Rivers State University Journal of Education

Competitive and reciprocal peer tutoring learning methods: ways of improving secondary school physics students’ achievement in Abia state

Agommuoh, Ekeoha — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Competitive and Reciprocal peer tutoring learning methods were investigated to find out how they can improve the academic achievement of senior secondary school physics students in Umuahia North Local Government Area in Abia State using pretest posttest quasi-experimental design. The study selected 148 SS2 physics students for the study. This sample was made up of 53 SS2 physics students assigned to the control group; 45 SS2 students assigned to the competitive group and 50 SS2 physics students assigned to the reciprocal peer tutoring group. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses. The null hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Physics Achievement Test developed by the researcher was the instrument that was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by physics experts. Test retest was used to establish the reliability of the instrument which was obtained as 0.82. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were tested using Analysis of Covariance at 0.05 level of significance. From the result, it was discovered that physics students taught with reciprocal peer tutoring and competitive learning methods had higher mean achievement scores than those taught physics using lecture method; a significant difference existed between reciprocal peer tutoring strategy and competitive strategy with physics students that were taught physics with reciprocal peer tutoring performing significantly better than their counterparts that were taught physics with competitive method. Recommendation to include reciprocal peer tutoring and competitive methods in the Physics curriculum to supplement existing methodologies in order to enhance achievement in Physics, was made based on the findings.

Analyzing the correlation between mathematical resilience and the Mathematics performance of senior secondary school students in Bayelsa State, Nigeria

Oribhabor, Akpomemiyere — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

Mathematical resilience is the capacity to overcome obstacles and setbacks in mathematics learning, enabling individuals to persist in their mathematical skill development despite challenges. The study looked at the correlation between mathematical’ resilience and Mathematics performance of senior secondary school students in Yenagoa metropolis, Bayelsa State, Nigeria. A total of three research questions were put forth to guide the investigation, and one hypothesis was established and evaluated at a significance level of 0.05. An analysis of descriptive correlation was employed in the investigation. The study's participants is 2124 senior secondary school III students in 21 public secondary schools in Yenagoa metropolis. The study's sample size is 337 students, and were randomly selected from selected six schools. To learn more about the students' mathematical resilience, the researchers created a questionnaire. Two experts in Educational Measurement and Evaluation and Mathematics Education validated the instrument. An evaluation of the instrument's reliability using the Cronbach alpha technique yielded a coefficient of 0.82. For the academic year 2021–2022, Mathematics teachers for the chosen senior secondary pupils were asked to present performance records for each student's outcomes on the second term exam. In order to respond to study questions, frequency counts and percentages were used. Pearson product-moment correlation was then used to evaluate the hypothesis at the 0.05 significant level. This study found among others that there was a significant positive relationship between these two variables. According to the study, in order to foster resilience in students studying mathematics, teachers should create a pleasant learning environment.

Challenges and opportunities in the use of e-assessment in physics as perceived by physics teachers in Umuahia north local government area of Abia State

Agommuoh, Akanwa — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The growth of technology in Nigeria’s economy has made Information and Communication Technologies a very important concept in education. The impact of ICT in education can be seen in the improvement of the learning process and environment. A descriptive survey design was employed to assess the opportunities and challenges encountered in assessing Physics students with E-assessment. The population of the study is 104 secondary school Physics teachers in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Umuahia Education Zone of Abia State. Out of this population, 50 (18 males, 32 females) formed the sample of the study using purposive sampling technique to sample only teachers that use E-assessment to assess their Physics students. The researcher’ developed questionnaire of the four-point rating scale type was used as the instrument for data collection to elicit information on the opportunities and challenges of using E-assessment in assessing secondary school Physics students. The study was guided by two research questions and two hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. The instrument was validated and its reliability obtained as 0.89 and 0.83 using Test Retest and Cronbach Alpha respectively. Mean was used to answer the research questions while t test statistics was used to test the hypotheses. The study among others revealed that provision of friendly learning environment, immediate feedback, and students’ flexibility in learning are some of the opportunities of using E-assessment to assess Physics students while poor technical infrastructure and unfamiliar students with computer are some of the challenges. It was recommended that Physics teachers be trained on how to use e-assessment to assess students to enable them use them in the physics/science classrooms and that students should be trained to be conversant with the use of e-assessment.

