Journal Articles

The Use of Photomicrographs and Real Specimens in Teaching Biology in Secondary Schools and its Effects on Students Performance, Kenya

2025-05-20T11:19:54Z

The Use of Photomicrographs and Real Specimens in Teaching Biology in Secondary Schools and its Effects on Students Performance, Kenya Caroline, Jerono; Dinah, Samikwo; Ouma, Peter The study focused on examining the effect of teaching secondary school biology using photomicrographs and real specimens to enhance students’ academic performance in secondary schools in Kenya.it employed the constructivism theory which emphasizes that in a constructivist environment, learners are able to build their own understanding by use of their previous knowledge to create new ideas. A teacher in a realism classroom is just but a facilitator who guides the active learners towards making their own conclusion. Students’ previous knowledge is prompted to ascertain what they know before a concept is taught. That would enable the teacher to correct any misconception that would arise and therefore concepts would be built on factual knowledge leading to learning of new concepts. The target population was 1490, where 298 form one Biology student and 18 teachers were used as the respondents. The Quasi –experimental design was used in the study where a pre-test Standardized Biology evaluation test (SBET) was administered to all the study participants. Then a treatment offered and later a post-test Standardized Biology evaluation test (SBET) to both groups corresponding to treatment given. The target population was 1490, where 298 form one Biology student and 18 teachers were used as the respondents. The population of interest were identified using stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. The Standardized Biology Evaluation Test SBET, a questionnaire for teachers TQ and for students SQ and checklist instruments were used as data collection instruments to generate data. For establishment of consistency of the questionnaire, Cronbach’s Alpha coefficient that estimates the reliability of the instrument was used which gave Cronbach’s coefficient alpha of 0.89 for students and 0.84 for teachers. The data analysis were carried out using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics (t-test) guided by SPSS and excel. The study found out that the students in the experimental group outperformed those in the control group. The study recommended that the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) should provide the use of real specimens teaching approach in secondary schools in order to improve performance in KCSE Biology Examinations.

Effect of Online Based Concept Maps on Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance in Biology in Endebess Sub-County, Kenya

2023-10-03T06:34:22Z

Effect of Online Based Concept Maps on Secondary School Students’ Academic Performance in Biology in Endebess Sub-County, Kenya Moturi, Alvin M.; Ouma, Peter O.; Chemoiwo, Emily Performance in sciences especially in Biology has continuously been a concern to the Government of Kenya, Biology teachers and various stakeholders in Education. For a considerable the past five years, Biology subject has performed below the expectation and for this reason researchers in this field are out to unlock the anomaly. This study investigated the effect of online based concept maps on secondary school students’ performance in Biology in Endebess sub-county, Trans-nzoia County, Kenya. The objective was to find out the effect of online based concept maps on secondary school students’ performance in biology in Endebess sub-county. The study employed quantitative research method. The study used Quasi experimental design; non-equivalent pre-test post-test groups design. The target population included all form one students in Endebess Sub-County with a population of 2845 students drawn from 18 schools. Using Krejcie and Morgan table for calculating sample sizes for research, a sample size of 451 students and 18 teachers was obtained. The study employed tests as data collection instruments. Tests were derived from qualified sources and were validated by specialists. A Cronbach’s alpha of 0.79 was obtained and the instruments were considered appropriate and reliable. The data was analyzed by SPSS (version 21) and Microsoft Excel statistical packages. The results of the study showed that online based concept maps were a superior tool to conventional methods of delivery of content. It is hoped that the results will form basis for advising biology instructors in organizing concepts by the used of Biology concept maps, which promote meaningful learning for learners, supporting the overall learning style and enhancing the understanding of concepts to the learners.

