Effectiveness of in Service Teachers Training Programmes Offered by DSD at Primary Level in Punjab (Published)
The underlying purpose of the study is to investigate the effectiveness of in-service teacher training (ISTT) programmes conducted in Punjab by Directorate of Staff Development (DSD). It further evaluates the strength and weaknesses of the various executed training programmes by DSD within Punjab, Pakistan. The following Quantitative study intends to highlight the various variables which act as a comprehensive tool for the acquisition of expected or desired outcomes. It further states those variables involved which act as a catalyst to bring a significant change within the classroom premises, institutions or working places and the attitudes, methodology and teaching practices of teachers or professionals. For that purpose, surveys were conducted by using questionnaires in various areas of Punjab, Pakistan. The data was analyzed by using coding and SPSS-16. The conclusion drawn from the data analysis illustrates the positive influence of ISTT within the classroom as well as on individuals. It enables the teachers to identify their strengths and weaknesses as it has been proved as an efficient tool for self-evaluation, self learning and reflection. ISTT also bring change within in the classroom as it enables the teachers to understand the complexity of learning process more explicitly.
Keywords: DSD, Effectiveness, Evaluation, Knowledge, Practices, Skill, attitude, in-service teacher training (ISTT), professional development (PD)
The Attitude of Married Men and Women towards Family Planning Practices in Ekiti State, Nigeria (Published)
The study investigated attitude of married men and women towards family planning practices and the relationship between attitude and family planning practices in Ekiti State. Descriptive research of the survey design was used. The population for the study included all the married men and women in the 16 local Government Areas of Ekiti State. With the use of multistage sample procedure, a total of 1200 respondents were selected from the 16 local Government Areas of Ekiti State. A self-designed instrument was used for the study. The instrument was titled “Knowledge, Attitude and Family Planning Practices Questionnaire” (KAFPPQ). The instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor and experts in the field of English Language, Guidance and Counselling and Tests, Measurement and Evaluation. Split-half reliability method was used to ascertain the reliability of the instrument. A reliability coefficient of 0.82 was obtained and this is high enough to judge the instrument reliable. The instrument was administered by the researcher and trained research assistants in the Local Government Areas selected. The data generated were analysed using frequency counts, percentages and correlation analysis. It was discovered from the study that the attitude of married men and women towards family planning practices in Ekiti state is positive. The result further shows no significant relationship between attitude and family planning practices among married men and women in Ekiti State. The result showed significant relationship between religion and attitude towards family planning practice among married men and women in Ekiti State. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that the attitude of married men and women towards family planning practices in Ekiti state is positive. It was recommended that Nigeria government should encourage the establishment of daycare centres within public and private service areas so that married men and women will have the convenience of going to get contraceptives.
Keywords: Family Planning, Married Men, Women, attitude, practice
Socio-Cultural and Environmental Determinants of Youth Gambling: Evidence from Ghana (Published)
The gambling behaviour of the youth is among the least explored research areas in Ghana. Most previous study focused on youth and employment, youth and development, youth and politics, youth empowerment, youth and education, youth and HIV/AIDS and more recently youth and agriculture. The big question is how much do we know about youth and problem gambling as Ghanaians? This study deployed social learning theory and social conflict theory by Albert Bandura and Karl Max respectively as the underpinning philosophies to assess youth gambling attitude in Ghana in order to fill this knowledge gap. A cross sectional descriptive survey approach was adopted for this study. Stratified sampling technique was used to select 200 youth from all the nine sub metro within Kumasi metropolis. Structured questionnaire was the main instrument used in gathering primary data. Data were analyzed with Predictive Analytic Software (PASW) for windows. The results were presented using regression, correlation, ANOVA and percentages. The study revealed that all the factors outlined to predict youth gambling behaviour were significant (R2 = 0.822, ANOVA < 0.05). Furtherance, 1% change in familial factors will bring 70.7% (0.8412) in youth attitude towards gambling. Moreover, 1% change in social factors will bring 22.9% (0.4792) change in youth attitude towards gambling. Also, a unit change in cultural and demographic factors will bring 4.7% (0.2192) change in youth attitude towards gambling. Finally, a unite change in environmental factor will bring 2% (0.1422) change in youth attitude towards gambling. It is recommended that future studies should consider factors such as cognitive and economic factors to determine youth gambling behaviour.
Keywords: Cultural and Environmental factors, Gambling, Ghana, Social, Youth, attitude