Articles: Department of Education

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The Aesthetic Function Of The Calypso Style In V.S. Naipaul’s Collection Of Sketches, Miguel Street
(2016-07) Weche, Michael O.; Kagwira, Stella P.
The study is based on the assumption that literary style is paramount to literary communication and the meaning we derive out of a work of literature. Literary meaning cannot therefore be divorced from literary style. The purpose of the study is to examine how the style of calypso communicates meaning in V.S. Naipaul’s collection of sketches, Miguel Street. The technique of calypso is analyzed to show its aesthetic function in the text. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the text and show how the technique is used by the writer to communicate meaning and artistic vision. The rationale of the study is based on the recognition of Naipaul as one of the best world writers and more important that though his works have received extensive literary attention, little has been done on the aesthetic function of the calypso in the text under study. The study therefore gives a new direction of reading Naipaul’s works and thus contributes not only to the understanding of Naipaul’s idiosyncratic manner of artistic communication but also to the richness of his literature. The sampled text was purposively chosen based on the aim of the study. The study is grounded in the New Historicism literary theory and more specifically the theory’s tenets that emphasize the study of literary works from a historical context.
The Aesthetic Function of the style of Masking as used In V.S. Naipaul’s Collection of Sketches, Miguel Street
(2016-06) Weche, Michael O.; Kagwira, Stella P.
The study is based on the assumption that literary style is paramount to literary communication and the meaning we derive out of a work of literature. Literary meaning cannot therefore be divorced from literary style. The purpose of the study is to examine how the style of masking communicates meaning in V.S. Naipaul’s collection of sketches, Miguel Street. The technique of masking is analyzed to show its aesthetic function in the text. The main objective of the study is to evaluate the text and show how the technique is used by the writer to communicate meaning and artistic vision. The rationale of the study is based on the recognition of Naipaul as one of the best world writers and more important that though his works have received extensive literary attention, little has been done on the aesthetic function of the style of masking in the text under study. The study therefore gives a new direction of reading Naipaul’s works and thus contributes not only to the understanding of Naipaul’s idiocyncratic manner of artistic communication but also to the richness of his literature. The sampled text was purposively chosen based on the aim of the study. The study is grounded in the New Historicism literary theory and more specifically the theory’s tenets that emphasize the study of literary works from a historical context.
Behaviour Disorders Related to Drug Abuse Among Secondary School Students in Kenya.
(IISTE, 2015) King’endo, Madrine
The purpose of this study was to find out the behavior disorders displayed by secondary school students as a result of substance abuse. This would assist to train teachers on specialized intervention methods so that they can have knowledge on how to curb drug menace in learning institutions. The students were interrogated about substance abuse practices, use and the factors that lead them to abuse substances. Questionnaires were used to collect data from students and teachers involved in guiding and counseling programs. The findings indicate that students abused drugs and substances and reacted differently, developing different behavior disorders. Their responses revealed that there was no drug abuse program in schools and student addicted to drugs were not attended to. What the teachers revealed indicated that they did not have any training on drug abuse problems and lacked skills and knowledge to deal with drug related behavior disorders among students. Future research and implications for teacher training are discussed.
Contributions of Selected Classroom Factors on Bullying Among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Kenya.
(The International Journal of Humanities & Social Sciences, 2018-09) Nyaga, Milcah Njoki
Bullying is a major challenge in secondary schools in Kenya. The vice is practised underground among students thus many students experience high level of bullying without the knowledge of teachers and parents.The study investigated the contributions of classroom factors on bullying among adolescents in secondary schools in Kenya. The study was grounded on Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological theory. A descriptive design was employed. The sample of 320 students was obtained through random sampling and while eight deputy principals were selected from sampled schools. The instruments for data collection were student’s questionnaire, deputy principal’s questionnaire, record analysis and researcher’s observation schedules. The data was analysed through descriptive statistics and Chi- square was used to test for the association between the classroom factors and bullying. The findings revealed that all the classroom factors: general discipline, individuals responsible for discipline, common disciplinary measures, rating of disciplinary measures and counselling services, were significantly associated with bullying.The findings revealed that bullying was very common though it was rarely disclosed to school management. Further, the study observed that the teachers were administering corporal punishment and in most cases the punishment was not proportional to the offence committed. In addition, the guidance and counselling services were not effectively offered in most schools. The study recommended that all teachers should be involved in matters of discipline in schools. Similarly, the disciplinary measures should also be modified in consultation with the students and teachers. The counselling services need to be activated and managed by trained teacher counsellors.
