EANSO East African Nature and Science Organization Journals
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Implementation of Integrated Teacher Education Programme (ITEP) In India: Strengths and Challenges
Get PDFTeachers are considered nation builders, and it is largely acknowledged that they acquire their expertise through training rather than innate ability. To develop skilled and competent educators for the 21st century, various teacher education programs have been ongoing for decades across different levels of education. Analyzing the history of education pre- and post-independence reveals that numerous commissions, policies, and programs have consistently emphasized the importance of cultivating competent teachers for our children. Periodic updates to policy initiatives have been implemented within teacher education programs. In this context, India's New Education Policy (2020) offers hope for reforming teacher education by introducing a four-year integrated teacher education program across all teacher education institutions. The policy recommends that, from 2030 onwards, teacher engagement will be exclusively through the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP); therefore, a comprehensive analysis of all aspects of ITEP is essential for its successful implementation. A sample of 16 teacher educators was selected, and their perspectives on the strengths, challenges, and proposed measures for effective ITEP implementation were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data was qualitatively analyzed through coding and categorization of responses into various themes. The findings of this study highlight the strengths of ITEP and also identify issues related to its successful implementation. Additionally, this paper discusses the suggestions provided by teacher educators for the effective implementation of ITEP. The results of this research will be valuable to policymakers and other stakeholders in the education secto
Developing Life Skills through Science Education: Enhancing Values and Communication for Holistic Learner Growth
Get PDFLife skills are essential competencies that empower learners to effectively navigate personal, academic, and societal challenges. This article examines the definition, categories, values, and benefits of life skills within the context of science education. It highlights three core categories: intrapersonal skills (living with oneself), interpersonal skills (living with others), and cognitive-critical thinking skills (making effective decisions). The review explores key values that underpin life skills such as empathy, responsibility, integrity, and inclusivity and outlines the diverse benefits these competencies bring to science teaching, including improved academic achievement, civic engagement, and emotional resilience. Methodologically, the article is based on a qualitative integrative review of literature published between 2015 and 2025. Thematic analysis was conducted using a multi-stage coding process: open coding to identify emergent themes, axial coding to relate these themes to pedagogical strategies like inquiry-based learning, collaborative projects, reflective practices, and ICT integration, and selective coding to derive fifteen specific roles that science tutors and lecturers play in nurturing life skills among student teachers in Uganda. These roles include mentorship, role modelling, curriculum integration, inclusive pedagogy, and ethical leadership. The article concludes by emphasising the implications for science education and teacher training, providing practical guidance for educators to equip learners with holistic competencies necessary for sustainable development and transformative citizenshi
The Relationship between Occupational Stress and Job Satisfaction among Administrators in International Schools, Nairobi City County, Kenya
Get PDFOccupational stress is a global concern, particularly among educational administrators. This study examined the levels of stress, levels of satisfaction, and the relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction among administrators in international schools in Nairobi City County, Kenya. Guided by Herzberg's two-factor theory and Lazarus' cognitive theory of stress, a correlational research design was employed. The study population comprised 33 international schools affiliated with the Kenya Association of International Schools (KAIS). Data were collected via questionnaires from 126 school administrators (30 principals, 30 heads of prep schools, 33 heads of kindergarten, and 33 deputy principals) and 9 quality assurance personnel (8 SCQASOs and 1 KAIS Quality Assurance Manager). Descriptive statistics (percentages, means, standard deviations) and inferential statistics (correlation and chi-square analysis) were used to analyse the data. Results indicated that 78.4% of respondents experienced moderate to high levels of occupational stress, while 21.6% reported low stress levels. More than half of the respondents acknowledged the significance of relationships with co-workers, students, and parents. A significant relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction was found {χ²(2) = 18.435, p < 0.001}. The study recommends further research into additional factors influencing job satisfaction and the impact of occupational stress on workforce productivity in diverse educational setting
Utilisation of ICT Tools and Teaching and Learning of ICT subject in A-Level Government Secondary Schools of Bukanga North, Isingiro District
Get PDFThe study assessed the utilisation of ICT tools in teaching and learning of ICT subject in A-Level government secondary schools of Bukanga North, Isingiro District. The main objective was to assess the utilization of ICT tools in teaching and learning ICT subject, with specific objectives to: examine whether the existing ICT tools are utilized in the teaching and learning of ICT as a subject; assess the effect of ICT tools on students' learning outcomes in ICT subject; and establish the relationship between the utilization of ICT tools and teaching and learning of ICT subject in A’ Level government secondary schools. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design targeting 214 participants, including 01 District Education Officer, 03 headteachers, 30 teachers, and 180 students. A sample size of 150 was selected using purposive, stratified, and simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observation checklists, and analysed using SPSS version 24. Results revealed that ICT tools such as computers, projectors, and internet connectivity are moderately utilised (M = 3.72, SD = 0.87). ICT tools significantly improved student learning outcomes, including performance, digital skills acquisition, and motivation (M = 3.90, SD = 0.78). The study concluded that while ICT tools enhance lesson delivery and student engagement, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, irregular power supply, and limited teacher training persist. The study recommends increased investment in ICT infrastructure, teacher capacity-building, and policy support for sustainable ICT integratio
