scholarly journals EXPLORING SOUTH AFRICAN PRESERVICE TEACHERS’ CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING OF LIGHT PHENOMENA

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sam Ramaila ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
South African ◽  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
Total Internal Reflection ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Initial Teacher Education ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Physical Sciences ◽  
Particle Nature ◽  
Descriptive Survey

The wave and particle nature of light poses considerable instructional challenges to both teachers and learners in diverse educational settings. Developing a meaningful conceptual understanding of the wave and particle nature of light is a key requirement for demystifying the complex nature of various optical phenomena. The study adopted an exploratory descriptive survey design and involved purposively selected South African preservice Physical Sciences as participants. Preservice Physical Sciences teachers’ conceptual understanding of light phenomena was explored through the administration of the Light Phenomena Conceptual Assessment (LPCA) inventory. The key findings of the study revealed that preservice Physical Sciences teachers exhibited conceptual hurdles in relation to light phenomena such as reflection, refraction, total internal reflection and light scattering. The prevalence of these conceptual hurdles can partly be attributed to pervasive knowledge gaps manifested as a result of deficient instructional strategies adopted to demystify complex nature of light phenomena. Theoretical implications for initial teacher education are discussed.

scholarly journals PROSPECTIVE SCIENCE TEACHERS’ LEVELS OF UNDERSTANDING AND EXPLANATION OF ANIMAL AND PLANT CELLS: DRAW-WRITE

2015 ◽  
Vol 14 (4) ◽  
pp. 501-512
Author(s):  
Huriye Deniş Çeliker
Keyword(s):  
Key Words ◽  
Science Teachers ◽  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
Prospective Teachers ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Plant Cells ◽  
Animal Cells ◽  
Written Explanations ◽  
Descriptive Survey ◽  
Prospective Science Teachers

Understanding science concepts and being able to explain them is important for science teachers. The perception of students about the concepts of science is related to teachers who use these concepts. In this study, it was aimed to determine prospective science teachers’ (n=152) levels of conceptual understanding and ability to explain animal and plant cells by drawing and written explanations. In the study, descriptive survey design has been used. As for the outcome of the research, the conceptual understanding of prospective science teachers regarding plant and animal cells was not adequate. In addition, prospective science teachers’ level understanding and explanation the animal cells and plant cells was found out to be associated with each other. Prospective teachers’ writing and drawing scores are remarkably in favor of writing and significantly differ. The majority of prospective teachers had difficulty over drawing concepts. Recommendations are presented on the basis of these results. Key Words: cell, explanation, prospective science teachers, understanding

scholarly journals Integrating language literacy in physical sciences in Riba Cross District, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 547-562
Author(s):  
Israel Kibirige ◽  
Asaph Romolus Mogofe
Keyword(s):  
Science Teaching ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Literacy Skills ◽  
Physical Sciences ◽  
Report Writing ◽  
Learning Challenges ◽  
Word Walls ◽  
Language Literacy ◽  
Descriptive Survey

The language of teaching and learning challenges Physical Sciences teachers and impacts learners’ achievements. The study aimed to investigate how language literacy is integrated into the teaching of Physical Sciences. A descriptive survey design was adopted. The participants were five Grade 10 Physical Sciences teachers and 211 learners (108 boys; 103 girls) from nine schools exhibiting low academic achievements. Data were gleaned through the Literacy Skills Usage Survey Questionnaire (LSUSQ). The results show that 77.78% of the teachers did not engage learners in report writing and arguments which are fundamental to language literacy, suggesting that integrating literacy in science teaching was inadequate. Learners had difficulties in contributing to word walls, writing reports, and arguing from evidence. The lack of integration suggests that teachers lacked training in integrating language literacy into science teaching. These findings underscore the need for workshops to enable teachers to incorporate language literacy in teaching Physical Sciences.   Keywords: arguing from evidence, integrate, language literacy, reading and report writing

scholarly journals Financial Literacy Education: Implication on the Teacher’s Economic and Social Life in Ghana

