Teacher?s Attitude and Its Impact on Children?s Access to Primary Education: Evidences from Primary Data |
Author : Rosy Sulochana ; Rakesh Raman |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Education is recognised as a basic input for empowering individual and overall development of the society. The universalisation of primary education continues to be a distant dream even after sixty years of indepencence, enormous funding and promises. Rather, the goal of universalisation has only been sparsely achieved and much has to do with the way access has been defined. The government’s approach of defining access in terms of attainment i.e., increasing literacy rate, enrolment ratios, infrastructure and teachers availability etc. and then making them affordable to the masses has proved to be grossly unsatisfactory. The approach has been narrowed in including a relevant aspect i.e., the attitude of providers which determines the willingness of first generation learners to join educational institutions and thus, affects access to primary education to a large extent. Keeping this in background, the present paper argues that mere availability and affordability of facilities cannot ensure access. It must be accompanied with an encouraging attitude and high commitment of education providers. Availability and Affordability would fail miserably in ensuring access if those who are involved in providing the facilities to the deprived section actually do not accept their role, acknowledge their responsibility and are not prepared to work tirelessly towards the end.The paper intends to measure the rural-urban disparity in attitude of teachers for which it uses data collected through a primary survey of six basic survey units- 4 villages and 2 wards from the Varanasi district of Uttar Pradesh. Multi-stage sampling has been done to select the schools and households to be surveyed. Two groups of people were interviewed- parents whose wards were studying in the schools in the survey area and headmaster of different primary schools falling in the locality, thus making the total sample size of 450 parents and 31 headmasters, respectively. For measuring attitude, a psychometric response scale developed by Likert has been used. Likert scaling on 1-5 points has been done for transforming the qualitative indicators into quantitative one.The findings of the study suggests that excessive reliance on year end examination, sparse personalised attention of teachers towards individual problems of the weak students, checking homework on irregular basis and lack of commitment or an easy going approach of teachers towards their job have been the major problems with schooling system in general and government in particular. For ensuring commitment and dedication among the providers, government can employ college/university students during their vacation days for carrying different surveys so as to reduce non-teaching burden of teachers and allow them to solely teach. Besides this, the grading of teachers should be done on the basis of their qualification, behaviour and involvement with students, classroom activity and student’s performance both in terms of oral and written examination of student. This would enhance the motivation and commitment level of teachers. |
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Role of ICT in Enabling High Quality OERs for Teacher Education and Training in Dadaab Refugee Settlement in Kenya |
Author : Kipng?etich Kirui E. J. ; Agumba Musa Ndalo |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :ICT and OER have the potential for uplifting the quality of refugee education across the world. Sustainable education in refugee camps/settlements is difficult to achieve in many countries that host refugees. This is because most international agencies that come to aid of the refugees are mostly concerned with basic humanitarian assistance like health, food and shelter. Quality education is a key determinant of students� participation rates and achievement levels. It also remains an important ingredient towards attainment of social justice in terms of equity in educational quality for students. One contributing factor to quality education is availability of ICT infrastructure and quality OERs to create equity for many refugee learners in their camps. This paper describes how ICT and OER initiatives are appropriate tools for improving access, equity, and quality training and education of refugees in Dadaab refugee settlement schools in north eastern part of Kenya. |
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Association of the Psychological Factors Hampering Oral Skill of ESL Students at Graduate Level, At Bahawalpur, Pakistan |
Author : Sadia Ayub ; Muhammad Arfan Lodhi |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The purpose of this study was to identify the psychological factors involved in oral communication of ESL students. The research aimed to uncover the psychological barriers like learner’s self-esteem and self-opinions in oral competency of ESL students at graduate level. The investigation was carried out at Bahawalpur, Pakistan. This research was reported on a survey study and used a questionnaire for the students and interview format for the teachers as tools to investigate the issue. The interview was taken from forty highly experienced ESL/EFL teachers; and for questionnaire almost 100 students from each college were selected, total 498 ESL students participated in this research. The data provided through interview from teacher was analyzed qualitatively and the data from the students was analyzed through SPSS and Microsoft Excel. The following conclusion was drawn from the data collected from this investigation: Psychological factors affect student’s oral competency. This investigation has proved informative implications and suggested a variety of strategies for learners to cope with second language anxiety and for teachers to recognize and handle the learner’s fears. |
