Thesis by other Maldivians - އެމް.އެން.ޔޫގެ ދަސްވެނީން ފިޔަވައި އެހެނިހެން ދިވެހީންގެ ތީސީސްތައް

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Thesis
Abundance of microplastic pollution and the impact of land-use and ocean current on plastic pollution in the Maldives
(The University of Sheffield, 2023-03) Naeem, Aminath Uyoon; އާމިނަތު އުޔޫން ނައީމް
Approximately 4.8 to 12.7 million tonnes of plastics enter the marine environment annually contributing to 5 trillion pieces of plastic in the global oceans and surface waters. Plastics in the marine environment can exist as macro, meso, and microplastics and due to its durability and longevity, once they are introduced into the environment, it can persist and be distributed globally by ocean currents and winds. Regardless of the high abundance of plastic pollution in the environment and its various negative impacts on marine ecosystems, human health, and the economy of countries such as the Maldives that depend on biodiversity-based economic sectors such as tourism and fisheries, research regarding causes of plastic pollution and sources of microplastics and its abundance is scarce. This study aims to quantify microplastic pollution in the Maldives and to identify sources of plastic pollution by investigating the effects of land-use and ocean currents on plastic pollution in the Maldives. A combination of field and laboratory methods was used to collect beach sediment samples, log macro and mesoplastics and to isolate, identify and quantify microplastic pollution on three different islands of varying land-use intensity (Industrial, Urban and Rural) in the Maldives. Additionally, Geographic Information System (GIS) was used to map ocean currents and identify the influence of ocean currents on microplastic distribution on the Maldivian islands. The results of this study shows that there is a significant level of microplastic pollution at the studied islands: K. Thulusdhoo, K. Villingli and B. Dhonfanu. Additionally, it also showed that the pollution levels at these three islands were higher compared to other coastal areas in the Indian Ocean, as well as other regions of the world. Furthermore, the results showed that the microplastic abundance at Thulusdhoo, an industrial island, was statistically different to both Dhonfanu which is a rural island and the urban island, Villingili proving that land-use influences plastic pollution. However, the difference between the Urban and Rural islands, despite the Urban island having a higher microplastic abundance was not significant, indicating that other factors such as ocean currents also influence microplastic abundance. The ocean current direction and speed along with the difference in the shape and size of microplastic found on the islands proves that ocean currents were also an influencing factor in microplastic abundance on the Maldivian islands.
Thesis
Adaptive capacity of islands of the Maldives to climate change
(James Cook University, 2018-11) ޢިބްރާހިމް މުހައްމަދު; Mohamed, Ibrahim
In today’s world, small islands are exposed to unprecedented impacts of global climate change. The ability of small islands to adjust and cope with these impacts is based on a number of socio-ecological parameters. Research on adaptive capacity has gained momentum within the last decade, and opted assets-based theories, correlating adaptive capacity to utilisation of available opportunities and resources. While such methodologies have major limitations, there is a dearth of studies on adaptive capacity of small islands at the frontier of global climate change. The small island nations are threatened with loss of culture and disruptions to livelihoods, as well as ability to support human habitation from the predicted future effects of climate change. This thesis provides information on this life and cultural threatening issues by identifying the potential for, and limits to, climate change adaptive capacity in the islands of the Maldives through a lens of islandness. This thesis employed a multidisciplinary theoretical framework and contributed to a holistic understanding of adaptive capacity of small islands. The study utilised theory of islandness from an epistemological perspective of pragmatism. The concurrent mixed methods approach, based on analogue comparative case study methodology, involved both constructivist and positivist approaches. The study examined five case study islands from the Maldives and triangulated data obtained from document analysis, participatory climate change adaptation appraisal, stakeholder interviews, surveys, and spatial analysis of biogeophysical characteristics. The results of this study demonstrated that adaptive capacity of islands is a predicament of the biogeophysical characteristics, socio-politics and governance, socio-cultural, and socio economic factors. The analyses revealed that: (1) the most critical influence on adaptive capacity is from biogeophysical characteristics of islands, followed by socio-cognitive aspects related to belief efficacy of islanders; (2) at a household level, assets, social organisation and flexibility contributed significantly to adaptive capacity; (3) the islands are currently approaching their adaptive capacity thresholds, owing to non-linearity of responses of biogeophysical features of islands to ongoing climate change impacts, especially increases in temperature, sea level rise and changes in rainfall; (4) islands at the edge of crossing the adaptive capacity thresholds require engineered transformative adaptation; and (5) transformation of adaptive capacity into adaptive actions requires empowerment of islanders, democratisation of institutions, and strategic planning of hard and soft adaptation measures within an island context and scale. Consequently, encoding and decoding of adaptive capacity from an island epistemological view defines what socioecological aspects, and by which strategies, adaptation can be mobilised and enhanced. Emergent findings indicative of future research includes incorporating ethnography with phenomenology in the study of adaptive capacity and refining the methods used in data collection. Additionally, the present research confirmed that an adaptive capacity index does not translate how the adaptive capacity can be mobilised in to action in islands, and is not significant. The results of this thesis offer significant contribution for policy makers and adaptation practitioners on how climate change policies and strategies need to commensurate with the context of the dynamic socio-ecological system of the islands. The present study also offers an insight of strengths, limitations and challenges on islands in adapting to future climate change.
Thesis
Age and growth of whale sharks (rhincodon typus) near the south ari atoll, Maldives
(Nova Southeastern University, 2017-03-01) Perry, Cameron T.
Despite the growing number of interactions with whale sharks through ecotourism, little or no information is available on important aspects of whale shark biology, such as growth rates, reproductive rates, survival rates and breeding habitats (Holmberg et al., 2009). Critical information, such as age and growth of whale sharks, is needed to improve the management and conservation of the species (Hsu et al., 2014; Rohner et al., 2015). Accurate measurement of life-history parameters can improve demographic models for whale sharks and enable better evaluation of their vulnerability to fishing pressures and recovery from population declines (Rohner et al., 2015). For the Maldives, knowledge on the ages and sizes of whale sharks may also provide crucial information into migration routes and potential links between other Indian Ocean aggregation sites. This study aimed to expand on the knowledge of age and growth of whale sharks in the Maldives by calculating growth parameters and rates from encounters during the time period of April 2006 to May 2016. A total of 1545 encounters with 125 individual sharks were recorded during this time period. Total length estimates were taken via three different measurement methods (visual, tape, and laser) and linear regression was utilized to investigate how the different methods were related to one another. This study showed that visual estimates tended to underestimate large sharks and tape and laser measurements yielded similar results to one another (R2 = 0.824). New sharks to the South Ari Atoll were significantly smaller than returning sharks. This provides evidence that small sharks may be recruited to the South Ari Atoll, where they stay and grow until they reach maturity and then they leave the area. This study was the first of its kind to produce growth parameters and rates from measurements of free-swimming whale sharks. Growth parameters for combined sex, calculated from 180 encounters with 44 individual sharks (3.16m – 8.00m), yielded an L of 19.556m and a k value of 0.0211yr-1. Analyzing 177 encounters with 40 male sharks (3.16m-8.00m) changed these parameters to an L of 18.081m and a k value of 0.0234yr1. This corresponds to a male age of maturity of ~25 years and a longevity of ~140 years. Keywords: von Bertalanffy, laser photogrammetry, growth rate, total length
Thesis
Assessing the environmental and biological variables that make South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) a world renowned whale shark aggregation site
(University of York, 2017-09-19) Jefferson, Tamlin
Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) typically aggregate in response to seasonal increases in prey abundance, with phytoplankton blooms as well as fish and coral spawning events attracting large numbers of sharks. However, the whale sharks of South Ari Atoll Marine Protected Area (SAMPA) show extraordinary site fidelity, with a predictable year round population and no seasonal peak in aggregations. Whale sharks are slow to reach sexual maturity and vulnerable to overexploitation, which has resulted in a decline in global populations by >50% over the last 75 years. This study assesses the environmental and biological variables driving whale shark aggregations at SAMPA in order to improve whale shark conservation strategies. The whale shark encounter and environmental data used in this study were collected by the MWSRP team from the 1st of January 2014 to the 18th of April 2017. Surveys were conducted from Dhigurah to Rangali along the epipelagic reef fringe in a local vessel. A mean of whale sharks per day (shark encounters/search effort) and 12 environmental variables were calculated to allow for accurate comparisons between data using a Gaussian Generalised Linear Model (GLM). Of these variables, chlorophyll a (P=0.0217) and current strength (P=0.0058) were found to have a significant relationship with mean whale sharks per day (α=0.026). The environmental and biological variables analysed were found to affect the year round aggregation of whale sharks at SAMPA, but the primary drivers of site fidelity remain unknown
Thesis
Assessment in Male’ schools : three primary teachers' knowledge, beliefs, & typical assessment practices
(University of Canterbury, 2013-01-01) Mohamed, Niuma
This thesis describes a qualitative case study of assessment practices in three primary classrooms in urban schools in the Maldives. Qualitative data was obtained from semi-structured interviews, lesson observations, and school and classroom documents guided the study. Assessment practice in Maldivian schools is undergoing change. The newly developed draft of Maldivian National Curriculum with associated documents aligns assessment, instruction, and curriculum to provide optimum learning conditions for students. The Maldivian Ministry of Education (MOE), in collaboration with UNICEF, has introduced quality indicators for the Child Friendly Baraabaru School (CFBS) based on the Maldivian National Curriculum. These indicators stress the importance of maintaining a balance between assessment for learning (formative assessment) and assessment of learning (summative assessment). The dissemination and implementation of best practices in formative assessment are currently underway in Maldivian schools. This study portrays a ―snapshot in time‖ of assessment practices of three teachers and utilizes the findings to provide an insight into the MOE‘s initiative of assessment innovations in Maldivian classrooms and schools. The study found that the three teachers have to practice formative assessment within high quality interactions based on thoughtful questions, attend to responses, and with observation and documentation to reflect a valid picture of the whole child. Nevertheless, the study also showed how the three teachers separated assessment from teaching and learning as well as how the teachers documented and reported this assessment data. There is a strong element of competition for academic achievement, as reported in grades and numerical scores. The competition is amongst students, teachers and parents. This competition appears to get in the way of assessment being used to support teaching and learning. Nonetheless, when the research data was explored through a formative assessment lens, there was also evidence of formative assessment being used in the normal day-to-day happenings in the three classrooms. The teachers in this study were not always confident in their use of formative assessment, and did not necessarily recognize when they were using formative assessment strategies. They all wanted all of their students to be successful learners, and they wanted to be good teachers. The study shows some of the complexities that teachers face when implementing new approaches to assessment.
