Ilorin Journal of Education

PRELIMINARY PAGES

Editorial Board Ilorin Journal of Education — 2024-04-08

Preliminary Pages for Ilorin Journal of Education, Volume 44, Issue 2, March, 2024

Editorial Board Ilorin Journal of Education — 2024-04-08

Table of Contents for Ilorin Journal of Education, Volume 44, Issue 2, March, 2024

Staff Training and Compensation Plan as Predictors of Teachers Job Performance in Public Secondary Schools, Lagos State

Henry Adewale ODUNAYO — 2024-04-08

This study assessed staff training and compensation plans as predictors of teachers’ job performance in Public Secondary Schools, in Lagos State. A descriptive research design type using a correlation approach was used as the design type seeks to investigate existing relationships. Three research hypotheses were designed for this study as public secondary school teachers in Lagos state form the population of the study. A sample size of one hundred and twenty (120) participants from six secondary schools in Epe and Ikeja LGAs was selected for this study through purposive and simple random sampling techniques. A self-designed instrument, Staff Training and Compensation Plan as Predictors of Teachers Job Performance Questionnaire (STCPPTJPQ) was used to generate data. The instrument was validated and index values of 0.871 and 0.804 were obtained through Cronbach alpha, a form of reliability which shows that internal consistency was met. Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) and Linear regression analysis were used to analyse the data and tested at a 0.05 significant level. From the results, all the hypotheses were rejected therefore showing the existence of a positive relationship between the independent and dependent variables. Moving forward one can conclude that staff training contributes the most to the prediction. Among others, the study concluded that to ensure better and improved teacher performance in our schools and institutions emphasis must be directed towards staff training as it remains one pivotal condition that can drive positive productivity.

Parental Divorce and In-School Adolescents’ Interpersonal Relationship in Egor Local Government Area, Edo State

Andrew Agimhenlen ADUBALE — 2024-04-08

The study investigated the influence of parental divorce on secondary school students’ interpersonal relationship in Benin Metropolis. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. A sample size of two hundred and sixty-one (261) from 10 co-educational schools was used for the study. A structured questionnaire titled Parental Divorce and Interpersonal relationship Questionnaire (PDIRQ) was used to obtain information from the respondents. The psychometric properties of the instrument were established, the reliability coefficient value of .785 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha method. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation and independent sample t-test. The findings revealed that parental divorce has no major influence on the students’ interpersonal relationship. Similarly, regardless of sex and age, parental divorce was not found to have any significant influence on the students. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the existing co-parenting of extended family system that appears to help in the reduction of the negative impact of divorce on children in Africa and Benin City, Edo State in particular should be sustained. Besides, school counsellors and administrators should continue to assist students of divorce parents to adjust adequately in school.

An Appraisal of Examination Malpractice in the Perspectives of Islamic Thought

Sa'idu ISA — 2024-04-08

Examination is conducted to ascertain the comprehension level of a learner; hence it assists a tutor or an institution to determine the knowledge acquired by the learner for certification or scaling to the next level of scholarship. The process is, therefore, guided by defined extant laws. Law and order are part of the major principles of the religion of Islam; thus, the religion attaches special importance to strict observance and adherence to laws. This is because Islamic Thought is built on the oneness of Allah and obedience to divine laws, as contained in the Holy Qur’an and authentic Traditions (Sunnah) of the Prophet of Islam, Muhammad (pbuh). Therefore, this paper examines the stance of Islam on examination malpractice. Documentary Analysis and Survey Research were used as the methods of data collection. The data collected from the Holy Qur’an, the authentic Sunnah of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and the Fatwaa (understanding) of prominent Islamic scholars revealed that Islam has forbidden Muslims from engaging in acts of cheating, breach of trust and anything dishonourable. Since examination malpractice, according to the consensus of Islamic scholars, is an act of cheating, Islam therefore abhors it. Examination malpractice distorts the process of evaluating the methods of instruction to ascertain their effectiveness or otherwise. It has major negative impacts on the development and growth of any state. The paper therefore recommended, among others, the full implementation of the provisions made by the Nigerian constitution on those that engage in examination malpractice to serve as deterrence to students, teachers and other stakeholders in the education sector.

Industrial Revolution 4.0: Challenge in the Management of Tertiary Educational Institutions in Nigeria

John Amaoge WORDU — 2024-04-08

The world has passed through various industrial revolutions where various technologies were initiated to subdue the environment for the betterment of man and society. Industry 4.0 is an epoch where artificial intelligence and robotics perform tasks hitherto preserved for man. It is a period that has changed the educational landscape and enhanced efficiency and productivity. The paper is on Industrial Revolution 4.0, the challenge in managing tertiary educational institutions in Nigeria. The upsurge of smart machines has provided opportunities and benefits for educational institutions and made education affordable, accessible and reach the underserved and the vulnerable in society. The integration of digital technologies not only enhance communication but also assist teachers and students with various platforms for personalized learning at individual pace and connivances. The paper discusses the various challenges inhibiting educational institutions from effective integration of Industry 4.0 as the paucity of funds to procure the basic smart machines and the required skills for integration of digital technology. The researcher opines that procurement of digital technology is not the silver bullet that will enhance efficiency and productivity in educational institutions but the ability to exploit the potential of digital technology. The study suggests that the federal government through legislation should ensure that the budgetary allocation to education should not be less than 20% of an annual budget, constantly review curricula to be in tandem with Industry 4.0 and continuously skilling and reskilling academic lecturers on the use of smart machines.

