International Journal for Early Childhood and Educational Research

FROM CAMPUS LIFE TO GLOBAL HEALTH: UNDERSTANDING NON-COMMUNICABLE DISEASES AND PHYSICAL INACTIVITY AMONG GHANAIAN UNIVERSITY STUDENTS

Courage Kobla Adenyoh — 2024-05-15

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) have become a significant global health concern, with the majority of mortalities occurring in low and middle-income countries. This study focused on the rising prevalence of physical inactivity among regular university students and aimed at contributing to the limited literature on barriers to physical activity (PA) in this demographic. While the impact of NCDs extends beyond physical health, causing societal and economic repercussions, there is insufficient attention on physical inactivity among regular university students in Africa. The study utilised a cross-sectional research design with primary quantitative data collected through Google Forms. The results were analysed using a 2x3 factorial Analysis of Variance (ANOVA). Interaction between gender and age was also significant, F (1, 667). =13.593, p<0.000, partial n2=.020). Results also indicated a significant decline in PA levels as regular university students progress from adolescence to early adulthood. Health reasons predominantly motivate PA, while barriers include lack of time and access to sports environments. The findings underscore the importance of targeted health promotion initiatives within universities, considering the influential role of health and wellness factors. Additionally, the study highlights the need for genderspecific strategies and ongoing monitoring of PA levels to inform interventions and contribute to global efforts in achieving Sustainable Development Goal 3 Target 4 by 2030

CAREGIVERS’ UTILIZATION OF INCLUSIVE EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SKILL ACQUISITION AMONG CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS IN PUBLIC EARLY CHILDHOOD CARE CENTRES IN OWERRI ZONE OF IMO STATE NIGERIA.

B. Amadi-ali — 2024-05-16

The study investigated the relationship between caregiver utilization of inclusive education and preschoolers with special needs, social skills acquisition in early childhood centers in Owerri zone of Imo State. Correlational research design was adopted for this study. The population of the study consisted of 752 caregivers selected from 500 Early Childhood Care Centres in Owerri Senatorial District of Imo State. (Imo State Universal Basic Education Board, Planning, Research & Statistics 2022). 75 caregivers representing 10% of the total population formed the sample size for the study. The correlational design was used in this study. The main instrument for the study was a researcher-designed questionnaire. The face and content validity as well as the reliability of the instrument were established. A reliability index of 0.73 and 0.67 was obtained. Research questions with the null hypotheses were tested using Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) at a 0.05 level of significance. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that there is a significant relationship between caregivers’ utilization of inclusive education and the acquisition of social skills such as respect, turn-taking, sharing, cooperation, and interdependence in the public early childhood centers in Owerri zone of Imo State. It was recommended among others that caregivers should be trained adequately on the use of appropriate inclusive education, enabling the children to acquire more social skills in the public early childhood centers in Owerri zone of Imo State.

TEACHER KNOWLEDGE ABOUT ASSESSMENT PRACTICES FOR DIAGNOSING KINDERGARTENERS’ COGNITIVE NEEDS WITHIN EJISU MUNICIPALITY

Faustina Attah Mensah — 2024-05-16

The study examined teacher knowledge about assessment practices for diagnosing kindergarteners’ cognitive needs within Ejisu Municipality in Ghana. The study employed an explanatory sequential mixed method design. A total of 132 kindergarten teachers were selected for the quantitative phase of the study using the Krejcie and Morgan sampling formula. Whiles 10 teachers were sampled using the opportunity sampling technique for the interview session. The quantitative data was collected using a questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide was used for the collection of the qualitative data. Frequencies, percentage, mean and standard deviation were used in analysing the quantitative data whilst the qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study found that the majority of the kindergarten teachers in the Ejisu Municipality have an appreciable knowledge of assessment practices in diagnosing the cognitive needs of kindergarteners. However, they only adopt the observational checklist and rating scale for diagnostic practices. Ejisu Education Municipal Directorate and Ghana Education Service (GES) should put in effort to motivate kindergarten teachers to use alternative assessment practices for diagnosing cognitive needs of kindergarteners. Again, a call is made on GES and head teachers to organise in-service training to update kindergarten teachers’ knowledge about the use of varied assessment tools for diagnosing cognitive needs of kindergarteners.

