scholarly journals Monitoring and control skills of heads of science department and academic performance in sciences in public secondary schools in Nandi county Kenya

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfed Cheruiyot ◽  
Joash K. Kibett ◽  
Viviline Ngeno

This paper looks at the monitoring and control skills of Heads of Department (HODs) of science and its influence on academic performance by students in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education Subjects. The HODs have been mandated to provide instructional guidance through regular monitoring, assessment and evaluation of science teaching subjects in their secondary schools. However, recent performances in science subjects (Biology, Chemistry and Physics) in KCSE in public secondary schools in Nandi County have been below average. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to determine the influence of science HODs monitoring and control skills towards academic performance of students in science subject. The study used mixed method research methodology which combined qualitative and quantitative data. The area of study was all public secondary schools in Nandi County. Target population consisted of 231 HODs of science, 231 principals and 693 science subject teachers. The study adopted a mixed method research design. A sample size of 23 principals, 128 HODS of science and 247 science teachers were selected through stratified random sampling technique. Data was collected using questionnaires (for HODs and teachers) and interview guide (for principals). The reliability values for HODs was 0.795 and science teachers 0.775 which were above the threshold of R=0.7. Analysis of data was performed using quantitative and qualitative methods. Results of the analysis revealed that HODs organising regular departmental meetings to review performance and take corrective action where possible was the main monitoring and control used. On the average, the study discovered that HODs of science planed with science teachers evaluation and assessment activities in their schools (M=3.38 and SD=1.25). The paper concludes that there existed a significant positive influence (p<0.05) between HODs of Science monitoring and control skills and academic performance of students in science subjects in selected public secondary schools in Nandi County, Kenya. It was recommended that Teachers Service Commission needs to improve staffing levels in public secondary schools especially in science subjects to in order provide ample time for HODs to do their regular monitoring and control activities of science subjects’ curriculum implementation in classrooms and among their departmental teachers. Keywords: Science, Monitoring, Control, Performance and Assessment

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alfed Cheruiyot ◽  
Viviline Ngeno ◽  
Joash K. Kibett

Curriculum and instructional planning is important to ensure that academic activities run without interruption in an academic year or term. Heads of departments (HODs of Science) play a pivotal role in implementation of curriculum in secondary schools. Planning is one of the functions vested on HODs to ensure proper implementation of curriculum in their departments. This paper therefore looks at HODs planning skills towards academic performance improvement in three science subjects in public secondary schools in Nandi County, Kenya. The decision to choose HODs of science was due to the importance that is placed on science subject but which has recorded below average performance compared to other subjects in Kenya Certificate of Secondary School. The three science subjects under investigation are; Physics, Biology and Chemistry for secondary schools. The study used mixed method research design. The study had three target populations that comprised of 231 heads of departments, 231 principals and 693 teachers. The sample size of the study was determined using Krejcie and Morgan formulae of determining sample size and comprised of 23 principals, 128 HODS of science and 247 teachers who were selected through stratified random sampling. Data collection was through questionnaires and interview schedule. Analysis of data was performed through quantitative and qualitative methods. The correlation analysis was computed from HODs and science teachers’ data. The study discovered that most of them only planned for science practicals to be conducted on occasional basis by teachers in the department. Moreover, the HODs of Science ensured that the planned activities were conducted as planned. However, the HODs of Science were found not to have proper planning skills on ICT usage, acquisition of instructional material and conducting training needs assessment for teachers. The computed correlation statistics showed that there existed significant influence (p<0.05) between planning skills by HODs of Science and academic performance of students in sciences in public secondary schools in Nandi County. The study recommends that HODs of Science need to be informed by Quality Assurance and Standards Officers (QASOs) that they need to be proactive and not reactive to the responsibilities under their docket. Participatory planning practices needs also to be embraced by HODs of Science for improved implementation and execution of set objectives and targets. Keywords: Planning, Skills, Quality, Performance, Sciences HODs


2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (5) ◽  
pp. 126-131
Author(s):  
AWODUN ADEBISI OMOTADE ◽  
JEGEDE S.A

