Volume & Issue: Volume 17, Issue 6 - Serial Number 49, November 2017, Pages 1-297 
Research Educational Science

Evaluation and Ranking of Universities in Tehran with the Emphasis on the State of the University Ranking Systems

Pages 1-20

Omidifar Reza; Ali Reza Ghalee; Mohammad Hasani; Mir Najaf Mousavi

Abstract The aim of this study was to evaluate and rank the universities in Tehran with the emphasis on the state of the university ranking systems. This is an applied and descriptive-analytic study. The statistical population of the study consisted of 383 students from Tehran public universities selected through random sampling. With respect to data collection, a questionnaire, with the Cronbach reliability index of 0.951, was utilized. To analyze the data,  TOPSIS and SPSS were used. The results showed that in terms of non-cognitive characteristics, there were significant differences across universities of Tehran in. Moreover, each method of ranking drew on different benchmarks and indices for rankig which are different from one another.  The results also showed that the integrative indices used in University  of Tehran, Sharif University of Technology,  and Tarbiat Modares ranked them first, second,  and third, respectively in terms of measured indices.

Research Educational Science

Book Review of Art Curriculum and Instruction in Education

Pages 21-40

Mohammad Amini

Abstract One of the main functions of the educational system the  implementation of which at schools and educational centers of the country is confronted with various difficulties and misunderstandings is art education of students. Obviously, art education has positive and constructive effects for students, so it should not have a subordinate or marginal role in curriculum, and close attention should be paied to it in the educational system of the country. However, over the past few years, some scientific and research efforts have been made to introduce and recognize the status of art education and the need to pay close attention to it in the educational system of the country. Writing a book titled “Art Curriculum and Instruction in Education” is one of these scientific endeavors. In this article, the book has been reviewed and criticized.  The strengths and weaknesses of its content and form were also specified. In sum, in terms of the structure and type of organizing the contents, characteristics of writing, the design of the basic issues of art education, explanation of  its role and necessity, especially from its cognitive and non-cognitive results, as well as determining the role and place of the main elements of curriculum  in art education, this book has necessary strengths. On the other hand, in terms of the number and extent of its repetition and the similarity of its content with some other works of the authors, the vagueness of parts of the content, the use of translated articles and the lack of attention to the realities of art education in the Iranian educational system, this book has some deficiencies. Definitely, the elimination of these disadvantages will increase the effectiveness of this book.

Research Educational Science

Review and Critiqueof “Fundamentals of Finance and Budget in Education Sector”

Pages 41-62

Abdollah Ansari

Abstract For appraisal of fundamentals of finance and budget (in education sector), the framework of inspection of liberal science texts and books council was used. The results of assessment showed that history of budget in the country, principles, and steps of budget classification and methods of income and expenditure estimate have been explained in details. In some instances, people’s right to oversee government operations as a logic behind budget approval by parliament has been emphasized. The book is readable; the quality of print is relatively suitable, and the text is clear and easy to read for the most parts. Not all chapters include introduction, summary, test, picture, practice (sample) and final conclusion, and only for one chapter, practice (sample) has been presented. Phraseology general principle has not been followed in a section of the book. There is no scientific and literary editing as well. The most important shortcoming of this book is related to its lack of coverage of vast changes (advances) in public accounting systems and public financial statistics which have been used since 2003 which per se makes the majority of book outdated and old. Moreover, many regulations, institutions and methods have changed in government budgeting systems and education sector which are not reflected in this book. The other considerable shortcoming is related to lack of attention to financing education which connects theoretical issues of education economy to practical aspects like fundamentals of finance and budget in education sector. Another problem with the book is overlooking theprocesses and methods of distribution and allocation of credits among regions as well as programs and activities in education sector. Not considering political economy of budgeting as an area that operations take place is another shortcoming. Lack of attention to macroeconomic issues like government’s role in economy, budget deficit, and related views to economic concepts can also be seen. Updating book and discussing education finance issues with distribution of public credits in education sector are also suggested.

