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Aspects That Affect Whole Number Learning: Cultural Artefacts And Mathematical Tasks, Veronica Sarungi

Institute for Educational Development, East Africa

In this chapter, discussion of key socio-cultural aspects that affect learning will be considered from two complementary perspectives:

• Aspects that may help learning, especially if adequately exploited by the teacher. • Aspects that may hinder learning, especially if not adequately contrasted by the teacher.

Thirteen papers written by authors from ten countries were accepted for Theme 3. For presentation and discussion, the papers accepted for Theme 3 were divided into subgroups according to their main focus. We are aware that it is not possible to make distinct groups of papers as there are several overlaps in the classification, but …

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Blood, Donors And Dollars: Rethinking Financial Sustainability Of Safe Blood Services In Tanzania, Kahabi Isangula, Sharon Brownie, Abela Mahimbo, Solomon Kibona, Abdu Juma, Deus Mogela

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Introduction: Collection, processing and distribution of safe blood in Tanzania occurs within a free-for-service context, that is, a collection from non-remunerated blood donors and distributing freely to the needy people through health facilities. The safe blood services in the country appear to be crippled with many challenges and cannot meet the demand for blood and its products. As such, a need for rethinking collection methods, financial models and possible mechanisms for donor remuneration is evident.

Methods: In this paper, we venture on multi-stakeholder meetings and ongoing discussions regarding the internal mechanisms of safe blood transfusion financing. The intent is to …

Supporting Healthy Futures For East Africa: Celebrating 15 Years Of Partnership In Nursing Education. School Of Nursing And Midwifery In East Africa, Aga Khan University, Nairobi, Kenya, Sharon Brownie, Walter Robb, Lyndal Hunter, Cliff Aliga, Isabel Kambo, Atem Machar, Joseph Mwizerwa, Judith Mutyabule, M. Namuguzi, Carolyne Namukwaya, Esther Nderitu, Leah Sande, Victor Skrzypczynski, Muneerah Vastani, Mariana Xavier

Books

This impact evaluation study was designed on the basis of quality and accountability. It focused on sourcing evidence regarding the impact and achievements of a 15-year investment in nursing education and workforce capacity building. The study was also designed to enhance alumni connection and establish sustainable models for monitoring and evaluation.

Population Health Science: A Core Element Of Health Science Education In Sub-Saharan Africa, Robert A. Hiatt, Natalie J. Engmann, Mushtaq Ahmed, Yasmin Amarsi, William Macharia, Sarah B. Macfarlane, Anthony Ngugi, F. Rabbani, Gijs Walraven, Robert Armstrong

Paediatrics and Child Health, East Africa

Sub-Saharan Africa suffers an inordinate burden of disease and does not have the numbers of suitably trained health care workers to address this challenge. New concepts in health sciences education are needed to offer alternatives to current training approaches. A perspective of integrated training in population health for undergraduate medical and nursing education is advanced, rather than continuing to take separate approaches for clinical and public health education. Population health science educates students in the social and environmental origins of disease, thus complementing disease-specific training and providing opportunities for learners to take the perspective of the community as a critical …

Adding A Single Low-Dose Of Primaquine (0.25 Mg/Kg) To Artemether-Lumefantrine Did Not Compromise Treatment Outcome Of Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria In Tanzania: A Randomized, Single-Blinded Clinical Trial, Richard Mwaiswelo, Billy Ngasala, Irina Jovel, Berit Aydin‑Schmidt, Roland Gosling, Zul Premji, Bruno Mmbando, Anders Björkman, Andreas Mårtensson

Pathology, East Africa

Background: The World Health Organization (WHO) recently recommended the addition of a single low-dose of the gametocytocidal drug primaquine (PQ) to artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) in low transmission set‑ tings as a component of pre-elimination or elimination programmes. However, it is unclear whether that influences the ACT cure rate. The study assessed treatment outcome of artemether-lumefantrine (AL) plus a single PQ dose (0.25 mg/kg) versus standard AL regimen for treatment of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Tanzania.