COOPERATIVE LEARNING IN ENGLISH LANGUAGE TEACHING: TEACHERS’ PERSPECTIVE ON THE CHALLENGES TO EFFECTIVE IMPLEMENTATION

Rebecca Arthur — 2024-05-16

Empirical studies are consensual in their claims that one of the most effective student-centered approaches in teaching is the cooperative learning (CL) approach. This study investigates the challenges inherent in the CL approach. The study was set in the Agona West Municipality. 20 teachers of English language, two each from 10 basic schools participated in the study. A semi-structured interview and classroom observations were the primary data source and teachers’ lesson plans and students’ assessment reports were the secondary data used for the study. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory of learning was adopted as the theoretical framework. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. The outcome of the study reveals six fundamental challenges inherent in the CL approach. These are low individual accountability, time consuming and low teaching efficiency, heterogeneity of the classroom, difficulty with balancing subject content and social skills, lack of curriculum provision and negative interdependence among students. Based on the findings, the study recommends that curriculum planners should incorporate CL in the language curriculum to serve as a blueprint for the teachers to adopt in their teaching

“YOU HAVE NOT REACHED THAT LEVEL, WHY DID YOU WRITE THAT EXAM?” UNDERSTANDING THE ‘LIVED’ EXPERIENCES OF GIFTED LEARNERS IN GHANAIAN SCHOOLS

Nyuiemedi Agordzo Edoh-Torgah — 2024-05-16

Globally, gifted learners have a significant number of unmet needs relating to their personal, social and academic concerns in the school system. Persons with unusual ability and potential for extraordinary expertise in any field of human performance have necessitated the call to study in a field of “gifted education”. Even though there is a paucity of literature on the gifted learner in the Ghanaian educational system, more disturbing is the fate of school pupils who perceived themselves as capable of educational attainments and needed acceleration yet, are frustrated by lack of educational provisions and policies to cater for their needs. With this background and available literature on the increasingly segregated and unequal educational system, we asked the question, “How challenging is it for the gifted student in Basic schools in Ghana to achieve their dreams of acceleration?” We used qualitative phenomenological interpretive design to engage seven young gifted learners who wrote their BECE examinations without completing JHS. Individual interviews were conducted to garner data. It was found that students who wrote the BECE before completing JHS performed exceptionally well. It was also found that participants had self-confidence and their parents serve as protective factors. We conclude that exceptionally gifted learners are capable of performing significantly higher before their BECE completion. We recommend a system of special screening for acceleration and permission to students with high abilities to write BECE and that the Ghana education service and the government should make policies to enhance gifted learners’ learning opportunities in our educational systems so as to contribute to national development.

ACHIEVING SCHOOLING FOR ALL: AN EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF HOUSEHOLD ANNUAL FORMAL PRIMARY EDUCATION EXPENDITURE IN GHANA

Isaac Addai — 2024-05-16

The study analysed household-level annual spending on formal primary education with focus on determinants of various socio-economic factors, using the latest Ghana Living Standards Survey Seven data of 2016-2017. The study findings are that an increase in annual household income of 122 cedis per year increases actual household expenditure on formal primary education by about 1.2 cedis. The study further established that increase in household size positively correlates with annual household formal primary education expenditure. Rural annual household formal primary education expenditure lags behind urban household annual education expenditure in Ghana. Based on the findings, it is recommended that policy-makers must take pragmatic steps to drastically reduce the gap to help maximised the education for all as envisaged by the SDG 4.

ALLOW ME TO DANCE, DOES MY AGE OR GENDER COUNT?”: A STUDY OF PRESCHOOL CHILDREN IN THE EFUTU MUNICIPALITY OF GHANA.

Latipher Amma Osei — 2024-05-16

Undeniably, it is widespread in Ghanaian communities to see children dancing freely at any given opportunity. However, less scholarly attention has been given to the phenomenon of the dance movements of children in Ghanaian preschools. The purpose of the study was to investigate and report the extent to which age and gender affect the dance movements of preschool children in the Effutu Municipality of the Central Region of Ghana. The study employed the quantitative method approach and had a sample size of 120 children between the ages of four and five years from six preschools. Data was collected and analyzed using content analysis and observation. Results indicated that although dancing among children was common at community gatherings, dancing in schools was not a common phenomenon. The results also indicated that although there was no statistically significant difference between the dance movements of boys and girls, there was a statistically significant difference between the dance movements of children aged four and five years. The study concludes that the method of allowing children to engage in self-initiated activities through playing and creative movement allows for a lot of freshness, and tolerance, all preliminary conditions for successful education.