Research Educational Science

Natural Training in Control of Formal Education: A Critical Analysis ofthe Book " Zaynab Letters"

Pages 63-84

seyyed hosyn hoseyni

Abstract The difference between formal education and education training, based on the human and divine nature of the individual mechanisms, has always been one of the most important issues in the field of philosophy of education and has been considered the analysis of educational characteristics education.
The main objective of this paper is to analyze the book "Zaynab Letters" through which the dimensions of these differences are explored; a general conceptual framework regarding prominent challenges in the formal education system and conceptual hurdles posed by the events in this book are discussed. .
The paper aims to find out what  the principles and characteristics of children's innate language are. The author has attempted to find out the analytical methods, achieve these aspects in the dual interpretation of its provisions. Finally, after analyzing the content of the book, as the conclusion of the paper, the nine principles regarding the language characteristics of children are identified,
 and then the twelve special features and components of the language are considered. Furthermore,  some solutions from previous findings to change the formal education referring  to indigenous education are provided.

Research Educational Science

PhD in Curriculum, Planning and Member of Research Institute of Education

Pages 85-114

Sayed Mohammad Hossein Hosseini

Abstract The present article aims at describing and criticizing the theories of chaos and complexity. Therefore, the "Critical Philosophical Exploration" method was used. The statistical population comprised all books, articles, studies, and research pertaining to the subject that was selected with purposive sampling and the maximum probable sources. The data required were collected through notetaking and analyzed by verbal and logical inference. According to the research findings, chaos theory is the science of studying complex, dynamic, nonlinear, non-equilibrium systems, and complexity theory is the science of study, description, and explanation of the behavior of complex adaptive systems characterized by butterfly effect, unknown attractors, self-similarity, emergence, feedback loops, inequality, self-organization, nesting, networking, holism, nonlinearity, and unpredictability. These theories are considered a scientific theory by Kuhn's conception, a science by the concept of soft sciences, and a paradigm because of questioning the paradigm of modernism and presenting alternative assumptions.

Research Sports Science and Physical Education

Review and Critique of "Physical Education in Schools"

Pages 115-133

Mohsen Hallaji

Abstract The purpose of this research was to review and critique the book “Physical Education in Schools”. For this purpose, the questionnaire "Review and review of texts and books of humanities (national books)" developed by the Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies as a tool and framework of critique was used. The face, structure, and content validity of the questionnaire were determined by a panel of faculty members inside and outside the Institute of Humanities and Cultural Studies. The book "Physical Education in Schools" has 441 pages of four sections and fifteen chapters. The findings of the critique were presented from two perspectives: points and defects of form and content. Form factors (formal comprehensiveness) were evaluated to the optimum level. Content scores include: the content of sections and chapters to create logical order,internal consistency of content within the seasons, the inclusion of resources at the end of each section, the absence of scientific bias, the proportional of the content with Islamic culture and values, the symmetry of the chapters to be aligned with headings, the use of components of formal comprehensiveness in the transfer of content concepts, the quality of the application, and the equivalence of technical terms. The formal defects are mainly due to the low attractiveness of the cover, the ambiguous expression of the main purpose of the effect, the lack of a preface, a glossary, the goals of the lesson, the summary of the chapter and section, the conclusions and suggestions, the subject glossary, and medium quality printing, including items such as paper type, book cover, set up tables and charts, etc.). Content deficiencies include lack of general idea and disturbance in the use of structural and content models in providing the content of the book, lack of adequate references and incompleteness of them, lack of presenting comprehensive image of all components of the physical education course, relative disregard referring to the existing scientific theories, the discrepancy between the content of the book and the heading of a particular lesson, and finally the failure to use all the components of formal comprehensiveness in the conveying and strengthening of the content.

Research Information Science and Epistemology

Reviewing Digital Libraries: Information Exchange

Pages 135-158

Hamidreza Radfar; Solmaz Nouri

Abstract Nowadays, accessibility to a large collection of organized information is quite important. The digital library is a new and important topic in this field, and paying attention to it will be somehow a facilitator in all scientific and academic fields. The book Digital Libraries: The Exchange of Information is a worthwhile endeavor in this regard. Therefore, the present article attempted to critically review this book without further bias and only to enhance the work and guide its audiences while pointing to the valuable points, highlights, weaknesses, and shortcomings it broadens the scope of such discussions. First the book and the author is introduced and then the book is reviewed in both form and content terms. The appearance and writing specifications of the work are considered in the form review and in the content section such issues as rational order, resource validity, scientific quality, innovation, and adaptability were addressed and finally suggestions were made to remedy the deficiencies.

