Basic theory of educational neuroscience for mathematics teachers – a review

This paper is a review of how the knowledge of educational neuroscience by teachers of mathematics and its inclusion in mathematics teacher education curricula can enhance our understanding of how students learn mathematics. It is premised on studies that point to two of the obstacles that teachers of mathematics face, that is we know almost nothing about how people do mathematics and we almost know nothing about how people learn how to do mathematics. Teachers’ understanding and knowledge of what goes on in the brain and mind as learners grapple with mathematical concepts and facts could enhance the way we teach and disseminate mathematical information. Teachers’ knowledge of educational neuroscience will also dispel neuromyths - a presentation of facts with little or no scientific bases about the science of the brain, memory and learningInstitute for Science and Technology Education (ISTE

Postgraduate and research programmes in Medicine and Public Health in Rwanda: an exciting experience about training of human resources for health in a limited resources country

The area of Human Resources for Health (HRH) is the most critical challenge for the achievement of health related development goals in countries with limited resources. This is even exacerbated in a post conflict environment like Rwanda. The aim of this commentary is to report and share the genesis and outcomes of an exciting experience about training of qualified health workers in medicine and public health as well as setting - up of a research culture for the last nine years (2006 - 2014) in Rwanda. Many initiatives have been taken and concerned among others training of qualified health workers in medicine and public health. From 2006 to 2014, achievements were as follows: launching and organization of 8 Master of Medicine programmes (anesthesiology, family and community medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics & gynecology, otorhinolaryngology, pediatrics, psychiatry and surgery) and 4 Master programmes in public health (MPH, MSc Epidemiology, MSc Field Epidemiology & Laboratory Management, and Master in Hospital and Healthcare Administration); training to completion of more than 120 specialists in medicine, and 200 MPH, MSc Epidemiology, and MSc Field Epidemiology holders; revival of the Rwanda Medical Journal; organization of graduate research training (MPhil and PhD); 3 Master programmes in the pipeline (Global Health, Health Financing, and Supply Chain Management); partnerships with research institutions of great renown, which contributed to the reinforcement of the institutional research capacity and visibility towards excellence in leadership, accountability, and self sustainability. Even though there is still more to be achieved, the Rwanda experience about postgraduate and research programmes is inspiring through close interactions between main stakeholders. This is a must and could allow Rwanda to become one of the rare examples to other more well-to-do Sub - Saharan countries, should Rwanda carry on doing that.Pan African Medical Journal 2016; 2

Implementing blended learning to enhance the teaching of 3-dimensional trigonometry

This study investigates the impact of blended learning on the academic performance of grade 12 mathematics students with a focus on 3D trigonometry in comparison to traditional teaching methods. This research aims to understand the impact of technology on student outcomes influenced by the widespread use of technology in education. The study used an explanatory sequential mixed-method design to collect quantitative data from 381 grade 12 scripts and to obtain qualitative insights through interviews with 30 students and three mathematics teachers. This allowed for a more in-depth investigation of the effects of blended learning on student performance. According to statistical analysis, the results show a notable performance discrepancy with participants in blended learning outperforming their traditional teaching counterparts by an impressive mean difference of 19.2%.  These findings align with prior research emphasizing advantages such as heightened teacher availability, flexible learning schedules and improved problem-solving skills associated with blended learning. The study underscores the crucial role of technology integration in education, particularly in enhancing conceptual understanding and addressing errors in complex topics like 3D trigonometry. It highlights the effectiveness of blended learning in elevating academic achievement in mathematics and recommends its integration into conventional teaching methods. Additionally, the study recognizes the value of digital equity and promotes more access to technology in schools as a means of reducing the digital gap and improving student performance

Contamination and health risk assessment of instant noodles by heavy metals from commercial outlets in Windhoek, Namibia

