Journal
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Pedagogical Research
Metropolitan Journal of Academic Pedagogical Research
Volume 3, Issue 2 (February)
9 articles
1
Effectiveness Of Monetary Incentives To Teachers And Academic Performance Of Learners In Selected Government Aided Primary Schools In Lugusuulu Sub-County, Sembabule District, Uganda
Monetary incentives
academic performance
Learners
Schools
This study examined the impact of monetary incentives offered to teachers on the academic performance of learners in selected Government Aided Primary schools in Sembabule District. The researcher noted that teaching in a rural government primary school can be an interesting, which can subsequently impact on learners’ academics. The study had three objectives which highlighted the nature of monetary incentives provided to teachers, the cause of the declining trends of learners’ academic performance and the impact of monetary incentives offered to teachers on the trend of academic performance of learners. The research subjects were teachers and head teachers serving in selected government aided primary schools. According to the study, monetary incentive was the independent variable while academic performance was the dependent variable. The research methodology was mixed since it applied both quantitative and qualitative approaches, using closed ended questionnaires and interview guides as research instruments. A simple random sampling technique was used to select ten (10) head teachers and sixty-six (66) teachers out of 80 teachers from ten (10) primary schools in Sembabule District. The quantitative data which was collected was presented using inferential statistics and subsequently analyzed using a Chi–Square test, while qualitative data was analyzed using descriptive statistics. The researcher tested directional hypothesis by comparing two Chi-Square values namely: ChiSquare calculated; which was computed using a standard formula, and the critical Chi-square value which was obtained using a standard distribution statistical table. It was revealed that the calculated value (62.68) was higher than the critical value (9.48). Basing on the two Chi-Square values, the researcher retained the hypothesis and concluded that, monetary incentives offered to primary teachers significantly impact on the academic performance of learners.
2
Impact Of Community Adult Education And The Prevention Of Children Abuse. A Case Study Of Kayunga Town Council Kayunga District
Community
Adult Education And Children Abuse
The study aimed at impact of community adult education and the prevention of children abuse with a case study of kayunga town council kayunga district and it was guided by the following objectives; To find out the role of adult education programs on child abuse in kayunga town council kayunga district, to determine the effectiveness of adult education in the prevention of child abuse in kayunga town council kayunga district and to examine the relationship between adult education and child abuse in Kayunga district. These were used to collect data from teachers and workers of organizations. This is because these are literate and know how to read and write. This also gave them ample time to properly calmly answer the provided questions to help in the triangulation of data. Qualitative data was presented in form of narration and discussion to give a deeper analysis of the information collected. Qualitative data was edited, tabulated and further analyzed using SPSS & STATA. The study revealed that the study of child sexual abuse and exploitation such as, defilement, as revealed assault, rape, among others are rampant on the Kayunga town council, Kayunga District. The learning exposed those even children of 12 years, especially girls had already had sexual exposure with the opposite sex. Therefore, adult education programs were seen as a blessing towards addressing such concerns in the community. There is need to strengthen the policy to inhibit children under the age of 18 years not to involve in socialization. This should be done in collaboration with police and the ministries responsible to help children develop independent careers.