Influence of emerging technologies on promoting efficiency of institutional repositories in university libraries in Rivers and Bayelsa states

Solomon, Ahiauzu, Nyemezu — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study was conducted to examine the influence of technologies in promoting efficiency of institutional repositories in university libraries in Rivers and Bayelsa States. The study adopted the use of descriptive survey design. The study was guided by three objectives and research questions. Three hypotheses were formulated and tested with z-test at 0.05 level of significance. The population of the study comprised of 149 professional and para-professional librarians from six public universities in Rivers and Bayelsa States. The study used the complete census sampling technique. Questionnaire titled: influence of emerging technologies on promoting efficiency of institutional repositories questionnaire was used for generation of primary data from respondents. The reliability of instrument was established using Crobanch Alpha. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. The findings revealed that professional and para-professional librarians are of the opinion that emerging technologies such as cloud computing, blockchain technology and artificial intelligence promotes efficiency of institutional repositories in university libraries in Rivers and Bayelsa States. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that, libraries at all levels should key into the current tech-driven climate and adopt emerging technologies in order to foster development, and to enhance service delivery.

Assessing the relationship among teachers' self-efficacy, professional development programme and teachers' productivity in Irewole local government area, Osun State, Nigeria

Sanni, Aransi — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study explored the relationship among teachers' self-efficacy, professional development programme, and teachers' productivity in Irewole Local Government Area, Osun State, Nigeria. A descriptive survey research design was employed, and all 214 public secondary school teachers within the study’ location formed the target population. One hundred and sixty respondents were sampled with the aid of purposive sampling technique. A self-designed questionnaire was used to obtain data from the sampled respondents, and the regression analysis techniques were used. The empirical finding indicated that there was a positive relationship between teachers’ self-efficacy and teachers’ productivity in both academic and non-academic exercises. Also, the findings revealed a positive relationship between teachers’ involvement in professional development programmes and their productivity in both curriculum and co-curriculum activities. With respect to joint influence, the outcomes indicated a significant joint contribution of teachers’ self-efficacy and professional development programmes to teachers’ productivity in schools. It is therefore concluded that teachers’ self-efficacy and involvement in professional development programmes whether working together or separately, played a crucial role in the determination of teachers’ productivity in both curriculum and co-curriculum activities. The recommendations comprised development of self-efficacy among teachers, constant application of training and retraining programmes for public secondary school teachers among others were recommended.

Awareness of intellectual property rights for academic entrepreneurship among business educators in universities in Rivers State

Koko, Benibo, Bupo — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated the awareness of intellectual property rights for academic entrepreneurship among Business Educators in Universities in Rivers State. Two specific objectives, two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of the study consists of 48 Business Educators’ in the three public Universities in Rivers State. No sampling technique was used, since the population of the study is of manageable size. However only 46 questionnaires were retrieved and used for the study. Instrument used for data collection was a questionnaire titled “Awareness of Intellectual Property Rights for Academic Entrepreneurship”. Data collected was analyzed using mean and standard deviation, while Analysis of Variance was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Findings of the study revealed that the level of Business Educators’ awareness of copyright and trademark right for academic entrepreneurship are moderate. Therefore, it recommends amongst others that, University management should provide training on intellectual property rights to sensitized academic researchers to maximize academic research outcomes in the knowledge market

Reinforcement, healthy eating and after school lesson as predictor of kindergarten pupils' academic performance in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State

Imasuen — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined healthy eating, reinforcement and after-school lessons as predictors of kindergarten pupils’ academic performance in Oredo Local Government Area, Edo State. To guide this study, four (4) research questions were raised. The study was a descriptive survey that adopted the correlational design, and the population of the study consisted of all preschool teachers and parents of kindergarten pupils from public and private schools in Oredo Local Government Area. A sample size of 300 respondents (100 teachers and 200 parents) was used for the study. The Cochran modified formula for finite population was utilized and gave a value of 235, which is the least sample size that could be used. However, the researchers decided to increase it to 300. These participants were selected conveniently from the 20 preschools used for the study. The instrument for the study was a questionnaire titled “Reinforcement, Healthy Eating and After-School Lesson”. It was validated by three experts in Measurement and Evaluation and gave a reliability index of 0.88. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation for research questions one to three while research question four was analyzed using regression analysis at 0.05 level of significance. The findings that emerged showed that the use of reinforcement by the teacher, healthy eating, and after-school lessons had an impact on the academic performance of kindergarten pupils to a high degree. It was observed that though reinforcement, healthy eating and after-school lessons were good predictors of kindergarten pupils' academic performance. Only teachers’ use of reinforcement and healthy eating that contributed significantly to pupils’ academic performance. It was recommended that teachers should be properly informed and guided on the use of reinforcement, and kindergarten pupils should be encouraged to eat healthily so as to improve their academic performance.

