10th International Research Conference Proceedings Chuka University, 2023

Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://repository.chuka.ac.ke/handle/123456789/16434

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 36

Role play teaching method and Kiswahili language instruction in secondary schools in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2024) Njoka Njagi, A.; Ogembo, J. O.; Mbaka, P. K.
Effective instructional process is reliant on suitable methods used during instructional process. Teaching and learning methods used in language learning should thus be chosen appropriately to realize educational goals in every curriculum. The study therefore sought to establish the influence of role play method on Kiswahili language instruction in Kirinyaga Central Sub-County, Kirinyaga County, Kenya. The study sought to find out activities in role play teaching method used in Kiswahili language instruction, establish the extent to which role play teaching method is being used in Kiswahili language instruction, determine the influence of role play teaching method on Kiswahili language instruction and to find out challenges that teachers encounter when using role play teaching method in Kiswahili language instruction in secondary schools. The study was guided by Discourse theory of language and Noam Chomsky language acquisition theory. Descriptive survey research design adopted targeted 4345 subjects comprising of 4125 form three students, 180 Kiswahili language teachers and 40 Heads of Kiswahili Subject from 40 secondary schools. A sample of 367 respondents that included; 321 form 3 students, 38 form 3 Kiswahili teachers and 8 Kiswahili Heads of Subject was determined based on Slovin’s formula. Multistage sampling involving stratified, simple random and purposive sampling methods were used. Questionnaires and interview schedule were used to collect data from sampled respondents. Data obtained was analyzed with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26 using descriptive and inferential statistics. Findings showed that Kiswahili language teachers use various role play teaching activities in Kiswahili language instruction. Use of role play teaching method was also found to significantly influence Kiswahili language instruction. It is therefore recommended that Kiswahili language teachers should innovate to integrate more role play teaching activities in Kiswahili language instruction to facilitate better conception of the abstract concepts in the subject. The results from the study are significant in that they will add more insights on the instruction process of Kiswahili language in secondary schools. Role play; Kiswahili Language Instruction; Teaching Activities; Teaching Methods; Improvisation
Influence of graphic materials on acquisition of number work skills among pre-school learners in Kiambu Sub-County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2024) Kang’ara, H.
Use of instructional graphic resources plays an important role in enhancing learners’ acquisition of number work skills. However, in Kiambu Sub- County, acquisition of number work skills by pre-primary school learners is low with many not able tosolve basic mathematics problems. The study sought to assess the influence of utilization of graphic materials on acquisition of number work skills among pre-primary school learners in Kiambu Sub- County, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study was guided by The Cognitive Theory of Multimedia Learning and Skills Acquisition Theory.The study adopted mixed methodology and thus, applied concurrent triangulation research design. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively using frequencies and percentages and inferentially using Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Analysis in Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS 23) and presented using tables. The study established that pre-primary school learners’ number work skills are below average owing to inadequate use of graphic materials. The study thus recommends that pre-primary school teachers should be made to understand that these are educational components which serve to enhance teaching concepts in number work. Pre-primary school teachers should be encouraged to adopt graphic number work materials. The Ministry of Education should enforce the usage of graphic materials to supplement supply of commercial teaching aids as a critical component of pedagogy in pre-primary schools.
Influence of Job Involvement on Retention in Private Security Firms in Nairobi city County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Nancy Karinthoni Mustafa; Catherine Kaimenyi; Rael Mwirigi
ABSTRACT The challenge of employee retention is a global problem that affects organizations in both developing and developed countries. Even though a lot has been done towards addressing the problem, the situation has continued to be experienced among private security firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The main objective of this study was to determine the influence of job involvement on retention in private security firms in Nairobi City County, Kenya. The work environment was used as a moderating variable. The study adopted a descriptive research design. The target population of this research was 50 private security firms in Nairobi City County registered with Kenya Security Industry Association. Primary data was collected using a close-ended Questionnaire. Data was analysed with the aid of 0andpresentedusingdescriptiveandinferentialstatistics.Simpleandmultipleregressionanalysiswas with SPSS version25. used to establish the relationship between variables and the t-statistic at a 95% significance level was adopted in testing the hypothesis of the study. The overall significance was tested using F-test. The study established a positive significant effect of job involvement on retention a regression coefficient of 0.722 and a p-value of 000implyingthatjobinvolvementaffectedretention.Theinteractionbetweenworkenvironmentandjobinvolvementhada regression coefficient of 1.583 and a p-value of 0.000 implying that work environment positively altered the relationship between job involvement and retention. The study recommends that private security firms ought to put strategies that encourage employees to remain loyal in performance of their work, to ensure increased employee retention. The findings of the research will contribute to theory, policymaking, and understanding of human resource management practices to ensure an increase in employee retention.
