https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/35697 2026-04-04T05:23:52Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14921 Title: Sustaining parental engagement : a challenge to Maltese education leaders Authors: Cutajar, Mario Abstract: In 2006, the Act to amend the Education Act, Cap. 327 made provisions to reinforce and enhance the current school-parent partnership and collaboration. The study examined the current partnership and collaboration between schools and parents in four Maltese colleges and the challenges that Maltese educational leaders face so as to reinforce, enrich, and sustain joint-working. Data was collected from a substantial number of interviews with the selected policy-makers, college principals, heads of school, and teachers; reviewing official documents and observing council of heads meetings. The convenience and purposive sampling methods were employed to select the required sample of interviewees. The results of the study indicated that the schoolparent collaboration showed proof of a fractured history, an area fraught with uncertainty given a turbulent period in the 1970s and 1980s.2 The research findings will illuminate the position that educators currently hold towards parental involvement in the education of their children, together with the issues and challenges that educational school leaders can face in sustaining a partnership with parents. The study seeks to contribute towards an understanding of these issues and challenges. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14919 Title: Marketing mind maps in higher education Authors: Grech, Gerald Abstract: This article investigates the use and perceptions of mind map techniques as an alternative, visual learning method in higher education. Mind maps are multi-sensory tools that may help students organize, integrate, retain, and recall information. Current literature identifies several advantages of using mind maps in various fields of education, which far outweigh the disadvantages encountered. The key elements of a mind map, include a central image and theme, keywords, colours, curved lines of varying thickness, and symbols. A mixed method methodology study was conducted. A survey instrument (20 Likert questions on a 5-point scale) was designed and used to collect student perceptions about mind mapping as a learning tool. Survey responses of 34 first-year and second-year students (16–18 years old) studying Marketing at the Junior College, University of Malta, were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Results showed positive perceptions towards the use of mind-maps in learning and studying Marketing. Furthermore, qualitative research also confirmed that mind maps help students simplify studying, enhance creativity and are effective in memorizing and recalling of knowledge. Mind maps do not teach problem solving or critical thinking skills but engage learners in a tangible manipulation and constructions of their thoughts. A sustained teaching effort and regular practice is recommended if students are to benefit in the long term. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14918 Title: Arvid Pardo : a diplomat with a mission Authors: Buttigieg, Jean Abstract: Arvid Pardo was Malta’s permanent representative to the UN General Assembly (1964–71). This paper highlights Pardo’s work as a diplomat who had a vision of changing the way mankind takes care of its natural resources. Even though he is known as the Father of the Law of the Sea, the paper will show that the philosophical notions that were at the basis of the concept of common heritage of mankind were set aside for political reasons with the 1994 Implementation Agreement. This was unfortunate and, at the end of the paper, I question whether the migration crisis which has hit the Mediterranean could have been avoided if the developing countries had listened to Pardo way back in the 1970s. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar/handle/123456789/14911 Title: ‘We need to demystify poetry’ : an Interview with David Musgrave Authors: Xerri, Daniel Abstract: This article explores the views of the contemporary Australian poet and publisher David Musgrave. Based on an interview conducted in Sydney, it examines Musgrave’s thoughts on poetry education and the status of the genre in the present social, cultural, and educational milieu. His experiences as a poet, small press publisher of poetry, and poetry educator serve to illuminate his discussion of the writing, promotion, and teaching of poetry in Australia and beyond. His views resonate with other poets and teachers working in diverse contexts. 2016-01-01T00:00:00Z