Digital Commons Network^™

A Looming Crisis: Exploring How Human-Wildlife Conflict Affects Provision Of Quality Education In Kenya., Raphael Mugho Maghanga

Master of Education

This research aimed to investigate the impact of human-wildlife conflict (HWC) on the provision of quality education in Kenya, with a particular focus on schools in Taita-Taveta County near Tsavo National Park. To achieve this objective, a mixed-methods approach was employed, utilizing questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions, observation, and document analysis. The quantitative data collected were analyzed using SPSS, while the qualitative data underwent thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed several significant outcomes. First and foremost, HWC resulted in high levels of learner absenteeism, primarily due to parents' inability to pay school fees as a result of the …

Ai In Education: Investigating The Potential Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) To Support Biology Teachers In Improving Their Pedagogical Practices To Teaching Topics Perceived As Difficult., Silas Otiende Ouma

Master of Education

Ensuring learner engagement is crucial for achieving conceptual understanding, especially in biology classes. In Kenya, a noticeable decline in average biology scores, and insights from studies indicate that there is a dominant use of teacher-centered teaching methods which rarely engage learners to enable them to comprehend some of the biology topics that are marred with complexity. This research aimed to explore the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) to support biology teachers in improving their pedagogical practices in teaching topics perceived as difficult. The study began by exploring the perceived difficult topics in biology, the current pedagogical approaches used to teach …

Exploring Teachers’ Use Of Oral Questioning In Enhancing Oral Communication Skills. The Case Of One Secondary School In Sumbawanga Municipality, Tanzania, Michael Joachim Nyandwi

Master of Education

This study investigated the teachers' use of oral questioning practices, and challenges in developing oral communication skills (OCS) among secondary school students in Sumbawanga Municipality. A qualitative approach was used to explore the use of oral questioning practices in enhancing OCS.  A case study design was employed to focus on one secondary school. A purposive sampling technique was used to obtain one experienced English teacher, and nine students from one class as they had been using Kiswahili in primary school as a medium of instruction, and when the study was conducted, they were in their first year of secondary education …

Teachers’ Perception On The Use Of Play To Develop Children's Literacy In Pre-Primary Education In Tanzania., Kessia Kiwia

Master of Education

This study delves into challenges and opportunities in integrating play-based learning in Temeke, Tanzania's pre-primary classrooms. Despite national policies endorsing play-based early childhood education, translating these policies into effective practices encounters substantial barriers.

Semi-structured interviews with six Temeke public school pre-primary teachers unveil the complex landscape they navigate. Barriers include limited resources, inadequate training, time constraints, academic pressures, cultural dismissal of play, and overcrowded classrooms. These hinder play-based learning's effective implementation, impacting its developmental benefits for young learners.

Insufficient resources limit access to conducive play-based education materials and spaces. Teachers need enhanced play pedagogy training. Time constraints and academic pressures …

Harnessing The Power Of Social Media: Opportunities For Learning And Professional Development Among Educational Leaders, George Nyaboga Nyarieko, Wachira Nicholas

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

This study investigates the benefits of integrating the social media platform specifically WhatsApp into an educational leadership development program in Kenya. Focusing on a cohort of participants in the blended-learning Diploma in Educational Leadership Management (DELM) program, which combines face-to-face, Zoom-enabled online classes, self-paced modules and Moodle assessments, the research explores the value that WhatsApp can add to facilitate peer collaboration and resource approach, sharing. including A the mixed-methods Design-Based Implementation Research (DBIR) design, was employed to comprehensively understand the factors influencing educational leaders' engagement within the platform. The study first assessed participants' current level of digital skills through pre-intervention …

Career Transitioning Among Students With Visual Impairments: Educational And Public Policy Perspectives, Chiedu Eseadi, Shulamite E. Ogbuabor

Jurnal Kajian Bimbingan dan Konseling

The objective of this research is to examine the educational and public policy concerns pertaining to career transitioning among students with visual impair-ments. The authors conducted a narrative literature review. The conceptualization of policy, with a specific focus on educational and public policies, was provided. The article also discussed the roles and concerns of educational and public policies in facilitating career transitioning for these students. The study contributes to an increased understanding of the educational and policy implications of supporting students with visual impairments during career transitioning. The collaboration of career counsellors and policy actors is deemed necessary in order …

