JOURNAL OF RESEARCH IN SCIENCE AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION

A FRACTIONAL-ORDER OPTIMAL CONTROL MODEL FOR EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE IN GREEN SMART SCHOOLS

Johnson Iyoke Okafor — 2025-06-03

The Green Smart School Initiative is a concept that seeks to promote sustainable practices in schools. The idea is to integrate green technology, energy efficiency, and environmental education into the school environment. In this study, a fractional order examination malpractice optimal control model for the effective implementation of green smart school initiative in the sense of Caputo is formulated. The host population is divided into five mutually exclusive compartments of susceptible, malpractice, punished or disciplined, recovered and resistant individuals. The positivity, existence and uniqueness result of the model were established, and the two equilibria, that is, the malpractice free and malpractice presence equilibrium solutions of the model in the presence of effective examination malpractice control strategies for the green smart school initiative are presented. The graphical representation showing the basic reproduction number when less than unity is is displayed. Simulations involving the effectiveness of the control strategies in prevention and control of examination malpractice for the smooth implementation of the green smart school initiatives are observed. In addition, we graphically illustrate the optimal control of the strategies with numerical technique of fractional multi-Stage Differential Transform Method via Matlab which showed that the control strategies is capable of preventing and controlling examination malpractice and subsequently facilitating the effective implementation of green smart school initiative

INFLUENCE OF COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION ON TEACHING AND LEARNING OF COMPUTER SUBJECT IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU EAST L.G.A OF ENUGU STATE

Helen Chijindu Ogbonnaya — 2025-06-03

This study investigated the influence of Computer Assisted Instruction on teaching and learning of computer subject in some selected secondary schools in Enugu East L.G.A of Enugu State. The investigation was directed in the angle of the effect and challenges of the teaching with the software package (classnote.ng). The study adopted a descriptive survey design with the population as all the teachers in the private schools in Enugu East L.G.A. The sample size was selected randomly from the five selected private schools in Enugu East L.G.A. The instrument for data collection was questionnaire and the method of data collection was statistical mean. After the analysis, the study found out that, the items that were used to indicate the teaching with the software package (classnote.ng) on the learning outcome of selected private secondary schools in Enugu East L.G.A of Enugu State were accepted. This shows that there is relationship between the software package (classnote.ng) and learning outcome. Again, the items that were used to indicate the challenges associated with teaching with software package (classnote.ng) on the learning outcome of selected private secondary schools in Enugu East L.G.A of Enugu State were accepted. This shows that there is justification for the challenges heighted. Thus, the study concluded that despite all of the challenges facing computer assisted instruction, still its benefits outweigh its
setbacks. And one of the first steps in designing an effective CAl program is to do so with these
obstacles in mind. There is an urgent need for our secondary school science teachers to be
skilled and knowledgeable with the new technological devices for usage in their
classrooms/laboratories in order to meet the global technological developing demand of the
world.

AVAILABILITY AND UTILIZATION OF INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS FOR BLENDED TEACHING AND LEARNING OF SCIENCE EDUCATION IN TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN ENUGU STATE

Anthonia Uzoamaka Ugwu — 2025-06-03

This study investigated the availability and use of instructional materials for blended teaching and learning of science education in tertiary institution in Enugu state. A descriptive survey research design was adopted in the study. Sixty science educators drawn through simple random sampling served as sample. Researcher-made structured questionnaire was the instrument for data collection. Analysis of data was done using mean and standard deviation (descriptive statistics) to answer the research questions while Pearson product moment correlation (inferential statistics) was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that science educators and students have regular access to the school computers to low extent and that most schools have resources for blended teaching and learning to a low extent and can compare materials used with an interactive whiteboard to low extent. Again most of the facilities necessary for blended teaching and learning approach are available to a low extent. The findings also revealed that teachers undergo training on blended teaching and learning to a low extent. Based on these findings, it is recommended that government should equip tertiary institutions with enough resources and facilities necessary for blended teaching and learning, and should organize regular trainings on the use of blended teaching and learning approach for science teachers in tertiary institutions.