Constrains to effective utilization of electronic learning devices in teaching and learning of business education courses in universities in Rivers State

Jim — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated constrains to effective utilization of Electronic-learning devices in teaching and learning of Business Education courses in two state universities in Rivers State. Survey research design was adopted. The population of the study consisted of 1,136 respondents which comprises of 35 Business Educators and 1,101 Business Education students from the two universities in Rivers State. A sample size of 80 respondents, was purposefully drawn from the entire population. Two research questions were answered and two null hypotheses tested at .05 level of significance guided the study. Structured questionnaire containing a total of 26 items was used for data collection. It was found that business education students encountered certain constrains in utilizing E-learning in university education in Rivers State. In the same vein, business education lecturers encountered some difficulties in utilizing e-learningdevices in teaching business education courses. It was recommended that universities in Rivers State should provide sufficient e-learning equipment and equally improve on their internet provider and ensure regular power supply

Financial market frictions in the Nigerian capital market

Mafiejor — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study investigates the financial market friction in the Nigerian capital market by examining several variables, such as transaction cost, taxes and regulations, asset indivisibility, non-traded asset, and agency with information problems. Statistical methods such as correlation, regression, and tests for unit root and co-integration were used to analyze time series data. The study revealed that the different factors have varying impacts on stock market performance and contribute to the various reactions to challenges in the stock market. Based on the econometric findings, the study recommends that transaction costs be managed efficiently, investors be taxed in a way that encourages investment, the capital market provide reliable information to investors, and the number of instruments traded on the stock exchange be increased.

Entrepreneurship education learning experiences and business education postgraduate students’ identity construction in Rivers State universities

Ikpesu, Ekweme — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated entrepreneurship education learning experiences to determine business education students’ entrepreneurial identity construction in Rivers State Universities. Four research questions and four hypotheses guided the correlation study which has a population of 212 registered postgraduate students that have offered entrepreneurship courses in 2020/2021 session. The study adopted the 212 population as sample through purposive sampling technique. Instruments for data collection titled “Entrepreneurship Education Learning Experiences Questionnaire and “Entrepreneurial identity Construction Questionnaire)” were administered to respondents. The instruments, structured in four-point rating scale were validated and their reliabilities of 0.89 and 0.81established using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Statistics. The findings revealed that venture creation learning approach in entrepreneurship education have a direct influence on postgraduate business education students’ entrepreneurial identity construction in Rivers State Universities. Also, that learning experiences in entrepreneurship education significantly relate to the construction of students’ entrepreneurial identity in business education in universities. Furthermore, business educators should always adopt experimentation teaching method in some cases in entrepreneurship education. This would actively expose and broaden student’s ability to brainstorm for solution and tackle complex problems while the educator facilitates and guide the learning processes.

Improving academic performance of business education students in accounting courses in colleges of education in Delta State, Nigeria

Mordi — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated ways of improving academic performance of business education students in accounting courses in Colleges of Education in Delta State, Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study and two null hypotheses tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of the study was 76 Business Education lecturers in Colleges of Education in Delta State and the entire population was used as the sample size. A 40-item questionnaire designed on four-point rating scale was used as the instrument for the study. The instrument was validated by two experts. The reliability of the instrument was established using Pearson product moment correlation method and the reliability coefficient was 0.82. Research questions were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while z- test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that teaching method, group work, study habit and teacher–student relationship improve business education students’ academic performance in accounting courses as perceived by the respondents. It was recommended based on the findings that, Business education, accounting lecturers in Colleges of Education in Delta State need to teach accounting courses with student–centered teaching method to maintain good academic performance. There is need for accounting lecturers to introduce group work among students and encourage them to participate for better understanding of the subject matter.

Role of social workers and community engagement in suicide prevention in Nigeria

Omokhabi, Omokhabi — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The effects of suicide are profound and long-lasting on families and communities, affecting the marginalized, vulnerable, and the well-to-do members of the community. Suicide is a public health issue in Nigeria and globally. Nigeria's suicide rate seems to be increasing in recent times. Suicide result from a variety of societal, psychological, and cultural factors. Social workers work in a variety of settings are important human service providers when it comes to intervening with members of the community and families, they work with vulnerable and marginalized groups and play a crucial role. Community engagement brings together the skills, knowledge, and experiences of diverse groups to create and/or implement solutions that work for all members of the community. The study discussed the functions of social workers and the role community members can play in mitigating suicide. Social workers can function as gatekeepers, case workers, clinicians, counselors, psychotherapists, community workers, researchers, trainers, and so on. Suicide prevention education should be included in school curricula

Effective management of university education in Nigeria for quality service delivery

