Journal of Contemporary Social Science and Education Studies (JOCSSES) E-ISSN- 2785-8774

DEVELOPMENT, VALIDITY AND RELIABILITY OF DEEP READING ABILITY QUESTIONNAIRE FOR PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS

Yuxuan Wen — 2025-04-01

This study describes the development, validity, and reliability processes of a Deep Reading Ability Questionnaire (DRAQ) for primary school pupils in English reading. An instrument with 30 items for measuring deep reading ability was developed and validated using item response data from three experts, 10 primary school teachers, and thirty primary school pupils in Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, China. Item analysis was carried out to ensure content and face validity, followed by a reliability assessment measuring internal consistency using Cronbach’s Alpha. The DRAQ instrument reported in this study will be utilized in the real study to assess primary school pupils’ deep reading ability in English reading. The DRAQ instrument developed can also serve to examine students’ deep reading skills in different subjects by replacing the English reading material with material from the other subject.

MAPPING THE LANDSCAPE OF INNOVATIVE LEADERSHIP RESEARCH: A BIBLIOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Norhisham Shamsudin — 2025-04-01

In today's rapidly globalising world, innovative leadership is crucial for organisations, including educational institutions, to address complex challenges. While the benefits of innovative leadership are well documented, research in the educational sector remains limited. This study analyses the current state and trends of innovative leadership research in educational contexts. We conducted a bibliometric analysis of 785 Scopus-indexed articles up to August 7, 2023. The study summarises research productivity, key sources, publication distribution by country, leading institutions, prolific authors, and citation patterns. Findings reveal a significant increase in innovative leadership literature from 1967 to 2022, with contributions from 159 authors across 82 countries and 160 institutions. This study offers valuable insights into the evolution and current state of innovative leadership research, despite its limitation to Scopus-indexed articles. The findings have important implications for researchers and practitioners in educational leadership, potentially guiding future research and informing leadership practices in educational institutions. This comprehensive overview contributes to a better understanding of innovative leadership in education and highlights areas for further investigation.

DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRESSION OF COLLABORATIVE SKILLS IN A BLENDED LEARNING CONTEXT: STUDENTS’ EXPERIENCES OF SELECTED GENERAL EDUCATION COURSE

Nazirah Md Yusof — 2025-04-01

The paper explores the developmental progression of collaborative skills in the context of blended learning, focusing on students' experiences within a Malaysian Private University on a selected General Education (MPU) course. Blended learning, a pedagogical approach integrating traditional face-to-face instruction with online components, is increasingly prevalent in higher education. The unique challenges and opportunities posed by the MPU subjects, designed to integrate general education with specialized knowledge, make collaborative skill development a crucial aspect of blended learning experiences. The study employs a theoretical framework rooted in collaborative learning theories and blended learning models. It investigates students' experiences through qualitative methods, including semi-structured interviews with eight participants. The findings reveal a dynamic and multifaceted developmental journey of collaborative skills. Key themes include increased comfort with virtual collaboration, enhanced communication skills, development of critical thinking and problem-solving, and the establishment of a supportive learning community. The discussion highlights the effectiveness of blended learning in fostering collaborative skills, emphasizing the importance of digital literacy, adaptability, and resilience. The study also underscores the transferability of communication and critical thinking skills to various personal and professional settings. The establishment of a supportive learning community aligns with socio-constructivist principles, positively impacting academic outcomes and overall student well-being. In conclusion, the research contributes valuable insights into the potential of blended learning to not only impart subject-specific knowledge but also foster essential collaborative skills. The implications for instructional design and pedagogical strategies suggest a need for a supportive and inclusive environment in blended learning contexts. As education evolves, this study guides effective teaching practices, recognizing collaborative skills as integral to the learning process in a collaborative and interconnected world.

FACTORS AFFECTING ONLINE HOTEL BOOKINGS: FROM ISLAMIC PERSPECTIVE

Nur Anis Shafiqah Mazlan — 2025-04-01

The increasing use of online hotel booking platforms in Malaysia has transformed the way consumers make accommodation choices. This research seeks to examine the factors that affect online hotel bookings, with a particular focus on an Islamic perspective. It examines the influence of Islamic values, including trust, ethical considerations, and convenience, on the preferences of both Muslim and non-Muslim consumers. Using a quantitative research strategy, data were gathered by surveying a wide range of people. The results show that things like how easy it is to use, how much people think it's worth, and whether there are safe options have a big effect on booking choices. This research contributes to understanding consumer behavior in the context of Islamic teachings and provides insights for businesses seeking to cater to a diverse clientele while respecting cultural values.

IMPACT OF IOT DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: PERSPECTIVES FROM ISLAMIC ETHICS AND HIGHER EDUCATION

Muhammad Hadif Zulkefli — 2025-04-01

This study explores the integration of the Internet of Things (IoT) within higher education during the COVID-19 pandemic, analyzing its impacts through the lens of Islamic ethics and societal values. IoT technology has revolutionized communication, education, and social interactions, especially during periods of physical distancing. From an Islamic perspective, technology must align with principles of justice, community benefit (maslahah), and ethical integrity. This paper examines the positive and negative implications of IoT on education and social life for undergraduate students at Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM), incorporating Islamic teachings to provide a nuanced understanding. A quantitative survey was conducted, involving 200 students from various academic disciplines, to evaluate their knowledge of IoT, experiences with online learning, and its social impacts. The findings highlight the opportunities IoT offers for equitable access to education and information, while addressing ethical concerns such as privacy and responsible use. This study underscores the importance of integrating Islamic ethical frameworks into the adoption of modern technologies to foster holistic societal development.

