GPH-International Journal of Educational Research

Evaluating Primary School Teachers’ Knowledge and Practices of School Health Programme in Delta State: Implications for Healthy Living of Pupils

2025-03-18T18:56:31+00:00

The study assessed the knowledge and practices of School Health Programmes among teachers in public primary schools in Oshimili North Local Government Area, Delta State, Nigeria. It adopted descriptive survey. The target population consisted of all 225 teachers in the existing 30 public primary schools. A sample of 144 teachers was selected through simple random sampling, using the raffle draw method to ensure equal opportunity for participation. Stratified random sampling was also employed to select 18 schools from rural and urban areas, with 8 teachers randomly chosen from each selected school. The research instrument was a structured questionnaire divided into two sections: Section A focused on respondents' socio-demographic data, while Section B addressed the research questions with 43 items. The validity of the instrument was ensured by experts in Tests and Measurement and Primary Education, while reliability was confirmed through a test-retest method, yielding a high correlation coefficient. Data collection involved obtaining permissions and distributing the questionnaire, with a high response rate achieved. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data, while inferential statistics (chi-square) tested the hypotheses at a 0.05 significance level. The findings provide valuable insights into the teachers' knowledge and practices regarding school health programmes, contributing to improved implementation strategies in the region. Recommendations were made among others which includes Government should organize workshops and seminars to deepen teachers' understanding of health appraisal services and provide regular updates on health policies, guidelines, and tools to keep teachers informed. And Government should also develop and implement training programs focused on school health instruction for teachers and include school health education as a core component in teacher professional development programs.

Parental Involvement and Students’ Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in the Centre and Littoral Regions of Cameroon

2025-03-20T20:59:11+00:00

The study was carried out to investigate Parental Involvement and Students’ Discipline in Public Secondary Schools in the Centre and Littoral Regions of Cameroon. The mixed method research design was adopted for the study. The accessible population of the study comprised of principals, guidance counsellors and students in 10 public secondary schools in six-sub-divisions in the Mfoundi Division in the Centre Region and Wourri Division in the Littoral Region of Cameroon. The sample size of the study consisted of 400 teachers, 10 principals and 10 guidance counsellors. The participants were sample using the stratified, purposive, random sampling and convenient sampling techniques. Questionnaire and interview guide were the instruments adopted for the study. Quantitative data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistical tools. The descriptive statistical tools used were frequency count, percentages, mean, standard deviation and multiple set while qualitative data derived from interview were analyzed using the thematic analysis approach with the aid of themes and quotation. Statistically, findings showed that there is a significant and positive relationship between parental involvement and students’ discipline (R-value 0.511^**, p-value < 0.001). The positive sign of the correlation value denotes that students’ discipline will increase more if parents are adequately involved in discipline issues that concern their children and this was supported with a very high predictive explanatory power of 81.9% (Cox and Snell = 0.819). Based on the findings, it was recommended that; parents work cooperatively with other stakeholders of education to influence the improvement and education of their children. Parents should assist with school work, involve in extracurricular activities and do follow up with teachers concerning their children.

Effects of Imitation Therapy for Non-Verbal Children with Autism in Zambia

2025-03-21T19:54:35+00:00

As infants develop, the skill of imitation typically emerges. This skill serves an important cognitive and social function in a child’s development (Ingersoll, 2011) and is essential for the development of language. Unfortunately, many children with autism (CA) have demonstrated deficits in imitation skills, and they show a general failure to understand relationships and communicate (Heinmann et al., 2006). Some initial studies have suggested that teaching the skill of imitation to CA leads to improvements in their social functioning, language, joint attention, and spontaneous gesture use (Ingersoll, 2008; Ingersoll & Schreibman, 2006). A specific imitation therapy intervention developed by Zedler (1972) resulted in increased verbalizations for non-verbal children who did not imitate (Gill et al., 2011). Unfortunately, there is no data to demonstrate that this technique has been used with children in Zambia, and, in fact, there is very little data or research on treatment of non-verbal CA in Zambia (Kabali et al, 2019; Nyoni & Serpell, 2012). This study attempted to ascertain preliminary data on the treatment of CA in Zambia. It involved utilization of imitation therapy with three young children with suspected autism who were non-verbal. Effectiveness of the intervention was measured by counting the changes in the number of different phonemes, the total utterances, the number of non-verbal imitations, and the number of reciprocal verbal imitations produced by the children. For these three children, the intervention resulted in significant changes in all areas. This preliminary study suggests that imitation therapy may be an effective intervention for non-verbal CA in Zambia.