Proprietorship, Funding Practices and Quality Education Delivery of Public Secondary Schools in Delta State, Nigeria

Omonefe Jemilatu MOSES-PROMISE — 2024-04-08

This study investigated proprietorship, funding practices and quality education delivery of public secondary schools in Delta State, Nigeria. The design for the study was the correlational research design. Two research questions and hypotheses were formulated to guide this study. 489 principals from public secondary schools in Delta state constituted the population and sample size of 100 principals representing 20% drawn from the total number of principals in public secondary schools in Delta state using the Taro Yemen. An instrument called Proprietorship, Funding Practices and Quality Education Delivery Questionnaire (PFPQEDQ) was used for data collection and its reliability coefficient was computed at 0.82 using cronbach alpha method. Simple regression was used to analyze the research questions and t-test associated with simple regression was used to test the null hypotheses. Findings of the study revealed that deregulation has contributed averagely to quality education delivery and that public private partnership has also contributed highly to quality education delivery in public secondary schools in Delta state. It was recommended among others that the state government should come up with a plan on the extent to which secondary education will be deregulated, the state government should encourage public private partnership to a great extent as it will reduce the problem of underfunding of secondary schools.

Assessment of Utilization of Social Network in Learning Mathematics among Pre-Service Teachers in Colleges of Education in Kano State, Nigeria

Lawan YAKUBU — 2024-04-08

This study investigated pre-service mathematics teachers’ level of utilization of social network in learning mathematics in Colleges of Education (COEs) in Kano state, Nigeria. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. A sample of two COEs, one Federal Government - owned and one State-owned, were randomly selected by simple random sampling technique. From the two COEs, a sample of 126 mathematics pre-service teachers made up of 67 males and 59 females was then selected using cluster sampling technique. A structured questionnaire (Pre- Service Mathematics Teachers Social Network Utilization Questionnaire) was used to collect data. The questionnaire had an internal consistency reliability index of 0.76 obtained by Cronbach Alpha method. The data collected was analyzed using mean to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test the formulated hypotheses at 0.05 α- level. Results indicated that pre-service mathematics teachers in COEs utilized Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTokand Snapchat to learn mathematics most often among all other social network sites and that male students use social network sites for the purpose of learning mathematics more often when compared to female students. It was recommended that Pre-service teachers in COEs should be encouraged by course lecturers to use Social Media Network Sites (SMNSs) to learn mathematics by giving online assignments.

Factors Affecting Learning Readiness and Academic Performance among Students of Sub-Degree and Degree Programmes in Kaduna Metropolis

Abdurrazaq SULEIMAN — 2024-04-08

The study examined the extent to which learning readiness affects students’ academic performance in sub-degree and degree programmes in Kaduna metropolis. Cross sectional survey research design was adopted on a four-point Likert scale. The research instrument used was a questionnaire. Fifteen items that make up the questionnaire were structured in content, construct and predictive validity of the study. The reliability of the instrument was established through test-retest method with Spearman correlation co-efficient 0.82. Sample size of the study was 153 respondents from students and lecturers in sub-degree and degree awarding institutions in Kaduna metropolis. Mean scores and standard deviation were used for descriptive statistics while t-test and percentage were used for inferential statistics. The major findings revealed that entry behaviour, class attendance and reading culture (in their inadequacies) were each contributing more than 75% to poor academic performance of students. Furthermore, the hypotheses confirmed absence of significant difference in responses between sub-degree and degree institutions, concerning negative effect of entry behaviour, class attendance and reading culture on students’ academic performance in Kaduna metropolis. The major recommendations advocate sustainability of Post-UTME tests, pre-ND programmes and pre-degree programmes in bridging quality substance deficiencies occasioned by accustomed cheating at SSCE used for entry qualification into tertiary institutions of learning.

Effects of Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction on Biology Students Academic Performance in Tarauni, Kano State

Gali MUSA — 2024-04-08

The study examined the effects of Gagne’s nine events of instruction on Biology students’ academic performance in Tarauni, Kano State. The study adopted quasi-experimental control group design employing the use of pretest and posttest. The population consists of 2493 senior secondary students in Tarauni, Kano State. A sample of 200 students was randomly selected from four schools out of 21 schools that formed the population. The instrument Genetic Concept Performance Test (GCPT) was validated by experts in the field of test and measurement. The test retest reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.85. The subjects in the experimental group were taught using Gagne’s nine events of instruction, while the subjects in the control group were taught using Lecture Method. Research questions were analyzed descriptively while null hypotheses were tested using t-test. The major finding of the results showed that there was a significant difference between the performance mean scores of students taught genetics concept using Gagne’s nine events of instructional strategy and those taught using lecture method in favor of experimental group. There was no significant difference between the mean performance scores of male and female students taught genetics concept using Gagne’s nine events of instructional strategy. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the use of Gagne’s nine events of instructional strategy should be emphasized in secondary schools across the state.

