Vol 4 Issue 3 May 2017-June 2017

Abstract: This paper examines the use of textbook illustrations in the teaching of reading comprehension. These are the underlying issues that emerge out of a research that was conducted in Kathiani District in Kenya, 2010-2011. The study objective was to find out how the teachers of English help learners to make use of textbook illustrations in the instruction of reading comprehension passages. The theoretical framework was based on Piaget’s cognitive development theory and Anderson’s schema theory of learning. The study used a descriptive survey approach of research. The target population constituted 26 registered secondary schools in Kathiani district. Stratified random sampling was used to select 24 out of the 26 registered secondary schools in the district. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling was used to select form two streams and one teacher of English in the sampled schools. The study sample comprised 24 form two teachers of English from the sampled schools. The instruments of data collection were: a learner reading task, classroom observation and questionnaires. The research instruments were pre-tested to establish their reliability and validity. The data collected was analyzed and interpreted using descriptive statistical techniques. This study found out that teachers help learners to make use of textbook illustrations during the instruction of reading comprehension passages. The findings of this study will enable learners, teachers, curriculum designers, course book designers, ministry of education, science and technology and Kenya institute of education to review their attention in the use of textbook illustrations in the teaching of reading comprehension.

Abstract: The study focused on the availability and utilization of instructional materials for teaching chemistry in senior secondary schools in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. Four research questions were posed to guide the study. It adopted descriptive survey design. The sample size comprised of 36 chemistry teachers in 30 secondary schools selected by simple random technique from the total population of 75 secondary schools in Ankpa Local Government Area of Kogi State. Two instruments namely checklist of availability of instructional materials (r = 0.71) and teachers’ questionnaire titled utilization and inhibiting factors chemistry questionnaire (r =0.76) were used for data collection. The data obtained were analysed using simple percentage, mean and standard deviation. The results revealed that good number of laboratory equipment and audio instructional materials were available but were not adequately utilized and the audio visual materials were neither available nor utilized for chemistry instruction. It was also found that lack of fund, poor implementation policy, lack of motivation among others were the factors inhibiting effective provision and utilization of instructional materials for chemistry instruction. It was recommended that chemistry teachers should endeavour to utilize the available instructional materials and that government should ensure adequate provision of fund for the procurement of the instructional materials.

Abstract: The Open University of Sri Lanka the only open and distance University in the country still depend somewhat heavily on printed course materials for some of its courses. This is especially the case in teacher professional development courses conducted by the faculty of education of the University. In Open and Distance Learning (ODL) the need to ensure the interactivity with the learners is still a major issue. With the commencement of conducting online courses the issue of ensuring interaction with learners has been simplified to a certain extent. However the Universities which conduct ODL courses using printed material as the main delivery method such as those mentioned above need to include various components in the printed course materials to enhance interaction. Such a provision would contribute to proper open educational practices. The data obtained in respect to the printed modules of the Principles of Education (ESP2202) of the Post Graduate Diploma in Education Programme (PGDE) conducted by the department of Secondary and Tertiary Education were considered for the paper. The main interactive components in the modules were the Pre-Tests, Activities and Assignments. The main objectives of the study were to find the students’ perceptions about the interactive components, the extent to which they utilize them, find which of the interactive components they mostly interact with, investigate whether there is a relationship between utilization and their performance in doing course assignments and make suggestions to enhance their effectiveness. A random sample of 80 was initially selected from the student teachers attached to the Colombo Regional Centre which had a population of 325 students following the programme in Sinhala, Tamil and English media in 2015/2016 academic year. A mail questionnaire, which was one of the data collection instruments were posted to the sample and only 38 students responded. Therefore the final sample stood at 38. Out of them telephone interviews were conducted with 5 students who agreed to be interviewed over the phone. The analysis done both qualitatively and quantitatively revealed that the perceptions were both positive as well as negative. One of the positive perceptions was that doing the interactive activities help them in facing the final examination. A negative perception was that as feedback is not provided there is no point in doing them. The utilization was highest for the pre-tests and lowest for the activities. The calculation of the Pearson’s correlation coefficient for both pre-tests and activities revealed that although positive relationships are foundt for both components they are not strong and therefore not significant. One of the major suggestions was to provide feedback in the modules itself or at least at day schools.