With growing international trade, food safety has emerged as an important global human health issue. One of the pathways by which extraneous contaminants such as toxic heavy metals access the human system is through food ingestion. At above permissible levels, these metals pose serious danger to human health. Cultivated farm produce on contaminated soil has the propensity to uptake and accumulate such contaminants. In this study, the prevalence and possible human health risks of toxic heavy metals such as Zinc, Cadmium, Copper, Lead, and Arsenic (Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb and As) in selected Instant Noodle Brands (INBs) from commercial outlets in Windhoek, Namibia was carried out. Different brands of instant noodle samples were purchased from four different commercial outlets for four periods with one-month interval. A total of 48 samples were collected and analysed for the level of heavy metals using mineral acid digestion method. Quantification of analysed metals in digested samples was done using Inductive Coupled Plasma -Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES). The mean concentration of heavy metals in the digested instant noodle  samples across the sampling periods ranged from 13.1 – 17.9 mg/kg with overall mean concentration of 14.6mg/kg; 0.05 – 0.5mg/kg with overall  mean level of 0.15 mg/kg; 1.5 – 2.4 mg/kg with overall mean concentration of 1.9 mg/kg; ND – 1.3 mg/kg with overall mean level of 0.4 mg/kg and  2.3 – 3.8 mg/kg with overall mean concentration of 1.4 mg/kg for Zn, Cd, Cu, Pb and As, respectively. A strong correlation (r = 0.99) was obtained  between Zn and Cd levels but average correlation (r = 0.56) between Cd and Cu as well as between Cu and As (r= 0.55). Target Hazard Quotient (THQ)  values greater than 1 (one) was obtained for Pb (1.7) and As (7.3). In addition, Carcinogenic Risk Index (CRI) values of 0.71 and 0.02 were also  obtained for Pb and As, respectively. Of great concerns are the potential development of non-carcinogenic health effects and carcinogenic health  risks with respect to these two toxic metals. Both metals are of no physiological benefits to the human system and very toxic at low levels. Hence,  proper quality assurance protocol and monitoring of the level of toxic heavy metals in instant noodles products is recommended.&nbsp

Integrating Socio-Critical and Problem Oriented Approach to Assess Learner Performance in Acids and Bases in Secondary School Chemistry

The main purpose of this study was to explore the effect of integrating socio-critical and problem oriented approach on performance of grade 11 learners in acids and bases. It also investigated the learner’s attitudes towards chemistry and the benefits and challenges faced by teachers in contextualizing the teaching and learning of chemistry. The design of this study was mixed method design involving quantitative and qualitative research methods together (Creswell, 2008; Gray, 2009). The study was conducted in Luanshya district of the Copperbelt Province in Zambia at three selected senior secondary schools (using rotary). These schools are Luanshya Central Secondary School. Luanshya Girls Secondary School and Mpelembe Secondary school. The sample consisted of all 16 chemistry teachers from the selected schools and 98 learners from two intact grade 11 classes randomly selected from two core schools of the three schools involved. These are Luanshya Central Secondary School and Mpelembe Secondary School.  A non-randomised quasi-experimental pre-test, post-test experimental and control group counterbalanced was used. Chemistry achievement test and a five likert scale chemistry attitude questionnaire was used for quantitative data collection. Qualitative data was collected using audio recorded structured interviews. The experimental group was taught using integrating socio-critical and problem oriented approach while the control group was taught using conventional methods (discussion) method. An independent t-test at alpha 0.5 was conducted to analyse the results of pre-test and post-test. The significant difference in post-test was p=0.003 with mean score difference of 39.7 at t-value of 8.542. Results from the chemistry attitude test revealed that learners had positive attitudes towards chemistry having learner using socio-critical and problem oriented approach. Also qualitative data from interviews was analysed using content analysis technique on excel windows 7. The results showed that teacher’s challenges ranged from topic difficulty to lack of apparatus to use in lessons. Therefore, integrating socio-critical and problem oriented approach in the teaching of acids and bases at secondary school had a positive effect on learner performance. Both groups showed a significant difference with socio-critical and problem oriented approach than with conventional method. Keywords: socio-critical and problem oriented approach, performance, attitudes, conventional method DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/11-23-08 Publication date: August 31st 201

Towards validation of a rational number instrument : an application of Rasch measurement theory