Enhancing Public Library Services: A Future Outlook On Digital Libraries In Pakistan, Muhammad Sohail Haider, Chen Ya Prof, Md. Nurul Islam, Muhammad Danyal, Muhammad Hussain

Library Philosophy and Practice (e-journal)

Objective: Governments consistently aim to enhance services and establish online connections to efficiently deliver necessary information. This study aims to evaluate the future potential of digital libraries in public libraries in Pakistan by examining various projects that have introduced innovative approaches to foster the development of digital library services.

Methodology: The analysis utilized the Amos 24 version, employing the Structural Equation Model (SEM) for assessing model fit indices and validating hypotheses. Additionally, Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 24 was employed for Pearson correlation and factor analysis.

Findings: The results suggest the appropriateness of discussing three out of the …

Investment In Teacher-Education Versus Teacher-Educational Research For Effective Teacher-Professional Learning, Nipael Mrutu, Esther Kibga, Aladini Hoka, Peter Kajoro, Fredrick Mtenzi, Hamis Nkota, Tage Biswalo

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Purpose: This systematic research paper provides a comprehensive review of studies and literature on three terms i.e., teacher education, teacher professional learning and teacher education research more specifically in the context of the Tanzania education system. One of the most important aspects identified in teacher education in recent years is teacher educational research despite being yet overlooked. Teacher educational research creates a better juncture through which a gap between teacher education and teacher professional learning is bridged and the two present well with one another.

Methodology: The analysis used 45 articles related to the three aspects, published in ten …

Hiv/Aids-Related Knowledge, Attitude And Sexual Behaviours Among Undergraduate Students At The Dar Es Salaam University College Of Education, Tanzania, Stephen O. Maluka

Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences

Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is among the major public health problems facing the world today. While studies have assessed HIV-related knowledge, attitudes and behaviours among college students, evidence shows that HIV prevalence among the youth has been growing at an alarming rate in the past five years. Thus, there is need for more studies to assess young people’s knowledge, attitudes and behaviours on HIV/AIDS in higher learning institutions. This study aimed to assess HIV-related knowledge, sexual attitudes and behaviours, as well as the use of HIV prevention services among students at the Dar es Salaam College of Education (DUCE), in …

In This Issue (14:1), Stephen J. Langendorfer Ph.D.

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

In This Issue 14:1 introduces and overviews the research and education articles and position statement associated with the first issue of the fourteenth volume of the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education.

Which Stroke Next? All Strokes Next! Part Two: Strokes For Intermediate And Advanced Swimmers, Robert Keig Stallman, Ebbe L. Horneman, Nils O. Vikander, Alexander Mwaipasi, Bente W. H. Laakso, Haakon - Paavo L. Nysted, Toni Ongala

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The primary goal of this two-part project is to answer the rhetorical question of which strokes should be taught first, and which later (Langendorfer, 2013, Stallman, 2014a). As you have seen in Part One, we emphasize (as have many others) the need for a firm foundation before any stroke is introduced. When the learner is ready for propulsive motor competencies, there is no stroke which suits all as their first. In Part One we explored the “beginning strokes” all of which are candidates for any given learner’s first stroke. We also argued that after mastering their very first stroke the …

Revisiting The Metaphorical Concept Of “No Strokes First - All Strokes First”: Part One - Beginning Strokes, Robert Keig Stallman Ph.D., Alex Mwaipasi, Ebbe Laakso Horneman, Nils Olof Vikander, Bente Wäinösdatter Horneman Laakso, Haakon-Paavo Laakso Nysted, Toni Ongala

International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education

The aim of this article is to address the familiar question “Which swimming stroke should be taught first?” The discussion is usually focused on breaststroke versus crawl. Provoked by these naïve discussions of which stroke should be taught first (as if stroking equals swimming, which it emphatically does NOT), the question was answered metaphorically in an earlier article “No Stroke First – All Strokes First” (Stallman, 2008a). Here in Part I we identify and describe six strokes, all of which might be a candidate for any learners ‘very first’ stroke. We describe them as beginning strokes. Having identified and learned …

