International Journal of Educational Studies
International Journal of Educational Studies (INJEDS) published by the College of Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State, Nigeria is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes theoretical, empirical and scholarly articles on all aspects of Education. It encompasses a wide spectrum of emerging issues in Education and other related fields. The journal is interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary. Its focus is to foster the exchange of knowledge and innovation among scholars, social scientists, policymakers, development experts, students, researchers and international agencies.
CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF MARITAL CONFLICT AMONG MARRIED TEACHERS IN PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN UMUAHIA NORTH EDUCATION ZONE
The study investigated causes and effects of marital conflict among married teachers in primary schools in Umuahia North Education Zone. It adopted a descriptive research design. A sample of 157 from a total of 524 married teachers in primary schools freely participated in the study. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. 30 items questionnaire titled: Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ) was designed for data collection. The instrument was validated by experts in the Department of Guidance and Counselling and Measurement and Evaluation, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. There were pilot-test using 20 married teachers in the primary school from Aba Education Zone which are not part of the study Area. Its reliability index was 0.87. The responses was designed in a 4-liket options of Strongly Agree (SA), Agree (A), Disagree (D) and Strongly Disagree(D) with weighs of 4,3,2 and 1 respectively. Mean and standard Deviation was used to address the research questions while t-test was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The finding of the study revealed the causes of marital conflict among married teachers in the primary schools as: outside intimate relationship, sex, violent behavior of the man or woman, finance, inability to spend enough time with the family, issues relating to their children, education gap, childlessness, lack of effective communication and third person such as mother or father in laws. It also showed that marital conflict has negative effects of married couples. Based on the findings of the study, the researchers recommended among others that married teachers should identify causes and effects of marital conflicts and seek for counselling and other remedies to resolve issues and conflicts before they become a strong one
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EXTENT OF INTEGRATION OF ICT INTO PEDAGOGICAL PRACTICES OF UNIVERSITY TEACHERS IN PUBLIC UNIVERSITIES IN AKWA IBOM STATE
This study assessed the extent of integration of ICT into the pedagogic practices of lecturers in Nigerian Universities in Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 333 University lecturers which comprised 177 male and 156 female lecturers was selected for the study. The study adopted a multi-staged sampling procedure. The instrument for data collection was a 25-item questionnaire titled: Lecturers’ Use of ICT device Questionnaire (LUICTDQ). The copies of the instrument were validated by three research experts one from Educational Technology and Library Science from the University of Uyo, one from Curriculum studies, and one from Measurement and Evaluation, in College of Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. Cronbach Alpha statistics was used to determine the internal consistency of the instrument which yielded 0.87 coefficient. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the five research questions raised for the study while t-test statistic was used to test the five null hypotheses that guided the study at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed among others that ICT such as computer, internet, mobile phones and educational software package were integrated to a low extent into the pedagogic practices of lecturers for instructional purposes in Akwa Ibom State, while social media was integrated to a very low extent. Based on the findings, the study therefore recommended among others that Government and school administrations should provide adequate and regular in-service training to lecturers on effective ways of using computer in instructional deliveries.
IDENTIFIED PEDAGOGICAL ISSUES IN THE TEACHING AND LEARNING OF MATHEMATICS IN ABIA STATE
The purpose of this study was to examine the pedagogical issues in the teaching of Mathematics in Abia- State. It specifically identified the pedagogical issues of teaching Mathematics, the extent the pedagogical issues influence the teaching of Mathematics and suggested remedies of pedagogical issues identified. Three research questions guided the study. The study adopted a descriptive survey research design. A sample of 128 Mathematics teachers drawn from WAEC examiners of 2022 May/June examination were used for the study. Instrument used for data collection was researchers’ structured questionnaire made up of 12 items. The instrument was developed by the researchers and named Questionnaire on Pedagogical Issues in Teaching of Mathematics (QPITM). Mean and standard deviation were used to answer research questions. Results indicated that there are pedagogical issues that were identified and that the pedagogical issues to a high extent have influence on the teaching of Mathematics. Recommendations were made that those issues that were identified should be taken care of by both the government and teachers. Every teacher should improve his pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) as to be effective in the teaching of mathematics
FFECT OF JIGSAW INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY ON UPPER BASIC II STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT AND RETENTION IN CIVIC EDUCATION IN ABIA STATE
The study investigated the effect of Jigsaw learning strategy on Upper Basic 11 Students’ academic achievement and retention in Civic education. Three research questions were posed and one hypothesis was formulated to guide the study which was carried out in three schools in Umuahia Educational Zone of Abia state. The population of 33,787 comprising 17,127 male and 16,660 female students in Upper Basic II were involved. One hundred and twenty-seven (127) students were used for the study for the sample. The study is a quasi-experimental study which employed pretest posttest control group design and a 2x1 factorial design. Instruments used for data collection was Civic Education Achievement Test (CEAT), CEAT was validated by three experts and the reliability coefficient using Kuder Richardson formuler was found to be 0.87 , Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) and t-test statistics were used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 significance level. The result revealed that there is significant difference in academic achievement of students taught Civic Education using Jigsaw learning strategy than those taught using Lecture teaching method. The result equally revealed that there is an improvement in the mean achievement and retention scores of students taught Civic Education after treatment with Jigsaw learning strategy. The result also revealed that gender is not a significant factor in the academic achievement and retention of students using Jigsaw learning Strategy. The result proved that Jigsaw learning strategy enhanced upper Basic 11 students’ academic achievement and retention in Civic Education than Lecture teaching method. It was recommended among others that efforts should be made by curriculum experts to incorporate the Jigsaw learning strategy into the teaching of Civic Education.