Assessment of socio-economic impect of food, fuel and financial crisis on Maldives
(2009-07-31) ޝަފީނާޒް އަބްދުލް ސައްތާރު; Abdul-Sattar, Shafeenaz
Thesis
Challenges of including local women in community-based tourism in Maldives : case of Baa Atoll
(KDI School of Public Policy and Management, 2021) Waheed, Aishath Shamrath; އައިޝަތު ޝަމްރަތް ވަހީދް
Thesis
Changing reef values : an inquiry into the use, management and governances of reef resources in island communities of the Maldives
(University of Canterbury, 2012-10-01) Mohamed, Mizna
The thesis is an exploration into the ways in which island communities living in coral reef environments value the surrounding reef resources. This research is conducted in seven communities in the Maldives. A qualitative approach is used as this inquiry involves gaining insight of human perceptions and behaviours. Discussions and interaction with participants in community activities and participant observation were the main inquiry methods used. Specifically, the research focuses on sand from the beach, coral from the house reef and fish in the island lagoon. The exploration of reef values show that multiple reef values exist and they are constantly changing. How communities interact with the resources and how the communities itself had changed over time contribute to this change in resource value. Physical and social factors, such as resource type, availability and location, physical characteristics of islands, community size, and socio-economic conditions, contribute to the changing reef values. Based on these changing values, it is recommended to go beyond one formal governance rules that fits all. Instead local adaptations based on local ways of valuing need to be considered. A most notable change impacting reef values is the migration of families to the capital. This reduces their interactions both with the reef environment and other community members. In addition, the current globalised education is causing the development of a predominantly globalised worldview among the present generations. In this new worldview, the sacred is separated from the secular. Thus, spiritual and moral beliefs have become isolated from resource management practices. I also find it of concern that local worldviews are being negated at the expense of concern for the global environment. I highlight the importance of schooling to instil knowledge about our local environments and local worldviews. It is also through education we can re-integrate the sacred into our practices and such changes need to be starting at an individual level.
Thesis
Characteristics of whale shark rhincodon typus around the island of st helena, south atlantic & the comparative impact of ecotourism
(University of York, 2017-07-03) Hindle, Katie
328 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) were identified using photographs and pattern recognition software between 2013 and 2017 around the island of St Helena in the South Atlantic. The highest number of whale sharks were recorded in the month of January. This is probably due to the sharks exploiting a seasonally abundant food source, such as tuna (Scombridae spp.) and other fish spawn in the waters around St Helena. Other behaviours observed included females remaining stationary in an inverted arc posture with males swimming around them, which is associated with mating behaviour in other shark species. The mean total length of the sharks was 7.63 metres, and of the sharks whose sex was determined 45.9% (133) were female, and 54.1% (157) male. Of those males, only one was juvenile as determined by clasper morphology. Worldwide, aggregations of whale sharks tend to consist of majority juvenile males. The combination of mature male and female whale sharks in the study area and the observed courtship behaviour means it is possible that the waters around St Helena are of global importance for whale shark mating. The St Helena aggregation was compared to an aggregation in the Maldives with 315 whale sharks identified over 10 years. Whale sharks in the Maldives bore a significantly higher injury rate (82.2%, p<0.001, X2 test) than those in the St Helena aggregation (9.1%), with anthropogenic injuries in Maldives at 54.9%, compared to 2.4% in St Helena. This may be a consequence of the greater number of weakly regulated ecotourism boats targeting the Maldives aggregation compared to the tightly regulated and limited ecotourism for whale sharks around St Helena.
Thesis
A cohort study of postnatal depression, infant feeding practices and infant growth in Male', the Republic of Maldives.
(Curtin University, 2014-10-31) Abdul Raheem, Raheema
A cohort study was undertaken on 458 mothers and their infants, selected from antenatal clinics in Malé, the capital city of the Republic of Maldives. Details of infant feeding and growth and maternal perinatal depression were recorded. Breastfeeding initiation is 100%, but there is a high rate of prelacteal and early complementary feeds. Perinatal depression rates are similar to other regional countries, but commonly results in early cessation of breastfeeding.
Thesis
Competency-based assessment : a holistic approach for developing and demonstrating 'competence' : a literature review
(The University of Newscastle, 2000-06) Ibrahim, Asiya
This thesis presents an analysis of competency-based approaches to assessment. An extensive literature review was conducted to explore aspects and issues involved in developing and implementing competency-based assessment. The review was based on the premise that literature can provide useful information to implement an ongoing competency based approach to assessment of undergraduate nursing students in The Republic of Maldives. The recent literature relating to competency-based approaches to education and assessment values this method for its contribution to the development of a more comprehensive view if education and assessment, particularly in nursing. The main theme that developed from analysis of the literature was that developing a competency-based assessment framework could facilitate an individual to develop and demonstrate competency for professional practice. Competency-based assessment has been described in the literature as a process of measuring an individual's competence against established competency standards, These competency standards when explicitly stated will clearly identify for the student, the competencies that need to be developed by the end of the course of study and which are necessary to enter into a profession. Review of literature reveals that there is confusion arising in the term competency. However, the contemporary view of competency is that they are attributes which need to be acquired to perform successfully in a profession. There is consensus in the literature that this method of education and assessment facilitates learning that is meaningful, personal, challenging and relevant to practice. There are several studies that have focused on the development and implementation of effective competency-based approaches, especially in practice based professions, such as nursing. Thus, it is proposed that, competency-based assessment is the most effective method of assessment to be implemented in the undergraduate nursing in the Maldives.