Methods: A randomized, single-blinded, clinical trial was conducted in Yombo, Bagamoyo district, Tanzania. Acute uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria patients aged ≥1 year, …

Safety Of A Single Low-Dose Of Primaquine In Addition To Standard Artemether-Lumefantrine Regimen For Treatment Of Acute Uncomplicated Plasmodium Falciparum Malaria In Tanzania, Richard Mwaiswelo, Billy Ngasala, Irina Jovel, Roland Gosling, Zul Premji, Eugenie Poirot, Bruno Mmbando, Anders Björkman, Andreas Mårtensson

Pathology, East Africa

Background: This study assessed the safety of the new World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of adding a single low-dose of primaquine (PQ) to standard artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT), regardless of individual glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) status, for treatment of acute uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Tanzania.

Methods: Men and non-pregnant, non-lactating women aged ≥1 year with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were enrolled and randomized to either standard artemether-lumefantrine (AL) regimen alone or with a 0.25 mg/kg single-dose of PQ. PQ was administered concomitantly with the first AL dose. All drug doses were supervised. Safety was evaluated between days 0 and 28. …

Effect Of Diabetes Self-Management Education On Glycemic Control, Compared To Usual Care In Type 2 Diabetic Patients At The Family Medicine Clinic, Aga Khan University Hospital Nairobi, Catherine Wanjiku Gathu

Master of Medicine in Family Medicine

Background: Globally, the magnitude of disease burden associated with diabetes is high. Poor glycemic control contributes greatly to this burden, especially in the occurrence of related complications. The value of Diabetes Self-Management Education (DSME) is evident in literature, and has been recommended as a way of optimizing glycemic and metabolic control and averting early onset of diabetes complications. Usual care involves spontaneous sharing of information during medical consultations without planned structure or defined time frame. In the African setting, the effect of DSME, and how it compares to usual care, is yet to be fully explored. Objective: To compare the …

Learners’ Perceptions Of A Problem-Solving Approach On Their Mathematical Understanding In A Primary Mathematics Classroom In A School In Kinango Sub-County, Kwale County, Kenya. An Intervention Study Of Primary School In Kenya, Joseph Kisava Kilonzo

Master of Education

Many researchers have argued for the importance of problem solving in teaching mathematics. Relevant studies have focused on the role of the teacher as instructor and the teaching practices used by teachers teaching through problem solving. Most of these are western. The aim of this research study was to understand the influence of using a problem-solving approach in developing learners’ conceptual understanding in a mathematics classroom in a Kenyan private primary school. An intervention research study was adopted in a qualitative design since the study sought to examine and understand in a natural setting the implication of problem solving and …

Exploration Of Factors That Contribute To Girls’ Performance In Mathematics-A Case Of A Public School In Taita-Taveta County, Kenya, Beatrice Wakio Mbogo

Master of Education

Mathematics as a science contributes to technological growth in the world. In the 21st century the role of mathematics has increased tremendously. It’s needed by individuals in their daily lives as well as in industry. If women are to participate in business and in the society of the global economy, then they must be represented in mathematics related courses. Kenyan girls have continued to perform poorly in this important subject as reflected in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education examinations. This study aimed at exploring the factors contributing to girls’ low performance in mathematics. The participants for the study were …

Exploring Teachers Roles On Students’ Learning: A Case In A Government Aided Secondary School In North Western District In Uganda, Osman Swalleh

Master of Education

Students’ learning is of great concern to the parents and to all stakeholders in a country. This is why Uganda government puts in a lot of resources to ensure that students are given education that will equip them with relevant skills that will make them productive citizens. However, students’ learning within the country has never been the same and within districts their learning varies from school to school leading to fluctuating academic performance of students. This study therefore explored teachers’ roles on students learning in one government aided secondary school in North Western district of Uganda. The main research question …

Influence Of Decentralized Demand Driven Policy Of Teacher Recruitment In Kinango Sub County-Kenya, Kuphunza Bakari Makungu

Master of Education

The introduction of the decentralized demand driven policy of teacher recruitment in Kenya in 2001 was hoped to enhance equitable access to qualified teachers in all public schools of the republic of Kenya. The policy’s main target was the disadvantaged areas of the nation. This was influenced by the government’s inability to continue employing teachers through the centralized supply driven system and the realization of the need to employ teachers for the needy schools even though. What is the influence of the implementation of the decentralized demand driven policy of teacher recruitment in the schools of Kinango Sub County? This …