EXPLORING OBSTACLES TO INTEGRATING CONTEMPORARY TECHNOLOGIES FOR SOCIAL STUDIES INSTRUCTION IN ENUGU STATE’S ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS
The study x-rayed obstacles to integrating contemporary technologies for social studies instruction in Enugu State. The study discussed what contemporary technology is. Three research questions guided the study and analysis of the research questions was done by using mean. The results revealed the importance of Contemporary technology. It helps instructional delivery and students’ communication in Social studies to be easy; help instructional delivery in Social studies to be very interesting; help students develop critical thinking, and also makes instructional delivery to be faster among others. It also revealed that challenges such as incessant nature of power supply, inadequate/lack of computer hardware, inadequate funding, and lack of in-service training contribute to the inability of lecturers to use modern technology in the execution of their duties. Based on the findings, the study recommended that necessary technologies needed for teaching/learning should be made available to lecturers and the institutions technology infrastructures upgraded, also seminars and conferences on current technologies used in teaching/learning should be made available to teachers so that their professional output is enhanced and guaranteed for higher productivity and long service to their employers.
SOCIAL CAPITAL AND SELF-AWARENESS AS PREDICTORS OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN CHRISTIAN RELIGIOUS STUDIES AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ABIA STATE.
The study examined the extent social capital and self-awareness predict academic achievement in Christian Religious Studies (CRS) among secondary school students in Abia State. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a correlational research design. 439 sample of SS2 students were drawn through multistage sampling techniques from the population of 4392 SS2 students offering CRS in Abia State. Three researcher's developed instruments were used for data collection titled “Social Capital Questionnaire (SCQ), Self-awareness questionnaire (SAQ) and CRS Achievement Test (CRSAT). The instruments were validated by three experts. Cronbach's Alpha method was adopted to determine the internal consistency of the instruments which yielded reliability indices of 0.76 and 0.84 for SCQ and SAQ respectively while Kuder-Richardson (KR-21) was used for CRSAT which yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.89. Pearson Moment Correlation Coefficient (Pearson’s r) was used to answer the research questions while linear regression analysis was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Results revealed that Social capital and self-awareness were significant predictors of academic achievement in CRS among students in Abia State as they predicted 76.4% and 71.2% respectively. It was thus recommended among others that students should be provided with necessary information about the different social capital and self-awareness variables and how they could relate with school guidance counsellor for effective learning outcomes.
PROFICIENCY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS OF TEACHERS FOR EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION OF SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS ECONOMICS CURRICULUM IN ABIA STATE
The study examined the proficiency development needs of teachers for effective implementation of senior secondary schools Economics curriculum in Abia State. The study was guided by three research questions and three corresponding null hypotheses which were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study was 221 comprising 88 Economics teachers in urban and 133 Economics teachers in rural area. The sample of 177 Economics teachers was used in the study. This comprised 68 Economics teachers in urban and 109 Economics teachers in rural area selected using proportionate stratified random sampling technique for adequate representation. The instrument for data collection was a researcher developed questionnaire titled: “Economics Teachers’ Proficiency Development Needs Questionnaire (ETPDNQ)”. The instrument was validated by three experts. The reliability of the instrument was 0.73 tested using Cronbach Alpha statistic. The data collected were analyzed using Mean, Standard Deviation, Improvement Needed Index (INI) to answer the research questions while t-test was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the data analyses revealed among others that: teachers need proficiency development in instructional planning, organization of instructions and instructional contents delivery for effective implementation of senior secondary schools Economics curriculum in Abia State. Based on the findings of this study, it was therefore recommended that Government of Abia State should encourage and provide teachers with the needed support to participate in development programme so as to enhance their proficiency development needs in instructional planning, organization of instructions and instructional contents delivery and as well to keep them abreast with the current trends in instructional practices for effective implementation of senior secondary schools Economics curriculum.
