scholarly journals Analysing the Nature of Meaning in Modal Auxiliary Use in Standard Six English in Nakuru County, Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 49-62
Author(s):  
Njuguna Jane Ngoiri
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Mental Representations ◽  
School Level ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Written Composition ◽  
Linguistic Feature ◽  
Auxiliary Verbs ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Mind

The objective of the study was to describe appropriateness of modal auxiliary verbs in class six written English. The study focused on the use of English modal auxiliary verbs by class six pupils from diverse language backgrounds in Kenyan primary schools. Modal auxiliary verbs are difficult as their use entails syntactic and semantic appropriateness. As such, most pupils often find themselves unable to use this complex linguistic feature in written English. In spite of this, there is no known documentation that focuses on modal auxiliary verbs among children. It is this gap that the current study sought to fill. Forty pupils were randomly selected from four primary schools in Nakuru County. Data was elicited by means of written composition and grammar exercises. Further, it was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively and presented in the form of graphs and tables. The Representational Theory of The Mind was used to explain the research findings. The findings revealed that modal auxiliary verbs are indeed difficult and their appropriate use present difficulties in pupils' written work. It was therefore recommended that learning of English should be meaningful. In order to enrich pupil's mental representations pupils should be exposed to a linguistically rich environment to enhance acquisition and learning. It is hoped that these findings will be of benefit to school stakeholders in ensuring that appropriate learning environment is created for pupils. Additionally, it could be a reference for researchers interested in language use at the school level.

scholarly journals Analysing the Nature of Meaning in Modal Auxiliary Use in Standard Six English in Nakuru County, Kenya

2019 ◽  
Vol 1 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-71
Author(s):  
Njuguna Jane Ngoiri
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Language Use ◽  
Mental Representations ◽  
School Level ◽  
Appropriate Use ◽  
Written Composition ◽  
Linguistic Feature ◽  
Auxiliary Verbs ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
The Mind

The objective of the study was to describe appropriateness of modal auxiliary verbs in class six written English. The study focused on the use of English modal auxiliary verbs by class six pupils from diverse language backgrounds in Kenyan primary schools. Modal auxiliary verbs are difficult as their use entails syntactic and semantic appropriateness. As such, most pupils often find themselves unable to use this complex linguistic feature in written English. In spite of this, there is no known documentation that focuses on modal auxiliary verbs among children. It is this gap that the current study sought to fill. Forty pupils were randomly selected from four primary schools in Nakuru County. Data was elicited by means of written composition and grammar exercises. Further, it was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively and presented in the form of graphs and tables. The Representational Theory of The Mind was used to explain the research findings. The findings revealed that modal auxiliary verbs are indeed difficult and their appropriate use present difficulties in pupils' written work. It was therefore recommended that learning of English should be meaningful. In order to enrich pupil's mental representations pupils should be exposed to a linguistically rich environment to enhance acquisition and learning. It is hoped that these findings will be of benefit to school stakeholders in ensuring that appropriate learning environment is created for pupils. Additionally, it could be a reference for researchers interested in language use at the school level.

scholarly journals PINTAR BACA: ENRICHING PUPILS’ READING THROUGH STORIES OF ORIGINS OF NAMES OF PLACES IN SINGAPORE

2020 ◽  
pp. 93-118
Author(s):  
Siti Faridah Omar
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Historical Background ◽  
School Level ◽  
Learning Tools ◽  
Reading Materials ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Primary School Pupils ◽  
Language Mastery

Reading is one of the basic skills needed to be enhance at the primary school level. Early research shows that pupils lack the interest in reading and this affected their ability to grasp vocab and understanding. Thus, Pintar Baca cards were introduced to help increase interest and level up pupils’ ability to understand the texts read. The Pintar Baca cards comprises of teaching and learning tools published by the Malay Language Centre of Singapore. These resources were designed to help primary school pupils improve their language mastery through reading. These cards were developed for Primary 2 to 4 and consists of 12 stories on the names of origins of places of Singapore. It is hoped that through these historical stories, we are able to instil interest and strengthen pupils’ knowledge on the historical background of some places in Singapore in a simpler and more interesting way. In addition, each story comes with a set of comprehension questions which can develop pupils’ understanding on the reading materials. A trialling session was done at 9 primary schools involving around 189 pupils. A thinking routine strategy were applied in the teaching and learning during the trialling sessions to support the use of the Pintar Baca cards. Research findings showed an increase in reading interest amongst pupils. In addition, the application of the thinking routines has helped improve pupils’ understanding of the contents of the stories and their language mastery.