Egwurugwu, Onyeukwu — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The paper examined effective management of university education in Nigeria for quality service delivery. In Nigeria, managing university education effectively is critical to fulfilling the goals for universities outlined in the National Policy of Education. Effective management refers to the administrators' capacity to intelligently employ the material and human resources at their disposal to meet the goals of university education. The paper also enumerated funding, facility provision, environmental security and lecturers training, among other things. The management of university education is extremely dependent on the quality of the administrators. The paper came to the conclusion that if the objectives of the university education are to be met, then the employment of effective management measures is indispensable. In order to give high-quality education, the paper suggested that university officials should make sure that facilities are provided and maintained. The paper also makes the suggestion that the government, working in tandem with university administration, should guarantee the staff's safety in order to ensure their effectiveness in carrying out their assigned duties.

Adult education strategies for addressing environmental conflict between nomads and host communities

Nwogu, Tommy, Sijuade — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study examined adult education strategies for addressing environmental conflict between nomads and host communities using Enugu State of Nigeria as a case. Descriptive research design of survey was adopted. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used for this study. Sample size was 25 respondents which comprised community Kings and their cabinet members and the identified leaders of the nomads. This constitutes the respondents who participated in the five sessions of the Focus Group Discussion held for the purpose of this study. The guide for Focus Group Discussion was given face and content validation before subjecting it to data collection. Observations from the Focus Group Discussion was interpreted historically. Results show that dialogue and regular meetings are adult education strategies for addressing environmental conflict between nomads and host communities in Enugu State of Nigeria. The study recommends among others that Government should invest in programmes that will show the usefulness of adult education strategies in awareness creation in order to curb the problems that threaten the very existence of man and his occupational resource-base in various communities in the study area.

Assessment of mental health and examination anxiety of secondary school students in Delta central senatorial district, Delta State, Nigeria

Odofin, Igabari — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The purpose of this study is to assess the mental health and examination anxiety of adolescent’s secondary school students in Delta Central Senatorial District, Delta State, Nigeria. To guide the study, two hypotheses were formulated. The research design for the study was survey-based. The population of the study is 92, 323 participants, both male and female students. 300 male and female SSS 1 adolescents were selected using a Simple random sampling technique. The adopted Mental Health Questionnaire by Tennant, Hiller, et al (2007) and Examination anxiety scale by Spielberger, (2010) were adopted and used to obtain the data for the study. To determine the instruments’ internal consistency, Cronbach alpha was utilized. Mental Health scale produced a reliability value of 0.60 while exam anxiety produced 0.72. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean and standard deviation), PPMC, and Independent T-test at 0.05 alpha level of significance. The results demonstrated a positive association between adolescents’ secondary school students’ mental health and exam anxiety. Gender, mental health, and exam anxiety of adolescents in secondary schools are also related. Therefore, it was recommended, among others, that students should be effectively prepared for any examination in order to be able to create confidence in themselves and reduce anxiety related to examination.

Factors affecting solid waste management among residents in Ilorin south local government area, Kwara State, Nigeria

Ologele, Jidda, Joseph, Dabiri-Adewumi; Fofana — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined factors affecting solid waste management among residents in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The population of the study comprises of all the residents of Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State. The research design used for the study was a descriptive cross-sectional survey which involved the use of a multi-stage sampling technique to choose 200 respondents participated in the study through the use of a structured questionnaire. The reliability of the instrument for the study was established using test-retest method. The reliability coefficient of 0.84 was obtained using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient. Frequency counts and the percentage were used to analyse demographic data of the respondents while inferential statistics of chi-square was used to analyse the result of the stated hypotheses at 0.05 alpha level. The result of the findings revealed that inadequate funding, poverty and inadequate sanitation facilities contributed significantly to the problem of solid waste management in Ilorin South Local Government Area of Kwara State, Nigeria. The study recommends that Government and non-government organization should provide sanitation facilities to residents of Ilorin South Local Government to make it easy for them to manage their solid waste effectively.

Accessibility to the use of information and communication technology and skills possessed by library and information science undergraduates in southern Nigeria

Toyo — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The Study examined Accessibility to the Use of Information and Communication Technology and Skills Possessed by Library and Information Science Undergraduates in Southern Nigeria. The research design used in the study was descriptive. A structured questionnaire served as the data gathering tool. The population of the study was 6, 249 regular undergraduates’ student drawn from the 12 Universities in Southern Nigeria that have Library and Information Science Department. The sample size for study is 624 students and simple random sampling technique was used to select 10% from the population. The study revealed that Information and Communication facilities are highly accessible for use by undergraduates’ in universities in Southern Nigeria and that the extent to which Library and Information Science students are skilled on the use of Information and Communication Technology facilities is low. The study further found that Information and Communication Technology skills significantly influenced the use of Information and Communication Technology among Library and Information Science Students in universities in southern Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that, Government and tertiary institution management should setup modern and standard Information and Communication Technology centers to train and retrain students on the relevant skills to enable them optimally utilize Information and Communication Technology’s facilities.