FACTORS MILITATING AGAINST THE EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF NURSERY SCHOOL MATHEMATICS CURRICULUM IN ISI-UZO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE.

Cecilia Ijeoma Edeh — 2025-06-03

: This study was designed to investigate the factors that affect the effective implementation of nursery school mathematics curriculum in Isi-uzo local government area of Enugu State. Two research questions guided the study and a descriptive survey research design was adopted. A sample size of 100 nursery school teachers drawn from the government schools found in the three clusters of the local government representing 57.5% of the total population of 174 government nursery school teachers were used for the study. A questionnaire titled Factors Militating against the Effective Implementation of Nursery School Mathematics Curriculum Questionnaire (FMAEINSMCQ), with 20 items drawn on 4 points scale was used to collect data. The instrument was validated by research experts. The data were analyzed using frequency distribution and mean rating. The findings revealed that poor funding and class size, affect the effective implementation of nursery school mathematics curriculum and recommended that more fund should be channeled to the educational system and school heads should develop a yard stick for admitting pupils so as to check over population in classrooms

EMERGING TRENDS IN MATHEMATICS EDUCATION: IMPLICATION FOR NIGERIA’S FUTURE

Solomon Ekene Ugwu — 2025-06-03

Mathematics education is one of the most important disciplines in the field of education. It is a vital part of the education system that aims to improve the quality of mathematics education. In the last decade, there has been a shift in the approach to mathematics education, which has led to a change in the teaching and learning process of Mathematics. In the era of technology, the teaching and learning process of mathematics is changing. The latest developments in mathematics education have been incredibly successful in improving student engagement and knowledge, while also helping to strengthen the field as a whole. The new trends in mathematics education are transforming the way that modern education is conducted and suggesting exciting new possibilities for the future. This paper aims to provide an overview of the latest developments in Mathematics Education and to highlight the importance of comprehending how students learn and how to design meaningful, pertinent learning experiences that promote individual achievement

EFFECTS OF INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) -INTEGRATED TEACHER DEMONSTRATION STRATEGY (ITD) ON SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL CHEMISTRY STUDENTS ACHIEVEMENT IN ENUGU SOUTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU

Cynthia Onyinye Omeje — 2025-06-03

Chemistry students encounter difficulties learning the subject is confirmed by many studies and these learning difficulties have labelled some topics difficult. These learning difficulties may be attributed to the methods of teaching often employed by the teachers. It is against this background this study investigated the effectiveness of integrating Information Technology (IT) into commonly employed teaching method (Teacher Demonstration) on four students’ learning outcomes in some difficult topics (Mole Concept, Chemical Kinetics, Electrolysis and Oxidation and Reduction Reactions) in senior secondary (SS) chemistry. The study involved 124 (63 male, 61 female) SS 2 chemistry students from 4 schools purposively selected from one Education Zonen Enugu State, Nigeria. Using a pre-test post-test non-equivalent control group quasi experimental research design, the study examined the main effects of the treatments, gender and the interaction effects of the variables on chemistry students’ conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, acquisition of science process skills and acquisition of 21^st century skills. Four major instruments: Chemistry Conceptual Understanding Test (CCUT), Problem-solving Skills Test (PSST), Science Process Skills Test (SPST) and 21^st Century Skills Test (21^st CST) were used to collect data. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results showed that IT-integrated Teacher Demonstration was the most effective for all the learning outcomes. There were significant main effects of Lecture Method (LM), on chemistry students’ achievement. There was no significant influence of gender on any of the learning outcome. Findings also revealed significant interaction effects of treatment (ITD and LM) on chemistry students’ conceptual understanding, science process skills and 21^st century skills. From the findings, integration of IT into these teaching strategiess highly recommended for teaching of chemistry in secondary schools for better academic achievement in chemistry

