Abstract: Head teachers are instrumental in carrying out instructional supervision in primary schools worldwide. The nature and quality of instructional supervision is presumed to have effects on teaching and learning process in schools. The purpose of this study was to determine challenges and strategies for head teachers’ instructional supervisory practices in enhancing lower grades academic achievement in public primary schools in Kisumu East Sub-county, Kenya. The objectives of the study were to: analyze the supervisory practices used by head teachers in enhancing lower grades academic achievement, establish the challenges faced by head teachers in their supervisory practices and identify the strategies used by head teachers to overcome the challenges on supervisory practices. A theoretical framework based on the social Theory pioneered by John Dawson which has three functions as relates to Kadushin Model was used to guide the study. The study employed descriptive survey and correlation design. The study population comprised of 46 head teachers, 46 deputy head teachers, 521 teachers, 46 grade three English and Mathematics teachers and 1090 grade three learners. Saturated sampling was used to select head teachers; Purposive sampling was used to select deputy head teachers and learners. Simple random sampling was used to select teachers and grade three English and Mathematics teachers. A total of 46 head teachers, 15 Deputy Head teachers, 172 teachers, 15 grade three English and Mathematics teachers and 109 grade three learners participated in the study. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview guides, classroom observations, focus group discussions and document analysis guide. Reliability of the instruments was determined by piloting the instruments in 5 public primary schools in the neighboring Nyando Sub-County. Validity of the instruments was enhanced by requesting the experts in the University to examine the instruments. The quantitative data was analyzed using statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) version 23 and presented descriptively using frequency counts and percentages while qualitative data from interviews, classroom observation, focus group discussions was analyzed by organizing the content into themes and sub themes as they emerged. According to study findings the head teachers employed supervisory practices: classroom observations, giving feedback, check learners’ exercise books, coaching and mentoring. Learner’s exercise books in lower grades were not checked sufficiently by the head teacher, it is the class teacher who did the exercise. Majority of head teachers put more emphasis on grade eight exercise books. The findings also revealed that the classroom observation was inadequate, feedback was not given effectively; coaching and mentoring were also done at a very minimal level. Scheme of work was checked once a term, lesson notes and lesson plans on a monthly basis instead of weekly while attendance register was well checked weekly and learners were also involved. Challenges included lack of training in supervisory practices, shortage of teachers, teachers were reluctant to participate in supervision exercise since they viewed it as fault finding activity, increased workload hence no time to conduct instructional supervision. The head teachers were coping by: giving relevant training on supervisory practices, checking and approval of professional documents. The study concluded that there is general laxity in internal supervision in grade three. The study recommended that Ministry of Education Science and Technology to organize training courses for the head teachers to acquire the right skills in supervision before appointment, the head teachers should enforce preparation and use of professional documents to ascertain teachers’ preparedness, Teachers’ Service Commission should employ more teachers to reduce the workload for the head teachers and enhance participation in supervisory practices.

Keywords: instructional supervision, teaching, learning process, public primary schools.

Title: Challenges and Strategies for Head Teachers’ Instructional Supervisory Practices in Enhancing Academic Achievement in Lower Grades in Public Primary Schools in Kenya

Author: Piah Atieno Olima, Dr. Jack Odongo Ajowi, Dr. Mary Anyango Onditi

ISSN 2394-9694

International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences

Novelty Journals

Abstract: The main Research hypothesis in this study is that Religious tourism could be proved a potential tool of development in regions that they lack both economic and tourism development. Within this context, aim of this study, is development of a specific type of special interest form of tourism, that is Religious Tourism, focusing in the geographical Region of Epirus/ Ioannina Prefecture. Initially, Secondary facts and figures for the Region in question are presented. Then Primary Research follows on both tourism demand and supply. Emphasis here is on both qualitative and quantitative methods, on Religious visitors and representatives of the Greek Orthodox Church in Epirus Region respectively.  In specific, structured questionnaires were used in order to map religious visitors’ attitudes and behaviors, while as semi-structured in depth interviews were used to map Church representatives’ opinions. 

Keywords: Tourism Development, Religious Tourism, Greece, Epirus Region, Ioannina Prefecture. 

Title: Development of Religious Tourism in Epirus Region: Case Study: Perspectives of pilgrimage tours in Ioannina Prefecture

Author: Dr. Dimitris Papayiannis, Nikolas Soutopoulos, Athina Panagiou

ISSN 2394-9694

International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences

Novelty Journals

Abstract: This empirical research aims at analyzing the relationship between child marriage and lack of education and girls' physical & psychological health in Niger. The research implements the quantitative methodology. It was carried out in two phases; reviewing the literature around the subject followed by an empirical study using questionnaires distributed to 132 refugees from Niger residing in Egypt. The outcomes of SmartPLS path model analysis of the data show that child marriage is significantly correlated with girls' physical & psychological health in Niger. They also show that lack of education is significantly correlated with girls' physical & psychological health in Niger. The findings reveal that child marriage and lack of education act as essential predictors of girls' physical & psychological health in Niger.

Keywords: child marriage, lack of education, physical health, psychological health, Niger, girl brides, gender inequality, poverty, children, literacy.

Title: The Relationship between Child Marriage and Lack of Education and Girls' Physical & Psychological Health in Niger

Author: Dr. Sherihan Radi

ISSN 2394-9694

International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences

Novelty Journals

Abstract: Health promotion aims to increase health and wellbeing, plus improve the health status of disadvantaged groups. Research evaluating employees with a disability’s experience of workplace health promotion activities is virtually non-existent. Using a process evaluation with a participatory design approach, ten employees with a disability were surveyed of their perceptions of taking part in lunchtime Tai Chi classes held weekly for 50 weeks. Each 20 minute class contained a series of various gentle Tai Chi poses. Six in ten (60% of) participants rated the classes as highly enjoyable, one (10%) enjoyed the, while interestingly, three (30%) were neutral. The main reasons given by participants why they enjoyed the classes was that it was “Good for you” (6 mentions). Six in ten (60% of) participants were highly satisfied with the classes, two (20%) satisfied, and two (20%) neutral. When asked how Tai Chi makes them feel, five participants mentioned it was due to “Feeling better”. Further research is needed into the potential health impacts of workplace health promotion initiatives for those employees experiencing disability.

Keywords: disability, health promotion, physical activity, occupational health, supported employee, workplace health, workplace health promotion.

Title: Health in the Inclusive Workplace: Supported employees’ perceptions of participation in a pilot workplace physical activity program

Author: Janet Currie

ISSN 2394-9694

International Journal of Novel Research in Humanity and Social Sciences

Novelty Journals