3
Influence Of Staff Discipline On School Performance In Primary Schools In Lugusuulu Sub-County, Sembabule District, Uganda
Staff Discipline
Syllabus Completion
School Performance
The purpose of the study was to establish the influence of staff discipline on school performance in primary schools in Lugusuulu Sub-County, Sembabule District, Uganda. The study was guided by three objectives which are to find out the extent to which teacher’s personal conduct affects the performance of primary school in Lugusuulu Sub-County, Sembabule District, Uganda, to assess the relationship between teachers’ professional responsibility and the performance of primary schools and to establish how the teachers’ relationship with learners affect the performance of primary schools. The researcher used questionnaires and interview schedules as major instruments of data collection. The researcher used a cross sectional research design where both qualitative and quantitative research methods were used. Questionnaire and interview guides were used to gather information from the respondents. A total of one hundred and one forty (140) respondents were used as a sample from the ten selected schools in Lugusuulu Sub-County, Sembabule District, Uganda. Reliability of the questionnaire was established with the use of test-retest reliability with a value of 0.74 and validity was determined through face and content validity with a CVI value of 0.78. Data were analyzed using table, figures, frequencies and percentages. Pearson correlation coefficient was also utilized in this study to determine relationship between the variables. This study found that there was a relationship between teachers’ professional responsibility and the performance of primary schools in Lugusuulu Sub-County, Sembabule District, Uganda primary Schools in Sembabule District. The key findings of this study are that, teachers’ personal conduct professional responsibility and personal relationship with learners has a significant relationship with school performance of primary schools in Bugokho Sub County. This study made the following recommendations; teachers to handle well pupils and play their part as expected, including managing time, syllabus completion emphasis on procedures and management practices. Monitoring and evaluation of teachers’ activities in primary schools need to be emphasized to ensure that all teachers obey the government regulations concerning education.
4
Investigating The Effect Of Child Abuse On Student Academic Performance In Government Aided And Private Schools. A Case Of Makindye Division
Child Abuse
Student
Academic Performance
Government Aided And Private Schools
This research investigates the profound impact of child abuse on student academic performance in Makindye Division, examining both government-aided and private schools. The study explores the historical, theoretical, conceptual, and contextual perspectives of child abuse, drawing on research from 2014 to 2021. The problem statement identifies the pervasive issue of child abuse, detailing its adverse effects on academic outcomes and the limitations of current intervention strategies. The study identifies independent variables (IVs) as different forms of child abuse (physical/emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect), with academic performance as the dependent variable (DV). Extraneous variables are considered to understand potential confounding factors. The geographical scope encompasses Makindye Division, chosen for its diversity and relevance. The study's significance extends to the Ministry of Labour, Makindye Division, the community, children, researchers, and students. A comprehensive literature review explores the relationships between physical/emotional abuse, sexual abuse, neglect, and academic performance. Existing studies highlight the negative consequences of abuse on student engagement, motivation, and cognitive development. The research methodology outlines a mixed-methods approach, including surveys and interviews, with a focus on government-aided and private schools in Makindye Division. The chapter also discusses the research design, target population, sample size, sampling technique, data collection methods, and ethical considerations. Descriptive analysis of survey responses reveals insights into the relationships between different forms of abuse and academic performance. Statistical analysis provides mean scores and standard deviations, demonstrating the consistency and variability of participant responses. The discussion synthesizes findings, emphasizing the interconnectedness of child abuse experiences and their collective impact on academic outcomes. Recommendations include the implementation of support programs, teacher training, and collaboration with community resources. The study concludes by suggesting areas for further research, such as longitudinal studies, comparative analyses, and investigations into resilience factors. Overall, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics between child abuse and student academic performance, aiming to inform targeted interventions and policies in Makindye Division and beyond.
5
Role Of Instruction Materials On Academic Performance Of Students In English Subject. A Case Study Of Kyabenda Secondary School In Kahunge Sub-County, Kamwenge District.
