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Editorial
Get PDFThis issue of NIU Journal of Educational Research touches on Social Networking, Teaching Technology Integration, Think-Pair-Share Instructional Strategy and Educational Psychology.
One of the papers, in this issue, reveals that students' academic performance in Social Studies was significantly impacted by their use of social networking sites like Facebook and WhatsApp. It is, therefore, suggested that in order to increase academic performance, students should be encouraged to utilize Facebook and WhatsApp for academic purposes.
Another paper also highlights the need for gender-neutral education to cultivate critical thinking, empathy, and a more comprehensive range of career options. Strategies include challenging stereotypes, providing diverse role models, and creating inclusive learning environments. The article also addresses common misconceptions and concerns, highlighting global progress and successful initiatives. Social studies teachers are crucial in shaping inclusive curricula and promoting active engagement in advocating for gender-neutral education.
On the whole, this issue of NIU Journal of Educational Research features many empirical and theoretical based articles which can be of great benefit to every reader
Navigating Identity and Language: A Feminist Perspective on the Social Acceptance of Baby Mamas in Nigeria
Get PDFThis paper explores the growing social acceptance and glamorization of the "Baby Mama" phenomenon in Nigeria from a feminist perspective. The aim of this research is to analyse the underlying social, cultural, and linguistic factors contributing to the increasing visibility and perceived normalization of unmarried women who bear children outside of traditional marital structures. By interrogating the narratives surrounding "Baby Mamas," the objective is to uncover the ways in which this phenomenon is being portrayed as virtuous or desirable, despite its deviation from conservative norms that traditionally valorise marriage and family cohesion. The methodology employed involves a critical feminist analysis of media portrayals, societal discourse, and cultural representations of "Baby Mamas," examining how language and identity are leveraged to challenge or reinforce existing power dynamics. This approach allows for a nuanced examination of how conservative values are being both contested and co-opted in the portrayal of unmarried motherhood. The findings suggest that the "Baby Mama" phenomenon is symptomatic of broader societal shifts where traditional values are increasingly negotiated within the public sphere. However, the research also highlights the complexities and contradictions inherent in the glamorization of this phenomenon, questioning whether such representations truly empower women or merely reflect a commodification of non-traditional identities. The conclusions drawn from this study suggest that the growing acceptance of "Baby Mamas" in Nigeria signals both a challenge to and a reconfiguration of conservative social norms. In illuminating these dynamics, the paper contributes to broader discussions on gender, identity, and social change within Nigerian society.
Keywords: Baby Mama, Social Acceptance, Feminist Analysis, Conservative Values, Social Norms
The Influence of Organizational Culture on Employees' Performance of Plan International (INGO) in Delivering Services in South Sudan
Get PDFFor several years, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have aimed to create corporate cultures that align with their core values and beliefs to guide their operations. This study focused on the impact of organizational culture on employee performance at Plan International South Sudan, an international NGO. The study utilized Hofstede's (1980) 6-D model to identify the effects of organizational culture on employee performance, as few studies have used a simplified cultural model to assess the impact of organizational culture on performance in a multinational NGO with diverse cultures in a developing African economy. The study examined the influence of organizational structure, risk-taking, teamwork, competitiveness, strategic goal orientation, and spending culture on employee performance, using an online structured Likert scale questionnaire to survey 153 mid-level to senior staff. Employing a quantitative approach, the study used multiple regression analysis to test six hypotheses drawn from the literature review. The analysis indicated that organizational structure, risk-taking, competitiveness, and spending culture did not significantly affect employee performance. However, teamwork and strategic goal orientation had a significant impact on employee performance. The study also found that teamwork can thrive among employees in a high-power distance multinational organization setting, contrary to the Hofstede (1980) Power Distance Index dimension's principles. Additionally, strategic goal orientation was linked to employees' intrinsic need for job security, which is crucial to their performance. The study provided practical recommendations, outlining the steps organizations can take to improve these aspects of their culture and the costs and implications of implementing them.