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A Survey of Sanitation and Hygiene Facilities in Public and Private Primary Schools for Effective Implementation of Ube Programme In Onitsha, Anambra State |
Author : Nwankwo, I. N. ; Uzoechina, G. O. ; Oguegbu, A. E. |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This paper surveyed the availability of sanitation and hygiene facilities as well as the sanitation and hygiene practices among public and private primary schools in Onitsha, Anambra State. Two research questions guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised 97 and 71 public and private primary schools in the Area respectively. A sample of 48 primary schools consisting 27 public and 21 private was used. The proportionate stratified random sampling technique was used for sampling. A checklist was used to obtain data for question 1 while a researcher developed questionnaire adapted from Implementation Guidelines on National School Health Programme 2006 of the Federal Ministry of Education was used to gather data for research question two. The instrument was validated by three experts. Percentage score and statistical Mean score were used to answer research question one and two respectively. It was found that sanitation and hygiene facilities such as waste bins, water supply, toilet etc are lacking among public and private primary schools in Onitsha Area and that the primary schools are yet to embrace sanitation and hygiene practices hence pupils still defecate in the bush among others. It was recommended among others that Government, proprietors and teachers should take urgent steps to provide sanitation facilities to the schools and pupils should be taught rhymes, poems and plays that promote sanitation and hygiene. |
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Citation Practices of Education Student Researchers in their Undergraduate Thesis |
Author : Roseniya G. Tamano ; Wardah D. Guimba |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Citation practices among expert writers and dissertations in postgraduate level have been widely investigated in scholarly community. Although recent literature have already expounded on the citation practices in the undergraduate level, few, if none, have paid attention on corpus written by education students. It is therefore the focus of this paper to present citation practices of the pre-service teachers in a teacher education institution in Southern Philippines. Discussion sections of the Chapter 4 of the thirty seven undergraduate corpuses were analyzed using the integral and non-integral citation structures employed by Luz?n (2015). Interviews were also conducted to obtain data on the grounds of their identified (problematic) citation practices. Findings reported that there was an overutilization of integral citation pattern and a great number of citation practices are indeed problematic mainly due to lack of knowledge of rhetorical citations and poor linguistic skills. Grounding from these results, we recommended that an academic writing subject be offered in the College of Education to address the pressing need for scholarly writing. |
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Proposed Essay Writing Component for EFL Students at Tertiary Level |
Author : Omer Elsheikh Hago Elmahdi |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This paper aims at taking university-level EFL students with an intermediate ability in English as a foreign language from paragraph writing to essay writing. The main idea in this paper is to propose the essay writing skills of EFL students. It proposes writing component that provides a complete picture of developing an essay writing process for EFL students at tertiary level. It also, reveals the objectives of essay writing, the contents, the theoretical aspects, practical aspects, the academic writing layout, and finally, the suggested writing textbooks. |
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Shaqra University Staff?s Degree of Practicing the Necessary Academic Requirements for Improving Their Performance, from their Viewpoints |
Author : Adnan Al Warthan ; Sanaa Ali Ahmed Youssef |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This study aims at pointing out Shaqra university staff’s degree of practicing the necessary academic requirements needed for improving their performance in the spheres of the university academic performance. The survey-descriptive approach and the measurement approach (questionnaire) are applied to achieve the purpose of this study. The number, on which the study is applied, is 358 members of the university staff. The questionnaire is divided into three sections related to the following domains: the first section is about Shaqra university staff’s practice degree in the sphere of education and learning; the second section is about Shaqra university staff’s practice degree in the sphere of scientific research; the third section is about Shaqra university staff’s practice degree in the sphere of community service.