Thesis
The development and evaluation of a computer-assisted instructional strategy designed to change student misconceptions about chemical equilibrium
(Department of Science Education, Edith Cowan University, 1990-12-14) Hameed, Hassan; ޙަސަން ޙަމީދު
The main aims of this thesis are twofold. First, to identify and describe misconceptions about chemical equilibrium held by Year-12 chemistry students in the Maldives. Second, to investigate the effects of using a computer-assisted instructional strategy in changing those misconceptions. A misconception identification test and an interview schedule developed by Garnett & Hackling ( 1984) were used to diagnose student misconceptions about chemical equilibrium. The remediation aspect of the study used a computer-assisted instruction (CAI) package. The package was designed in accordance with a model of conceptual change proposed by Posner, Strike, Hewson & Gertzog ( 1982) . The CAI package consists of eleven modules. The conceptual change strategies, as implemented in the package, mainly used simulations to create cognitive conflict to assist accommodation. The results of the study indicate that misconceptions about chemical equilibrium are common among Year 12 chemistry students in the Maldives. In addition, these misconceptions were found to be similar to those reported by Hackling and Garnett (1985) which identified misconceptions among Western Australian students. Results also indicate that the remediation aspect of the study, which used the CAI package, produced significant and lasting conceptual changes in students holding the misconceptions.
Thesis
Economic valuation of coral reefs : a case study of the costs and benefits of improved management of Dhigali Haa, a marine protected area in Baa Atoll, Maldives
(University of Canterbury, 2007-08-01) Mohamed, Mizna
Coral reefs are a vital resource in the low-island Republic of Maldives, where the sustainable use of these resources is central to the continued economic success of the country’s two largest sectors: tourism and fisheries. This recognition has led to numerous reef conservation and protection activities, including the establishment of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs). As in many MPAs of the world, those in the Maldives exist only as paper parks: areas protected on paper but not in practice. Despite general recognition of the importance of reef resources, insufficient funds are allocated by government to implement these parks. This situation is compounded by the absence of specific information and detailed understanding by policy makers of the true value and economic benefits of reef resources. This thesis examines the an economic valuation of improved management of MPAs in the Maldives using Dhigali Haa, an MPA in Baa Atoll, Maldives, as a case study. A contingent valuation survey to elicit the willingness to pay of tourists visiting Baa Atoll to see improved management at the MPA was used in estimating the potential benefits. In addition, local community consultations were conducted to understand local perceptions of MPAs and their effectiveness, and to develop a feasible improved management scenario. The local consultations confirmed that Dhigali Haa was not effectively managed, leading to continued illegal use and degradation of the reef. The results of the CV survey revealed support from tourists visiting Baa Atoll to pay for improved management of Dhigali Haa. A one-off conservation fee per visit for all tourists visiting Baa Atoll was preferred over a user fee solely for divers visiting Dhigali Haa. The estimate for the mean WTP for the conservation fee was US$35±5 compared to a mean WTP of US$15±5 for the user fee. Comparisons between the cost of implementing improved management and the benefits gained from tourist fees showed that a conservation fee would be more beneficial than a user fee. The estimated net present value for funding the improved management via a conservation fee was US$8.65 million.
Thesis
Effectiveness of solid waste management in the Maldives : a case study from Ukhulas
(Villa College, 2016-01-01) Shadiya, Fathimath; ޝާދިޔާ, ފާތިމަތު
Waste management in preindustrial times was simple because most of the waste compromised of organic materials which decompose naturally. However with the introduction of non- biodegradable synthetic materials such as plastic, waste treatment and waste disposal have become a pressing concern in the Maldives due to limited financial and human resources available in the country. This research tries to identify factors that can influence the long term sustainability of Community Based Solid Waste Management Systems from social, economic and environmental perspectives, and to suggest recommendations for areas that need further improvement and development in the system. A quantitative approach was used as the research methodology. The survey questionnaire was a close ended questionnaire. Data were collected by conducting social survey and secondary data sources. Data analysis for the social survey was carried out using SPSS. Analysis of results showed Ukulhas waste management Centre utilizes 79.2% of organic waste brought to the waste management Centre to make compost. Spearman’s rank order showed there was no association between respondent’s satisfaction level and their willingness to pay for waste collection service. Kruskal Wallis test showed there was a significance difference in satisfaction level towards waste management system across different age groups, and Chi-Square test showed there was no association between respondent’s attitude towards plastic and their willingness to use recyclable shopping bags. The findings were analyzed using DPSIR framework.
Thesis
The elite of the Maldives : sociopolitical organisation and change
(London School of Economics and Political Science, 1995-01-01) Colton, Elizabeth Overton
This thesis exam ines the elite o f the M aldive Islands, during a period o f great technoeconom ic change from 1976 until 1983. This ethnographic study is concerned with the nature o f the M aldivian national elite, in particular the reiterative evidence o f both repetition and change in its sociopolitical organisation. The first part o f the thesis presents the principles o f the study and introduces the ethnographic setting o f the elite o f M aldives. The Preface establishes the historical and m ethodological fo u n d a tio n o f the study. Chapter 1 outlines the fo c i o f the thesis and places it within a general anthropological fram ew ork. Chapter 2 places the elite w ithin the context o f the M aldivian geographical setting, history, and classification systems. The second part o f the study sets out the basic building blocks o f the elite system. Chapter 3 essentially defines the M aldivian elite and describes the stratification system, politics, and the econom ic basis fo r the elite's power. Chapter 4 presents the basic building blocks o f kinship and affinity-- including sibling group, affines (especially brothers-in-law, lia n o o ). and friendship. Chapter 5 focuses upon the special role o f the “h o u se” as the basic p o litical unit o f the M aldivian elite. The third part o f this thesis discusses the use o f the elite system over time. Chapter 6 provides a detailed description o f the “po litica l g a m e ”, including the im portance o f protocol, ritualistic functions, and governm ent service. Chapter 7 details the m eans o f social control, including the rewards and punishm ents fo r the elite. Chapter 8 describes the patterns and cycles o f political conflict within the M aldivian elite system. The conclusion argues that the com plex M aldivian elite system, with its evidence o f change at the tim e o f this study as a result o f com plex processes o f m odernisation in com bination with a clear repetition o f patterns and reiterative cycles over time, presents a m odel o f evolutionary replication o f a sociopolitical system.
Thesis
An empirical analysis on international tourist flow and hotel room prices: the case of Maldives
(National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies, 2017-09-01) Zuhuree, Ibrahim; އިބްރާހިމް ޒުހުރީ
Since the 1950s, international tourism has played a major role in economic development in the developing world in general and small island developing states (SIDS) in particular. The Maldives, for example, has transformed itself from sleepy fishing villages into a luxury destination for rich tourists and has achieved the status of upper-middle-income country. This study extends the scope of empirical analysis of international tourism considerably by covering not only the demand side (e.g. tourist income) but also the supply side factors (e.g. security and environmental amenities). First, using panel data, the study examines the relationship between supply-side factors and tourist inflow from cross-country perspective as well as for the single country case of the Maldives. A major finding is that international tourist inflow is not very sensitive to price compared with tourist income and security issues. Second, primary data from a survey of guesthouses in the Maldives is used to examine the extent of congestion, the relationship between service quality and prices and the problem of free-riding on others’ efforts to preserve the natural environment. Its findings, especially the ones about the externality problems and the impact of security on tourist arrivals, are interesting and offer some policy implications.
Ethnomathematics in the Maldivian curriculum : trailling an implementation
(University of Auckland, 2004-08-09) ޢާއިޝަތު ޝެހެނާޒު އާދަމް; Adam, Aishath Shehenaz
Thesis
An exploratory study of the interplay between teachers, beliefs, instructional practices & professional development
(The University of Auckland, 2006) Mohamed, Naashia; ނާސިހާ މުހައްމަދު
Previous research has revealed the influential role of teachers’ beliefs in determining their professional behaviour. Teachers’ beliefs affect not only their teaching, but also filter new input, suggesting significant implications for the implementation of educational innovations and teacher development. This study explores the interconnections between teachers’ beliefs, their instructional practices and professional development, examining the extent to which the introduction of an innovative teaching approach impacts teachers’ beliefs and behaviour. It focuses particularly on grammar instruction in the context of English teaching in secondary schools of the Maldives. Combining descriptive ethnography with a quasi-experimental design, the study was implemented in two phases. Phase One, based on questionnaire data from 197 teachers from 51 schools, explored teachers’ beliefs and their self reported practices. Findings indicated that teachers placed great emphasis on grammar and that they were unfamiliar with inductive approaches to grammar instruction. In Phase Two, inductive grammar teaching methods were introduced to 14 teachers from two schools, in a 12 week professional development programme. Drawing largely on data from observations and interviews, the results from this phase showed that although teachers were observed to generally follow their pedagogic beliefs, several points of difference between their beliefs and practices existed. While the professional development may have increased their understanding of inductive approaches to grammar instruction at the level of awareness, only limited changes to beliefs and practices were observed. Changing instructional practice appeared to be a difficult task with only two teachers uptaking the innovation. Some subsidiary changes were however observed in the practices of several other teachers. Various impediments constrained change efforts, including teachers’ lack of openness to change, their low professional motivation and the lack of a supportive school culture. Contextual factors such as large classes and difficult working conditions also negatively affected the change process. Findings indicate that development activities which provided regular one-on-one support for the teachers were more likely to lead to uptake than those involving mainly workshops. The individual nature of the uptake process, its lack of uniformity and the challenges faced by the teachers are discussed, as are the implications for the provision of professional development.
