Despite the relationship between student teachers’ learning within teacher education programmes and their later teaching experiences, few studies have examined the role of motivation management. To fill this gap, this study examined motivation management, highlighting its relationship with key factors within teacher education programmes from a dynamic perspective. A sample of 18 student teachers enrolled in a degree course in Teaching English as a Foreign Language participated in this study. Analysis of qualitative data obtained from various sources such as reflection memos, videotaped enactment of teaching, personal journals, end-of-term portfolio, researcher’s monthly journal and her notes of weekly group discussions, as well as quantitative data from participants’ performance on classroom quizzes, indicated that although motivational behaviour is dynamic in relation to time and a combination of personal and contextual factors, the participants’ motivational management follows a typical behaviour pattern. In addition, results of a Friedman analysis of variance by ranks revealed that the participants’ performance on quizzes improved over time, implying that the student teachers temporally self-regulated to meet course requirements and safeguard their success.