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juabin Matey ◽  
Joseph Yennukua Duut ◽  
Mensah Felix Kombian
Keyword(s):  
Teacher Development ◽  
Financial Literacy ◽  
Financial Management ◽  
Social Life ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Literacy Education ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Literacy Knowledge ◽  
Upper East Region ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Financial literacy education is one of lifelong assets that every individual needs to function and fit well in modern-day society. It provides the financially savvy better decision making, best investment alternatives and family wellbeing. Unfortunately, consumers appear less active and less confident in participating meaningfully in the financial sector due to lack of knowledge about the complex nature of financial products and services and the risk that goes with them. This study looked at financial literacy education and its implication on the economic and social life of the teacher in the Upper East Region of Ghana. With a descriptive survey design, 118 participants responded to questionnaires. We found low levels of financial literacy among participants which can poorly affect their daily financial management. The financially literate has the advantage to undertake prudent retirement planning. Being financially illiterate adversely affects one’s life in relation to the culture of savings, expenditure pattern, investment decisions and budgeting skills, making one economically insecure. The study has policy frontier implications; policy makers, governments, non-governmental organisations and equity owners should come to the aid of teachers by way of introducing professional teacher development programmes specifically tailored at uplifting their financial literacy knowledge and skills.

The nexus between organisational culture and knowledge sharing in a government department in Botswana

2021 ◽  
Vol 34 (2) ◽  
pp. 118-136
Author(s):  
Kakale Osupile ◽  
Ushe Makambe
Keyword(s):  
Knowledge Sharing ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Organisational Culture ◽  
Complex Nature ◽  
Content Type ◽  
Independent Variables ◽  
Organisational Effectiveness ◽  
The Government ◽  
Descriptive Survey

PurposeDue to its complex nature and influence, an inappropriate organisational culture can be a strong impediment to effective knowledge sharing in an organisation, yet a suitable culture enhances organisational effectiveness. The aim of this study was to elucidate the role of organisational culture in facilitating knowledge sharing in a selected government ministry in Botswana. The role of people, collaboration, trust and rewards was explored to explicate their influence on knowledge sharing.Design/methodology/approachA descriptive survey design was adopted in which a questionnaire was administered to 127 respondents who were sampled from a population of 431 employees of the ministry based at the head office in Gaborone, with 97 questionnaires successfully completed and returned culminating in a 76.4% response rate.FindingsThe findings of the study exposed a significant and positive correlation between organisational culture and knowledge sharing in the government ministry covered in the study, although incidents of ineffective knowledge sharing were detected. Out of the four elements of organisational culture that were examined (people, collaboration, trust and rewards), the correlation analysis revealed a significant and positive relationship between the independent variables and the dependent variable in three of the four independent variables under study.Originality/valueThe study identified gaps in managing knowledge and proposed suitable measures which can add value to knowledge-sharing practices within the selected ministry and elsewhere. The findings of the study are critical as they enable the management at the ministry to develop capabilities for improving knowledge-sharing practices.

Exploring the Perspectives of Basic School Ghanaian Language Teachers on the Integration of ICTs in Teaching and Learning

2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 242-264
Author(s):  
Ernest Nyamekye ◽  
Daniel Baffour-Koduah ◽  
Esther Asare
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Teachers ◽  
Ict Integration ◽  
Teachers Perceptions ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Service Training ◽  
Basic School ◽  
Descriptive Survey

Since the advent of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), teaching and learning have somewhat taken a paradigm shift. It is, thus, imperative for teachers in all disciplines to appreciate the essence of integrating ICTs in teaching and learning. In this regard, this study sought to explore Basic School Ghanaian Language teachers’ perceptions of ICT integration in Ghanaian language teaching. The study employed a descriptive survey design. Stratified random sampling was used to obtain data from 205 teachers in the Bono, Bono East and Ahafo region of Ghana. Analysis of data collected through a self-developed questionnaire reveals that Ghanaian language teachers exhibit a positive perception of ICT integration in education. However, in practice, they tend to integrate ICT in their instruction on occasional basis. Also, it was revealed that a lack of financial support for ICT resources and lack of in-service training on ICT use were factors that militated against ICT integration in Ghanaian language teaching. Finally, the study revealed a statistically significant difference between degree holders and diploma holders’ perception of ICT integration in teaching and learning Ghanaian language.