Contributions of Selected Family Factors to Drug Abuse Among Adolescents in Secondary Schools in Manyatta Sub-county, Embu County, Kenya
(Science Publishing Group, 2016) Nyaga, Milcah Njoki; Mwai, Kimu
The aim of this research is to investigate the contributions of selected family factors to drug abuse among adolescents in Kenyan secondary schools. To achieve this, the study sought to investigate the role of parental monitoring, residence, employment and parenting behaviours in predisposing the adolescent in the development to drug use. In addition, the study established the significance of associations between family factors and drug abuse among adolescents. The data were collected from form two students and deputy principals in secondary schools. The findings revealed that lack of parental supervision, parental employment, authoritarian style of parenting and lack of open discussion with adolescents contributed to drug abuse as well as most parents do not take active roles in schools. The study further revealed that not residing with the biological parents was not significantly associatedwith drug abuse. This was contrary to the view held by most scholars that the adolescents who do not reside with their biological parents were prone to drug abuse. To avoid drug abuse, parental monitoring should be given to all children regardless of the birth order, absence of aggression at home, parental quality time, open discussions with adolescents, authoritative parenting and parental involvement in school activities. Majority of the children born after the first child portrayed antisocial behaviours; hence the further the birth position in the family the higher the engagement in drug abuse Based on these findings, there is need to give all children as much supervision as that given to the first born children. Thus, the schools should organise sessions for parents and educate them on effective ways of parenting adolescents. Parents need to be encouraged to take active role in schools. Therefore, schools must create partnerships by providing an open and accommodative environment with their wider community. This would help in forminga link between the school and the home as well as the school and the family.
Describing Diversity in University Enrolment in Kenya
(2016) Gitonga, Pius; Gatere, Ruth; Mwaura, James
The identifiable benchmarks that showcase description of ‘diversity’ in enrolment or admission for university education in Kenya were described. Universities encourage multiethnic student and staff populations purely based on merit. In achieving “a globally competitive and prosperous nation with a high quality of life by 2030” (GOK, 2007), institutional attention to meritocracy and promotion of national cohesion through diversity and unity for success is essential. The overall quality of education in the universities is affected to a larger extent by large number of students against limited resources. Diversity focuses on demographic variety of student’s social and religious background but not tribal affiliations. A systematic and brief review of available evidence was used to describe diversity of enrolment for university education in a fast growing university and higher education system. The professional practices of scientific research were adhered to as stipulated in the Declaration of Helsinki (Maltby, McGarry, William, & Day, 2010). Expansion of universities is rapid due to increasing number of students who are interested and want to pursue university education. In both public and private universities enrollment is a serious exercise for both the university and the ‘freshmen’. Literature reviewed pointed at increasing complexity of forces in university education system, dynamics and diverse enrolment options, reputation and social positioning of universities in the society, diversity as humanistic patterns were found significant. Enrollment trends and impacts showed increase in demand for university education, and the risk of decreasing quality and predictability of outputs and results. This description proposes that all human need to equivocally advocate for and ensure equitable distribution of merit and opportunity for a sustainable future in university education. There is need however to determine national diversity index for university enrollment in Kenya.