Effect of Scientific Competencies in Chemistry Practical on Performance in Chemistry Subject

2022-03-28T09:06:31Z

Effect of Scientific Competencies in Chemistry Practical on Performance in Chemistry Subject Obadiah, Ronoh C.; Waswa, Peter; Lusweti, K. John Practical work plays a key role in the instruction of science and chemistry in particular. This study was done to evaluate the effect of learner competencies in Chemistry practical on performance in chemistry examination in secondary schools. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effect of observation, manipulation and computation competencies in chemistry practical on performance in chemistry subject. The study was carried out in Narok County of Kenya. The County was selected because performance in chemistry has been below average and inconsistent over the years as observed from KCSE Chemistry mean grades of 2012 to 2017. Research philosophy used was pragmatism. A descriptive survey design was used where a sample size of 377 respondents were randomly selected from chemistry teachers and Form three students from 145 public secondary schools in the County. Data was collected using questionnaire, interview and observation schedule. Document analysis was also used to obtain required information for the study. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid of statistical package for social science (SPSS). Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypotheses. The findings of the study indicated that observation, manipulation, problem solving and computation skills were low which translated in low performance in majority of the schools. Entry characteristics of students had a small impact on performance in chemistry practical. The ANOVA result indicated that science skills which included observation, manipulation, problem solving and computation had positive significant effect on the performance in chemistry (P < .05%). The study concluded that student competence had significant effect on the performance in chemistry. It recommended that there is need to adopt new instructional methods like computer-based learning, cooperative learning and guided inquiry laboratory methods to enable students develop science competencies to improve their performance. The results will benefit Ministry of Education, Donors, County governments, teachers, students and researchers to realign measures for effective content delivery in Chemistry.

Higher Education in the 21st Century: Relevance, Sufficiency, Challenges and Remedies from Graduates’ Perspective

2021-10-18T09:37:21Z

Higher Education in the 21st Century: Relevance, Sufficiency, Challenges and Remedies from Graduates’ Perspective Wangui, Patrick Mwangi; Ingado, Diana Changes in life are ever bound to take place and as a result, what was important yesterday may be obsolete tomorrow, and education is not an exception. Prior to the 21st century, necessity of changes in education had been identified by many researchers and international organizations concerned with education. This had been brought about by the fact that things were changing and education had to keep the pace. In light to this fact, this study was carried out in Eldoret town, Kenya, in order to investigate whether education was up-to-date in the 21st century. It targeted university and college graduates. It was guided by four objectives namely: the relevance of education in this century, the sufficiency, the challenges facing the education in the century and the solutions to the challenges. 300 graduates from 28 different higher learning institutions were considered and data collected using questionnaires. Purposive sampling method was employed. Data analysis was performed in R software and Microsoft Excel for both descriptive and inferential statistics. The results show that, the rate of unemployment among graduates in Eldoret stands at 56.3% (p=0.0163) and 83.4% (p<0.0001) of these unemployed graduates are seeking employment. Among the employed, 59.5% (p=0.0180) are in non-self-employment. At higher learning institutions, majority (74.3%) of the graduates feel that they only gained knowledge while only 3.7% gained both skills and knowledge. Those who don’t find higher education in the 21st century useful in preparing

Effect of 7E Learning Cycle Model on Students’ Academic Achievement in Biology in Secondary Schools in Chesumei Subcounty, Kenya

2021-10-08T10:12:22Z

Effect of 7E Learning Cycle Model on Students’ Academic Achievement in Biology in Secondary Schools in Chesumei Subcounty, Kenya Cherono, Juliana; Samikwo, Dinah; Kabesa, Stella The objective of the study was to compare the effect of 7E Learning Cycle Model and Conventional Instructional Method on students’ academic achievement in Biology. Quasi experimental design was adopted in this study. A sample size of 346 form three students was selected using stratified sampling and simple random sampling techniques. Data collection instrument was Biology Achievement Test. Validity of the instrument was determined by two experts in Biology Education. Test- retest technique was used to determine the reliability of the instrument. A reliability coefficient of 0.83 was obtained. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were used to analyze data. The results were presented using tables. Results of the study revealed that the mean score of the students in the experimental group was higher than those in the control group. The study also found that there was a statistically significant difference between the mean scores of those taught using 7E Learning Cycle Model and those taught using Convectional Instructional Method. The study concluded that 7E Learning Cycle Model has the potential of improving students’ academic achievement. It was therefore recommended that Biology teachers should employ such constructivist approach as 7 E learning cycle model in teaching. In addition, Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development should organize and conduct capacity building on teachers on the adoption of 7E LCM during instruction.