Comparative Analysis of Transformed Continuous Assessment Scores of Private and Public Secondary Schools in Osun State

Temitope BABATIMEHIN — 2024-04-08

Non-uniformity of continuous assessment scores assigned by teachers or schools indicates that there is an intrinsic issue with its comparability standard. The study examined the transformed Continuous Assessment (CA) scores of Osun State Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) for better comparability of scores among private and public secondary schools. The study adopted the ex-post-facto research design. The study population was 33,552 which comprised all JSS Class III students during the 2010/2011 academic session in both private and public secondary schools in Osun State. The sample consisted of 1200 students selected using a multistage sampling technique. A proforma titled Continuous Assessment Scores Retrieval was used as an instrument to collect CA scores of the selected students in English Language and Mathematics. Data were analysed using percentages and Pearson’s Product moment correlation statistics. Results showed that the transformed continuous assessment scores of private and public schools were above the mean score =0 and SD = 1 in Mathematics (62.70%) and English Language (66.0%). The results also showed that there was a significant positive relationship between the transformed continuous assessment scores and raw continuous assessment scores obtained by students in Mathematics and English Language (r=1.00; p<0.05). Results further showed that there was a significant difference in the transformed continuous assessment scores of private and public schools in Mathematics (t=5.341; p<0.05) and English Language (t=4.395; p<0.05). The study therefore concluded that transformed continuous assessment scores of private and public secondary schools in Osun State would be comparable if appropriate transformation models were used.

Assessing the Extent of NCE Mathematics Education New Minimum Standard Implementation in Colleges of Education in Niger State, Nigeria

Hassan USMAN — 2024-04-08

The study seeks to assess the extent to which NCE Mathematics new minimum standard is been implemented in colleges of education in Niger state, Nigeria. Two objectives with corresponding research questions guided the study. The study adopts mixed-methods research design. The population of study encompasses 126 lecturers in Colleges of Education in Niger State. Using a purposive sampling technique, a total of 17 lecturers were selected from the mathematics departments of the two colleges: 9 from the College of Education, Minna, and 8 from the Federal College of Education, Kontagora. To gather data, two instruments were utilized: the NCE Mathematics Programme Implementation Questionnaire (NCEMPIQ) and an interview protocol to capture the perspectives of lecturers regarding the extent of Minimum Standard implementation. Experts validated the questionnaire, and to establish reliability with Cronbach's alpha, data was organized for analysis using SPSS statistical software its internal consistency was evaluated yielding a reliability coefficient of 0.79. Mean and standard deviation were employed for data analysis, with a criterion mean of 2.5 serving as the basis for assessment. The findings revealed that the new minimum standards for NCE mathematics education in Colleges of Education in Niger State is found to be successfully implemented. Hence, it was recommended among others that National commission for Colleges of Education should establish a monitoring and evaluation framework to track the progress of curriculum implementation and address challenges promptly.

Restructuring of Political, Economic, Social and Technological Factors: Implication on Sustainable Funding of University Education in Nigeria

Hazrat Maimuna MUSA — 2024-04-08

University education in Nigeria is saddled with numerous surmountable problems which make the realization of the National objectives and those of the university difficult. Some of those problems range from inadequate infrastructural facilities, poor staff and students’ welfare service, issue of brain-drain among others have bearing on the lingering issues between the federal government and various unions in the universities resulting to incessant strike actions by the unions. Experiences in most Nigerian universities could be described by a critic as “teaching centers”, devoid of research and knowledge creation. The massive expansion and proliferation of the Nigerian university system without adequate policy on the revitalization for sustainable funding poses national challenges among which the production of high quality graduates who will compete favourably with their counterparts globally is unforeseeable in the nearest future. With all these expositions made, one is left without any doubt that the university education in Nigeria is in a serious crisis. Hence, the purpose of this study is to critically investigate the political, economic, social and technological (PEST) factors hindering achievements for sustainable funding of university education in Nigeria. The research method for the study is qualitative, using secondary sources of data. The study pointed out that low funding of education by the government was largely due to population explosion, socio-economic downtrodden, inefficient application of funds, policy inconsistency, endemic corruption and marked preference for other priorities among others negatively affects funding of university education. Therefore this paper concluded by making appropriate recommendations for sustainable funding of university education in Nigeria.