Instruction Materials
Academic Performance
Students and English Subject
The purpose of this research work is to examine the impact of instructional materials on academic performance of students in English subject in secondary schools. A case study of Kyabenda secondary school in Kahunge Sub-County, Kamwenge District. This research was based on three objectives including: to explore the views of teachers and students on the extent to which instructional facilities affect student performance, to examine the challenges that teachers in Kyabenda secondary school face in accessing instructional materials and to assess the strategies that teachers use to minimize the challenges of attaining and using quality instructional materials. The research employed a survey research design to investigate the impact of instructional materials on the academic performance of students at Kyabenda SS, situated in Kahunge sub-county, Kamwenge district. This design aimed to generalize findings about the target population, aligning with the descriptive survey design's capability to accurately assess the characteristics of entire populations. Through a targeted sample of 131 respondents—comprising teachers, students, and school administrators— selected via simple random sampling and criterion-based sampling, the study sought to collect both quantitative and qualitative data. Primary data was gathered through questionnaires, interviews, and personal observations, while secondary data from school records and previous research complemented the primary information. A well-structured questionnaire with close-ended questions was utilized to predominantly collect quantitative data, while interviews, specifically with the head teacher, gathered qualitative insights due to their constrained availability. Quality control measures encompassed validity checks through content validation and reliability assessments using the testretest method. Data analysis involved univariate analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), emphasizing percentages, frequencies, and descriptive statistics. Ethical considerations prioritized voluntary participation, confidentiality, and accuracy, while limitations encompassed factors beyond the researcher's control, such as respondent honesty and uncontrolled research environments. Efforts were made to minimize biases and enhance the reliability of the research tools to ensure comprehensive and credible outcomes. Through persistent visits, a complete response rate of 100% was achieved from the participants, predominantly males (57%) and mainly students below 24 years old. Teachers, with varying academic qualifications, indicated the significance of instructional materials despite hurdles like limited funding and outdated resources. Strategies such as book borrowing and personal purchases were employed to tackle these challenges. The findings underscored the importance of these materials while highlighting obstacles to their effective provision and use. The study recommended increased government funding for educational resources and emphasized the necessity for further research on optimizing instructional materials in the teaching and learning process.
6
Self-esteem and Teacher Engagement in Primary Schools, in Jinja City, Uganda
Self-esteem
teacher engagement
academic competency
academic performance
The study examined whether self-esteem is a significant predictor of teacher engagement. The study was guided by the cross-sectional research design. The study participants comprised of 408 primary school teachers of northern division in Jinja city covering nineteen primary schools. The simple random sampling was used to select 196 primary school teachers selected from the 408 teachers who teach in primary schools in northern divisions found in the Jinja City. The results indicated that link between teacher self-esteem and engagement was negative and insignificant and as such, the hypothesis was accepted. Self-esteem was studied in terms of competition, approval from others and academic competence. For competition only two items (CO1 & CO2) out of five loaded above 0.5 and three items (CO3, CO4 & CO5) did not load above threshold level of 0.5. For approval from others, all the five items that measured it loaded above 0.5. For academic competence, all the five items that measured it loaded above 0.5. Teacher engagement was studied in terms of absorption, dedication and vigor. For absorption, all the four items that measured it loaded above 0.5. For dedication, all the four items that measured it loaded above 0.5, while none of the items for vigor loaded above 0.5. The study concluded that Teacher’s self-esteem enhances their engagement especially when teachers feel worthwhile when performing better than others on a given task or skill, if they come to know that they are better than others, give themselves a sense of respect, when they feel academically better about themselves while knowing they are doing well academically, and feel bad about themselves whenever their academic performance is lacking. The study recommended that in order to promote teacher engagement, there is need to enhance teacher’s selfesteem by making teachers feel worthwhile when performing better than others on a given task or skill, if they come to know that they are better than others, give themselves a sense of respect, when they feel academically better about themselves while knowing they are doing well academically, and feel bad about themselves whenever their academic performance is lacking. Further, what others think about then has no effect on what they think about themselves.