Abstract: Recently, there has been a rapid development of mobile applications (apps) for language learning purposes. An app namely VocBlast is designed to provide new learning experiences for engineering students to improve knowledge in technical vocabulary. The paper investigates the students’ viewpoints about the impact of using VocBlast to learn technical vocabulary between genders. 68 students from University Malaysia Pahang (UMP) were selected as samples using purposive random sampling method. A Likert-type questionnaire was employed to gauge students’ perceptions in using VocBlast. Using independent samples t-test, the results of the study revealed that there was no significant difference between genders on the impact of using VocBlast to learn technical vocabulary. This suggests that both genders equally perceived VocBlast as a useful vocabulary mobile app to learn technical vocabulary.  In terms of learning pedagogy, the study extends the knowledge of mobile learning by providing insights on engineering students’ positive attitude in adopting vocabulary mobile app to learn technical vocabulary.

Abstract: Although professionalism is at the heart of every profession, it is doubtful if it has reached its apex among Social Studies Educators in Nigerian Primary and Secondary Schools. To achieve this, the study undertook the conceptual method of ascertaining the views of scholars in the subject area in a hi-tech society. On analysing their views, it was discovered that there is complacency in promoting professionalism among educators of Social Studies in the country. It was also gathered that there has not been significant efforts by Teacher Associations or the government in promoting interest in the teaching of Social Studies in Primary and Secondary Schools in the country. The need to promote greater professionalism among educators in that field especially in the area of information technology, giving incentives to educators in the area and promoting teacher-awards were recommended for optimum performance.

Abstract:The extension function made the institution’s presence felt in the community. It is an integral function of a public higher education institution. This every unit and their corresponding faculty are mandated to conduct sustainable extension program/activity related to its program offerings. The College of Policy Studies, Education and Management (CPSEM) continuously providing the necessary skills and competencies of the teachers particularly those handling the K to 12 programs of the department of education. This activity is focusing on the generation of technical and entrepreneurial skills in commercial cooking, food processing, bread and pastry production, and automotive mechanics and servicing. After three (3) years (2012-2015) of CPSEM continuously providing the technologies needed by the DepEd teachers. This study aimed to assess the influence of the skills training conducted to the lives of the teachers teaching technology and livelihood education subjects under the TVL strand. All the respondents gained and enriched their knowledge and expertise in the world of culinary Arts. They learned commercial cooking skills in different cooking methods and preparation of Asian cuisines such as rice and pasta preparations, salads and sandwiches, herbs and spices, stocks and sauces, and soups. In food processing, they learned competencies in smoking, curing, salting, sugar concentrates, dehydration, and fermentation.  While in bread and pastry production, they learned more about bakery products like pastry, cakes, bread, icing, filling and toppings.  They attended the training programs for enriching their knowledge and skills and its strategies for teaching technology subjects.  The respondents believed that the training was highly valuable thus they are now confident to teach the technical skills subjects with competitive value. The beneficiaries of this training were the following DepEd teachers coming from St Joseph Academy, Cagayan de Oro  City High school, Misamis Oriental General Comprehensive High School, Indahag National High School, St Mary’s High School, Molugan National School and Nanuri  International School.  All the knowledge and skills were used primarily on the k to 12 capability building in teaching specific core competencies per qualification titles equipping them to earn national certificate level 2, and National TVET Trainers Certificate (NTTC).  These documents will affirm them that they are competent assessors in their field of specialization.   The university sustained its plans and implementation of an extension program that is demand driven. The teacher served as experts, consultants, organizers, facilitators, coordinators, service providers, and game changers in the community as the form of extension and community engagement.

Abstract: This study is categorized a case study with a qualitative approach. This aim is to contribute some insight of the body of knowledge about the value of field trips in teaching English for primary students associated with the direct learning experience that can affect student attitudes, critical thinking skills, deepen relationships with friends, and create the motivation of students. To collect the needed data, some of the research instruments are used by applying the following three methods such as making field notes, conducting an in-depth interview, and doing documentation. On the basis of findings of the study known that some kinds of field trips activities, students, and teachers perspectives strengthen about the beneficial of field trips in learning English. Based on the practices viewed that interview, discussion and making report be a part of student activities during field trips.