Proactive Technology Adoption and Venture Growth in Agro-based Industry

2025-03-22T20:54:41+00:00

The study was undertaken to examine the relationship between proactive technology adoption and venture growth in agro base industry. Relevant variables were discussed under the literature review. This study was based on a review of the conceptual and empirical literature on the relationship between proactive technology adoption and venture growth and drawing the conclusion. Theoretically, this study was based on personality traits theory. Findings from the various literature reviewed indicated a strong relationship between the dimensions of innovation and the measure of market expansion strategies. The study concluded that innovation serves as a catalyst for market expansion strategies and techniques by enabling the development of new products or services, facilitating entry into new markets, and improving operational efficiency. It was recommended that micro firms should embrace all kinds of innovation to enhance product expansion, market segmentations and entrepreneurs should be proactive, by engaging in the development of new products and services, entry into new markets.

LE MARCHÉ DE L’INTERPRÉTATION COMMUNAUTAIRE FACE AUX ENJEUX SOCIO-POLITIQUES DU MALI

2025-03-22T21:15:34+00:00

This study investigates the community interpreting market in Mali, focusing on the interplay between the market, socio-political dynamics, and interpreters' experiences. The primary research problem is the poorly structured and underpaid nature of this sector, despite its potential within Mali's complex socio-economic and linguistic landscape. The research seeks to identify the socio-political challenges facing the interpreting market in Mali, the coping strategies interpreters use to navigate these challenges and leverage available opportunities, and the effectiveness of these strategies. The study hypothesises that socio-political issues in interpreting are rooted in national integration, linguistic diversity, security concerns, language recognition, professional training, employment conditions, corruption, and access to justice. It also suggests that interpreters are leveraging continuing education to optimise economic opportunities and effectively manoeuvre through a challenging landscape. Their initiatives—such as specialized training, participation in professional associations, and awareness-raising campaigns—enhance their understanding and influence on socio-political issues. The research adopts a mixed-methods approach, using questionnaires administered to various stakeholders in the interpreting market and semi-structured interviews with interpreters of relevant institutions. Findings indicate that the Malian community interpreting market is beset by challenges including inadequate professional training, limited recognition of interpreters’ roles, and security threats. Interpreters frequently operate independently, relying on personal networks and informal channels, thereby contributing to a fragmented market characterized by inconsistent rates. The study underscores the impact of socio-political events, like coups d'état and security crises, on the demand for interpreters and the languages used. It highlights interpreters' strategies to navigate these challenges, including continuous professional development through practice, reading, and training. This research contributes to the field by providing empirical data on community interpreting in Mali. It examines the ramifications of socio-political dynamics, investigates interpreters' adaptive strategies, underscores the importance of training and professionalization, offers perspectives on interpreter-client relationships, and addresses ethical considerations within conflict-affected contexts.

Consumers’ Social Profile and Leisure-Time Physical Activities of Non-Career Women in Obio-Akpor LGA in Rivers State, Nigeria

2025-03-22T21:39:04+00:00

Work-related stress and poor leisure culture have been identified as one of the causes of death among men and women in Africa. However, existing data provide little insight into the leisure-time physical activities of non-career women in Nigeria. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the correlation between social status (education, social class and reference group) and leisure behaviour (participation in leisure-time physical activities) of non-career women in Rumuodomaya, Port Harcourt. The study adopted the survey research design whereby primary data were obtained from a sample size of 138, comprising non-career non-career women drawn from 5 locations in the Rumuodomaya community, Obio-Akopr, LGA, Port Harcourt through the questionnaire method. Simple percentage, ranking technique, mean score and standard deviation were deployed for descriptive, univariate analysis while the Pearson Product Moment Correlation method was adopted for the bivariate analysis (hypotheses testing). The findings of this study established that the level of participation in leisure-time physical activities was low among non-career women in Rumuodomaya, Port Harcourt compared to in-door leisure-time activities. Educational background, social class and reference group were found to be significant determinants of participation in leisure-time recreational activities by non-career women in Rumuodomaya. Therefore, the study concluded that that educational background, social class and reference groups of the non-career women significantly correlated with their leisure behaviour. The study recommended among other things, out-door physical work-outs for their physical, emotional, creative and mental well-being since work-outs are less expensive than fun-oriented leisure activities.

