- Dr. Wahab Ali is an Associate Professor and Head of Education Department in the School of Humanitiesedit
Research Interests:
Growing technological advancement and emerging digital environments have infused and swiftly changed the learning landscape globally. One such advancement that incorporates face-to- face learn-ing with technological tools is the blended... more
Growing technological advancement and emerging digital environments have infused and swiftly changed the learning landscape globally. One such advancement that incorporates face-to- face learn-ing with technological tools is the blended or hybrid mode of learning and teaching. Blended or hybrid learning is a seamless combination of online and face-to-face activities for classroom instruction for all and basically the demographically displaced. This research delves into a profound study of the perception of students and staE™ involved in a postgraduate educational leadership program oE™ered in a blended mode. An interpretive paradigm using mixed methods approach adopting a survey consisting of Likert scale items and interviews were successfully implemented. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while thematic approach using emerging themes were used for interpreting the interviews. Findings testify that blended approach has been liked and very well accepted by the students as it enables them to complete their qualifications and progress academically and professionally in their lives. This study sets a solid platform for further research as certain scholars and administrators are still sceptical and hesitant in fully implementing blended mode of learning and teaching. The study concludes by stating certain implications that subsequently can make blended mode more chronic and applicable to the needs of scholars, teachers and students especially in archipelagos like Fiji and beyond.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
This study was motivated by the premise that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and that any one style of leadership cannot be appropriate in all places. The purpose of this theoretical debate is to examine the wider context of situational... more
This study was motivated by the premise that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and that any one style of leadership cannot be appropriate in all places. The purpose of this theoretical debate is to examine the wider context of situational leadership and its effectiveness towards improving school leadership and management. Analytical Literature review was undertaken and findings reveal that successful leaders change their leadership styles based on the maturity of the people they're leading, the task at hand and the context. This academic evaluation examined the situational leadership theory and relevant leadership styles that could be merged in to provide the best mix in educational leadership and administration. It begins with a concise overview of leadership theories and is followed by an examination of pertinent leadership styles in relation to the four basic components of situational leadership. This article concludes that success can be certain if situational leadership is successfully applied together other pertinent styles in educational leadership and administration. This study sets a solid platform for further research as quality leadership tradition offers great opportunity to further refine situational leadership in the best interest of scholars, teachers, principals and aspiring educational leaders globally.Keywords: Leadership, Directing, Coaching, Participating, Delegating, Theories, Styles, Methods, Administration.
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
Research Interests:
The departure from traditional family structure and the evolving social trends with a breakdown in the customary support system has created a gap for fulfilling the physical, psychological and social needs of the children. The emphasis is... more
The departure from traditional family structure and the evolving social trends with a breakdown in the customary support system has created a gap for fulfilling the physical, psychological and social needs of the children. The emphasis is on the need for an alternative support system to mediate the needs of them and counselling in schools is definitely the bridge that fills this gap. There is no doubt that COVID-19 pandemic and associated socio-economic factors have heightened the need for counselors in schools. This study investigates the views of school administrators, principals, head teachers and classroom teachers regarding counselling in schools. A survey research design was implemented and a survey was executed to 100 participants in the western division. 78 of them responded by returning the completed survey giving a response rate of 78%, which is acceptable for discussion. Findings reveal that Fiji has seen an increase in counselling needs after COVID-19 and subsequent lock...
Research Interests:
This study was motivated by the premise that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and that any one style of leadership cannot be appropriate in all places. The purpose of this theoretical debate is to examine the wider context of situational... more
This study was motivated by the premise that ‘one size doesn’t fit all’ and that any one style of leadership cannot be appropriate in all places. The purpose of this theoretical debate is to examine the wider context of situational leadership and its effectiveness towards improving school leadership and management. Analytical Literature review was undertaken and findings reveal that successful leaders change their leadership styles based on the maturity of the people they're leading, the task at hand and the context. This academic evaluation examined the situational leadership theory and relevant leadership styles that could be merged in to provide the best mix in educational leadership and administration. It begins with a concise overview of leadership theories and is followed by an examination of pertinent leadership styles in relation to the four basic components of situational leadership. This article concludes that success can be certain if situational leadership is s...
Research Interests:
Growing technological advancement and emerging digital environments have infused and swiftly changed the learning landscape globally. One such advancement that incorporates face-to- face learn-ing with technological tools is the blended... more
Growing technological advancement and emerging digital environments have infused and swiftly changed the learning landscape globally. One such advancement that incorporates face-to- face learn-ing with technological tools is the blended or hybrid mode of learning and teaching. Blended or hybrid learning is a seamless combination of online and face-to-face activities for classroom instruction for all and basically the demographically displaced. This research delves into a profound study of the perception of students and staE™ involved in a postgraduate educational leadership program oE™ered in a blended mode. An interpretive paradigm using mixed methods approach adopting a survey consisting of Likert scale items and interviews were successfully implemented. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while thematic approach using emerging themes were used for interpreting the interviews. Findings testify that blended approach has been liked and very well accepted by the students as...
Research Interests:
Evolving technological advancement and emerging digital environments have permeated and swiftly changed the learning landscape globally. One such advancement that incorporates face-toface learning with technological tools is the blended... more
Evolving technological advancement and emerging digital environments have permeated and swiftly changed the learning landscape globally. One such advancement that incorporates face-toface learning with technological tools is the blended or hybrid mode of learning and teaching. Blended or hybrid learning is a seamless combination of online and face-to-face activities for classroom instruction for all and basically the demographically displaced. This research delves into a profound study of the perception of students and staff involved in a postgraduate educational leadership program offered in a blended mode. An interpretive paradigm using mixed methods approach adopting a survey consisting of Likert scale items and interviews were successfully implemented. The quantitative data was analysed using SPSS while thematic approach using emerging themes were used for interpreting the interviews. Findings testify that blended approach has been liked and very well accepted by the students as...
