EMERGING ISSUES IN SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (STEM) INTERNSHIP [TEACHING PRACTICE (TP) AND SIWES]: CHALLENGES & PROSPECTS
A teacher from a layman’s perspective can be seen as “one who gives instructions” and from this angle, anybody who is able to speak and has acquired the vocabulary that enable him give instructions, is seen as a teacher. Probably, this might be the reason why, many take the teaching profession for granted. However the complex process of teaching and learning (events / phenomena / skills) require that anyone taking the job should be equipped with knowledge and skills to handle the emotions, feelings, cognitive development, and values of learners, to concretize the learning process, Unachuku & Chinasa (2014). Thus, from professional point of view, a teacher must acquire reasonable professional qualification and training in requisite pedagogical skills and content knowledge. These skills make the teacher to be regarded as a cultivator of knowledge, an evaluator, and a mentor (Aluaede, 2009). The National Policy on Education NPE (2013) has the expectation that teaching in Nigeria shall attain the highest standards possible - the minimum level expected of trainees working towards qualified teacher status. It also highlighted “conditions of success” which includes; use of standards in the design of teacher education; sound grounding of teachers in both academic disciplines and pedagogy mastery; developing in teachers, the skills of team work, reflection and action research; literacy formation as an integral part of teacher preparation.
EFFECT OF CONCEPT-MAPPING INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY ON SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS’ INTEREST AND ACHIEVEMENT IN GEOMETRY IN BICHI EDUCATIONAL ZONE, KANO STATE, NIGERIA
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of concept- mapping instructional strategy on secondary school students’ interest and achievement in geometry. The major objectives of the study were to: find out the effect of concept mapping instructional strategy on the academic achievement and interest of students, find out the differential effect of concept-mapping instructional strategy on academic achievement and interest of male and female students and find out the interaction effect of concept mapping instructional strategy and gender on students’ academic achievement in geometry. This study adopted a quasi-experimental research design namely a non-equivalent pretest-posttest control group research design in which intact classes were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. A sample of three hundred and ten (310) students was drawn from four single sex senior secondary schools in Bichi Educational Zone of Kano State. Specifically, the sample was made up of 170 males and 140 females from the selected schools. Four research questions and five hypotheses were formulated to guide the study. The instruments used for data collection during the pre-test and post-test consisted of a geometry achievement test (GAT) and geometry interest scale (GIS). The GAT consisted of 50 multiple choice questions and 6 essay type questions on circle theorems, bearings, sine and cosine rules while the GIS consisted of 25 items questionnaire on interest towards mathematics generally and geometry in particular. The GAT was validated by specialists in mathematics education and measurement and evaluation using table of specifications constructed for the multiple choice and essay tests. The multiple choice test had average difficulty and discrimination indices of 0.39 and 0.52 respectively. The reliabilities of the multiple choice test items and geometry interest scale were established using the coefficient of internal consistency based on Cronbach Alpha (
).The reliability coefficients for the GAT and GIS were 0.64 and 0.73 respectively. The data collected from the pre-test and post-test were subjected to statistical analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22.0. The research questions were answered using descriptive statistics while the hypotheses for the study were tested using t-test statistics and the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-test scores as covariates at 0.05 level of significance. The findings from the study showed that: concept- mapping instructional strategy was more effective than the conventional method in improving students’ academic achievement and interest in geometry, there was no significant difference between the achievement of male and female students from the experimental group in geometry and there was a significant difference in the achievement in the interest of male and female students in geometry.
CHALLENGES AND WAY FORWARD ON THE PARTICIPATIVE EXERCISE OF STUDENT TEACHERS DURING TEACHING PRACTICE IN KANO STATE
Abstract
This study investigated the challenges and way forward on the participative exercise of student teachers during teaching practice in Kano State. To achieve the purpose of this study, three research questions were raised and three hypotheses were formulated and tested. Descriptive survey research design method was used in this study. The population comprised all student teachers of PHE Department of 3 colleges of education in Kano State while the sample size used in this study was one hundred and eighty one. The questionnaire was developed by the researchers and used as the instrument for data collection. Out of one hundred and eighty one (181) copies of questionnaire administered by researchers, one hundred and seventy nine (179) were duly completed, returned and used for analysis. Chi-square statistics was used to test the hypotheses at the 0.05 level of significance. The findings show that χ2=7.648; df=1; P=.001 > 0.05. It was also found that χ2=22.173; df=1; P=.001 > 0.05. Lastly, the finding indicated that χ2=17.132; df=1; P=.001 >0.05. It was recommended among others that teaching equipment and facilities should be made available during teaching and learning. There is need for the school principal and permanent teachers to help student-teachers in their areas of difficulties such planning of lecture note.