Nexus between Innovation Ecosystem and Innovation Performance.
(Chuka University, 2024) Isaac Muiruri Gachanja
The business climate is faced with turbulent environment such as dynamic customer needs, market complexities escalating cost of production and punitive requirements for doing business. The situation is more pronounced in the manufacturing sector which calls for the development of a systematic and comprehensive approach to address the intricacies involved. The purpose of the study was therefore t investigate the influence of Innovation Ecosystem (IE)on Innovation Performance (IP) in manufacturing firms with a focus on major industrial counties in Kenya. The theoretical underpinning in this study were innovation, complexity and innovation diffusion theories. The philosophical ideology that guided the study was pragmatism. Mixed method design was used. The target population was 2,484 employees drawn from 828 firms. Multi-stage sampling was employed to sample 345 employees drawn from 115 firms. Primary data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires, interview schedules and check lists. Data was analyzed using variance, standard deviations, structural equation model and partial least square. Apilot test was conducted on 12 manufacturing firms to determine the validity and reliability of research instruments. Smart partial least square, Stata and statistical package for social scientists were the main software used for data analysis. Results were presented in graphs, tables and path diagrams. It was found that IE contributed 66.74% of innovation performance. It was concluded that IE has a significant influence on IP. It was therefore recommended that the operating environment should be enhanced for improved competitiveness of the manufacturing sector. The study is useful to members of the Kenya Association of Manufacturers, management in manufacturing firms, current and potential investors and entrepreneurs, policymakers and scholars. Further studies should be carried out on how trust can be managed in IE for a win-win situation for a more vibrant manufacturing sector.
The role of self-esteem on development of mental health among secondary school students in Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties in Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Gitumu, M. W; Kinyua, J. N
Self-esteem is crucial to the development of mental health for better learning. Self-esteem has a great importance as a protective factor in mental health. High self-esteem can lead to better mental health and social behavior, and that poor self-esteem is associated with a broad range of mental disorders such as depression, suicidal tendencies, eating disorders and anxiety, violence and substance abuse. This study was guided by Maslow’s theory of hierarchy of needs and Bowlby’s theory of attachment. The objective of the study was to assess the level of self-esteem between orphan and non-orphan students among secondary schools in Kirinyaga and Nyeri counties in Kenya. The problem statement was that orphans suffer emotional needs, physiological needs and psychological needs that would affect their self- esteem. Self-esteem would too impact on development of mental health for better learning thus the need to assess the self-esteem levels of orphans and non-orphans to reflect their mental health. The study was a survey, which utilized casual comparative research design. According to county education offices in the two counties, the total population of students was 58,448. Stratified and purposive sampling methods were used. Out of 58,448, 426 students constituted the sample of this study. A questionnaire was used to collect the data. In data analysis, descriptive (frequencies, percentages) and inferential (t test) statistics were used. The major finding in this study indicated that most orphans and few non-orphans registered low self-esteem. In conclusion, the overall self-esteem levels of orphan students and non-orphan students have a difference and these points to mental health issues of students. The recommendation is that the government should come up with comprehensive policies to promote the well-being of the students registering low se
Effectiveness of Social Media analytics counterterrorism Technology (smact) on Terrorism containment rates in Lamu county beach tourism destination, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Biwott G. K.; Muruiki L. M; Too E. C.