Dhima ya Kiswahili katika Uimarishaji wa Utamaduni na Mazingira kwa Mujibu wa Katiba ya Kenya
(East African Scholars Publisher, 2019-09) Kinoti, Timothy M.
The Constitution of the Republic of Kenya recognizes culture and environment as important pillars upon which the identity of its people is anchored. Chapter Two, Section 11 of the Constitution takes cognizant of culture as the foundation of the Nation and as the cumulative civilization of the Kenyan people and nation. The Constitution expressly states that the State shall promote all forms of national and cultural expression through literature, the arts, traditional celebrations, science, communication, information, mass media, publications, libraries and other cultural heritage. It also recognizes the role of science and indigeneuos technologies in national development and also the promotion of the intellectual property rights of the people of Kenya. This paper discusses the role of Kiswahili language and literature in cultural and environmental conservation, which are key indicators of development of any civilized society. Kiswahili is constitutionally recognized as the national and official language in Kenya.
Effectiveness of Physical Exercise on Primary Dysmenorrhea Among Female University Students
(2017-09) Nyaga, Milcah Njoki; Muriithi, David
Primary Dysmenorrhoea is a condition that has attracted attention among the stakeholders in education and health professions. Primary Dysmenorrhea is chronic cyclical pelvic pain associated with menstruation in the absence of an identifiable pathological condition. Dysmenorrhea is one of the most common complaints and gynaecological problem worldwide among young females. Many females use pain killers such as paracetamol and Non-steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDS) to treat primary dysmenorrhea. The aim of this study is to investigate effectiveness of physical exercises on primary dysmenorrhea among University female students. The study adopted a descriptive research approach. It involved fifty students who had enrolled for gym at the University and had participated in regular exercise. The control group involved 50 students who had not enrolled for gym. The data was collected through self-administered questionnaires. The findings revealed that majority of the students were aware that exercise treats the symptoms of dysmenorrhea but they continued using painkillers. The study found out that majority of the students would consider exercise as an alternative therapy in treating the symptoms of dysmenorrhea. The study further revealed that the experimental group had late onset of menstruation and they took a longer time to menstruate as compared to controlled group. Overall the results of this study indicated that participating in exercise is a likely alternative approach to reduce the effects of primary dysmenorrhoea symptoms especially pain and improve the quality of life in young females.
Effects of Performance Ranking in Mathematics on Students’ and Teachers’ Identity Development
(Science Publishing Group, 2019-04) Njiru, Samson Murithi; Nyaga, Milcah Njoki; Karuku, Simon
Student and teacher identities are generally considered to influence students’ academic performance in Mathematics. The objective of the study reported in this paper was to investigate the effects of performance ranking in Mathematics on students’ and teachers’ identity development. The participants for the study were Mathematics teachers and students in secondary schools in Embu County in Kenya. A random sample of 1989 students and 101 teachers drawn from a population of 41925 students and 414 teachers participated in the study. The study adopted a mixed methods research design. Data were collected through one-on-one semi-structured interviews, focus group discussions and surveys. Chi-square test was used to test the hypothesis; performance ranking does not mediate Mathematics students’ and teachers’ identity development. The findings indicate that, performance ranking is a tool used by teachers and students in giving them feedback on their level of capabilities as Mathematics teachers and students. Secondly, performance ranking influence Mathematics teachers in furthering their studies in Mathematics-related courses, and students in aligning themselves to their preferred careers. Additionally, the study revealed that performance ranking is a motivation for students to work hard so as to have good relationships with their teachers as teachers are friendly to the students at the top of the rank. Similarly, the students identify themselves with peers of their abilities as far as Mathematics is concerned. The study recommends that the practice of performance ranking in Mathematics should continue and be used as a tool to identify the best Mathematics classes, students and teachers so as to act as a benchmark to encourage the rest to learn from