Reading for pleasure : the influence of reading clubs in selected Bahananwa Limpopo primary schools

2020 ◽  
Vol 1 (3) ◽  
pp. 133-155
Author(s):  
Kgomotlokoa Linda Thaba-Nkadimene ◽  
Maletšema Ruth Emsley
Keyword(s):  
South African ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Cultural Theory ◽  
Negative Impact ◽  
Positive Influence ◽  
Reading For Pleasure ◽  
Theory Of Reading ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
African Youth ◽  
Reading Clubs

The challenges of reading experienced by learners exerts a negative impact on reading for pleasure, and learners' outcomes. In an attempt to address such reading challenges, Reading Clubs were launched to promote reading for pleasure among South African youth. This study examines the influence of Reading Clubs on learners' attitudes to Reading for Pleasure and the outcomes thereof. The study was informed by the Top-Down Model of Reading and the Cultural Theory of reading for pleasure. Interviews were conducted in five purposively selected schools with five Sparker coaches and five teachers. The research findings reveal a positive influence of Reading Clubs on reading for pleasure and learners' outcomes. This is reflected through improved levels of reading for pleasure. This study ultimately recommends that schools learn from best practices of Reading Clubs, and that government strive to make Reading Clubs a sustainable project.

scholarly journals The developing role of occupational therapists in school-based practice: Experiences from collaborative action research in Pakistan

2020 ◽  
Vol 83 (6) ◽  
pp. 375-386
Author(s):  
Debbie Kramer-Roy ◽  
Denise Hashim ◽  
Nighat Tahir ◽  
Areeba Khan ◽  
Asma Khalid ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Action Research ◽  
Occupational Therapy ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Occupational Therapists ◽  
Collaborative Action Research ◽  
School Level ◽  
Collaborative Action ◽  
School Based

Introduction Occupational therapists around the world increasingly seek to support the participation of children with disabilities and special educational needs in mainstream education. Contemporary school-based occupational therapy practice is progressing from an individual, impairment focus towards collaborative, universal interventions at the whole class and whole school level. Participation-focused practice and collaboration is particularly important, but uncommon, in low-resource contexts such as Pakistan. Methods This article reports on collaborative action research that developed the role of occupational therapy in inclusive education in Karachi, Pakistan. A research team consisting of occupational therapists and teachers worked with five local primary schools, using the action research cycles of plan–implement–observe–reflect to develop practical strategies, materials and inclusive lesson plans to facilitate the participation of all children in all school-based occupations. Findings Support from school management and interdisciplinary collaboration were crucial for implementing change. In addition, strategies like inclusive lesson planning were found to benefit all children in class. Collaborative action research led to increased professional confidence in the teachers and occupational therapists, and skill development through developing a resource guide, running workshops and presenting at (inter)national conferences. Conclusion Collaborative action research was an effective means to develop the occupational therapy role in inclusive education practices in Pakistan, develop culturally appropriate educational resources, and upskill local therapists and teachers.

The Influence of Personal Attributes on Demand for Bachelor of Education Degree Among Non-Graduate Teachers in Transnzoia County, Kenya

2021 ◽  
pp. 62-71
Author(s):  
Joseph Amulioto Opanda ◽  
Maureen Olel ◽  
Tony Okwach
Keyword(s):  
Primary Schools ◽  
Economic Factor ◽  
Rapid Expansion ◽  
School Level ◽  
Personal Attributes ◽  
Minimum Requirement ◽  
Learner Performance ◽  
Bachelor Of Education ◽  
In Trans ◽  
Education Degree