The study investigated the effects of out-door activities on students’ attitude towards learning of Physics in Senior Secondary School Physics in Ekiti State, Nigeria. The research design adopted in the study was Pretest-Posttest Quasi-experimental. The sample for the study was 150 Senior Secondary One (SSI) Physics students (this sample was divided into the experimental and control groups in ratio 1: 1 i.e. 75 in each group), selected through the multistage sampling technique from a total population of 7,852 SS I students offering Physics in all the 184 public Senior Secondary Schools in Ekiti State. The instrument used to collect relevant data from the subjects was Physics Attitudinal Scale (PAS). The reliability of the instrument was determined through the split-half method with the reliability coefficient of 0.83. Two null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The data collected were analysed using inferential statistics of t-test and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The results of the analyses showed that there was significant difference in the attitude of students to Physics in the experimental and control groups in favour of experimental group. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that non-conventional teaching approaches such as using out-door activities, should be introduced into the teaching of Physics in the nation’s secondary schools to reinforce the hitherto adopted conventional teaching method and Physics teachers should be encouraged to make use of these new teaching approaches.


Author(s):  
Sunday Israel Akinde ◽  
Adejompo Fagbohunka

This study focuses on the youth and the parent fighting future unemployment through present combination of apprenticeship with studentship.  A phenomenon of which little is known, conducted in 4 selected secondary schools in Ondo state, Nigeria. Data through a multistage sampling technique, from 160 students’ terminal mean scores of third and first terminal results of 2016/2017 and 2017/2018 sessions respectively, were analyzed. Results showed that consideration of the possibility of future unemployment has significant relationship with students’ combination of apprenticeship with academics [r (158) = 0.211, p < .05] among others. Although parents seek to play safe regarding future employment opportunity for their children,   differences in mean scores in academic performance indicate that those who did not combine studentship with apprenticeship (M=515.75; SD=171.58) outperformed those who did (M=513.52; SD=146.24). Similarly, combined activities have a direct relationship with stress capable of affecting physical and mental life of students thus casting doubt on the future safety net of the decision. 


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 139-146
Author(s):  
Simeon Olayinka Olajide ◽  
Thomas Ajibade Adebisi ◽  
Tosin Adebola Tewogbade

Abstract The study assessed the availability of laboratory resources, teachers’ and students’ involvement in practical activities in Basic Science in junior secondary schools in Osun State Nigeria. These were with a view to ascertain the availability of laboratory resources in the teaching of Basic Science in junior secondary schools and the involvement of teachers and students to practical activities in the state. The study employed a descriptive survey research design. The population for the study consisted of all Basic Science teachers, facilities for teaching Basic Science and all junior secondary school II students in Osun State. Ten schools were selected from each senatorial district through simple random sampling technique, from each school, ten students from JSSII were also randomly selected through simple random sampling technique to take part in the study. Basic Science teachers found in the schools were purposively used for the study because of their discipline and numbers. The facilities for the research were also purposively selected based on a must for teacher to use in the course of their teaching. Three instruments were used for data collection. They are: Observation Checklist for Basic Science Laboratory Facilities (OCBSLF), Questionnaire for Teachers on Teachers Involvement in Practical Activities (QTTIPA) and Students’ Questionnaire on Basic Science Laboratory Facilities (SQBSLF). Data collected were analyzed through simple percentages. The results of the study showed that 14(40.0%) schools indicated that beakers, boiling tubes, conical flask and cylinder are available while 21(60.0%) schools indicated that beakers, boiling tubes, conical flask and cylinder are not available, 10(28.6%) schools indicated that flat bottom flasks are available while 25(71.4%) schools indicated they are not available, 11(31.4%) schools indicated that round bottom flasks are available while 24(68.6%) schools indicated they are not available, 8(22.9%) schools indicated that hand lenses are available while 27(77.1%) schools indicated they are not available, 7(20.0%) schools indicated that Ammeters are available while 28(80.0%) schools indicated they are not available, 9(25.7%) schools indicated that Resistance box are available while 26(74.3%) schools indicated they are not available, 3((8.57%) schools indicated that plastic mammalian models (heart, eye, ear, and skeleton) and First Aid box (fully equipped) 3((8.57%) are available while 32(91.3%) schools indicated that they not available, 1(2.86%) schools indicated that Meter Rule, Rheostats, Connecting wires, Spatula are available while 34(97.4%) schools indicated they are not available. The results of the study showed that on the average teachers did not use laboratory facilities to teach the students and students are rarely involved in practical activities in schools. The study concluded that laboratory resources are not available to teach students Basic Science in junior secondary school level.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 2658-2737
Author(s):  
Martin Okoth Odide

