SLC | S21W5 : Mini Research for Students
Hello Steemians!
Hello everyone i hope you all are good and enjoying your life. This week I undertook an engaging mini research activity with my tuition students to explore how Pakistan ongoing political and social turmoil affects their daily lives and studies. This initiative aimed to encourage students to critically analyze their surroundings and reflect on how major national events shape their personal and academic experiences.
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Research Topic and Its Importance
Topic: How the Current Situation in Pakistan Affects Students' Daily Lives and Studies
Currently Pakistan is facing significant political instability. The arrest of former Prime Minister Imran Khan has spark protests by PTI member especially in the capital city of Islamabad. The government has implemented measures such as an internet shutdowns and restrictions on social media platform disrupting communication education and daily life.
This research was important for several reasons:
- Understanding Real-World Impact: Students had the chance to see how national issues influence their personal lives.
- Building Critical Thinking: By identifying and discussing these issues students enhanced their analytical abilities.
- Encouraging Awareness: It was a valuable oportunity to learn how to adapt to challenges and seek solutions in tough situations.
Student Participants
I involved three students from different grade levels to ensure a diverse range of perspectives:
- Rafay (Grade 5): Representing the perspective of younger students.
- Azlan (Grade 8): Sharing views as middle schooler.
- Muhammad Ahmad (Grade 10): Offering insights from the perspective of senior students preparing for exams.
Research Methodology
To keep the research simple and accessible we used the Interview Method. This approach allow students to develop communication skills while gathering insight from their peers.
Steps Taken
- Topic Introduction: I explained the significance of the topic to my students highlighting how the current situation impacts everyone differently.
- Preparation of Questions: Together we brainstormed simple yet thought provoking questions to ask their tuition fellows.
- Conducting Interviews: Each student interviewed one peer and recorded their responses.
- Analyzing Responses: Students reflected on the interviews to identify common challenges and insights.
Problem Formulation and Questions
Problem Statement
How does Pakistan's current political instability including internet shutdowns and protests affect students education and daily routines?
Interview Questions
Rafay (Grade 5):
- What do you do when you can’t use the internet for studying or playing?
- Do you find it harder to study without online videos or help?
- What can make things better for students like you?
Azlan (Grade 8):
- How does not having internet affect your homework or online classes?
- Have you noticed how people around you are reacting to this situation?
- What advice would you give to help students during such times?
Muhammad Ahamd(Grade 10):
- What challenges do you face preparing for exams without online resources?
- How has the situation affected your ability to stay focused on studies?
- What can schools or teachers do to help students during these tough times?
These questions were designed to match the students' understanding levels while encouraging them to think critically.
Observations During the Activity
The students showed great enthusiasm during the interviews. Here what I observed:
- Rafay was curious and focused on understanding how daily routines are disrupted for younger students.
- Sarwan took a balanced approach exploring both personal challenges and societal impacts.
- Umer showed maturity in addressing academic challenges and suggested practical solutions for students.
I also captured photos and videos during the activity to document the process. A detailed video showcasing their interviews and reflections will be uploaded soon.
Findings and Conclusion
Key Findings
- Rafay learned that younger students feel frustrated and bored when they can’t access online games or learning materials.
- Azlan discovered that many families feel isolated and anxious due to internet restrictions.
- Ahmad highlighted how senior students struggle the most especially with exam preparation and accessing study resources.
The political unrest and internet shutdowns in Pakistan significantly affect students education and emotional well-being. This mini-research revealed that all students regardless of age rely heavily on the internet for learning communication and leisure. The findings emphasize the need for better offline resources and support systems to help students during such challenging times. |
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Reflections and Development Steps
Weaknesses Observed
- Interviewing Skills: Students needed support in asking follow-up questions to gather more in-depth responses.
- Data Analysis: They found it challenging to interpret responses and draw meaningful conclusions independently.
Steps for Improvement
- Skill-Building Workshops: Conduct regular activities to improve students questioning and analytical skills.
- Offline Resource Development: Encourage students to create study notes and resources that don’t rely on the internet.
- Critical Thinking Exercises: Introduce group discussion debates and case studies to strengthen their analytical mindset.
Final Thoughts
This mini research activity was a meaningful and enriching experience for my students. It not only enhanced their critical thinking and communication skill but also made them more aware of the challenges posed by external factors like political instability.
I look forward to conducting more such activities to help my student grow academically and socialy. I hope this post inspires you to engage your students in mini research projects that are both educational and impactful.