TECHNOLOGICAL TRENDS AND THEIR APPLICATIONS IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES
The paper examined the concept of technology, disruptive technologies such as Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), Artificial Intelligence (AI), Marchine Learning, Chatbot, Robotics, Big Data, Cloud Computing, Blok Chain Technologies and Augmented Realities were thoroughly discussed. The paper considered the infusion of ICT into library and information science curriculum, ICT scenario in Nigeria academic library was established. The study revealed that that the use of Information Communication technology, Artificial Intelligence, Radio Frequency Identification, Machine Learning, Big Data, Robotics, Chatbots, Cloud Computing, Augmented Reality, Drones Technology and Block Chain Technology with robust curriculum that encapsulate skills and competency in teaching and learning of library and information science can help both the academic librarian, students and the technical staff of the library in critical and innovative thinking. The study further recommended Curriculum of library and information science should be designed to accommodate or enriched with technology such as ICT, AI, RFID, Big Data, Robotics and Cloud Computing, also effort should be made to established linkage between library and information science and other technological base courses such as computer science, information and communication technology and mass communication for vitalization of ideas.
INFORMATION COMMUNICATION TCHNOLOGY (ICT) SKILLS’ NEEDS AND LIBRARY AND INFORMATION SCIENCE LECTURERS’ PRODUCTIVITY IN MICHAEL OKPARA UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE UMUDIKE NIGERIA
The study investigated the ICT skills need of library and information science lecturers and their productivity in Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. Five research questions were raised to guide the study. The population of the study consisted of 21 LIS lecturers in Michael Okpara University library school. The instrument used in data collection was a researcher- developed, structured questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics of frequency, mean and standard deviation. Finding of the study was that majority of the respondents have ICT skills need in word processing, Internet skills, presentation skills, online search and analytical skills, in the order of need. The study recommended among others that the LIS lecturers should take personal and committed steps in acquiring the skills with or without institutional funding support.
SAFETY PRACTICES NEEDED BY EMPLOYEES OF PAINTING OCCUPATION FOR SUSTAINABILITY OF BUILDING INDUSTRY IN ABIA STATE
This study determined the safety practices needed by employees of painting occupation for sustainability of building industry in Abia State. This is with a view to the prevention of accidents in painting occupations in Abia State. The collected data was analyzed with mean and standard deviation. Research question and hypothesis guided the study. The area of the study was Umuahia capital territory Abia State with concentrations on the building industry in Umuahia urban capital city. The population of the study was 78 respondents which consisted of 40 employees of painting and 38 registered builders of the Nigerian Institute of Building Abia state Chapter. Since the population of the study is of manageable size, the seventy eight respondents were used for the study. Therefore, consensus sampling was used. The instrument for data collection was a structured questionnaire comprised of 27 items with five response options rating scale. The validation of the instrument was done by three experts who are building technology lecturers in Imo state University, Owerri. The reliability of the instrument was obtained by single administration of the instrument to 12 registered builders of the Nigerian Institute of Building Imo state Chapter Owerri and 16 employees of painting occupations in Owerri, Imo State. Cronbach Alpha was used to calculate the reliability coefficient of the study. This yielded internal consistency value of .82. The tested hypothesis at P< 0.05 level of significance showed that there was no significant differences on the mean rating of the respondents therefore the null hypothesis was up held. Recommendations among others was that painting employees should be exposed to safety practices through training and retraining aimed at prevention of accidents in the building industry.
Artificial Intelligence Technologies Used in Teaching Agricultural Education in universities in Nigeria
The paper looked at the Artificial Intelligence technologies used in teaching Agricultural Education. Artificial intelligence (AI) is a computerized system that is able to carry out task like human. AI is broadly divided into Type 1 Capability Baser type of artificial intelligence with example artificial narrow intelligence (ANI), artificial general intelligence (AGI), Artificial super intelligence (ASI) and Type 2 functional base artificial intelligence with example like reactive machine (RM), Limited Memory (LM), theory of mind, software artificial intelligence, the study also looked at some gadgets or tools available in teaching agricultural education which includes Grading Automation tools, Paper work assistance, chatbot, Nuance Dragon Speech, Attitude Learning Knowji. Artificial Intelligence has many benefits in education which may include personalize learning, Task automation and other content creator. Due to the above benefits, the perceived constraints of artificial intelligence studied includes social influence, perceived risk theories, unemployment and communication difficulties. Artificial Intelligence can help in teaching agricultural education to improve students’ academic performance. Moreover, it was recommended that both parents and teachers should embrace the use of artificial intelligence, curriculum developers should also be geared towards incorporating artificial intelligence, government and philanthropies should also assist in funding artificial intelligence programme
INDIGENOUS TECHNOLOGIES USED BY FARMERS FOR COMBATING CLIMATE CHANGE HAZARD IN CROP PRODUCTION IN UMUAHIA AGRICULTURAL ZONE OF ABIA STATE
The study was carried out to examine indigenous technologies used by farmers for combating climate change hazard in crop production in Umuahia Agricultural Zone of Abia State. The study was guided by three research questions and three null hypotheses. The study adopted survey research design. The population of the study was 451 comprising 403 farmers and 48 extension agents. The sample of the study was 152 comprising 120 farmers and 32 extension agents selected using simple random sampling technique. The instrument for data collection was structured questionnaire validated by three experts. Data collected was analysed using mean and standard deviation, and t-test statistic to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results of the findings indicated that: causes of climate change include: Indiscriminate bush burning, deforestation, fossil fuel burning, gas flaring and illegal bunkering. It was revealed that the hazards posed by climate change in crop production were: an Increase in temperature, reduce crop yields drastically, and poor agricultural production, among others. In addition, it was revealed that the indigenous technologies used by farmers in crop production were: Mulching of crop, early planting of crops, use of compost, and green manure. From the findings, it was recommended that: Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with Abia State Government, should ensure adequate awareness campaign on the causes of climate change and climate change hazard to enable the farmers and other individual t refrain from practices like deforestation and illegal bunkering that contributed to climate change.