Research Educational Science

Critical Review of the Book “English for the Students of Comparative Education: Primary and Preschool Education”

Pages 159-178

Vida Rahiminejad

Abstract Comparative Education is a research system, which helps the researcher to recognize the theoretical and practical background of two or more educational systems in different countries or regions. The aim of this kind of comparison is to analyze the similarities and differences between different educational systems in terms of organizational, structural, educational management, evaluation of training programs, and educational methods at different stages of education.
Based on the general concept, comparative education compares all issues with regard to education in countries, and is considered as a course in MA and doctoral degree in European and American universities.There are different views towards the aims of comparative education. Borrowing other countries’ education model is not without a problem; however, paying attention to educational experiences of other countries can be beneficial in terms of choosing the best solution with regard to their own social characteristics.This book entitled “English for the Students of Comparative Education: Primary and Preschool Education” is not only an academic book, but also an educational textbook which includes the characteristics of teaching and learning concepts. Along with several positive points in this book, there are a few shortcomings pointed out, and some suggestions are provided to improve the textbook as well.

Research Management and Policy Making

A Critical Overview on Organizational Entrepreneurship with Focus on Identifying Components and Obstacles

Pages 179-201

Farzad Ziviar; Abolfazli Farahani; Loghman Keshavarz

Abstract It is documented that environmental subjects of organizations need innovational solutions to solve their problems. Undoubtedly, creativity and innovations which means organizational entrepreneurship are most important keys in this way.
Organizational entrepreneurship means developing capabilities and opportunities inside an organization through combining new resources. So, new organizations consider organizational entrepreneurship as a key element which boosts competitive advantages in organization. This paper aims to criticize and identify the organizational entrepreneurship’s barriers in Ministry of Sport & Youth. To this end, this paper considers a comprehensive review literature with a focus on Schupeter, Frai, Vesper et al.’s point of views. Thirty components in 3 dimensions of structural, behavioral, and contextual were considered in this paper, including 66 obstacles in order to criticize in Ministry of Sport and Youth.
It is suggested that managers and researchers in Ministry of Sport andYouth evaluate and implement the aforementioned  components and obstacles. 

Research Educational Science

The Effect of Hidden Curriculum on the Behavior of Students in Physical Education

Pages 203-216

Parvin Samadi; Roqyye Heydari

Abstract The present study aimed at evaluating the impact of hidden curriculum on the behavior of students of physical education and high school students in Tehran. Due to the nature of the subject, the research method was descriptive-analytical. The statistical population of the study was secondary school students of Tehran and the number of students was 200 male and female students of career schools, and 188 students from different secondary schools were selected with Cochrane method which is a multilevel cluster randomized sampling. In this research, data collection was accomplished through researcher-made questionnaire. On this basis, to determine the amount of the impact of hidden curriculum on the research categories, an interview was used. In this research, the validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by the professors and experts and its reliability was 0.95 which was obtained by the use of Cronbach Alpha for the hidden curriculum. The results showed that the effects of the hidden curriculum of the study (rules, regulations, social relationship, physical environment, human resources, cultural and educational, sports equipment and materials) on the behaviors of students was significantly much. Besides, there is a difference between hidden curriculum (in the dimensions of environment and physical space, human researches, and cultural, educational and sports materials and equipment) and gender-based behavior.

Research Educational Science

Evaluating the Quality of the Inputs of Educational Administration in Master Degrees

Pages 217-242

Bijan Abdollahi; maryam eyni; Yasin Saeedi

Abstract Improvement and development of educational systems and programs to meet the challenges ahead of the main objectives and policies of the authorities of higher education seem to be crucial. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the quality of inputs of Educational Administration field in master degrees. The research method was survey research and applied.. The statistical population consisted of the whole body of the faculty, heads of departments, and the students of the academic year 2013-2014 (the third and fourth semester students) of state universities in Tehran. The research tool was a researcher-made questionnaire, the validity of whcih was determined by experts, and its Cronbach's alpha reliability index was .94 which is an acceptable level. To analyze the data, the chi-square test and standard of judgment were applied. The results showed that the overall quality of such factors as: the characteristics of heads of departments, their performance from the perspective of the faculty members, and the characteristics of the faculty members are favorable. Besides, the quality of students’ characteristics is in a fairly appropriate level, but students’ motivation is very low. Moreover, the results indicated that there is a mismatch between  goals and policies and educational and research facilities and faculty members’ and students’ needs. There is also incongruity between curriculum content and students’ needs in society., In the light of the results, it is suggested that some changes should be considered in the curriculum content so as to avoid repetitive content in the master degrees. 