PREVALENCE OF VULVOVAGINAL CANDIDIASIS (VVC) PREVALENCE AMONG PREGNANT WOMEN ATTENDING RAFINDADI CLINIC KATSINA, KATSINA STATE NIGERIA
Abstract
The fungus Candidaisanaturally occurring micro organism in the vaginal area known as Volvovaginal Candida (VVC). Alactobacillus bacterium keeps its growth in check. Butifthereisan imbalance in your system, these bacteria will not work effectively. This lead stoanover growth of yeast, which causes the systems of virginal yeast infection. A total of one hundred (100) urine samples were collected from pregnant women attending who reported complain sofgenital disease cases at Rafindadi clinic for the period of two weeks. The samples were grouped into year- range,ranging15-25,26-35,36-45,46-55,and 56- 5. The samples were treated cultured invitrousing analyzed into invitrous ingdextrosesugar as a medium for growth. Results from the laboratory investigation revealed that 48(48%) women were vulvovaginal Candidiasis positive due to vaginal secretion of oestrogen into the vagina;also high consumption of oral contraceptive was identified to be the reason associated with age which coursed decreases resistance to vulvovaginal Candidiasis infections. There is decrease in the number of vulvovaginal Candidiasis cases in women with year ranges 35-45 25(25%), followed by 15-25 16(16), 45-55 7(7) and 55-65 4(4) respectively. It is recommended that routine screening of sexually transmitted diseases among pregnant women should be encouraged and incorporated into antenatal care for all women.
BIODIVERSITY OF LEGUMINOUS PLANTS (FABACEAE) IN IBADAN SOUTH EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA OF OYO STATE NIGERIA
Abstract
Bio-diversity study was conducted and the information of leguminous plant (Fabaceae) in Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State was documented. Field work was carried out to collect the plant parts. A voucher specimen was prepared for all the plants collected and deposited in the herbarium (Parkiabiglibosa (Jacq.), Tamarindusindica (L.), Acacia nilotica (L.), Indigoferaastragalina (Mill.), Acacia siebariana (D.C), Bauhinia reticulata (L.), Sennasingueana (L.), Sennaoccidentalis (L.), Sennaobtusifolia (L.) Crotalaria spp. (L.), Vignavexillata (L.), Arachishypogaea (L.), Glycine max (L.), Phaeolus vulgaris (L.), Vignasubterranea (L.)). This research work identifies, document and classifies the various leguminous taxa found according to their growth patterns and economic uses. Suggestions were offered on cultivation of leguminous plants because of their economic value.
PHYSICOCHEMICAL AND TRACE METAL ANALYSIS OF DOMESTIC WATER (Borehole) USING TITRAMETRIC SPECTROPHOTOMETRIC PROCEDURES IN KANO METROPOLIS
Abstract
Detailed physical and chemical analysis of domestic water (Borehole) sample was carried out in different residential, industrial and commercial area of the Kano metropolis. It is a common knowledge that today human activities are constantly adding industrial, domestic and agricultural wastes to ground water reservoirs at alarming rate. In the same vein, both the quantity and quality of water are affected by an increase in anthropogenic activities and any pollution either physical or chemical causes changes to the quality of the receiving water body The research used the standard titrimetric UV-spectrophotometer, atomic absorption spectrophotometric (AAS) method to investigate the quality of domestic water for public health protection. A selected physical parameters such as pH, conductivity and chemical parameters such as Ca,Mg,Cl, and NO2, as well as trace metals Cu, Pb, and Zn were analyzed to compared the obtained value with the standard values set by Nigerian industrial standard and World Health Organization. The obtained values of Calcium were 161-191.66 mg/L Copper 3.64-10.04 mg/L,Cl 98-145.4 mg/L, Lead 0.001-0.028 mg/L, Magnesium 85.22-100.4 mg/L, NO2 11.5-21.1mg/L, Zn 2.6-26 mg/L, were all found to be within World Health Organization (WHO), and Nigerian Industrial Standard (NIS 2007) Permissible level (limit). Overall findings the water from all location was found to be safe for domestic consumption. This research suggests that there should be regular monitoring and control of activities especially those leading to ground water contamination.