An Exploration of Factors that Contribute to Low Performance in Physics: A Case of a Secondary School in Kenya
(2015-08) Njiru, Samson M.; Karuku, Simon
The study reported in this paper aimed at exploring the factors that contribute to students’ low performance in physics. Study participants were 2 physics teachers (a male and a female) and 57 physics students (30 males and 27 females) drawn from a coeducational, government day secondary school located in Embu County in Kenya. The study adopted a mixed method approach, whereby both qualitative and quantitative methods were utilized to gather data. Analysis of quantitative data was done using the SPSS software package while the qualitative data were analyzed manually using thematic content analysis. Three major categories of factors were identified as contributing to students’ low performance in physics; namely, learning factors, teaching factors, and administrative factors. Learning factors are those factors that emanate from the learners, such as time management skills and background in mathematics; teaching factors are those factors that are attributable to the teacher, such as quality of teacher-student interactions and teacher’s content knowledge; while administrative factors are those factors that can be attributed to the administrative context within the school, such as access to resources and quality of guidance provision. Based on the research findings, a number of recommendations are made to practitioners and policy makers. For teacher educators, a proposal is made to include a course on improvisation in physics education during teacher pre-service training. For the school administrators, it is recommended that mechanisms be put in place to ensure that the students’ voice is heard and supported during selection of preferred subject combinations. For teachers, it is recommended that the use of practical and interesting learning experiences during lessons be inculcated right from the first year of secondary education so as to engage the learners and sustain their attention.
Implementing Language-in- Education Policy in Multilingual Mathematics Classrooms: Pedagogical Implications
(2013) Halai, Anjum; Karuku, Simon
In this paper, we examine selected literature on classroom-based research to understand how students and teachers (re)negotiate the language of interaction in a mathematics classroom when the official medium of instruction is different from the students’ dominant language. We identify the tensions and dilemmas associated with the implementation of language-in-education policy in selected postcolonial Anglophone countries where English is used as a medium of instruction at various stages of formal schooling. We also examine the pedagogical implications of these tensions and dilemmas, paying particular attention to emerging issues of code-switching, translation and ‘safe’ use of language.
Indicators of Professional Competence for Sustainable National Development in Kenya
(2016) Gitonga, Pius; Gatere, Ruth; Wakapa, Eddah
The indicators for professional competence in university education are desirable for assessment and prediction of sustainable national development. The goal was to create an evidence based focus between Kenya’s national development strategies (educational) and the learner’s professional competence in achieving sustainable development for themselves and for their country. The indicators of the professional competence for university students were reviewed using a modified Competencies Assessment Tool (CAT) adapted from American College of Healthcare Executives (ACHE, 2014). The indicators were identified as; effective communication and relationship management, leadership skills, professionalism, knowledge of the practice environment, and business skills and knowledge. Professional competence education and training has not kept pace with these challenges, largely because of fragmented competence development strategies that produce ill-equipped graduates. young professionals, however, will develop sustainable competence if they will be empowered but not micromanaged, sponsored to serve as role models, allowed to manage their own scale of innovation, trusted without being prejudiced, and be positively challenged rather than being marginalized. We recommend that the university should: develop ethical values among all university students, encourage competence development to match theory in the university education, promote responsibility and interest among learners, decide on strategies for sustaining professional competences, and formulate tests to assess competency level for employability of all final year university students.