Multiplication by 10 base-5: Making Sense of Place Value Structure Through an Alternate Base

2015 ◽  
Vol 3 (2) ◽  
pp. 83-98
Author(s):  
Jodi Fasteen ◽  
Kathleen Melhuish ◽  
Eva Thanheiser
Keyword(s):  
Preservice Teachers ◽  
Conceptual Understanding ◽  
Sense Of Place ◽  
Number System ◽  
Place Value ◽  
Mathematical Activity ◽  
Making Sense ◽  
Procedural Fluency ◽  
Whole Number

Prior research has shown that preservice teachers (PSTs) are able to demonstrate procedural fluency with whole number rules and operations, but struggle to explain why these procedures work. Alternate bases provide a context for building conceptual understanding for overly routine rules. In this study, we analyze how PSTs are able to make sense of multiplication by 10five in base five. PSTs' mathematical activity shifted from a procedurally based concatenated digits approach to an explanation based on the structure of the place value number system.

scholarly journals Relevant continuing professional development and quality resource situation make the Difference in student academic performance

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leticia Bosu
Keyword(s):  
Professional Development ◽  
Academic Performance ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Pearson Correlation ◽  
Continuing Professional Development ◽  
Eastern Region ◽  
Academic Qualification ◽  
The Difference ◽  
The Government ◽  
Descriptive Survey

This study seeks to look at the relationships among teachers’ academic qualification, availability of quality resources and the performance of students in Mathematics, English and Integrated science of Basic Schools at Kwahu-East in the Eastern Region of Ghana. The authors used a descriptive survey design which adopted the questionnaire, interview and observation in the collection of data. The authors used stratified random sampling in selecting 180 teachers whereas purposive sampling was used in selecting 27 headteachers and District Education Officers which used the Pearson correlation in the analysis. The study revealed that a teacher’s academic qualification obtained through education had no significant relationship with student’s academic performance in the respective subjects being measured by this study. The authors recommend that the Government of Ghana concentrate on providing continuing professional development (CPD) programmes that concentrate on practical situations in the schools and channel more resources to schools.

scholarly journals Practices and Challenges of Continuous Assessment in Colleges of Teachers Education in West Oromia Region of Ethiopia

2020 ◽  
Vol 5 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Gemachu Oli ◽  
Teklu Tafase Olkaba
Keyword(s):  
Student Teachers ◽  
Survey Design ◽  
Narrative Form ◽  
Continuous Assessment ◽  
Job Experience ◽  
Instructional Content ◽  
Standard Set ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
Lack Of Commitment ◽  
Descriptive Survey

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the practices and challenges of continuous assessment in colleges of teachers’ education in western Oromia region. For this study, the researchers selected three colleges of teachers education purposely based on the job experience. The researchers selected Nekemte, Dembi Dollo and Shambo colleges teachers education from well, medium, lower experienced respectively. A descriptive survey design involving both qualitative and quantitative approaches was employed. 134 student-teachers and 178 college teachers were selected and participated in the study. The quantitative data was collected through a questionnaire and observation checklist and analyzed using frequency and percentage, whereas, the qualitative data interview and document analysis were analyzed using the narrative form and interpretative way. The finding of the study revealed that the extent of practicing continuous assessment in class is low. The study also showed that teachers have positive perceptions toward continuous assessment and they accepted continuous assessment as important to improve the achievement of learners. The finding disclosed that large class size, shortage of time, teachers workload, the low interest of students, large instructional content, and lack of commitment among teachers as the major factors hindering the practice of continuous assessment in colleges of teachers education. The researchers recommend that educational authorities and stockholders should make effort to students per class to manageable numbers, College administrators should allow teachers to cover the minimum workload than overloading above the standard set for the college of teachers education.

scholarly journals Awareness and Use of Electronic Information Resources by Students of College of Health Sciences in Olabisi Onabanjo University, Nigeria

2020 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 1-11
Author(s):  
Lolade Funmi Osinulu
Keyword(s):  
Survey Design ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Health Sciences ◽  
Information Resources ◽  
Electronic Information ◽  
Electronic Information Resources ◽  
Library Users ◽  
Time Observation ◽  
Observation Method ◽  
Descriptive Survey

The study examined awareness and use of electronic Information Resources (EIR) among students in College of Health Sciences, Sagamu, Nigeria. The objectives were to establish types of resources available, determine level of awareness, extent of the use of e-resources and problems faced. Descriptive survey design with real-time observation method was used to collect data using a structured questionnaire. The population comprised 2000 students in the College while purposive sampling technique was used to select a sample of 200 registered library users for the 2019/2020 academic session. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The findings revealed that majority of the students were not aware of available EIR. It also revealed low frequent usage. The finding indicated that few respondents used EIR for academic purposes. However, inadequate computers, irregular power supply and slow internet speed were identified as major constraints using EIR. Upgrade of infrastructure, adoption of appropriate social media tools to promote awareness and collaborative effort by librarians and faculty members to train students the use of specialized databases were recommended. Keywords:  Electronic information resources, awareness, use, Undergraduates, students, health sciences

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