There has been a rapid expansion in the field of of higher education. This has been precipitated by factors of demand and supply leading to various innovations in programmes and modes of study. A new trend has emerged where a wide scope of working professionals, including teachers are undertaking continuing education. To teach at the primary level in Kenya, a Primary 1 (P1) certificate is minimum requirement. However, a significant number of teachers at this level either hold or are pursuing a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree. As of December 2016, of the 4,406 teachers in public primary schools in Trans-Nzoia, 896 possessed a B.Ed. degree. Despite the minimum qualifications for the primary school level teaching, there is concern over the increasing number of teachers pursuing B.Ed. degree without corresponding improvement in learner performance in KCPE where the mean mark has remained below 250 for over a decade. The purpose of this study was to determine the personal attributes that influence demand for a Bachelor of Education degree in Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. The findings indicated that personal attributes, occupational, institutional and socio-economic factors all account for the surge in demand for B.Ed. degree although the economic factor is the most important one. The study also found that teachers’ qualifications have a significantly low effect on learners’ academic performance. The findings will help policymakers and educational planners plan for relevant, efficient, effective, equitable and quality education.

scholarly journals A school-based oral health educational program: the experience of Maringa- PR, Brazil

2004 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Carlos Alberto Conrado ◽  
Sandra Mara Maciel ◽  
Márcia Regina Oliveira
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Oral Health ◽  
Oral Hygiene ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Oral Health Care ◽  
School Level ◽  
Educational Approach ◽  
Entire Study ◽  
School Based ◽  
Study Population

The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the preliminary results of a school-based oral health educational strategy adopted in public primary schools from the city of Maringa, State of Parana, Brazil. The study sample was composed by 556 children and adolescents aged 6 to 17 years old, 124 schoolteachers and a group of 55 mothers. The educational approach was implemented for 18 months and consisted of reinforcements of interventions addressed to students and schoolteachers at school level and few activities targeted at the mothers, performed by means of home visits. Baseline and follow-up interviews focused on oral health care were undertaken for the entire study population. As a stimulus for the students to achieve proper oral hygiene habits, the simplified oral hygiene index was assessed at three different moments. A statistically significant improvement in their oral hygiene index (p<0.001) was recorded. The results achieved suggest an encouraging tendency towards the improvement in the levels of oral health care among the school-age youths studied. They also point out the need of intensifying the preparation of schoolteachers in oral health topics, as well the instructions to the mothers for their oral health care. Moreover, they highlight the importance of the continuous implementation of school-based programs to promote the oral health.

scholarly journals Primary schools and the amplification of social differences in child mental health: a population-based cohort study

2017 ◽  
Vol 72 (1) ◽  
pp. 27-33 ◽  
Author(s):  
Louise Marryat ◽  
Lucy Thompson ◽  
Helen Minnis ◽  
Philip Wilson
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Demographic Data ◽  
Population Based ◽  
School Level ◽  
Social Emotional ◽  
Level Data ◽  
Mental Health Difficulties ◽  
Early Primary ◽  
Additional Support

BackgroundThis paper examines socioeconomic inequalities in mental health at school entry and explores changes in these inequalities over the first 3 years of school.MethodsThe study utilises routinely collected mental health data from education records and demographic data at ages 4 and 7 years, along with administrative school-level data. The study was set in preschool establishments and schools in Glasgow City, Scotland. Data were available on 4011 children (59.4%)at age 4 years, and 3166 of these children were followed at age 7 years (46.9% of the population). The main outcome measure was the teacher-rated Goodman’s Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (4–16 version) at age 7 years, which measures social, emotional and behavioural difficulties.ResultsChildren living in the most deprived area had higher levels of mental health difficulties at age 4 years, compared with their most affluent counterparts (7.3%vs4.1% with abnormal range scores). There was a more than threefold widening of this disparity over time, so that by the age of 7 years, children from the most deprived area quintile had rates of difficulties 3.5 times higher than their more affluent peers. Children’s demographic backgrounds strongly predicted their age 7 scores, although schools appeared to make a significant contribution to mental health trajectories.ConclusionsAdditional support to help children from disadvantaged backgrounds at preschool and in early primary school may help narrow inequalities. Children from disadvantaged backgrounds started school with a higher prevalence of mental health difficulties, compared with their more advantaged peers, and this disparity widened markedly over the first 3 years of school.

scholarly journals Influence of Socially Disadvantaged Environment on Aggressiveness of Pupils at Primary Schools

