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Students’ Perceptions Of Their Self-Efficacy In Mathematics In A Public School In Kenya, Dennis Ouma Olare

Master of Education

The purpose of this study was to find out students’ perceptions of their self-efficacy in mathematics. In the study, 104 form four students (83 boys and 20 girls) from a public rural coeducational school were surveyed using a modified version of Nielsen and Moore’s (2003) Mathematics Self-Efficacy Scale (MSES). Thereafter, eight students selected on the basis of their mean responses on the MSES were interviewed. Through descriptive statistics, it was found that students’ self-efficacy percepts in mathematics varied from 15 to 50 on a scale of 10 to 50. About one quarter of the students were found to be highly …

The Use Of Ict In Mathematics Teachers’ Practice In Secondary Schools In Tanzania, Veronica Sarungi

Master of Education

The purpose of this study was to explore how secondary mathematics teachers involved in a National ICT Project (NIP) use ICT in their teaching practice. A qualitative approach was used for the study which was done in one of the seven zones which make up NIP. Data was collected through interviews, document analysis and observation. In Tanzania, the National ICT Project aims to enhance teaching and learning of mathematics by providing ICT equipment, training and electronic content to secondary schools. However, availability of ICT will not improve learning on its own. The process through which ICT enhances teaching and learning …

Exploring Teacher Leadership Development In A Public Secondary School In Uganda, Stephen Olukor

Master of Education

Effective school leadership is currently associated with school improvement that enhances teaching and learning processes. School improvement is believed to be possible with teacher participation in leadership at the classroom and school organizational levels. To create a culture of reflective teaching and learning in a school requires a shift in perception of school leadership as actions of an individual called a head teacher to a process of collective influence. Schools need to put in place effective leadership development programmes for teachers. This study on teacher leadership development was conducted in one public secondary school in Uganda to explore how teacher …

Enhancing Esl Learners’ Reading Comprehension Through The Reading Strategy Of Prediction, Monica Ahabwe

Master of Education

The act of reading for comprehension is a demanding task as it requires coordination of a number of simultaneous tasks. Learners’ low proficiency in reading comprehension has been a major concern for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers in Tanzania. This study explored how the reading strategy of prediction can be used to enhance ESL learners’ reading comprehension in a private secondary school Form One class in Tanzania. The study employed a qualitative collaborative action research design that involved a teacher-researcher and a cooperating teacher of English. The general approach to the study was based on the action research …

A Study Of How Secondary School Head Teachers Monitor And Evaluate Teachers In Their Own Schools, Charles Muhoro Murigu

Master of Education

The functions of M&E of teachers have been decentralized from the ministry to the school level. Head teachers have been mandated to conduct M&E of teachers in their schools. However, little is documented on how they carry out this role. The study explored how secondary school head teachers monitor and evaluate teachers in their schools. Specifically, the study sought the views of the head teachers on how they monitor and evaluate teachers in their schools. This study made use of both a fixed and flexible designs to collect data. Questionnaires were administered to 64 head teachers in Mombasa County, interviews …

The Role Of School Leadership In Capacity Building For Ict Integration In English As A Second Language Teaching And Learning: A Case Of A Public Secondary School In Kenya, Felix Mwawasi

Master of Education

Technology leadership is a fairly new concept in school leadership focus. It has become a concern for study in recent times, in tandem with the pedagogical change of integrating ICT in teaching and learning especially in the developed nations. A number of studies in the developed countries have advanced descriptive approaches on how Educators should go about the integration process. However, few such studies have been done in Africa. In the teaching and learning of English as a Second Language (ESL), ICT has become a useful tool to improve instruction, especially in mitigating the challenges of learning English language where …

Teachers’ Views Of How External School Supervision Influence Their Practices, Henry K. Kioli

Master of Education

External supervision is widely used to assure the quality of education offered in schools in many countries. To a great extent, supervision has mainly focused on how to improve student learning. However, teacher practices that lead to improved student learning outcomes as a consequence of supervision have not been extensively addressed especially in developing countries. This study aimed at exploring how teachers’ views of external supervision influences their practices. The qualitative case study comprised one school with a sample of 11 participants who were purposely sampled. Methods of data collection included interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. Study findings …

Exploring The Use Of The Science Laboratory In Science Teaching: A Case Of A Secondary School In Kenya, Peter Kibet Chemjor

Master of Education

The natural sciences are highly regarded subjects in the Kenya science curriculum. This is due to the fact that the country hopes to use scientific knowledge to enhance development of industries and propel the country to achieve vision 2030. However, the performance of students in science examination has not been impressive, especially in questions that require science process skills usually acquired from the laboratory. For Kenya that is aiming at using scientific literacy to achieve industrialization by 2030, it is unlikely that this goal will be attained. This study, therefore, sought to explore how science teachers use the science laboratory …

