Professional Development Needs to Improve Teaching Science in Secondary Schools: Case Study of Mbeya, Tanzania

Author(s):  
Charles Ephraim Kibona ◽  
Joyce Sifa Ndabi ◽  
Isack Ephraim Kibona

Aim: This study examined pedagogy and subject content needs for Professional Development (PD) to improve teachers’ skills in teaching science in secondary schools in Mbeya, Tanzania. Study Design: The study employed a quantitative research approach and cross-sectional survey design. Methodology: The main instrument used for the study was questionnaire. In this study, schools were randomly selected, and 256 respondents, science teachers were selected through stratified sampling technique. The data collected were analyzed quantitatively. Results: Science teachers need Professional Development (PD) in Pedagogical Knowledge (PK), masterly of science subject contents and technological skills of modern teaching. There was no significant difference in the mean scores for components of pedagogy knowledge between teachers who teach math subject and those who teach physics, chemistry and biology at  using independent samples t-test. Teachers need of PD in subject content in topics were as follows: accounts (61.7%), genetics (46.2%), electromagnetism (44.2%), electronics (40.4%), circles and the Earth as a sphere (29.6%), statistics and probability (28.4%), inorganic chemistry (25%), and ionic theory and electrolysis (24.1%). Conclusion: Science and mathematics teachers in Secondary schools need PD intervention in the subject content of science subjects.

Author(s):  
Atul Kumar ◽  
Sanchita Pugazhendi ◽  
Chandan Kumar ◽  
John Davidson ◽  
Jyoti Rawat

Background: In South Asia region, India is the biggest country manufacturing pesticides for agricultural production and ranks10th in world where farmers use pesticides in agricultural area. In India, farmers have less knowledge regarding pesticide application and very rarely they get opportunity to attend formal training program regarding handling of hazardous pesticides. In developing countries, farmers have unsafe pesticide application and handling practices due to which pesticide poisoning has a major health problems among famers. Indian farmers who practice unsafe use of pesticides also experience different health problems. Hence there is a necessity to find out knowledge and practices of farmers while handling dangerous pesticides in day to day life.Methods: A quantitative research approach and cross sectional survey design was used in present study. Total of 302 farmers residing in rural area of Doiwala block were selected by using purposive sampling technique. Ethical permission was obtained from institutional ethical committee and informed consent was taken from study participants. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics.Results: A total of 125 (41.5%) farmers were using pesticide two times in a year and 180(59.8%) farmers used it for protection of crops. It was expressed by 223 (73.8%) farmers that they read the labels on the pesticide containers before using it but only 182(60.3%) farmers followed the instructions on the label.Conclusions: Farmers did not have adequate knowledge about frequency and reasons of using pesticide in farming. Majority of the farmers did not have adequate knowledge and practices regarding use of pesticide in agricultural area. 


2020 ◽  
Vol V (I) ◽  
pp. 623-632
Author(s):  
Raima Mubashar ◽  
Aroona Hashmi ◽  
Fasiha Altaf

The study was determined to find the factors that affect the teachers' practices in the implementation of the ECCE curriculum in public schools. The study was quantitative in nature, and a cross-sectional survey design was used. All the ECCE teachers in public schools formed the population of the study. The proportionate stratified random sampling technique was employed, and 278 teachers were selected as a sample of the study. The data were collected using the questionnaire on factors affecting teachers' practices in the implementation of the ECCE curriculum. The findings showed that there is a significant difference on the basis of experience as p (0.000) ? 0.05 and an insignificant difference on the basis of qualification and class size as p (0.000) > 0.05. The study recommended that teacher training institutes of early childhood care and education should induct the curricula that are activity-based, and schools may provide better learning conditions in ECCE centers.


2018 ◽  
Vol 13 (2) ◽  
pp. 203-222
Author(s):  
Hansani Chathurika Dassanayake ◽  
Asanka Senevirathne

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of design of e-servicescapes on student engagement in distance education (DE), and examine whether this impact is mediated by student experience quality. Design/methodology/approach Quantitative research approach based on cross-sectional survey design was adapted where data were collected using a structured questionnaire. Sample consisted of 252 undergraduates registered in the DE platform in Sri Lanka and was drawn using a simple random sampling technique. Collected data were analysed using the structural equation modelling. Findings Data analysis revealed that there is a direct significant impact of e-servicescapes on student engagement while this impact is partially mediated by student experience quality in the Sri Lankan context. Meantime, the social presence feature of e-servicescapes has the highest impact on student engagement. Practical implications Findings of the study provide an empirically validated model to boost up the student engagement and significantly contribute to the designing of the e-servicescapes of the DE institutes in order to offer a superior service to a wide array of stakeholders. Originality/value Even though e-servicescapes have been recognised as a driver of customer behaviour, the concept is fairly unexplored in the educational context. Due to its practical applicability in the DE context, this study contributes to the existing knowledge by presenting a novel conceptual model developed based on multiple theories to identify its impact on student behaviour.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (3) ◽  
pp. 344-349
Author(s):  
Sidra Noreen ◽  
Izhar Ahmad Khan ◽  
Farkhanada Anjum ◽  
Ejaz Ashraf