Research Educational Science

Reviewing the Book L’éducation Cultures et Sociétés

Pages 243-255

Ali Reza Asareh

Abstract In his book L’éducation cultures et sociétés, Le Thanh Khoi presents a general and universal theory of education. The book is presented in two parts of " Statement of the Problem ", in three chapters (Theory and Concepts, Generality and Complexity, and Understanding and explanation) and "Providing a General and Universal Model of Education" in 7 chapters (People, Languages ​​and Ethnicities, Natural Environment, the productive system, ideas and values, the role of personalities, the socio-political structures and movements and international relations. Khoi's analysis of psychology was analytic-theoretical- paraphrastic and commentary and all are qualitative methods and of course, sometimes he uses analogy and deduction. In the statistical population of his research, many of the samples lacked the chance of being selected. In some cases, the researcher's deduction and inference were limited by the conceptual definition. The main point in this research is ignoring the methodology concepts and postmodernism paradigms (which is authenticating the qualitative pluralism). Unlike postmodernism, he authenticates the universalist and general frameworks related to the modernism positivism. In addition, the examples presented, his teaching methods and approaches to educators and individuals, etc., affect the traditional and old education and are somewhat distant from new theories and ideas.

Research Educational Science

A Critical Introduction to "Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs)"

Pages 257-280

Masoumeh Matoor; Khadijeh Aliabadi; Naser Mozayani; Ali Delavar; Mohammad Reza Nili Ahmadabadi

Abstract The present study aims at introducing and criticizing the mass open online courses (MOOCs). To this end, the "Critical Philosophical Exploration" method was used. The statistical population comprised all books, articles, studies, and research pertaining to the subject that was selected with purposive sampling and the maximum probable sources. The data required were collected through notetaking which were analyzed by verbal, visual and logical inference. In this paper, MOOCs was first described in three axes: "what", "why", and "how"; then, to interpret MOOCs, the criteria (a) underlying theory, (b) educational justice, (c) adult education, (d) practicality in technical terms, and (e) the educational applications were selected and the MOOCs were analyzed and finally, their advantages and disadvantages were summarized. According to the findings of this article, MOOC's most important benefits included: advanced scientific underlying theory, laying the groundwork for educational justice, proportionality with adult education, operational capability, and various educational advantages and advantages. However, the new underlying theory of MOOCs (relativism) and its many criticizes, MOOCs ability to create and spread educational discrimination, various technical shortcomings, and serious deficiencies in educational application were among the disadvantages. Consequently, dealing with MOOCs needs awareness of these advantages and disadvantages and attempts to resolve them.

Research Educational Science

Critique and Analysis of the Textbook “Comparative Education: Foundation, Principles and Methods”

Pages 281-297

abbas madandararani

Abstract In recent decades, the educational competitions have increased scholars’ attention to understand the educational changes and innovations as well as ways of solving challenges in other societies. The main mission of comparative education is a critical study of the educational similarities and differences among societies and cultures. Accordingly, the attention to comparative education and its necessity have become a common phenomenon in higher education institutions which can be seen through establishments of graduate courses, research centers, and publication of books and articles. In Iran, comparative education is provided as a three-unit course in the field of educational sciences (different branches) and for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students. Writing and preparation of the book "Comparative Education: Foundation, Principles and Methods " shows a deliberate attempt to present this science with respect to its theoretical foundations and principles. In this paper,  the form and content of the book and rating its privileges and shortcomings are analyzed. Due to the size and pages, this book has largely made readers familiar with the general and basic framework of comparative education science. Meanwhile the most important weakness of the present work can be a lack of attention to current contemporary intellectual of comparative education.