Influence of Organisational Staff Capacity on the Implementation of Electronic Project Monitoring Information System in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya
(2015-10) Mburugu, Kirema N.; Mulwa, Angeline Sabina; Kyalo, Dorothy Ndunge
This article highlights on the urgent need for staff training on new technologies, provision of adequate ICT infrastructure and staff attitudinal change trainings for effective implementation of new electronic based systems. The article is based on an empirical study carried out in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya to the extent of the implementation of Electronic Project Monitoring Information System (e-ProMIS) in the institution. The objective of the study was to establish the organizational internal context on the implementation of e-ProMIS, focusing on influence of staff capacity. The study adopted pragmatic paradigm using mixed mode approach and cross sectional research design with a target population of 460 members of staff from 35 public tertiary institutions in Kenya. A sample of 210 staff was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaire with both open and structured items with Likert-type interval scale anchored on a five point scale. Descriptive statistics were computed for all variables using arithmetic mean and standard deviation. Statistical tools used for inferential statistic were Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation (r), simple regression, multiple regression and stepwise regression (R2). F-tests were used to test hypotheses in the study. The results revealed that staff capacity had a statistically significant influence on implementation of e-ProMIS. The study confirmed the relevance of Diffusion of Innovation Theory, Theory of Structuration and Technology Acceptance Model in studying implementation of electronic based systems. The study highlights the need for staff training on new technologies, provision of adequate ICT infrastructure and staff attitudinal change trainings for effective implementation of new electronic based systems. The study offers direction to policy makers and practitioners. The study recommends further research to be conducted to establish the influence of monitoring and evaluation on implementation of e-government systems. Other e-government systems like e-procurement and e-tax also need to be studied.
Influence of Organizational Strategy on Implementation of Electronic Project Monitoring Information System in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya
(2015-09) Mburugu, Kirema N.; Mulwa, Angeline Sabina; Kyalo, Dorothy Ndunge
The principal objective of the study reported in this article was to empirically assess on the influence of organisational strategy on the implementation of Electronic Project Monitoring Information System (e-ProMIS) in Public Tertiary Institutions in Kenya. The population of the study comprised members of staff from public tertiary institutions in Kenya. A sample of 210 members of staff was selected using stratified and simple random sampling techniques. Questionnaire with both open and closedended items with Likert-type interval scale anchored on a five point scale was used to collect data. Descriptive statistics show that majority of the public tertiary institutions in Kenya applied reactor strategy (M=3.40, SD=1.13) followed by defender strategy (M=2.46, SD=0.56) and a few of them used prospector strategy (M=2.26, SD=0.68). Reactor which was the dominant strategy utilised in tertiary institutions is not a stable strategy since institutions that adopt it are not able to respond effectively to the environment. They adapt only when environmental pressures force them to do so. Results from inferential statistics show that r is equal to 0.513, indicating that organisational strategy has a moderately strong influence on implementation of e-ProMIS. The value of R squared is 0.263, indicating that organisational strategy explains 26.3% of the variation in the implementation of electronic project monitoring information system in public tertiary institutions in Kenya. The β coefficient of prospector strategy is 0.025, that of defender strategy is 0.397 and reactor strategy is 0.217. These results indicate that prospector strategy had no statistically significant influence on the implementation of e-ProMIS (β=0.025, t=0.280, p=0.780>0.05). Comparing the p values, it can be noted that the p values for defender strategy (p=0.000) and reactor strategy (p=0.003) are both statistically significant. The β values imply that one unit change in implementation of e-ProMIS is associated with 2.5% changes in prospector strategy, 39.7% changes in defender strategy and 21.7% changes in reactor strategy.
Influence of Resource Based Management on Strategic Renewal of Insurance Firms in Kenya
(Strategic Journals, 2018-08) Karani, Frida W.; Ogutu, Martin
The objective of the study was to determine the effect of resource based management on the strategic renewal of insurance firms in Kenya. Two dimensions of strategic renewal were studied: the insurance firms’ deliberate plans to imitate strategic renewal and strategic renewal by introduction of new products and product rebranding. The target population was operative managers in 53 insurance firms. The sample size was 5 operative managers in 47 insurance firms resulting to a sample size of 235 respondents. The study used simple random sampling in the determination of respondents and used the Cochran’s formula to determine sample size. The Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics which were spearman’s correlation and linear regression. Results of ANOVA, goodness of fit were used to make findings and conclusions about the study. Kuder-Richardson (KR21) and Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability of the research instrument. The results of regression showed that resource based management had influence on strategic renewal of insurance firms in Kenya. However different facets of strategic renewal are affected differently which may reflect a divergent view on how the model should be employed. A significant influence was reported for impact of resource based management on deliberate plans to initiate renewal and a not statistically significant relationship was reported for impact of resource based management on implementation of strategic renewal by introduction of new products and product rebranding. The study therefore recommended that insurance firms’ managers should endevour to create more sustainable VRIO attributes for their firms. They should also consider renewing their resources alongside using resources for renewal. The study was grounded on the dynamic capabilities theory which explains the link between a firm’s inward resource capabilities its ability to work with those capabilities to initiate strategic renewal.