The outbreak of Corona Virus disease (COVID-19) in China in December 2019 has rapidly morphed into an unprecedented health, economic and educational crisis globally. This study focuses on tertiary students’ perspectives on Emergency... more
The outbreak of Corona Virus disease (COVID-19) in China in December 2019 has rapidly morphed into an unprecedented health, economic and educational crisis globally. This study focuses on tertiary students’ perspectives on Emergency Remote Learning (ERT) amidst COVID-19 Pandemic. The schools in Fiji closed its doors to face-to-face classes on 20th March, 2020 and tertiary institutes followed suit. This study was conducted to establish how tertiary students were coping with online learning at a university in Fiji. Subsequently, telephone interviews were held as it was most appropriate method at this time of lock down and social distancing amidst COVID 19 Pandemic. A meta-synthesis methodology was also adopted for this study and pertinent literature was visited to capture the essence of continued learning during these unprecedented times. Findings reveal that students were slowly adapting to online learning or E-Learning. Findings also reveal that lack of gadgets like laptops and desk...
Research Interests:
The postgraduate leadership program (PGLP) offered by the Education Department at The University of Fiji is aimed at immersing teachers and aspiring leaders into a world of educational entrepreneurship. The aim of this study is to... more
The postgraduate leadership program (PGLP) offered by the Education Department at The University of Fiji is aimed at immersing teachers and aspiring leaders into a world of educational entrepreneurship. The aim of this study is to explicate the impact of the PGLP on its relevance as perceived by its graduates. A survey using five point Likert type scale and open-ended questions was administered to a cohort of graduates of the PGLP from 2008 to 2013 to explore their perceptions of the PGLP. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic approach while SPSS was used to analyze the quantitative data. All data collected was synthesised according to the mixed methods conventions and findings are discussed according to the research questions and pertinent emerging themes. Results indicate that in general graduates are pleased with the theoretical and practical components of the leadership program. However, findings reveal there is room for improvement in regards to the provision of assessme...
Research Interests:
In light of the rising concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and calls to contain the Corona Virus, a growing number of tertiary institutions have shut down in regards to face-to-face classes globally. The Corona virus has revealed... more
In light of the rising concerns about the spread of COVID-19 and calls to contain the Corona Virus, a growing number of tertiary institutions have shut down in regards to face-to-face classes globally. The Corona virus has revealed emerging vulnerabilities in education systems around the world. It is now clear that society needs flexible and resilient education systems as we face unpredictable futures. A meta-analysis methodology was adopted for this study and pertinent literature was visited to capture the essence of continued learning during these unprecedented times. Findings reveal that universities worldwide are moving more and more towards online learning or E- Learning. Findings also reveal that apart from resources, staff readiness, confidence, student accessibility and motivation play important function in ICT integrated learning. This exploratory paper proposes that staff members should use technology and technological gadgets to enhance learning especially during these ex...
Research Interests:
Land tenure is an important variable impacting the vulnerability of people staying on leased land the world over. Land tenure-ship security is widespread in countries where the land is owned by the state or traditional people. The problem... more
Land tenure is an important variable impacting the vulnerability of people staying on leased land the world over. Land tenure-ship security is widespread in countries where the land is owned by the state or traditional people. The problem in securing a tenured land manifests itself in a number of ways that accentuate environmental and socio-economic impacts. Mounting evidence of reduced tenure security shows that affected communities are often unable to evolve equitably and enjoy long term economic stability. In the Fijian context, many displaced Fijians have moved on and settled in the periphery of towns and cities thus changing the socio-economic equilibrium of the environment. A qualitative study using a case study research design was undertaken to establish the perceptions of a group of sugar cane farmers who had become victims of non- renewal of their land leases in 2002. Findings reveal that expiry and non-renewal of land leases leads to social, economical, cultural, political...
Research Interests:
The proliferation of new forms of information and communication technology (ICT) has inundated the learning patterns of students at all levels and particularly at higher education level. The efficacy of teaching the digital generation of... more
The proliferation of new forms of information and communication technology (ICT) has inundated the learning patterns of students at all levels and particularly at higher education level. The efficacy of teaching the digital generation of learners without a firm grasp of how they learn is like embarking upon a perpetual journey. Invariably, today’s students have been mesmerized by digital gadgets from a very small age and this experience calls for a technology integrated paradigm. Hence, the current study focuses on the influence of evolving technology in conceptualizing pedagogy and practice in higher education. It explores staff members’ technological know-how and how they are able to influence learning at a University in Fiji. An exploratory research design was selected and a survey consisting of Likert scale items was administered. Subsequently, SPSS Statistical software was used for data analytical and reporting purpose. Findings are discussed in collaboration with a...
Research Interests:
Indigenous knowledge is multidimensional encompassing the beliefs, practices, arts, spirituality and other forms of traditional and cultural experiences that belong to Indigenous communities globally. In order to protect, preserve and... more
Indigenous knowledge is multidimensional encompassing the beliefs, practices, arts, spirituality and other forms of traditional and cultural experiences that belong to Indigenous communities globally. In order to protect, preserve and recognize the knowledge of the Indigenous people of Fiji, known as the iTaukei, the University of Fiji has established a Centre for iTaukei Studies. The Centre apart from its cultural dimension has adopted the western system of disseminating knowledge through publications, text books and teacher education programmes. While maintaining the importance of preserving the originality of the Indigenous cultural identity and practices, the paper highlights how the infusion of the cultures of the Indigenous people and that of the Indo-Fijians, who have co-existed together for over 100 years, has shaped the unique multicultural landscape in Fiji.