Purpose of the Study: The present study is intended to determine the level of modernity and cultural change among university students. In addition, the study is also aimed to calculate the relationship between modernity and cultural change. Methodology: Sequential mixed-method research approach is deployed in this study. Initially, the researcher used a quantitative research approach and surveyed the students using a cross-sectional survey design. A two-stage probability sampling technique was used, and a total of 420 students were selected using the stratified sampling technique and simple random sampling technique, respectively. Data were analyzed using SPSS 25 version. Principal Findings: The results indicated that modernity and cultural change is not uniform among the respondents, but they varied as per the socio-demographic characteristics of the respondents. However, it is more visible in the material aspect of life than the non-material aspect of the social life among the students. In addition, results also indicated a positive relationship between modernity and changing culture among students. Applications of the study: The results and findings of the study draw the attention of policymakers and researchers to take necessary steps to increase the benefits of modernity and cultural change and decrease the negative consequences of modernity and cultural change. Special measures are needed to protect local indigenous culture as well. Novelty/Originality of this Study: The contribution of this study is a university student and modernity in changing values most prominent tool that makes us able to survive in society is cultural patterns through which we learn all that we need to survive and learn behavior, norms, customs repetition of acceptable action, etc. In the nineteenth century, modernization involves culture, and hence it is clear that modern tends are changing old ties of culture.


2022 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 11-24
Author(s):  
Mantheme Florina Matolo ◽  
Awelani M Rambuda

The aim of this research was to evaluate the application of an inclusive education policy on screening, identification, assessment and support of learners (SIAS) policy at South African schools. The research explores how educators screen, identify, and assess barriers to learning as well as support learners with barriers. The variables on the screening, identification, assessment and support of learners were chosen as a focal point of this study mainly because they were all variables contained in the policy which must be mastered by the educators during the policy application. A survey design of quantitative research approach was followed. Document analysis of the SIAS 2014 policy document was done over the target population of educators in primary and secondary schools. A simple random sampling technique was used to select 320 male and female respondents from both primary and secondary schools. The quantitative data were collected using a seven-point semantic differential scale which elicited responses from a total of 250 educators. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data on the educators’ responses about the extent to which they implemented the inclusive education policy. Statistical data revealed that the implementation of the policy was modest. Educators do not effectively use the screen resources such as the learner profile to screen barriers and the Support Needs Assessment 1 is not effectively used to identify and assess the barriers experienced by learners. As a result, support of learners was found to be inadequate. An independent-samples t-test revealed that there was statistically significant difference between the means of primary and secondary schools in the application of SIAS 2014 policy. This research recommends that the teacher training institutions should capacitate aspiring educators about inclusive education policies such as the SIAS 2014 policy rationale, principles, and how the policy is to be effectively implemented at schools.


2020 ◽  
Vol 20 (2) ◽  
pp. 891-896
Author(s):  
Joseph O Umunnah ◽  
Chukwudi M Ogbueche ◽  
Chigozie I Uchenwoke ◽  
Adaora J Okemuo

Background: Tibiofemoral angle (TFA) and quadriceps angle (QA) are important in the evaluation of patients with knee pathologies associated with these angles. Objectives: This study investigated correlations among TFA, QA and body mass index (BMI) among Nigerian adolescent population. Methods: A total of 519 (262 males and 257 females) adolescents aged between 10-18 years selected by stratified random sampling technique from some randomly selected schools in Nnewi metropolis. This study utilised the cross-sectional survey design. A height meter and bathroom weighing scale were used to collect data for BMI while a universal plastic goniometer was used to measure TFA and QA. Independent t- test, paired t-test and Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to analyse the data obtained. Results: Findings of this study showed there was significant difference between right and left QA of males (t= 2.824; p= 0.005), and females (t= -2.012; p= 0.045) with the right QA been higher than the left in both males and females. Males have a higher TFA and QA (p<0.05 in all cases) than females. A significant negative correlation was found between BMI and right TFA (p=0.034), and between TFA and QA (p= <0.0001). Conclusion: TFA positively significantly correlated with QA, with males having higher QA and TFA than females. The obtained information is important in the assessment and management of knee pathologies associated with these angles. Keywords: Tibiofemoral angle; quadriceps angle; body mass index; selected adolescent population.