Teachers’ Knowledge Management Practices and Sustainable Quality Education Delivery in Lagos State Senior Secondary Schools, Nigeria

Isiaka Adeniran AKINYEMI — 2024-04-08

This study investigated teachers’ knowledge management practices and sustainable quality education delivery in Lagos State senior secondary schools, Nigeria. The study sample was randomly selected from the 71 public senior secondary schools in Lagos State Education District V. A total of 324 teachers and 394 students took part in the study. Two structured questionnaires titled Teachers’ Knowledge Management Practices Questionnaire for teachers (TKMPQ) and Sustainable Quality Education Delivery Questionnaire for students (SQEDQ) were developed to obtain data from the respondents after ascertaining their validity and reliability obtained to be .86 for TKMPQ and .79 for SQEDQ respectively. The data collected were analyzed using inferential statistics of Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Cooefficient to test the hypotheses formulated and the results were held significant at 0.05 probability level. The findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between teachers’ knowledge acquisition and sustainable quality education delivery (r= 0.891, ρ < 0.05), and between teachers’ knowledge sharing and sustainable quality education delivery in Lagos State senior secondary schools in Education District V, Nigeria (r= 0.725, ρ < 0.05). It could be concluded that teachers’ knowledge management practices served as an important success factor in improving the sustainable quality of education delivery by teachers in Lagos State senior secondary schools. The study recommended that the state teaching service commission should organise supervisory teaching and exchange programmes for teachers to aid adequate knowledge acquisition and sharing to improve their performance in the delivery of instruction which will invariably enhance the academic performance of the learners

Job Motivation as Predictor of Research Productivity of Librarians in Public Universities in South-West, Nigeria

Joseph Kehinde FASAE — 2024-04-08

The study investigated the influence of job motivation on the research productivity of librarians in public universities in South-west, Nigeria. The research adopted a correlational type of descriptive research design. The population of the study is 265 librarians in the libraries of 18 public universities. Total enumeration sampling techniques was used for the study. A structured questionnaire was the research instrument used for data collection that was validated by experts in this field. The reliability of the instrument was 0.84. Data collected were analysed using statistical mean, standard deviation, and Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient (PPMCC), with a criterion mean of 2.50. The finding of the study revealed that research productivity of librarians between 2017-2022 was low. It was revealed that the extent of job motivation on the research productivity of librarians was high. Also, there is a significant relationship between job motivation and research productivity of librarians in public universities in South-west Nigeria. The study concluded that job motivation is an important factor that can predict the research productivity of librarians in public universities in South-west, Nigeria. It was therefore recommended that university management should sustain high levels of motivation in place for librarians by creating a supportive and inclusive work environment that values their contributions.

Refocussing Mathematics and Science Education towards Addressing Security Challenges for National Development in Nigeria

Anthony Taiwo OGUNDELE — 2024-04-08

This paper addresses the need to refocus mathematics and science education towards eradicating security challenges for national development. The value of mathematics is felt in the areas of science discoveries and inventions. Science and Mathematics education is considered as a tool to helping people create a society characterized by dignity for all, and in which injustice, arrogance, violence and bigotry have no place in the society. The need to refocus mathematics and science education becomes imperative because knowledge expands people’s possibilities, promote creativity and imagination and the products of science and mathematics engage problems as wide ranging as cryptography, budgetary, financial, capital index, income index, education index and consumer price record. Likewise, it harnesses how mathematics and science education can address the challenges of national security to restore peace in Nigeria. It was recommended among others that graduate of mathematics and science education should be made to acquire practical skills that will enable them to be self-employed in the future and that government should be more proactive in responding to the acts and emergent security threat in the country.

Appraisal of Counsellor Learner Support Services in Open Distance Learning System

Josephine Shola AINA — 2024-04-08

Learning at a distance is similar to classroom learning in many ways, but there are some notable differences. Counsellors of distant learners must achieve the same general aims as those working in traditional settings, because the counsellor is separated from the learners, some of the obstacles take on new forms. For example, in the absence of counsellors, the learner is frequently insecure and concerned about his or her progress in the absence of close feedback and, possibly, fellow learners. The learner becomes more insecure if the course's direction is not effectively structured and it is unclear where he or she stands in terms of completion of his or her programme. The concept of "drop-out" is significantly more widespread in distant education than in traditional education, implying that it is simpler for a learner to withdraw from the somewhat impersonal interaction of a distance course than from a traditional curriculum. In response to such concerns, Open Distance Learning (ODL) counsellors must take a variety of steps to ensure that the course is well-structured, with clear objectives and an efficient use of learners' time. This article investigated the role of counsellors in the delivery of learner support services in the ODL system. This paper also discussed responsibilities of the counsellors in an Open University system in follow-up, monitoring of learners' progress, and feedback mechanisms.

Sustainable Practices in Business Education Programme in Nigeria Higher Education: Issues and Solutions

Abosede Mariam ABUDU — 2024-04-08

This paper addresses sustainable practices in business education programme in Nigeria higher education and identified issues as well as give solutions in order to pave way for future development and the achievement of stated objectives that business education as a programme entails and encompass. One of the major goals of business education is to train students to understand the technological challenges presently and changes that might arise in the future business world. issues facing the programme in various higher education include the issue of Student’s Industrial Work Experience (SIWES) to be carried out in a school where they produced nothing, funding of Business Education programmes, poor remuneration and motivation of teachers, insufficient infrastructure and Inaccessibility of digital and internet technology. It was concluded that Business education is a programme which helps and assist graduates to gain and equipped themselves with necessary skills, knowledge, attitudes and values in its recipients which enables graduates to handle future challenges of life. The study recommend among others that Nigeria higher education institutions were business education programmes are been taught should give students up-to-date, modern machinery, tools, and equipment for their best performance in acquiring practical skills because business education programme is a skill builder programme and should be taken into concern and existing facilities need to be constantly up-dated in line with changing technologies once this is done, it will assist the programme in sustaining the future.