The Role Of Inspectors In Providing Supportive Supervision To Teachers In The Implementation Of The Thematic Curriculum: A Case Study Of A School In Uganda, Ntalagi Peter Serunjogi

Master of Education

The study aimed at investigating the role of inspectors in proving supportive supervision to the teachers implementing the thematic curriculum in Uganda. The study followed a qualitative approach and case study design. Thus data was collected through interviews, focus group interviews, observations and document analysis methods. The study included twelve participants; these were; the district inspector of schools, four inspectors of schools, six teachers who teach primary one to three and the head-teacher of the school. The findings revealed that preparation for supportive supervision starts with drawing a district annual inspection work-plan and quarterly inspection work-plan. This kind of planning …

Exploring Peer Assessment: Practices And Views Of Esl Learners, Debra Atieno Onono

Master of Education

In most Kenyan Secondary schools, assessment of students is high stakes where grading, labeling and league tables take the centre stage. These high stakes tests are formally certified and the certificates determine one’s educational achievements in life and access to employment. There are also school based tests which are ultimately the responsibility of teachers and school administrators. However, these tests are a replica of the national examination papers and do not support student learning. The pedagogical culture is shifting the world over to one that conceptualizes learning as an active contextualized process of constructing knowledge based on personal experiences. In …

The Role Of Head Teacher In Supporting Teachers To Facilitate Academic Transition Of Learners From Primary To Secondary School, Shakila Omari Mkwazu

Master of Education

Transition of learners from primary to secondary school is a very crucial moment to the learners because lays the foundation to secondary school life. Learners struggle during the transition due to academic and social challenges which face them. For smooth transition, learners need support from both teachers and the head teacher. This study therefore, sought to investigate ‘the role of the head teacher in supporting teachers to facilitate the academic transition of learners from primary to secondary school’. The study employed a qualitative case study design and data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions, observation and document analysis. The …

Schools’ Engagement In Strategic Planning: A Comparative Study, Christine N. Wanjala

Master of Education

Strategic planning as an initiative to improve leadership and management of secondary schools has attracted attention in Kenya. What is striking though is how little systematic research has been undertaken to show schools’ experiences with strategic planning given that this is a new innovation. Anecdotal evidence indicates that while some schools have successfully engaged in strategic planning, others are still struggling. Many studies have been conducted on strategic planning in schools in the developed world. However, experiences with strategic planning are context specific. This research, therefore, sought to find out how two secondary schools in Kenya have engaged in strategic …

Exploring Mathematics Teachers’ Feedback On Learners’ Errors: Insights From A Secondary School Classrooms In Kenya, Kennedy Namasake Simiyu

Master of Education

Errors are a common phenomenon in mathematics classrooms. They signify gaps in learners’ knowledge, skills or understanding that requires to be addressed. Teachers use a range of assessment strategies to identify the gaps and provide feedback. This study explored mathematics teachers’ feedback on learners’ errors in form two level class of a public secondary school in Kenya. Specifically, the study sought to understand teachers’ views of learners’ errors, the nature of mathematics teachers’ verbal feedback on learners’ errors and the nature of teachers’ written feedback on learners’ errors. This qualitative study used interviews, lesson observation, document analysis and informal conversations …

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Interpretations Of Law And Ethics In Muslim Contexts, Aptin Khanbaghi

Muslim Civilisations Abstracts

Law within Muslim societies is not uniform; even within Muslim majority regions it can be interpreted differently according to different denominations and legal traditions. As law forms an integral part of normative social practice, reflecting the moral and ethical principles of a society, it is important to highlight the diversity of interpretations to better enable the study of law along with the ethical principles of a community.

Volume 2 of the MCA series brings together some of the many unheard voices of scholars studying law and ethics in languages other than English. It features 200 abstracts with bibliographical details in …

Exploring Distributed Leadership Practices And Their Influence On Teaching And Learning In A Kenyan Primary Teachers’ College, Chiuri P. Ndiritu

Master of Education

The concept of distributed leadership has gained prominence in the contemporary educational research and discourse. Distributed leadership practices are seen as a means of enhancing learning and improving educational institutions. However, little has been done to examine the enactment of distributed leadership and its influence on teaching and learning in Kenya. This study explored distributed leadership practices and their influence on teaching and learning in a Public Primary Teachers’ College in Kenya. The study employed a qualitative case study design to seek in depth understanding of distributed leadership practices and how they influence teaching and learning. The study participants included …

The Influence Of Head-Teacher’S Leadership Practices On Ensuring Students’ Retention Through School Feeding Programme: A Case Of A Community Secondary School In Moshi Rural District, Iddi Swalehe

