EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Gender Differences in Attitude towards Mathematics among Secondary School Students in Rukungiri District, Southwestern Uganda
Get PDFIntroduction: Attitude towards mathematics plays a significant role in the academic life of a student and his/her interests in the subject (Heyder et al., 2021). This study sought to investigate whether student attitude towards mathematics differs by gender. Objectives. To examine the gender differences in attitude towards mathematics among secondary school students in Rukungiri district, Southwestern Uganda. Methodology. A cross-sectional research design was adopted to collect and analyze data from a sample of 313 students of S.2 and 3 classes selected from a population of 1747 students in six secondary schools in Rukungiri District, Southwestern Uganda. A stratified sampling technique was used in the selection of respondents while a self-administered questionnaire was used in data collection. Data was analyzed by generating inferential statistics. Findings. The findings show no significant gender difference in student attitudes towards mathematics (Mean. Diff=.03127; p>0.05). Conclusion. The study concluded that attitude towards mathematics is not influenced by gender stereotypes among students. Recommendations. The study recommends teachers of mathematics, school administration, parents and curriculum planners to use instruction materials and learner-centred methods that benefit both males and females in understanding mathematics concepts. This will promote a positive attitude towards mathematics among students in secondary school
Analysis of Grade 11 Students’ Conceptual Understanding in Probability Concepts: A Perspective of Skemp Understanding Theory
Get PDFThis study investigates Grade 11 high school students' conceptual understanding of probability concepts through the framework of Skemp's understanding theory. Recognising the critical role of mathematics in everyday life and its application across various fields, this study emphasises the need for deep comprehension rather than mere memorisation. Utilising a qualitative descriptive methodology, the research analyses the scripts of eight (8) students in response to a cognitive ability test focused on probability, revealing distinct patterns of understanding categorised as relational and instrumental. The findings indicate that while some students exhibit relational understanding, demonstrating the ability to explain concepts and apply knowledge flexibly, many struggle with instrumental understanding, relying on rote memorisation and showing difficulty in problem-solving. The study identifies specific misconceptions and gaps in understanding, such as equiprobability bias, representativeness bias, belief bias and proportional reasoning. These misconceptions hinder the students' engagement with probability concepts. Ultimately, this research highlights the necessity for improved instructional strategies that promote relational understanding, fostering meaningful connections between mathematical concepts. The insights gained from this analysis aim to inform educators and curriculum developers, providing a foundation for targeted interventions that enhance students' mathematical comprehension and application in real-world scenario
Factors Influencing Female Participation in Sporting Activities at Senior High School Level in Bia West District, Western North Region, Ghana
Get PDFParticipation in sporting activities comes with great benefits to both male and female students regarding mental, physical and school performance. However, involving female students in sporting activities has been a serious problem for teachers at the high school level. The current study therefore aimed at examining factors influencing female participation in sporting activities at the senior high school level in Bia West District. A quantitative descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The population of the study was 893 and census technique was used to select all 893 participants for the study. A questionnaire was the main instrument for data collection. Frequency counts, percentages and linear multiple regression were used in analyzing the results. The finding of the study revealed that female students’ participation in sporting activities was low with 325(79.7%) respondents falling below 5 days of participation in any form of sporting or physical activity. The study also revealed that motivation is the most influential factor (β=0.256) that influences female students’ participation in sporting activities followed by the social role of the female (β=0.218) while physical factor (β=0.157) was the least factor that influences female students’ participation in sports. In lieu of the results, it is recommended that female students be motivated to participate in sporting activities to reap numerous benefits from participating in sporting activitie
Parental Volunteering Activities and Pre-Primary School Learners’ Acquisition of CBC Core Competencies in Kisii County
Get PDFThis paper presents findings of a study that sought to analyse how parental volunteering activities relates to pre-primary school learners’ acquisition of CBC’s core competencies in pre-primary institutions. Pre-primary school education forms a solid foundation for the acquisition of core competencies in other subsequent levels of schooling. Studies conducted worldwide have found that the majority of learners are not able to satisfactorily accomplish competencies Based Competencies (cbc’s) expected at various school levels. The CBSs include communication and collaboration, critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and imagination, citizenship, digital literacy, learning to learn and self-efficacy. In Kenya and more specifically in Kisii County, studies done have not adequately explored the influence of parental involvement on pre-primary learners’ acquisition of core competencies at pre-primary learners’ acquisition of competencies yet adequate acquisition of competencie at pre-primary school enables learners to be good performers at this stage, and other succeeding educational levels. Thus, the purpose of this study was to explore the influence of parental involvement on pre-primary 2 (PP2) school pupils’ acquisition of core competencies. Specifically, the study was to establish the cause-effect associations between the independent variable (volunteering) and the dependent variable (acquisition) of the Competency-Based Curriculum’s (CBC’s) core competencies. Epstein’s (2005) theory of parental involvement