Teachers’ Provision Of Written Formative Feedback To Enhance Learning In A Secondary School: The Case Of An English Classroom In Uganda., Bagonza Justine

Master of Education

In the Ugandan education system, usually formative assessment and written formative feedback are synonymous with tests and examinations. As a result teachers tend to emphasize high grades and scores instead of the learners‟ learning. This study aimed at exploring the teachers‟ provision of written feedback on the learners‟ work in a senior one English language classroom in a secondary school in Eastern Uganda. Particularly the study considered the teachers‟ views about written feedback, how the written feedback the teachers provide on the learners‟ work enhances learning and the challenges that are faced by both the teachers and the learners during …

The Role Of Written Feedback In Enhancing Students’Mathematics Learning In Tanzanian Lower Secondary Schools: An Intervention Study At A Lower Secondary School In Bukoba Municipality, Tanzania, Evodius Jackson

Master of Education

This study examines the roles of written feedback in enhancing students‟ mathematics learning in Tanzanian lower secondary classrooms. Black and Wiliam (1998) pointed out that improved learning occurs when teachers use assessment evidence to establish skills and knowledge possessed by students. This can be achieved through giving meaningful feedback to students (Chappuis & Chappuis, 2007). An intervention study was conducted; the participants were the teachers and 7 students each from one form one and one form two class. Before the intervention, students filled out a questionnaire and the teachers were interviewed. The intervention, which included participant observation, involved the researcher …

Girls‟ Enrollment And Retention In Science Subjects At Secondary School Level From Form Three To Form Four: A Case Of A Coeducational Community Secondary School In Kinondoni District-Dar Es Salaam, Esther Kibga

Master of Education

The major concern of this study was that, despite Tanzania government being determined to improve access, equity and provision of quality education by introducing various programmes, policies and reforms but still the number of girls in science subjects is inadequate in community secondary schools. The major purpose of this study was to investigate on the factors which interferes enrolment and retention of girls in science at secondary school level in Kinondoni district-Dar es Salaam. The objectives of the study were; to establish girls‟ enrolment and retention rate in science classes in a coeducational community secondary school, determine socio-economic, socio-cultural, school …

Teachers’ Practices In Handling Learners With Visual Impairments In Inclusive Schools In Kenya: A Case Study Of A Primary School In Embu County, Anne Wakiini Mwaniki

Master of Education

Teachers’ practices in handling learners with visual impairments in inclusive schools have remained less explored especially at primary school level and in the developing countries. Consequently, their competences in handling these learners with visual impairments in inclusive schools are barely known bearing in mind that teachers are core players in the education of these learners. It is this gap in the existing literature that initiated this study. This study looks into the teachers’ practices in handling learners with visual impairments in inclusive schools in Kenya: It is a case study of a private primary school in Embu County. The purpose …

The Effects Of Instructional Supervision On Professional Development: Perception Of Public Primary School Teachers In Arua Municipality, Uganda, Angucia Holdah

Master of Education

This study sought to explore teachers‟ perceptions of the effects of instructional supervision particularly the three areas of preparation to teach, assessment of learning and time table utility. Previous research indicates that the perception of teachers towards instructional supervision needs to be positive if supervision is to meet its purpose of realizing high standard of instruction in schools. Furthermore, there was limited knowledge on what teachers perceive of the effect of instructional supervision on professional development despite the known relationship between perception and practice. The sample consisted of 116 teachers selected through stratified sampling from 10 public primary schools from …

Factors That Lead To Sustainability Of School-Feeding Programs In Rural Community Secondary Schools: A Case Study Of Two Secondary Schools In Nachingwea District, Lindi – Southern Tanzania, Yahaya Jafari Mbembe

