CRITIQUE PAPER

Daud, Y., Dali P.D., Khalid, R., & Fauzee, M.S.O. (2018). Teaching and Learning
Supervision, Teachers’ Attitude towards Classroom Supervision and Students’
Participation. International Journal of Instruction, 11(4), 513-526.

This critique paper analyzes the nature, process, and results of a quantitative

research entitled “Teaching and Learning Supervision, Teachers’ Attitude towards

Classroom Supervision and Students’ Participation.” The contents of this paper are

presented in terms of the: problem and its setting; variables under investigation; theories

and concepts related to the variables; significance of the study; literature reviewed;

methodology used; research design; data-gathering instrument; data-gathering

procedure; data gathering procedure; data analysis; ethical consideration; significant

findings; conclusions; implications; recommendations; and references. The sequence of

presenting this analysis is an important guide for the new researcher in the process of

planning and implementing the research process. Likewise, this provides insights for

understanding how a research paper is technically written.

This quantitative research aimed to identify the supervisory performance in the

elements of teaching and learning supervision in secondary schools. This was conducted

in the Kubang Pasu district, Kedah, Malaysia. Undeniably I understand that the

supervisory process helps the school for evaluating the competence of teachers in terms

of skills, knowledge and behavior of teachers towards teaching and learning in the

classroom through the involvement of students. The researchers were right in their focus
of investigation. The variables they considered were wisely chosen for these variables

may have presumable relationships; or one variable, most probably, can predict the other.

Teaching and learning supervision, teachers’ attitude towards classroom

supervision and students’ participation are considered variables of the study. The choice

of these variables was guided by the researcher’s understanding that one may influence

or be influenced by the other. One maybe independent and the other is dependent. One

may be the cause and the other is the effect. One may colinear with the other. This

understanding is very important in conceptualizing the specific problem to be answered.

Making the problem clear is very important in designing a research process, decision as

to the research instrument, data analysis, and formulation of results and findings.

The researchers have utilized theories in conceptualizing the design of the study.

The theory guides in testing whether the points of view of the researchers are aligned

with the previously conceptualized theories. Theory of Supervision helps in facilitating

knowledge in supervision. The supervisors need to acquire the knowledge either directly

or seek help through curriculum development, professional development, action research

or group development. Guided by this direction, if ever I engage myself in a research

undertaking, I have to review theories that will help me redirect my personal points of view

that are not consistent with the existing theories. With this I can test my world view in a

scientific investigation.

Undeniably, the researcher is very significant in the field of teaching because as

administrators, teachers and even students are part of implementing the planned

curriculum. Curriculum alignment is ensured when each of them examines that classroom

activities, contents, behaviors are consistent with the mandated curriculum.

 The quantitative research design through the use of questionnaires was utilized by

the researchers. This design is appropriate to the problem under investigation.

Confidence in supervisor, supervisor support towards teaching, teacher attitude towards

supervision and student participation lend themselves to quantitative measurement.

The instruments of the study were presumably valid and reliable. The samples of

participants of the study were deemed representative of the characteristics of the

population where they were drawn using probability sampling. A total of 120 teachers

from 10 schools in urban and rural areas were involved in the sample study using stratified

random sampling techniques.

The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics method to describe the

respondents' information using SPSS 22.0 software. While Partial Least Squares

Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM 3.0) was used to test inferential statistics. Honestly, I must

admit that I need to spend more time understanding how the structural equation model

(SEM) for data analysis is done. But I know that with the use of Statistical Package for

Social Sciences (SPSS), the computation is facilitated. However, I am reflecting that

analysis and interpretation of results are quite challenging for me.

There was no statement of ethical considerations in this paper. I do not know how

the researchers took into consideration the ethics in choosing the participants of the

study, the consent of sampled participants, and the confidentiality of information. Maybe

this sounds trivial; however, the absence of this will contribute to the readers’ lack of trust

in the finding of the study.

Significant findings show that the performance of the supervision depends on the

attitude of the supervisor. This has been proven by the development of structured model
which shows the relationship between supervisory elements that is confidence in the

supervisor, supervisor’s support to teaching, teacher’s attitude toward supervision with

element of teacher teaching competency that is student participation. I am in agreement

with the significant findings because student participation is dependent upon the teachers’

teaching competency which is likewise dependent on the teacher’s trust and confidence

on competence of supervision.

The data were sufficiently presented on tables. Patterns were noted and analyzed.

Statistical interpretations were vividly presented. It is quite tiring to see numbers;

however, as a graduate school student who is persistent to pursue my degree, I have to

persistently struggle to understand data analysis procedures.

The structural equation model (path analysis) is very strange to me. But when I look

at the model, it is interesting to note that the structure is simple and easy to interpret. It

can pinpoint the direction of effect whether direct or indirect one. Statistical interpretation

remains a challenge to me.

The recommendations that proper efforts need to be made to strengthen the

supervisory implementation method through confidence elements in the supervisors and

supervisor support towards teaching in order to produce excellent teachers and good

teaching competencies in the classroom is just fitting and proper. If followed, it would lead

to quality student participation which is a gauge of quality teaching and learning

environment.

The references were sufficient enough to support the concepts, process and

findings of the study. The list of this references is arranged in alphabetical order using the

APA format.
 Generally, a research report is organized according to the sequence of this critique

paper. The research report critiqued is well defined, highly organized and technically

written. Word utilize in this report is simply stated. Simple sentences were used. Concepts

are clearly defined and well-explained. Literatures reviewed were related to the problem

under investigation. The findings are consistently answering the problems and hypothesis

that require tests. Conclusions and recommendations were important because they may

set the mindset of future researchers to ponder upon the conclusion and

recommendations and conceptualize new research to be undertaken.

As a final note, this critiquing has influenced me to read the research article again

and again to gain insights on the nature, process and generalizations of the problem

under investigation. Reflecting on the experience I met in this process, it is quite

heartwarming to note that an organized mind can turn out an organized output. To

elaborate, before I started writing, I tried to formulate a schema or structure of presenting

this critique paper. I am so thankful for this opportunity.

REFERENCES

Abebe, T. (2014). The practices and challenges of school-based supervision in

government secondary schools of kamashi zone of Benishangul Gumuz Regional State.
University of Ethiopia.
Ahmad, K. A.; Abd. R. I.& Z. A. (2014). Factors associated to teachers’ motivation towards
the implementation of learning supervision in secondary school. International Journal of
Scientific and Research Publications, 4/10,2250-3153.

Berhane, A. E. (2014). The practices and challenges of instructional supervision in

Asossa Zone Primary Schools. Jimma University of Ethiopia.

Creswell, J. W. (2014). Educational Research: Planning, Conducting and Evaluating

Quantitative and Qualitative Research (34th ed). USA: Pearson.

Zepeda, S. J. & Ponticell, J.A. (1998). At cross-purposes: what do teachers need, want
and get from supervision? Journal of Curriculum and Supervision, 14/1, 68-87.