and ex post facto research design were utilized alongside a mixed methods approach. A population of 702 public PP2 schools and teachers as well as 25,105 parents of PP2 pupils was targeted. Purposive, cluster and stratified sampling techniques were employed to select a main sample or Set 1 comprising 248 teachers and 378 parents from whom quantitative data were sourced using questionnaires. Additionally, a second set or sub-sample of 30 parents (divided into 6 groups of 5 participants each) was selected, from whom qualitative data were sourced, for use with Focus Group Interviews in a total of six sessions. Data collection tools were pre-tested in seven PP2 schools. To determine the accuracy and consistency of the research instruments, content validity and split-half techniques were utilised, where a reliability correlation coefficient of 0.8 was established. For data analysis, qualitative information was analysed thematically in verbatim form. On the other hand, using IBM SPSS Statistics 20, quantitative data were computed using descriptive statistics namely, frequencies to summarise as well as organise data, while for testing of the hypothesis, inferential statistics namely, Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient and multiple regression were used to assess the association as well as strength of the relationships between the independent and dependent variables, respectively. The findings of the hypothesis revealed a positive and significant correlation between Volunteering (r = .204, n = 369, p < .01) and learners’ acquisition of core competencies. It was therefore concluded that volunteering influenced PP2 learners’ acquisition of CBC’s core competencies. Hence, the study recommended that key stakeholders should create opportunities where parents can be involved in Volunteering processes. Workshops could also be conducted to sensitize parents on ways they can be involved in school activities, which may hopefully enhance PP2 learners’ acquisition of CBC’s core competencie
Clinico-Epidemiological Characteristics of Severe Cutaneous Adverse Drug Reactions at the Kenyatta National Hospital
Get PDFSevere Cutaneous Adverse Reactions (SCARs) including Stevens-Johnson Syndrome/Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis (SJS/TEN), Drug Reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS), Acute Generalized Exanthematous Pustulosis (AGEP) among others, are rare but potentially fatal drug-induced skin reactions. They pose a significant burden in resource-constrained settings like Kenya, where data on their epidemiology remains limited. Understanding the clinical characteristics of SCARs is crucial for improving patient outcomes, enhancing pharmacovigilance efforts and strengthening drug safety measures in Kenya. The study aimed to describe the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of SCARs, identify clinical phenotypes and describe the drugs associated with SCAR cases at Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH). A hybrid cross-sectional design was employed, comprising both retrospective and prospective data collection. A total of 102 patients were recruited via consecutive sampling. Data was collected through file reviews, clinical examinations, and interviews, focusing on demographics, clinical features and etiologies. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS-v26, with ethical approval from the KNH-UoN ERC. SJS/TEN was the most common phenotype (55.9%), followed by Drug-Induced Erythroderma (DIE) (17.6%) and Drug-Induced Erythema Multiforme (DIEM) (11.8%). The mean participant age was 29.4 years, with a slight female predominance (51%). Antimicrobials (60.8%) and anticonvulsants (13.5%) were the main implicated drug classes, with co-trimoxazole, ceftriaxone and carbamazepine identified as common culprits. HIV was the most prevalent comorbidity (23.9%). Common complications included acute kidney injury (11.8%) and drug-induced liver injury (8.8%). In-hospital mortality was 16.7%, with SJS/TEN having the highest case fatality rate (21.05%). SCARs in Kenya exhibit unique clinical and demographic patterns, with high mortality and organ involvement. Antimicrobials and anticonvulsants are major culprits. This underscores the need for early diagnosis, pharmacovigilance, public awareness, and healthcare provider training to improve patient outcomes. Future research should explore pharmacogenetics, long-term SCAR sequelae and the role of HIV in these severe reactions
Empowering Nigeria's e-Society: A Comprehensive Exploration of Cutting-Edge Digital Services
Get PDFAmidst a transformative landscape marked by increased internet penetration, mobile ownership, and digital literacy, Nigeria faces disparities in access and affordability that must be urgently addressed. This study explores Nigeria's digital evolution trajectory, examining the rapid advancements, challenges, and opportunities in building an empowered e-society. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated remote interactions, evidencing the adaptability of online work, banking, governance, and education services. Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and blockchain also carry immense potential to reshape these realms if underpinned by people-centric design. While growing mobile ownership and dynamic startup ecosystems indicate strong foundations, gaps remain in inequitable access, unaffordable data costs, low rural connectivity, and varying digital capacities across income and gender groups. The study’s roadmap analysis suggests that realising ambitious e-governance targets requires extensive public-private collaboration from the needs assessment stage, leveraging Nigerian innovation capabilities. The study concludes that vision statements on Nigerian e-society must translate into implementation plans with phase-wise targets, funding allocations, and citizen-centric metrics for successive upgrades. Sustained political commitment, institutional partnerships, and emphasis on leaving no one behind are crucial to fulfilling digitisation goals and citizen expectations in the coming decad
Tackling Online Pornography to Implement Uganda’s Education Digital Agenda Strategy
