Coping with Adjustments
Abstract
The year 2020 has seen some unprecedented adjustments to life and work. Natural disasters are common, but the world-wide pandemic has gripped the world economy, schooling, and mobility to a suffocating level. But the collective human spirit is not easily smothered. Life goes on as we have found new ways to cope with life and work within the limited boundaries of home or living space. This second issue for 2020 is dedicated to the writers who kept going through these challenging times with their research and have contributed to the knowledge base of their respective disciplines. The 11 articles in this issue provide fascinating insights to readers in the areas of business, education, and health.
Compliance with the financial policy of Adventist schools in Thailand is the focus of the primary quantitative study of Hamra and Namkote. Interestingly, some areas of flaws in policy compliance were identified that seem to match with the typical problems within many schools the world over. The problems presented also come with solutions as related to the findings. Next comes Regalado’s study using photovoice, providing insightful views on quality public school education in the Philippines as portrayed by teachers. The expressions of “obfuscate” and “faceless” seem to dominate the realities of life even as these teachers look to a hopeful future for education.
The primary study of Ngussa and Mpwani takes one to the area of curriculum within the theological field. Through this quantitative study, stakeholders’ voice was sought regarding the curriculum components that are seen as relevant. The qualitative study of Gwizo and Gaikwad focuses on the lifestyle practices of university students in Zimbabwe through a holistic approach. Valuable findings to improve lifestyle practices are presented that can impact the academic performance of university students.
Two qualitative case studies come from the Kingstons (husband and wife). The first deals with international students’ relationships in a residential context. The multicultural set up provides both pros and cons in human interactions that are captured carefully to encourage a collegial and enriching relationship. The second study focuses on balancing the personal life and social responsibility of faculty members in higher education. Though faculty members seem to experience a great deal of tension in juggling personal and social responsibilities, they have found various means to manage these tensions.
Tejero, Mancia, and Padagas’ multi-design study portrays the healing impact of creative arts on children affected by Marawi siege in the Southern Philippines. The study found the role of community in creating resilience. Wa-Mbaleka discusses in his academic essay, Changing Lives through Qualitative Research: Some Practical Principles and Practices—useful guidelines for promoting qualitative research as advocacy in uplifting the voiceless individuals. He presents challenges as well as ways to promote such advocacy.
Petre’s action research in Romania resulted in a processes model for implementing cooperative learning in higher education. Using this model resulted in positive outcomes in the areas of students’ leadership skills. The next article by Saban and Saban presented a quantitative study on the national service training program (NSTP) of Filipino students in a university setting. A heightened level of civic responsibility was evidenced among the participants who experienced the NSTP. The final article of Irembere and Lubani’s presents a timely study on transitioning to remote learning due to Covid-19. This qualitative case study provides interesting insights on such transition experiences of students in higher education.
The concerns discussed in the articles are both timely and relevant in higher education. As you read through the articles, consider ways you can adjust and enhance the life situation you are in at this moment. Consider ways that this issue of InFo can help you generate related studies and enrich the lives of others.