Administrators’ Leadership Styles and School Academic Performance: A Case of Selected Secondary Schools in Mukono District-Uganda
Get PDFThe study explored administrators’ leadership styles and school academic performance in selected secondary schools in Mukono District, Uganda. It employed a mixed methods approach in data collection. The specific objectives were to: (i). Determine the influence of participative leadership style on academic performance, (ii). Assess the impact of directive leadership style (iii). Examine the effect of supportive leadership style and (iv). Explore students’ perceptions of administrators’ leadership styles and their influence on school academic performance. A cross-sectional survey design was adopted, involving a sample of 32 headteachers, 128 teachers, 32 Directors of Studies, 1 District Education Officer, 1 District Inspector of Schools and 320 students. Self-administered questionnaires, interview guides and document review guides were used to collect data. Data were analysed using the Pearson product moment correlation coefficient (r) for quantitative data and narrative analysis for qualitative data. The findings focused on Pearson correlation coefficients among participative leadership (PL), directive leadership (DL), supportive leadership (SL) and students’ perception of headteacher leadership influence on academic performance (SP). The analysis revealed a strong positive correlation between directive leadership and student perception (r = .72), there was a weak positive correlation between participative leadership and student perception (r = .12), and a negligible negative correlation between supportive leadership and student perception (r = –.08). It was concluded that among the leadership styles examined, directive leadership showed the strongest positive association with students’ perception of headteacher influence on academic performance. These results highlight the potential effectiveness of directive leadership in shaping students’ perceptions of academic guidance and performance. Recommendations included implementing regular participative decision-making opportunities, balancing directive leadership with flexibility, prioritising emotional support for teachers and fostering an open communication system with students
The Role of Teachers in Correcting Learners’ Syntactic Errors among Secondary School Students at GS St. Isidore Gitwa in Ngororero District
Get PDFThis study investigated the role of teachers in correcting learners’ syntactic errors among secondary school students in Ngororero District, at G.S. Saint Isidore Gitwa. The study has been conducted to identify the most common types of syntactic errors made by students, to examine the teaching methods and strategies used by English teachers, to address syntax and strategies for correcting students’ errors, and to assess how teachers’ instructional practices influence the reduction or persistence of syntactic errors. The target population of 780 consisted of students, English teachers, and school leaders at GS Saint Isidore Gitwa, with a sample size of 264 respondents. The findings revealed that 85.2% of students frequently made sentence structure errors, 83% struggled with tense use, and 73.5% faced challenges with subject-verb agreement. Teachers consistently reported using grammar drills and sentence correction activities, and 100% claimed to always integrate grammar instruction with speaking and writing. Feedback strategies such as immediate correction (reported by 58.3% of students). While 95.8% of students found teacher feedback very helpful in improving their syntactic accuracy, teachers identified significant challenges, including large class sizes, time constraints, and a lack of instructional resources. Moreover, students expressed a strong preference for more examples and exercises (98.9%), individual feedback (80.7%), and additional writing tasks (72.3%). The study concluded that teachers play a pivotal role in shaping students’ syntactic development through instructional choices and feedback practices. However, the persistence of syntactic errors suggests a need for improved instructional methods, better resource allocation, and targeted professional development
Physical and Mechanical Strength Properties of Resin Tapped Pinus caribaea Timber
Get PDFResin tapping on Pinus caribaea Morelet (P. caribaea) is an activity that is proven to yield multiple economic benefits to pine growers. However, there is uncertainty as to whether extracting gum resin from P. caribaea trees compromises its timber strength properties for structural applications. In this study, the effects of resin tapping on the basic density and strength properties of timber from P. caribaea of different ages (one, three, and five years) were investigated. Tests were done on small, clear specimens from P. caribaea trees whose resins were tapped, with control samples obtained from an untapped tree. The samples were prepared using the British standard (BS 373:1957) and tested for their basic density, modulus of elasticity, modulus of rupture, shear strength parallel to grain and compressive strength parallel to grain test following the American Standards Testing Methods. The results showed that basic densities and strength properties of P. caribaea timber tended to increase with an increase in the age of the resin tapped trees, which were significantly different from the samples of the untapped tree (P<0.05). These results suggest that resin tapping of P. caribaea using the Chinese method does not have negative effects on the strength properties of its timber. However, further studies are required to understand the effects of resin tapping on timber properties, especially for P. caribaea trees that are tapped for more than five years
Waste Management Approaches and Environmental Conservation in Uganda: A Case of Kabale Municipal Council