2018 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 01-07
Author(s):  
Alfred Eboh

Background: The hawking of wares by children has been a serious issue confronting the Nigerian society. Children hawk in some of the most horrible conditions conceivable, where they face a serious risk of injury, chronic illness, kidnapping, rape or death. Objective: The focus of this study was to assess the perceived effects of street hawking on the well-being of children in Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State. Methods: The population of this study consists of parents of the street hawkers in Anyigba while cross-sectional survey design was used through the purposive sampling technique to choose the sample size of one hundred and sixty-two (162) respondents. The validated structured questionnaire and In-Depth Interviews (IDIs) served as the instruments for the data collection respectively. The hypotheses were tested using Chi-Square at a predetermined 0.05 level of significance. The quantitative data were analysed with the aid of the SPSS (version 20). Results: The results indicated among others that street hawking had significant social implications and physical consequences on children's moral behaviour as well as health status in the study area. Conclusion: The study, therefore, concluded that the government of Kogi State should carry out an enlightenment campaign through the media and religious institutions on the negative consequences of street hawking are recommended as panacea. Also, the child right act instrument and its implementation should be strengthened in order to curb street hawking in the study area.


2017 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 39
Author(s):  
ANNE Wangari Mberia

Leadership is a process whereby an individual influences a group of individuals to achieve a common goal (Northhouse, 2011). In time and space, women leadership remains a subject talked about but hardly appreciated (Wren, 2013). Among the factors contributing to poor representation of women in leadership is stakeholder’s attitude (Coleman, 2005). The study sought to investigate stakeholder’s attitudes impeding women teachers' ascension to leadership positions in mixed public secondary schools, focusing in Tharaka South Sub – County, Kenya. The study employed descriptive cross-sectional survey design utilizing both qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Probability and non-probability sampling techniques were used to arrive at the sample size. Data was collected from women classroom teachers, heads of departments, school principals, education officers, education trade unionists, Parents and Teachers Association officials and School Board of Management officials. Questionnaires, interview guide and focus group discussion guides were used to collect both qualitative and quantitative data. Data analysis was assisted by computer software (Statistical Package for Social Sciences for quantitative data and NVIVO for qualitative data). The study established that education stakeholders have a general negative attitude towards women leadership in schools.


2017 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 96
Author(s):  
Jared Isaboke Mose

Trypanosomiasis is a widespread constraint in livestock production, mixed farming and human health in Africa. Several technologies have been developed to ameliorate the effects of the disease but delivery of these technologies to farmers has been undertaken on trial and error basis without a proper strategy leading to more failure than success and wastage of scarce resources. The purpose of this paper was to carry out an analysis of transaction costs incurred in accessing and using insecticide treated net in tsetse and trypanosomiasis control among smallholder cattle farms in Busia County, Kenya. The study utilized cross–sectional survey design and was guided by the New Institutional Economics approach and utilized stratified and simple random sampling technique to get 211 respondents for the study. Data was collected by use of structured questionnaires and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Conjoint analysis results for zero grazing net showed that cost was the most important factor influencing farmers’ decision, accounting for 38.52% of the total while durability and availability each accounted for 25% and retreatability accounted for 10% of the decisions. Further t-test results showed that there were significant differences between men and women with respect to attribute scores (at 99 d.f. and alpha = 0.05%) suggesting that men and women face different transaction costs in accessing T&T control technologies. Therefore there is need for gender sensitive strategies in T&T technology design and dissemination. Tsetse fly and Trypanosomiasis control by use of low cost technologies such as insecticide treated zero grazing net should be promoted by government and other development partners. The net should be affordable, available at supply outlets close to farmers, long lasting and re-treatable for famers to take it up.


2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Kweku Esia-Donkoh ◽  
◽  
David Kwame Quansah ◽  

This study investigated the leadership styles of principals in public Colleges of Education (CoEs) in Ghana based on the setting, zone and location of the colleges. The quantitative method of the cross-sectional survey design was adopted for the study. The census sampling technique was employed to obtain 38 principals for the study. The Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ) by Bass and Avolio (2004) was adapted to collect data from the principals. Means, standard deviation, t-test and ANOVA were utilised in analysing the data. The descriptive analysis established that generally, principals of public CoEs in Ghana mostly used transformational leadership style as compared to transactional and laissez-faire leadership styles. The inferential analyses also revealed that there were no statistically significant differences in the leadership styles of the principals based on setting, zone and location of the colleges. Among the recommendations is that the Ghana Tertiary Education Commission (GTEC), formerly known as the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE), should consider competence when selecting and appointing principals and not the setting, zone and location of public CoEs because generally, these variables did not statistically significantly determine the leadership styles adopted by the principals.


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