Influence of Strategies on Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Kirimari Ward in Embu County, Kenya
(2018-08) Njue, Faith M.; Mburugu, Kirema N.
The purpose of the study was establishing the influence of the strategies on empowerment of persons with disabilities in Embu County. The study was guided by the following objectives; To establish the influence of inclusive education on empowerment of Persons with disabilities in Embu County; to determine the influence of access to equitable employment on empowerment Persons with disabilities in Embu County; to establish the influence of social protection strategies on empowerment of Persons with disabilities in Embu County and; to establish the extent to which family support promotes the empowerment of Persons with disabilities in Embu County. This study employed Cross-sectional descriptive survey research design. The target population of this study comprised 75 participants. Since the target population was small the researcher employed census which involves capturing the entire population as a sample size which is 55 participants. The study found out family support influenced empowerment of PWDS the most with 28(40%), followed by access to equitable employment 18(26%), then social protection 14(20%) and finally inclusive education 10(14%). This implied family support influenced empowerment the most. Most assistance and support come from family members or social networks. In conclusion therefore promoting a more inclusive society and employment opportunities for persons with disabilities requires improved access to basic education, vocational training relevant to labor market needs and jobs suited to their skills, interests and abilities, with adaptations as needed. There is the need to dismantle barriers and make the physical environment more accessible, provide information in a variety of formats, and challenge attitudes and mistaken assumptions about persons with disabilities. The study also concludes persons with disabilities are particularly vulnerable to deficiencies in services such as health care, rehabilitation, and support and assistance Based on the findings the study recommends Provide vocational guidance to PWDS to ease the transition from education and training to work life. Where opportunities for wage employment exist, assist persons with disabilities to find and retain jobs. This may require networking with employers, trade unions and employment service providers; providing job-seeking skills; conducting specific job and work site analysis to match the disabled person to a job; providing supports and accommodations.
Influence of Value Based Management on Strategic Renewal of Insurance Firms in Kenya
(Strategic Journals, 2018-08) Karani, Frida W.; Gachunga, Hazel
The objective of the study was to determine the effect of value based management on the strategic renewal of insurance firms in Kenya. Two dimensions of strategic renewal were studied: the insurance firms’ deliberate decision to imitate strategic renewal and strategic renewal by introduction of new product lines and rebranding. The target population was operative managers in 53 insurance firms. The sample size was 5 operative managers in 47 insurance firms resulting to a sample size of 235 respondents. The study used simple random sampling in the determination of respondents and used the Cochran’s formula to determine sample size. The Likert scale questionnaire was used to collect data which was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics which were spearman’s correlation and linear regression. Results of ANOVA, goodness of fit were used to make findings and conclusions about the study. Kuder-Richardson (KR21) and Cronbach’s alpha was used to measure reliability of the research instrument. The results of regression showed that value based management had a statistically significant influence on strategic renewal of insurance firms in Kenya. The study therefore recommended that insurance firms’ managers should pay more attention to value based management since it is a major contributor to strategic renewal. The study was grounded on the dynamic capabilities theory which explains the link between a firm’s inward abilities such as research and development, automation and creativity and innovation and its ability to work within those capabilities to initiate strategic renewal.