MENTAL HEALTH MATTERS: Exploring it’s impact on academic performance of students in public senior secondary schools in Kano state

2025-03-27T20:15:04+00:00

The aim of this research is to explore the relationship between students’ mental health and their academic performances in Kano state public senior secondary schools. The study adopted descriptive survey research design where 46 schools were selected using cluster sampling technique at the initial stage where we have 23 clusters considering the 23 zonal education directorate has grouped the schools in to clusters, and then systematic random sampling technique was adopted to obtain the number of school selected. The total population of the students in the schools selected is 41,458 where the researcher used Krejcie and Morgan (1970) population and sample table to draw the sample size of the students which translated to 380 students. The instrument for data collection is a self developed close ended questionnaire designed by the researcher titled students’ mental health scale (SMHS) with YES or NO options. The data collected was analyzed using simple percentage and correlation coefficient with the aid of SPSS. The result shows that the majority of the students have moderate mental health problems, and there is a very weak positive correlation between students’ mental health and their academic performances in public senior secondary schools in Kano state.

The role of community involvement in enhancing infrastructural support and its impact on the quality of public primary school pupils’ education in rural areas in the South West Region of Cameroon

2025-03-28T19:14:39+00:00

Work The study aimed at investigating community involvement in infrastructural support and its impact on the quality of public primary school pupils’ education in rural areas in the South West Region of Cameroon. The theoretical underpinning of this study was informed by Michael Shuman’s Theory of Community Based Financing (2021) and Epstein’sTheory of overlapping Spheres. The concurrent research design was adopted for the study. The target population of the study was made up of 635 participants teachers, head teachers and community leaders in rural areas in Fako and Kupe Muanenguba divisions. The accessible population consisted of 249 respondents. The sample size was made up of 138 respondents. Participants were sampled using the purposive, stratified snow ball, convenient and simple random sampling. Questionnaire and interview guide were instruments used to collect data for the study. Reliability coefficient values for the questionnaire were analyzed using SPSS version 27 with the help of descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data were analyzed thematically. Findings showed that majority of teachers 78.1% (64) and head teachers 70.8% (17) indicated that the community does not support the school in terms of infrastructure (classrooms, toilets and other physical facilities). Moreover, the lack of infrastructure as revealed by the community leaders could also act as a demotivating factor preventing many trained teachers to stay in rural areas and that community provision of infrastructure have a significant and strong impact on the quality of public primary school pupils’ education in rural areas (R-value 0.658**, p-value≤0.001) supported with a very high explanatory power 0f 90.3%. In other words, it was predicted that adequate community provision of infrastructure would go a long way to enhance the quality without involvement of community leaders, lack of communication from school head to factors reported for causing community unwillingness to massively engage in supporting schools in their rural communities. On this note, inclusive decision-making, cordial relationship between school head and community leaders, government empowerment of communities to foster their involvement in supporting schools in their rural communities, good management and communication from school head and motivation of teachers were ways forward to enhance community involvement.

Online academic record management system and students’ academic achievement: The example of the University of Bamenda, Cameroon

2025-04-03T05:51:59+00:00

The study investigated the online academic record management system and students’ academic achievements in The University of Bamenda-Cameroon. Two research questions and two hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The theory of diffusion of innovations by Rogers (1962), and theory of connectivism in learning by Siemens (2004) and Downes (2022) were considered useful for the study. The cross sectional-survey research design was used. A population of 300 students from two schools and two faculties and 100 staff selected across the university constituted the sample size of the study. The simple random sampling technique was used. The data was collected using questionnaires. The instrument was validated using 10 students and staff outside the study area. A Cronbach's Alpha reliability of 0.87 was obtained which made the instrument consistent and was therefore considered suitable for the study. The research questions were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the hypotheses were tested with analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistical technique at 0.05 alpha level. The results showed that personal information management had a significant positive effect on students’ academic achievement. The results also showed that academic record management had a significant positive effect on students’ academic achievement. The main implications of the results are that any innovations in the curriculum of higher education will increase students’ academic achievement. University management must therefore reinforce the application of the diffusion of innovations theory. Efforts to fight mismanagement of records should be accompanied by strategies to promote acquisition of skills in online academic record management. This put together can foster personal information management, academic record management and promote students’ academic achievement in The University of Bamenda.