2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 104-115
Author(s):  
Dáša Porubčanová ◽  
Lenka Pasternáková
Keyword(s):  
Primary School ◽  
Social Environment ◽  
School Environment ◽  
Aggressive Behaviour ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Social Environments ◽  
Socially Disadvantaged ◽  
Research Findings ◽  
Observation Method ◽  
Aggression Level

AbstractIntroduction: The study deals with occurrence of aggressiveness of pupils from socially disadvantaged environment. It describes the socially disadvantaged environment and the level of aggression of pupils from such environments. The text describes the most important results of the research.Methods: Within the research, a survey was carried out, monitoring the level of aggression of the majority pupils compared to the pupils from socially disadvantaged environment. The survey was carried out personally based on a monitoring scheme of aggression of the pupils from socially disadvantaged environment. The research has been made by direct observation within 60 teaching hours at the level of 1st and 4th grade.Results: The findings, which we have acquired through observation, showed that the age and maturity of younger pupils’ organisms adapts to the model of social environment. Pupils from less stimulating social environments may become the victims of aggressive attacks in various forms more frequently. Types, forms and manifestations of aggression, equally subject to influence of the environment, in a school environment at the level of 10-year-old students are perceived as some form of entertainment. They join the attack on the victim for acceptance or they have the same preferences as the group. It often happens without consequences or attempts to eliminate these signs, because the seriousness of the attack is not ascribed.Discussion: We were interested in the differences of aggression level of the majority pupils compared to the pupils from socially disadvantaged environment in the first and the fourth year of a primary school.Limitations: The results apply only to students in the first level by using of the observation method.Conclusions: As substantial and significant for pedagogic experience, we consider implementing the research findings as well on the higher level of pupils’ education and to define further correlations between aggressive behaviour and socially disadvantaged environment.

scholarly journals “I start learning English through speaking”: Social agency demand and inter-school readiness for Indonesian young English learners

2020 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 218-225
Author(s):  
Sri Setyarini ◽  
Bachrudin Musthafa ◽  
Ahmad Bukhori Muslim
Keyword(s):  
School Readiness ◽  
English Learners ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
English Language ◽  
National Curriculum ◽  
Critical Factor ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
School Level ◽  
Social Agency ◽  
Young Learners

Preserving Indonesian as a national identity and institutional readiness to perform the national curriculum 2013 instruction has become a critical factor in the exclusion of English as a compulsory subject at the elementary school level. This leaves rooms for teachers’ confusion and creativity, leading to various practices at different school clusters, depending on parental demands and school readiness. This study thus tries to cast light on the social agency demand and inter-school readiness for young learners in the Indonesian EFL pedagogical contexts. This instrumental case study portrays the practices of English language teaching at three clusters of Indonesian primary schools; local, national, and independent, as well as responses of parents and students to these practices. Involving 4-6 grade students and English teachers of six primary schools, the data were garnered through classroom observation, interviews, and document analysis. The findings revealed that although teaching English to young learners is somehow communicative and fun, it more emphasises  literacy skills (reading, writing, and grammar), particularly at local schools as the majority cluster across the country. Since English is a non-phonetic language, this literacy-focused practice is rather contradictory to what parents as social agencies expect, that is, to develop their children’s English oral proficiency. The study also offers ways by which teachers and schools can accommodate this social agency’s needs for speaking skills by focusing more on student-centred and oral English proficiency activities and assessment.

scholarly journals THE IMPACT OF POSITIVE SCHOOL EXPERIENCES AND SCHOOL SES ON DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN CHINESE CHILDREN: A MULTILEVEL INVESTIGATION

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 37
Author(s):  
Yang Yue
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Hierarchical Linear Modeling ◽  
Teacher Support ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
School Connectedness ◽  
School Experiences ◽  
School Level ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Youth Depressive Symptoms ◽  
School Ses

The current study investigates the effects of teacher support, school connectedness, and school socioeconomic status (SES) on youth depressive symptoms. Data were collected from a sample of 881 students in Grade 6 from 10 primary schools in Northwest China. Hierarchical linear modeling indicated that higher levels of teacher support, school connectedness, and school SES were significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms. Further, the relationships between school-level SES and youth depressive symptoms varied by the participant’s perceived level of teacher support and perceived level of school connectedness. These findings underscore the importance of positive school experiences on child psychological outcomes. Implications for future research on Chinese youth are discussed.

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