Concerning Shaqra university staff’s practice degree in the sphere of education and learning, the results is more than 50 % of the university staff members. From their viewpoint, they consider the degree of practicing the necessary academic requirements for improving their performance in the sphere of education and learning is good. Besides, 37.5 % of the university staff regards their practice performance as medium and low. While, in regard of the university staff’s practice degree in the sphere of scientific research, less than 50 % of the university staff members consider the practice of the university staff’s is good, in the light of their standpoint regarding the essential academic requirements for improving the scientific research. Moreover, 53.4 % views their practice for the advancement of their performance is medium and low. In respect of the practice degree of the university staff in the sphere of community service, 50 % of the university staff regards it as good, in the light of their viewpoint of practicing the essential academic requirements for improving their performance in the domain of the community service. Besides, 50 % of the university staff considers their participation for the improvement is medium and low. The study’s result indicates that there is a firm direct correlation between the section of education and learning and the section of scientific research, in addition to that medium direct correlation between the section of scientific research and the section of community service. The research’s most obvious recommendations are: establishing special strategy and criterion for improving the performance, offering training courses in this respect, and concentrating on the interaction of the section of education and learning and the section of scientific research, with the section of community service. |
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Attitudes of School Children in Germany and Costa Rica towards Invertebrates - A Comparison |
Author : J?rgen Drissner ; Mariangela Simonte ; Katrin Hille |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Negative feelings and an insufficient awareness of invertebrates seem to be culturally universal and can be found in different countries and continents. To better understand the underlying mechanisms we want to compare the attitudes of school children in Germany and Costa Rica towards invertebrates. The sample of the study comprised a total of 271 school children (grade 4, 5 and 6); 134 Costa Rican students (61 girls, 73 boys) and 137 German students (53 girls, 84 boys). Attitudes towards small animals such as beetles, wood lice, centipedes or spiders were assessed with the help of a semantic differential. Altogether students marked their choices for 13 bipolar adjective pairs that focused on the perceived value of animals and the emotions towards them. Only 3 of the 13 bipolar adjective pairs showed significant differences. Although Costa Rican schoolchildren rated invertebrates more dangerous than German schoolchildren, especially the Costa Rican boys rated the invertebrates more interesting and more precious in comparison with the German students. |
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Introducing Climate Change in Non Formal Education Sector in Nigeria: Instructors? Perspective |
Author : Stella N. Nwosu ; Glory Ofili |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The non-formal educational sector in Nigeria encompasses a variety of citizenry, across the rural and urban settings. Evidently, this educational sector can be a key contributor to the dissemination of information on climate change, which is necessary for its mitigation and adaptation. As Nigeria government is incrementally enabling the introduction of a climate change education to the school curriculum, the non-formal education sector engagement is vital. The study herein described is aimed at determining the extent of climate change awareness by the instructors of non- formal education as it is expected to streamline perspectives and understanding of how the individuals and government can contribute to its mitigation and adaptation. A descriptive survey design was used to sample ninety non formal education instructors which were selected through purposive sampling from eighteen non-formal education institutions in Akwa Ibom State, Southern Nigeria. The applied data were gathered by means of the “Non-Formal Education Instructors Climate Change Questionnaire” (NEICCQ). The study results revealed an overall moderate awareness of climate change issues; awareness of mitigation and adaptation measures; with the instructors indicating a need to be more informed on the subject before they can teach it. Thus, our findings led to the conclusion that non- formal education instructors were not sufficiently informed to provide instruction on climate change that can make the required impact on the students and communities. Special training programs on climate change education are needed to be put in place for instructors of the non-formal education sector in order to establish a robust climate change education in this educational sector. |
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Internationalization as a Concept in Teacher Education and Training: Benefits, Strategies and Challenges |
Author : Benard O. Nyatuka ; Ruth J. Songok ; Eric N. Maangi |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :In spite of the huge impact that internationalization as a concept has on the education sector, teacher education and training inclusive, very few academics and policy makers embark on interrogating its nuances, evolution and implications. Research demonstrates that if faculty members have few international connections, they are unlikely to convey to their students that these are necessary and expected, a situation that makes the next generation to develop even fewer ties to international peers. Similarly, although it is generally assumed that internationalization is a positive thing, there is little research conducted on the attendant challenges and drawbacks. In this paper therefore, the meaning and aspects of internationalization, with respect to teacher education and training are explored and so are the relevant strategies both at home and abroad. Furthermore, the paper focuses on the benefits and challenges associated with internationalization of teacher education and training. Some possible intervention measures to improve on the effectiveness of internationalization of teacher education and training are presented as well. |