EXAMINING PLAY-BASED LEARNING ON THE HOLISTIC DEVELOPMENT OF KINDERGARTEN LEARNERS: INSIGHTS FROM SELECTED TEACHERS

Maxwell Seyram Kumah — 2024-05-16

This study explores the influence of Play-Based Learning (PBL) on the holistic development of kindergarten learners, with a specific focus on insights derived from selected teachers. A cohort of (n = 56) teachers from 28 kindergarten classrooms in Hohoe participated, having been purposively chosen based on their engagement in a play-based learning workshop. The investigation employed the Holistic Development through Play Questionnaire as the primary instrument for data collection. Construct validity of the questionnaire was established using Pearson correlation (r=0.96), while reliability was assessed through Cronbach alpha, adhering to a threshold of 0.7. Data analysis encompassed mean, correlation and Fuzzy C-Means Clustering. The findings revealed a moderate level of agreement among teachers (M = 3.55, SD = 0.945) regarding the positive influence of PBL on the holistic development of kindergarten learners. A significant positive correlation was observed among cognitive, social, and physical development domains, underscoring the interconnectedness of these aspects within the PBL framework. Moreover, distinct patterns of development were discerned across these three domains, illuminating the diverse facets of children's development fostered by PBL. In conclusion, this study underscores the role of PBL in empowering holistic development among kindergarten learners, as endorsed by the insights of selected teachers. The findings hold implications for the design of effective PBL activities that are rich in the development in early childhood learners.

PERCEPTION OF AUTHENTIC ASSESSMENT IN THE STANDARDS-BASED CURRICULUM IN THE EFFUTU MUNICIPALITY

Emmanuel Dwamena — 2024-05-16

The study explored primary school science teachers’ perception of authentic assessment in the Standards-based Curriculum in the Effutu Municipality. The study was modelled on an explanatory sequential mixed methods design. A simple random sampling technique was used to select a sample size of 180 teachers for the quantitative phase out of which four teachers were purposively sampled for the qualitative phase of the study. A structured questionnaire was used to gather the quantitative data on the respondents. Quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics (means, standard deviations, frequencies, and percentages) and inferential statistics (One-way ANOVA) was used to analyse the hypotheses. In the qualitative phase, a semi-structured interview guide was used to collect data, and the data from the interview was analysed and presented according to the research question. The study results revealed that the majority of the teachers generally had a positive perception of authentic assessment. Again, it came to light from the study that there was no statistically significant difference between teachers’ academic qualifications and their perception of authentic assessment. The study, however, established that there was a statistically significant difference between teachers’ teaching experience and their perception of authentic assessment. It was recommended amongst others that periodic in-service training programs and workshops, organized by educational stakeholders in the Effutu Municipality, would foster a positive perception of authentic assessment among the teachers in the municipality.

EXPLORING STUDENTS' INTEREST, PERCEPTION, AND CHALLENGES IN ONLINE CLASSES: A CASE STUDY IN NIGERIA

A. O Shodeinde — 2024-05-16

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted a significant shift towards online education worldwide, including Nigeria. This study explored students' level of interest in online classes, their perceptions of the quality of online instruction, and the challenges they encountered during participation. Additionally, the study examined potential gender-based differences in these aspects. A survey research design was employed, and data were collected with a structured questionnaire from 100 students across technical schools in Ogun State, Nigeria. The instrument was validated by three experts. Cronbach Alpha was used to estimate the reliability of the instrument, and it yielded a reliability coefficient of 0.83. The study found that students displayed a high level of interest in online classes. However, their perception of online class quality was rated as average, indicating room for improvement in design and engagement strategies. Challenges faced by students included network instability, technical issues, and limited social interaction. Importantly, the study did not identify significant gender-based differences in interest, perception, or challenges encountered during online classes. The study recommended the need for comprehensive support systems in online education, including technical assistance and strategies to promote interaction. Educators should focus on enhancing online course design, utilizing multimedia elements, and encouraging collaboration. Schools must also invest in reliable internet connectivity and hardware for students. Furthermore, training teachers in online pedagogy is also crucial for effective online teaching. The study also recommends the continuation of online education as a permanent part of the curriculum, to be supported by research collaborations among institutions, policymakers, and researchers.