IMAGO RELATIONSHIP AND EMOTIONALLY - FOCUSED THERAPIES ON DATING CHALLENGE AMONG WORKING CLASS MEDICAL PERSONNELS IN IMO STATE
The study investigated imago and emotionally focused therapies on dating challenge among working class medical personnel in Imo State. It adopted a quasi-experimental research design. Three research questions and one hypothesis guided the study. The population of the study comprised working class 24 medical personnel (males and Females who are in dating relationship, and since the population was manageable the researcher used all as the study population. They were drawn purposefully from Federal Medical Centre Owerri (FMC) based on their responses to the researchers' developed instrument titled: 'Dating Challenge Questionnaire' (DCQ). Two experts in the Department of Guidance and Counselling and one from Measurement and Evaluation validated the 20-items instrument used for the study. The stability of the instrument was determined using Person Product Moment Correlation and reliability index of 0.83 obtained. The internal consistency of the instrument was determined using Cronbach Alpha method and reliability of 0.84 established. The researcher employed the services of two research assistants who assisted her in the administration and collection of the instrument. Collected data were analyzed using Mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions while Analysis of covariance was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The result of the study showed that imago therapy effectively reduced dating relationship challenges among working class medical personnel. It further revealed emotionally focused therapy as an effective tool in reducing dating relationship challenges and finally, that the two treatment packages proved effective, however, emotionally focused therapies proved more effective than Imago therapy. Based on the findings, the research recommends the use of both treatment packages in the reduction of dating relationship challenges and other similar challenges
COMMUNICATION STRATEGIES AS CORRELATES OF EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA
This study investigated communication strategies as correlate of effective management of secondary schools in South East, Nigeria. The study adopted a correlational research design. A sample of 727 respondents was used for the study. This consists of 394 public secondary school teachers and 333 principals from the sampled states (Abia, Enugu and Imo States). The sample size of the study was determined using Taro Yamane Formula for determining sample size. The multi-stage sampling approach was used in sampling the states, education zones and local governments used for the study. The instruments for data collection were communication strategies questionnaire (CSQ) and effective management questionnaire (EMQ). The instruments were validated by three experts. The reliability of the instrument was determined using Pearson Product Moment Correlation with a coefficient of 0.87 and 0.82 for communication strategies questionnaire (CSQ) and effective management questionnaire (EMQ) respectively while the internal consistency was determined using Cronbach Alpha statistic which yielded reliability coefficient of 0.85 and 0.81 for CSQ and EMQ respectively. Pearson’s Product Moment Correlation Coefficient was used to answer the two research questions raised for the study while linear regression was used to test the corresponding null hypotheses formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The results showed that open, and inclusive strategies had positive and significant relationship with effective management of secondary schools in South East, Nigeria. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that the Ministry of Education should strengthen the monitoring and evaluation aspect to ensure that the head teachers are executing their mandate as required by law and that efforts should be made to ensure that there is total adherence to set communication standards and practices among others.
PEER GROUP INFLUENCE AND SELF- CONCEPT AS CORRELATES OF EXAMINATION MALPRACTICE AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ABIA STATE
This study determined the extent peer group influence and self-concept correlates with examination malpractice among senior secondary school students in Abia State. The study adopted a correlational research design. Two research questions guided the study while two hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The sample of the study consisted of 1,036 senior secondary school class II students drawn through simple random sampling technique from the entire population of 10,365 SSII students in Abia State. Peer group influence and self-concept on examination malpractice questionnaire (PGISCQ) was designed and validated by three experts in the College of Education and was used for data collection. The data generated for the study were analyzed using Pearson, R2 (coefficient of determination) to answer the research questions while linear regression was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed that peer group influence predicted 72.9% of examination malpractice among senior secondary school students in Abia State. The study also revealed that self-concept was a positive and significance correlate of examination malpractice as it predicted 46.9% of the examination malpractice among senior secondary school students. Based on the findings it was recommended among others that students should be provided with necessary information by psychologist and guidance counsellors about the different psychosocial variables and how they could lead academic adjustment for effective learning outcomes and reduce their propensity to engage in examination malpractice.
