Digital Commons Network^™

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 …

Views And Opinions Of Mass Media Key Informants On Coverage Of Issues Related To Maternal, Newborn And Child Health In Lake Zone, Tanzania, Violeth A. Mbuni, Nyagwegwe Wango, Elias C. Nyanza

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

In Tanzania, the mass media is a primary means of communicating health information to urban and rural populations. While unsafe abortion is the leading cause of maternal deaths and complications in Tanzania, this has increased the high unintended pregnancy rate. Journalists, editors, program managers and producers play a significant role in determining the health-related issues reported. In the present study, the views, and opinions of mass media key informants on coverage of issues related to maternal, newborn and child health in Lake Zone were investigated. This qualitative study was conducted with key informants from 24 mass media outlets that covered …

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 …

A Rare Case Report Of Tuberculosis Endometritis In A Private Hospital Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Willbroad Kyejo, Brenda Moshi, Daudi Gidion, Muzdalfat Abeid, Samina Somji, Munawar Kaguta, Miriam Mgonja

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Tuberculosis endometritis is a pathological diagnosis and has been always over shadowed by pelvic tuberculosis. It is usually asymptomatic, but patients could complain of menstrual irregularity and per vaginal discharge. We report a case of a 37-year-old female who presented with per vaginal discharge for 2 years. Histopathology showed numerous caseating and non-caseating granulomas with plasma cells, Ziehl–Neelsen stain for acid fast bacillus is positive, and she was initiated on anti-tuberculosis treatment. On subsequent follow-up visits, patient was doing well with complete resolution of symptoms. Genital tuberculosis is usually caused by reactivation of organism from systemic distribution during primary infection. …

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 …

In-Vision : Issue 11 - Jan - Dec 2023, Department Of Education Development

IN-VISION – Department of Educational Development Archives

• Message from Dr Naveed Yousuf Chair, Department of Education Development
• Faculty in Focus Dr. Sana Saeed
• Hallmark of the Year 2023
• Education Grand Rounds (EGR)
• Introductory Short Course in Health Professions Education (ISC-HPE)
• Master of Health Professions Education (MHPE)
• MHPE Elective Course
• Meet the MHPE Graduates - 2023
• Continuous Faculty Development Programme in Health Professions Education
• Other Faculty Development Initiatives
• Mega Question Review
• Faculty & Staff Highlights
• Awards & Appointments
• Meet the new DED members
• Publications
• Learning Resources
• Upcoming events
• Med Ed How to Increasing the Impact of Teaching Presentations
• Med Ed How to: Case Based Learning

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 …

Mathematics Teachers’ Practices In Developing Learners’ 21st-Century Competencies: A Case Of A School In Yumbe District, Uganda, Etoma Innocent

Master of Education

The study explored mathematics teachers’ practices in developing learners’ 21st-century competencies. The study objectives were to explore the understanding of mathematics teachers on the 21st-century competencies, examine the instructional practices the mathematics teachers use to develop the 21st-century competencies in the classroom, determine how mathematics teachers provide for the development of 21st-century competencies during planning, and determine extend to which mathematics teachers provide for the development of learners’ 21st-century competencies during assessment of learning outcomes. The study was carried out in a secondary school in Bidibidi refugee settlement, Yumbe district, Uganda. A qualitative approach was employed for carrying out the …

An Examination Of The Utilization Of Bloom's Taxonomy In School-Based Biology Assessment Tasks In Selected Secondary Schools Meru District, Tanzania, Agatha Wilson Yintore

Master of Education

The world’s current most significant demand is for training many scientists and different science professionals. As a result, the preparation has always started at deficient learning levels, such as primary and secondary schools. In Tanzania, other science subjects are taught in secondary schools; among them, biology is included, and it is the only mandatory science subject in secondary school. Different approaches to teaching have been employed to ensure that the learners grasp the knowledge and skills of the subject. However, the examination results over the years have not been of high and promising performance, and different reasons are suspected to …

Exploring The Use Of Social Media For Teacher Professional Learning, Kosgei Jeruto Lonah

Master of Education

This study sought to find out how social media can be used to leverage teacher professional learning. It adopted a designed-based research approach with a pre-intervention, an intervention and a post-intervention phase. There were four different types of data sources analyzed: questionnaires, an online survey, and interviews with administrators and TPL providers. In addition, the contributions and activities of teachers on social media platforms were examined. Data suggest that while social media is currently being used in TPL its affordances are not fully exploited. WhatsApp is the most used social media in TPL. Findings suggest that when teachers are oriented …