INNOVATIVE STRATEGIES IN ENHANCING EDUCATIONAL ASSESSMENT IN DIGITALIZED ERA; PREPARATION FOR THE 4TH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION

Daniel Omachi — 2025-06-03

The study explores innovative strategies that can be employed in enhancing educational assessment in a digitalized era in readiness to embrace the Fourth Industrial Revolution. The 4^th Industrial Revolution requires transformative changes in educational assessment as the traditional methods possess many challenges and inabilities in handling the complexity of the 21^st century assessment practices. The study highlights the importance of integrating technology and sustainability principles into assessment methods to foster student engagement, critical thinking, and application of technology in assessment practices for the fourth industrial revolution by leveraging the capabilities of e-assessment through the use of artificial intelligence (AI) blockchain and data analytics. Educators can create more meaningful and effective assessment experiences that support student learning and promote sustainable practices with the help of the novel strategies critically examined by this study.

HUMAN RIGHTS AND DEMOCRATIC PEDAGOGY AS AN INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO GIVING SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS A TRUE VOICE IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF MATHEMATICS

Kevin C Anaeche — 2025-06-03

The study of Mathematics in secondary schools is as old as the history of education in Nigeria. However, as shown by the students' poor performance, the study is not yet as expected. Several efforts have been made by several concerned individuals and groups, both governmental and non-governmental agencies, to change the narrative with little success. In all these efforts, little has been said about students' knowledge of their human rights and learning in a democratic environment. On this note, this work proposed an innovative approach to teaching and learning, emphasizing Mathematics teaching and learning in secondary schools. The approach is named human rights and democratic pedagogy. This approach highlights the importance of students actively engaging as young citizens. It encourages them to learn about and understand their human rights and value and respect those rights. Through classroom lessons and hands-on experiences in their school community, students gain the confidence to exercise their rights meaningfully. The approach is based on a constructivist approach to learning. It can keep teaching and learning afloat during a pandemic since students are the major players in its usage as a teaching strategy. The three components of the pedagogy (teaching "about," "for," and "through" democracy) were extolled. The teachers' roles and the expectations of the students, if the pedagogy is appropriately utilized, were also treated. The study also recommended how to institutionalize this new approach to teaching and learning Mathematics or any other school subject.

INFLUENCE OF TESTING PROCESS ON STUDENT MATHEMATICS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN PRIVATE SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE

Comfort .E Ezenwanne — 2025-06-03

The purpose of this study is to investigate the influence of testing process on student mathematics academic performance in private schools in Enugu East L.G.A of Enugu State. Two research questions guided the study; to what extent does test type and test taking skill influence student mathematics academic performance. Is the use of test taking a sine qua non for student success in mathematics academic performance? The study adopted a descriptive survey design which allowed the researcher to gather information from a sampled population. The study sampled 50 teachers among whom were randomly selected ten Teachers from each five (5) private schools in Enugu East LGA. Method of data collection was through a structured online questionnaire which was distributed to schools via their WhatsApp platform and email address. After completion from respondent the response from the question were analyzed using simple mean. The study finding indicate a statistical significant in student knowledge and their performance in mathematic subject. There was no significant different between teachers. The study therefore recommend that mathematics teachers may introduce the use of mathematics games which can have a positive influence on student academic performance regardless of gender or scoring ability. Game based learning can encourage student to develop their skills.

IMPACT OF SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION STRUCTURE ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE IN ENUGU EDUCATION ZONE IN ENUGU STATE