FOOD SECURITY AND INTERNATIONAL TRADE: CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK FOR GLOBAL POLICY INTEGRATION

Irlisuhayu Mohd Ramli — 2025-04-01

This study addresses the critical issue of food insecurity, a growing concern intensified by factors such as climate change, economic instability, and trade policy limitations. The primary aim of this research is to investigate the relationship between national trade policies and their impact on food security, focusing on how policy adjustments could better support sustainable food systems in vulnerable regions. The study employs a mixed-methods approach, combining quantitative data analysis of global trade flows with qualitative case studies from three developing countries with high food insecurity rates. This approach allows for a comprehensive analysis of the direct and indirect impacts of trade regulations on food availability, accessibility, and utilization within these regions. Key findings reveal that restrictive trade policies exacerbate food scarcity by limiting market access and raising prices for essential food items, while more open trade policies tend to improve food availability but can expose local producers to increased competition. The study highlights the importance of balanced trade policies that support both food security and economic growth. The implications of these findings suggest that policymakers should consider hybrid trade frameworks that protect domestic agricultural markets while facilitating the flow of affordable food imports. By aligning trade policy with food security objectives, governments can create more resilient food systems that are better equipped to withstand economic and environmental shocks. This study contributes to the existing body of literature by offering evidence-based recommendations for integrating food security priorities into international trade agreements and national policy planning

FACTORS AFFECTING THE ADOPTION OF ELECTRONIC RECORD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (ERMS) IN THE GOVERNMENT SECTOR

Kawthar Haniy Yusof — 2025-04-01

An ERMS is a computer system with specialised functionality for managing electronic records that is created using existing records management principles and practices while taking into consideration the electronic format. It is an application designed to help organisations manage their existing electronic records more effectively. The Electronic Records Management System (ERMS) is one of the most significant parts of electronic record management. It was designed to monitor both physical and electronic forms, not just digital ones. This concept paper aims to identify the factors affecting the implementation of an Electronic Records Management System in the government sector. Based on the previous literature, the three primary factors examined are system quality, training, and e-government. Thus, the government sector should be aware of the factors that can influence the development of strategies and guidelines for employees to adopt ERMS and utilise it regularly in their everyday tasks.

AN EXAMINATION OF FATWAS AND RELIGIOUS PLURALISM IN MALAYSIA: HISTORICAL FOUNDATIONS, LEGAL CHALLENGES, AND SOCIAL IMPLICATIONS

Ahmad Yumni Abu Bakar — 2025-04-01

Religious pluralism in Malaysia presents a complex and often contentious issue, particularly within the framework of Islamic legal perspectives and fatwas. The coexistence of common law and Islamic law (Shariah) creates a dual legal system in which religious freedom, state authority, and minority rights are constantly negotiated. Fatwas, as authoritative Islamic legal opinions, play a crucial role in shaping legal, social, and theological discourses, influencing governance and interfaith relations. However, their implementation has raised concerns, particularly regarding their impact on minority Muslim groups, such as the Shi’a community, and broader implications for religious governance and societal cohesion. This study critically reviews the historical and ideological underpinnings that inform the issuance of these fatwas and assess the impact of fatwas on interfaith relations, religious governance, and legal pluralism in Malaysia. It assesses their influence on interfaith relations, legal pluralism, and religious governance. A systematic review of academic literature, including articles, conference papers, and book chapters published between 2010 and 2023, was conducted. Using thematic analysis, this research identifies recurring patterns and emerging insights regarding the role of fatwas in regulating religious practices and shaping socio-political dynamics. Findings reveal that while Fatwas provide legal clarity in certain contexts, their rigid application often reinforces societal divisions and challenges pluralistic values. This study underscores the need for a more inclusive and adaptive approach to fatwa issuance and implementation. By promoting mutual understanding and respect, these recommendations can contribute to strengthening Malaysia’s multicultural framework and fostering sustainable religious coexistence.

TRANSFORMATION OF DIRECT FINANCING METHODS IN OPTIMIZING WAQF ASSET DEVELOPMENT IN MALAYSIA

Sakinatul Raadiyah Abdullah — 2025-04-01

Waqf is a significant Islamic institution that has existed since the time of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) and serves as a vital source of socio-economic empowerment for the Muslim community. In recent years, awareness and understanding of waqf have expanded, leading to an increase in the establishment of waqf assets in various forms. However, financing remains a critical challenge in the development of waqf properties in Malaysia, necessitating the exploration of innovative financing methods. One of the most actively implemented methods is direct financing, which enables efficient fund collection and allocation for waqf asset development. The study aims to identify the types of direct financing methods employed in waqf land development and analyze their implementation in Malaysia. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through semi-structured interviews with waqf officers and practitioners, along with secondary sources such as academic writings, journals, articles, and institutional websites. Content analysis was applied to evaluate the collected data. The findings indicate that direct financing, particularly through cash waqf, has become a dominant method, facilitating the accumulation of funds for waqf asset development. This transformation has significantly contributed to the effective utilization of waqf land, ensuring its productivity and long-term sustainability. The study highlights the need for continuous improvements in waqf financing strategies to further enhance the role of waqf in socio-economic development. By addressing financing challenges, waqf institutions can optimize the potential of waqf assets, ultimately benefiting the Muslim community and strengthening Malaysia’s waqf sector.