Fear of terrorism has led to social and economic decline particularly in beach tourism destinations. The main approaches used in managing terrorism include hard and soft strategies such as military and counter-radicalization. Previous studies have reported the capabilities of social media analytics in detecting terror threats through media streams. However, the effectiveness of this technology has not been examined in beach tourism destinations. This study examines the effectiveness of social media analytics counterterrorism technology (SMACT) in identifying terror threats in tourism destinations. The aim of the research is to determine the effectiveness of SMACT technology on terrorism containment rates in Lamu County beach tourism destination. Descriptive research and machine learning is used to process Twitter dataset using Python. A dataset of 9,572 tweets is preprocessed. Naive Bayes and Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) sentiment analysis models are implemented and evaluated to categorize terrorism-related tweets as positive or negative. A dataset of 5840 tweets is processed after preprocessing and split 80:20 into train and test sets models are developed and trained. The trained models are used to predict sentiment on the 20% test set. A total of 1168 tweets counts are predicted on the test set for each model. Naive Bayes model predicts 719 positive and 449 negative tweets. The RNN model predicted 829 positive and 339 negative tweets. The Naive Bayes and RNN models demonstrate highly accurate detection of extremist sentiment in tweets, though the Naive Bayes classifier outperformed the RNN model. The Naive Bayes model predicted 61.6% of tweets as positive sentiment and 38.4% as negative. In contrast, the RNN model predicted a 71:29 split between positive and negative tweets. Frequently occurring terrorism related terms include 'attack', 'kill', 'bomb' among others. Twitter terrorism and counterterrorism tweets sentiments are successfully analyzed, giving important insights into the prevalent opinions on the platform. The sentiment distribution and correlations between positive and negative feelings are clustered. The results help researchers, policy makers and other stakeholders in counterterrorism efforts gain a better grasp of public opinion on Twitter.
The Influence of Event Tourism Motivation On Job Creation for The Local Community in Isiolo North Constituency
(Chuka University, 2024) Wang’ondu Kezia Wambui; Maina Kariuki; Jonathan W. Omolo
Event tourism involves traveling to attend or participate in major one-time or recurring functions of limited duration. In the present study, the contribution of event tourism on job creation was carried out in Isiolo North Constituency. The purpose of the study was: to establish the influence of motivation for event tourism on creation of tourism-related jobs for the local community. The key indicators of motivation being social and organizational drivers. The study employed descriptive survey design. The target population of the study was 49086 which represented the adult community members, seven tourism officers and 71 hotel managers. The sample size was 409 that comprised 380community members, seven tourism officers and 21 hotel managers. The data was collected using structured questionnaires and interview schedules. The data was analyzed by descriptive statistics and logistic regression. The results indicated that about an equal number of community respondents were engaged in tourism related jobs as were in non-tourism related jobs. The largest percentage of community respondents agreed that social drivers were contributor towards promoting tourism related occupations while the least were neutral. For example, amongst community household heads 41% agreed that seeking personal rewards promoted creation of tourism related jobs,36% disagreed and 23% were neutral. For organizational drivers, there was an equal distribution amongst community respondents for those in agreement and those not in agreement that the drivers contributed to the jobs, with the least percentage being neutral. 305 Forexample,36%and35%agreedanddisagreedrespectivelythatprofitfortheorganizationpromoted tourism related jobs, while 29% were neutral. A logistic regression result showed that motivation had no statistically significant influence on creation of tourism related jobs in the community (social drivers p=0.318, and organization drivers p=0.806). The study recommended that locals should be encouraged to invest in event tourism related opportunities.
Influence of parental engagement on satisfaction with public boarding secondary schools among students in Maara Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2024) Muchiri, C. K.; Murungi, M. J.; Njagi, M. W.