The aim of the study was to examine the influence of financial resource management on the students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Lang’ata sub-county, Nairobi County- Kenya. The study was premised on behavioural leadership theory propounded by Kurl Lewin in the 1930’s which emphasizes that people can learn to become leaders through training and observation. The following research questions were formulated to guide the study: What is the influence of budget management on students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Lang’ata sub – county, Nairobi County? ; What is the influence of financial controls on the students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Lang’ata sub – county, Nairobi County? ; What challenges do Principals of Public secondary schools face in the management of finances?; What strategies, with regard to financial resource management, are used by Principals of Public secondary schools in Lang’ata sub-county to improve academic performance?   Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. The study was conducted in public secondary schools. The target population comprised five (5) public secondary schools. Purposive sampling technique was used to draw 5 principals, 5 bursars, 5 B.O.M representatives, 15 H.O.Ds, 30 teachers and 200 students’ representatives giving a total of 260 participants. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedules, and observation schedules. A pilot test was conducted on some staff to ensure the validity of the instruments. Data obtained through open-ended questionnaires was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Ethical issues such as confidentiality, informed consent, privacy and anonymity were given paramount considerations. Therefore, the findings of the study revealed that financial resources management can truly affect student’s academic performance. Furthermore, the researcher found out that not all staffs are involved in budget making or financial plans of the schools. Additionally, the researcher found out that most students are suffering due to lack of finances by their parents and guardians. Finally, financial stability goes hand in hand with educational success. Truly all teachers and staff need full adequate finances in order to ensure that the school’s programs run smoothly and with ease for all. Also the researcher found out that most students studying in public schools have fees challenges, especially those in the slums like Kibera constituency – Lan’gata Sub County. The study recommends that all Bursars and Boards of Management Representatives should be appointed with their merit certificate to the specific spot of the work in order to avoid any corruption in the field of their duties within the school environment. Additionally, students, should be provided with adequate teaching/learning materials; the teachers, heads of departments, finance committee, top management and the principal should treat the students fully as learners, and they should not dismiss any student from the school due to lack of fees; they should also provide counselling/ social workers departments to check on the students welfare and their mental problems regularly.  Finally, the study recommended the following for further study; financial resource management and its influence on student’s academic performance in private secondary schools in Lang’ata sub-county, Nairobi county-Kenya: to find out whether there are similarities in the findings of the study between public secondary schools and private secondary schools.R


2018 ◽  
Vol 30 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia L. Hardré ◽  
David W. Sullivan ◽  
Natasha Roberts

This paper extracts and elaborates rural secondary teachers’ most effective reported motivating strategies. From the data generated by two years of mixed method research in rural secondary schools, these strategies emerged as among the most successful. Selection of best practices was based on a synthesis of what both teachers and students reported as making the greatest positive impact on their school-related motivation. Strategies are illustrated by multiple detailed examples from teacher interviews.  


2021 ◽  
Vol 2 (2) ◽  
pp. 7-14
Author(s):  
Shabiha Anjum

The present study aims to observe the impact of extracurricular activities on the academic performance of students at the secondary level in Multan city. All the students at the secondary level in the public sector of Multan city are the population of this study. Three hundred student’s 9th and 10th classes from (two) secondary schools from Multan city were selected. For this study, the researcher uses a simple random sampling technique. A total of 30 survey questions were developed based on Likert-scale type statement options (SA, A, N, DA, SDA), keeping in mind the objective of the study. The data were tabulated and analyzed by using descriptive statistical techniques. The MS-Excel is used for the descriptive analysis of the data. The study concluded that there is a severe need for the introduction of extracurricular activities, orientation programs for the students of secondary level. Extracurricular activities have a positive influence on students' life by improving their behavior, academic performance, better exam scores, more regular class attendance, a better self-image, due to these aspects which makes the students life more successful. Finally, the study suggests that Government should support the introduction of extracurricular activities in all secondary schools, allocate special funds, appoint special trainers/teachers, and fix their pay equal to other subject teachers.


