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Access, usage and influence of mass media on students' academic performance: A private university experience
Alcohol use among school-going adolescents in Mozambique: prevalence and correlates
Alcohol use among school-going adolescents in Mozambique: prevalence and correlates
by Darteh, Eugene Kofuor Maafo
Keep ReadingTransferring and sustaining technological innovations after professional development: Insights from school leaders and teachers in Sub-Saharan Africa
Technology Leadership Practices of End Users and the Adoption of E-Learning in Midwifery Institutions in Uganda
Sustainable Development Goal for Education: Teachers’ Perspectives on Climate Change Education in Senior High Schools (SHS)
Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
Preferred teaching styles of medical faculty: an international multi-center study
Preferred teaching styles of medical faculty: an international multi-center study
by Wail Nuri Osman Mukhtar
Keep ReadingPractices of EFL teachers in test construction
Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents: In Cases of Selected High School Students
Adaptation and Strategic Retirement of Secondary School Teachers
Unveiling the power of Social Studies in combating corruption: Tertiary students’ perspectives
Unveiling the power of Social Studies in combating corruption: Tertiary students’ perspectives
by Minadzi, Vincent Mensah
Keep ReadingPrevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among preschool children in Jimma town, South West Ethiopia
Access, usage and influence of mass media on students' academic performance: A private university experience
by Ogadimma Arisukwu
Previous studies on the influence of mass media on students' academics are common, but none relating to private missionary schools with core values such as these has been rigorously evaluated. To determine the medium of media accessible to students, examine the purpose of media usage and media influence on students' academic performance triangulated research design was adopted with the use of quantitative data through questionnaire and qualitative data through in-depth interview. The sampling technique adopted was stratified random sampling. The framework utilized to examine the data is the Uses & Gratifications theory. A number of significant findings firstly access to media mediums and contents are influenced by the University Christian values. Secondly, almost all of the respondents perceived the internet as the most useful communication medium to connect with their friends and families. Thirdly, a significant number of students were dependent solely on the internet contents for academic purpose. Finally, students also perceived media had an important influence in their academic performance. Students should develop good reading habits; mass media access and usage should be designed in line with academic needs, interests, aspirations and values of both the audience (students) and the society (university). Another contribution is that educational institutions, academicians as well as enterprises should familiarize with changing technologies, develop policy that will impact on student access and usage of mass media mediums as it affects their academics.
Alcohol use among school-going adolescents in Mozambique: prevalence and correlates
by Darteh, Eugene Kofuor Maafo
Background: This study examined the prevalence of alcohol use among 1793 in-school adolescents in Mozambique using the Global school-based health survey dataset. Methods: The data was analyzed using STATA version 14.2. Both bivariate and multivariable analyses were employed. Results: It was found that the prevalence of alcohol use was 13.8%, 10% and 3.2% respectively for current alcohol use, drunkenness and alcohol problems. The results further showed that adolescents who were truants and smoked cigarettes had higher odds of being current alcohol users. However, adolescents whose parents knew about their activity had lower odds of being current alcohol users. Adolescents aged 15 and above, being attacked and smoking cigarettes had higher odds of drunkenness while those who had suicidal attempts and those whose parents checked their homework had lower odds of drunkenness. The results also showed that adolescents who were aged 15 and above, attacked, engaged in a fight and smoked cigarette had higher odds of having alcohol problems while those whose parents had knowledge of their activities had lower odds of having alcohol problems. Conclusions: To reduce this public health problem among adolescents in Mozambique, these factors should be considered in the development of school-based health interventions to tackle alcohol use. © 2021 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.