BRINE SHRIMPS LETHALITY ASSAY OF THE EXTRACT PRODUCED BY ENDOPHYTIC FUNGI ISOLATED FROM THE ROOT OF Lowsonia inermis
Abstract
Endophytic fungi produced a secondary metabolites similar to their host plant; therefore it can be used as a source of producing active metabolites that can be used in drug discoveries. This work was aimed to isolate cytotoxic compounds from Endophytic fungi hosted in the root (tissue) of lawsonia inermis plant. The root of this plant was collected, prepared and screened for endophytic fungi. Aspergillus Niger was isolated, fermented on malt broth, extracted with ethyl acetate and partionioned using separating funnel. The crude ethyl acetate extract was tested for in vivo Brine shrimp lethality Assay of the extract and pure isolates. Cytotoxicity of the extract was evaluated in term of Lethal Concentation at 50% confident level (LC50). Ten shrimps were added into three replicates of each concentration 1000, 100, 10μg/ml respectively. After 24hours the number surviving shrimp were counted and LC50 was determine. The bioassay from the ethyl acecate fraction (HR-ASN) of the metabolite was obtained using column chromatography, which lead to the isolation of three pure compounds HR66, HR94, HR102. The result showed that the crude extract HR-ASN have LC50 of 3.15μg/ml, and that of the isolated compounds HR66, HR94, HR102 have the LC50 values of 4.094 μg/ml, 5.27 μg/ml, 2.297 μg/ml. HR102 revealed more potent activity oftoxicity with LC50 value of 2.295μg/ml. Therefore all the tested sample are toxic. It indicated that bioactive components are present and could be the source of pharmacological effect.
TECHNICAL SKILLS NEEDED IN GAS WELDING AND FABRICATION CRAFTSMEN IN METAL RELATED INDUSTRIES IN JIGAWA STATE
Abstract
The research was designed to determine the ‘Technical skills needed by welding and fabrication craftsmen in metal related industries in Jigawa state’. The major purpose of the study is to identify the needed practical skills and entrepreneurial skills in modern welding craft in Jigawa state. The literature has been reviewed in line with two research questions. Sixty-one (61) respondents comprising 23 welding and fabrication craft practice teachers located in five (5) Technical Colleges in Jigawa State and 38 welding technologist located in welding industries, Jigawa State. Data obtained were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and t-test statistics. The findings revealed that there is inadequate knowledge: in the ability to light the touch appropriately, shutting off the torch following appropriate procedure, skills in welding dissimilar metals with gas and ability to adjust the nozzles to relevant welding flame among welding craftmen. The implication of the study is on the need to make an improvement which will ensure that welding craftsmen hold welding nozzles well when working on metal cylinder. The government should make the arc and gas welding machine available and training on practical skills for craftsmen. The welding industries should make compulsory safety precaution or some careless welders.
EFFECT OF AQUEOUS EXTRACT OF Zingiber officinale RHIZOMES ON CCl4 –INDUCED OXIDATIVE STRESS IN RATS
ABSTRACT
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is one of the essential dietary products that have been used for the treatment of numerous ailments such as hypertension, migraines, arthritis, nausea and colds. Recently, interest has increased in ginger and its active components as therapeutic agents. A study was carried out to evaluate the effect aqueous extract of Ginger on CCl4 induced oxidative stress in albino rats. The Proximate, antinutrient, and Phytochemical contents of ginger extract were analyzed using standard AOAC methods while mineral contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry. Oxidative stress markers were also analyzed using colorimetric assay kit. The serum levels of oxidative stress markers were compared between the normal and test groups. Experimental rats were divided into five groups: Normal control group, negative control (CCl4) group, standard drug (Vitamin C) group, ginger low and high dose group. At the end of the experiment, significant increase in malondialdehyde level and decrease in superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione and glutathione Peroxidase activities were recorded in CCl4-exposed rats as compared to normal control group. In the ginger supplemented groups, the level of MDA along with the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH and GPx were comparable with the normal control rats (p>0.05). Thus, it appears that ginger extract ameliorate the effect of CCl4; suggesting that consumption of natural compounds with an antioxidant profile may be a preventive alternative to those diseases associated with oxidative stress.
