Social Sciences, Humanities and Education Journal (SHE Journal)

Comparative analysis of academic performance of extended and mainstream programme students in the sociology discipline of a South African University

Puleng A Moruri - Silo — 2024-05-06

This study aims at examining the academic performance of students in the Extended programme (4-year qualification) as compared to the Mainstream programme (3-year programme) in the Sociology Unit at the Walter Sisulu University. It aims to establish whether there is a significant difference between extended programme students and those registered in the mainstream programme. This study sought to investigate whether the Mainstream programme performs better than Extended Curricula Program students as expected by the South African Council of Higher Education and the Department of Higher Education and Training and this was done over a period of three years (2019, 2020, and 2021). Findings in the study indicate a positive percentage improvement for mainstream in 2020 and negative percentage changes for many extended curricula modules in 2021. This shows that extended curricula may develop or perform better than mainstream curricula over a three-year period. However, there are negative changes that indicate declines or poor performance in expanded curricula when compared to mainstream curricula. Overall, while the mainstream students outperform the extended curriculum ones in some modules and years, the extended curriculum students also paced over the mainstream in other instances. Mainstream. While it is established that the mainstream students are slightly ahead, the extended curriculum students are not comparatively worse off. Attention should rather be paid to module specificity to improve the performance of the extended programme students, where they lagged the mainstream. Â Â

Towards A More Environmentally Friendly Nigeria: The Eco-Theatre for Children Initiative

Lilian Okoro — 2024-05-14

In Nigeria, despite numerous efforts to promote environmental safety, progress has been limited. Many young people, particularly children, need greater awareness of climate change's consequences, such as food scarcity. This paper examines the potential of eco-theatre as an effective tool for children's theatre to enhance environmental awareness among youth. By equipping children with knowledge about the importance of fostering a more eco-friendly Nigeria, childrenâ€™s theatre plays a crucial role. Utilizing participatory action research and drama, this study addresses harmful environmental practices such as bush burning, deforestation, and bush meat hunting by highlighting their negative impacts and empowering children to advocate for environmental preservation. The paper showcases a childrenâ€™s theatre production, "Bush Meat Makes You Bushy," developed from a three-day workshop, as a case study. The incorporation of the 'Catch them young' principle into eco-theatre aims to cultivate a generation of environmentally conscious children who can advocate for biodiversity conservation. Findings suggest that when children become environmental advocates, they can influence their parents and other adults. Given that children represent the future, they are ideal candidates for behavioral change initiatives. The paper concludes that eco-theatre for children can significantly aid in improving Nigeria's environmental condition, with eco-drama having the potential to enhance children's theatre experiences and boost their engagement with environmental issues.

Exploring the stakeholders who should be involved in the introduction and implementation of system-wide change processes: A case study of the Nigerian basic education system

Oloba P. B. — 2024-05-14

Stakeholdersâ€™ involvement is essential for the successful implementation of any educational innovations, and for a new educational system to succeed, all stakeholders must be part of the process. Research has shown that one of the reasons why educational reforms in Nigeria have not been effectively implemented is as a result of a lack of stakeholder involvement, as the government alone cannot successfully shoulder the responsibility of education reform. For that reason, the aim of this study is to explore the stakeholders that should be involved in the introduction and implementation of system-wide change processes in the Nigerian basic education system. Through the lens of a constructivist research paradigm, the study is located in a generic qualitative research design with the use of one-on-one semi-structured interviews with 38 participants from 12 stakeholder groups for the data collection and the use of qualitative content analysis techniques for analysing the data. The findings of the study present the political class, teachers, reform facilitators, proprietors of private schools, students, parents, the legislature, the government, traditional rulers, religious leaders, NGOs, teacher training institutions, the Nigerian union of teachers, and the ministry of education as the stakeholders that should be involved in educational reform. For the future introduction and implementation of educational change in the Nigerian basic school system to be effective, it is recommended that all stakeholders in education be adequately involved throughout the change effort, from the planning stage to the implementation stage to the evaluation stage.

Perception of college students on the level of importance of factors to their self-disclosure in online communication

Stephanie Camille M. Ilar 1 — 2024-05-14

This study applied mixed-methodology and investigated the importance of time, text composition, and tone to College of Arts and Sciences students of Mariano Marcos State University, Philippines in their self-disclosure in online communication, specifically in gauging and choosing co-communicators, since people interpret factors differently depending on the people involved or the context of the conversation. It revealed that people recognized some situations involving the factors as important and some as slightly important. Time was mostly perceived as important; text composition was perceived both slightly important and important; and tone was perceived as important by most in self-disclosure. Meanwhile, the qualitative interview reveals varying themes about how each factor affects communication. The findings unfold more knowledge about how the factors affect self-disclosure of communicators online, which may create better relationships within these platforms. Findings emphasize the individuality of each person in giving importance to each factor in online communication in self-disclosure.