Master of Education

School feeding programs (SFPs) have increasingly received a considerable attention as instruments for improving students‟ academic and nutritional developments in rural community secondary schools. This demands the programs to have certain qualities to be able to achieve their intended goals and objectives. Amongst these is sustainability to guarantee students in the schools with food in regular bases conditional on school attendance and the programs‟ contributions. Many studies have been conducted on SFPs in Tanzania but not in Lindi region and the Nachingwea district in particular. This is different with culture which has been extensively examined in the area. However, these …

Investigating Provision Of Feedback By Chemistry Teachers In Facilitating Learning In Classroom Interaction: A Case Of Rural Secondary School In North – Western Uganda, Moro Moses

Master of Education

Learners’ responses in the classroom offer avenues for teachers to intervene in form of feedback. They convey a lot of desirable knowledge yet sometimes contrary to the established scientific concepts in chemistry. Teachers in a way to derived meaning out these responses use various assessment strategies so as to harmonize these differences in concepts. The study investigated provision of feedback by chemistry teachers in classroom interaction at lower secondary (S.1 and S.3) classes in a government grant aided mixed secondary school in North – Western Uganda, Koboko District. The study in particular sought to understand the types of feedback provided …

The Role Of Teacher Mentoring In Enhancing Teaching Practices Of Beginning Teachers In Selected School In Kotido District, Uganda, Achayo Susan

Master of Education

The mentoring support beginning teachers experience during their early years in the teaching profession, play key role in enhancing the beginning teachers’ teaching practices. The transition beginning teachers’ experiences from student teacher to established teacher often fill them with challenges as well as positive experiences. This study explored the role of teacher mentoring in enhancing teaching practice of beginning teachers in the primary schools in Uganda. A qualitative research approach and phenomenological design were used to explore how teacher mentoring practice in primary schools enhances teaching practices of beginning teachers as well as the factors that facilitate and affect teacher …

Exploration Of Mathematics Tutors’ Provision Of Formative Feedback To Student Teachers: Case Of A Government Teachers’ College In Tanzania, Wambura Marwa

Master of Education

Formative feedback plays a vital role on improving students’ learning abilities and modifying learning behaviours. Teacher education programme must provide an opportunity to the teachers to recognize the significance of formative feedback and incorporate it in their practice (Heritage, 2007). In this sense tutors in teachers in pre service teacher education are professionals who could ensure that student teachers develop relevant knowledge and skills in relation to formative feedback. This study aimed at exploring if and how mathematics tutors provide formative feedback to student teachers in one government teachers college in Tanzania. Four data collection methods were employed; interviews, observation, …

The Effect Of Teachers’ Qualification On Children’S Learning Outcome In Early Childhood Education In Northern Uganda, Brenda Apeta

Master of Education

This study examined the effect of teachers’ qualification on the children’s learning outcome in nursery schools in Northern Uganda. Twenty lessons were observed from five teachers in two rural nursery schools. The findings indicated that three of the teachers were of low qualifications while the remaining two had no qualifications in ECD. The teachers’ low qualification or the lack of it, affected children’s learning outcome in such a way that the untrained teachers to a greater extent used classroom practices that encouraged rote learning as compared to the qualified teachers. The teachers’ perception on how their qualification shaped their classroom …

Student Leadership Preparation In Secondary Schools: A Case Study In Siaya County, Kenya, Leonard Onyango Wambiya

Master of Education

Preparation of student leaders for their roles has been found to be important for effective linkage of the student population with staff and administration as a way of incorporating ‘student voice’ in secondary school administration. This study was prompted by the persistent violent student unrests in secondary schools in Kenya, which have been blamed on lack of student involvement in school governance. It is argued that leadership can be learnt and that specific strategies can be used by individuals and groups to enhance the leadership skills of student leaders for them to participate effectively in leadership in schools. Using qualitative …

Pre-School Teachers’ Perceptions Of Children’S Prior Knowledge And Its Practice In Teaching And Learning: A Comparative Case Study Of 2 Pre-Schools In Dar Es Salaam, Natasha Kassam

Master of Education

Research has pointed out the importance of connections between new learning and children’s existing experiences, whereby through these connections children are better able to relate to concepts and enhance deeper, meaningful and lasting learning outcomes. It has also been shown that teachers’ are key facilitators in the school domain with regard to both practices and events that ultimately has an impact on students learning. In line with these propositions this study investigated pre-school teacher’s perceptions of children’s prior knowledge and its practice in Teaching and learning which compared a public and private pre- school in urban Dar es Salaam. It …

