Interdisciplinary International Journal of Advances in Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities (IIJASSAH)

Examining the Predictive Role of Cognitive Flexibility towards Self-Esteem among Pre-Service Teachers of Punjab: A Regression Analysis

2025-04-17T03:19:50+00:00

Background: This study explores the predictive role of cognitive flexibility on self-esteem among pre-service teachers in Punjab. Recognizing the importance of psychological attributes in teacher effectiveness, the research aims to understand how adaptability in thought processes relates to self-worth in future educators. Method: A descriptive research design was employed, with data collected from 250 pre-service teachers enrolled in Bachelor of Education programs across government and government-aided colleges in Punjab. Participants were selected through simple random sampling. The Cognitive Flexibility Inventory and the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale were used to assess cognitive flexibility and self-esteem, respectively. Results: Correlation analysis revealed a significant positive relationship between cognitive flexibility and self-esteem, indicating that higher adaptability is associated with greater self-regard. Both sub-dimensions of cognitive flexibility—alternatives and control—also showed positive correlations with self-esteem. Regression analysis demonstrated that cognitive flexibility accounted for 19% of the variance in self-esteem scores. Discussion: These findings suggest that cognitive flexibility plays a meaningful role in shaping the psychological well-being of pre-service teachers. Enhancing cognitive adaptability could lead to improved self-esteem, which is vital for personal and professional growth in the teaching profession. Conclusion: The study highlights the educational importance of cognitive flexibility in teacher preparation programs. Integrating strategies to foster adaptability may support the development of self-efficacious and resilient educators. Future research should investigate contextual and demographic moderators to better tailor interventions.

Cultural Practices and Challenges of the Kumaon Division: A Comprehensive Exploration

2025-03-18T10:52:03+00:00

Background: The Kumaoni culture, snuggled within the peaceful embrace of the Himalayan expanse in Uttarakhand, India, epitomises an exquisite junction of traditions, folklore, artistry, customs and rituals. This research paper seeks to explore the Kumaoni cultural heritage, demographics, linguistic, social and artistic dimensions. The grandeur of Kumaoni culture illuminates the community’s sacrosanct bond with nature and spirituality. The research aimed to achieve several objectives. Firstly, investigating factors contributing to the gradual extinction of Kumaoni cultural practices. Secondly, exploring reasons behind migration from Kumaon villages and its effects on traditions. Thirdly, analyzing the decline of the Kumaoni language and its impact on cultural identity. Fourthly, examining folk beliefs and superstitions in Kumaon. Method: Not limiting the review process to literature review, the study underwent digital and social media analysis where social media accounts of Instagram influencers promoting Kumaoni culture were explored and websites of resorts, hotels and restaurants in Kumaon were examined to understand the integration of cultural elements in tourism and hospitality. Results: The findings of this research help in comprehending the change in cultural identities among the migrant communities. The research also provides valuable suggestions to the government and organizations who are working towards the direction of cultural preservation. Discussion: The findings derived from the language graph of the study march with that of the UNESCO’s classification of Kumaoni as an endangered language, which showcases how migration, modernization and this changing work culture due to technological advancements have led to cultural decline as a whole including linguistic decline. Conclusion: This study provides a comprehensive lens on the transformation of Kumaoni cultural identity and offers practical insights for stakeholders invested in preserving the region’s intangible heritage in the face of rapid social and economic change.

Navigating Prospective Teacher's Attitude Towards Blended Learning Approach in Inclusive Classroom

2025-03-22T05:32:53+00:00

Background: In the age of digital literacy, blended learning is a massive and comprehensive approach for navigating skills and competencies of the young aspirants in inclusive culture. This paper aims to enhance prospective teachers' attitudes towards the blended learning approach in inclusive classroom environment to improve their technological skills and competencies. Method: Primary data was collected from 670 B.Ed. students purposively from different teachers’ training colleges and universities of West Bengal, India. To explore the technological potentialities and competencies of these prospective teachers, a self-prepared questionnaire on ASBLA was administered via Google Forms. The ASBLA was validated by experts, and its reliability was established through Cronbach's Alpha, which yielded a coefficient of 0.864, indicating good internal consistency. As a result, it was found that the constructed tool had acceptable reliability measurements. Data were quantitatively analysed using mean, t-test, ANOVA and percentage analysis in ‘IBM SPSS Statistics 21’ software. Results: Results showed no statistically significant differences in attitude towards blended learning approach based on age and locality at 0.05 level of confidence. Additionally, significant differences were found between the gender and type of institutions. Discussion: Eventually, the result of the study shows that prospective teachers developed a positive attitude towards blended learning approach, whereas approximately 40% expressed dissatisfaction. Conclusion: The study recommends stakeholders to implement blended learning approach for enhancing teachers’ skills in inclusive classroom environment.

Agriculture commodity derivatives market: Identifying research trends and gaps through bibliometric analysis

2025-05-06T05:46:08+00:00

Agricultural commodity derivatives markets have played a pivotal role in price discovery and risk management; however, the literature lacks a consolidated synthesis of global research trends in this field. This study employs a bibliometric analysis to retrospectively assess the evolution of academic research on agricultural commodity derivatives. Utilising the Scopus database and bibliometric tools like Biblioshiny and VOS viewer, 632 articles published until 2023 were analysed. The methodology involved keyword searches, journal analysis, author influence mapping, and citation tracking to understand publication patterns, thematic concentrations, and geographical contributions. The results reveal that research output has grown notably during periods of heightened commodity price volatility, with the United States and China leading global contributions. Predominant research themes include price discovery, volatility spillovers, and hedging effectiveness, with the Journal of Futures Markets emerging as the most prolific journal. The discussion highlights that while substantial empirical work has focused on price dynamics and futures efficiency, critical gaps remain in areas such as the effects of government intervention, the role of digital platforms, and localised studies from emerging economies. In conclusion, this study underscores the necessity for future research to diversify thematically and geographically. It advocates for broader analytical approaches to capture the evolving complexities of agricultural commodity derivatives markets, offering valuable directions for scholars and policymakers alike.

Rethinking Development Metrics: Inclusive Wealth Framework for Sustainable Development

2025-03-03T05:21:12+00:00

Traditional economic metrics' limitations in measuring sustainable development, specifically the use of Gross Domestic Product (GDP), have fostered a need for alternative models. The Inclusive Wealth (IW) framework proposes a comprehensive approach that includes produced, natural, human, and social capital within a unified index. This study critically reviews the development of development metrics and the necessity of a comprehensive evaluation of a nation’s wealth and welfare. Through the analysis of comprehensive wealth accounting methods, the study delves into how applying the IW framework delivers a superior estimate of long-term economic and environmental resilience. Empirical findings illustrate the disparities between the Global South and Global North and how conventional growth models disregard ecological degradation and social inequality. The study also tests the policy implications of using the IW framework with a focus on the framework’s application in formulating strategic interventions toward sustainable development. Overcoming the limitations of methods and the use of technology in analysing extensive data sets positions the IW framework as a valuable asset that policymakers may utilize in bridging development disparities and fostering inclusive development. The study emphasizes the need to move beyond GDP metrics and adopt a comprehensive wealth index that captures a nation's true economic and social welfare.