SOCIAL INTELLIGENCE AS CORRELATE OF ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN UMUAHIA NORTH LGA OF ABIA STATE
This study determine the extent social intelligence and locus of control correlates with academic achievement in Mathematics among senior secondary school students in Abia State. The study adopted a correlational research design. Specifically, six research questions and six null hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study consisted of 8,783 2024/2025 senior secondary school class II (SS II) in Abia State. A sample of 878 senior secondary school class II students drawn through multistage sampling techniques was used for the study. The instruments for data collection were a 31-item researcher developed questionnaire titled “Students’ Social Intelligence Questionnaire (SSIQ)”and “Students academic Achievement in Mathematics Test (SAAMT). The instruments were validated by three experts one from educational guidance and counselling, one from Educational Psychology and one from Educational Measurement and Evaluation, all in College of Education, Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. Pearson product moment correlation statistic was used to determine the stability of the two instruments which yielded overall reliability indices of .50 while Cronbach Alpha was used to determine the internal consistency which yielded an overall coefficient of .92. Pearson Product Moment Correlation was used to answer the research questions raised for the study while Linear Regression Analysis was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. Social Awareness, Social Skills to a very high extent relate to academic achievement in Mathematics in among senior secondary school students in Abia State. Finally the study revealed that the joint variable of social intelligence (Social awareness and Social Skills) and locus of control (Internal and External) to a very high extent relate to academic achievement in Mathematics in among senior secondary school students in Abia State. The study therefore recommend among other that school administrators should focus on creating inclusive learning environments that promote active listening, emotional support, and cross-cultural understanding.
EFFECT OF RECIPROCAL PEER TUTORING STRATEGY ON ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICS FOR CONFLICT RESOLUTION AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN EBONYI STATE
This study sought to explore the effect of reciprocal peer tutoring strategy on achievement in Mathematics for conflict resolution among senior secondary school students in Ebonyi State. The study adopted a pre-test, post-test, control group using 2x2x2 factorial matrix. The design for this study was a non-equivalent pretest-posttest control group design. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The sample comprised 32 SS2 students with low achievement in Mathematics drawn from two co-educational secondary schools in Ebonyi State with low mathematics achievement in 2024/2025 academic session. The treatment group was exposed to Reciprocal Peer Tutoring Strategy; while the control group was taught with conventional lecture teaching method. One instrument titled “Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT)” was developed by the researcher for the study. The instrument was validated by three experts. Kudar-Richardson -21 was used to determine the reliability of Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) and reliability index of 0.79 was obtained for MAT. Data obtained were organized and analyzed using mean scores and standard deviation to answer the research questions and the null hypotheses were tested using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at 0.05 level of significance. The study revealed the following findings: Intervention using reciprocal peer tutoring strategy significantly improved achievement in Mathematics for conflict resolution. The mean Mathematics achievement scores of male and female low achievers did not significantly differ based on exposure to reciprocal peer tutoring strategy. It was thus recommended that teachers should be taught how to help students acquire skills required in the use of reciprocal peer tutoring strategy for conflict resolution.
RATIONAL EMOTIVE BEHAVIOUR THERAPY ON INTERNET GAMING DISORDER AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN ABIA STATE
Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) poses a threat to the well-being of undergraduate students. This study assessed the alarming prevalence of IGD and evaluated the effectiveness of Rational Emotive Behaviour Therapy (REBT) as an intervention among students in Abia State, Nigeria. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest non-randomized control group design was utilized. From a screened population of 88 students, a purposive sample of 24 participants meeting the criteria for IGD was selected and assigned to an experimental (REBT) group (n=12) or a control group (n=12). The experimental group received 4 weeks of structured REBT sessions focused on identifying and disputing irrational beliefs related to gaming using the ABCDEF model. Data were collected using the Internet Gaming Disorder Identification Questionnaire for undergraduate students (IGDIQUS) at pretest, posttest, and a 4-week follow-up. Percentages, mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze posttest and follow-up scores, controlling for baseline differences. The prevalence of IGD was found to be 8.1%. ANCOVA results revealed a statistically significant reduction in IGD symptoms for the REBT group compared to the control group at posttest (F(1, 21) = 14.87, p < .001), with a large treatment effect (β = -9.12). This significant reduction was sustained at the 4-week follow-up (F(1, 21) = 16.02, p < .001; β = -9.45). The findings the prevalence of IGD and provide robust evidence that REBT is an effective intervention for producing immediate and sustained reductions in IGD symptoms among undergraduates, mediated by increased rational thinking. The study strongly recommends the integration of REBT into university counseling frameworks to address IGD and promote psychological well-being.
SKILL IMPROVEMENT NEEDS OF CLOTHING AND TEXTILES EDUCATORS IN THE CONSTRUCTION FEATURES OF GARMENTS IN HIGHER INSTITUTIONS OF ABIA STATE
The study investigated skill improvement needs of clothing and textile education in the construction features of a garment in Tertiary institutions in Abia State. Four specific purposes guided the study. The population for the study was 25 clothing lecturers drawn from various institutions. There was no sampling because all the clothing lecturers were used for the study. Structured questionnaire were used titled “SINCTE” meaning skill improvement needs of clothing and textile education” and focus Group Discussion were used for data collection. The reliability of the instrument was established using cronbach Alpha method and a coefficient of 0.87 was obtained. The result of the study revealed that for construction features of darts: some samples of waist darts, bust, shoulder, neck and under arm were made, 19 garment construction procedures: for darts, make pattern lines, pin and tack the darts; for hems, turn about 1cm of the raw edge down. Ten problems for accessing the details include: Lack of practical skills, lack of money, lack of practical laboratory, among others. From the findings, recommendations were made which include. All clothing lecturers should devote their time on the construction of clothing features and that clothing lecturers should check the skills exhibited by student individually and in stages.