7
Teacher Competency and Engagement in Primary Schools, in Jinja City, Uganda
Teacher Competency
teacher engagement
academic competency
academic performance
High teacher engagement is linked to effective teaching assistance and teacher-student collaboration, which creates the supportive social environment necessary for students' positive academic attitudes. The study examined the relationship between teacher competency and teacher engagement The study was guided by the cross-sectional research design. The study participants comprised of 408 primary school teachers of northern division in Jinja city covering nineteen primary schools. The simple random sampling was used to select 196 primary school teachers selected from the 408 teachers who teach in primary schools in northern divisions found in the Jinja City. The findings indicate the relationship between teacher competence and engagement. The three elements of planning, development and results were examined in studying teacher competence. The hypothesis derived from the objective was that teacher competency insignificantly predicted engagement. The hypothesis was accepted because the link between teacher competence and engagement was negative and insignificant. The study concluded that Teacher competency does not necessary enhance their engagement especially when teachers efficiently incorporate ICTs in teaching, present the minimum content of subject matter tailored to the learner’s knowledge, present content following a clear and logical framework, inform learners of the competencies expected to be acquired, provide learners with scientific information that allows them to gain a better and deeper understanding of subject matter and foster research and critical spirit in learners. The study recommended that in order to enhance teacher engagement there is need for teachers to efficiently incorporate ICTs in teaching, present the minimum content of subject matter tailored to the learner’s knowledge, present content following a clear and logical framework, inform learners of the competencies expected to be acquired, provide learners with scientific information that allows them to gain a better and deeper understanding of subject matter and foster research and critical spirit in learners..
8
The Impact Of School Management Styles On Students Performance. A Case Study Of Mpanga Secondary School, Kabarole District
School Management Styles and Students Performance
The study aimed at the impact of school management styles on students’ performance with a case study of Mpanga secondary school, Kabarole district and it was guided by the following objectives; To find out how autocratic management style affects academic performance in schools in Kabarole district, to access the effect of democratic management style on academic performance of students in Kabarole District and to find out how charismatic management styles affect academic performance of students in Kabarole District. The design employed both qualitative and quantitative approaches, whereby adequate narrative data was collected. The Head teachers and the student leaders while numerical data was collected the Board members and the teachers. This facilitates better understanding of the problem. Kabarole District Education department comprises 7 Technical staff at the District Education office, Head teachers and Teachers, members of both Board of Governors and the student. The District Education Officer, the District Inspector of Schools, the 48 Board members, 4 Head teachers, 117 teachers and the 237 student leaders of the secondary schools provide ground for this study making a total of 408 respondents. When asked when management training was important in the management of school, all the head teachers (100%) agreed that it was very important for head teachers to be trained in management skills. It was therefore strongly recommended that every school undertake a strategic visioning process. It was through a shared vision and mission that the head teacher will be able to offer sense of direct ion in his/her staff. With this vision and mission, the school can develop a plan. The plan should be broadly shared and understood by all the stakeholders. Another recommendation is that the head teachers should strengthen support supervision of lessons to his/her teaching staff.
9
The Role Of Virtual Reality Simulation In Teaching Complex Mathematical Concepts In Uganda
Virtual Reality
Simulation
Teaching and Mathematical Concepts
The study aimed at the role of virtual reality simulation in teaching complex mathematical concepts in Uganda and it was guided by the following objectives; To investigate the use of virtual reality in teaching and visualizing complex mathematical concepts, such as 3D geometry, in Uganda, to assess the impact of immersive VR experiences on students’ spatial reasoning abilities and their comprehension of mathematical concepts and to develop guidelines and recommendations for integrating VR technology into the mathematics curriculum and addressing the practical challenges of VR in education in Uganda. This study employed a mixed-methods design, which combines both quantitative and qualitative methods to answer the research questions. The study also focused on the secondary school level, as this is the stage where students are expected to master and apply these concepts in various domains and contexts. The sample size for this study were 90 students and 10 teachers. It was found out that out of 50 senior one students, 04 students agreed “to some extent”, 10 students agreed “to greeter extent” and 36 students agreed “to very much extent”. Out of 30senior two students, 01 students agreed “to some extent”, 60 students agreed “to greater extent”, 23 students agreed “to very much extent”. Government should come in to easy the issue of accessibilities of such strange but useful technologies important to education sectors inform of costs, accommodating infrastructures, internet and in any other ways.