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Curriculum Support Materials
Ethical decision-making in academic administration: A qualitative study of college deans' ethical frameworks
July 2015
Ethical decision-making in school administration has received considerable attention in educational leadership literature. However, most research has focused on principals working in secondary school settings while studies that explore ethical reasoning processes of academic deans have been significantly few. This qualitative study aims to describe the ethical decision-making processes employed by a select group of Filipino college deans in solving ethical dilemmas using the ethical paradigms proposed in the works of Starratt (Educ Adm Q 27:185–202, 1991) and Shapiro and Stefkovich (Ethical leadership and decision-making in education: applying theoretical perspectives to complex dilemmas, 2005) as frameworks for the analysis. Data was gathered using semi-structured interviews and field text was analyzed using deductive thematic analysis. Findings of this study show that majority of the deans chose to share ethical dilemmas involving students and teachers. The findings also show the ethical frameworks of care, justice, and profession as the dominant paradigms utilized by Filipino deans and their preference for adopting multiple ethical frameworks when making their decisions. Most of the ethical dilemmas which the deans narrated relate to their tasks of academic administration such as monitoring student performance, faculty evaluation and maintaining school discipline. Interestingly, only a few dilemmas involving university administrators were expressed, and dilemmas that refer to broader societal issues usually associated with school administrators’ utilization of the ethic of critique were also significantly left out in the narratives of this study. This paper intends to contribute to current literature by expanding research to administrators working in the context of higher education in the Philippine setting. The findings of this study could serve as knowledge base in designing ethics courses to enhance educational leaders’ ethical decision-making skills. The study also provides useful insights of ethical decisions and reasoning processes employed by academic administrators in resolving real life ethical dilemmas that could be useful at the practical level for aspiring and practicing deans.
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Seminar-Workshop on Engaging Digital Learners Using Free and Open ICT Technologies.
May 20, 2015
Crustal thickness variation from a continental to an island arc terrane: Clues from the gravity signatures of the Central Philippines
July 2015
Offshore and ground gravity data were utilized to estimate crustal thickness across the Central Philippines where a transition from continental to island arc terrane occurs. Significant differences in gravity anomalies were observed between the Palawan Microcontinental Block (PCB) and the Philippine Mobile Belt (PMB), two major terranes that came together through arc-continent collision. Islands of the PCB (Mindoro, Tablas, Romblon, Sibuyan and western Panay), made up of an assortment of continent-derived sedimentary and igneous rocks and slivers of ophiolitic bodies, register lower Bouguer anomalies compared to that displayed by Masbate Island in the PMB. The calculated crustal thickness of this region exhibits a complex Moho topography of non-uniform depth across the collision zone with the thickest parts (∼32 km) corresponding with ophiolitic units emplaced consequent to arc-continent collision. On the other hand, relatively thinner crust (∼21 km)
within the collision zone coincides with areas surmised to have undergone attenuation following intra-arc rifting. The same characteristics are observed offshore of western Mindoro and within the Marinduque Basin, areas known to have experienced crustal thinning following regional tectonic rearrangements that triggered riftings and intra-basin openings.
Upper crustal structure beneath the Zambales Ophiolite Complex, Luzon, Philippines inferred from integrated gravity, magnetic and geological data
July 2015
The Zambales Ophiolite Complex (ZOC) in the western portion of Luzon Island, Philippines represents a typical exposure of an emplaced crust-upper mantle section of an ancient lithosphere. The ZOC is divided into the Acoje and Coto Blocks based on petrological, geochemical and age disparities, thus implying diverse and complex origins for the archipelago's lithospheric sources. We used gravity and magnetic data to reveal differences in the subsurface characteristics of the two ophiolite blocks for the first time. Low Bouguer gravity (<135 mGal) and magnetic (<69 nT) anomalies characterize the ophiolitic units in the Acoje Block whereas high Bouguer gravity (>150 mGal) and magnetic (>110 nT) anomalies typify the Coto Block. Such contrasting signatures further extend at greater depths which reflect the disparities in the crustal density, the basement structure, and the depth to Moho. Petrophysical characteristics such as density, magnetic susceptibility and
natural remanent magnetization (NRM) intensities correlate well with the interpreted Bouguer gravity and magnetic anomalies. Densities of gabbros and peridotites from the Acoje and Coto Blocks reveal mean values ranging from 2640 to 2810 kg m–3 and 2570 to 2690 kg m–3, respectively. Magnetic susceptibility (>4.43 × 10−3 SI) and NRM (>0.69 A m–1) data are also generally higher over the Coto Block. Both Bouguer gravity and magnetic anomaly maps reveal a prominent steep gradient that potentially marks the structural contact between Acoje and Coto Blocks. We further infer that the steep anomaly gradient validates the presence of the Lawis Fault Zone which separates the two ophiolite blocks in the Masinloc Massif. Recent field evidence from rock exposures in Coto reveals both right lateral and vertical displacements along the fault zone