Relationship between employees’ work benefits and job commitment among business educators’ in higher institutions in Rivers State

Aleru — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study examined the relationship between employees’ work benefits and job commitment among business Educators in higher institution in Rivers State. Three research question and three null hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study was 120 Business Education lecturers from four higher institutions in Rivers State. The entire population was used for the study as it was manageable. A structured research instrument titled Employee’s Work Benefit and Business Educators Job Commitment was used to collect data from the respondents. The instrument was validated using face and content validation by the researcher’s supervisor and two other experts from the Faculty of Education, Rivers State University. The reliability of the instrument was established using test-re-test method which yielded a reliability of 0.76. The data collected were analyzed using mean rating and standard deviation, for the research question while Pearson Product Moment Correlational Coefficient was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significant. The study revealed that, there is a relationship between employees work benefits such as medical, training and housing allowances, and Business Educators Job Commitments. Based on the findings, the researchers recommended that medical allowances of lecturers in higher institutions in Rivers State should be increased in order to enable them get access to advanced health care services. Authorities and management of institutions should upscale the training and retraining of lecturers in higher institutions so as to enhance their job commitment.

Perception of pedagogical innovations in business education and students’ active learning engagement in state universities in south-south Nigeria

Ikpesu, Epelle — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

The study investigated pedagogical innovations in Business Education and students’ active learning engagement in State Universities in South-South, Nigeria, two research questions and null hypotheses guided the study. The correlational research design was adopted having a population of 2,778 Business Educators and undergraduate students from six State-owned universities that award degrees in Business Education in South-South, Nigeria. However, 330 Business Educators and students respectively were sampled. Two sets of instruments titled “Pedagogical Innovation in Business Education Questionnaire and Students’ Active Learning Engagement were validated for data collection while reliability index of 0.85 and 0.83 were established respectively, using Cronbach Alpha method. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was adopted for the analysis and to test null hypotheses. Findings show that a strong relationship exists between activity-based pedagogy and Students’ active learning engagement as perceived by Business Educators and Students of State Universities in South- South, Nigeria. It was recommended that digital - based pedagogy should be adopted as a pedagogical approach in Business Education to promote inclusive learning and better understanding of concepts, ideas and retention of knowledge by students. Also, cross-curricular connection-based pedagogy should be adopted as pedagogical approach in Business Education to enable students draw knowledge from other disciplines and which is a key element for improving the quality of education and assimilation of new knowledge.

Entrepreneurial skills in physics: evaluating secondary school teachers’ and students’ experiences in secondary schools in Rivers state

Naade, Allison, Adolphus — Sat, 16 Dec 2023 00:00:00 +0000

This study evaluated secondary school teachers and students’ experiences in entrepreneurial skills in Physics in Rivers State. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. 6,855 physics students and 27 Physics teachers in 19 public secondary schools in Obio/Akpor local government area formed the population of the study. A census of 27 Physics teachers were used for the study while a simple random technique was used to sample 686 physics students for the study. Five research questions were posed to guide the study. The instrument used in data collection was titled “Entrepreneurial Skills in Physics: Evaluation of Teachers’ and Students’ Experiences in Secondary Schools Questionnaire”. Face and content validity of the instrument were carried out by experts in physics education and measurement and evaluation. Test-retest and Cronbach Alpha methods of reliability were employed to test the stability and internal consistency of the items. A reliability coefficient of 0.81 and 0.78 respectively were obtained. The research questions were answered using descriptive statistics of mean and standard deviation. Results from the study revealed that simple a.c circuit, heat energy measurement, electrical continuity testing, battery, electromagnetic fluid, principles of fluctuation, potential energy, electric field, fluid at rest and in motion solar collector and pressure cooler are topics in physics that could expose students to entrepreneurial skills. The study also revealed that students acquired entrepreneurial skills such as electric installations and wiring, load calculations, repair of generators and household appliances, installation and maintenance of solar panels. It was recommended that students should be engaged in student-centered and active process of learning such as discoveries, hands-on and minds-on activities as to enable students discover and create entrepreneurial skills themselves as well galvanizing students’ intentions to become economically empowered.