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Reform of Innovative Practice Training Mode for Postgraduates in Oil & Gas Engineering Field |
Author : Zhihua Wang ; Guangsheng Cao ; Daiyin Yin |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The strategic position of postgraduate education has gradually become a heated issue and the urgency of quality improvement has become increasingly prominent. Under the background of the strategy of "Innovation-driven Development", this thesis analyzes the importance of education in practice link to training of engineering postgraduates in view of the postgraduate training in oil and gas engineering fields, reforms the practical training mode which has taken the scientific research activities as main forms all the time, researches the construction measures and characteristics of diversified innovative practice training mode for postgraduates in oil and gas engineering fields by taking the development of innovative practice platform and innovative practice academic competitions as breakthrough, and mainly starting from the construction of stratified, integrated and modularized practical teaching projects, as well as that of practical courses in engineering plan design under the guidance of discipline direction, forms the comprehensive practical course system integrating the practical teaching, engineering design and scientific research activities, and offers some recommendations for the operation mechanism of innovative practice training mode for postgraduates. |
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Confucius: Teacher Supreme |
Author : Kuang-ming Wu |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Confucius’ education revolutionizes our world future humanistic by provocation in joy, amidst failures continual. So, this essay has six sections: one, being “one” in structuring the bewildering details historical and much more, two, being reverent to history, classics, parents, and fellow beings, three, Confucius “seduces” us to good, four, his provocation of students, five, his looking forward that relies on students, and six, finally, his joy in the very midst of continual failures in his ideal of joys together in world concord as one family. |
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A Comparative Study of Creativity between Normal Children and Blind Children Studying In Secondary Schools of Mysore City |
Author : Sharmista |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Creativity is a novel and personal experience. Creativity is universal. It is not confined to any individuals, groups of individuals, caste, colour or creed. It is not bounded by the barriers of age, location or culture. Everyone possesses and is capable of demonstrating creativity to some degree. Although many research findings and incidents favour the suggestion that creativity is god given and natural endowment, the influence of the sensory experiences, cultural background, education and training in the nurturing of creativity cannot be ruled out. Therefore one’s creativity maybe correctly said to be a function of natural endowment as well as its nurturing. . The individual receives impressions of the world only through the senses .It is evident therefore deviation from the normal vision has important significance. More impressions reach the brain for interpretation through the sense of sight than through all the other senses combined. Visual difficulties may influence individual in all spheres of life. It is a moral responsibility to see that a positive educational programme is devised under which facilities would be available for nurturing the creativity of the blind children. Proper care and provision of opportunities for creative expression inspire, stimulate and sharpen the the creative mind. It is in this sphere that parents, society and teachers make a significant contribution. They are required to help the children in nourishing and utilizing their creative abilities to the utmost. The educational process, therefore, should be aimed at developing creative abilities among children. |
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Factors of Quality Education Enhancement: Review on Higher Education Practices in Bangladesh |
Author : Mohammad Abul Kashem |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :To maintain equality in higher education level both in private and public universities are very diverse both in function and in nature in Bangladesh. Quality teaching Initiatives and go-long-maintenance-and-continuation are basically an interesting issue in higher education landscape and found enormous difficulty with increasing diversity in the factors’ influence. The study focused on the factors by which effective teaching quality be enhanced in higher education level along with considerations for perfection in teaching methodology. This paper determines the research area of critical success factors of quality enhancement and assurance in higher education level which has potential to be explored and generate new knowledge, to improve the quality education practices and outcome. By using Factor Analysis and ranking of the factors, it has found that Teacher’s Distinctiveness, Human Resources Development, Teaching Approach and Quality of Teachers, Interpersonal and Pedagogy Skills are worth considerable to determine appropriateness in ensuring quality in higher education level. |
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On Demand: Exploring the Potential of Electronic Feedback on Assessment Performance |
Author : Michael Snowden ; Ms Sue Daley-Yates ; Jamie P. Halsall |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This paper presents the findings from an evaluatory pedagogical project that utilised an ethnographic case study approach to examine factors influencing the use of online formative assessment and feedback within an undergraduate programme.