A boarding school is a learning institution where students study and live away from homes and families. A boarding school includes new ways of life including routines of social and academic activities. It is therefore important to ensure that students are well prepared and satisfied as they study and live in a boarding school. The purpose of this study was to establish the influence of parental engagement on students’ satisfaction with public boarding secondary schools in Maara Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County, in Kenya. This study adopted the descriptive survey research design. The target population was a composition of 4,804 students, 38 principals, 38 boarding heads of department (HODs) and 38 form three class teachers from 38 boarding secondary schools in Maara Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County in Kenya. The sample size was a total of 439 respondents comprising of 357 form three students, 38 form three class teachers, 38 boarding HODs and six principals from public boarding secondary schools in Maara SubCounty. Purposive sampling technique was used to select 38 public boarding secondary schools from a list of 55 public secondary schools in Maara Sub-County. Simple random sampling was used to select 357 students who participated in the study. Data was gathered using interviews for principals and questionnaires for form three class teachers, boarding HODs and form three students. The instruments were piloted to determine their reliability in a school in Meru-South Sub-County, while validity of the instruments was ascertained by experts in the department of Education of Chuka University. The reliability coefficient for questionnaire was 0.8956. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 28.0 was used for data analysis. The obtained quantitative raw data was analyzed using descriptive statistics (percentages, frequency and mean). The findings of the study indicated that parental engagement has significant influence of on satisfaction with public boarding secondary schools among students. The research findings may be useful to parents and teachers as they guide students in public boarding secondary schools. The finding may also be helpful to students as they study and cope with life in public boarding secondary schools. The study findings are also likely to form a basis for reference that informs future research on students’ satisfaction with boarding
Relationship between delocalized principals’ transformational leadership and institutional performance among public secondary schools in the Lower Eastern region, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Mawira, M. S.; Jagero, N.; Ogembo, O. J.; Kimanthi, P.
The study determined the relationship between the delocalized principals’ transformational leadership and institutional performance in public secondary schools in the lower Eastern region Kenya. It was informed by the need to illustrate the extent to which implementation of delocalization policy has contributed to improved institutional performance. Transformational leadership theory, path-goal theory and contingency theories provided theoretical underpinnings of the study. It adopted descriptive cross sectional survey design and correlational research design. Multistage sampling was used to select 144 Principals, 144 senior teachers and 6 educational officials from 1086 subjects. Questionnaires and interview schedules were used to collect data from sampled respondents. Qualitative data obtained was analyzed thematically while quantitative data was cleaned coded and analyzed descriptively and inferentially with the aid of the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 26.0 computer software. Frequency and percentages were used to describe the existing relationship between the variables while hypothesis were tested using regression analysis at 95% level of significance. The study established that there is a positive and significant relationship between idealized influence, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation as well as individualized considerations and institutional performance. Ultimately, study illustrated that there exists a positive and significant relationship between transformational leadership as implemented by the delocalized Principals and institutional performance of their schools. It is therefore recommended that TSC should formulate and implement best practices of delocalization to enable education stakeholders reap its inherent benefits. Ministry of Education (MOE) should organize training workshops for Principals on best practices for implementation of transformational leadership.
Family determinants of career awareness among students in public secondary schools in Meru South Sub-County, Tharaka Nithi County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2024) Mbaka, E. K.; Mwanzia, R. M.; Murungi, J. M
Career awareness is an indicator of the degree of achieving democracy and individual freedom that an individual has in determining his or her professional growth and ultimately future plans. Career awareness equips learners with a holistic understanding of their talents, personality, interest and capability in preparation for their future endeavours. Uncertainty and lack of clarity drive most students towards making wrong career choices and as result, feel frustrated and live their entire life struggling at a job they had never wished for. These observations have raised concerns on career awareness and whether the efforts put by the schools, parents and government agencies in creating awareness on careers are effective. The study sought to determine the influence of family determinants on career awareness among students in public secondary schools in Meru South Sub County. The study adopted labelling and structural functionalism theories. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. A sample size of 368 respondents comprising of 12 deans of studies, 12 guidance and counselling teachers,12 form three and 12 form four parents’ representatives, 8 principals and 312 form three and four students participated in the study. Data collection was done using questionnaire for students and teachers and interview for principals and parents’ representatives. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse quantitative data. The study established that family determinants had an influence on the students’ career awareness, especially on the career information issues. The family social economic status, family career path, parental advice and elder siblings were found to have a great influence on career awareness. Parents and guardians should be sensitized on the importance of career awareness to their children.