Investigating Students’ Conceptualization Of Linear Programming In Mathematics, A Case Of A Secondary School In Rachuonyo East Sub-County, Kenya, Opiyo Collince Oyaya

Master of Education

Mathematics is a compulsory subject in the Kenyan education system from pre-primary to secondary education. The ministry of education through the introduction of the 8-4-4 system of education in 1985 made Mathematics compulsory owing to its vast application in a wide range of spheres and professions. It is argued that proficiency in mathematics propels both economic and technological advancements. To further enhance delivery in this subject area, the ministry of education initiated SMASSE for science and mathematics teachers to help in simplifying the ‘high order’ concepts such as calculus, loci, and linear programming among others. Linear programming is applicable in …

Exploration Of Factors Contributing To Low Achievement Of Learners In Chemistry At Ordinary Secondary Level. A Case Study Of A Mixed Secondary School In Katrini Sub-County, Terego District, Uganda., Andrew Ababo

Master of Education

The performance of learners in the ordinary secondary section has been low over the years in Uganda. Many learners fail to pass chemistry at ordinary secondary level as such, very few students offer the subject at higher levels. The general purpose of this study was to explore factors contributing to low achievement of learners in chemistry at ordinary secondary section in a mixed secondary school in Katrini sub-county, Terego district, Uganda. A qualitative research approach with a case study design was applied. The sample size had twenty-two participants made up of ten females and twelve males in the following categories: …

Investigating The Role Of Play In Children’S Socio-Emotional And Cognitive Development: A Study In Three Public Preprimary Schools In Temeke Municipality., Farida Idd

Master of Education

Whilst play has been initiated by various philosophers and psychologists in early childhood education, the researcher sought to investigate the role of play in children’s socio-emotional and cognitive development in selected public pre-primary schools in Temeke Municipality and found out that teachers encourage a different kind of play to stimulate children’s development. This was a qualitative research approach whereby the researcher employed a case study design to get in-depth details from participants’ insights, expressions, and feelings based on their natural setting concerning the role of play in children’s development, and multiple ways of data collection were considered. The findings from …

Exploring The Use Of Digital Technologies In Early Childhood Teacher Education: A Case Of A Core Primary Teachers’ College In Uganda., Richard Anywar

Master of Education

This qualitative case study interrogated the use of digital technologies in Tera CPTC (pseudonym) in Northwestern Uganda under three research questions, namely: (1) What are the digital technologies teacher educators use to improve ECTE at Tera (pseudonym) CPTC? (2) How do teacher educators use digital technologies to improve Early Childhood Teacher Education? (3) What challenges do the ECE teacher educators face with the use of digital technologies to improve teaching and learning at Tera CPTC? Data was collected using classroom observation, focus group discussion, and semi-structured interviews. Three tutors and twenty-four teacher trainees participated in the study. Study findings revealed …

An Investigation On How Lower Primary School Teachers Are Developing Learners’ Digital Literacy Competencies: A Case Study Of A Primary School In Mtwapa, Kilifi County, Kenya, Judy Kinyanjui Wangui

Master of Education

Digital literacy has become a prerequisite in today’s learning due to the much-needed technological skills required in the 21st century for academic achievements, career development, and daily living. With the introduction of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Kenya, studies have shown that teachers received limited in-service induction on CBC, raising questions on how teachers are developing learners’ digital literacy competencies (LDLC), yet little has been done to enhance teachers’ understanding of how this specific competence ‘digital literacy’ should be developed. This study investigated how primary school teachers are developing lower primary school LDLC. The study employed a qualitative approach that …

Factors That Influence Girl Child Performance In Science In Upper Primary Classes: A Case Of Two Selected Primary Schools In Arua District, Uganda., Ajuko Anna Grace

Master of Education

This study explored the factors that influence girl child performance in integrated science in upper primary classesin two primary schools in Arua district, Uganda. The findings are reflected in the themes; how girls perform in integrated science, factors that influence girls’ performance and strategies that can be used to improve girls’ performance in integrated science in primary schools. This study embraced a qualitative research approach and a case study design. The study sample comprised of thirty (30) participants which included two head teachers from the two selected primary schools, four teachers of science two from each school of study who …