EFFECTIVENESS OF SELF-CONTROL TECHNIQUE ON INTERNET GAMING DISORDER AMONG UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS IN ABIA STATE
The rapid growth of Internet gaming has introduced both entertainment and cognitive benefits, yet excessive engagement has led to the emergence of Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD), posing significant academic, social, and psychological challenges among undergraduates. This study investigated the effectiveness of self-control technique (SCT) on Internet gaming disorder (IGD) among Undergraduate Students in Abia State. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The population comprised 298 undergraduate students identified with symptoms of IGD, from where a sample of 24 participants was purposively selected. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest non-randomized control group design was adopted. Participants were assigned to treatment group (SCT) and a control group. Data were collected using the Internet Gaming Disorder Identification Questionnaire for undergraduate students (IGDIQUS) and analyzed with descriptive and inferential statistics, SPSS. Subjects were assigned to the experimental group (n=12) or a control group (n=12). The experimental group underwent a structured, six-week SCT programme focusing on self-control techniques. Findings showed high prevalence of IGD. ANCOVA revealed a statistically significant reduction in IGD symptoms for the SCT group compared to the control at posttest. Repeated Measures ANCOVA confirmed that this therapeutic gain was sustained at the 4-week follow-up, with no significant relapse observed in the SCT group.).The study, therefore, demonstrates a high prevalence of IGD and provide robust evidence that a structured SCT intervention is effective in producing immediate and sustained reductions in IGD symptoms. Integrating self-control technique into university counselling services is strongly recommended to mitigate IGD and promote healthier digital engagement among students.
EFFECT OF RECIPROCAL INSTRUCTIONAL STRATEGY ON SENIOR SECONDARY II STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION IN IMO STATE
This study investigated the effect of reciprocal instructional strategy on senior secondary II students’ achievement in English language comprehension in Imo State. The study adopted a quasi-experimental control design, specifically the pretest posttest non-equivalent control group design. Two research questions were posed and one hypothesis was formulated to guide the study. One hundred and twenty SS II students were used for the study, using purposive sampling out of the population of 17,127 male and 18,178 female SS 2 students in government senior secondary schools in Imo State. Instrument used for the data collection was the English Language Comprehension Achievement Test (ELCAT). ELCAT was validated by three experts and the reliability coefficient using Kuder Richardson (K-20) formula was found to be 0.85. Mean and Standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the hypothesis at 0.05 significance level. The result revealed that there are significant differences in academic achievement of students taught English language comprehension using Reciprocal instructional strategies than students taught English language comprehension using lecture teaching method. It was recommended that efforts should be made by curriculum experts to incorporate Reciprocal instructional strategies into the teaching of English language comprehension among others. Teachers should be encouraged to use such innovative teaching strategy in the classroom for improved performance.
INQUIRY- BASED INSTRUCTIONALSTRATEGY ON SENIOR SECONDARY II STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION IN IMO STATE
The study investigated the effect of Inquiry based instructional strategy on senior secondary two students’ achievement in English language comprehension in Obowo Local Government of Imo State. The study adopted a quasi-experimental control design, specifically the pre-test post-test non-equivalent control group design. Two research questions were posed and one hypothesis formulated to guide the study which was carried out in a Government co-education school in Obowo Local Government of Imo State. Eighty-seven (87) SS two students were used for the study. The study is a quasi- experimental study which employed pretest posttest control design and a 2x1 factorial design. The instrument used for data collection was the English Language Achievement Test (ELCAT) developed by the researchers. ELCAT was validated by three experts, and the reliability coefficient using Kuder Richardson (KR-20) was found to be 0.81. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions, while Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) statistics was used to test the hypothesis at o.o5 significance level. The result revealed that the method was a significant factor in students’ achievement in English language comprehension. Thus, it was confirmed that students taught English language comprehension using Inquiry based instructional strategy performed better than those taught using the lecture method. The result also revealed that gender was not a factor in the achievement of students in English language comprehension. It was recommended among others things that efforts should be made by curriculum experts to incorporate Inquiry based learning strategy into the teaching of English language comprehension.
Inquiry based learning instructional strategy
AVAILABILITY AND USE OF EDUCATIONAL TECHNOLOGY MATERIALS IN TEACHING AND LEARNING OF CHEMISTRY IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN OWERRI EDUCATION ZONE.
