Research Article
Does Early Childhood Education Matter on Reading Achievement Among Arab Countries
Kaouther Soudani*
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
133-144
Received:
22 August 2024
Accepted:
12 September 2024
Published:
10 October 2024
Abstract: Our research focuses on the impact of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in the reading achievement of pupils in primary schools in MENA countries. The study employed the international data from PIRLS 2016 to identify the effect of early literacy practices on later reading attainment. Leveraging data from the 2016 Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS) by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, we utilize ordinary least squares (OLS) regression and quantile regression to estimate education production functions for each country individually. This approach enables us to assess how coefficients on explanatory variables vary across the spectrum of test scores. The results show that in MENA countries, early childhood education, which develops pupils’ skills acquisition before formal schooling, improves their reading performance. In sum, The Early childhood education effect can be reinforced through government policy and family background. In addition, we recommend a universal access to early childhood education., concentration of early childhood services in the private sector makes the programs confined only to wealthy people who can afford them, especially people living in urban cities and improve the quality of early education by implementing appropriate curricula and modern teaching.
Abstract: Our research focuses on the impact of Early Childhood Education (ECE) in the reading achievement of pupils in primary schools in MENA countries. The study employed the international data from PIRLS 2016 to identify the effect of early literacy practices on later reading attainment. Leveraging data from the 2016 Progress in International Reading Lit...
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Research Article
Effects of Natural Disasters on West Africa Sahel’s Economy: The Case of Burkina Faso, Mali and Niger
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
145-154
Received:
22 September 2024
Accepted:
12 October 2024
Published:
12 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.ijsdr.20241004.12
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Abstract: The Sahel region is facing the adverse effects of the natural disasters due to the drought and floods which are the most frequent events. These effects can be spread and affected the all the Sahel States economy. Therefore, this study attempts to analyze the effects of these natural disasters on the macroeconomic variables such as production, consumption, investment and inflation in the three (3) the northern central Sahel States. To do so, the panel vector autoregressive model (PVAR) is run on the World Bank and the International Emergency Disasters Database (EM-DAT) data from 1990 to 2021. The results revealed that the occurrence of drought shock generates significantly a negative impact on the GDP per capita at 5% level across the northern central Sahel countries (Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger). Also, the lagged of the macroeconomic variables such as production, investment and inflation have respectively a significant and positive impact on consumption at 5% level, production at 5% level and consumption at 10% level. Furthermore, the results show an asymmetry of natural disaster shocks at the scale of the northern central Sahel States but these shocks are symmetrical in pairs. As a result, the appropriate policies must make to absorb these shocks and avoid any hysteresis effect.
Abstract: The Sahel region is facing the adverse effects of the natural disasters due to the drought and floods which are the most frequent events. These effects can be spread and affected the all the Sahel States economy. Therefore, this study attempts to analyze the effects of these natural disasters on the macroeconomic variables such as production, consu...
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Research Article
Transforming Higher Education in Sierra Leone – A Path to Sustainable Development
Issue:
Volume 10, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
155-167
Received:
18 September 2024
Accepted:
8 October 2024
Published:
18 November 2024
Abstract: This paper examines the critical role of higher education in driving sustainable development in Sierra Leone, guided by Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) and Sustainable Development Theory (SDT). The study investigates challenges within the higher education system, such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, and limited research capacity, and presents a comprehensive framework for transformation. These obstacles hinder the effectiveness of higher education institutions (HEIs) in contributing to national development. The paper highlights innovative teaching methods, such as Problem-Based Learning (PBL) and experiential education, as strategies to foster critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and leadership capabilities among students. By aligning academic programs with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and emphasizing interdisciplinary research and industry collaboration, HEIs can play a pivotal role in Sierra Leone’s socio-economic progress. Drawing on successful models from universities such as Aalborg, the University of Malaya, and the University of Cape Town, the study demonstrates how interdisciplinary research and industry partnerships can drive innovation and development. The findings underscore the need for coordinated efforts from academia, industry, government, and international partners to transform Sierra Leone’s higher education system into a driver of sustainable development. The paper concludes that, while challenges persist, the integration of transformative learning and sustainable development principles can enable HEIs to equip graduates with the skills necessary to address the country’s most pressing socio-economic and environmental issues.
Abstract: This paper examines the critical role of higher education in driving sustainable development in Sierra Leone, guided by Transformative Learning Theory (TLT) and Sustainable Development Theory (SDT). The study investigates challenges within the higher education system, such as inadequate funding, outdated curricula, and limited research capacity, an...
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