An Analysis Of Tpd: Approaches, Challenges And Implication For The Transfer Of Knowledge And Skills To The Workplace, Baraka Mumo Kilonzo

Master of Education

This study explored transfer of knowledge and skills from teacher professional learning activities to the workplace. A concurrent mixed method was adopted. Data was collected using questionnaire, FGD and interview. The study was carried out among teachers in public secondary schools in Makueni county in Kenya. The respondents included classroom teachers, principal as well as TPD provider. Findings suggest that the transfer of training into the classroom is influenced by trainee characteristics, training design and work environment which were studied. In addition, findings revealed that while there is a sufficient supply of subject based TPL programs, the quality of these …

Exploring Head Teachers’ Support For Online Learning During The School Closure As A Result Of Covid-19: A Case Of Two Primary Schools In Mombasa County, Kenya, Juma Rashid Haji

Master of Education

The emergence and spread of COVID-19 in the world prompted most governments to close all educational institutions to halt the spread of the virus. Schools in Kenya were closed for nearly 7 months, resulting in a learning loss. The Kenyan government promoted online learning through mass media such as television and radio, while the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) uploaded learning resources to their i-cloud educational portal. However, students and teachers faced several challenges that made it difficult for such headteachers to provide effective support for online learning. The researcher selected two primary schools, two headteachers, two deputy headteachers, …

Examining The Status Of Professional Learning Communities In Private And Public Secondary Schools In Makindye Division, Kampala, Uganda, Bugembe Steven

Master of Education

The power of collective synergy while participating in professional learning communities is a relatively recent phenomenon in educational professional development. It has received a great deal of attention on the educational scene due to its roots in the majority of developed countries. Fortunately, professional learning communities are equated to what is referred to as site-based learning for teachers in Uganda's continuous professional development framework for teachers. This is a teacher-led initiative aimed at improving teacher quality and encouraging collaborative professional development. Since its introduction by the Education Ministry (MoES, 2017), the practice and implementation, as well as the rate of …

Effectiveness Of Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development (Cpd) In Enhancing Learners’ Achievement In Selected Primary Schools In Abim District, Akech Venty Obura

Master of Education

This qualitative study using case study design sought to explore the effectiveness of Teachers’ Continuous Professional Development (CPD) in enhancing learners’ achievement in primary schools of Abim district in Uganda. There are numerous CPDs in Abim district whose expected outcome is improved learners’ achievement but there is little evidence to authenticate that. A total sample of thirteen (13) respondents participated. The study used interviews and Focussed Group Discussion as methods of collecting data from sampled participants. Data collected, consisted of information about respondents’ understanding of CPD, organisation, implementation, and evaluation. The participants understood CPDs in many different ways. The study …

Exploring The Influence Of One-On-One Peer Support On Academic Performance And Career Pathway Choice For Students With Visual Impairment: A Case Of A Selected Secondary School In Kilimanjaro Region, Gerald John Kimaro

Master of Education

This study explored the influence of one-on-one peer support on the performance and career pathway choice of students with Visual Impairment (VI) in secondary school. The study adopted a qualitative research approach with a case study design. The sampling was purposive and the sample size comprises four teachers (One academic teacher, the head of the special need department, one teacher from STEM and one teacher from the social science department) and ten students (five pairs of one-on-one peer support from Form three class). The study employed an interview guide, focus group discussion guide and document analysis protocol as the instruments …

Exploring How Advanced-Level Biology Teachers Integrate Ict In Teaching And Learning,A Case Of One Public Secondary School In Songwe Region, Tanzania, Rose John Shiyo

Master of Education

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) has pedagogical advantages that can help teachers design, teach, and assess biology lessons. The aim of this study was to explore how teachers integrate ICT during the teaching of Biology at A-level classes in Songwe region, Southern Tanzania. The research site of this study is one public advanced-level secondary school in the Mbozi district. The purposive sampling technique was used to get the sample comprising two, A-level biology teachers, one ICT technician, one laboratory technician, and six students from A-level classes who were persuing a science subject combination known as CBG (Chemistry Biology Geography). This …