Modified inelastic bouncing ball model for describing the dynamics of granular materials in a vibrated container
July 2015
We show that at the onset of convection, the acceleration of a confined granular material is not necessarily equal to that of its vibrated container. Convection happens when the material is able to counter the downward gravitational pull and accelerates at a rate that is equal to the gravitational acceleration g. We modify the Inelastic Bouncing Ball Model and incorporate the transmissibility parameter Tr which measures the efficiency that the external force driving the container is transmitted to the material itself. For a specified Tr value, the material is represented by an inelastic bouncing ball with a time-of-flight T(Γ ;Tr) where Γ =A0ω2 / g, is the dimensionless container acceleration, and A0 and ω are the driving amplitude and angular frequency, respectively. For a given Γ-range, the T(Γ ;Tr) curve provides the bifurcation diagram of the perturbed material and a family of bifurcation diagrams is generated for a set of Tr values. We illustrate that Tr is useful in rationalizing experimental results produced by confined granular materials that is subjected to a range of applied force magnitudes. For the same physical set-up, the force transmission efficiency from the container to the grains may not remain constant as the force strength is varied. The efficiency is also affected by the presence or absence of air in the vibrated container.
Moral sensitivity practice in academic deanship: Does it really matter?
July 2015
This book addresses various 21st century questions and challenges, especially the role of technology in upgrading teaching and learning in today’s society, and the role of higher education institutions in improving standards of living, economics, society and sustainability. It shares with readers the challenges of globalization to higher institutions concerning the issues relating to value creation management, branding and the impact on leadership in higher institutions. Dr.
Bridge Over Troubled Water: Phenomenologizing Filipino College Deans’ Ethical Dilemmas in Academic Administration
April 2015
The resulting ‘Wheel’ of School Leaders’ Ethical Dilemmas depicts the nature of the dilemmas faced by these deans, the critical incidents which trigger the onset of the dilemmas, and the value conflicts that are embedded in them. This article intends to add to the growing body of research on ethical decision making in educational management, particularly on the ethical dilemmas faced by Filipino college deans. At a practical level, the findings of this study provide valuable resource to assist practicing and aspiring deans to be more adept in identifying the moral and ethical dimensions of their work as academic administrators. Finally the findings of this study could serve as a knowledge base for curriculum planners in designing ethics courses offered in educational leadership programs in the Philippines to develop academic leaders’ competencies and skills in ethical decision making
Using Partial Least Squares (PLS) in Predicting Behavioral Intention for Telehealth Use among Filipino Elderly
January 2015
Despite the potential benefits of Telehealth (healthcare delivery at a distance), a digital divide among seniors remains prevalent with lesser attention on their acceptance as end-users of technology. Anchored on a theory of technology adoption, Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT), behavioral intention for Telehealth use among Filipino elderly was determined. The responses of technology-trained older adults (n¼82) were collected using a 12-item questionnaire adapted from Venkatesh, Morris, Davis, Gordon, and Davis (2003) on UTAUT. A Structural Equation Modeling was performed using Partial Least Squares regression for data exploration and model estimation. The study revealed that the UTAUT constructs, particularly effort expectancy (ß¼0.319; p¼.000), have yielded a significant influence on the behavioral intention of elderly to participate in Telehealth. Further, gender showed no moderating effect on these variables. Results of the study supported the espousal of UTAUT Model as an indispensable framework in empowering older adults using Telehealth.
Nursing Care Preferences among Filipino Elderly: A Conjoint Analysis
January 2015
While nursing care has been investigated in the context of patient satisfaction, health care delivery, nursing skill, and patient centered care, elderly patients’ nursing care preferences have not been fully explored nor identified from the lens of utility analysis. This study is a purposive sample of 300 Filipino geriatric patients from the regions of Calabarzon and National Capital Region (NCR) participated and were asked to rank cards from 1 to 12 relative to the following five attributes: waiting response time, nursing uniform, empathetic capacity through time spent and eye contact, and nursing skill based on their preferences. Results of conjoint analysis via Sawtooth Software 18 indicated that nurse attire was the most important attribute (57.26%) while empathetic capacity through eye contact was least important to Filipino elderly (2.27%). Significant differences were found in the respondents’ profile. Among the given attributes, nursing uniform had the most impact in determining an elderly choice of services. Conversely, eye contact had minimal importance. In the health care setting, utilization of this study would allow nursing care to refocus nursing care delivery to maximize satisfaction and hospital loyalty. Future research may explore the cultural and regional differences in terms of preferences among the elderly.