Relationship between pedagogical practices and outcome of scientific training on biological evidence management in Nairobi County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Ithawa, M. M.; John, O. O.; Monica, I. G.
Crime scene Investigations is a crucial aspect in the judicial process. To ensure that justice prevails, all the crime scenes need to be well managed by the Crime Scene Investigators. Failure to manage the crime scenes properly, some citizens fall victims of wrongful convictions and at other times the suspects are acquitted by the court due to lack of substantive evidence. For purpose of proper management of crime scene, the Crime Scene Investigators require to undergo a scientific training which acquits them with knowledge and skills. Such knowledge and skills enable them to handle various types of evidence and especially the biological evidence. Majority of studies have been on scientific training at primary, secondary schools and colleges. However, Minimal research has been conducted on the scientific training on biological evidence management for the crime scene investigators at police training institutions. This study therefore, sought to address the existing knowledge gap by establishing the relationship between content and outcome of scientific training on biological evidence management in Nairobi County, Kenya. To achieve the objective descriptive research design was adopted. A sample of 132 respondents was obtained from a target of 198 by use of Krejcie and Morgan sample determination table. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview schedule. Prior to data analysis, common themes were noted. The data was analyzed quantitatively using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25.0. The research hypotheses were tested at 95% level of confidence. The findings indicated that content for scientific training on biological evidence management was inadequately covered due to allocation of a few lessons. It was therefore, recommended that there should be more lessons allocated for biological evidence management scientific training to enable adequate coverage of the diverse content areas.
Influence of school infrastructural resources on secondary school students’ participation in co-curricular activities in Laikipia West Subcounty, Laikipia County, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Pauline, L. M.; James, M. M.; Mercy, N. M.
School experiences should involve classroom interactions and extend beyond the classroom walls through co- curricular activities. Co-curricular activities are believed to help in character building and skills application, promoting learners' individual development. However, there has been a dismal participation of secondary school students in co-curricular activities. Therefore, this study sought to establish the influence of school infrastructural resources on secondary school students’ participation in cocurricular activities in Laikipia West Subcounty, Laikipia County, Kenya. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. A total of 283 form three students, 22 games teachers, and 9 principals were used as respondents in the study. Schools were selected through stratified sampling on the basis whether the school is a county school, extra county, or subcounty school. Simple random sampling was used to select the students, purposive sampling for games teachers, and stratified sampling for the principals. Data was collected using questionnaires for students and games teachers, and interview schedules for the principals. The data analysis included quantitative methodology where descriptive statistics (percentages and frequencies) were used to analyze the data. The use of SPSS also aided in the analysis. Chuka university supervisors assisted the researcher in ascertaining the content validity of the research instruments and research experts in the field of education helped assess the face validity. From the findings, majority of the students and teachers agreed that insufficient field space and inadequate resources discourage learners participation in co-curricular activities. The principals also thought that lack of enough field space and resources greatly affects students’ participation in co-curriculars. It was concluded that most students do not participate in co-curricular activities due to insufficiency of field space and inaccessibility of the necessary resources. The study recommended that the Ministry of Education should provide funds for the schools to acquire more ground space and the necessary materials for co-curricular activities
Effectiveness of experiential learning approach on students’ academic achievement and attitude towards biology in secondary schools in Maara Sub-County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2024) Gisoi, J. M.; Njagi, M. W.; Mungiria, J. N.