2017 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
Author(s):  
Dr. Shivali Bajaj *

The laboratory has been given a central and distinctive role in science education, and science educators have suggested that rich benefits in learning accrue from using laboratory activities. The present study was carried out to assess the impact of laboratory on academic performance of 9th class students of Jammu city in science subject in private schools of Jammu city. In the present study, the data was based on the sample of 250 students of 9th grade level, 125 student’s males and 125 females from five Private schools of Jammu city. The Incidental sampling technique was employed for this purpose. The academic performance of students in science subject was identified on the basis of records maintained by the schools. Questionnaire related to the laboratory usage for learning science subject was prepared specifically by the investigator for students. The results of the present study revealed that the female students used more of laboratory as compared to the male students. The study also showed that the students of age group 12 years used more laboratories for learning science subject as compared to that of 13 and 14 years students in Private schools. The results revealed that some students were facing problems in usage of laboratory. Overall it was found that there was a positive impact of laboratory usage on students’ science achievement. The results have wider implications for the stakeholders.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (5) ◽  
pp. 247
Author(s):  
Muhammad Arfan Lodhi ◽  
Syeda Ibrar ◽  
Mahwish Shamim ◽  
Sumera Naz

The new generation is fascinated by the overwhelming exposition of media. Today, media is performing powerful role in the mental growth and emotional development of children. At the very first stage of cognitive development, children copy the words and expressions used in their surroundings. Cartoons and language used in them directly affect cognitive and linguistic development of children. The present study dissects the linguistic patterns and ideologies used in cartoons shown in Pakistani media. It further attempts to overlook the impact of linguistic features of cartoons on language learning propensities of children. The study adopted mixed method research design by following qual-quan approach. The linguistic analysis of the cartoons was done qualitatively whereas its impact on children’s language was measured through quantitative way. 100 students and 100 teachers were selected to determine the sample by applying random sampling technique. Self-developed questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The collected data shows that cartoons are source of education, entertainment and information for children. Children can improve their language competencies by watching cartoon. However, students were found using many Hindi words in their daily conversation. Linguistic benefits of cartoon language collide with the cultural threats faced by a large number of parents. The findings of the study recommend that children should be shown level oriented and culturally specific cartoons so that students may get maximum linguistic benefits from them.


Author(s):  
Chukwuemeka Joseph Chukwu ◽  
Evelyn Ijeoma Ezepue ◽  
Kalu-mba Evelyn ◽  
Ukamaka Felicia Iremeka ◽  
Nweke Prince Onyemaechi ◽  
...  

The study examined teachers’ professional ethics and classroom management as a correlate of students’ academic performance in public secondary schools in Abia State, Nigeria. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a Correlational Research Design. The population of the study consisted of 9,200 Secondary School Students in Public Secondary Schools. The study sampled 920 students representing 10% of the populations using Stratified Random Sampling Technique. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire titled: “Teachers’ Professional Ethics and Classroom Management of Students Academic performance (TPECMSAP)”. The instrument was validated by three experts. The instrument was tested using t-test method and calculated with Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation which yielded an index of 0.71 for teachers’ professional ethics and 0.89 for classroom management. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions. Pearson’s r, R2 (coefficient of determination) and multiple regression analysis was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 levels of significance. The findings of the study revealed that there is a significant relationship between teachers’ professional ethics, classroom management and students academic performance. The findings of the study revealed that employment of qualified teachers and other professionals’ demands for practices to ensure high academic performance. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that government and the school administrators should organize seminars, workshops and conferences to create more awareness on teachers’ ethics and classroom managements on academic performance of students in Nigeria.


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