Effect of Bloom’s Mastery Learning Approach on Students’ Academic Achievement in English at Secondary Level

Teaching method is the fundamental element of instructional process as fruitful and rewarding outcomes of instructional process depend upon effective teaching methods and that is why researchers from worldwide are trying to find out effective, successful and productive teaching methods at each level. The current study investigated the effect of Bloom’s mastery learning approach on 9th grade students’ academic achievement and retention in English. A sample of forty students of 9th grade randomly selected from Government Boys High School Khurram Karak was used. Due to experimental nature of the study, sample students were divided into two equal groups on the basis of pre-test scores. Pre-test post-test equivalent groups designed was used for data collection. Descriptive statistics i.e., mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics i.e., t-test were used for statistical analysis. After analyzing the data, it was come to light that Bloom’s mastery learning approach has a positive effect on students’ academic achievement and retention. Bloom’s mastery learning approach was found more effective, successful and useful in teaching of English as compared to traditional learning approach at secondary level. Based on findings, it was strongly recommended that Bloom’s mastery learning approach should be adopted by the teachers for enhancing students’ performance in subject of English at secondary level. Keywords: Mastery Learning; Bloom’s Mastery Learning Approach; Secondary School Students; Academic Achievement; Englis

Effects of Eclectic Learning Approach on Students’ Academic Achievement and Retention in English at Elementary Level

The purpose of the research paper was to investigate the effect of eclectic learning approach on the academic achievement and retention of students in English at elementary level. A sample of forty students of 8th grade randomly selected from Government Boys High School Khurram District Karak was used. It was an experimental study and that’s why sample subjects were classified into two equal groups on the basis of pre-test scores. For data collection, pre-test post-test equivalent groups designed was used. Descriptive statistics i.e., mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics i.e., t-test were employed for analyzing the data. After analyzing the data, it was come to light that eclectic learning approach has a positive effect on students’ academic achievement and retention. Eclectic learning approach was found more productive, effective and successful in teaching of English as compared to traditional learning approach at elementary level. So, eclectic learning approach should be adopted by the teachers for improving students’ performance in English at elementary level. Keywords: Eclectic Learning Approach, Students’ Academic Achievement, Retention, Elementary Leve

Factors Contributing to Students’ Unsatisfactory Academic Achievement in English at Secondary Level

The poor academic performance in English is commonly observed among secondary school students in public sector which is a big challenge for the teachers, educational administrators, educationists, policymakers and Ministry of Education. Therefore, the purpose of the study was to investigate the factors that contribute to students’ unsatisfactory academic performance in English at Secondary Level in Kohat Division (Pakistan). A sample of 180 male secondary school teachers was selected from sixty secondary schools through simple random sampling technique. The study was quantitative and descriptive in nature and survey design was used for gathering information. A self-developed structured questionnaire based on five point likert’s scale was used to seek the responses of the respondents regarding factors contributing to students’ unsatisfactory academic performance in English. Statistical analysis was done on the basis of descriptive statistics i.e., mean and standard deviation. The findings revealed that a number of factors contribute to students’ unsatisfactory academic performance in the subject of English at secondary level. These factors were; ineffective curriculum, incompetency of English teachers, under-staffing, unfavorable classroom environment, lack of professional training, unawareness of modern teaching methods, and inadequate teaching learning materials. Based on findings, it was recommended that curriculum should be revised and designed according to the emerging needs of the students. Competent and qualified teachers should be recruited through transparent competitive examination purely on merit basis. English teachers should be trained professionally in modern teaching methodologies. Keywords: Student-Related Factors; Classroom-Related Factors; School-Related Factors; Teacher-Related Factors; Family-Related Factors, Unsatisfactory Academic Achievement, Secondary Leve

A Floristic Description of Flora and Ethnobotany of Samahni Valley (A.K.), Pakistan

The present study reveals a description of floristic features like life form, leaf size spectra and ethnobotany of valley Samahni. This study was carried out during the years 2006-2008, in Samahni valley district Bhimber A.K. (Pakistan), using methods consisting of semi-structured interviews employing a check list of questions, questionnaires, direct observations and biological inventories. It provides information about different local plants and their life form and leaf size spectra. 120 plant species recorded belonging to 46 families. Poaceae is the dominating with 14 members. Among these the most of the plants are used to cure common diseases like diarrhea, earache, fever, jaundice, flu, cough and other skin diseases. Snake bite, wound healing and burning of body part are also treated with local herbs. Many plants are used for multiple purposes like as medicines, food, fodder, fuel, furniture and shelter. Due to deforestation vegetation is eliminating rapidly. But the efforts and knowledge about plant wealth conservation is at initial stages. Megaphanerophytes are dominating followed by therophytes. Hemicryptophytes, Nanophanerophytes and Geophytes come after these respectively. All the types of vegetation depend upon presence of trees. In leaf size spectra Microphyllous are dominant followed by Megaphyllous. This work can be the base for advance research in different fields like phytochemistry, molecular biochemistry and antimicrobial plant secondary metabolites. For further research this ethnobotanical work is very important because it has come into existence with large experience of ancient history

CREATIVE MARKETING STRATEGY AND EFFECTIVE EXECUTION ON PERFORMANCE IN PAKISTAN

ABSTRACT The purpose of the current research is to determine the influence of creative marketing strategies and effective execution on business unit performance. Moreover, strategic orientation and environmental uncertainty are used as moderating variables. Data are collected from 368 key informants working in Fast-Moving Consumer Goods (FMCG), banking, pharmaceutical, chemical, insurance, and engineering industries using a multi-stage random sampling technique. Factor analysis and multiple hierarchal regressions are used to test the study hypotheses. The results indicate that creative marketing strategy and effective execution are positively associated with business performance. Moreover, environmental uncertainty and strategic orientation play a moderating role in the above relationships