Thesis
Foreign policy orientation of small island states : an evaluation of the foreign policies of Vanuatu and the Maldives
(University of Canterbury, 1999-01-01) Khaleel, Ali
The limited literature on the foreign policy of small states is riddled with diverse views on the most effective policy orientation for these countries. Some scholars have specified multilateralism as the most effective strategy while others have suggested regionalism and some others have stressed bilateralism. While this is the case, small states being heavily dependent on the external environment and the least equipped to influence vents or processes at the international level, find it essential to ensure that their foreign policy orientation is the most effective. As such, there is a need for additional research on the subject, as that undertaken in this thesis. Guided by the framework for evaluation suggested by G.A. Raymond, this thesis attempted to evaluate the foreign policies of Vanuatu and the Maldives to determine whether there is any justification to argue in favour of multilateralism, regionalism or bilateralism as the most effective foreign policy strategy for small island states, a sub-group within the category of small states. Vanuatu and the Maldives were used as case studies since their policies were of the same class or universe rendering them suitable for comparison. Three foreign policy goals that have been identified for evaluation included, preserving and enhancing security and sovereignty; economic development; and environment protection. These goals were tied to several objectives. The thesis, using the comparative method, attempted to determine the relative effectiveness of the strategies, multilateralism, regionalism and bilateralism, in contributing towards realising the foreign policy objectives and thereby the goals. The evaluation revealed that multilateralism was more effective overall in contributing towards the security and sovereignty related objectives and the environment related objectives of Vanuatu and the Maldives. Both bilateralism and multilateralism were equally effective for Vanuatu and the Maldives in contributing towards their economic development related objectives. The evaluation also revealed a slight bias in favour of multilateralism as more effective overall compared to regionalism and bilateralism, in contributing towards the three foreign policy goals of the two countries. This was because all of the objectives were given equal weight in the analysis. If the objectives were prioritised then the results would have been different. In fact, different strategies proved effective in contributing towards different objectives and goals. Often more than one strategy had to be used in furthering a single objective or goal. As such, based on the evaluation of this thesis, there is no justification to argue in favour of any one strategy as more effective for the foreign policy of small states.
Thesis
Global warming and small island states : the search for environmental security
(Dalhousie University, 1995-11) Shameem, Aly; ޢަލީ ޝަމީމް
Thesis
A higher education quality assurance model for small states : the Maldives case study
(Queensland University of Technology, 2013-01-01) Waheed, Abdul Hannan
This study investigated what constitutes the key elements and attributes of an effective Quality Assurance (QA) system in Higher Education (HE) for Small States. Currently, there is a lack of conceptual and operational rigour in supporting a sustainable quality assurance system in higher education for Small States (Stella, 2010). Tackling this problem requires a system-wide holistic approach situated within a broader national and International system of QA in higher education with a view to capture the implications for Small States. To investigate this, the research reported here drew on a systems theory (Pidwimy, 2006b) to investigate the systematic characteristics of quality assurance in higher education. The aim was to understand the underlying principles, as well as the emerging themes in quality assurance systems in higher education. The study could serve as a useful reference for policy makers, practitioners and professionals alike. The research was a qualitative case study based on the constructionist paradigm and includes the use of document analysis and interviews for data collection. It drew upon a case study in the Maldives, to explore possible linkages, similarities, challenges, issues and quality assurance options that emerged and are relevant to that of Small State contexts. Interviews and document analysis were used to collect data from 16 participants from four stakeholder groups in the Maldives. The data were analysed using a content analysis approach which involved an inductive process of breaking down data into segments that were then categorised, ordered and examined for connections, patterns and propositions. Five findings were derived from the study and may be regarded as critical aspects of a higher education quality assurance system, especially, with respect to Small States. First, the need for legislation within a regulatory framework emerged as paramount for the establishment of HE QA system. Legislation offers a clear description of the roles and responsibilities for the whole system. Second, a QA agency which is strong and independent was marked as a key feature of a HE QA agency. A strong QA agency in line with principals of a one-tier system facilitates the independence of the agency. Third, issues related to the regulatory board of a HE QA agency, appears to influence the overall organisational effectiveness of the agency. These issues include, equal representation of board membership and conflict of interest. Fourth, a lack of minimum standards and guidelines is a major hurdle Small States are facing in strengthening HE QA systems. Fifth, the complete circle of QA services starting with registration of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) and moving on to accreditation of both the institution and programmes for a certain period of time, which is then followed by academic audit, is rare in many systems, especially Small States. Intricate details of these findings as well as the data analysis from which the findings were drawn from are explained in the body of the thesis (Chapters Four and Five). There is recognition that an ideal procedure for a holistic QA system for higher education is critical. The findings show that Small States have limitations such as slow speed in doing things, human resource capacity and funding constraints. The study concludes by making suggestions for key considerations in an optimum QA model for Small States.
Thesis
The impacts of anthropogenic injury on site fidelity in Maldivian whale sharks (rhincodon typus)
(University of York, 2018-06-26) Allen, Harriet
Whale sharks aggregate in predictable seasonal aggregations across the tropics. South Ari Atoll in the Maldives is one of a few year-‐round aggregation sites. Here boating traffic matches the whale shark hotspot, increasing the probability of anthropogenic injury. Whale sharks are reported to remain faithful to this aggregation site following injury, despite the costs of injury and the risk of re-‐injury. However, the impacts of injury on site fidelity and residency behaviour are not fully understood. Encounter data from the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme were analysed to assess the impact of injury on site fidelity in whale sharks. There was no change in geographic site fidelity as a result of injury, but there were changes in residency timings. Injured resident whale sharks spent significantly longer at the atoll (+73 days ±8.6), less time absent from the atoll (-‐158 days ±23.0) and were seen more consistently (+2 residency periods ±0.3) than non-‐injured whale sharks. The residency duration, return rate and number of residency periods increased with increasing injury number and severity, whilst absence duration decreased. This implies a cost to injury, with whale sharks remaining in areas of high productivity to recover and spending less time in their pelagic phases. It highlights the importance of the South Ari Atoll aggregation, as these whale sharks do not leave, despite the risk of re-‐injury. This emphasises the need for the management of anthropogenic activities at aggregation hotspots, to reduce the injury rate and subsequent impacts on fitness.
Thesis
Implementation of blended learning in higher education : a case study of adoption and diffusion
(University of Wollongong, 2022-08) Ali, Ramiz; ރާމިޒް އަލީ
Blended learning has the potential to provide learners with multiple advantages such as increased access to learning, increased flexibility, and enhanced learner engagement. The pedagogic method has been prevalent in higher education in recent years, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the growth of interest in institutional initiatives, our knowledge about the adoption and diffusion of blended learning at the institutional level remains limited. Knowledge about adoption and diffusion processes at the university level is imperative for university leaderships to inform policy, provide appropriate support to teachers and other staff, and ensure and sustain positive and equitable student experiences. Using an embedded case study method, the current study aims to understand user perceptions and beliefs of blended learning and describe the process of blended learning adoption leading to diffusion across a university. This study is guided by the Diffusion of Innovation Theory (DoI), and the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). Participants were 407 students, 99 teachers, and six university executives who were involved in an institutional initiative employing blended learning in 2019. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and focus groups. The questionnaires were administered to students and teachers. Interviews were conducted for teachers and the executives while focus groups were held for students. In addition, relevant university documentation was gathered and analysed for the purpose of data triangulation. In line with the convergent mixed method, the quantitative and qualitative data were collected in parallel, analysed separately, and were then merged.