Sports Coaches Managerial Competences: A Major Factor for Success in Inter-University Games

Christopher Osas ALUYA — 2024-04-08

This paper reviewed the coaching competences of sports coaches engaged in Universities in Nigeria with special interest in Universities in Edo state on how they can achieve success in the sports performance outcome of student-athletes in these universities. Also, the role of sports coaches, sports coaches’ coaching competences as well as student-athletes sports participation in universities in Nigeria were reviewed and discussed. Thereafter, the recommendations were that when there is effective sports administration, sports administrators would map out activities to be performed by coaches. They will put machineries together to get the activities done and hire qualified, competent and capable coaches to carry out the activities. In doing these, tasks will be distributed accordingly with corresponding authority. There will be harmonization of the activities of all the coaches and departments and ways to bring about and expand revenue for the success of the organization will be fashioned out. When all these are put in place, effective sports administration in the Universities would naturally bring about improvement and success in university sports.

Availability and Adequacy of Instructional Facilities for the Implementation of Primary School English-Studies Curriculum in Edo South- Senatorial District

Fatima Moromoke ADEYEMO — 2024-04-08

This study assessed the availability and adequacy of physical and instructional facilities for the implementation of primary schools English Studies curriculum in Edo South Senatorial District. The study aimed to find out the state of building facilities in primary schools and if the schools were provided with standard libraries, language laboratories and instructional materials as recommended in the minimum education standard. Five (5) research questions were raised to guide the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population comprised 6,513 primary schools teachers and 518 schools in Edo South Senatorial District. A total of 29 schools, 29 Head teachers and 348 teachers were selected using multistage random sampling technique. The research instruments were questionnaire and checklist which were validated by three psychometricians. Cronbach Alpha method was used to establish the reliability of the questionnaire with a reliability coefficient of 0.79. The data obtained were analysed using the percentages. The findings revealed gross inadequacy of physical and instructional facilities for the implementation of English Studies curriculum It was recommended that government and other stakeholders should improve on the provision of physical and instructional facilities required for the implementation of English Studies curriculum in line with the minimum education standard.

Assessment of Principals’ Performance in Instructional Supervision of Teachers in Public and Private Post- Basic Secondary Schools in Kano Metropolis

Muhammad Kabir IDRIS — 2024-04-08

The study assessed and examined principal’s performance in instructional supervision for the achievement of effective teaching and learning in public and private post- basic secondary schools in Kano Metropolis as perceived by the principals and teachers. Descriptive survey research design was used. Two null hypotheses were generated and tested, A sample of 346 teachers and 24 principals drawn through a combination of cluster, purposive and random sampling techniques from a population of 7776 teachers and principals in 353 senior secondary schools in the study area. Two validated researcher – developed questionnaires PISPAQ and SBISAQ, whose internal reliability index stood at 0.86 and 0.89 respectively, were used as data collection instruments. One-way analysis of variance was used to analyze the data collected. The result revealed that significant difference exist between principals’ performance in instructional supervision in public and private post – basic secondary schools with private secondary school principals having higher level of performance. It was shown that the frequency of principal’s performance in instructional supervision is a significant predictor of teacher effectiveness regardless of other school factors such as class - size, modern technologies, teacher’s professional qualification. On that basis, it was concluded that, Principal of public schools should put more efforts on instructional supervision of teachers as a means of bridging the achievement disparity between their students and that of private secondary schools. Based on the findings of the study, It was recommended that principal’s instructional supervision should be intensified in all post-basic secondary schools as preventive measure against raising teachers’ ineffectiveness.

Effect of Team Achievement Division Strategy on Academic Achievement of Guidance and Counselling Students in Anambra State, Nigeria

Mercy BenedetteIfeoma UBA — 2024-04-08

This study examines the effects of implementing the Students’ Team Achievement Division (STAD) cooperative learning strategy on academic achievement in guidance and counseling among tertiary education students in Anambra State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design was used to compare the STAD strategy to conventional expository teaching methods. The sample consisted of 67 second-year students (14 male, 53 female) enrolled in the guidance and counseling program at Nnamdi Azikwe University. Students were non-randomly assigned to either the experimental group (n = 34; 7 male, 27 female) that received instruction using STAD or the control group (n = 33; 7 male, 26 female) taught via traditional lecture. Both groups completed a 40-item guidance and counseling achievement pretest. For six weeks, the experimental group utilized STAD during daily lessons while the control group received conventional lecture. Following the intervention period, both groups completed the identical posttest. Independent samples t-tests revealed no pretest score differences but significant posttest score increases for the experimental group compared to the control, indicating STAD positively impacted academic achievement. These findings suggest incorporating STAD cooperative learning into guidance and counseling instruction may enhance student performance outcomes by promoting collaborative learning and individual accountability. Further research is needed to replicate these results across different student populations, cultural contexts, and higher education settings.