Keywords: Influence, organisation, Culture, Employee Performance, South Suda
Environmental Principles and Values in Africa: The Christian Response
Get PDFThis research is focused on Environmental principles and values in Africa: The Christian response. The environment is the habitation of man and all living and non-living things alike. It is being given to man by God to tend and control, however, human activities has greatly impacted it positively and negatively. It is clearer that we live in extraordinary times where human impacts on our environment has been so intensive or so far-reaching negatively. The future of the Earth’s system and our society depend more critically than ever on the way we interact with the natural systems around us. Fundamental conditions in nutrient cycling, biodiversity, atmospheric composition and climate are changing rapidly in Africa. Understanding the African environment illuminate not only human-induced problem but tremendous opportunities we have before us for effecting positive change. This discipline draws upon the methods and findings of numerous established academic disciplines, from ecology to geology to chemistry to economics to political science to ethics and religion. This interdisciplinary pursuit stands at the vanguard of the current need to synthesize our increasingly narrow academic disciplines and to incorporate their contributions into a big picture of understanding the African world and our place within it. In the light of this paper, various authors have put forth definitions on environment, environmental justice and principles of environmental, environmental values in Africa via Christian response, African environment and sustainable development principle, the church response on environmental values in Africa. This research made used of analytical method as well as the utilisation of books, journals, internet sources etc., and recommends among others that humans should care for the earth with tenderness for its benevolence and to avert disaster.
Keywords: Africa, Christian, Environment, Justice, Principles, Value
Exploring the Prevalence, Risk, and Protective Factors of Parental Burnout among Mothers in Ibadan Metropolis
Get PDFParental burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, detachment, and a sense of ineffectiveness, has emerged as a significant concern impacting the well-being of mothers worldwide. This study aims to explore the prevalence, risk factors, and protective factors associated with parental burnout among mothers in the Ibadan metropolis, Nigeria. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design. A sample of 357 mothers residing in the Ibadan Metropolis were conveniently selected and participated in the study by responding to the nine validated scales and demographic questions which assessed all the variables of interest. The findings reveal a 7% prevalence of parental burnout among mothers in the Ibadan Metropolis. Factors such as personality (neuroticism, conscientiousness and agreeableness), low emotional intelligence, and work status predicted or served as risk factors. On the other hand, resilience, marital satisfaction, and parental self-efficacy were significant protective factors mitigating the risk of burnout among mothers. The study underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions and the importance of raising awareness about burnout, promoting self-care practices, fostering social support networks, and implementing family-friendly policies in workplaces. The findings can guide policymakers, healthcare professionals, and community organizations in developing evidence-based interventions to support and empower mothers, ultimately enhancing their well-being and the overall quality of family life.
Keywords: Parental Burnout, Mothers, Risk and Protective factor
Undergraduate Students’ Reading Choices in the University of Benin, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study examined the reading choices and time spent reading of undergraduate students in the University of Benin, Nigeria. One research question and three hypotheses gave direction to the work. The study utilized the descriptive survey research design, using a questionnaire as the research instrument. A sample of 326 students were conveniently selected from four faculties and across four academic levels. Findings revealed that students generally preferred the reading of journals, newspapers, textbooks and magazines in descending order. However, comic books, non-fiction and fiction were materials less frequently read. Similarly, the amount of time students spend reading is inadequate to meet their academic and leisure reading needs. In addition, students’ reading choices did not differ by sex. However, significant differences were found in students’ reading choices by academic levels. It was recommended among other that undergraduate students should be encouraged to devote more time to reading and to read a variety of materials.
Keywords: Undergraduate reading, reading choices, Reading time, Leisure reading, Academic leve
Environmental Health Issues and Challenges in Lagos State, Nigeria
Get PDFThis study is a critical examination of Environmental Health Challenges and Causes in Lagos State Nigeria in historical perspective. The paper also analysed some of the cogent challenges and causes of Environmental Health issues in Lagos State such as urbanisation, air pollution, noise pollution, landfill issues and ground water pollution. Historical research methodology was adopted. The primary data for the study was collected through direct oral interviews of 45 residents of the state through random sampling technique. It also involved the use of secondary data e.g. textbooks, newspapers, journals etc. The study contributed to knowledge by filling the gap of Lagos State Nigeria in historical perspective. This work concluded that Environmental Health in Lagos State is paramount in order to safeguard the people and the environment. And to ensure environmental sustainability in Lagos State, it is therefore crucial for residents and government agencies to wake up to their responsibilities.