Master of Education

Tanzania has embarked a major programme of constructing community secondary schools in each ward to expand access to secondary education. Since the introduction of Secondary Education Development Plan in 2004, large numbers of students were enrolled in these schools in rural areas. However, in some of these schools students’ dropout was reported to be a critical problem. This implies that students’ retention was not given its due attention. Head-teachers in some schools introduced school feeding programmes through parents’ contributions for children to get porridge and lunch at school as a means to improve students’ attendance and learning. This study was …

Implementation Of The Policy On Ict Integration In Teaching And Learning : A Case Of A Public Teachers’ College In Tanzania, Elisei Emili Lubuva

Master of Education

Around the world education systems are pursuing policies that embrace pedagogical integration of ICT in education as a means to develop a competitive human resource, for the global knowledge economy jobs and careers. In Tanzania, the ICT policy in Education has been developed to initiate the integration of ICT in teaching and learning at various levels of education in an attempt to prepare its citizenry for the knowledge economy. Data was collected in an empirical study about the implementation of the policy on ICT integration in teaching and learning by tutors in a public Teachers’ College. Multiple methods were adopted …

Instructional Supervision: An Exploratory Study Of Teachers’ And School Leaders’ Perceptions Of Effective Instructional Supervision, Kaggwa William Muganga

Master of Education

This study sought to explore teachers’ and school leaders’ perceptions of elements of effective instructional supervision based on constructs that were identified in literature. The study was in response to the reported ability of instructional supervision to improve the quality of learning as demanded by stakeholders in education. In addition, there was limited knowledge on what teachers and school leaders perceive as effective instructional supervision despite the known relationship between perception and practice. The study was conducted through a cross-sectional fixed design using a survey approach. Data were collected from teachers and leaders in the six selected private schools using …

Learners’ Experiences And Perceptions Of Learning In A Large English As A Second Language Class, In A Public Secondary School In Kenya., Maua Beatrice Aoka

Master of Education

Large classes are a major concern to teachers, students and all stakeholders of education because they are perceived to undermine the quality of education. This study explores learners’ experiences and perceptions of learning in a large ESL class. The study was conducted in a semi-urban public secondary school with large classes of above sixty students per class. A qualitative case study design was used. Methods of data collection included classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis. These were used to gather in depth information on the experiences of learners in a large ESL class. Data was transcribed, …

The Role Of Head Of School In Fostering School-Community Partnership For Enhancement Of Students Academic Performance: A Case Of Community Secondary School, In Tanzania, Sospeter Suleiman Kamunyila

Master of Education

The study aimed at investigating the role of the head of school in fostering school-community for enhancement of students’ academic performance in a community secondary school. The study followed a qualitative approach and a case study design. Thus data was collected through interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis methods. The study involved thirty two participants, including the head of school, two school board members, and two teachers from the school senior management team, eight parents and eight members of students’ government who were purposefully selected. The data was subjected to thematic analysis for further discussion and presentation. The findings …

Smasse Trained Science Teachers’ Address Of Gender Issues In Classrooms, Kamau Esther Wambui

Master of Education

The importance of Science education cannot be overemphasised in today’s world that is increasingly advancing scientifically and technologically. Nonetheless, the absence of women in scientific fields reflects serious gender inequities which emanate from the classroom. This qualitative case study investigated how Strengthening Mathematics and Science in Secondary Schools (SMASSE) trained Science teachers address gender issues in their classrooms. The study was conducted in Kiambu County and engaged two male Science teachers trained in gender issues during a SMASSE training. Twelve students; six girls and six boys in Form four class also participated in the study. Multiple data collection methods, namely, …

An Exploration Of Novice Teachers’ Experiences In Public Secondary Schools, Uganda, Rose Akullo

Master of Education

The experiences during the career entry phase of teaching plays a key role in shaping novice teachers’ practices and identity. The initial year is often filled with challenges as well as positive experiences. This study explored novice teachers’ experiences in public secondary schools in Uganda. A qualitative case study design was used to explore the nature of the novice teachers’ experiences as well as factors that contribute to the successful or challenging transition into the profession that many first year teachers face. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to ascertain novice teachers’ experience in their first year of service …

Influence Of Secondary School Students’ Prior Conceptions On Learning Outcomes: A Case Of Hiv And Aids Education In A Secondary School In Kenya, Grace Wanjiru Kimotho

Master of Education

The secondary HIV and AIDS education in Kenya is aimed at bringing about behavior change among the students through enabling them make informed decisions on issues regarding their sexuality to control the spread of the pandemic. An increase in case of sexually transmitted diseases, among secondary school students, pregnancy and abortions implies that secondary school students are engaging in unprotected sex predisposing themselves to HIV infection. Learners come to class with already formed ideas that explain the world around them. Some of these ideas are contrary to what is scientifically known about HIV and AIDS and have been referred to …

Resistance Patterns Of Mycobacterium Tuberculosis Isolates From Pulmonary Tuberculosis Patients In Nairobi, Perpetual Wangui Ndung’U, Samuel Kariuki, Zipporah Ng’Ang’A, Gunturu Revathi

Pathology, East Africa

Introduction: In Kenya, which ranks thirteenth of 27 high tuberculosis burden countries, diagnosis is based on Ziehl-Neelsen staining alone and patients are treated without information on sensitivity patterns. This study aimed to determine resistance patterns of Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolated from pulmonary samples.