Assessment of Interventional Strategies for Reducing Test and Mathematics Anxiety among Early Childhood Care Education Pre-Service Teachers in Imo State

Eugene Chukwuemeka UNAMBA — 2024-04-08

The study assesses interventional strategies for reducing test and mathematics anxiety among early childhood care education pre-service teachers in tertiary institution. Based on the objectives of the study one research question and one hypothesis were formulated. Descriptive survey research design was used and the population of the study was 468 teacher educators. Simple random sampling technique was used to select 414 comprising of 116 males and 298 females. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled assessment of interventional strategies for reducing test and mathematics anxiety among early childhood care education pre-service teachers in tertiary institution (AISRTAPT). The AISRTAPT was validated by two experts in psychology education and one expert in measurement and evaluation while the reliability of the AISRTAPT were determined using cronbach alpha reliability which yielded 0.85 coefficient. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research question. The study indicated interventional strategies for reducing test anxiety and mathematics anxiety irrespective of gender. It was recommended that workshops should be organized for Mathematics and teacher educators to known interventional strategies for reducing test anxiety and mathematics anxiety among pre-service teachers.

Perception on the Use of Artificial Intelligence for Curbing Examination Malpractices during Standardised Examinations in Nigeria

Jumoke Iyabode OLADELE — 2024-04-08

This study examined the level of perception of the use of Artificial Intelligence for curbing examination malpractice in Nigeria. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. The study adopted qualitative research of the exploratory type. The population of this study comprised of twelve examination body staffs from JAMB, NECO, WAEC and NABTEB Ilorin. Kwara State. The research instrument used for this study was a designed interview guide titled “Artificial Intelligence in Curbing Examination Malpractice during Standardized Examinations”. The research questions were answered using a thematic approach. Findings from this study revealed that JAMB makes use of proctoring software while NECO, WAEC and NABTEB makes use of human proctors. More so, findings show that staffs from all the examination bodies have positive thoughts towards the use of Artificial Intelligence in curbing examination malpractice. Moreover, Artificial Intelligence significantly contributes to curbing examination malpractice. It is hereby recommended among others that AI proctoring software should be adopted in curbing examination malpractice supported with human proctors at the initiation stages.

Pragmatic Perspective of Item Analysis Using Microsoft Office Excel Data Analysis Tools

Benjamin Akpezi ETOBRO — 2024-04-08

This study examined with practical demonstration the validation process of item generation through item analysis to determine item difficulty level, item discrimination power and item effectiveness adopting Microsoft Office Excel Data Analysis Tools. The study employed a descriptive expo-facto survey research design. Three research questions guided the study. A 20-multiple choice question (MCQ) items in Psychological Testing in Counselling Psychology course. The MCQ was administered to 139 education students who were in their second year in Lagos State University. A sample of 40 students’ responses was extracted by systematic random sampling technique. The students’ responses were collected and item analysis carried out. Results show that levels of difficulty, discriminating power and distractor effectiveness on the MCQ items varied. Some items were easy and moderately difficult while the others were difficult to answer. It also uncovers that, in regard to discriminating power, some items are well constructed while the others were broad and ambiguously worded. Conclusively, most of the items were reliable and valid because the levels of their difficulty and discrimination power were satisfactory. Teachers and stakeholders in testing should carry out item analysis to avoid ambiguous and broad items adopting Microsoft Office Excel statistical Tools.

Effectiveness of Task-Based Language Teaching Approach on Students’ Academic Performance in Productive Skills of English Language

Mohammed Goni BUKAR — 2024-04-08

The study examined the effectiveness of Task-based Language Teaching Approach on students’ academic performance in productive skills of English language. The quasi-experimental research design was adopted for the study with three tested hypotheses. The study population comprised three hundred and sixty-five (365) senior secondary school students from Jibwis Multilingual Academy in Maiduguri, Borno State. A convenience sampling technique was employed to select two intact senior secondary (SSII) classes in the school, resulting in a sample size of one hundred and five (105) students. The experimental group consisted of fifty-five students, while the control group consisted of fifty students. The instrument used for the study was a researcher’s self-developed tool named “English Language Productive Skills Performance Test” (ELPSPT). In order to ensure the validity of the instrument, two experts from test and measurement were used. The reliability of the instrument resulted to 0.88 reliability index using Cronbach Alpha reliability method. An Independent samples t-test was used as statistical tool to test all the hypotheses at 0.05 significant level. The findings revealed that the task-based language teaching approach had positively impacted on improving students' academic performance in speaking and writing skills of the English language. It was recommended that school administrations should encourage teachers to implement teaching methods centered around activities fostering active student engagement and communication in the classroom. Additionally, education bodies at the state level, such as the teaching service board and the state ministry of education, should conduct regular seminars and workshops to enhance teachers' skills and development.