PREVALENCE OF MALNUTRITION AND ITS DETERMINANTS AMONG CHILDREN UNDER-FIVE YEARS IN LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

Wahab N. O. — 2024-05-16

Malnutrition remains a major global public health challenge, especially among children under five years and the percentage of wasting in Lagos State was also found to be higher than the global target of less than 5%. This study therefore examined the prevalence of malnutrition and its determinants among children under-five years in Epe Local Government of Lagos State. The study involved 107 under-five children and their mothers. Anthropometric measurements were taken using standard procedure while a validated semi structured questionnaire was used to elicit information regarding the determinants of malnutrition. Indices were expressed as the standard deviation of units from the median for the reference group. Chi-square analysis was used to test significant differences in proportion, and p < 0.05 was taken .Results showed that the mean age of the children was 9.90±1.35. More than half (53.3%) were female. Prevalence of Wasting, stunting, underweight, overweight and obesity were found to be 16.8%, 6.5%, 11.2%, 1.9% and 2.8% respectively. Age of children, family income and toilet facility were the major determinants of malnutrition. Prevalence of malnutrition is higher among under-five male children, particularly between 5-11 months. There should be awareness of nutritional knowledge regarding the feeding practices and habit of the children especially children between 5- 11months. Further studies should be tailored on other determinants factors of malnutrition among under-five children in different locations of the State.

PREVALENCE OF COHABITATION AND ITS IMPLICATION ON UNDERGRADUATES’ ACADEMIC ATTAINMENT AT TAI SOLARIN UNIVERSITY OF EDUCATION, OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Olukunle Olagunju BALOGUN — 2024-05-16

The conscious attitudinal constructs termed “cohabitation” that is displayed by students in tertiary made two people to romantically choose to live together without making formal commitment of marriage. The study x-rayed cohabitation among the undergraduate students of Tai Solarin University of Education, Ijagun Ogun State; and specifically identified factors that are responsible for cohabitation among undergraduate students, related implications caused by cohabitation among undergraduate, various challenges facing cohabiting undergraduate students, and proffered remedies to the implication caused by cohabitation of undergraduate students. The study employed the use of descriptive study to afford access to considerable number of respondents. Four hundred and fifty (450) respondents comprising both male and female students were randomly selected from various colleges and departments for the study. Structured questionnaire with 20 items was used to elicit response from the participants. Descriptive statistical instruments (frequency counts, simple percentages and mean) were employed to analyse the data collected. The study established that conscious and unconscious attitudinal construct (cohabitation) displayed by students in the course of their short stay pursuing academic endavour derails their academic attainments psychologically, and cause great havoc to their wellbeing. Lack of strict rules formulated that are against cohabitation, sexual freedom, inadequate, high cost of hostel accommodation and relevant infrastructural facilities are some of the factors that are responsible for cohabitation among students. Among other recommendations, available, affordable and befitting accommodation should be provided for all students by government and non-governmental organizations.

ASSESSMENT OF THE ROLES OF CO-OPERATIVE SOCIETIES IN POVERTY REDUCTION IN OGUN STATE, NIGERIA

Olatunde Ajayi — 2024-05-16

This study examined the role of cooperative societies in addressing the needs of members and their contribution towards personal development and poverty reduction in Ogun State. The main objectives of this study is to assess the roles of cooperative society in poverty reduction and sustainability of cooperative societies in achieving the goals. The population of this study comprised 1,455 members from twenty (20) registered cooperative societies whose activities cover thrift, loan, and credit facilities. Stratified random sampling technique was used to sample 437 respondents representing 30% of the members of the twenty (20) thrift loan and credit co- operative societies which were used for the study in Ogun East Senatorial district. Findings from this study revealed that cooperative societies in the area of study have been empowering their members through their poverty reduction activities by given financial support to members, to established SME, vocational skills training and educational empowerment. It is recommended that in order to sustain the cooperative societies’ in poverty reduction activities, cooperators needs more enlightens and orientation, develop strategies in capital formation and active involvement in the operations and running of cooperative societies in various communities.