An Exploration Of The Implementation Of Continuous Assessment In Mathemetics Education At Primary Teachers’ Colleges In Uganda, Kirabo Esther

Master of Education

Improvement in the teaching and learning process for the benefit of both teachers and students is always at the centre of continuous assessment. It therefore follows from this view that continuous assessment in particular has been hailed to de-emphasize the hitherto terminal assessment because of various advantages it has over terminal assessment (Brown, 2004; Webb & Jones, 2009). This study was designed to explore the progress of the implementation of continuous assessment in mathematics education at Primary Teachers’ Colleges in Uganda, a component explicitly introduced in the curriculum and assessment since 2012. The study was conducted in a public Primary …

Computer Simulation For Teaching The Structure Of Atoms And Periodic Table In Secondary Schools In Kenya: An Action Research, Ondoro Julius Okomo

Master of Education

Student engagement with learning is beneficial in improving conceptual understanding in chemistry. However, teaching and learning chemistry in Kenya reveals inadequate opportunity for secondary students to amply engage with learning. Traditional, teacher-centered, pedagogy is cited as the main cause of learner disengagement with abstract concepts in chemistry. This action research studied how Computer Simulation (CS) can be used to enhance teaching and learning the structure atoms and periodic table in secondary schools in Kenya through meaningful learner engagement. The study is guided by the question: How can I learn to teach the atomic structure of elements and periodic table using …

Application Of Multimodal Pedagogical Approach In Developing Literacy At Lower Primary: Action Research, Nampeera Lydia Victoria

Master of Education

Literacy development at lower primary demands diversity in communication if learners are to successfully navigate its landscape. In this study, we sought to understand how multimodal pedagogy can be applied at lower primary for literacy development in Uganda and the benefits and challenges involved in using the pedagogy. To support the study a review of literature on the value and challenge of, as well as studies related to, multimodal leaning, literacy development, classroom practices and communication in Uganda and the sub Saharan Africa as a whole was done. The methodology that informed the study was a qualitative participatory action research …

The Impact Of Distributed Leadership On Tutor, Administrator Relationship In Primary Teachers College In West Nile Region In Uganda, Odua Peter

Master of Education

The purpose of this study is to determine the impact of distributed leadership on tutor administrator relationship in Primary teachers college in West Nile region in Uganda. Distributed leadership is widely accepted as a way of improving Public leadership in the institutions of learning. Studies revealed that distributed leadership influence Tutor administrator relationship in Primary teachers colleges. The research used qualitative approach involving 10 participants in the study focusing on Primary teacher’s college staff where distributed leadership is practiced. The findings of the outcome revealed that, positive relationship existed between the Tutors and the administrators who practice distributed leadership and …

Investigating How Assessment Contributes To Learning During English Language Lessons In A Secondary School In Kenya, Diana Ongayo Amunga

Master of Education

In Kenya, there are high stakes national examinations. As a result, these examinations greatly impact content, methods and even strategies used in school. This has resulted into a situation where, instead of assessment supporting learning , the assessment activities end up interfering with learning, as stakeholders strive to better learner achievement, in the process overlooking lifelong learning which is the goal of the curriculum. The pedagogical shift from the teaching to the learning culture has to some extend impacted teachers' classroom activities, with learners' voice being allowed in learning activities. However, educators continue to take full charge of assessment activities …

Analysis Of Factors That Influence The Implementation Of Work Plans In Primary Schools In Uganda., Ochwo Jawacho David

Master of Education

Planning essentially involves dealing with aims and objectives, selecting correct strategies and programs to achieve the aims, determining and allocating the required resources and to ensure that plans are communicated to all concerned. When school’s plans are known to each member, it is highly likely that school effectiveness will be achieved. School effectiveness is concerned with the provision of enhancing conditions at school level which involves all contextual variables related with school such as; teaching, learning, administration, pupils’ motivation and community involvement that could all be scheduled in school work plan. Work plan is a major tool used for guiding …