Accelerating Creativity and Skills Acquisition in Accounting Education for Poverty Eradication in Nigeria

2025-04-08T11:03:35+00:00

This paper explores the role of creativity and skills acquisition in accounting education for poverty eradication in Nigeria. It underscores the importance of equipping individuals with the knowledge, competencies, and mindset necessary for entrepreneurial success to drive economic empowerment and social mobility. Survey research design was adopted. The population of the study consisted of 1,408students in the Department of Accounting in different programmes in Faculty of Management Sciences, University of Port Harcourt, Choba, Rivers State, Nigeria. The students include those both in the undergraduate and graduate programmes as at March 1^st2025.Asample size of 302was derived using Krejcie and Morgan table and 302 copies of the questionnaire were distributed randomly to the students. Descriptive Statistics and Simple Regression Analysis was deployed using SPSS Version 23. The study found that technology and innovative accounting teaching methods have positive effect and significantly enhance creativity and skills acquisition to eradicate poverty in Nigeria. Furthermore, the research found that entrepreneurship accounting education has significant effect on the acceleration of creativity and skills acquisition to eradicate poverty in Nigeria. It concludes technological integration and student-centered approaches foster creativity and essential skills among Nigerian youths in order to achieve poverty eradication. The study recommends the combination of practical, experiential learning opportunities into accounting curricula to enhance skills development, creativity and entrepreneurship of accounting graduates with different degrees. Governments and school managements should invest in digital literacy and technology-enabled learning platforms in accounting education to reach underserved populations and bridge the digital divide.

Developing natural science capabilities in students through teaching Natural Science 6: A case study in Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam

2025-04-09T09:38:49+00:00

The article presents a comprehensive study on the enhancement of natural science competencies in 6th-grade students through STEM education. It outlines the importance of equipping students with scientific knowledge and skills for the 21st century, highlighting the shift from traditional teaching methods to interactive, student-centered approaches. The study, focusing on Vinh Phuc province, evaluates the effectiveness of current teaching methods and proposes improvements for teaching natural sciences in Vietnam. It emphasizes the role of teachers, the impact of the learning environment, and the integration of technology in education. The research employs a mixed-method approach, including document analysis, expert consultation, and mathematical statistical methods, to assess the development of scientific competencies. The findings suggest that STEM education significantly improves students' understanding and application of natural science concepts, advocating for its broader implementation, comprehensive teacher training, and increased investment in educational resources.

Educational intervention in the production of narrative texts for primary education students

2025-04-11T07:43:55+00:00

The aim of the present study is to investigate the degree of improvement in the writing of written narrative texts of students, with and without learning difficulties, after teaching the structural and linguistic elements of narrative that constitute the two levels of narrative, the macro- and micro-structure, respectively. 18 students of the third grade of a public primary school in Attica participated in the survey. Of the 18 students in the sample, 7 had a learning disorder or learning difficulties. The evaluation of the research subjects was conducted both before (pre-test) and after (post-test) the implementation of the educational intervention programme in order to determine its effectiveness. A variety of teaching methods and techniques and enriched multisensory materials were used to support the educational needs of all students. The evaluation of the produced narrative, initial and final, was based on the examination and co-evaluation of the structural and linguistic elements required for a coherently structured narrative. After the educational intervention, a comparison of pre-test and post-test results was conducted, which showed that all students, with and without learning difficulties, improved significantly in the production of narrative texts.

Co-curricular activities and students’ adaptation in large secondary school environment in the South West region of Cameroon

2025-04-16T11:08:54+00:00

This study was designed to examine co-curricular activities on students’ adaptation to secondary school environment in the South West Region, Cameroon. The study sought to examine the influence of co-curricular activities on students’ adaptation to secondary school environment. The concurrent triangulation design was used in the study. The population of the study comprised of all secondary school students and principals in all private, public and confessional schools in the South West Region of Cameroon. The target population comprised of all students and principals of private, public and confessional secondary schools in the South West Region with a population of over a thousand. The accessible population comprised of form four students and principals of 21 schools with a population of over a thousand. The purposive sampling technique was used for selecting the schools and principals. The sample population was made up of 375 students and 21 principals from 21secondary schools with a population of over a thousand. The purposive sampling technique was used to select schools as well as to sample principals. An interview was used to collect data from principals while questionnaire was used for students. Content and face validity for both questionnaire and interview were ensured. To ensure that the questionnaire was reliable, a pilot study was conducted and was calculated using the Cronbach Alpha coefficient, while to ensure reliability of the interview, a tape recorder was used. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed that there is a significant relationship between co-curricular activities and students’ adaptation to school environment with a value of (R=0.949) co-curricular activities have both positive and negative influence on students’ adaptation to school environment. Co-curricular activities have a significant positive influence on students’ adaptation to school environment. Therefore, it was recommended that: co-curricular activities should appear on the curricular giving it adequate time and providing enough space to accommodate all the students in each school.