The project posed the questions:
• What are the effects of introducing online formative assessment and feedback on learning and assessment performance?
• How effective is online formative feedback in enhancing student success?
The study draws upon data collected from a sample of students (22) who volunteered to participate in the research over a period of one academic year. Data collection tools included: focus group interview, semi-structured questionnaire and student assessment data. The study demonstrates that formative feedback and assessment is beneficial for teaching and learning, and that electronic assessment can offer a more flexible approach that can complement f2f feedback. Online formative feedback in the context of this study had a positive effect upon academic performance and student satisfaction, and demonstrates that students find online formative feedback effective and meaningful. Whilst the small size of the sample influences generalizability, the findings agree with the wealth of literature surrounding formative assessment and the benefits that accrue to students from delivering effective feedback. In addition, evidence from participants in this study is reflected in reports such as the JISC guide: “Effective Assessment in a Digital Age†(2010) and the findings from the EBEAM Project (2012) (Ellis, 2012). |
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Wither Higher Education in the Context of the Fees mustfall Campaign in South Africa |
Author : Anis Mahomed Karodia ; Dhiru Soni ; Paresh Soni |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The paper attempts to look at the current higher education crisis in South Africa in terms of the recent #FeesMustFall Campaign, embarked upon by higher education university students over the last several months and still continues unabated, in a country that seems to have lost its way. Civil unrest, strikes and protests in almost all sectors of the economy now permeates the political landscape of South Africa. This is an indictment to the democratic order, post 1994. As such, the paper will concentrate on the problems and challenges that confront South African higher education. It argues that education is a public good and therefore, a direct responsibility of government, given the heroic struggles of the masses from apartheid oppression and Bantustan education. Naturally, the paper argues further that, heirs of the revolutionary struggle are entitled to their rage. Tertiary education cannot remain limited to the few privileged in South Africa and, only radical action brings solutions. In other words student movements like it did, to challenge apartheid education, must be used to achieve the Freedom Charter’s vision. The Freedom Charter of the South African liberation struggle says that “the doors of learning must be open to all.†(The Freedom Charter, 1956). On the other hand there is just no money to fund higher education because of the rampant corruption, faltering action plans and as such, it appears that the higher education dream has been deferred. The most recent #FeesMustFall campaign brings to reality that after 21 years of democracy South African politicians of the ruling party can no longer rely on their revolutionary credentials because, the time has come to deliver real change. The mass student revolt of recent times has been unprecedented in the history of democratic South Africa. Amongst a host of other issues, this narrative will show that the students have sent a powerful message to the ruling party that has taken South African people for granted. Protesting students therefore, require the nation’s unreserved support. The paper will therefore attempt to talk to a host of issues as concerns higher education in South Africa. |
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Internet Based Model for Postgraduate Students Admission to Higher Education: Case of Tripoli University - Libya |
Author : Abdalmonem Tamtam ; Nura Warag |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Admission to postgraduate education at Tripoli University - Libya suffers continually from being a slow paced process for students, in which, students have to prepare lots of documents, which require students to be precise and careful not to make any mistakes. Additionally, the procedure takes long time and effort consuming for the staff involved in the preparation and processing of the required documents, as well as, being money consuming for university budget. To resolve these issues an online application system for students’ admission to postgraduate studies at Tripoli University were designed and discussed in this paper. The aim of the system is to speed up processing, time and provide an instant decision. The overall results obtained are encouraging but improvement to the prototype is definitely needed. |
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Statistical Analysis of the Effects of Kolawole?s Problem Solving (KPS) and Conventional Teaching Methods on the Academic Performance and Retention of Senior Secondary School Students in Mathematics in Ekiti State, Nigeria |