Thesis
The influence of Asian monsoon variability on precipitation patterns over the Maldives
(University of Canterbury, 2011-01-01) Zahid
Asian climate varies on various spatial and temporal scales and has a wide spectrum of climatic characteristics. Climate variability, especially decadal to inter-annual scale rainfall variability across Asia has gained considerable attention of climatologists over the last century due to the fact that rainfall variability is known to have caused considerable damage to southern Asian nations. Until recent, much of the existing literature on southern Asian climate focused on India and it is only recently that studies have focused on countries other than India. Although the Maldives is a nation within southern Asia (lying in the Indian Ocean southwest of India), literature on precipitation patterns over the Maldives and its connection to the Asian monsoon is lacking. This thesis examines the variability of precipitation over the Maldives in relation to the Asian monsoon, since proper knowledge of the spatial and temporal variations of precipitation is essential for managing the water resources and agricultural sector of the Maldives. Yearly and monthly rainfall across the Maldives indicates that the rainfall varies temporally and spatially. Despite spatial variability of mean annual rainfall (January-December total) showing rainfall increasing from north to south, it was found that on average the northern and southern parts of the Maldives have received less rainfall during the monsoon season (May-November). This suggests that the mean annual rainfall maximum for the Maldives occurs between central and southern parts of the Maldives during the monsoon season. The Maldives monsoon rainfall is characterised by interdecadal and inter-annual periodicities with a frequency of 12.9 and 2.5-4 years, and intraseasonal periodicities (10-20 days and 30-60 day) in daily time series of monsoon rainfall for different regions of Asia. The fact that no objective criteria previously existed to identify monsoon onset and withdrawal dates in the Maldives, the criteria developed here for defining the monsoon season objectively for this region indicates that on average the rainy season or monsoon commences between 4 May and 13 May (mean onset dates based on outward longwave radiation (OLR) index and rain and wind criteria, respectively) and terminates in late November (21 and 23 November: mean withdrawal dates based on rain and wind, and OLR index criteria, respectively) for the Maldives. The mean length of the rainy season (LRS) based on the OLR index is 204 days, the mean LRS based on rain and wind is 11 days shorter (193 days). Results also demonstrate that the earliest monsoon onset for the Asian region occurs in the south of the Maldives in April. Correlation coefficient maps generated between Maldives monsoon rainfall and meteorological parameters suggest that the most significant parameters that influence the interannual variability of the Maldives monsoon rainfall (MMR) are mean sea level pressure, surface air temperature, OLR, sea surface temperature (SST), and the zonal wind and relative humidity at various levels. Temporal consistency checks carried out for these parameters with the MMR led to the elimination of some of these predictors (which have less influence in the variance of MMR). The predictors which explained a significant amount of variance in the MMR were retained, including surface relative humidity during April (SRHAPR), 850 hPa level relative humidity during May (850RHMAY) and 500 hPa relative humidity for May (500RHMAY). These parameters were then used to formulate a regression model (using backward regression) for the prediction of Maldives monsoon rainfall. The predictors included in the model account for a significant part of the variance (76.6%, with a correlation coefficient, CC = 0.9) in MMR, indicating the usefulness of the model for medium-range prediction of MMR before the core monsoon season commences. Global scale processes such as the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) phenomenon influence the weather and climate around the globe, with ENSO considered to be one of the strongest natural phenomena influencing the climate of Asia on inter-annual time-scales. The association between the Maldives monsoon rainfall and ENSO events demonstrates that deficient/excess monsoon rainfall over the Maldives and India region is linked to the strong/moderate El Niño and La Niña events, respectively. During strong/moderate El Niño events, about 71.4% of the time the Maldives/India region experiences deficiencies in monsoon rainfall, while the Maldives/India region experiences excessive monsoon rainfall about 75% of the time during strong/moderate La Niña events. One of the regional scale processes that influence the climate of Asia is Eurasian snow cover. No previous studies have directly examined possible relationships between Eurasian snow and Maldives monsoon rainfall. The possible relationship between Eurasian snow cover (ESC) and the Maldives monsoon rainfall, explored in this research for the first time, appears to be only very weak. The results also demonstrate that the inverse relationship between the ESC and the Indian monsoon has weakened over recent decades. The correlation coefficient (-0.34) between Indian monsoon rainfall and ESC obtained for the 1973-94 period dropped to -0.18 for the 1979-2007 period. The inter-annual variability of the Indian and Australian monsoon rainfall experiences a remarkable biennial oscillation, which has been referred to as the tropospheric biennial oscillation (TBO). It is believed that the land and ocean surface conditions in March-May (MAM) over the Indo-Pacific region play an important role in monsoon transitions. The Maldives monsoon rainfall transition from relatively strong/weak to relatively weak/strong in consecutive years demonstrates a TBO connection (via a biennial tendency in Maldives monsoon rainfall). In relation to the Maldives monsoon rainfall, TBO strong years occur about 47.1% of the time, while weak TBO years occur about 52.9% of the time. Only some of the El Niño and La Niña onset years correspond to strong TBO years, with El Niño onset years (1982, 1987 and 2002) corresponding to weak TBO years, while La Niña onset years (1988 and 2000) corresponding to strong TBO years. Variability (spatial and temporal) in Maldives precipitation associated with global and regional scale processes results in flood and drought events that have downstream impacts, such as on water resources and the agricultural sector of the Maldives. Excess (wet) or deficient rainfall years identified for the period 1992-2008 indicate that the central region is most vulnerable to flooding (5 years with excess rainfall: 27.8% of the time), while the southern region is least vulnerable to both flooding (2 years with excess rainfall: 11.1% of the time) and drought (2 years with deficit rainfall: 11.1% of the time). The northern and central regions show an equal number of years with deficit rainfall (3 years: 16.7% of the time), indicating that they are equally prone to drought events. Furthermore, field survey results demonstrate that about 23, 31 and 37% households (respondents) from the northern, central and southern regions experienced flood events. About 79, 58 and 77% of the farmers from the northern, central and southern areas also experienced floods on their farms. On the other hand, field survey results also suggest that the 49-63% of the households in outer islands of the Maldives and 48-62% of farmers experience shortage of rainwater.
Thesis
The influence of environmental and anthropogenic variables on whale shark (rhincodon typus) abundance in the south ari Atoll
(2017-04-01) Gibson, Sophie
Rhincodon typus is a large filter feeding elasmobranch that aggregates in shallow coastal waters such as the South Ari atoll Marine Protected Area (S.A. MPA) in the Maldives. They are known to travel large distances, however little is known about what causes these movements throughout the oceans and into aggregation sites. This study aims to determine whether whale shark seasonality is present in the South Ari Atoll as well as recognise what environmental and anthropogenic factors influence whale shark abundance in the area. Whale shark sightings data collected by the Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme (MWSRP) from the S.A. MPA from 2013 to 2016 was analysed for seasonality and then relationships with variables using correlations and linear regression. It was discovered that there was no seasonality between months in the years from 2013 to 2016. Therefore it is assumed there is a subpopulation of whale sharks in the South Ari Atoll remaining loyal to the area. Whale shark abundance for all years increases with Sea Surface Temperature anomaly (SSTa) most likely due to the optimal functioning of the shark’s metabolism being within this temperature causing them to remain within a specific range. Average maximum number of people present on the day had a negative effect on abundance for all years, most likely due to prolonged exposure to humans leading to avoidance behaviour by local whale sharks. Overall it was thought that the local subpopulation moved into the South Ari Atoll dependent on SST and the number of people swimming on the reef. This analysis along with further research may allow further insight into the drivers and timings of aggregations. It may also serve to highlight the implications on the distribution and aggregations of whale sharks from increasing temperatures due to climate change as well as the impact on their behaviour from ecotourism.
Thesis
The information culture of the Maldives : an exploratory study of information provision and access in a small island developing state
(Curtin University of Technology, Australia, 2009) Riyaz, Aminath
The thesis explores the relationship between information culture and development to highlight areas in information provision and access that need to be addressed in the small island developing state of the Maldives. The study uses a mixed methods approach. A quantitative survey of a rural community and the urban community collected data on their information use, access, and awareness. Qualitative in-depth interviews with key information stakeholders in the country supplemented this, giving insightful information on how the relevant issues at hand were being addressed by the relevant government departments. The results reveal that people in the urban capital of the Maldives have much better access to information sources than members of the rural community. The take-up of ICTs is promising and implementation of information services remains a high priority. The survey also found more frequent use of “formal” channels of information by the urban community while the rural community predominantly relies on “verbal” or “informal” information exchange. The identified challenges in the provision of information initiatives include the geographical dispersion of the country, lack of information awareness and information literacy, misalignment of information services with the needs, financial and human resources constraints, and the lack of appropriate information policies. The major conclusions emanating from this study are that the difference in the communities in their information outlook is that of level of access, not in the actual usage, and that there is a strong oral culture of information exchange with a casual reading approach. The results of this study will be useful to inform policy making in addressing the disparities between the rural and urban communities and in the general introduction of information services relevant to the Maldives.