Examining The Management Of Second Chance Schools: A Case Study Of Secondary School For Teen Mothers In Kenya, Nancy Chebet

Master of Education

Teen pregnancy in Kenya is on the increase and is widely attributed to the prolonged closure of schools because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and widespread exposure to irresponsible sexual behaviours and exploitation. Approximately 13,000 girls dropped out of school in 2021 due to teenage pregnancies. However, since children command the right to education and education is a priority in sustainable development goals, the feminist movement has established ways to ensure teen mothers are educated, in Kenya, there is the rise of schools designated for teen mothers. Therefore, the study sought to examine how these schools are managed this is because …

Overcrowded Classrooms: Assessment And Evaluation Strategies By Science Secondary School Teachers In Kericho County- Kenya, Rutoh Dominic

Master of Education

This study investigated how science teachers have successfully conducted assessment and evaluation in overcrowded classrooms due to 100% transition in Kenya, and particularly, in Kericho County. Two objectivities guided the study: - to find out the strategies used by science teachers to conduct assessment and evaluation and to determine how science teachers cope with assessment and evaluation challenges in overcrowded classrooms. Purposive sampling was used to selected five science teachers instructing form three class in the sampled school. Simple random sampling was used to select 12 students who participated in the study to ensure everyone got a chance to be …

An Exploration Of Assessment Of Learners With Special Needs In An Inclusive Primary School In Kilifi County- Kenya, Saida Chepchumba Bashir

Master of Education

Assessment of learners with special needs (LSN) can be a challenge in inclusive classrooms since they may require individualized assessment approaches that account for their unique needs and abilities. Most of the disabilities in inclusive classrooms are termed invisible since they cannot be seen. There is a need to adapt assessment practices and content that will take into consideration the individual needs of LSN for appropriate assessment. The objectives of this study were to assess strategies teachers use to assess LSN in an inclusive classroom; to assess challenges teachers and learners encounter during the assessment; to explore what teachers think, …

Exploring The Use Of Multimodal Approaches In The Teaching Of English Language Education And Literacy In Ugandan Primary Teachers’ Colleges: An Action Research In One Selected Primary Teachers’ College In Northwestern Uganda., Atungire Abetty

Master of Education

In this study, action research was conducted in one selected PTC in Northwestern Uganda to examine the use of multimodal techniques in the teaching and learning of English Language Education and Literacy in Ugandan Primary Teachers' Colleges. The study used a qualitative research methodology and an action research design to gather and analyze data. The techniques of data collection included interviews, observation, document analysis, and focus group discussion. The study consisted of 16 respondents (12 students, 1 tutor, 1 Principal, 1 Director of Studies, and 1 librarian). The data were analyzed by using the NVivo application. The results showed that …

Feed-Forward: Strengthening Assessment Of Pre-Primary And Primary Science And Mathematics Education In Tanzania, Nipael Mrutu, Esther Kibga

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

Classroom assessment is a critical part of teaching and learning and is a potentially useful tool for enhancing learning outcomes. It provides information on where learners are with their learning goals and what they need to do to improve their understanding and meet the intended learning outcomes. In response to the agent's need for proper interpretation of classroom assessment, researchers and policymakers have developed guidelines, principles, and models to help teachers understand and implement effective assessment conceptions. Despite these initiatives, research continues to show that teachers struggle to interpret assessment policies and implement practices aligned with contemporary formative assessment notions. …

Leadership, Teaching And Learning In Times Of Crisis In Southern Tanzania, Nipael Mrutu, Peter Kajoro, Hamis Pintson Nkota

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on education provision worldwide. School leaders, teachers and parents found themselves in uncharted circumstances, which hugely impacted their roles in promoting children’s learning. The purpose of this study was to investigate the roles played by leaders, teachers, and parents during the COVID-19 crisis. This paper discusses teaching and learning in this time of crisis. The study sampled 10 head teachers, 60 schoolteachers and 57 parents representing 10 primary schools in five districts in the Lindi region of Tanzania. A postmodernism lens was applied to respond to questions about the …

Disrespect And Abuse In Maternity Care In A Low-Resource Setting In Tanzania: Provider’S Perspectives Of Practice, Loveluck Mwasha, Lucy Kisaka, Eunice Pallangyo

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background

Globally, women experience disrespectful and abusive care from maternity healthcare providers at health facilities, committed intentionally or unintentionally, particularly during labor and delivery. Disrespectful care affects women’s childbirth experience and birth outcomes.

