Didactic Approaches of Teaching and Classroom Environment Influence on Academic Performance: A Perception of Gifted Students in Secondary Schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya (Published)
Academic performance is multifaceted variable including modes of teaching, classroom environment and students’ ability. Therefore, many gifted students may face myriads of academic challenges, which may however, be masked by their academic prowess, yet research into this realm is limited in Kenya. Therefore, the objectives of the study was to establish the perception of gifted students on teacher – centred teaching methods and classroom environment influence on academic performance. Findings indicated that a majority 84% (88) of respondents were uncomfortable with didactic approaches of teaching. Further, greater majority of the gifted students 81% (85) perceived the classroom environment as unconducive for effective learning. This means gifted learners due to their exceptional speed to comprehend facts and information fast tend to get bored and switch off resulting to poor academic performance. This implies that gifted students tend to enjoy application of interactive or engaging methods approaches of teaching and a conducive class environment to realise their academic prowess.
Keywords: Classroom Environment, Didactic, Perception, Teaching, gifted
Perception and Acceptance of Medical Chatbot Among Undergraduates in Ekiti State University, Nigeria (Published)
This study explores the perceptions and acceptance of medical chatbots among undergraduate students at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria. A medical chatbot is an artificially intelligent conversational agent that simulates human-like communication, catering to user inquiries and generating logical responses. These chatbots leverage natural language processing and machine learning to engage in dynamic interactions, retrieve relevant information, and adapt to new data. This research investigates two primary aspects: the perception of undergraduate students towards the use of medical chatbots and the level of acceptance of these chatbots among the same demographic. The study employs a descriptive cross-sectional survey design, involving a sample size of 300 undergraduate students, determined using Taro Yamane’s method. The data collection process includes a semi-structured questionnaire, validated by experts in Tests and Measurement and Public Health. The collected data are analyzed using SPSS version 28. The findings reveal an equitable gender distribution among participants, with a slightly higher representation of females. Additionally, a substantial proportion of respondents fall within the 18-25 age bracket, with a significant presence of undergraduates below 18 years old. The study indicates positive perceptions of medical chatbots among undergraduate students, suggesting a favorable view towards their adoption. While the majority of participants exhibit acceptance of medical chatbots, there is skepticism about the precision and reliability of healthcare suggestions provided by these platforms. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the positive perceptions and acceptance of medical chatbots among undergraduate students in Ekiti State University. The findings suggest a potential for integrating this technology into healthcare, education, and research endeavors, while acknowledging the need for further investigation into the underlying factors influencing these perceptions. As the healthcare landscape evolves, chatbots can potentially offer valuable contributions to enhancing health services, especially in scenarios where in-person visits are unnecessary. However, continuous research is essential to ensure their accuracy, trustworthiness, and effectiveness across diverse demographic groups
Keywords: Acceptance, Perception, Undergraduates, medical chatbot
Teachers’ Perceptions on Quality Assurance Officers’ Classroom Observation in Improving Students’ Performance in Certificate of Secondary Educational Examination in Mwanga District (Published)
The research study focused on teachers’ perceptions on the classroom observation of Quality Assurance Officers in improving performance of Certificate of Secondary Educational Examination (CSEE) in Mwanga district. The study was anchored by expectancy theory by Lewin and Tolman in 1932. The study employed quantitative approach whereby cross-sectional survey design. the target population was 24 heads of schools, 412 teachers from 24 public secondary school in Mwanga district and 7 Quality Assurance Officers. Sample random and stratified sampling technics were used to get 5 Quality Assurance Officers, 8 heads of schools and 82 secondary school teachers to make a sample size of 95 participants. Validation of instruments was done by two research experts from MWECAU. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers and interview schedule to heads of schools and Quality Assurance Officers. The data were analyzed quantitatively using descriptive statistics. Before actual data analysis, a pilot study was conducted to establish the reliability of data through Cronbach Alpha (r=0.71 for teachers’ questionnaire data). The finding revealed that 3.083 mean percentage of teachers indicated that Quality Assurance Officers conduct their classroom observation role in assessing content delivery, teaching and learning methods, availability of teaching and learning documents, preparation of teaching documents for improving students’ performance in CSEE. However, it was indicated that various factors influenced teachers’ perceptions with most noticeable one of being past experiences of teachers to Quality Assurance Officers. The study concluded that 3.083 mean score of teachers in Mwanga district have positive perceptions on classroom observation by Assurance Officers. However, it was also concluded that some teachers still take Quality Assurance Officers as fault finding people due to factors like past experiences with school inspectors. The study recommended that conducting frequent school visit, using friendly, respectful communications with teachers will improved the perceptions of teachers. But also, Quality Assurance Officers should have a regular follow up mechanisms in order to ensure that their feedback report is implemented as expected
Keywords: Perception, Quality assurance office, Teachers, classroom observation
Retrospective Assessment of the Successes and Challenges of Double Track system in Senior High Schools in Sekyere Central District of Ghana (Published)
In our world today, education has gained the recognition as one of the ways of enhancing standards of living and achieving developmental goals. The double tract system was an intervention strategy which was introduced by the government of Ghana to help solved the challenges involved in the Free Senior High School policy programme. This study sought to identify the successes and challenges of the double track system in senior high schools in Sekyere central district. The study used a descriptive cross-sectional survey and quantitative method to collect data from randomly sampled 150 teachers, 300 students and 150 parents in senior high schools in Sekyere central district. Structured questionnaire was used for the data collection. The results of the study showed that the double track system has led to improvement in teacher-student ratio, increased contact hours, efficient use of school resources and the employment of new teachers. On the contrary, the study identified inadequate stakeholders’ consultation prior to its implementation, inadequate provision of logistics and funds by the governments, incompletion of syllabus owing to increased number of holidays, difficulties in maintaining school facilities as a result of all year usage as the major challenges confronting the implementation of double track system. Moreover, majority of teachers perceived that the intervention has not positively affected quality of education at the senior high school because of several setbacks whiles majority of parents and students were of the view that the intervention has positively affected quality of education at the senior high school level. I therefore recommend that government should ensure adequate supply of resources for effective management of this programme in the various senior high schools.