Methodology: Pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Nairobi were randomly sampled after informed consent and recruited into the study using a structured questionnaire. Specimens were cultured in liquid and solid media, and drug susceptibility tests were performed for first-line drugs including (isoniazid, rifampin, streptomycin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide).

Results: Eighty-six (30%) of 286 isolates were resistant to at least one of …

Clinical Spectrum And Severity Of Hemolytic Anemia In Glucose 6-Phosphate Dehydrogenase-Deficient Children Receiving Dapsone, Allan Pamba, Naomi D. Richardson, Nick Carter, Stephan Duparc, Zul Premji, Alfred B. Tiono, Lucio Luzzatto

Pathology, East Africa

Drug-induced acute hemolytic anemia led to the discovery of G6PD deficiency. However, most clinical data are from isolated case reports. In 2 clinical trials of antimalarial preparations containing dapsone (4,4′-diaminodiphenylsulfone; 2.5 mg/kg once daily for 3 days), 95 G6PD-deficient hemizygous boys, 24 G6PD-deficient homozygous girls, and 200 girls heterozygous for G6PD deficiency received this agent. In the first 2 groups, there was a maximum decrease in hemoglobin averaging -2.64 g/dL (range -6.70 to +0.30 g/dL), which was significantly greater than for the comparator group receiving artemether-lumefantrine (adjusted difference -1.46 g/dL; 95% confidence interval -1.76, -1.15). Hemoglobin concentrations were decreased by …

Adherence To Artemether/Lumefantrine Treatment In Children Under Real-Life Situations In Rural Tanzania, D.O. Simba, D. Kakoko, G. Tomson, Zul Premji, M. Petzold, M. Mahindi, L.L. Gustafsson

Pathology, East Africa

A follow-up study was conducted to determine the magnitude of and factors related to adherence to artemether/lumefantrine (ALu) treatment in rural settings in Tanzania. Children in five villages of Kilosa District treated at health facilities were followed-up at their homes on Day 7 after the first dose of ALu. For those found to be positive using a rapid diagnostic test for malaria and treated with ALu, their caretakers were interviewed on drug administration habits. In addition, capillary blood samples were collected on Day 7 to determine lumefantrine concentrations. The majority of children (392/444; 88.3%) were reported to have received all …

Aku Newsletter : Winter 2012, Volume 13, Issue 1, Aga Khan University

The Aga Khan University Newsletters

No abstract provided.

Informal Support To First-Parents After Childbirth: A Qualitative Study In Low-Income Suburbs Of Dar Es Salaam, Tanzania, Columba Mbekenga, Andrea B. Pembe, Kyllike Christensson, Elisabeth Darj, Pia Olsson

School of Nursing & Midwifery, East Africa

Background: In Tanzania, and many sub-Saharan African countries, postpartum health programs have received less attention compared to other maternity care programs and therefore new parents rely on informal support. Knowledge on how informal support is understood by its stakeholders to be able to improve the health in families after childbirth is required. This study aimed to explore discourses on health related informal support to first-time parents after childbirth in low-income suburbs of Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.

Methods: Thirteen focus group discussions with first-time parents and female and male informal supporters were analysed by discourse analysis.

Results: The dominant discourse was …

Implementation Of A Novel Continuous Fetal Doppler (Moyo) Improves Quality Of Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate Monitoring In A Resource-Limited Tertiary Hospital In Tanzania: An Observational Study, Benjamin A. Kamala, Hege L. Ersdal, Ingvild Dalen, Muzdalfat Abeid, Matilda M. Ngarina, Jeffrey M. Perlman, Hussein Kidanto

Faculty of Health Sciences, East Africa

Background

Intrapartum Fetal Heart Rate (FHR) monitoring is crucial for the early detection of abnormal FHR, facilitating timely obstetric interventions and thus the potential reduction of adverse perinatal outcomes. We explored midwifery practices of intrapartum FHR monitoring pre and post implementation of a novel continuous automatic Doppler device (the Moyo).

Methodology

A pre/post observational study among low-risk pregnancies at a tertiary hospital was conducted from March to December 2016. In the pre-implementation period, intermittent monitoring was conducted with a Pinard stethoscope (March to June 2016, n = 1640 women). In the post-implementation period, Moyo was used for continuous FHR monitoring …