Thesis
Instructional leadership practices of selected principals in Maldives: a case study
(Asia e University, 2016-10-01) Ahmed, Abdulla Rasheed; އަބުދުﷲ ރަޝީދު އަޙުމަދު
Instructional leadership has taken central place as a successful model to beމpractised by principals in leading schools. There was no research yet to explore the extent to which school principals in Maldives are adopting this model. Hence this research attempts to investigate the instructional leadership practices of selected principals in Maldives. Due to the exploratory requirement of the research, a qualitative methodology was employed using a multi-case study where data was collected through an in-depth semi-structured individual interviews utilising purposeful sampling method. Triangulation was adopted through multiple data sources such as observations, and written documents in order to support and enrich the findings. Participants of this study included three principals, three supervisors and three teachers from three selected schools. The study used a revised instructional leadership behaviour model of Hallinger and Murphy (1990) to analyze the data using within and across cases thematic approach. The findings of this study revealed that principals practiced the six dimensions of the instructional leadership behaviors and patterns as highlighted in the conceptual framework. However, from the across analysis case study, the study revealed that a) although all schools have mission and vision to provide proper direction but they are not clear whether to promote learning or to prepare for examination and b) community is not involved in designing vision and mission c) there was also confusion in the role of principals as an instructional or administrative leadership, d) no professional standards formulated for instructional leaders, e) a policy is needed for effective integration of ICT in teaching and learning, f) important behaviours of principals as instructional leaders include interaction with students and direct involvement in instruction and evaluation and g) provide holistic education for overall development and also an effective learning environment, As for barriers to be instructional leaders, the study showed lack of professional development, policies from Ministry of Education and high expectations from public. This study concluded that the revised model may be used as a guide to promote the instructional leadership behaviors and patterns among the principals in the Maldives. The revised model is considered as the contribution of this study.
Thesis
The integrated growth response of coral reefs to environmental forcing: morphometric analysis of coral reefs of the Maldives.
(Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, 2003-07-01) Naseer, Abdulla
Coral reefs are bioherms whose structure comprises a dynamic mixture of geologically inherited and environmentally forced morphologies. The major debate of coral reef history is over the relative importance of antecedent, erosional and recent, constructional processes in controlling the pattern and pace of reef growth. Landscape scale studies of reef morphology enable us to distinguish between these two morphological lineages on modern reefs. This thesis quantifies empirical relationships among spatial patterns of coral reef growth, geomorphology and environmental forcing in the archetypal atoll nation of the Maldives. The main hypothesis is that asymmetric ocean wave forcing interacts with antecedent reef platform structure to produce characteristic growth configurations and predictable reef morphologies during the Holocene (at least). The hypothesis is tested by regressing a set of reef growth morphometrics derived for every single coral reef larger than 1 ha on impinging wave energy for the entire archipelago (n = 2041). The methods involved the classification of eight Landsat-7 Enhanced Thematic Mapper Plus (ETM+) satellite images covering all reefs of the Maldives, and the calculation of morphometric indices using a geographical information system (GIS). The spatial pattern of coral reef growth, as defined by the distributions of distinct reef geomorphologies, was quantified by multiple morphometrics of well-defined geomorphic zones: reef slope, reef crest, coral rubble, sand flats, reef lagoons and reef islands. These features were delineated with an overall accuracy of 81%. The total area all coral reef and lagoon habitats that comprise Maldives is 21,372.72 km2 . A total of 2,041 ±10 distinct coral reef structures larger than 0.01 km2 occupy a vertically-projected surface area of 4,493.85 km2 . Smaller areas of coral reef substratum cover another 19.3 km2 , bringing the total area of coral reef to 4,513.14 ±135.40 km2 . Islands occupy only 5.1% of the total reef area. Spatial gradients in environmental forcing (i.e., southern ocean swell and monsoon wind-wave fields) were characterized and quantified along the same dimensions as the reef geomorphology, and statistically related to the reef morphometrics. Nonparametric Multidimensional Scaling (MDS) and Analysis of Similarities (ANOSIM) procedures identified statistically significant differences among groups of reefs located on atoll rims that were exposed to nine differing hydrodynamic regimes. The widths of rim reef slopes, crests and flats widths were significantly related with incident wave power (r2 > 0.07, p<0.01, n=488), with the largest reef growth zones facing the major monsoon wind direction, and the smallest facing the relatively calm Maldives Inner Sea. The hydrodynamic openness of the 16 complex atolls of the Maldives was quantified by a rim aperture index (range from 0.03 to 0.35). The total area of various reef growth forms in atoll lagoons (i.e., patch reefs, knolls and faros) was significantly positively related with the aperture index (r2 > 0.62, p < 0.001, n=16). The extensive, detailed and accurate data provided by this study for the first time on the exact numbers, sizes, shapes and areas of reef features of the entire Maldivian archipelago demonstrates the value of synoptic technologies to seascape ecology, supports the hypothesis that the spatial patterns of coral reef growth predominantly reflect recent hydrodynamic forcing, and provides a sound basis for predictive modelling and management decision support in a developing nation of 300,000 people living on coral reefs and confronted with rising sea level.
Thesis
Integrating culture and heritage into the tourism product of the Maldives
(KDI School, 2012-12) Rasheeda, Fathmath; ފާތުމަތު ރަޝީދާ
The Maldives is known worldwide for its natural beauty. However, the country also boasts of a rich culture and history that have yet to be explored and experienced by the hundreds of thousands of tourists visiting the country every year. The purpose of this paper is, therefore, to explore the possibility of integrating the cultural and heritage resources of the country into its successful tourism industry. The paper examines existing literature on the experiences of other countries that are using their culture and heritage as part of their tourism product. Through the research certain negative impacts such as commodification of the cultural products and loss of traditional values were identified. It was also identified that a successful integration of the tourism product with the cultural and heritage assets would not only enrich the visitors experience, but also help manage the rare and fragile resources in a sustainable manner. Moreover, it would help attain economic and social benefits to the host community. It is believed that certain recommended actions such as strengthening the infrastructure, educating the locals and visitors, establishment of a Cultural Management System and continuous marketing would ensure the success of an integration between the culture and heritage and the tourism industry of the Maldives.
Thesis
Investigating active learning reform in the small state of the Maldives: what works and under what circumstances?
(Melbourne Graduate School of Education, 2016-04) Biase, Rhonda Di
Globally, national governments and donor organisations have endorsed pedagogical reform in their efforts to improve the quality of education, yet disparity between policy and practice is well-documented. In the small state of the Maldives, the UNICEF supported Child Friendly School’s project and the new National Curriculum both endorse active learning pedagogy, but implementation challenges have been widely acknowledged. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate how teachers can enact active learning pedagogy in the Maldivian education system. It was conceived using design-based research, an interventionist methodology, which examines the conditions that influence how educational innovations work in real-life practice. The study was situated in an island school selected for offering optimum conditions for implementation of the pedagogical intervention, and was conducted over two phases: a contextual analysis phase; and an intervention phase. Using an adaptation of the World Café (J. Brown & Isaacs, 2005), a participatory approach to data collection, the contextual analysis was undertaken with members of the school community — parents, teachers and school leadership — to identify local priorities and perspectives of active learning. The results from this phase revealed features of active learning considered important in the school community: the active participation of students; the use of group work to aid learning; emphasis on the role of teacher as facilitator; the necessity for a friendly classroom environment; and the potential of active learning to cater more equally for all students. Embracing these features of active learning, a pedagogical intervention was developed in collaboration with teachers and school management, to support teachers’ enactment of active learning in the school. The intervention, an instructional model, was then enacted in the island school with two groups of primary teachers and studied over eight months. Data on the teachers’ use of the instructional model were collected through multiple sources that included, teacher recording booklets, questionnaires, interviews and classroom observations. The data revealed the factors that both supported and inhibited teachers’ use of the intervention. These were converted into design principles; an anticipated outcome of design-based research, highlighting three broad areas that revealed what worked in what circumstances, and represented the study’s key findings identifying the need to:develop a contextually relevant model of active learning that respects local priorities, fits with the circumstances of teachers’ work, and takes into account the available resources; and moves from conceptual ambiguity to operational clarity;  support teachers’ knowledge-practice refinement by creating space for reform, providing on-going classroom-based support and drawing on available resources; and  foster a change-welcoming school reform approach through an inclusive process that mobilises community participation. The conceptual framework of design principles that evolved from the study can potentially guide like schools and communities engaging with reform around active learning pedagogy. It is recommended that future research explores the transferability of these design principles to other contexts.