The study investigated availability and use of educational technology materials in the teaching and learning of Chemistry in Secondary Schools in Owerri education zone. It is no longer news that educational technology materials are put into use in our secondary schools as we are now in computer age, yet some teachers pay non-challant attitude to using some of such materials. Moreover, some of such materials may not be available in most schools for use and when they are available the Chemistry teacher may not have been using them and thus the study is to find out if such materials are available in use in teaching and learning of Chemistry. Three research questions guided the study. Survey design technique was adopted for this study with researcher’s made questionnaire for data collection. The targeted population was 171 Chemistry teachers. 50 Chemistry teachers were selected through a simple random sampling. The instrument for data collection was the researchers structured questionnaire. The face and content validity were established by three experts. The instrument was subjected to trail testing to ascertain the reliability. The reliability of the instrument was obtained by administering 20 copies to a school which was outside the sampled schools. The stores obtained from the test were analysed using Cronbach's Alpha. A reliability index of 0.75 was obtained indicating that the instrument was reliable for the study. Data collected was analysed using mean with standard deviation and t-test. The findings of the work revealed that the teachers’ accepted that the educational technology materials are available to low extent availability and the educational materials are slightly utilized in the urban and rural schools by the teachers. It is therefore recommended that the government should consider schools in rural areas and provide adequate educational technology materials for the enhancement of teaching and learning. The schools in these areas should be visited often by the education authority to profer solutions to their needs.
ACCESSIBILITY AND UTILIZATION OF DIGITAL RESOURCES FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING OF ECONOMICS IN SOUTH EAST, NIGERIA
The study investigated the accessibility and utilization of digital resources for effective teaching of Economics in South East, Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design. Two research questions and hypotheses guided the study. Six public universities, consisting of federal and state universities, were purposively selected for the study. The sample for the study comprised 86 Economics education lecturers. Data were collected using a questionnaire named “Digital Resources Accessibility and Utilization for Economics Instructions Questionnaire (DRAUEIQ)”. The instrument was validated, trail tested, and a reliability coefficient of 0.85 was ascertained using Cronback Alpha. Data obtained were analyzed using mean and standard deviation while hypotheses were tested using the t-test statistic. The results of the study indicated that collaboration tools, e-books, online databases, social media, multimedia, and learning management systems, among others, were accessible to a low level. The result also revealed low utilization of digital resources for effective teaching of economics in universities in the South East, Nigeria. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others, educators constantly access and utilize digital resources for effective teaching and learning of Economics.
Awareness and Utilization of Adaptive Learning Platforms by Economics Education Lecturers for Effective instructional delivery in Imo State
The study was conducted to ascertain the extent of awareness and utilization of adaptive learning platforms for effective instructional delivery by Economics education lecturers in Imo state. The study was delimited to Alvan lkoku federal university of education, Owerri, lmo state. The study adopted the descriptive survey design. All the 32 Economics education lectures in the college were used for the study as census sampling was adopted. A researcher-made structured questionnaire was used as instrument for data collection. The data collection instrument was constructed on a four point rating scale of Very High Extent (VHE), High Extent (HE), Low Extent (LE) and Very Low Extent (VLE). Meanwhile, the instrument was face validated by three experts two from the Economics Education and the one from Measurement and evaluation. Mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while t-test statistic was used to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed among others that; Economics education lecturers are not aware of adaptive learning platforms to a high extent and many Economics education lecturers to a high extent do not use designed digitally, Smart Sparrow, Pearson Interactive lab among other adaptive learning platforms for teaching Economics. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Economics education lecturers should be encouraged morally and financially to participate in seminars, workshops among others in order to be aware of innovations in the education sector use as the use of different teaching and learning platforms.
EFFECT OF COMPUTER ASSISTED INSTRUCTION AND DIRECT METHOD ON JUNIOR SECONDARY STUDENTS’ INTEREST AND ACHIEVEMENT IN FRENCH GRAMMAR IN NASARAWA STATE
The study investigated “the effects of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and Direct Method on Junior Secondary School Students' Achievement in French Grammar in Nasarawa State”. Two research questions were raised and two corresponding hypotheses were formulated to guide the study adopted a quasi-experimental design, involving the pretest posttest non-equivalent control group design. The study was carried out using a total of one hundred (100) J.S.S. II students in Nasarawa State. The instrument of the study was the French Grammar Achievement Test (FGAT). Data were analysed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions, while ANCOVA and t-test were used to test the hypotheses at a 0.05 level of significance. Test reliability was computed using K-R 20 correlation. The result of the rated scale was collected. It was found that CAI yielded a higher mean score than the direct method. The study also revealed that no significant difference in the mean achievement of male and female students taught using Computer Assisted instruction. Recommendations include that French teachers should use computer assisted instruction to teach French language concept to enhance achievement of students.