Get PDFThe study focused on the influence of waste management approaches on environmental conservation in Kabale Municipal Council. Specifically, to examine different methods of waste management and their influence on environmental conservation, to assess the challenges faced in waste management and its effects on environmental conservation and to establish measures in place to promote waste management in environmental conservation in Kabale Municipal Council. A case study design was employed, using a qualitative approach. A purposive sampling technique was applied to select 17 respondents. Data collection methods included interviews and focus group discussions. The data was analysed using thematic analysis with the aid of NVIVO. The study established that Kabale Municipal Council has made some efforts to promote recycling by setting up plastic waste collection points and encouraging businesses to recycle materials. The study found that incineration, as a method of waste management, has not been widely implemented in the Kabale Municipal Council. The study also found that Kabale Municipal Council primarily utilises waste collection trucks for regular household and commercial waste collection. The study found that municipalities lack sufficient waste collection vehicles and waste disposal facilities to cover all areas, especially informal settlements and rural zones. The study found that Kabale Municipal Council has launched public awareness campaigns to educate residents about the importance of proper waste management, recycling, and the health risks of improper waste disposal. The study recommends that the Kabale Municipal Council should encourage households and businesses to separate their waste into categories. The study also recommends that the Kabale Municipal Council should launch continuous public education campaigns to inform the community about the importance of waste segregation, recycling, and proper disposal. Lastly, it was recommended that the Kabale Municipal Council should develop and implement a long-term waste management plan that includes waste minimisation, collection, recycling, disposal, and energy recover
Impact of Selected Anthropogenic Disturbances on the Variability of Riparian Vegetation in the River Kathita Basin, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya
Get PDFThe human-induced disturbances along the fragile riparian ecosystems have significant ecological disruptions, such as loss of biodiversity and ecological services rendered by the riparian vegetation. This study investigated the impact of these selected anthropogenic disturbances, specifically sand harvesting, charcoal burning, and livestock drinking bays, on the variability of the riparian vegetation in the River Kathita basin, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya. The study employed purposive sampling to target disturbed sites, whereas simple random sampling was used for vegetation sampling within the sites that were targeted. Three non-disturbed sites were used as control sites and were randomly sampled along a 15KM transect. Sites affected by sand harvesting, charcoal burning, and livestock grazing exhibited lower species diversity (0≥H<1.5) while undisturbed sites maintained higher diversity (1.1>H ≤2). Although the Kruskal-Wallis test for tree diversity among the sites was not statistically significant (p=0.07), for tree species richness the test was (p = 0.047). Charcoal burning sites were characterised by large tree diameters at breast height (DBH) but lower tree heights. Sand harvesting and charcoal burning sites had high diversity of seedlings and saplings in abandoned sites, indicating the ability to recover and re-establishment of vegetation in the absence of disturbance and with protection. Livestock drinking bays showed a shift in vegetation composition from grasses and shrubs to dominance by forbs and herbaceous plants. There were strong correlations between sand harvesting, charcoal burning, livestock grazing, and tree diversity, which was significant for livestock grazing (p=0.01) and marginally insignificant for sand harvesting and charcoal burning (p=0.06). The study recommends that local and national stakeholders regulate sand harvesting, charcoal production in riparian areas, and develop strategies for managing livestock access to drinking bays. Future research should explore the combined effects of climate change, agriculture, and land-use policies on riparian habitat ecosystems
Impact of Improved Cooking Technologies on Socio-Economic and Environmental Sustainability of Rural Households: A Case Study of DELAGUA Health Rwanda, TUBEHO Neza Project (2020 -2024)
Get PDFThis study evaluates the impact of improved clean cooking technologies on socio-economic and environmental sustainability in rural Nyagatare District, Rwanda. Despite national efforts, many rural households continue to rely on traditional biomass cooking methods, contributing to deforestation, indoor air pollution, and health risks. The research focuses on beneficiaries of the Tubeho Neza initiative, which promotes efficient cooking stoves, supported by the Ministry of Environment, NGOs, and social enterprises. Grounded in the theories of sustainability and change, the study assessed a sample of 367 households out of 4,458 beneficiaries. Data were gathered using mixed methods, including surveys conducted by community health workers, document reviews, interviews with 12 local leaders, three focus group discussions, and field observations. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including correlation and regression analyses, were used to analyse the data. Findings reveal substantial positive impacts: 81% of respondents noted reduced indoor air pollution, 79% reported decreased deforestation and respiratory issues, 77.6% experienced financial savings, and over 80% cited improved kitchen hygiene and more time for income-generating activities. The quality and affordability of cooking stoves accounted for 90.3% of the variance in sustainability outcomes, indicating a strong positive correlation between improved stove adoption and socio-environmental benefits. The study concludes that clean cooking technologies significantly enhance household well-being and environmental health. It recommends government and NGO support through awareness campaigns, improved stove design, financial incentives, and further research on long-term impacts to ensure sustainable adoption and developmen