Thesis
Living on a crowded island: urban transformation in the Maldives : background to a research in progress : PhD Researcher
(Victoria University of Welington, 2022) މުޙައްމަދު ފައިސަލް; Faisal, Mohamed
Mathematics in cultural contexts: salmon fishing investigation into probability
(International Conference on Ethnomathematics, 2006-02) Jerry Libka and Shehenaz Adam
Thesis
A model to integrate the management of hazards and disasters in the National sustainable development planning of the Maldives
(University of Canterbury, 2007-01-01) Jameel, Ahmed
The small land area of the islands of the Maldives, combined with high population density, makes the communities of these islands vulnerable to natural disaster events such as flooding and tsunami. The Indian Ocean Tsunami on 26 December 2004 impacted 69 islands of the Maldives, killing 82 people, leaving 26 people missing and 15, 000 people internally displaced, making it the worst disaster in recorded history. Following the event, the Government of the Maldives announced a Safer Island Development Programme which seeks to provide the infrastructure necessary to adapt to natural disasters. The key focus of disaster management is to reduce the vulnerability of the communities exposed to hazards and risks, and to help them to enhance their resilience. Efforts have been made to develop safer and sustainable communities in all corners of the developed and developing worlds. New Zealand Government announced its effort to build safe and secure communities in 2007 while at a local level the Christchurch City Council published the Safer Christchurch Strategy in 2005. Overseas, the Community Strategy 2000, outlines the vision of “A safe and strong Island” at Isle of Wight United Kingdom. The islands of the Maldives have natural characteristics which make them vulnerable to disasters such as tsunami. This research has been able to identify the relationship between these characteristics and the natural vulnerability of the islands using the data that was collected following the Indian Ocean Tsunami. Out of 11 island, that have been identified for the Safer Islands Development Programme, one island is found to have very high natural vulnerability and 5 islands a high natural vulnerability, from the island vulnerability index model developed through this study. The Island Vulnerability Index model could be used to enhance the present Safer Island Development Programme island selection criteria, to reduce the possibility of ‘building risk’ into the infrastructure development on the islands. The index could also be used in the Environmental Impact Assessment studies to address the issue of disasters, effective resources allocation in the Public Sector Infrastructure Programme for ‘building back better’, and resource identification in land use planning.
Thesis
Moving towards inclusion : a case study of one urban school in the Maldives
(University of Canterbury, 2012-01-01) Naseer, Badhoora
The importance of developing inclusive education has been emphasized in previous research and various international documents. Inclusive education is not only promoted on the basis of human rights, but also as a means to improve and achieve quality education for all. This case study explores and documents the development of inclusive education in one urban school in the Maldives. It focuses on the steps taken to move the school towards inclusion, the practices and experiences of different stakeholders involved in the process, and the factors that influenced inclusive education in the school.Qualitative data was collected through interviews with some of the key members of the school community and through classroom observations and documents. Findings have revealed that the development of inclusive education in the school came about through a school leader rather than policies. In spite of recognized efforts towards inclusion, a range of exclusionary practices was still observed. Various impediments constrained the development of inclusive education, including, lack of collaboration between the SEN (Special Educational Needs) and the general staff, limited knowledge, awareness and positive understanding about inclusion, scarcity of resources and support services. Factors such as large classes, undifferentiated curriculum, and rigid time tables also negatively affected the developmental process. Findings indicate the complexity of developing inclusive education. The findings also suggest that changes on the societal level, in the education ministry and, in the school and classroom level could help sustain the development of inclusive education. The factors that could contribute to the development of inclusive education at these levels are discussed, as are the implications for the successful development of inclusive education in schools.
Thesis
On evildoers : a foucaultian analysis of the discursive structuring of contemporary terrorism
(Dublin City University, 2012-01) Naseem, Azra; އަޒްރާ ނަސީމް
Terrorism is routinely portrayed in the twenty first century as an evil perpetrated by Arab/Muslim barbarians—Evildoers—waging a holy war against the Western civilisation. This study challenges not just this present understanding of terrorism, but the very existence of a ding an sich of terrorism. Using a combination of Foucault’s archaeological and genealogical methods it provides an alternative history of the phenomenon in the form of a history of its discursive structuring: the regimes of practices that governed what could and could not be thought of, identified, defined, known, judged and punished as ‘terrorism’ during particular epochs, and particular places. It asserts that the conceptual anchor point of the present Evildoer-terrorist is the rebel who opposes established order, and identifies the first such figure in modern Western history as the Devil who rebelled against God and came to play a significant politico religious role in Western societies of the Middle Ages. The discourse of ‘terrorism’ emerged from the epistemic spaces created from the separation of religion and politics in the eighteenth century, from when onwards rebellion was no longer a sin but a crime. Since then, various other rebels have been brought under the domain of terrorism during different epochs, the latest of whom is the Evildoer. This is not to say that the Devil remained a blatant constant in the forefront of Western terrorism discourse, but that the various rebels share a conceptual history that made it possible for the contemporary terrorist to be the Evildoer that he is. How the rebels came to be known as terrorists during various epochs and the various mechanisms implemented to defend societies against them, it is argued, are irrevocably linked: one could not exist without the other. The contemporary terrorist cannot be known as an Evildoer without the War on Terror; at the same time, the War on Terror cannot be waged without the knowledge of the terrorist as an Evildoer. To demonstrate this power/knowledge dyad at work, this study analyses what was said and done about terrorism by the United States and the United Kingdom, the foremost allies in the War on Terror, during its first ten years. In the differences in their discourses emerges not just the ontological uncertainty of terrorism but also how these mechanisms for establishing the ‘truth’ of terrorism function as mechanisms of power. It is asserted that the Evildoer has made possible, and was made possible by, some of the most significant changes in how power is exercised in Western societies since the separation of religion and politics in the eighteenth century.