Author : Prof. E. B. Kolawole ; Mrs. Oluwatoyin Ojo |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The study investigated statistical analysis of the main, Joint and individual effects of Kolawole’s Problem Solving (KPS) and conventional teaching methods (CM) on the academic performance and retention of senior secondary school students in Mathematics in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The study also sought to find out whether teaching Mathematics with KPS method is gender and location biased. The study adopted quasi-experimental pretest and post-test research design. The population of the study consisted of all senior secondary schools students in Ekiti State Nigeria. A sample of 400 students were randomly selected from 8 local Government Areas of Ekiti State. Intact classes in each school were randomly selected from each of the 8 Local Government Areas putting into consideration gender and locations of the schools. The results of study showed that all this sample students were homogeneous at the commencement of the study. There were main, joint and individual significant teaching effects of the Kolawole’s Problem Solving (KPS) and conventional methods on academic performance, and retention of senior secondary school students in Mathematics. Also, there was no significant difference in the academic performance and retention of students in rural and Urban Areas and also between male and female students. Based on the findings it could be concluded that KPS is an effective method while conventional method improves and contributed positively towards the academic performance and retention of the students but ineffective method of teaching Mathematics’ KPS method is more effective and students retained more knowledge than convectional method (CM). Finally, KPS method of instruction is neither location nor gender biased. Based on the above findings, KPS method should be adopted as an effective method of teaching Mathematics) in Senior Secondary Schools in order to improve teaching, learning, solving and evaluation skills of the Mathematics teachers as well as those of Mathematics students. Furthermore, seminars and workshops should be organized on KPS for the teachers for effective teaching,-learning,-solving, and evaluation of Mathematics. |
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Mastery of Secondary School Mathematics Contents by NCE Mathematics Teachers in North Central Nigeria |
Author : Agashi P. P. ; Obi C. N. ; Nwokike A. N. |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The study investigated the mastery of secondary school mathematics curriculum by NCE mathematics teachers in North Central Nigeria.The study was guided by four research questions and one hypothesis. The instrument used for the study was a test on secondary school mathematics curriculum(TESSMAC). TESSMAC is a 60-item multiple choice objective tests constructed by the researcher in line with the curriculum and guided by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) standards. It was face validated by an experienced secondary school mathematics teacher and its content validity was assured using test blueprint covering all the four areas of secondary school mathematics. Its reliability was calculated to be 0.82 using the Po, Pc and K statistics. TESSMAC was administered on a purposive sample of 120 NCE mathematics teachers from 20 randomly sampled secondary schools in Benue and Kogi States in North Central Nigeria. The data collected was analysed using frequency tables, percentages and the z-test. Among other findings, only 25% of the NCE mathematics teachers have mastered the curriculum. Based on these, some recommendations were made among which is that programmed instruction should be introduced in Nigerian schools. |
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Comparison of Open Class and Reflection Session in the Implementation of Lesson Study between Japan and Malaysia |
Author : Nuraini Abu Bakar ; Zanaton H Iksan |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The Lesson Study approach is one of the latest efforts in improving the quality of education in Malaysia.The success of Lesson Study in Japan has inspired us to adapt this approach to the education system of Malaysia. By 2015, the Ministry of Education Malaysia has implemented the approach through the Professional Learning Community (PLC) programme in almost every schoolwith the aimof enhancing the quality of education. The learning community contributes a big impact in the lesson study approach by collaborating, discussing and reflectingin order to improve the development of the teaching and learning process. Since the implementation of Lesson Study in Malaysia is still at an early stage compared to Japan, this article therefore aims to focus on explaining how the implementation of open class and reflection had been carried out in Japan. From the observation of open class and reflection during a school visit inJapan, it is found that they have organised a public open class which involved every class in the school for at least once a year. In addition, a few factors have been identified to enhance the effectiveness of the procedures: a) focused observation, b) complete equipment and team for recording c) committed observer. The reflection session was carried out thoroughly and was very detailed. |
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Physical Determinants of Educational Resources Management for Enhancing Students? Performance in Secondary Schools in Vihiga County, Kenya |