Pathogenicity of two seed-borne fungi commonly involved in maize seeds of eight districts of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Pakistan

This study was aimed to evaluate the pathogenicity of two mostly prevailing fungal species on maize (Zea maize L.) from different localities of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. Pathogenic fungi deteriorate food grains by producing mycotoxins and aflotoxins during storage consequently shedding menace on its nutritive quality. There were 12 species of mycoflora associated with maize seeds in the analyzed samples. Fusaium and Aspergillus species were the largest group of seed-borne fungal species present in all localities (87.25% and 82.50%, respectively). Fusarium moniliforme causes ear rot, kernel rot, stalk rot, seedling blight, seed rot, wilt and stunt and Aspergillus niger is responsible for rot of stored grain. These species were tested to determine their pathogenicity to maize seed germination and seedlings. Pathogenicity findings depicted that maize variety under cultivation in the area was highly susceptible to these fungal pathogens as Bhimber (61.5%) and Mirpur (60.25%) zones had more prevalence than other areas of AJK (23.5%). Results show that Fusarium moniliforme had 50.2% pathogenicity on seeds and 6.55% on seedlings, whilst Aspergillus niger had 62.87% on seeds and 11.24% on seedlings. These depicts that mycoflora had significant detrimental impacts on seeds and seedling’s life of maize.Keywords: Pathogenicity, seed-borne, mycoflora, maize, germination, Azad KashmirAfrican Journal of Biotechnology Vol. 12(12), pp. 1363-137

Some reactions of urea and related compounds

In this thesis reactions of urea and its N-alkyl derivatives with monoketones, α-diketone s, enzladehyde, acyloins, diaminoethane and its N-alkyl derivatives, oxidation of alkyl and aryl derivatives of thiourea, nitration of Hector's Base, effect of bases on the adduct of Hector's Base, structural elucidation of Hector's Base, Dost's Base and related compound by the application of spectral techniques, and the reaction of picric acid with creatinine in alkaline media are discussed. Reactions of monoketones (acetone, mesityl oxide, aceto-phenone and benzophenone) and benzaldehyde with urea, 1-methylurea and 1,3-dimethylurea gave white crystalline product These products were identified by proton and carbon-13 nmr techniques, physical, chemical and spectrophotometric methods wherever appropriate. A mechanism for these reactions has been proposed. In all these cases, monoketones (except benzophenone) undergo self-condensation in acid solution and the resulting products react with ureas. In the absence of ureas there is further self-condensation to yield hydrocarbons. In case of benzaldehyde reaction, it is the urea which undergoes self-condensation and resulting biuret, in turn, reacts with benzaldehyde. Moreover, it has been found that at least one methyl group adjacent to carbonyl group is involved in the self-condensation process. If methyl groups on either side of carbonyl group are replaced by phenyl groups (benzophenone) then there is no reaction

Effects of Private Tuition on the Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students in Subject of Mathematics in Kohat Division, Pakistan

Research reveals that private or home tuition after school time plays a crucial role in strengthening and improving student’s academic achievement. The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of private tuition on the academic achievement of students in subject of mathematics at secondary school level. All the students at secondary school level in Kohat Division (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to the students of Government High School Ahmadi Banda Karak only. Fifty students of class 09 were selected as sample of the study. Sample students were divided into two groups i.e. control group and experimental group by equating them on the basis of their previous knowledge in subject of mathematics as determined through a pre-test. Each group was composed of 25 students. Students of the experimental group were engaged in tuition for two hours after school time. The study was experimental in nature therefore, “The pre-test-post-test Equivalent Groups Design†was used for the collection of data. Statistical tools i.e. the mean, standard deviation and differences of means were computed for each group. Significance of difference between the mean scores of both the experimental and control groups on the variable of pre-test and post test scores was tested at 0.05 levels by applying t-test. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers concluded that there is significant positive effect of private tuition on the academic achievement of students in subject of mathematics at secondary school level. Based on the findings, it was recommended that parents should arrange private tuition for their children to move up their achievement level in subject of mathematics

Gender Differentials Among Teachers’ Classroom Management Strategies In Pakistani Context

The main purpose of this study was to get an insight about teachers’ classroommanagement strategies and explore the gender differences among teachers’ classroomstrategies. The present descriptive study was quantitative in nature andmethod was used. All the teachers, teaching in different Islamabad ModelSchools for Boys and Girls, Islamabad (Urban Sector) constituted the population of the. Data were collected from a sample of 126 secondary school teachers, teaching in 10 different Islamabad Model Schools for Boys and Girls, Islamabad, Pakistan. Data were collected via Classroom Management Inventory (CMI), developed by the researcher, keeping in view the Pakistani context. As a result of pilot study, reliability test of the questionnaire reflected 0.947 value of Cronbach’s Alpha, which showed the high reliability of the instrument. From the findings of the study, it was concluded that teachers’ gender affects their classroom management. Female teachers exhibited more classroom management skills on four out of six dimensions of classroom managementthan the male teachers. Classroom management being a challenging and complex task, demand knowledge and skills on the part of teachers. It is recommended that teacher trainings should contribute to such endeavour, keeping in view the gender differentials. Keywords: gender, differentials, classroom management, strategie