Citation: Benedict Osei-Owusu and Akenten-Appiah Menka (2021) Retrospective Assessment of the Successes and Challenges of Double Track system in Senior High Schools in Sekyere Central District of Ghana, British Journal of Education, Vol. 9, Issue 9, pp.18-30
Keywords: Challenges, Perception, Quality of Education, Senior High School, Successes, double track system
Female Students’ Participation in Mathematics Education at the University Level in Ghana (Published)
For more than three decades now, a great body of research studies have been conducted to address the issue of gender disparities in mathematics education across the globe as a result of the minimal participation of females in mathematics education in higher levels of education. The primary purpose of this study, however, was to investigate female students’ participation in mathematics education at the university level. It considered 99 female students’ studying mathematics education from the University of Cape Coast and the University of Education, Winneba. The study used descriptive survey design to analyse both qualitative and quantitative data gathered from respondents. The study revealed among other things that the trend of enrolment of female students’ in mathematics education is on the decline. Also, the study revealed that enjoyment derived from studying mathematics education, career opportunities in mathematics education, desire to study mathematics education, interest in mathematics education, were some of the reasons why female students participate in mathematics education. The assertion that mathematics is a male domain subject was not a perception of female mathematics education students who participated in this study. Conclusions, implications and recommendations are further discussed in the work.
Keywords: Mathematics Education, Participation, Perception, female students, university level
Tutors’ Perception about Teacher Trainees’ Appraisal of Tutors’ Performance as Part of Quality Teaching and Learning in the Colleges of Education in Ghana (Published)
The study intended to explore the perception of the college tutors about the performance appraisal of tutors by the student teachers as part of quality teaching and learning in the Colleges of Education in Ghana as well as improving the tutors’ performance and development. . Sixty seven (67) tutors were randomly selected from three Colleges of Education to constitute the sample for the study. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. The study found that college tutors generally acknowledged the relevance of performance appraisal to their job goals and development. Secondly, college tutors perceived performance appraisal feedback as irregular and unconstructive and did not reflect their actual performance. Thirdly, college tutors perceived the performance appraisal processes as being unfair because they were left out in the discussion of the assessment procedures claiming that performance appraisal by the student teachers alone is not enough, Fourthly, college tutors perceived that the student teachers judgment were affected by hallo and horn effect. Last but not least, college tutors somehow did not take their performance appraisal by the student teachers alone very seriously. It was recommended that assessment procedures and items leading to appraising the performance of the college tutors should be discussed with them to enable them state their positions openly in order to satisfy their needs. Also, there should be the need for triangulation of the assessment processes leading to appraising the performance of the college tutors to ensure checks and balances as well as validity of the results. Finally, performance appraisal feedback should be made regular, constructive, fair and useful to enable college tutors receive and support the programme as genuinely helping them to improve their performance and development.