Kiswahili Poetry and Its Role in Preservation of the History of Struggle for Freedom in Africa
(2015) Kinoti, Timothy M.; Kobia, John M.; Mukuthuria, Mwenda
This research investigated the portrayal of the African politician in Kiswahili poetry. Basically, this research intended to shed light on how different poets have portrayed African politicians creatively with a purpose of revealing how these leaders have changed since colonial times to the multi-party period. The research assumed that political leaders played a great role in the development of their individual countries and Africa as a whole. The attainment of various developmental goals such as Kenya’s Vision 2030 and strengthening of the East African Community is to a large extent pegged on political decisions. The objectives of this research were to investigate the role of Kiswahili poetry in preserving the history of the African politician and to examine the traits of the pre-colonial and post-colonial African politician according to Kiswahili poets. The researcher assumed that the poet speaks for the citizen who gets adversely affected by decisions and actions taken by politicians. The study was guided by Romanticism theory developed by William Wordsworth and Samuel Taylor Coleridge and Post-colonial Theory which is associated with the works of Edward W. Said, Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak and Homi K. Bhabha. The study was carried out in the library where purposive sampling method was used to collect data from selected anthologies. Qualitative analysis of the selected poems was done guided by the research objectives. The findings of this study revealed that Kiswahili poetry is an important tool for preserving the history of Africa’s struggle for independence. The study also revealed how the seemingly royal pre-independence African politician changed drastically after independence was attained and became a tormentor of the very people he had sworn to protect. Despite these shortcomings, it is evident that the African continent has a few political role models whom the current and future politicians can emulate. The findings of this research will benefit Kiswahili scholars, writers and all political stakeholders in Africa and beyond.
Manifestations and meanings of cognitive conflict among mathematics students in Embu, Kenya
(ACADEMIC JOURNALS, 2020-11) Ngicho, Dickens O.; Karuku, Simon; King'endo, Madrine
Establishing how cognitive conflict is manifested by students is an important first step in understanding how teachers can utilize cognitive conflict to improve students' learning experiences. This paper presents findings from the analysis of qualitative data drawn from a larger study that explored the role of cognitive conflict in promoting students’ conceptual development in mathematics. The study participants were secondary school mathematics students and their teachers drawn from twenty-five public secondary schools in Embu West Sub-County in Kenya. Data were gathered through surveys and semi-structured interviews. The interviews were transcribed and coded, followed by organization of the codes into categories that were used to develop themes. The findings indicate that students experienced cognitive conflict in three significant ways: a moment to (co) construct one’s mathematical meaning, confusion as a result of teacher’s behaviorist stance, and a fleeting moment of magic. The paper recommends that teachers should take advantage of cognitive conflict as a strategy for scaffolding mathematics learning by giving students tasks that provoke critical thinking so that as students work on the tasks, their naïve understandings of the concepts are challenged.
Mchango wa Lugha za Kiasili katika Uafikiaji wa Maendeleo Endelevu
(2021-06) Kinoti, Timothy M.
Makala hii inajadili dhima ya lugha za kiasili, ikiwemo ya Kiswahili, katika kuafikia maendeleo endelevu barani Afrika. Kimsingi, asilimia kubwa ya wenyeji wa bara hili huishi katika maeneo ya mashambani na huzitumia lugha za kiasili katika mawasiliano ya kila siku. Kati ya sekta muhimu zinazoathiriwa na matumizi ya lugha ni pamoja na elimu, habari na mawasiliano, burudani, dini, uandishi na uchapishaji, utunzaji na uhifadhi wa mazingira, afya, kilimo na biashara. Aidha, upatikanaji wa maendeleo endelevu utategemea kwa kiasi kikubwa iwapo wananchi watashirikishwa katika aina mbalimbali za utafiti na matokeo yake kuwasilishwa kwa lugha wanayoielewa ili waweze kuyatekeleza. Makala hii inachukulia kuwa lugha inayo dhima kuu katika utekelezaji wa huduma na shughuli mbalimbali za kitaaluma.

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