The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of experiential learning approach on students’ academic achievement in biology in secondary schools in Maara sub-county, Kenya. Quasi experimental research design was employed and in particular Solomon four group design. The target population was 22,640 biology students in secondary schools in Maara sub-County, TharakaNithi County. The accessible population consisted of 1,557 form two students in the Sub-County mixed Secondary schools. The purposive sampling was used to draw four sub-County mixed secondary schools from a list of mixed secondary schools in Maara Sub-County. Simple random sampling was used to select and assign participating schools in experimental and control groups. The sample size comprised of 118 students. The research instruments used were Biology Pre-Test (BPT) and Biology Achievement Test (BAT). The instruments were piloted to determine their reliability in a Sub-County mixed secondary school in Meru-South Sub- County. Reliability coefficient for instruments was 0.741. The validity of the research instrument was ascertained by experts in the department of education of Chuka University. Experimental groups (E1 and E2) were taught using experiential learning approach while control groups (C1 and C2) were taught using conventional teaching approach. Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 aided in data analysis. The raw data obtained was analyzed using descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, percentages) and inferential statistics (one-way ANOVA, Turkey post hoc analysis, and t-test). The null hypothesis was tested at α= 0.05 significant level. The findings of this study revealed that there was a significant difference in the academic performance between the students taught using experiential learning approach and those taught using the conventional approach. It was therefore recommended that the experiential learning approach should be applied to improve students’ academic achievement in biology. The findings of the study may be helpful to the curriculum planners and learning institutions to incorporate innovative techniques in classroom teaching to improve learning of biology subject in Kenya. The findings also form a ground upon which likely further research could be built for innovative teaching techniques in secondary schools.
Selected digital media tools and language instructions among ECDE teachers in Meru South Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County
(Chuka University, 2024) Kimani, J. N.; Kangara, H.; Ogembo, J.
Language is the most important aspect in the life of all beings as it is used to express inner thoughts and emotions, make sense of complex and abstract thought. Teachers are required to ensure ECDE learners are fully prepared and equipped with the literacy skills relevant for them to be independent in learning language for coping with their everyday lives. This has seen most of them struggle to incorporate diverse instructional resources in their language instruction as a teaching strategy. Literature has shown a majority of studies on instructional resources integration in learning and especially Information, Communication and Technology (ICT). However, minimal research relating to digital media use in ECDE language instruction hence the specific focus on types of digital media tools used in ECDE Language instruction. The purpose of this study therefore was to determine types of digital media tools used in language instruction among ECDE teachers in Meru South Sub- County, Tharaka-Nithi county, Kenya. To achieve the objectives descriptive survey research design was adopted. The study subjects included both head-teachers and ECDE teachers proportionately selected to help get the required sample sizes to be involved in the study. A sample of 243 respondents was achieved from a target population of 612 after subjection to Krejcie and Morgan sample determination table. Expert opinion was used to establish validity and reliability. Data was collected via questionnaires. Prior to doing a data analysis, common themes from the respondents' descriptions of their experiences were noted. Quantitative data was evaluated descriptively using frequencies, percentages, means, and standard deviation. The findings indicated that YouTube, WhatsApp and Facebook were the most commonly used digital media tools, each tool returning a comparably high extent of use compared to other tools. It is therefore recommended that ECDE teachers enhance the extent of use of media gadgets such as computers and tablets as well as tools such as Twitter and Instagram to enhance their benefits in language instruction. School administration should enhance digital resource base of their ECDE centres with adequate digital media gadgets and tools to promote their utiliz
Eco-Plate as a Sustainable Alternative to Single-Use Plastics in Food Service industry
(Chuka University, 2024) Christine W. Kinyua; Njeru Moses.K; Faith Kamene; Mary Githenduka; Kennedy Mwaniki
Plastic containers are widely used in households and industries. This is because their production cost are relatively low, they can easily be moulded in to any shape and they are resistant to corrosion. Across the world, single-use plastic tableware is common in food service operations because it offers the much desired convenience. However, their use and subsequent disposal aggravates the challenge of solid waste in the environment. In particular, the continued production and use of plastics is associated with greenhouse gas emissions, health complications, provide breeding grounds for disease vectors, clog sewer systems, reduce aesthetic value of ecosystems and related environmental pollution because they are not biodegradable. Globally, there has been a growing concern on the menace caused by plastics on the environment. In realising the dangers of continued plastic use, efforts have been directed towards development of sustainable alternatives. To this end, stakeholders in the hospitality industry have been developing and adopting eco-friendly technologies and practices. Consequently, this paper discusses the development and use of an edible and abiodegradableplate(eco-plate). This eco-plateismadefromplant based dough whose main ingredients are red sorghum flour, wheat flour and margarine. Five groups of eco-plates (A, B, C, D and E) were made from doughs of different ratios of red sorghum flour, wheat flour and margarine (2:2:1, 3:2:1, 2:3:1, 1:2:0.5 and 1:1:0). These five classes of eco-plates were tested 299 for organoleptic properties, water absorption capacity and biodegradability. Eco-plate C was considered the most acceptable eco-plate by more than three quarters (77%) of their spondents who tasted the samples. This make of eco-plate had the highest absorption capacity (33%)due to increased gluten from wheat flour. All the makes of eco-plates decomposed within six days. This implies that the adoption ofeco plateinfoodserviceoperationswillgreatlyreduceenvironmentaldegradationassociatedwithuseandproducti onofplastics.