Influence of Availability of Equipment, Learning Aids and Facilities on Practical Abilities of Learners in Physics in Sirisia Division, Bungoma West Sub-County, Kenya

2021-10-08T09:17:05Z

Influence of Availability of Equipment, Learning Aids and Facilities on Practical Abilities of Learners in Physics in Sirisia Division, Bungoma West Sub-County, Kenya Mang'eni, Gladys Physics plays an important role in the development of the scientific base necessary for Kenya’s industrialization as envisaged in Vision 2030, but the students’ performance in the subject has been on a downward trend in recent years. This study set out to investigate influence of availability of equipment, learning aids and facilities on the practical skill abilities of the learners in physics during classroom interaction in selected schools in Sirisia Division, Bungoma West Sub-County, Kenya. The research design adopted for the study was descriptive survey. Questionnaires and observation schedules were used to collect the data. The target population for the study was 14 secondary schools, 30 teachers of physics, and form 3 students. One hundred and forty form three students and twelve teachers were selected to fill in the questionnaire. Two physics teachers were observed while teaching a form three class in each of the six schools selected. Data was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, results were presented in tables and percentages and checked off using chi-square. The findings showed that available physics teaching resources influenced learners’ development of practical physics. The study also found out that there was no significant difference between availability of equipments, teaching aids and other facilities and learners’ ability to develop practical physics skills. The study concluded that students who are exposed to inquiry-based learning, in which the teachers’ role is that of a facilitator with the learner playing an active participatory role, develop proficiency in manipulative skills. By making equipment and apparatus available to the learner, the student acquires speed and skill for further education in science and technological field. The study recommends that secondary schools should be empowered to receive more allocation from CDF funds, well-wishers and parents to be able to build standard laboratory (especially the state owned public schools) in which improvised and other concrete materials such as models and specimens could be stored for the purpose of physics teaching through demonstrations, class experiments and project learning. Inspections should be routinely carried out on schools’ laboratories and worn out equipment replaced with new ones.

THE INFLUENCE OF CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION ON MASTERS’ STUDENTS’ USE OF STATISTICS IN RESEARCH

2020-10-01T13:30:35Z

THE INFLUENCE OF CURRICULUM IMPLEMENTATION ON MASTERS’ STUDENTS’ USE OF STATISTICS IN RESEARCH Mubichakan, Joseph M.; Simiyu, John; Kisilu, Kitainge Knowledge is attributed to successful innovation in firms and research has been identified as the main source of knowledge. University students in Kenya have been accused of doing low quality research. One of the major components of research is data analysis that is either qualitative or quantitative. In quantitative analysis statistics is majorly used. Statistics starts at the planning stage to establish the design and sample size all the way to data analysis. However, simple statistical notions are sometimes misunderstood or misinterpreted by research workers in many disciplines who have limited knowledge of statistics. The purpose of this paper was to determine how the masters’ curriculum implementation meets the needs for use statistics. The study used descriptive survey design complimented with case study design. A total of 83 respondents from 3 different universities participated in the study. Frequencies and regression analysis were used to analyze data. The study exposed flaws in training of researchers in use of statistics. The study therefore noted that adequate training based on a rich curriculum in statistics is essential to use statistics in research.

Analysis of How Masters’ Curriculum Meets the Needs of Masters’ Students’ Use of Statistics in Research

2020-10-01T13:25:17Z

Analysis of How Masters’ Curriculum Meets the Needs of Masters’ Students’ Use of Statistics in Research Mubichakani, Joseph M.; Simiyu, John; Kisilu, Kitainge Knowledge is valued as a vital asset for progress and prosperity in every sphere of human understanding. Knowledge is attributed with successful innovation in firms. Research has been identified as the main source of knowledge. In Kenya, University students have been accused of doing low quality research. Statistics is important in research, it starts at the planning stage to establish the design and sample size. Studies have pointed to wrong use of statistics as a contributing factor towards low quality research. The purpose of this study was; to determine masters’ curriculum meets the needs of masters’ students’ use of statistics in research, a case of curriculums of universities of western Kenya. Three curriculums from 3 different universities were analyzed. The study established that; general objectives and specific objectives in courses related to statistics adequately covered the requirements for statistics training; the scheduled content for the core courses covered descriptive and inferential statistics; ICT concepts are catered for in the sampled masters’ curriculums, however, the courses are too wide to be effectively learned in one semester of 4 months; The study established that lectures, class discussion and students presentations are common methods of instruction across the sampled curriculums. The study established that continuous assessment tests and end of semester sit in exam were the common form of exams administered. In addition in one case there were also term papers and practical in some courses. However the end of semester exam carried more weight of 60%. The study recommended for proper integration of ICT and statistics, increase of statistical courses and use of open book examination