Author : Caroline Ayoti ; Grace Koteng ; Raphael Ongunya Odhiambo |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :Resource utilization is an integral part of the overall management of the school. Education in a school is explored by provision of resources, their maximum utilization and management. Proper management of resources enhances students’ performance and achieves the educational objectives. The success or failure of any organization, business or enterprise depends highly on proper management of human and material resources. The purpose of this study was to establish the physical determinants of management of educational resources for enhancing students’ performance in secondary schools in Vihiga County. The specific objective was to establish the physical determinants of educational resources management and their influence on students’ performance in secondary schools in Vihiga County. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The sample size composed of principles, teachers, students and County Quality Assurance and Standards Officers. Simple random sampling method, saturated sampling technique and purposive sampling method were used to select samples. Questionnaires, in-depth interview guides, observation schedules and document analysis were used to collect data. Reliability of instruments was explored in the pilot study conducted in 3 secondary schools. Results of reliability of the instruments were assessed using Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient test. Face validity was established by availing instruments to supervisors. Qualitative data from interviews was transcribed and reported according to emerging themes, categories and sub-categories while quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics such as frequency counts and percentages. Pearson’s product moment correlation coefficient was used to establish relationships between variables. Findings of the study revealed that the physical determinants of educational resources management were availability and adequacy of the resources. From the study, it is recommended that the government provides adequate educational resources in schools to enhance good performance of learners in exams. |
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Influence of Teen Contraceptive Use on Academic Achievement among Public School Students in Bungoma South Sub-County |
Author : Negesa Justine V. ; Wesangula M. P. ; Opiyo A. R. |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The adolescent stage is a period of turmoil marked with enormous vibrancy, discovery, innovation and hope and also the time when many of them initiate sexual relationships and involvement. This can be a challenging time for young people who are becoming aware of their sexual and reproductive rights and needs, and who rely on their families, peers, schools, media and health service providers for affirmation, advice, information and the skills to navigate is sometimes a difficult transition to adulthood. The subject on sex has been surrounded by mystery and beclouded by dark silence as neither parents nor teachers are ready to discuss it with teenagers despite unplanned pregnancies, dropping out of school by students, Sexually Transmitted Infections among teenagers. The study investigated influence of teen contraceptive use) on academic achievement among public secondary school students in Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory postulated in 1986. A descriptive research design was used with target population of 3774 Form 3 students. A sample of 400 students was selected using, Miller, L.R. & Brewer, J.D. (2003) mathematical formula and stratified randomly from 52 schools and conveniently selected equally between boys and girls. Data was collected using structured interview schedule and questionnaire and analyzed descriptively. Results highlights most students were aware about contraceptive use with females slightly more than males and media was the major source of information on contraceptive use while parents/guardians had no significant contribution since teenagers rarely receive their first information on sexual matters from their parents. More than half of the sexually active students used contraceptives though it still interfered with their academic performance. This paper points at sex education curriculum in schools, setting up reproductive health institutions for the youth and distribution of contraceptives among teenagers which has a bearing on students’ performance. |
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Effectiveness of Guidance and Counseling Programs on Academic Achievement among Public School Students in Bungoma South Sub-County |
Author : Negesa Justine V. ; Wesangula M. P. ; Opiyo A. R. |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :In Africa, the concept of Guidance and Counseling although relatively new in educational systems, has been embraced by most governments. Although most African countries recognize the essential role of organized Guidance and Counseling Programmes, there are limited researches studies conducted to assess the effectiveness of the programmed services being implemented to improve the student’s decision making processes that lead to improved future benefits. Research is yet to identify gender specific strategies to positive psychosexual development in boys and girls that can promote safe reproductive health. A wide spread ignorance on the subject of sex is due to the fact that the subject has been surrounded with mystery and beclouded by dark silence. The result has increased curiosity and desire to acquire more knowledge on this forbidden subject; yet, the people entrusted with the responsibility of educating the adolescents on the subject have not made appropriate information readily available. The study investigated effectiveness