Transferring and sustaining technological innovations after professional development: Insights from school leaders and teachers in Sub-Saharan Africa
by Agyei, Douglas Darko
Desiring technology-related change promotes reform-oriented technology integration to create a lasting impact on education. Nonetheless, most technology projects in Sub-Saharan Africa least achieved this target. Research points to quality professional development (PD) as a significant influence in achieving this. This follow-up study is on a cohort of 6,351 school leaders and teachers from six Sub-Saharan African countries who participated in a digital instructional PD targeted at building their capacity to embed ICT into school organisation and curriculum practices. The study sought to evaluate the impact of the PD programme in relation to the quality and the extent of the participants’ transfer of the programme’s ideas from capacity building to school organisation and classroom practices. A semi-structured survey instrument and diaries, kept to maintain records of activities and events during the period of implementation, were data channels. Findings revealed that stakeholder groups expressed general satisfaction with content and processes of the training programme; however, essential conditions to support transfer of the training’s ideas to school level seemed inadequate during the period of implementation. Implications of the study for effective technology-related PD that have sustainable impact on educational practices particularly in Sub-Saharan regions and similar contexts are discussed in this article. © 2022. Douglas Darko Agyei.
Technology Leadership Practices of End Users and the Adoption of E-Learning in Midwifery Institutions in Uganda
by Bigirwa, June Patrick
E-learning has gained popularity in Uganda. Midwifery institutions have invested in it to manage the increasing demand for education. However, its adoption is low, which is likely to hinder the enhancement of numbers, competencies, and skill mix of midwives. The study intended to ascertain if technology leadership practices were significant to e-learning adoption and sketch core practices. Ten midwifery institutions and 167 end users participated in the study. Two phases of data collection and analysis were executed. Technology leadership practices had substantial effect on adoption of e-learning (n = 167, r = 0.691, & p = 0.000), and was responsible for 47.5% of the change. Core technology leadership practices were; commitment to provide e-learning facilities; encouragement of learners to use e-learning facilities; appreciating those who excel at using e-learning facilities; grooming of e-learning champions; supportive environment for technological use; and institutionalising technological use in school activities. Midwifery institutions can focus on technology leadership core practices to improve e-learning adoption.
Sustainable Development Goal for Education: Teachers’ Perspectives on Climate Change Education in Senior High Schools (SHS)
by Opuni-Frimpong, Nana Yeboaa
Any program intended to equip the populace, particularly young people, to combat climate change and its repercussions must include education. As crucial stakeholders in education, teachers have the primary responsibility of preparing young people to deal with the effects of climate change. In two districts of Ghana’s Bono region, the study assessed SHS teachers’ viewpoints on climate change and their willingness to include climate change concerns in classes. The degree to which climate change was incorporated into the syllabi of selected disciplines was also assessed. For this study, data was collected from a hundred (n = 100) SHS teachers from 10 of the 15 schools in the study area using a simple random sampling method. The Pearson chi-square test was used to examine the association between the subject content and teachers’ desire to teach climate change. The data were analyzed using SPSS (v25). The findings demonstrated that teachers’ readiness to educate about climate change was influenced by the subjects they taught. Subjects that were not science-based provided little information on climate change to teachers. Climate change is addressed in many areas in Integrated Science and Social Studies, and it is a core topic for all students. Climate change should be taught using an interdisciplinary approach, and in-service training for teachers could be beneficial. © 2022 by the authors. Licensee MDPI, Basel, Switzerland.
Soil transmitted helminth infection in primary school children varies with ecozone in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Tanzania
by Morona, D
Background Soil-transmitted helminthiasis is a neglected tropical disease, thriving in environments of poverty and disadvantage. Our objective was to determine the prevalence and intensity of four soil transmitted helminths (STH) among primary school children in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area (NCA), Tanzania. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed between May 15(th) and June 2(nd), 2014. Six of 20 primary schools were chosen, based on elevation, designated low elevation ecozone (LEE) or high elevation ecozone (HEE). A total of 340 children from standards one to four were recruited. Height and weight of each child was determined and body mass index (BMI) was calculated. Stool samples were analyzed using the Kato-Katz, Wisconsin, and Baermann techniques to detect STH eggs and larvae. An interviewer-administered questionnaire on socio-demographic variables was used to capture information from the school's headmaster and a checklist was used to assess sanitation facilities. Results STHs identified included Ascaris (presumably lumbricoides), Trichuris (presumably trichiura), hookworms (presumably Ancylostoma duodenale and/or Necator americanus), and Strongyloides (presumably stercoralis). The overall prevalence of STH infection was 29.0% in LEE and 34.0% in HEE. Prevalence was 34.3% and 28.2% in males versus females, respectively. Ascaris sp. were only identified in HEE, prevalence of Trichuris sp. and hookworms were significantly higher in HEE compared to LEE, and Strongyloides spp. prevalence was lower in HEE. Intensity of Trichuris sp. was significantly higher in HEE and lower for hookworms. We did not detect a significant relationship between BMI and helminth intensity; however, BMI was lower in lower elevations and in males vs. females. Sanitation practices are taught at the schools, but challenges were identified when implementing. Latrine facilities were available and latrine-cleaning routines were practiced; however, hand washing practices were challenging due to restricted water availability. Conclusions Significant differences in prevalence in HEE and LEE exist, and STH infections are still very common among school children suggesting that anthelminthic intervention and education may be necessary in this region. Based on this outcome, the study area in the NCA would be classified as a medium risk area, where periodic treatment recommendations should be based on prevalence estimations in the different ecozones.