THE INFLUENCE OF PERSONAL FACTORS ON MASTERS’ STUDENTS’ USE OF STATISTICS IN RESEARCH

2020-10-01T13:19:04Z

THE INFLUENCE OF PERSONAL FACTORS ON MASTERS’ STUDENTS’ USE OF STATISTICS IN RESEARCH Mubichakani, Joseph M. Knowledge is valued as a vital asset for progress and prosperity in every sphere of human understanding. Knowledge is attributed with successful innovation in firms. Research has been identified as the main source of knowledge. In Kenya, University students have been accused of doing low quality research. Statistics is important in research, it starts at the planning stage to establish the design and sample size. Studies have pointed to wrong use of statistics as a contributing factor towards low quality research. The purpose of this study was; to determine the influence of personal factors on masters’ students’ use of statistics in research, a case of universities of western Kenya. The study was based on normative paradigm and interpretive philosophy. The study used descriptive survey design complimented with case study design. A total of 83 respondents’ from 3 different universities participated in the study. Frequencies and regression analysis were used to analyze data. The study found out that 68.4% of the masters’ students struggled to use statistics in research. The findings indicated that less than half of the students had time to attend all classes and majority had time to carry out data analysis. The study also determined that majority of the students took personal initiative to learn how to use computer software and other concepts related to use of statistics. The study established that post graduate students who had enough time to carry out data analysis were significantly more likely to find use of statistics easier than their counterparts. The study recommends that universities should consider time availability and personal initiative of the student before admitting them for a masters’ program.

Perception on Circumcision Rites and Schooling in Bungoma County, Kenya

2020-10-01T13:14:10Z

Perception on Circumcision Rites and Schooling in Bungoma County, Kenya Otunga, Prof.Ruth; Jaluo, Murunga William; Mubichakani, J.M.; et.., al. Kenya has reaffirmed its commitment to enabling majority of its citizen’s access education by introducing free and compulsory primary education (FPE). In Bungoma County, the primary school age population (6-13) is 245,000 (boys 48% and girls 52%) out of which the school enrolment is 97%. However, the dropout for boys is 57.5% and 53% for girls by Standard Eight. This negates the efforts and finances pumped in by the government to enable majority of its citizen’s access education. Bungoma County is considered conservative in cultural aspects especially circumcision rites, which is a way of preparing boys for adult life. The circumcision rites take place in between the school terms and tend to be disruptive to the education of the adolescent boys and girls. The rites also place a heavy economic burden on the parents and the community through diversion of financial and other resources to these celebrations. However, little research has been done on community perception regarding this rite. The study specifically assessed the perception of Bukusu community on circumcision rites and schooling. The study adopted a descriptive design. The target population included primary pupils, teachers, village leaders and key cultural informants from the County. A total of 591 respondents were selected from these categories to participate in the study. Interview schedules, focused group discussions and questionnaires were used to collect data that were analysed both descriptively and inferentially. Findings indicated that the community’s general perception towards traditional circumcision was divided and on the other hand the community had a positive attitude towards modern schooling. Traditional circumcision rites were important in preparing young boys for adulthood. Similarly, modern schooling was also very important in preparing young boys for adulthood backed with a formal curriculum. These two were found to be in competition and the young boys were torn in between which was affecting both girls and boys. From the findings it is recommended that there should be a deliberate move to educate the Bukusu community to embrace the modern method of circumcision and the formal school curriculum in Kenya should be enriched to include the positive traditional African virtues that are found in the diverse communities in an effort to ensuring that the learners are globally competitive but also relevant in their various communities of origin.