Keywords: Appraisal, Perception, Performance, Quality, Teaching and Learning
Perception of Teachers on the Effectiveness of In-Service Education and Training at the Basic Schools in Akatsi District of Ghana (Published)
This study sought to investigate the perception of teachers on the effectiveness of in-service education and training (INSET) at the basic schools in Akatsi South District of Ghana. It also sought to find out how often in-service training programmes were organized in the district and how effective the training programme were. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used in carrying out the investigation using a sample of 60 teachers in Akatsi District of Ghana. Also, stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents. The main instruments for data collection were questionnaire and interview. The study revealed that majority of the teachers perceived or rated INSET programmes organized for them as being adequate and very effective with regards to teaching and learning in the district. On the other hand, most of the head-teachers (70%) debunk the assertion made by the teachers that INSET programmes were very effective with regard to teaching and learning in the district. They were of the view that most teachers who attend in-service training did not perform effectively in their work with regard to understanding pupils’ errors, enhancing teachers’ knowledge, preparing effective lesson notes, selection and use of appropriate TLMs and interpreting the curriculum concerning teaching and learning in the district. It was recommended among others that the organizers of in-service training programmes in Akatsi district look for qualified instructors who understand the needs of the teachers to handle the various subject areas during INSET programmes and place more emphasis on the professional skill development aspect of the teacher.
Keywords: Effectiveness, Perception, in-service training
Perception of Teachers on the Effectiveness of Inservice Education and Training at the Basic Schools in Akatsi District of Ghana (Published)
This study sought to investigate the perception of teachers on the effectiveness of in-service education and training (INSET) at the basic schools in Akatsi South District of Ghana. It also sought to find out how often in-service training programmes were organized in the district and how effective the training programme were. A descriptive cross-sectional survey was used in carrying out the investigation using a sample of 60 teachers in Akatsi District of Ghana. Also, stratified random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents. The main instruments for data collection were questionnaire and interview. The study revealed that majority of the teachers perceived or rated INSET programmes organized for them as being adequate and very effective with regards to teaching and learning in the district. On the other hand, most of the head-teachers (70%) debunk the assertion made by the teachers that INSET programmes were very effective with regard to teaching and learning in the district. They were of the view that most teachers who attend in-service training did not perform effectively in their work with regard to understanding pupils’ errors, enhancing teachers’ knowledge, preparing effective lesson notes, selection and use of appropriate TLMs and interpreting the curriculum concerning teaching and learning in the district. It was recommended among others that the organizers of in-service training programmes in Akatsi district look for qualified instructors who understand the needs of the teachers to handle the various subject areas during INSET programmes and place more emphasis on the professional skill development aspect of the teacher.
Keywords: Effectiveness, Perception, in-service training
Relevance of Entrepreneurial Studies as Perceived by Vocational Education Undergraduate Students in Nigeria (Published)
This study investigated the perception of undergraduate vocational education students on the relevancy of entrepreneurial Studies in Ekiti state. In order to elicit information required for this study, three research questions were developed and answered while two null hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. A 17 item structured questionnaire titled vocational education students’ entrepreneurial studies perception (VESESP) was developed for data collection. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The sample for the study was 84 respondents made up of 97 male and 49 female vocational educational students in the two institutions running vocational education programs in Ekiti state. Face and content validity were carried out on the structured questionnaire by two experts in vocational and technical and education. The Cronbach alpha method was used to compute the reliability of the questionnaire to obtain a co-efficient of 0.79. Mean and standard deviation were used to analyse the research questions while t-test statistics and ANOVA were used to test the hypothesis. Based on the data collected and analysed, it was discovered that majority of respondent view entrepreneurship education as desirable and that entrepreneurship education prepares students very well for future entrepreneurial careers, there were also no significant differences among students running various degree programmes among other findings. However, it was also observed that there are various challenges facing entrepreneurship education as perceived by the students, this includes; students not having the opportunity to interact with high level entrepreneurs, inability of students to be able to prepare business plan after attending entrepreneurship education classes among others. Recommendations were thereafter made on ways to improve on entrepreneurship education courses in order to achieve the desired objectives of making vocational and technical education graduates to be job creator rather than job seekers.
Keywords: Entrepreneurship education, Perception, Undergraduate Students, Vocational education
An Assessment of Basic School Teachers’ Perception of the Impact of Motivation on Their Productivity in Ghana (Published)
This study aimed at examining basic school teachers’ perception of the impact of motivation on JHS teacher productivity in the Asante Akim South district of Ghana. The descriptive survey design was used in conducting the study and the population was all the JHS teachers in the district with a sample size of 217, made up of 179 males and 38 females. A questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.74 was used for data collection. Key findings indicated that majority (97.2%) of teachers admitted that government’s study leave with pay policy was necessary for teacher productivity, eighty five percent (85%) of teachers were of the opinion that promotion was a necessary condition for teacher productivity, and there was a strong positive correlation between teachers’ salaries and teacher productivity. It was recommended that the quota system introduced into the study leave with pay policy should be removed to enable many teachers benefit from the facility. The district best teacher award scheme should cover at least 50% of teachers in the district, and promotion in the Ghana Education Service (GES) should be based on hard work rather than long service and further education.
Keywords: Basic School, Motivation, Perception, Productivity, Teachers