A Structural Equation Modelling on the Factors Affecting Intolerance of Uncertainty and Worry Among a Select Group of Filipino Elderly
February 2015
Across the literature, the interest in the phenomenon of intolerance of uncertainty (IU) and worry has increased exponentially. However, limited empirical studies exist about the factors that affect IU and worry among older people. The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of spirituality, selfefficacy, and knowledge about aging on IU and worry. A total of 219 Filipino elderly were recruited from institutionalized and hospital care settings. A multiaspect questionnaire was utilized to measure spirituality, self-efficacy, knowledge, intolerance uncertainty, and worry. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to explore the dimensions of IU and worry. Moreover, structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. Results of EFA identified four factor dimensions of uncertainty, namely: perfection-driven uncertainty, apprehension-driven uncertainty, avoidance-driven uncertainty, negativism-driven uncertainty. Further, three factor dimensions of worry were also distinguished: constant worriers, obsessive-compulsive worriers, and happy-go-lucky worriers. Moreover, results of structural equation modeling (SEM) showed interaction among the variables presented. Additionally, spirituality showed a positive effect on self-efficacy. However, self-efficacy does not have an effect on IU and worry. Nevertheless, an emerging path between knowledge and IU supported the claim of Nuevo, Wetherell, Montorio, Ruiz, and Cabrera (2009). The study was able to determine the positive effect of spirituality to self-efficacy and its existing correlation with knowledge about aging in relation to elderly’s IU and worry. The emerging model can serve as a reference for nurses to address the sociopsychological needs of the geriatric clients employing spirituality and psychiatric nursing.
Examining the Structural Relationship of Chronic Illness, Physical Function, Life Satisfaction, and Social Support in the Development of Depression Among Filipino Elderly in Institutionalized Settings
March 2015
Considering the increasing prevalence of chronic illness in the Filipino elderly, this study seeks to test a model that describes the relationship between chronic illness and depression and how this link might interact with physical functioning, life satisfaction, and social support. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the causalities among these variables. With the participation of 151 respondents, data were gathered using a five-part instrument consisting of the robotfoto, Katz Index of Independence in Activities of Daily Living, Life Satisfaction Checklist, Social Support Scale, and Geriatric Depression Scale. Data were analyzed using AMOS version 19. Results showed that the duration and number of present chronic illness will not lead to an increase in social support, although those things proved to have a negative effect on physical functioning and life satisfaction. Social support from the family also showed to have a direct impact on life satisfaction while social support from the caregivers revealed a negative effect on physical functioning. Life satisfaction had a negative influence on depression while other suggested variables have no impact on depression at all. Through this model examining the variables relating to depression, holistic care must be provided to manage not only the medical conditions of the elderly but also their physical, social, and psychological well-being.
Health-Seeking Preferences of Elderly Filipinos in the Community via Conjoint Analysis
April 2015
Health-seeking encompasses the activities individuals perform in order to restore wellness when they perceive themselves as ill. Alarmingly, it is apparent that there is a decrease in frequency of healthseeking as one ages. While there have been numerous studies about elderly health-seeking behavior across the globe, the need to know about their preferences remains a research imperative, hence this conjoint analysis investigation. The objective of this study is to identify the health-seeking preferencesof a select group of Filipino elderly in the community. To measure preferences for health-seeking, a conjoint analysis survey of 304 Filipino elderly aged 60 years and above was conducted from June to July 2012 using the balanced incomplete block design. Results indicate that the most important attribute in terms of health-seeking behavior is the physician’s experience. Elderly clients tend to seek health care from expert private practitioners who provide full information regarding illness and charge professional fees of less than 500 pesos (8–9 British pounds or 12–13 U.S. dollars). Results suggest that there are factors that may impede or promote health care seeking in elderly clients, of which physicians’ experience is deemed most important. These preferences, if integrated into the current practice, can help health care practitioners in improving the quality of care provided.