Tvet and Industrialization In kenya; A case study Of Nyandarua county
(Chuka University, 2024) Elijah Mwangi Ngunjiri
Many countries of the world have embraced TVET as the drive towards industrialization. Kenya government for instance is largely relying on Technical, Vocational education and Training in its endeavors to achieve the big four agenda on manufacturing, healthcare, food security and affordable housing and the larger vision 2030 of being a middle-income economy. In line with this, the government through the ministry of education has shown concerted efforts by introducing key reforms in TVET sector to drive the process of industrialization. Despite these efforts the Nyandarua county and Kenya at large continues to be confronted with food insecurity, poor housing for many citizens, poor healthcare and low manufacturing as evidenced by high importation. This study sought to fill this gap. The objective of the study was to find out the role of TVE in industrialization in Kenya. Descriptive research design was used. The target population was 500 trainees and 100 trainers drawn mainly from technical departments. Multi stage sampling was used to sample 50 trainees and 10 trainers respectively. Open and Closed ended questionnaires was used and which was self-administered. Data analysis technique used was descriptive statistics. The study concludes that TVET sector contributes to a low extent to manufacturing in Kenya with 60% respondents. Over 50% of the respondents acknowledged that TVET contribute insignificantly to universal health and food security in the country. The study concludes that TVET contributes significantly towards affordable housing in Kenya. The study recommends for investigation on the challenges TVET face in its endeavors towards meeting industrialization and the challenges addressed.
Epistemological belief in control of knowledge and performance of physics among secondary school students in Tharaka Nithi County, Keny
(Chuka University, 2024) Mbaka, J. K.; Kanga, B. M.; Mwanzia, R. M.; Murungi, J. M.
The study’s aim was to investigate the extent to which students’ epistemological beliefs in the dimension of control of knowledge acquisition relates to performance in the subject of physics. The study used a mixed-methods research approach that included philosophical analysis, a descriptive survey and correlational analysis. The research was steered by both the implicit intelligence philosophy, and the constructivist learning theory. The sample size comprised of 310 form two students, 60 physics teachers and 20 heads of science department. Quantitative data analysis techniques, including correlation and regression analysis, were used to examine the relationships between students’ epistemological beliefs in control of knowledge and physics performance. The qualitative data from interviews provided deeper insights into how students’ experiences and perceptions related to their beliefs about knowledge and physics performance. Data analysis was performed using tools in the SPSS version 26. The study revealed a positive correlation between sophisticated beliefs in control of knowledge acquisition and performance in physics. From the findings of the study, the researcher concluded that sophisticated beliefs in control of knowledge acquisition contributes towards better performance in physics. The study suggests the implementation of strategies aimed at fostering the development and adoption of sophisticated epistemological beliefs in control of knowledge acquisition among students in order to enhance their performance in physics. The outcome of this study can inform educational policymakers, curriculum developers, and teachers in Kenya to design interventions that promote the development of students’ epistemological beliefs in control of knowledge to stimulate performance in physics.
Cultural artefacts and biology instruction in public secondary schools in Meru South Sub-County, Tharaka-Nithi County, Kenya.
(Chuka University, 2024) Daniel, G. M.; Noel, O. U.; Ogembo, O. J.