Assessing the Impact of the Quota System on University Admissions in Nigeria: A Case Study of Federal and State Universities

Priscilla ATTE — 2024-04-08

The quota system is a federal government policy formulated to bridge the gap between the educationally developed states and the educationally less developed states. Sequel to the enactment of the policy, the government established several universities across the country to create equal opportunity for all candidates. Despite the immeasurable importance of Western education and the need to increase the literacy level in Nigeria, some states still have the apathy to embrace Western education, hence the adoption of the quota system and catchment area policies. Relevant stakeholders expressed serious concerns on their perceived impact of the quota system and the catchment area on admissions into the federal and state universities in Nigeria. This study, therefore, analyses the operations of Nigerian Universities about the quota system policy (ELDs 20% Quota) during the admission processes. Research questions were raised to guide the study. A descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population for the study was 86 federal and state universities in Nigeria. A sample of 17 was drawn through a stratified proportionate sampling technique. Data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. The reliability coefficient of the instrument was 0.70. The finding reveals that the universities abuse the ELDs quota to favor some unqualified candidates of interest and also that the rationale for the policy formulation has not been met significantly.

Influence of Conscientiousness Personality Trait on Mathematics Achievement among Senior Secondary School Students in North-West, Nigeria

Oteniya Mojeed GBENGA — 2024-04-08

This study investigated influence of conscientiousness personality trait on achievement in mathematics among senior secondary school students in North-West, Nigeria. Two hypotheses were formulated and tested. Research design used was Ex post-facto. The population of the study was 487,769 senior secondary school students. A sample size of 384 was selected based on the Research Advisor Table of Population and Sample Size. Researchers administered Conscientiousness Personality Trait Scale to the students and it was found that only 77out of 384 students were found to display conscientiousness personality trait. The Conscientiousness Personality Trait Scale was used as data collection instrument. Face and convergent validity were used by the lecturers in Bayero University, Kano to validate the instrument. The convergent validity of the conscientiousness personality trait was 0.721. Students’ 1^st and 2^nd terms examination scores which were standardized using T-score were used as students’ achievement in mathematics. Cronbach alpha reliability index of conscientiousness personality trait was 0.726. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and t-test unrelated sample were used to analyse the data. The result of the analyses showed that there was positive significant relationship between conscientiousness personality trait (r=0.631) and mathematics achievement among senior secondary school students in North-West, Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that counsellors should help guide parents and teachers on how to train children so that they can grow up with conscientiousness personality trait because it is responsible for good mathematics achievement.

Gaming Activities and Forest Resources Degradation in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State

Nkanu Onnoghen USANG — 2024-04-08

This study investigates the relationship between gaming activities and forest resources degradation in Obubra Local Government Area of Cross River State. To achieve the purpose of this study, two research questions and two null hypotheses were formulated. Correlational research design was adopted for the study. The area of the study was Obubra LGA, Cross River State. The target population was all household members who are farmers aged 18 to 35 years. Multistage sampling techniques were adopted in selecting four hundred and fifty (450) respondents used for the study. A ten item modified four point Likert scale questionnaire titled "Gaming activities and Forest Resources Degradation Questionnaire (GAFRCQ)" was the instruments used for collecting data for the study. To test the hypothesis formulated for the study, Pearson product moment correlation statistical tools was used as statistical tool for data analysis. The hypotheses formulated were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The statistical report of research question one established that there are several gaming activities taking place in the study area. The report in research question two established that forest resources degradation are available in the study Area. The results of the analysis revealed that there is a significant relationship between hunting for sport and forest resources degradation. There is a significant relationship between hunting for bush meat and forest resources degradation. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that the government and other environmental stakeholders should ensure that community dwellers participate on mobilization and awareness against unsustainable gaming activities.

Practical Approaches and Students’ Scientific Attitude in Chemistry in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria

Mabel Ini-Ibehe EDEN — 2024-04-08

The study investigated the effect of practical approaches and students’ scientific attitude in Chemistry in Uyo Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria. The design of the study was a quasi- experimental pretest posttest non-randomized design. The population of the study consisted of all the senior secondary two (SS2) Chemistry students in the thirteen (13) public co-educational secondary schools in Uyo Local Government Area with a sample of one hundred and twenty-nine (129) senior secondary two (SS2) Chemistry students in three intact classes from three (3) public co-educational secondary schools in the study area. The instrument for data collection was the Scientific Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ) with a reliability index of 0.76 using Cronbach alpha statistics. Data obtained were analysed using mean and standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). Findings showed that students taught using hands-on activity had positive scientific attitude while virtual laboratory and expository approach group had negative scientific attitude. There was a significant effect of practical approaches on students’ scientific attitude but no significant difference and interaction effect based on gender and scientific attitude. It was recommended, among others, that the use of hands-on activity approach should be encouraged for teaching of students who will acquire positive scientific attitudes. Also, teachers of Chemistry in secondary schools should be trained on the use of hands-on activity as it will re-emphasize the need for teachers to always enrich the teaching and learning process with good practical approaches that will foster scientific attitude.