Exploring Student Teachers’ Knowledge And Use Of Problem-Solving Teaching Strategy In A Science Classroom: A Case Of A Selected Ptc In Lira District, Uganda., Okelo Geofrey

Master of Education

The problem-solving teaching strategy is the key scientific pedagogy that develops a conceptual and contextual understanding of scientific knowledge, skills, and attitude in real life. This study aimed to explore the student teachers' knowledge and use of problem-solving teaching strategies in a science classroom. The study involved a case study at one specifically selected Primary Teachers' College in the Lira district. It purposefully involved 10 student teachers from a selected PTC conducting their final school practice while their learners participated in science lessons. Semi-structured interviews with the student teachers, classroom observations, document reviews, and analysis were used to gather qualitative …

Exploring Ways In Which Teachers Use Low-Cost No-Cost Resources To Develop Learners’ English Language Skills In A Public Primary School In Ilala District In Dar Es Salaam-An Action Research, Hannah Edwin Kimaro

Master of Education

The use of teaching and learning resources by teachers influences the development of the four English language skills. Literature has demonstrated the significance of resources in English classrooms, particularly for English language learners whose first language is not English. In Tanzania, the majority of learners attend public primary schools where the language of instruction is Kiswahili in all subjects except English, and thus the majority of them struggle to achieve the desired level of effective English development even as they progress to secondary school because of their poor English language background. Several factors, including a lack of use of English …

Exploring Science Teachers' Preparedness For The Implementation Of The Competency-Based Curriculum In Secondary Schools In Rachuonyo South Sub-County, Kenya, Godwin Otieno Oduor

Master of Education

The purpose of the study was to find out how well prepared science teachers are for the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) at the Secondary Education Level (SEL) in Rachuonyo South Sub-County. The study also looked at science teachers' training, Pedagogical Content Knowledge, technological skills, and attitudes toward CBC implementation. A descriptive survey design was used in the study, with a target population of 344 people, including 43 secondary school deputy head teachers, 43 science department heads, and 258 science teachers from all 43 secondary schools in the study area. Questionnaires were administered to science teachers and interview guides …

Exploring Teacher Quality Of Mathematics Teachers: A Case Study Of One Government-Aided Secondary School In Ajuri County, Alebtong District, Aracha Jackson

Master of Education

This research looked at a public secondary school's mathematics teachers in Ajuri County, Alebtong district. To determine how mathematics teachers' activities from the standpoint of mathematics teaching and learning in secondary schools represent teacher quality, the research study used a qualitative method with a case study design. Purposive sampling was used to get the school of study and the data was obtained from two mathematics teachers who were also purposively sampled from the teachers in the school through the use of structured and semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and observations. The recorded data obtained were then transcribed into text, and classified …

Exploring The Strategies Of School Management Team On Managing Warning Signs Of Female Dropout In Public Secondary Schools: A Case Study Of A Public Secondary School In Songea Municipal, Tanzania, Ezra William Mwogela

Master of Education

The persistence of dropouts among female students in public secondary schools in Songea Municipal necessitates an investigation of strategies used by the School Management Team (SMT) in handling warning signs of female students who are in danger of dropping out. The study explored the commitment and approachability of the SMT in recognizing and preventing the warning signs that lead to female students’ dropout (FSD). The study used a case study design and a qualitative approach to collect data from 18 purposively selected respondents. The study gathered information by interviewing the head of school, guidance and counseling, and discipline master. Additionally, …

Exploring Teachers’ Preparedness To Conduct Competency Based Curriculum Assessment In A Selected Secondary School In Taveta Sub-County Coast Region - Kenya., Milcah Emisiko Ashiali

Master of Education

The government of Kenya has been at the forefront of advocating for a Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) to ensure that the country can produce a workforce that competes with the current market which requires 21st-century skills. This has been seen by implementing CBC in schools and being focused on a learner- centered approach. CBC Assessment has been emphasized in the curriculum since teachers are required to know how learners are progressing at different grades and identify what competencies they must go and apply in real life. Study aimed at exploring how teachers are prepared to conduct CBC assessments in secondary …