I Nicholas Achilike — 2025-06-03

The central thesis of this study is on the evaluation of the impact of school administration structure on secondary school student’s academic performance in Enugu Education zone in Enugu State. To carry out this evaluation, 122 school teachers and secondary school principals in three Local governments in Enugu Education zone were used for the study, comprising of 26 teachers and 76 secondary school principals. The 122 questionnaires distributed to the respondents were dully completed and returned and were subsequently used in the analysis. Equally, personal interviews and visits were made to the schools used for the study, in addition to the distribution of the questionnaires. The data were analyzed by the use of tables and frequencies, while the formulated hypotheses were tested by the use of Z-test statistical technique. At the end of the study, it was revealed that good hierarchy of authority, proper delegation of authority to subordinates in form of division of labour, having adequate personnel that are seasoned in terms of qualification, skills and knowledge. And expertise impacts positively on the performance of students both in internal and external examinations. The study equally revealed that there are appropriate ways by which an organizational structure can incorporate employee inputs. These includes: employee trainings, mentoring, positive cultures, credible communication build up, appreciation via compensation and benefits etc. These aforementioned, when incorporated will give the employees sense of belonging. In view of the findings of the study, the study recommended among others that, to ensure a workable and functional organizational structure, there should be free flow of information, necessary to promote co-ordination and effectiveness of employees in the institution. Again, there is need to design organizational structure around the institutional goals, and there should be employee’s roles allocations and relation because they are key factors that have significant positive effect on the institutional effectiveness

IMPACT OF INTEGRATING CULTURE FOR THE EFFECTIVE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF SCIENCE IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU URBAN

Veronica C Ude — 2025-06-03

The study investigated the influence of integrating culture for the effective teaching and learning of science in secondary schools in Enugu Urban. Design used in this study was descriptive survey design. Three research questions guided the study. This study was carried out in Enugu Urban. The population for this study comprises all 64 Science teachers in the 28 secondary schools. The sample size for this study was 64 teachers. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire titled “Integration of Culture in Teaching and Learning of Science Questionnaire (ICTLSQ). The instrument was subjected to face validation by three specialists; one from Departments of Science Education, one from Physics Education and one from Measurement and Evaluation Unit from Faculty of Education, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, Enugu. To ensure reliability of the instrument, Cronbach alpha method of reliability measure was applied and the Reliability index is 0.87. The research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation. The finding of the study shows that combination of native languages contributes to the effective teaching and learning of science in secondary schools in Enugu urban. Based on the findings the study recommended among others Science education curricular developers should emphasize on cultural content in the programmes and regularly restructure and update them relative to changes. Government and other bodies should provide Science students and researchers research grants to promote learning

INFLUENCE OF AUTONOMY AND CHOICE ON STUDENTS' MOTIVATION AND INTEREST IN MATHEMATICS IN ENUGU STATE, NIGERIA

E A OZOMADU — 2025-06-03

This study investigated the influence of autonomy and choice on students' motivation and interest in Mathematics in Enugu State, Nigeria. The study was guided by two research questions. The participants consisted of 200 secondary school students selected randomly from 12 public secondary schools in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu state. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Data was collected using researcher’s structured questionnaire validated by specialists in the relevant fields. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions while inferential statistics (t-test) was used to test the data. The results showed that students who were given autonomy and choice in their mathematics learning demonstrated higher levels of motivation and interest in the subject compared to those who were not.. The study also revealed that autonomy and choice had a positive effect on students' self-efficacy, enjoyment, and value of mathematics. The implications of these findings for mathematics education in Nigeria are discussed, and recommendations are made for educators and policymakers to promote autonomy and choice in mathematics learning

THE INFLUENCE OF SOCIAL MEDIA ON THE ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MATHEMATICS IN ENUGU EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE.