Teachers’ Perception of Classroom Lesson Hour in Secondary Schools in Ilorin South Local Government, Kwara State

Saheed OYENIRAN — 2024-04-08

This study investigated the perceptions of teachers on classroom lesson hours in secondary schools in Kwara State. The research design employed was a survey type of descriptive research using an instrument titled "Perceptions of Teachers on Classroom Lesson Hour Questionnaire" (PTCLHQ). Validity of the instrument was carried out by experts in the area of Test and Measurement and Educational Management. The reliability coefficient of the PTCLHQ was (r=0.78). The population consisted of 1,178 teachers across 21 public senior secondary schools in Ilorin South Local Government Area, Kwara state, with a sample size of 300 teachers selected using a simple random sampling technique. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that the stipulated time for instructional activities in secondary schools in Kwara State is insufficient. However, the lesson objectives were attainable within the stipulated lesson hour. Teachers opined that the school lesson duration should be increased to effectively achieve the lesson objectives. The most prominent factor affecting classroom lesson hours was identified as student indiscipline, while teachers' low self-efficacy to teach was considered the least influential factor. Based on the findings, it was recommended that education authorities should conduct a comprehensive review of classroom lesson hours to align them with the needs of teachers and students. Additionally, professional development programs for teachers should focus on enhancing teachers' instructional strategies and time management skills.

Social Change in Postmodern Teacher Education in Nigeria: A Qualitative Analysis of Curriculum and Instructional Strategies

Masud Ibrahim ONIYE — 2024-04-08

This study aimed at addressing how social change described in postmodern teacher education is captured in the curriculum and instructional strategies within the context of Nigerian Undergraduate Teacher Education. A qualitative research approach was employed for generating deeper insights into the phenomena. In the first part of the study, 11 lecturers from 11 universities were interviewed to generate qualitative data. The 11 lecturers were picked through purposive sampling. Thematic method of data analysis was used to analyse the responses gathered from the participants. The result showed formal curriculum does not significantly predict Conceptualization of Teacher Education Goals (CTEG), whereas informal curriculum, formal and informal instruction, overall curriculum, and overall instruction all significantly predict undergraduate teachers’ CTEG, and thus, social change. The study provided important information for policy, curriculum, strategy, and implementation (re)design and/or review in line with postmodern TE that is relevant for the twenty-first century.

Relevance of Digital Literacy on Undergraduates Knowledge of Educational Research in Lagos State

Victoria Iyabo AREMU — 2024-04-08

Undergraduates most times find it difficult to execute research exercises successfully due to their inability to acquire the required knowledge needed for that exercise, hence the rationale for this study. Descriptive survey type of research design was adopted for this study. The population for this study comprised of all undergraduates in Lagos State while the target population was all second year students of Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, Ijanikin, Lagos State. Multi-stage sampling technique was used to select the sample size for this study. Simple random sampling technique was used by the researchers to select twenty-eight (28) students each from the ten (10) departments selected for this study. A total of two hundred and eighty (280) students form sample size for this study. A self structured instrument titled, “Questionnaire on Relevance of Digital Literacy on Undergraduates Knowledge of Educational Research (QRDLUKER)” containing 20-items on 4-Likert Scale type was designed. The instrument was validated for content and face validity by experts in educational research. With the use of Cronbach Alpha reliability estimate, r-coefficient of 0.819 was obtained. Pearson Product Moment Correlation and Regression analysis were used to analyse the data at 0.05 significant level. The result reveals that digital literacy plays a significant impact in the students’ educational research knowledge. The study among others concludes that acquisition of digital literacy skills should be made compulsory and mandatory for students seeking admission in tertiary institutions as its acquisition would go a long way to enhance their research knowledge.

Effect of Activity Student-Centered Experiment and Improvisation Teaching Strategy on Students’ Chemistry Achievement in Federal Capital Territory, Abuja

Emmanuel OMALE — 2024-04-08

The impact of Activity Student-Centered Experiment and Improvisation (ASEI) teaching approach on the academic achievement of chemistry learners in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja was examined by the researcher. Research questions and research hypotheses were developed from the study's research objectives. The research design used for this investigation was pretest posttest control group quasi-experimental research design. Purposive sampling was used to select 160 students from among the 1,680 SS One chemistry students that made up the study's population. The data for the study were collected with the use of Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) that was validated by two experts in science education and educational measurement and evaluation. The Kuder Richardson formula-21 was employed to determine the reliability of CAT and a co-efficient value of 0.89 was obtained. The data collected were analysed using descriptive statistics to answer the research questions while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the research hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that using the ASEI method of instruction improves learners’ chemistry achievement more than the use of traditional methods. It was recommended among others that in-service and pre-service educator training programs in Nigeria should incorporate the application of the ASEI strategy for instruction by educators’ trainers. This will make it possible for educators who teach chemistry to implement category exercises that incorporate the use of the ASEI teaching strategy in their teaching process.