Biology education in Kenya has been characterized by persistent poor performance in national examinations. The persistent poor performance in Biology is attributed to lack of adequate and appropriate teaching and learning resources due to limited financial resources in most public schools. In the absence of adequate resources, Biology teachers have been encouraged to use community resources within their surrounding including cultural artefacts for instructional purposes. To date however, minimal empirical literature specifically has addressed the types of cultural artefacts on Biology instruction exist. This study therefore sought to address the existing knowledge gap by assessing the types of cultural artefacts on Biology instruction with a specific focus on public secondary schools in Meru south sub-county. The study was based on Constructivist learning theory and socio-cultural theory, and applied a descriptive survey research design. The target population was heads of Biology subject, Biology teachers and forms four Biology students. The sample size of 351 respondents was determined using the sample table developed by Krejcie and Morgan. Data collection instruments were a questionnaire and interview schedule for heads of Biology subject. Expert opinion was used to establish validity and reliability. Data obtained was analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics with the aid of Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26 computer software. The study findings showed that bones from skeletons of animals, beads and necklaces, wood carvings and skins, stones, mud huts, clay pots, baskets and basketry, music instruments and iron metal are some of the cultural artefacts that are available for used in Biology instruction with varying degree. It is therefore recommended that Biology teachers be encouraged to enhance the use of artefacts in instruction as well as teachers and students to be sensitized on the positive outcomes of using the artefacts as instructional materials.
Influence of Parents’ Drug Abuse on Attending School Meetings in Pre-Primary schools of Embulbul Sub-County
(Chuka University, 2024) Oyieno Ouma Moses
Parental drug abuse is a global concern and a major issue affecting parental involvement in their pre schoolchildren’s learning. It negatively impacts their much needed involvement particularly provision of the needs of children who are at a vulnerable stage in life. The purpose of this study was to determine the implications of parental drug abuse on their involvement in children’s education in Embu lbul Sub county in Kajiado. The study was guided by Epstein’s Model of parents’ involvement. This study adopted a descriptive survey design method. A sample size of 8 (55%) out of14 pre-schools, a similar number of head teachers and 24(50%) pre-school teachers (three from each school) were selected. Questionnaires for teachers and interview schedule for head teachers were used to collect data. The collected quantitative data were edited, coded, entered into a computer and analyzed descriptively using Statistical Package for Social Science. The analyzed data were presented using tables, pie-charts and bar graphs. Descriptive statistics such as frequencies, percentages, means and standard deviation were used to interpret the data. Qualitative data were organized using relevant themes, presented using direct quotes and discussed as per the research question. The findings in the study established that majority of parents abusing drugs never participated in neither school meetings nor functions. The study concludes that parental drug abuse has a negative impact on parents’ attending school functions. To improve parents’ attendance of school meetings, the study recommended that teachers should provide them with an opportunity to communicate their expectations and concerns.
Influence of parental empowerment and engagement on management of primary school curriculum implementation in Embu county, Kenya
(Chuka University, 2024) Luke Murithi Kathenya; Peter Kimanthi; Charles Kiptum; Eric Mwenda
The researcher determined influence of parental empowerment and engagement on management of primary school curriculum implementation in Embu County, Kenya. Parental empowerment and engagement are key concepts that need to be fully utilized; for complete realization of effective competence based curriculum management in Kenyan schools. The concern was that the idea of parental empowerment and engagement are underutilized in competence based curriculum implementation in Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine influence of parental empowerment and engagement on management of primary school curriculum implementation in Embu County, Kenya. The researcher used Krejcie and Morgan sample determination table to determine 364 respondents from 7000target population. The study utilized descriptive design. The study respondents were: teachers, subject panel heads, head teachers and parents’ association representatives. The research tools were questionnaires and interview guides. Inferential statistics was analyzed using Pearson’s chi-square tests. The study established that there was significant influence of parental empowerment and engagement on management of primary school curriculum implementation in Embu County, Kenya. Following study findings, the researcher concluded that parental empowerment and engagement are valuable concepts in management of primary school curriculum implementation in Kenyan schools. Therefore, the researcher recommended that ministry of education should encourage parental empowerment and engagement for efficient curriculum implementation management in primary schools in Kenya.

Browse

Recent Submissions