Get PDFThe Ugandan government developed the Education Digital Agenda Strategy (EDAS) 2021 – 2025 to improve Uganda’s education service delivery through sustainable digital transformation. The EDAS was officially launched on 22nd August 2024, but on 09th September 2024 the Ministry of Education and Sports (MoES) issued a press statement halting its implementation over concerns that it may expose learners to unacceptable content such as online pornography while using digital devices such as phones, tabs, laptops etc when using the internet. This qualitative desk research study sought to examine the laws on pornography in Uganda, assess the potential risks of pornography exposure to children in school, and suggest ways of protecting students from online pornography, to enable them to safely use digital devices envisaged in the Uganda Education Digital Agenda Strategy, so that the strategy can be implemented by the Uganda government. In this research it was found out that students are at risk of voluntary or involuntary exposure to unwanted content such as pornography, which may lead to dangers of addiction, introduction to risky sexual behaviour and decline in education performance. In the conclusion section of this paper, it was recommended that Ugandan laws ought to be amended by providing for a definition of pornography. Secondly, a creation of child friendly sim cards client category of internet users will support protection measures focused on children. Thirdly, content filtering should be promoted to block websites with unwanted content and lastly, educating students on the dangers of pornography, and empower them with ways to detect, avoid and report pornography is key. Once these measures are put in place, it will be safe to implement the Education Digital Agenda Strategy 2021 – 2025 to enable the students benefit from the integration of ICT in Education, without fear of the threat of online pornography
Exploring Tanzania's Diplomatic Landscape: Citizen Perspectives on Foreign Policy Execution, Diplomatic Relations, Trade Agreements, and Aid Initiatives
Get PDFThrough an investigation of citizens' perceptions of trade agreements, aid programs, and diplomatic relations, this study aims to determine the extent to which Tanzania has implemented its foreign policy. Based on the necessity of comprehending public opinions, the research adds new perspectives to the corpus of knowledge by using a citizen-centric methodology. The study uses quantitative data to show that citizens are generally not very satisfied with the efficacy of trade agreements, aid initiatives, and diplomatic relations. Results show that in order to promote economic growth and socioeconomic development, foreign policy objectives must be strategically adjusted to match public expectations. The study adds more nuance to the analysis by conducting key informant interviews, which provide professional viewpoints on the difficulties and achievements in Tanzania's foreign policy environment. The study promotes a fair strategy that protects national interests while acknowledging the opportunities and hazards that come with liberal ideals. The study emphasises how crucial it is for foreign policy to continuously adapt and solve issues in order to overcome persistent obstacles to trade and diplomacy. In order to strengthen diplomatic ties, trade agreements, and aid initiatives, recommendations stress the need for open communication, policy realignment, and cautious liberalisation. This will ensure Tanzania's foreign policy is implemented effectively in the ever-changing global environment. In addition to improving our knowledge of Tanzanian foreign policy, this study offers insightful information to help decision-makers facing comparable difficulties in the field of international relation
Systematic Review of Monitoring and Evaluation Best Practices for Climate Change Adaptation Programmes: Lessons for Kenya
Get PDFMonitoring and evaluation (M&E) systems are critical for assessing the effectiveness of climate change adaptation programmes, yet gaps persist, particularly in resource-constrained regions like Kenya. This study systematically reviews global and Kenyan frameworks to identify opportunities and address gaps in M&E practices, focusing on their role in enhancing adaptation outcomes. The findings reveal that participatory approaches, robust indicators, and technology-driven tools significantly improve adaptation effectiveness, with participatory methods increasing resilience outcomes by 40% in urban settings. However, challenges such as inadequate localisation of frameworks, limited institutional capacity, and an overreliance on checklist-based methods undermine their potential. This article underscores the need for context-specific, inclusive, and learning-oriented M&E systems to address Kenya’s unique climate challenges. By aligning global best practices with local realities, the study provides actionable insights for developing robust M&E systems to support sustainable and scalable climate adaptation effort
Impacts of Climate Change on Food Security in Somalia: Challenges and Adaptation Strategies
Get PDFClimate change significantly threatens food security in Somalia, a nation heavily reliant on agriculture and pastoralism. The country faces challenges such as erratic rainfall, prolonged droughts, floods, and rising temperatures, which disrupt agricultural productivity and exacerbate food insecurity. This paper explores the impacts of climate change on Somalia’s food security and identifies challenges and adaptation strategies. The objectives include understanding the linkage between climate change and food insecurity and proposing actionable solutions to enhance resilience among vulnerable populations. Using a review methodology, this study synthesizes secondary data from scholarly articles, reports, and organizational publications. Major findings highlight that climate change has led to reduced crop yields, livestock losses, degraded fisheries, and increased resource conflicts. Key adaptation strategies such as climate-smart agriculture, early warning systems, livelihood diversification, and international aid demonstrate the potential to address these challenges. Despite these strategies, political instability, insufficient infrastructure, and limited governance impede progress. Building resilience requires a multi-faceted approach that integrates sustainable practices, enhanced technology, and collaborative governance to safeguard food security in Somalia. This study concludes that climate change exacerbates Somalia’s existing vulnerabilities, posing an existential threat to its food security. Addressing these challenges requires an integrated approach encompassing sustainable agricultural practices, enhanced governance, and strengthened international cooperation. By prioritizing these interventions, Somalia can build resilience and safeguard the livelihoods of its most vulnerable populations in the face of ongoing climate disruption