Nonye Franca Okoye — 2025-06-03

The purpose of this research was to investigate the influence of social media on the academic performance of secondary school students in mathematics in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State The specific objectives were to; find out the influence of social media activities on students’ performance in mathematics and find out whether female students’ engage more on social media than male students in Enugu East secondary schools. The study adopted the descriptive survey design with a population of 2,580 students from which a sample of 200 Senior Secondary II students selected randomly using simple random sampling technique. Two research question and two hypotheses guided the study. A four-point Likert type rating questionnaire titled ‘Social Media and Academic performance of Students in mathematics’ (SMAPSMQ) which was constructed by the researcher was used to collect data from the respondents. The questionnaire instrument was subjected to face validity and validated by three experts in the field of information and communication technology (ICT), measurement and evaluation in education with a reliability coefficient of 0.73 using Crobach alpha. Frequency and mean (X) were used in the analysis of data and chi- square was used to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study led to the conclusion that the dominance and addiction on social media are the major causes of poor performance in mathematics both in internal and external examinations among secondary school students of Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. To this end, the researcher recommended that social media should be used mainly for academic purposes by the students, more strict and proper supervision by all stakeholders should be imbibed, workshops, seminars and public enlightenment programmes should be launched by the government, parents and teachers should check the sites their students / wards are always using so as to be guided properly. This is to create a balance between social media and academic activities of students to avoid setbacks in the academic Performance of the students.

CHALLENGES OF TEACHING AND LEARNING OF SCIENCE IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF ENUGU STATE

Ifeoma Jane Ikenazor — 2025-06-03

This study investigated the Challenges of Teaching and Learning of Science in Senior Secondary Schools in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The instrument for data collection was the Challenges of Teaching and Learning of Science Questionnaire (CTLSQ). The population of the study was made up of Five Thousand two hundred (5,200) senior secondary science students in Enugu State. The simple random sampling technique was used to select thirty (30) teachers and two hundred and thirty (230) students from Senior Secondary Schools in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. The Cronbach Alpha technique was used to ascertain the instrument’s reliability, which yielded 0.89. Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test. The findings revealed that the challenges of teaching and learning of science in Senior Secondary Schools in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State include lack of fund, vandalization of science equipment and facilities, lack of competence and inadequate infrastructure. It was recommended that; adequate and qualified teachers must be provided; adequate instructional materials should be provided; Security should be provided for both facilities and students and also Government should provide fund for adequate provision and maintenance of science equipment and facilities

ROLE OF METACOGNITIVE LEARNING STRATEGY IN IMPROVING METACOGNITION SKILLS IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS (STEM)

Victor Anochirim Okereke — 2025-06-03

The integration of metacognitive learning strategies in STEM education plays a pivotal role in developing self-regulated, adaptable, and innovative learners. These strategies empower students to plan, monitor, and reflect on their learning processes, fostering critical skills such as problem-solving, adaptability, and resilience. By emphasizing metacognition, educators equip students with the tools necessary for lifelong learning, ensuring their preparedness for academic and professional success in STEM fields. While challenges in implementation persist, the numerous benefits—enhanced learning outcomes, greater independence, and increased confidence—highlight the importance of these strategies in shaping knowledgeable, self-aware individuals capable of thriving in a dynamic, technology-driven world. Therefore, this paper considers the role of metacognitive learning strategy in improving metacognition skills in science, technology engineering and mathematics (STEM) in order to stimulate debate and offer insights.

STRATEGIES FOR IMPROVING THE UTILIZATION OF ICT FACILITIES FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING CHEMISTRY IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOO IN UDI LGA.

NKEIRU CATHERINE ENYI — 2025-06-03

A descriptive study investigated technology integration in teaching and learning of chemistry in Udi Local Government Area. Two research questions guided the study and were answered using the mean and standard deviation. Two hypotheses were tested using t-test statistics at the 0.05 level of significance. The study has a target population of 340 students. Its sample size consists of 184 respondents: ninety-seven males and eighty-seven females. The instrument for data collection which was structured by the researchers is known as technology integration in the teaching and learning of chemistry (TITLC). Cronbach alpha’s formula was used to determine the reliability of the instrument, which has an index of 0.85 for TITLC. The results showed that all the identified strategies helped to improve the utilization of ICT facilities for the teaching and learning of chemistry in secondary schools. However, all the factors identified affect the use of ICT facilities. The result of the hypotheses showed that there was no significant difference in the mean rating of male and female students on strategies that help improve technology integration in chemistry. Lastly, there was no significant difference in the mean rating of male and female students among all the factors affect the use of ICT facilities .In accordance with the findings and conclusion of the study, the .recommendations were proffered among the other governments and institutions.