THE CONTRIBUTION OF INSECTS TO SUSTAINABLE FOOD SECURITY, LIVELIHOODS AND ENVIRONMENT: A REVIEW
Abstract
Despite the strong aversion shown to entomophagy due to civilization and other socio-cultural influence, insects have played an important role in the history of man’s nutrition worldwide. Hundreds of species have been used as human food and medicine. Some of the more important groups include; grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, winged termites, bees, wasp, cricket and a variety of aquatic insects. Insects provide food at low environmental cost, contribute positively to livelihoods, and play a fundamental role in nature. However, these benefits are largely unknown to the public. Contrary to popular belief, insects are not merely “famine foods” eaten in times of food scarcity or when purchasing and harvesting “conventional foods” becomes difficult; many people around the world eat insects out of choice, largely because of the palatability of the insects and their established place in local food cultures. Insects deliver a host of ecological services that are fundamental to the survival of mankind. They also play an important role as pollinators in plant reproduction, improving soil fertility through waste bioconversion, and in natural biocontrol for harmful pest species, and they provide a variety of valuable products for humans such as honey and silk. Insects have been reared as mini-livestock at household level or industrial scale. The exportation and domestic sale of insects’ products like honey, silk, generate huge amount of revenue and thus serves as a means of livelihood to the insect farmers. Findings from the current review thus enumerate the immeasurable contributions of insects and insect products to food security, livelihoods and environment. It was recommended that Insects farming should be encouraged in Nigeria through training and sponsoring; further documentation is needed on the nutritional values of insects in order to more efficiently promote insects as healthy food.
MITIGATING CHALLENGES OF STUDENT’S INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES) THROUGH INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY
Abstract
Students at their studies in Nigerian Universities, Colleges of Education, Polytechnics and other tertiary institutions of learning are expected to undergo a programme known as the Student’s Industrial Work Experience Scheme (SIWES), the programme is meant to expose students to real world practical work. Despite all the technologies available, managing the SIWES programmes is still facing a lot of problems such as lack of standard orientation, lackluster supervision, improper mentoring by industries supervisor etc. This paper offers some ICT remedies to these problems, with the view to mitigating the attendant consequences on the quality and standard of the exercise, the problem of lackluster supervision, improper mentoring by industries supervisors, among others have been identified. The availability of information and communication technology (ICT) facilities has the potential to change the narrative positively via a carefully packaged automated system which is discussed in this paper. Constant and continuous application of various ICT tools like computers, projectors, Instagram, WhatsApp, twitter, Facebook and Skype are herein is recommended for SIWES stake-holders to improve and add value to the standard of the exercise and suggest that industries and government agencies willing to engage an interns should make sure all related ICT facilities needed available, and internship should also ensure any industries and government agencies he is about to go for SIWES have related ICT facilities for his/her training and make sure to make best used of them.
TEACHING PRACTICE IN SCHOOL AND COLLEGES: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECT IN NIGERIA
Abstract
In professions like law, medicine, teaching, etc provisions are made for trainees to undergo apprenticeship or internship programme. Teaching practice which is an essential component of teacher training that is intended to expose teacher trainee to the reality of the process of teaching. A complete teacher training is therefore supposed to include teaching practice in its content. This paper discusses the concept and the prospects of teaching practice as well as problems faced by student teachers and their supervisors during teaching practice exercise. Some of the problems are accommodation, inadequate teaching facilities, overpopulated classes and insecurity. This paper recommends the provision of adequate teaching facilities in schools and need to create stimulating environment that will make teachers also more creative.