Methods

This study used a descriptive qualitative design to obtain thick and rich data on disrespect and abuse in maternity care in a low-resource setting in Tanzania. Three days workshop was conducted at the Aga Khan University comprising maternity healthcare providers from diverse settings. The workshop was designed based on the existing evidence and anecdotal data and inspired by the authors’ experiences of disrespectful and abusive care …

Couvelaire Uterus In A Previable Pregnancy: Complication In Abruptio Placenta, Case Series From Tanzanian Tertiary Hospital, Vicky Kapesi, Brenda Moshi, Willbroad Kyejo, Ahmed Jusabani, Miriam Mgonja, Munawar Kaguta

Imaging & Diagnostic Radiology, East Africa

Introduction and importance: Couvelaire uterus, also previously known as uteroplacental apoplexy. This is a life-threatening condition resulting from bleeding into the myometrium that may extend to the parametrium and peritoneum. Couvelaire uterus is typically associated with abruptio placentae, the premature separation of the placenta. This syndrome can only be diagnosed by direct visualization during caesarean section or biopsy (or both). For this reason, its prevalence is under-reported and underestimated in the literature. Cases findings We present a rare case series of two patients with Couvelaire uterus in previable pregnancy at Aga Khan Hospital, Dar es salaam. This combination is a …

Effectiveness Of An Integrated Multilevel Early Child Development Intervention On Caregiver Knowledge And Behavior: A Quasi-Experimental Evaluation Of The Malezi Program In Tanzania, Gretchen Antelman, Josephine Ferla, Michelle M. Gill, Heather J. Hoffman, Teopista Komba, Amina Abubakar, Pieter Remes, Ola Jahanpour, Martha Mariki, Mary A. Mang’Enya, Roland Van De Ven

Institute for Human Development, East Africa

Background The quality of caregiving and the parent-child relationship is critical for early child development (ECD) and has been shown to be modifiable. This study evaluated an ECD project in Tanzania, assessing the effectiveness of radio messaging (RM) alone and a combined radio messaging/video job aids/ECD (RMV-ECD) intervention.

Methods This two-arm pre-post evaluation study enrolled a cohort of caregivers of children 0–24 months in four districts of Tabora region, following them for 9 months. ECD radio messages were broadcast on popular stations at least 10 times/day reaching all study districts. In two districts, community health workers (CHW), trained in UNICEF’s …

Understanding Maternity Care Providers’ Use Of Data In Southern Tanzania, Regine Unkels, Fadhlun Alwy Al-Beity, Zamoyoni Julius, Elibariki Mkumbo, Andrea B. Pembe, Claudia Hanson, Helle Molsted-Alvesson

Obstetrics and Gynaecology, East Africa

Introduction: Health information management system data is collected for national planning and evaluation but is rarely used for healthcare improvements at subnational or facility-level in low-and-middle-income countries. Research suggests that perceived data quality and lack of feedback are contributing factors. We aimed to understand maternity care providers’ perceptions of data and how they use it, with a view to co-design interventions to improve data quality and use.

Methods: We based our research on constructivist grounded theory. We conducted 14 in-depth interviews, two focus group discussions with maternity care providers and 48 hours of observations in maternity wards to understand …

The Ward Round: Friend Or Foe In Postgraduate Training? A Grounded Theory Study Of Residents’ Perspectives, Mariam Noorani

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

The ward round has traditionally been a learning activity in medical education. Apart from education, ward rounds have multiple roles including patient care and communication. Some studies have described the ward round as an ideal place to learn patient management while others reported that little learning happens on rounds due to lack of time and patient volume. This study aimed to develop a deeper understanding of ward round learning from the perspec-tive of postgraduate trainees. A constructivist grounded theory approach was used and data was collected during focus group discussions. Data were analyzed by initial coding, then grouped into focused …

To Err Is Human; Acute Appendicitis A Mistaken Clinical Identity For Metastatic Follicular Thyroid Carcinoma, A Case Report, Ahmed Jusabani, Neelam Ismail, Zainab Fidaali, Ramadhani Mjejwa, Tausi Maftah, Ally Zain Ismail

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Introduction and importance: Thyroid cancer accounts for majority of endocrine cancers with follicular thyroid cancer the second most common. It tends to spread via hematogenous route with distant metastasis thus besides presenting as a neck mass it may also present with symptoms tallying to regions of metastasis which may misguide the diagnosis. We report a case of a 50-year-old man who presented with features of appendicitis only to discover metastatic right iliac bone follicular thyroid cancer. We describe our experience on diagnostic formulation, radiological work up, surgery, radioactive iodine therapy and follow up.