TABLE OF SPECIFICATIONS: AN EFFECTIVE TOOL FOR THE CONSTRUCTION OF CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES’ TEST (CRST)

Agatha Chukwufumnanya Kunuba — 2025-06-03

The present study demonstrates how table of specifications (TOS) serve as a tool for designing effective Christian Religious Studies (CRS) test by the teacher for assessment. It is presented as a foundational tool used by the teacher for educational assessment. This entails an alignment between assessment content and intended learning outcomes. TOS facilitates the creation of teacher-made test that accurately measure student understanding. By delineating the distribution of topics, cognitive levels, and weightage of each of item, TOS enhances assessment quality and fairness. Teachers can use this framework to construct CRS tests that reflect both content mastery and critical thinking skills. In general, teachers hardly make use of table of specification in constructing test items used to assess their students’ knowledge. As a result, they have no idea about the weighting and quality of the test administered to students. Table of specification should help the teacher to plan instruction and construct items before achievement test is taken. This paper, therefore, looks at how to close the gaps between the table of specifications and the construction of CRS test. It is recommended among others that TOS should be adopted by the teacher for classroom test because it gives direction to the teacher about the number of items to be included in the test. It guides the teacher in the development and evaluation of classroom test

INFLUENCE OF MISCONCEPTIONS ABOUT THE HUMAN SKELETAL SYSTEM ON SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ INTEREST AND PERFORMANCE IN BIOLOGY.

Chukwuemeka Virginia — 2025-06-03

This study investigated the influence of misconceptions about the human skeletal system on senior secondary school students’ interest and performance in biology. Four research questions guided the study. The literature review was organized under conceptual framework, theoretical framework and review of empirical studies. Descriptive survey design was adopted for the study. The study was carried out in Enugu East Local Government Area of Enugu State. The sample comprised of one hundred (100) students drawn from the population of six hundred and seventy (670) SSII biology students using random sampling technique. A well-structured questionnaire tiled questionnaire on misconception about the human skeletal system was used for data collection. Data analyzed was done using mean and standard deviation. The result revealed that senior secondary school students harbor misconceptions about the human skeletal system, show low interest in skeletal system and perform poorly in biology. The study also showed that instructional materials and good teaching strategies are helpful in increasing students’ interest which in turn will bring about good performance in biology. Recommendations were made that teachers should make use of practical manual, 3D models and innovative instructional strategies to demystify misconception about the human skeletal system. Finally, limitations were stated and suggestions were made for further study

EXTENT OF SAFETY MEASURES IN SECONDARY SCHOOL SCIENCE LABORATORIES IN ABAKALIKI EDUCATION ZONE OF EBONYI STATE.

Kingsley Ikechukwu Oko — 2025-06-03

The focus of this study is to investigate the extent of safety measures, in secondary school science laboratories in Abakaliki Education Zone of Ebonyi State. Two research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The study employed descriptive survey design. This is to enable the researcher describe the extent of safety measures and make decisions based on empirical evidence. The researcher used a total number of seventy-two (72) public secondary schools, out of 78 public secondary schools in the zone. This is because, six secondary schools out of 78 public secondary schools in the zone do not have science laboratory at the time of this research data collection. The researcher did not sample since, the number of secondary schools in the zone was not high. A four-point scale structured questionnaire developed by the researcher was used to collect data on the safety measures. The instrument is made up of fourteen (40) items. Mean and standard deviation were used in answering the research questions while, Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that the extent of safety measures in secondary school science laboratories in Abakaliki Education Zone of Ebonyi State was high. Based on the findings of the study, the researcher therefore, recommended that Government of Ebonyi State and school authorities should keep up the present level of laboratory safety measures in secondary school science laboratories in the state by collaborating with curriculum developers to review the existing curriculum and integrate the basic tenets of laboratory safety measures in the curriculum