EFFECT OF COLLABORATIVE LEARNING STRATEGY ON STUDENTS’ ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE COMPREHENSION IN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ABIA STATE
This study investigated the effect of collaborative learning strategy on students’ academic achievement in English language comprehension in senior secondary schools in Abia state. The study which adopted a quasi-experimental, pretest posttest non-equivalent control group research design was carried out in Umuahia zone of Abia State. A sample of 96 Senior Secondary (SS) II students was drawn from two public secondary schools in Umuahia metropolis using multistage sampling procedure. Data were collected using a 33-item multiple choice English Language Comprehension Achievement Test (ELAT). The instrument was subjected to face and content validation using three experts in curriculum and instruction, Measurement and Evaluation and one secondary school English Language teacher. The internal consistency aspect of the reliability of the instrument was determined using Kuder Richardson (K-R20) formula which yielded an index of 0.76 indicating that the instrument was highly reliable. The experiment lasted for six weeks and was carried out with the assistance of the regular English Language teachers in the sampled schools. The ELAT was used to collect data for both Pre-Test and Post-test. The data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the two research questions that guided the study, while the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null-hypotheses had increasing effect on the students’ academic achievement in English Language Comprehension at 0.05 level of significance. The results among others showed that collaborative learning strategy, having recorded higher mean gain than those in control group. It also showed that collaborative learning strategy had more increasing effect on the male students’ academic achievements in English language Comprehension than on the female students. Based on the findings, the study recommended among others that English language Comprehension teachers should be encouraged to use the method regularly while teaching in order to improve students’ achievement in the subject.
MARITAL CONFLICTS AS CORRELATE OF MORAL ADJUSTMENT AMONG SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN ABIA STATE.
This study determined the correlation between marital conflicts and moral adjustment among senior secondary school students in Abia state. The study adopted a correlational research design. Two research questions and two null hypotheses were used for the study. Multi-stage sampling procedure was used to select the sample size of 878 students from the population of 8783 senior secondary II students in Abia state. Marital Conflict Questionnaire (MCQ) and Moral Adjustment Questionnaire (MAQ) were used for data collection. The instruments were validated by three experts, two from Psychology and counselling and one from measurement and evaluation departments, all from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Abia State. Pearson product moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the stability of the instruments while Cronbach Alpha statistic was used to determine their internal consistencies. These yielded 0.723, and 0.742 coefficients for the stability of MAQ, and MCQ respectively as well as 0.764, and 0.676 for internal consistencies of MAQ, and MCQ respectively. Linear regression analysis was used to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings showed that there was no significant relative contribution of gender on the relationship between marital conflicts and students’ moral adjustment. Hence, marital conflicts to a very high extent positively correlate with the moral adjustment of students in Abia State. The study recommended among others that Government and school proprietors should employ and have at least a Psychologist or a school Counsellor to help the students resolve their moral adjustment challenges.
STAFF QUERY IN UNIVERSITY LIBRARIES: IMPLICATIONS FOR STAFF CONDUCT AND DISCIPLINE
Considering the important role university libraries play in achieving organizational goals by supporting education, research, and community engagement, discipline among library personnel should be viewed seriously. This work focused on staff query in university libraries and highlighting its implications for staff conduct and discipline. The paper delineated the unique role of the university libraries, conceptualized the major variables like discipline, query and pointed out the implications of staff query for staff conduct and discipline. It was discussed that one of the implications of staff query is that it enables the staff to sit up and live up to the expectations of the overall good of the library. Suggestions made include that query should be the first option used when a librarian misbehaves. This will create the opportunity for the librarian to explain himself and try to extricate himself from further disciplinary infractions. It was concluded that disciplinary measures can evoke negative feelings if not meted out fairly and appropriate to the misconduct of the librarian.
EFFECTIVENESS OF EXPOSURE TO VIDEO AND AUDIO TAPED EXPERIENCES ON COUNSELLING-SEEKING BEHAVIOUR AMONG IN-SCHOOL ADOLESCENTS IN UMUAHIA NORTH, ABIA STATE.
This study explored the effectiveness of Exposure to Video and Audio Taped Experiences on counselling-seeking behaviour of in-school adolescents in Owerri Municipal, Imo State, Nigeria. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design employing the pre-test-post-test, non-randomized control group. Two research questions and two null hypotheses guided the study. The sample of the study consisted of 40 in-school adolescents who were purposively selected from a population of 620 adolescents identified as having low counselling-seeking behaviour in Umuahia North, Abia State in 2023/2024 academic session. The instrument used for data collection was a 21-item questionnaire titled Intention to Seek Counselling Services Questionnaire (ISCSQ). The instrument was validated by three experts in the field. Using Pearson Product Moment Correlation Coefficient the reliability of the instrument showed the stability of the ISCSQ as 0.86. The internal consistency of the instrument was measured using Cronbach Alpha and the result indicated an index value of 0.77 for the ISCSQ. Data collected were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to test the null hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The result showed that Video and Audio Taped Experiences (VATE) was effective in enhancing the level of counselling-seeking behaviour among In-school adolescents with low counselling-seeking behaviour at post-test. There were no gender differences in the in the treatment group and control at post-test period. It was thus recommended among others that Counsellors should adopt video and audio taped experiences in enhancing counselling-seeking behaviour of in-school adolescents identified with low counselling-seeking behaviour.
Video and Audio Taped Experiences (VATE)