Case presentation: 50-year-old man presenting with acute …

Medical Education And Population Health—A Framework In The Design Of A New Undergraduate Program, Robert Armstrong, Michaela Mantel, Gijs Walraven, Lukoye Atwoli, Anthony Ngugi

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Health sciences curricular planners are challenged to add new content to established education programs. There is increasing pressure for content in public health, health systems, global health, and planetary health. These important areas often compete for curricular time. What is needed is a convergence model that builds a common framework within which students can integrate areas and better align this knowledge to the individual client or patient who they have responsibility to support. A population health framework is proposed for health sciences education programs that supports a common conceptual understanding of population health. The framework links five thematic areas that …

Epidemiology And Antimicrobial Resistance Of Staphylococci Other Than Staphylococcus Aureus From Domestic Animals And Livestock In Africa: A Systematic Review, Remous Ocloo, Justin Nyasinga, Mohammed Munshi, Aisha Hamdy, Tessa Marciniak, Manonmani Soundararajan, Mae Newton-Foot, Wilma Ziebuhr, Manonmani Soundararajan, Gunturu Revathi

Pathology, East Africa

Introduction: Staphylococci other than Staphylococcus aureus (SOSA) in animals are becoming more pathogenic and antibiotic resistant and can potentially disseminate to humans. However, there is little synthesized information regarding SOSA from animals in Africa. This systematic review provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiology and antimicrobial resistance of SOSA in companion animals (pets) and livestock in Africa.

Method: This systematic review (PROSPERO-CRD42021252303) was conducted according to the PRISMA guidelines, and 75 eligible studies from 13 countries were identified until August 2022. Three electronic databases (Pubmed, Scopus and Web of Science) were employed.

Results: The frequently isolated SOSA …

Secondhand Smoke Exposure Is Independently Associated With Stroke Among Non-Smoking Adults In West Africa., Akinkunmi Paul Okekunle, Osahon Jeffery Asowata, Adekunle G. Fakunle, Onoja Matthew Akpa, Fred S. Sarfo, Albert Akpalu, Kolawole Wahab, Reginald Obiako, Morenikeji Komolafe, Philip Adebayo

Internal Medicine, East Africa

Background: Stroke is a leading cause of disability and mortality worldwide, but little is known about the contribution of secondhand smoke exposure (SHSE) to stroke epidemiology among indigenous Africans.

Objective: To evaluate the association of SHSE with stroke among indigenous Africans. Methods We analyzed the relationship of SHSE with stroke among 2990 case-control pairs of adults who had never smoked (identified in the SIREN study) using conditional logistic regression at a two-sided P < 0.05.

Results: Multivariable-adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval; 1.25 (1.04, 1.50; P = 0.02) revealed SHSE was positively associated with stroke independent of stroke subtypes.

Conclusion: …

Library Newsletter : Issue 4 - 2022, Office Of The University Librarian

Office of the University Librarian Reports

- Message by Peter Gatiti Associate Vice Provost & University Librarian

- Oral History Project (University Archives)

- Book Reviews

- FAS Library

- AKU Author’s Day

- Other Highlights

- CopyrightX

- Digital Repository

- Congratulations

- Library Publications

In-School Adolescents’ Loneliness, Social Support, And Suicidal Ideation In Sub-Saharan Africa: Leveraging Global School Health Data To Advance Mental Health Focus In The Region, Richard Gyan Aboagye, Bright Opoku Ahinkorah, Abdul-Aziz Seidu, Joshua Okyere, James Boadu Frimpong, Manasi Kumar

Brain and Mind Institute

Introduction: Adolescent and youth mental health problems are increasingly becoming an area of concern in global health. Young people in sub-Saharan Africa experience significant adversities and systemic challenges despite technological advancements and demographic transition that the region is experiencing. We examined the nexus between experiences of loneliness, low social support, and presence of suicidal ideation among in-school adolescents in sub-Saharan Africa.

Method: A total of 19,119 in-school adolescents from eight countries in sub-Saharan Africa were included in this study. Suicidal ideation was the main outcome variable and loneliness, and social support were the explanatory variables. Percentages were used to summarise …