INFLUENCE OF FAMILY BACKGROUND VARIABLES ON THE ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOL PHYSICS STUDENTS’

Kingsley T Onah — 2025-06-03

The physics students’ poor learning outcomes and achievement has warranted this study. The study therefore, examined the influence of family background on the academic performance of Secondary school Physics students in Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State, Nigeria. The study was anchored on Bowen theory of Human Behavior. The study adopted a correlational survey research design. Three null hypotheses guided the study. The study targeted students, teachers, and parents. The population of the study was 1670 SSS 2 physics students in Enugu North L. G. A. of Enugu state. The sample size of the study was 180 SS 2 Physics students. The Simple random sampling technique was used to select the students’ participants of the study. The study used questionnaire titled Family Background Scale (FBS) to collect data. Data were analyzed using path analysis to test the proposed hypotheses. The findings of the study revealed that parental socio-economic status contributed 37% prediction to physics students’ academic achievement. Also, that parental educational background impacted 35% prediction of physics students’ academic achievement. Based on the findings, it was recommended that the school management and teachers should help to sensitize the parents on the importance of the family on the students’ holistic formation especially their academic achievement

THE EXTENT OF UTILIZATION OF INNOVATIVE TEACHING STRATEGIES IN TEACHING 21ST-CENTURY SKILLS BY BUSINESS EDUCATION LECTURERS IN ENUGU STATE TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS.

Mary Rose Odike — 2025-06-03

This study focused on the extent of utilization of innovative teaching strategies in teaching 21st- century skills by Business education lecturers in Enugu State tertiary institutions. The primary goal of this study was to determine the extent to which innovative teaching strategies are being utilized by Business education lecturers in teaching 21st-century skills to Business education students in Enugu State. This study employed a descriptive survey research design. All 69 business educators in Enugu State's tertiary schools who are members of the Association of Business Educators (ABEN) Enugu State Chapter made up the study's population. The entire population was the subject of the investigation. One hypothesis and one research question served as the study's compass. The researchers' tool for gathering data for the study was a structured questionnaire titled “Innovative Teaching Strategies Utilized by Business Education Lecturers (ITSUBELQ)”. A dependability index of 0.75 from Cronbach Alpha analysis was attained. The mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research question. The t-test statistic was used to test the one null hypothesis. The study's findings showed that Business education lecturers utilized innovative teaching strategies in teaching their students to a high extent. Such innovative learning includes digital learning techniques, problem-based learning and collaborative learning, project-based learning (PBL), inquiry-based learning, flipped classroom and field trips, It was suggested that these innovative teaching methods should be employed by all Business education lecturers to a very high extent in teaching their students to enable them to properly develop the needed 21st-century skills.

TOPICAL ISSUES AND PROSPECTS OF TRADITIONAL AND PORTFOLIO ASSESSMENTS FOR IMPLEMENTATION OF CORE CURRICULUM AND MINIMUM ACADEMIC STANDARDS IN NIGERIAN UNIVERSITIES.

Mark E Ugwoke — 2025-06-03

Demands for new knowledge and skills in the 21st Century are impacting teaching, learning, and assessment in universities in Nigeria. The National Universities Commission (NUC) in 2022 introduced Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) for the Nigerian Universities System. Part of the implementation strategy of the CCMAS is the introduction of modern teaching methods. The ultimate goal is for students in Nigerian universities to acquire experiential learning. However, the assessment strategies critical to modern teaching methods were not incorporated in the implementation document of the CCMAS. Unfortunately, traditional assessments cannot evaluate experiential learning. This paper analysed topical issues and prospects of using conventional and portfolio assessments in the Nigerian university system. The paper established that despite the capacity of portfolio assessment to provide a nuanced, holistic, and student-centred evaluation of learning, most lecturers in the universities in Nigeria, still use traditional assessment. It recommended, among others, a robust educational policy direction to support the introduction of portfolio assessment in the Nigerian university system.