Journal of Social Knowledge Education (JSKE)

Agricultural Input Uses and Rice Productivity Assessment: A Case Study in Battambang and Svay Rieng Provinces, Cambodia

2025-08-13T13:16:58+07:00

Purpose of the Study: The study aims to 1) assess the use of farming inputs and rice productivity in Battambang and Svay Rieng provinces, Cambodia; 2) identify the factors influencing rice productivity; and 3) predict rice productivity based on farming inputs. It seeks to provide insights into optimizing rice production and improving farmers' livelihoods.

Methodology: A survey was conducted across 7 villages, 2 communes, and 2 districts in Battambang and Svay Rieng provinces, with 148 samples collected. Data were analyzed using quantitative and qualitative methods, including frequency analysis, descriptive statistics, cross-tabulation, chi-square tests, one-sample t-tests, and p-value probability.

Main Findings: The study revealed that the average number of family members involved in farming was 2 (70%), and land sizes ranged from 2-4 hectares (40%). DAP was the most commonly used chemical fertilizer (66%). Land size significantly affected rice productivity (93%), followed by seed quality (86% yield increase) and pesticide use (91% yield increase). Chemical fertilizers had a near-total impact on productivity. The study recommends reducing chemical fertilizers in favor of organic alternatives for safer and higher-quality rice production.

Novelty/Originality of This Study: This study provides a detailed analysis of farming inputs and their impact on rice productivity in Cambodia, emphasizing the role of land size, seed quality, and chemical inputs. It highlights the need for sustainable practices, such as organic fertilizers, and calls for stronger government and NGO support in agricultural policy and technical assistance. Future research could explore the impact of Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) on rice yield and quality.

Examining the Service Quality of Prison Education for Women in Cambodia: A Case Study of the 2nd Correctional Center

2025-08-13T18:30:52+07:00

Purpose: This study evaluates the service quality of prison education for women at Cambodia’s 2nd Correctional Center by comparing prisoners’ expectations with their actual experiences. It identifies institutional and psychosocial barriers affecting service delivery, learning outcomes, and program effectiveness.

Methodology: A mixed-methods approach was used. Quantitative data were collected through structured surveys of 170 women prisoners and analyzed using a paired t-test. Qualitative insights were drawn from semi-structured interviews with 20 prisoners and 5 prison officers, analyzed thematically. Triangulation ensured validity and credibility.

Findings: Statistical results showed no significant difference between expectations and perceptions (t = 0.40, p = 0.69), with a negligible mean gap (0.02). However, qualitative data revealed that the apparent alignment stemmed from structurally low expectations, limited educational relevance, trauma, and underinvestment. Women perceived minimal services as “good enough,” reflecting constrained standards rather than actual satisfaction.

Novelty: This is among the first studies in Cambodia to apply the Servqual model to women’s prison education using both quantitative and gender-sensitive qualitative data. It highlights the systemic neglect of incarcerated women’s educational rights and argues for trauma-informed, gender-responsive reforms to ensure prison education is truly rehabilitative.

Contextual Factors Shaping First-Year Students’ Academic Adjustment: Evidence from Education Institutions in Battambang, Cambodia

2025-08-13T19:55:00+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study investigates the multifaceted factors influencing first-year students' academic adjustment in higher education institutions in Battambang, Cambodia. Specifically, it examines the factors integrating perspectives from educational psychology and sociocultural theory.

Methodology: A quantitative research design was employed using a structured questionnaire administered to 350 freshmen from two institutions during the 2023–2024 academic year. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 through descriptive statistics, exploratory factor analysis, hypothesis testing, independent sample t-tests, and ANOVA.

Main findings: The results show that ICF, SCF, MEF, and AAF significantly predict academic adjustment, explaining for 47.9% of the variance (R² = 0.479, p < .000), while INF showed no significant effect. The findings highlight the importance of both institutional and socio-emotional dimensions in shaping students’ adaptation to academic life.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study adopts an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on educational, psychological, and sociocultural frameworks to provide a more holistic understanding of student adjustment. Its findings can inform socially institutional practices that enhance first-year student support, teaching quality, and cultural responsiveness. Encouraging active student engagement and peer support mechanisms can further contribute to improved academic transition and retention in the Cambodian higher education context

An Islamic Legal Perspective on the Practice of Areca Nut Trading on Credit (A Case Study in Dusun Selamat, Lagan Tengah Village)

2025-08-13T20:15:30+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study aims to examine the practice of areca nut trading on credit that takes place in Dusun Selamat, Lagan Tengah Village, Geragai Subdistrict, East Tanjung Jabung Regency, and to assess its conformity with Islamic law.

Methodology: This research employs a qualitative method using a case study approach. Data were collected through interviews, observations, and documentation to explore the real-life practices of credit-based areca nut transactions between farmers and buyers (middlemen).

Main Findings: The findings show that the credit-based areca nut trading practice in Dusun Selamat fulfills the essential pillars and requirements of sale and purchase in Islam. These include mutual consent (antaradin minkum), clarity regarding the object and price, and the absence of coercion or fraud. Moreover, this practice benefits both parties, particularly in supporting farmers' economic needs.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study provides a contextual analysis of a localized credit-based trade practice in rural Indonesia and offers an Islamic legal perspective that has not been widely documented in previous literature. It contributes original insights into how Islamic principles are applied in informal agricultural transactions and highlights the permissibility (mubah) of such practices when grounded in justice, transparency, and mutual satisfaction.

The Relationship Between Teacher Exemplary Behavior and the Character of Fifth Grade Students at Sepanjang Jaya IV Public Elementary School

2025-08-13T20:38:17+07:00

Purpose of the study: This study was conducted to examine the relationship between teachers’ exemplary attitudes and the character development of fifth-grade students at Sepanjang Jaya IV Public Elementary School.

Methodology: This study employed a quantitative method with a correlational approach. The sample consisted of 56 students selected using purposive sampling. Data were collected using a Likert scale and analyzed through the Pearson Product Moment correlation test with the assistance of SPSS software version 21.

Main Findings: The research findings revealed a relationship between teacher role modeling and the character of fifth-grade students. The stronger the role modeling demonstrated by the teacher, the more positive the character development in the students.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study presents a novel element by specifically examining the relationship between teacher role modeling and character development in fifth-grade elementary school students, who are at a developmental stage where the teacher figure has significant influence. Furthermore, this research highlights the concrete forms of teacher role modeling that align with the conditions of the elementary school environment and analyzes them through an approach that directly examines the relationship between variables. Thus, this study provides an important contribution to the development of character education in elementary schools, especially in the implementation of teacher role modeling values in daily practice.