Thesis
The power of small : the diplomacy of small states in regional organizations
(The Australian National University, 2012-01) Mohamed, Ali Naseer; އަލީ ނަސީރު މުހައްމަދު
How can small states influence the conflict management activities of regional or ganisations? The conventional wisdom in the literature of International Relations holds that small states lack the ability to shape the preferences of other actors. In recent years, some small-state scholars have challenged this view. They argue that some small states make bold initiatives and succeed in influencing institutions like the European Union. These studies are, however, mostly single-country case studies, focusing almost exclusively on European small states in the European Union. They do not, therefore, reveal what is unique to that case, and what can be generalised to small states in other parts of the world. Moreover, these studies have not examined adequately international-level factors such as the role of the dominant power in the regional organisations, in helping or hindering the initia tives of the small states. This study aims to fill that gap. It seeks to understand the national and interna tional-level factors that determine the abilities of small states to influence the con flict management activities of regional organisations. The study also seeks to expand our understanding of small-state diplomacy by examining non-European small states. It analyses seven case studies involving six small states in five regional organisations, located in four different parts of the world. To my knowledge, it is one of the first scholarly attempts to understand the factors-both at national and international levels-that determine the abilities of small states to exert influ ence in regional organisations. In doing so, I hope to make a contribution to the study of diplomacy in general, and the diplomacies of small states in particular. The thesis examines the seven case studies with the help of a theoretical frame work that identifies five factors as necessary for small states to be able to exert in fluence in conflict management activities of regional organisations. The factors are: small states' credibility, norm entrepreneurship, diplomatic resilience, the in- xiii stitutional mechanisms within the regional organisation, and the role of the re gional power. The empirical analysis of the case studies shows that all five factors are necessary for small states to exert influence. Yet it also shows that each of the five factors has varying degrees of impact on the abilities of small states to exert influence. There is evidence from the case studies to suggest that the role of re gional power is a necessary, but not a sufficient condition for determining whether small states can exert influence in regional organisations. Second, small states could influence the shaping of a regional power's preferences if the farmer's diplomacy is sufficiently resilient. Small states derive their diplomatic resilience from the strength of the foreign policy bureaucracy, the persuasive power of dip lomats, and niche diplomacy. Third, small states exert influence by pursuing norm entrepreneurship in regional organisations: seeking to generate new and in novative ideas to solve common problems. Fourth, small states' ability to influ ence depends on whether the institutional mechanisms within the regional organisation allow sufficient space for these states to manoeuvre. Finally, small states can exert influence if they have credibility derived from a non-threatening foreign policy posture and from persistent activism and expertise in a given issue. Thus, small states can exert influence in regional organisations if their diplomacy is sufficiently resilient. The findings of this study reveal that with the right poli cies, small states can increase their diplomatic resilience. For size alone does not determine destiny; persuasive diplomacy does
Thesis
Pre-service teachers' self-efficacy towards teaching thinking skills and their critical thinking disposition : a case study in the Maldivian National University, Maldives
(Institute of Education, International Islamic University, Malaysia, 2013-06) Fareeda, Fathimath
This study examined pre-service teachers' self-efficacy towards teaching thinking skill and their critical thinking disposition. This is a quantitative study conducted in Maldivian National University involving seventy four pre-service teachers. The respondent comprised of 56 female and 18 male pre-service teachers. The self efficacy toward teaching thinking skills were measured using a questionnaire which was devised by Tebbs (2000) and their critical thinking disposition were measured using a questionnaire which was devised by Irani, Rudd Gallo, Ricketts, Friedel, & Rhoades (2007). In addition, a associated demographic data were obtained included gender, age, GPA and the type of teacher education program of the pre-service teachers of Maldivian ationa1 University. The questionnaire which measured selfefficac toward teaching thinking skills consisted of four subscales; Creating a Clas room Fit to Think, Teaching Higher Order Thinking Skills Teaching for Transfer and Recognise How Students Think. The questionnaire which measured critical thinking disposition consisted of three subscales; Engagement, Maturity and Inno ati eness. The findings of this study revealed that the pre-service teachers had an a erage level of self-efficacy towards teaching thinking skills and a high level of critical thinking disposition. The pre-service teachers had the lowest self-efficacy in Recognizing How Students Think and most confident in Creating a Classroom Fit to Think. In all of the domains in critical thinking disposition the pre-service teachers at MNU had a high le el of critical thinking disposition. Furthermore, study also showed that there was no difference in gender age or GPA in the pre-service teachers selfefficacy towards teaching thinking skills and their critical thinking disposition. While there was no significant difference in the pre-service teachers' self-efficacy towards teaching thinking skills and the program the pre-service teachers were enrolled in, there was a significant difference in the pre-service teachers' critical thinking disposition and the type program the pre-service teachers were enrolled in. There was no significant relationship between the pre-service teachers' self-efficacy towards teaching thinking skills and their critical thinking disposition with any of the demographic variables. A positive correlation between the pre-service teachers' selfefficacy towards teaching thinking skills and their critical thinking disposition was found.
Thesis
Reaching the community through community radio : readjusting to the new realities : a case study investigating the changing nature of community access and participation in three community radio stations in three countries New Zealand, Nepal and Sri Lanka
(University of Canterbury, 2012) Nafiz, Ahmed Zaki; އަހުމަދު ޒަކީ ނާފިޒު
Community radio is often described as a medium that celebrates the small community life and where local community members plan, produce and present their own programmes. However, many believe that the radio management policies are now increasingly sidelining this aspect of the radio. This is ironic given the fact that the radio stations are supposed to be community platforms where members converge to celebrate their community life and discuss issues of mutual interest. In this case study, I have studied three community radio stations- RS in Nepal, KCR in Sri Lanka and SCR in New Zealand- investigating how the radio management policies are positively or negatively, affecting community access and participation. The study shows that in their effort to stay economically sustainable, the three stations are gradually evolving as a ‘hybrid’; something that sits in-between community and commercial radio. Consequently, programmes that are produced by the local community are often replaced by programmes that are produced by full-time paid staff; and they are more entertaining in nature and accommodate more advertisements. The radio stations also actively seek the sale of airtime to wellfunded NGOs, giving agency-driven programmes priority over local community programmes. This means the stations have become vehicles that help agency objectives. Hence, although ‘hybrid’ initiatives have merits financially, while depicting as local community representatives, they are marginalising the voices and interests of the very people that gave the radio stations their community characteristics and identity. Hence, in the interest of earning more revenue to secure market survival, the ‘hybrid’ initiatives are in fact, settling for a lesser community role. This study also shows that although management policy decisions aimed at greater financial sustainability have impacted on local community access and participation in the way they used to be, by readjusting to the new realities of modern-day communications, the three stations are also providing a second ‘hybrid’ pathway, a new interactive radio environment enabling stronger community access and participation. As this new platform facilitates unhindered local community access and participation in the radio, it is also viewed as a solution that will help them to utilise more of their on-air time for revenue-generating programmes. The new platform is also seen as the answer to reach the new generation youth and increase their participation, thereby, in fact, further strengthening community participation in the radio.
Thesis
Reducing risk for erosion in Maldives : Comparative case study of local people’s and resort’s adaptive capacity in Laamu atoll
(Lund University, 2014) Borgudd, Julia
This study is a comparative case study and investigates how local people on two islands called Maamendhoo and Maavah, and one resort operator called Six Senses in Laamu atoll, Maldives reduce their risk for erosion. This has been done by performing capacity analyses for these islands and the information has been collected mainly from interviews. The capacity analyses are based on which adaptive capacity they have regarding the risk reduction and adaptation measures; hazard reduction and avoidance, vulnerability reduction, preparedness for response and preparedness for recovery. It involves how local people and the resort operator both have adapted in the past and how they currently adapt (used capacity). Further it involves how they plan to adapt, which lacking capacities and also which unused capacities they have. The capacity analyses are analyzed to see if there are any gaps or weaknesses in their adaptive work and if the adaptive capacity differ between the resort island and the local islands and what the reason for this may be. The result from the capacity analyses shows that the resort have a lot of used capacity and implement many measures to reduce their risk to beach erosion compared to what local people have. The reason for this is mainly because the resort have more economic capacity to implement measures against erosion. The study shows that local people have more gaps in their adaptive work since they do not use all the measures and they have much more unused and lacking capacities compared to the resort island. The study is also investigating the interaction between local people/the resort and authorities. The result shows that authorities and Six Senses are supporting each others work with erosion, they are complementing each others work and the authorities are assisting with the resources the resort is requesting. The result also shows that local people do not think the authorities are supporting them in their adaptation work. The local people are complementing the authorities gaps/weaknesses in their adaptation work to a certain extent. The local people do not in general get the help they are requesting from the authorities, and they think that the authorities have not done enough to prevent the risk of erosion.
Thesis
Reducing risk of beach erosion in Maldives : Comparative case study of authority ́s adaptive capacity in Laamu Atoll
(Lund University, 2014) Englund, Bodil
The low-lying island nation Maldives is vulnerable to sea level rise and beach erosion. This study is a comparative case study investigating national, regional and local authorities risk reduction and adaptation work of beach erosion on two local islands and one resort island in Laamu atoll, Maldives. The aim of the study is to investigate if the authorities risk reduction works differ depending on if it is a resort island or a local island, if there are any gaps in the authorities’ adaptive work and if they are prioritizing any specific kind of measures. In the study capacity analyses are carried out for each island based on Wamsler’s theoretical and operational framework. The authorities’ adaptation measures are mapped out and categorized based on the initial risk factors the measures are intended to reduce. Furthermore the interaction between the authorities and the resort operator and local people on the selected islands are also analyzed by comparing the result of a parallel study carried out by Borgudd (2014). The main method used in the study is a qualitative semi structured interview method where officials and councilors were interviewed at the three authority levels. By analyzing the capacity analyses it shows that the authorities’ adaptation work for the local islands Maavah and Maamendhoo are similar compared to the resort island Six Senses Laamu. Compared to the investigated local islands authorities have taken fewer adaptation measures on the resort island. This may be because resort islands have to undertake and pay for their own protection measures. The authorities lack economic resources to prevent beach erosion on the two local islands. In general all authority levels need to improve their risk reduction work against beach erosion because they are now mostly focusing on hazard reduction and avoidance measures.