Preferred teaching styles of medical faculty: an international multi-center study
by Wail Nuri Osman Mukhtar
Background: In the current wave of educational reforms, understanding teaching styles of medical faculty can help modify instructional strategies for effective teaching. Few studies have probed distinctive teaching styles of medical faculty. We compared preferred teaching styles of faculty from seven medical schools in United Arab Emirates, the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, Malaysia, Pakistan, and Sudan. Methods: The validated Grasha-Riechmann teaching style inventory was administered online for data collection and used SPSS version 20.0 for statistical analysis. Results: Of the 460 invitees, 248 responded (response rate; 54%). Delegator teaching style was most common with a highest median and mean of 2.38 and 2.45, respectively. There was a significant correlation between expert and authority teaching styles, correlation coefficient 0.62. Similarly, we found a significant correlation between authority teaching style and nature of curriculum, correlation coefficient 0.30. Multiple regression analysis showed that only authority teaching style and male gender had significant correlation. Interestingly, 117 (47%) teachers disagreed with the teaching philosophy of delivering course contents by strictly following learning outcomes. Female teachers (114/248) were more willing to negotiate with their students regarding how and what to teach in their course, while male teachers tended to allow more autonomy by allowing students to set their learning agenda. Conclusions: This study showed that the medical teachers preferred delegator teacher style that promotes students’ collaboration and peer-to-peer learning. Most teachers are conscious of their teaching styles to motivate students for scientific curiosity. These findings can help medical educators to modify their teaching styles for effective learning. © 2020, The Author(s).
Practices of EFL teachers in test construction
by Tewachew, Abebe
This study aimed to examine the practices of EFL teachers in test construction. It was conducted in six purposively selected secondary schools. The study addressed the following question: What are the practices of EFL teachers in test construction? The theoretical basis of the study was Bloom’s taxonomy. The design of the study was a convergent parallel mixed design along with a pragmatism paradigm. Questionnaire, semistructured interviews, nonparticipant observation and document analysis were used to collect the data. On the bases of this, the findings revealed that EFL teachers did not receive test development training. To this effect, they skipped crucial steps of test construction: the planning stage, designing stage and tryout stage. Additionally, the results of the study indicated that grammar and reading were the focus areas of the tests. The constructed exams were found that there were no tasks involving critical thinking or problem solving. Furthermore, the archive analysis data showed that EFL teachers did not follow the trend of Bloom’s taxonomy as a framework while designing tests. This study suggested that education professionals in zone and woreda should prepare for test development training in light of these findings. © 2024 The Author(s). Published by Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.
Determinants of Risky Sexual Behaviors Among Adolescents: In Cases of Selected High School Students
by Mekonnen, Getachew A.
Adolescence is a stage that human beings face once throughout a lifetime, and it is the experimental period. For this reason, risky sexual behavior is common among young people, and it has several sexual and reproductive health consequences. In Ethiopia, as in many other settings, the behaviors of adolescents strongly influence the course of STDs including HIV/AIDS due to their risky sexual practices. This study is a descriptive cross-sectional survey research design. The finding showed that pocket money, peer pressure, substance use, and self-efficacy to resist sexual advances are associated with risky sexual behaviors. The findings regarding gender difference showed that there was no statistically significant difference between male and female students with regard to age of first sexual intercourse. A risk factor for unsafe sexual behavior of adolescents was abuse of alcohol, Khat, Shisha, Tela, and cigarettes. Parents and different stakeholders providing the necessary knowledge and skills for adolescents is the recommendation. © 2022, IGI Global. Copying or distributing in print or electronic forms without written permission of IGI Global is prohibited.