Keywords: Environmental Challenges and Causes, Environmental Health, Environmental Pollution
The Political Murder of a Theocratic Leader, Muhammad Yusuf: Boko Haram’s Jihadist-Inspired Uprising in Nigeria
Get PDFThis paper is a critical study of Boko Haram's strategy of avenging the killing of its leader, Muhammed Yusuf, while under the custody of the Nigerian Police Force on July 30, 2009, in Maiduguri, Borno State, and the pursuit of its jihadist agenda. This specific killing turned a relatively peaceful religious propagandizing group into one of the most brutal and deadly in the world. Boko Haram’s transformation from a peaceful religious activity to a violent anti-establishment movement led to the widespread killing of security forces and innocent citizens through suicide bombings, assassinations, kidnappings and the destruction of properties worth billions of Naira. Initially, the security personnel, whom the group identified as responsible for the death of its leader, were the main target before the uprising expanded into a “holy war” consuming the whole nation. Boko Haram’s strategy is an unislamic offshoot of the ideas of jihadist scholars, who propagated extremist religious tenets for the transformation of society into an Islamic one. This has not been studied in depth by scholars and commentators, who have rather paid more attention to the insurgents' historical origins, foreign allies, support and open battle with the Nigerian military. The insurgents’ bombing of security facilities, markets, mosques, schools, and churches led to the deaths of many and the destruction of property. Such a misguided strategy, which is the outcome of the influence of jihadist scholars’ sermons transmitted through legends, books, social media outlets and lectures, has led to the loss of lives, a high number of deserters and demoralized the security forces, and put fear in the minds of citizens, leading to mass migration and the setting up of internally displaced persons (IDP) camps.
Keywords: Boko Haram, Almajiri, Revivalism, Jihad, Suicide Bombing and Terrorism
Principals’ Key Administrative Practices and Teachers’ Job Performance in Secondary Schools in Delta State, Nigeria
Get PDFThe study examined the work performance of teachers in public secondary schools in Delta State, Nigeria, as well as the principals' essential administrative practices. The study used the correlational survey's propositions. All Delta State Public Secondary School principals and teachers for the 2023–2024 academic year made up the study population. 480 teachers and 120 principals were chosen for the sample using a proportionate stratified random sampling method. The study was guided by three hypotheses and three research questions. A questionnaire was the instrument used in this investigation. The internal consistency of the instrument's items was determined through a reliability test using the Cronbach Alpha method, which produced a reliability index of 0.84 after the instrument was validated. The chi-square test was used to test hypotheses at 0.5 level of significance, while mean scores and standard deviations were utilized to address the research questions. The results of the study showed, among other things, that effective teachers’ administrative practices enhance teachers’ job performance, principals involve teachers in decision making strategies in the school system, principals utilize certain welfare management strategies to enhance teachers’ job performance, and that principals' key practices that will result in positive teachers’ job performance are not viewed differently by principals and teachers. Based on the results, school principals were advised to implement positive administrative practices in order to enhance teachers’ performance, principals should include teaching staff in decision making processes, and facilitate easy communication within the school system in order to support the ideas of the teachers.
Keywords: Decision-making, Job Performance, Teachers, Principals, Key Administrative Practices
Emotional Intelligence as a Strategy for Effective Administration of Schools in a Culturally Pluralist Classroom
Get PDFThis comprehensive essay explores the integration of emotional intelligence into school administration as a transformative approach with profound implications for culturally pluralist classrooms. It begins by defining emotional intelligence and tracing its historical evolution, addressing debates surrounding its measurement and assessment. The relevance of emotional intelligence in culturally pluralist classrooms is discussed, highlighting the challenges and opportunities of cultural diversity. The pivotal role of emotional intelligence in school administration is analyzed, showcasing how administrators with high emotional intelligence shape school climates, foster student engagement, and enhance academic achievement. Specific emotional intelligence skills and competencies, including self-awareness, self-regulation, empathy, and social skills, are explored in depth. Strategies for developing emotional intelligence in administrators are provided, along with insights into integration into leadership development programs and curricula. Acknowledgment of potential challenges and critiques, along with evidence-based counterarguments, is included. Ongoing debates within academia regarding emotional intelligence in leadership are recognized. The implications of emotional intelligence-based administration for culturally pluralist classrooms are discussed, emphasizing its contribution to inclusive and equitable environments, long-term benefits for students, and broader societal impact.
Keywords: Emotional Intelligence, School Administration, Culturally Pluralist Classrooms, Leadership, Diversity, Inclusio