The Role of Life-Space, Social Activity, and Depression on the Subjective Memory Complaints of Community-Dwelling Filipino Elderly: A Structural Equation Model
May 2015
Subjective memory complaints are one of the major concerns of the elderly and remain a challenging area in gerontology. There are previous studies that identify different factors affecting subjective memory complaints. However, an extended model that correlates life-space on subjective memory complaints remains a blank spot. The objective of this study is to investigate the role of life-space, social activity and depression on subjective memory complaints among the selective group of Filipino elderly in the community. To test the factors affecting subjective memory complaints, a structural equation modeling was employed among all parameters. One hundred eighty-nine Filipino elderly aged 60 years and above located in Parañaque City,Makati City andMalabon City were given a multiaspect questionnaire consisting of a robotfoto, Life-Space Assessment (LSA), Research and Development (RAND) Social Health Battery, Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS), and Subjective Memory Questionnaire (SMQ). Results revealed that life-space and social activity inversely affect depression while subjective memory complaints are directly affected by depression. New pathways emerged suggesting the interrelationship between life-space and social activity. Additionally, social activity directly affects subjective memory complaints. This study provides a confirmation of the impact of the factors affecting
subjective memory complaints. Incorporation of these factors into the existing practice can help the health care providers in optimizing the quality of care rendered and quality of life of the elderly.
A Structural Equation Model of the Factors Affecting Morale of a Select Group of Filipino Elderly in a Community Setting
June 2015
While morale among the elderly has been widely and extensively studied, results are varied and at times conflicting. Hence, the purpose of this study is to explore the factors affecting elderly morale of a select group of Filipinos in a community setting. A 64-item questionnaire was utilized to survey 323 Filipinos aged 60 and above residing in the National Capital Region of the Philippines in May 2013. Respondents completed arobotfoto, a checklist of chronic illnesses, and measures of the social support, functional ability, geriatric depression, and morale. Structural equation modeling was used to test the hypothesized model. Two competing models emerged in the study. Model 1 followed causal relationships indicated in the hypothesized model while model 2 considered modification indices that surfaced more acceptable fit indices (X2/df = 1.414, GFI [goodness of fit index] = 0.988, CFI [comparative fit index] = 0.987, RMSEA [root mean square error of approximation] = 0.036). Chronic illness, social support, and depression were found to be major predictors of morale. Number of chronic illnesses and depression were also found to have a negative relationship with functional ability, and chronic illness and social support were negatively correlated. Findings can assist health professionals such as nurses to identify the factors that shape elderly morale vis-a-vis the use of effective strategies that promote the well-being of elderly people. The emerging model can serve as reference to assess the effectiveness of quality of care rendered as manifested by morale.
Examining the Structural Relationship of Physical Activity, Cognition, Fear of Falling, and Mobility Limitation of Filipino in Nursing Homes
July 2015
Mobility limitation is a major issue of care in the elderly and a typical characteristic of frailty in geriatric patients. The maintenance of mobility is thought to be fundamental to active aging, allowing older adults to continue living dynamic and independent lives. While previous studies have identified the different factors affecting mobility, the relationship between other factors, such as fear of falling, physical activity, cognition, and mobility limitation, has not been investigated, hence this structural equation model investigation.
This study was conducted in various nursing homes located in the National Capital Region and Region IV of the Philippines. A five-part survey-questionnaire was given to 125 Filipino elderly aged 60 years and above in nursing homes. The survey was conducted from May to August 2013. Results showed that high levels of fear about falling will lead to less physical activity and have a negative effect on cognition. Cognition levels also showed to have a direct impact on the physical activity. Physical activity was found to have a direct effect on the mobility of elderly patients. The emerging model can guide health care professionals in developing programs that can maximize the physical and mental functioning of the elderly in institutionalized settings.
From a Distance: A Grounded Theory Study of Separation Anxiety Among Filipino Incarcerated Elderly
August 2015
Despite numerous studies that examined the impact of separation and separation anxiety on the emotions and behavior of young individuals, little is known about separation anxiety in the elderly population. This grounded theory study purports to describe the process of separation anxiety among incarcerated Filipino elderly men. Individual interviews and participant observations were conducted with 25 incarcerated elderly Filipino men who are first-time prisoners and sentenced to lifetime imprisonment. Following Strauss and Corbin's (1998) coding protocol, a four-part process emerged to describe the studied layer of human experience. The Tectonic Model of Separation Anxiety among incarcerated Filipino elderly men comprises four phases: Winkling, Wilting, Weeding, and Weaving. Findings of this study invite nurses and other clinicians to identify developmentally appropriate strategies and interventions for this vulnerable and neglected sector of society.
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