Mira Sabat, Roula M. Abdel-Massih, Amjad Kanaan, Sara Salloum, Mireille Serhan, Roula Fares, Nicolas Haddad and Antoine Melki
The purpose of this paper is to: (1) explore existing practices of STEM faculty at a private Lebanese university and (2) assess the extent of implementation of active learning…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to: (1) explore existing practices of STEM faculty at a private Lebanese university and (2) assess the extent of implementation of active learning among faculty members of selected STEM departments.
Design/methodology/approach
The Working Group on “Integrating Modern Scientific teaching methodologies in STEM” (IM-STEM) at a tertiary university in Lebanon advocates for novel research-based methods to enhance STEM education. This pilot study investigated, using a modified version of the Wieman and Gilbert “Teaching Practices Inventory”, the current teaching methods used by faculty members in selected STEM departments.
Findings
Remarkably, most respondents admit a willingness to incorporate new teaching methods. Main findings indicate that traditional teaching via didactic lecturing remains prevalent in the STEM classrooms at the tertiary academic institution in Lebanon despite sporadic individual efforts by faculty members to utilize unconventional methods and active learning.
Research limitations/implications
One major limitation that influenced the efficiency of this study is the small number of respondents (71 faculty members). More in-depth data collection combining quantitative and qualitative data should be done in future studies.
Practical implications
Gaining insight into the actual methods used in STEM fields in various departments can help the university management to better understand the key importance of educational reform.
Originality/value
The main value of this paper is to serve as a prelude for educational reform at a tertiary academic institution.
Details
Keywords
The aim of writing this paper is to demonstrate how societal sector institutions influence the lender‐borrower network relationships.
Abstract
Purpose
The aim of writing this paper is to demonstrate how societal sector institutions influence the lender‐borrower network relationships.
Design/methodology/approach
The objectives are achieved by analyzing data based on an “Institutional Network” theoretical frame of references. The methodological approach used in the research is of a qualitative nature.
Findings
The research result shows that the societal sector institutions, like country culture, religion, political system, legal system, government, and family/clan, have direct and indirect impact on the lender‐borrower network relationship, especially in the case of financing rural‐based small and cottage industries by interest‐free banks.
Originality/value
The ideas of an interest‐free banking system and its financing towards rural‐based small and cottage industries. The research is useful both to financing organizations based on interest free principles and also to small and cottage industry owners in developing as well as developed nations, where this specific financing system is working.