of guidance and counselling programmes on academic achievement among public secondary school students in Bungoma South Sub-County, Kenya. The study adopted Albert Bandura’s Social Cognitive Theory postulated in 1986. A descriptive research design was used with target population of 52 guiding and counselling teachers. A sample of 16 participants was selected using, using 30% of Mugenda and Mugenda (2003) and randomly selected from 52 schools. Data was collected using structured interview schedule and questionnaire and analyzed descriptively. Results highlights teacher counselling and peer counselling were the most effective strategies in guidance and counselling as compared to students suspension and corporal punishment. More than half of guidance and counselling teachers asserted that schools had inadequate policy and manual procedures and code of ethics and regulation governing sexual behaviour. This paper points at need of guidance and counselling departments to develop policies and manual procedures on sex and relationship education that acts as a reference point to all members of the school. In addition, the Government should set up reproductive health institutions for the youth, promote peer counseling, talks by health providers in schools which has a bearing on students’ performance. |
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Investigating Teaching/Learning Vocabulary Techniques and Strategies |
Author : Omer Elsheikh Hago Emahdi ; AbuObieda Gadalla Abd Al-Rahim |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This study investigates teaching/learning vocabulary. Mainly, studying the techniques used by EFL teachers in teaching vocabulary and also learners’ strategies to learn vocabulary. The particular research parameter that will be used in this study is the questionnaire for gathering data; the researchers are going to describe the phenomena under investigation. Students’ questionnaire was supposed to examine the strategies that are adopted by learners for learning vocabulary in English. In addition to that there was teachers’ questionnaire that is supposed to examine the techniques, which are used by teachers in teaching new vocabulary. The study reveals how secondary school learners use a variety of vocabulary learning strategies. Students as teachers preferred many of these strategies and techniques that help a lot in pushing the process of learning and teaching vocabulary forward. Overall students and teachers know high frequency vocabulary and how to use it. |
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Partial Least Square Analysis of School Leadership on Quality Assurance in Higher Education |
Author : Olowoselu Abdulrasheed ; Fauzi Hussin ; Muhamad Dzahir Kasa |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :The importance of quality education in nation building cannot be over emphasized. The research objective of this study is to investigate school leadership on quality assurance in higher education, Adamawa State. The population made up of senior lecturers in 10 departments in the universities. Stratified random sampling method was used to sample 10 lecturers from each of these departments, which makes the total sample size of 100 lecturers. The instrument for data collection was 20-item questionnaire titled ‘‘Quality Assurance in Higher Education Questionnaire’’ (QAHEQ). PLS- 3 measurement models was used to assess the reliability, validity of instruments and data analyses in this study. The result shows that the instruments were reliable and pilot study indicated strong evidence of validity. Findings revealed that, the research is significant because it explores the use of autocratic leadership style to improve quality assurance in higher education. It was therefore recommended that, authority should re-address the issue of funding university with adequate budget for training and re-training of staff. |
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Exploring the Effectiveness of Task Based Language Teaching In the Improvement of Descriptive Writing at Graduate Level |
Author : Muhammad Rashid |
Abstract | Full Text |
Abstract :This is an experimental study based on exploring the effectiveness of task based language teaching (TBLT) in improving graduate students’ descriptive writing as well as their perception of task based language teaching. The accessible population taken in this study is 410 students enrolled in Graduation at Khawja Fareed Govt. Post Graduate College Rahim Yar Khan. 60 male students have been administered a TOEFL structure test to bring homogeneity. They have been divided into two equal groups randomly. Thus two groups were formed one the treatment group and the other control one. Experimental and control class data were collected through written tests and questionnaires. Written pre and post tests were administered to both classes. Questionnaires were given to the students in experimental group after each of 12 treatment tasks. Data from written pre and post-test and questionnaires were analysed quantitatively. Percentage analysis was run to observe improvement between the groups. Test results revealed highly significant difference in favour of the treatment group. The study also demonstrated treatment groups’ general perception of task based language teaching positively. Findings of this study are inspiring for the teachers to adopt task based language teaching to improve students’ descriptive writing. |
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