Adaptation and Strategic Retirement of Secondary School Teachers
by Obella, Elisha
This study explains strategic retirement amongst Uganda’s secondary school teachers using work adjustment and development theories. Data relating to psychological adaptation and socio cultural adaptation were attained using a cross-sectional quantitative approach. Primary data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire from 356 responses were received out of the 381 questionnaires that were distributed in 112 secondary schools in western and eastern Uganda. Data were analyzed using Statistical Program for Social Sciences (SPSS) and Analysis of Moment Structures (AMOS). The authors found that there a significant positive relationship between adaptation and strategic retirement amongst Uganda’s secondary school teachers. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Science+Business Media, LLC, part of Springer Nature.
Unveiling the power of Social Studies in combating corruption: Tertiary students’ perspectives
by Minadzi, Vincent Mensah
This study employed a qualitative approach to examine tertiary students’ perspectives on leveraging Social Studies in the fight against corruption in Ghana. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 21 students from a distance training institution. Some of the variables investigated were causes of corruption and the extent to which students perceived Social Studies as a potential force to combat corruption. The semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data from research participants while thematic analysis was adopted. Data from the study revealed that corruption in Ghana is caused by factors such as weak institutions, greed, poverty-related issues and cultural practices. The results also indicated that Social Studies could significantly help curb corruption. Beside Social Studies, other measures including strengthening institutions, meting out severe punishment to culprits and moral education can also reduce corruption. It was, therefore, recommended that the Ministry of Education through the Ghana Education Service should retool the Social Studies subject, and make it compulsory at all levels of education since it has the potential to reduce corruption. © 2024 by author(s).
Prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among preschool children in Jimma town, South West Ethiopia
by Melese Sinaga Teshome
Undernutrition is a major public health problem disproportionately high in the developing world. In Ethiopia, child undernutrition remained a key public health problem despite lots of interventions. According to 2016 EDHS, 38% of children under age 5 are stunted; 10% are wasted, and 24% are underweight. Data specific to the nutritional status of preschool children in Jimma zone as well as the country is limited. The main objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of undernutrition and associated factors among preschool children in Jimma town. A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 408 preschool children 36-59 months aged in Jimma town from March 1-April 15/2018. Systematic sampling techniques were used in selecting the study participants. Data were exported from EPI data version 4.1 to SPSS version 20 for statistical analysis. Anthropometric data was analyzed by WHO Anthro (2006) and principal component analysis was done to generate house hold wealth index. Both descriptive and multivariable logistic regressions were used to identify independent predictors of nutritional status. Finally, variables with a p-value <0.05 was statistically significant. The prevalence of stunting, underweight and wasting was about 21.8%, 15.2%, and 17.2%, respectively. This study showed that children from food-insecure households were 3.7 times stunted [AOR=3.731; (95% CI= 2.037-6.836)]; similarly, children whose mothers had no formal education were 3.9 times stunted [AOR= 3.98; (95% CI=1.206-13.127)]. In addition, children who share food from the same plate were 2.2 times stunted than their counterparts [AOR= 2. 228;(95%CI= 1.251-3.971)] and children who fed one to two times per day were 2.8 times more likely to be stunted as compared to those who fed four to five times per day [AOR= 2.82 (95% CI= 1.251-3.971)]. Furthermore, children from low socioeconomic status were 3.4 times wasted as compared to those children from high socioeconomic households [AOR = 3.453 (95%CI =1.255-9.510)], children from family size of five and above were 3 times wasted than those children from family size less than five [AOR =3.090 (95% CI= 1.198-7.972)]. There existed a substantial level of stunting and wasting among preschool children. Maternal education, feeding on the same plate, frequency of feeding per day and household food security status was associated with stunting, while wasting was associated with family size, wealth index, age of mother and fever during the past 2 weeks. © 2020 African Scholarly Science Communications Trust (ASSCAT).
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