From traditional channels of service delivery to e-government: Lessons for Zimbabwe

Alouis Chilunjika — 2024-05-14

Information and communication technology (ICT) is perceived as a powerful tool for improving the quality and efficiency of government services. The Zimbabwean government has also recognized the importance of the digital revolution for service delivery and has already taken significant steps towards capitalising on the potential benefits that technology brings. However, progress for Zimbabwe has been slow. This study being qualitative in its approach explores the conceptualisation of e-government and the service delivery models by drawing experiences and best practices from other countries. The study relied on the extensive review of purposively selected written documents which are then analysed using thematic and content analysis techniques. Â Evidence from the selected countries reveals that government commitment towards e-government initiatives is a prerequisite for sustainable service delivery. The study highlighted that Zimbabwe can draw lessons in areas of political will and good leadership, resource commitment, data privacy and security, interoperability, accessibility among others.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) Literacy and Academic Performance of Tertiary Level Students: A Preliminary Analysis

John Mark R. Asio — 2024-05-14

This study intends to analyze the level of AI literacy among college students and its relationship to their academic performance. This investigation used a cross-sectional research design to address the research objective of the study. Eight hundred sixty-nine (869) college students served as participants in the investigation using an adapted instrument to measure AI literacy. Data from the respondents underwent statistical analysis, such as frequency, percentage, mean, independent t-test, Analysis of Variance, and Pearson-r Moment of Correlation. Results show that college students have a moderately high AI literacy level, and their academic performance was also highly satisfactory. The study also found significant differences in AI literacy in terms of college and gender and academic performance in terms of college, year level, and age. As for the relationship, there was a weak positive relationship between AI literacy and the academic performance of college students

John Wesleyâ€™s Pneumatology and its application to the contemporary Ghanaian public space

Isaac Boaheng — 2024-05-14

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, made significant contribution to the subject of pneumatology. Wesleyâ€™s pneumatological teachings and praxis addressed a myriad of societal issues in eighteenth-century England, including moral decay, economic disparities, discrimination, superficial religion, and oppression. Contemporary Ghana (the context of this research) is confronted with socio-religious and political issues comparable to those of Wesleyâ€™s society. This situation has prompted this research which aims to apply relevant aspects of the socio-political ramifications of Wesleyâ€™s pneumatology for addressing Ghanaâ€™s socio-religious and political challenges. The research is a literature-based research that gathered data from such sources as books, journal articles and dissertations.Â A comparative approach was used, where parallels were drawn between the two contexts to facilitate a contextual application Wesleyâ€™s pneumatology for the transformation of the Ghanaian public space. The central argument is that genuine Christian spirituality should extend beyond personal domains, actively engaging with and impacting the broader public sphere to yield a holistic societal transformation. Beyond its capacity to instigate ethical rejuvenation within Ghanaian society, this paper offers valuable insights into the subjects of Christian pneumatology and public theology.

Principalsâ€™ Empowering Leadership Practices and Teachersâ€™ Job Performance in Public Senior Secondary Schools, Education District II, Lagos, Nigeria

Nurudeen Olalekan Orunbon1 — 2024-05-14

This study examine the relationship between principals' empowering leadership practices and teachers' job performance in public senior secondary schools, Education District II, Lagos, Nigeria. Two hypotheses (tested at 0.05 level of significance) were set to serve as guides for the study. Correlational and descriptive research designs were adopted, its population comprised 53 Principals, and 3,342 teachers in public senior secondary schools in Lagos State Education District V. The sample size for the study through the use of Yaro Yameni was 358. Two main instruments were used to collect data after ensuring their validity and establishing their reliability using test-retest method. These included â€˜Principalsâ€™ Empowering Leadership Practices Questionnaire (PELPQ) and Teachersâ€™ Job performance Questionnaire (TJSQ). Analysis was carried out using Pearsons Product-Moment Correlation Analysis using the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 24.0. Findings indicate that there was a negative and weak correlation between innovative behaviour and teachersâ€™ job performance (r = -.385, P<.000); and study further found that a strong correlation between job autonomy anÂd teachersâ€™ job performance (r = .960, P<.000). The study concludes that principals empowering leadership practices viz: practice of professional development, innovative behaviour and job autonomy enhance teachersâ€™ job performance. The study therefore recommended that school principals must attend leadership development programmes, specifically leadership coaching, which also prepare managers for school organisation challenges.

Beyond the Competence Agenda and the Cause for Relevance in Education

Joseph Munyoki Mwinzi — 2024-05-14

In its inherent nature, education is envisaged to equip the learner with ideas to enhance creativity and upscale the skills to decipher and integrate fully to the intelligible and contingent world. The contemporary world has diverted attention towards aligning education to serve the competence agenda in form of economic commodity which can be bought or sold. Thus, the praxis of education is abstracted from the cause for relevance as defined by acquiring, inferring, and epitomizing in form of transfer to industry. It follows necessarily that education for its own sake is defied by commodification and commercialization. It is at this point that the concept of the cause for relevance in education is abrogated in education. This explains why this treatise draws attention to the question about how relevant is the cause of relevance in education against competence agenda? It is notable that competence agenda confuses education with training. Hence, the relevance cause in education can facilitate construal, customize, replicate or simulate education into precision, and attune the potentiality of the learner to new possibilities

The Effectiveness of the "Woo Sabak" Music Video Clip in Promoting Tourism.