THE PLACE OF FOURTH INDUSTRIAL REVOLUTION (4IR) FOR SUSTAINABILITY OF PEACE AND SECURITY TOWARDS NATIONAL UNITY
Abstract
Digitization is the mechanism of using technological devices in all facets of economy to promote and improve the productivity and profitability of the nation. The digital technologic device encompasses computer, internet, web apps, multimedia, Artificial Intelligence, machine learning, big data and others to curb most of the social vices that are prevalent here and there such as kidnapping, terrorism, insurgence, human trafficking, stealing and many more. All tiers of governments are advised to accept deployment of these devices to curb and ameliorate most of the menaces happening nowadays to give rooms for developments and understanding of co-existence and well beings. It is believed that if the technologic devices are well accepted and implemented, the transformation of life will occur and standard of living will improve.
CONTRIBUTIONS OF WOMEN TOWARDS NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: A FOCUS ON NIGERIA
Abstract
Education is an important yardstick for measuring the success in life of an individual in any given society. The importance of women education to national development cannot be over emphasized. This paper discusses the concept of women education, concept of national development, objectives of women education and factors inhibiting women education in Nigeria. It posits the role of women education in national development vis-à-vis the above concepts. The paper recommends that government should improve investment on women education.
INTEGRATING GOOGLE CLASSROOM INTO TEACHER EDUCATION PROGRAMME IN NIGERIA: PRE-SERVICE TEACHERS ASSESSMENT OF BENEFITS AND CHALLENGES
Abstract
Google Classroom, a free learning management system developed by Google, offers many benefits to teachers and students at all levels of the educational system. However, research has shown that the deployment and use of this application in schools in Nigeria are still very low. The role of the teacher in the adoption and use of new technology cannot be overemphasized. This paper examines the pre-service teachers’ assessment of the benefits and challenges of integrating Google Classroom into the pre-service teacher education, to ensure the successful deployment and use of Google Classroom in the Teacher Education programme in Nigeria. Two research questions were formulated, and the purposive sampling technique was used to select twenty-five 400 level students from the Departments of Guidance and Counseling and Early Childhood and Care Education, Lagos State University in affiliation with the Federal College of Education (Special), Oyo. A web-based questionnaire was used to collect data from the respondents. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistical tools in Microsoft Excel. Findings showed that using Google Classroom has so many benefits among which is fostering communication between students and teachers or among students. It also encourages students to learn anywhere and anytime. Integration of Google Classroom into the pre-service teacher education programme will go a long way to ensure that would-be teachers are equipped with the necessary skills required for 21st-century education. The management of teacher education institutions in Nigeria should train and encourage lecturers on the use of Google classroom so that they can integrate it when teaching their students.
BUSINESS EDUCATION: THE DRUG FOR UNEMPLOYMENT DISEASES
Abstract
This paper is designed to examine Business Education as a Drug to Unemployment Diseases. It focuses on the concepts of Business Education, its objectives, as aimed at preparing students for employment after graduation. The relevance of Business Education includes; knowledge gained from business education can be used by the students to be able to flow effectively in the labor market. The researcher, explain Business education skills and its classes; manufacturing, services and occupation as an avenue to wage unemployment. Business education curricula contains scheme such as Student Industrial Work Experience Scheme(SIWES) through Industrial Training Fund (ITF) in making sure that student are on the study training for preparation of the challenges they may likely face in the job market. Recommendations were made, among which includes; Proper orientation of the students which need for skill edict to have a significant promotional content that would stimulate and sustain the interest of the students in the program. The issue of wage earning culture should be discouraged by encouraging a self-reliant culture.
INFORMATION, COMMUNICATION AND TECHNOLOGY (ICT) USAGE IN TEACHING PRACTICE (TP) AND STUDENTS’ INDUSTRIAL WORK EXPERIENCE SCHEME (SIWES): PROBLEMS & PROSPECTS
Abstract
The uses and proliferation of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) in education cannot be over emphasized. The extent at which ICT have been absorbed in running almost all the routines of teaching and learning in Nigeria is worth looking into. Teaching Practice (TP) & Students Work Experience Scheme (SIWES) have been for long an indispensable tools used to mold Student Teachers & future workers and prepare them for what is to come in the work force. This paper puts into cognizance the concepts of ICT, TP & SIWES, issues/challenges of ICT in TP and SIWES, the importance of ICT in TP & SIWES and solutions to problems bedeviling the subject matter. Conclusion and Recommendations proposed include; adequate funding of TP and SIWES organizing bodies, encouraging students to undergo these trainings only to organizations with adequate ICT department or to avoid organizations with deplorable IT/ICT units.
