OAR@UM Community:https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/648092026-04-10T09:25:47Z2026-04-10T09:25:47Z“I am... a unique colourful shade of black” art as an intervention for individuals seeking treatment from addictionhttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1443682026-02-26T14:59:33Z2025-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: “I am... a unique colourful shade of black” art as an intervention for individuals seeking treatment from addiction
Abstract: This study investigates the use of art as a therapeutic tool in addiction recovery, focusing on how creative expression can enhance self-awareness, foster empowerment, and cultivate a sense of connection during rehabilitation. It examines the ways in which individuals in recovery use their artwork as a means of self-advocacy - communicating personal experiences, confronting societal stigma, and revealing the often-unseen aspects of addiction. By drawing on examples from artistic programmes in prisons, rehab centres, and community initiatives, the research evaluates the impact of creative interventions on those in recovery. Employing qualitative and arts-based methodologies, including creative workshops, interviews, and focus groups, the study delves into how art-making fosters resilience, enhances self-reflection, and provides alternative ways of communication for those facing addiction. Grounded in psychological theories, addiction recovery models, and socially engaged art practices, the research highlights the transformative capacity of creative expression. It illustrates how nonverbal, artistic processes can facilitate personal growth, helping individuals reconnect with aspects of identity beyond their addiction. The study emphasises the value of dedicated artistic spaces within therapeutic communities, where residents are encouraged to engage freely in creative practices. It highlights the essential role these environments play in fostering emotional expression and creative exploration as part of the rehabilitation process.
Description: M.A.(Melit.)2025-01-01T00:00:00ZGovernance strategies for inclusive higher education access through open and networked opportunitieshttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1410632025-11-10T14:39:04Z2025-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Governance strategies for inclusive higher education access through open and networked opportunities
Abstract: This research seeks to investigate the manner in which educational institutions can prioritise
diversity, equity, and inclusion while leveraging the strengths of online learning and Open
Educational Resources to enhance acceptability and adaptability. It explores how governance
can positively impact societal progress at national level through open and networked higher
education. Motivated by the critical theory where the aim of the research challenges existing
structures, this research adopts a critical realist epistemological approach.
Description: M.A.(Melit.)2025-01-01T00:00:00ZA study of employees’ perception of the need for a stress management programme at the place of work in Maltahttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1406062025-10-27T10:41:00Z2025-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: A study of employees’ perception of the need for a stress management programme at the place of work in Malta
Abstract: This study explores how employees perceive the necessity of structured stress management programmes across diverse workplace sectors in Malta. Amid rising concerns over work-related stress and its adverse impact on employee well-being and organisational productivity, the research investigates how government, catering, and health workers experience stress and evaluate existing support systems. Guided by three research questions, the study examines perceptions of stress management, organisational readiness for intervention, and factors influencing long-term sustainability. A qualitative case study approach was adopted, with data gathered through three sector-specific focus groups comprising 6-8 participants each. Thematic analysis revealed common issues, including a lack of managerial support, role ambiguity, emotional exhaustion, and limited formal interventions. Findings indicate a broad demand for culturally sensitive, accessible, and sustained stress management measures. Barriers such as stigma, insufficient organisational commitment, and constrained resources were also identified. The study recommends integrating participatory approaches, leadership-driven mental health policies, and context-specific strategies aligned with Maltese workplace dynamics. This dissertation contributes to the growing literature advocating for comprehensive and culturally relevant stress management programmes that balance individual care with organisational accountability.
Description: B.A. (Hons)(Melit.)2025-01-01T00:00:00ZHigher education teachers' perceptions of online teaching at MCAST : affordances and challengeshttps://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/1406052025-10-27T10:36:22Z2025-01-01T00:00:00ZTitle: Higher education teachers' perceptions of online teaching at MCAST : affordances and challenges
Abstract: Considering the rise of online courses worldwide in the past two decades in addition to the Emergency Remote Teaching (ERT) experiences during the Covid-19 pandemic years, this study explores online teaching (OT) through educators’ perceptions. By prioritising Higher Education (HE) lecturers’ voices this inductive study aimed to uncover their broader outlook on OT including its place in the future HE landscape, their viewpoints on the affordances and challenges encountered and how these impact the students’ learning and teacher’s teaching. Participants constituted educators teaching at Level 5 or higher at a local Further and Higher Education Institution (FHEI), the Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST). The study addresses a knowledge gap in the local HE scene, concurrently empowering educators by valuing their outlook, enhancing their expertise and consequently that of students. In doing this the researcher implemented a qualitative study involving 12 participants who selfenrolled to participate in the research. Data collection took the form of individual, semistructured interviews, the strength of which lies in the rich data they yield. Interview transcriptions were later analysed using a thematic analysis (TA) technique. The research uncovered three overarching themes, mainly Technology-, Pedagogy- and Human-related aspects of OT, with multiple sub-themes in answer to the three research questions (RQs). The results illustrate a complex web of both positive and negative perceptions of OT, concurrently an acknowledgment of OT’s growing place in HE, the possible move to blended learning as the mainstream teaching modality and a need for upskilling. The need for institutional support is key, not least in the provision of Continuous Professional Development (CPD), which comes through the research participants’ own recommendations for training in technological and pedagogical aspects of OT. The study also conveys possibilities for future research about OT, which apart from extending this narrative, can further explore novel aspects such as the vocational element and learning difficulties in OT.
Description: M.A.(Melit.)2025-01-01T00:00:00Z