Mazlina Jamaludin — 2024-05-14

Woo SABAK," a music video clip, was created to promote agricultural tourism in Sabak Bernam. The video employs a dramatic theme to attract individuals and groups from urban areas to experience the serene agricultural landscapes and the tranquility of â€˜Kampung lifeâ€™. Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Telegram were used to market Sabak Bernam as a desirable domestic destination, particularly targeting generations X, Y, and Alpha. The music video showcased local attractions like Laman Tebu Aidil, Lembah Bernam Restaurant, Ah Ma House, Bagan Nakhoda Omar Beach, Kerepek Tajuri Sdn Bhd, paddy fields, coconut plantations, fruit plantations, farms, and palm plantations. Music videos can effectively reach a broad audience and engage them, making it an ideal medium for this promotional effort. The objectives were to create a music video for the Sabak Bernam District Council, Selangor, and to assess its effectiveness as a promotional tool. The project's goal is to boost Sabak Bernam as a domestic agricultural tourism destination and aid the Sabak Bernam District Council in generating income for the local community. The Multimedia Cognitive Learning theory was applied to understand visitor behavior, and Design Thinking guided the development of the music video. Data from 134 questionnaires indicated that "WOO SABAK" successfully evoked emotions and fostered attachments, encouraging visits to Sabak Bernam.

Manifestation of the Book of Tobit in the Homily of Raphael

Wondwosen Admasu Woldehana — 2024-05-14

The focal point of this piece of writing is to manifest the reception of the Book of Tobit in the homily of Raphael. The archangel Raphael appears for the first time in Tobit.Â The earliest attestation of the Book of Tobit goes back to 3rd century B.C. The text is attested in the Greek version of the Old Testament called Septuagint. On the other hand, the homily of Raphael is part of the 15th C hagiography, one of the religious books in EOTC tradition. This study investigates the use of the material found in the Book of Tobit in the Dersana RufaÃ½el as reflected in the traditional Ethiopian spiritual practice and worship. There was a significant influence of the homily of Raphael in Ethiopian tradition. It has two different versions: one attributed to John Chrysostom and the other one is to Abuna Zecharyas. Now The Haiq Estifanos Manuscript has close connection with Book of Tobit and represents the version of Abuna Zecharyas.Â The Title of the manuscript is â€œDÇrsanÃ¤ RufaÃ½elâ€ and it was found in the Monastery of Haiq Estifanos [Haiq Ã½Ã‰stifanos GÃ¤dam] under the title of DÇrsanÃ¤ MÃ¤laÃ½Çkt which is additional. The study compares this homily with the similar contents in Book of Tobit.Â The archangel Raphael who appears for the first time in Tobit (3rd century B.C.) and was written by a Jew of the Diaspora, probably in Egypt is attested in the following verses Tb. 12:15). (Tb. 5:13; 7:7), (6:1-3); 6:14; 8:3) and (11:7-14).Â The narration of Haiq Estifanos Manuscript relied heavily on the book of Tobit especially from Book of Å¢obit Chapter five to fifteen. , The study analyses the Homily of Raphael by distinguishing between quotations and allusions to the Book of Tobit.Â , After the background, the study will discuss the quotations and the allusions of the book of Tobit in the Homily of Saint Raphael.Â The analysis shows that the therapeutic and salutary role played by the Archangel Raphael in the Book of Tobit is also found in the homily of Saint Raphael. One thus discovers the impact of the Book of Tobit on DÇrsanÃ¤ RufaÃ½el and the role of the latter on Ethiopian Spiritual practice and worship.Â Â

Juxtaposing Design-Based Thinking Practices of Secondary Student-Teachers During the Internship Program: Input for an Improved Pre-Service Training

Ryan R. Pecson — 2024-05-14

Student-teachers need help with creating and evaluating learning resources once deployed in schools. To provide a responsive approach to deal with their situations, the present study examines the design-based thinking practices among secondary student-teachers during their internship program in various secondary schools in the divisions of Bataan and Balanga City, Province of Bataan, Philippines, as input for the improved pre-service training. The design-based thinking practices of student-teachers are examined in terms of understanding (empathizing and defining), exploring (ideating and prototyping), and materializing (testing and implementing). Likewise, the study ascertains if there are significant differences in the design-based thinking practices of student-teachers. Using the descriptive-survey design of quantitative research, the data are gathered from 172 out of 199 student-teachers under the College of Education (COEd) who are randomly selected. The primary data-gathering tool used in the study is an adopted survey questionnaire. The quantitative data gathered from the study will be analyzed using descriptive statistics (i.e., mean and standard deviation) and inferential statistics (i.e., F-test/ANOVA). Results indicate that student-teachers excelled in understanding and exploring phases of design-based thinking but lagged in 'Materializing.' To improve, pre-service training should emphasize practical design thinking applications, workshops, mentorship, technology integration, reflection, collaboration, feedback, and continuous development. At the outset, the study proposes improvements in pre-service training to guide student-teachers in their meaningful integration of design-based thinking in their internship program.