Abstract: The rational number knowledge of student teachers, in particular the equivalence of fractions, decimals, and percentages, and their comparison and ordering, is the focus of this article. An instrument comprising multiple choice, short answer and constructed response formats was designed to test conceptual and procedural understanding. Application of the Rasch model enables verification of whether the test content was consistent with the construct under investigation. The validation process was enabled by making explicit the expected responses according to the model versus actual responses by the students. The article shows where the Rasch model highlighted items that were consistent with the model and those that were not. Insights into both the construct and the instrument were gained. The test items showed good fit to the model; however, response dependency and high residual correlation within sets of items was detected. Strategies for resolving these issues are discussed in this article. We sought to answer the research question: to what extent does this test instrument provide valid information that can be used to inform teaching and learning of fractions? We were able to conclude that a refined instrument applied to first-year students at university provides useful information that can inform the teaching and learning of rational number concepts, a concept that runs through mathematics curricula from primary to university. Previously, most research on rational number concept has been conducted on young learners at school

Rethinking transportation: planning and building resilient systems to meet global externalities “resilient rail infrastructure”

Papers presented virtually at the 41st International Southern African Transport Conference on 10-13 July 2053Rail infrastructure is an important element of the transportation network in Africa, and its importance has been growing over the years due to the increased demand for efficient transportation systems. With factors like climate change, rapid population growth, and urbanisation rate, it is inevitable that there will be shortages of infrastructure in the years to come hence the need for resilient infrastructure. However, rail infrastructure is susceptible to a range of hazards, including fire, which can cause significant damage and disruption. This essay will examine the issue of rail infrastructure resilience in Africa, with a particular focus on fire safety. Fire safety is a crucial aspect of rail infrastructure in Africa and investing in it, enhances resilience of rail infrastructure. There has been an increase in fire related incidents over the past years. This shows a careless treatment of fire safety of the railway infrastructure in Africa and calls for all stakeholders to work together and implement fire safety in rail infrastructure. The essay will begin by defining the concept of resilience and discussing the factors that contribute to rail infrastructure resilience. It will then examine the specific challenges and risks associated with fire safety in the context of rail infrastructure in Africa. Finally, the essay will explore some strategies and best practices for enhancing rail infrastructure resilience in Africa with respect to fire safet

Evolution des syndromes électrocliniques chez des jumeaux dizygotes: De l’enfance à l’adolescence, à propos d’une observation

Les syndromes électrocliniques ont une prédisposition génétique très variable et leur évolution de l’enfance vers l’adolescence ou l’âge adulte n’est pas bien définie. Nous rapportons ici une observation mettant en jeu deux jumeaux dizygotes âgés de 19 ans ayant présenté un phénotype épileptique différent pendant l’enfance (épilepsie avec absences myocloniques et épilepsie-absence de l’enfant) mais une concordance phénotypique (épilepsie à crises généralisées tonico-cloniques prédominantes) au cours de l’adolescence. Cette observation plaide en faveur d’une implication génétique dans l’évolution de ces syndromes électrocliniques

Risk mapping and ECO-Anthropological assessment of anthrax in the upper Zambezi Basin

Anthrax is an acute and invariably fatal zoonotic disease affecting multi-species and caused by a bacteria, Bacillus anthracis. In Zambia, anthrax has emerged as a serious ecosystem disease resulting in mortalities across humans, livestock and wildlife. The disease has had devastating effects on tourism resulting in socio-economic destabilisation of three pristine wildlife sanctuaries, namely the upper Zambezi basin, the Lower Zambezi and the Luangwa valley. Preliminary trend analysis revealed sporadic annual outbreaks in the upper Zambezi basin. Consequently, the thrust of this study was to establish the spatial distribution of anthrax and determine ecological drivers of its recurrence, maintenance and epidemiological linkage to human activities in the study area. Particular emphasis was given to establish an epidemiological linkage between socio-cultural and economic activities of the inhabitants and the incidence of anthrax at ecosystem level. Environmental and biological samples were collected within the livestock production and conservation areas in upper Zambezi Basin (n=80). Questionnaires (n=113) and focused group interviews (n=4) were conducted at independently distinct villages in terms of space and time. Interviewees admitted consuming animals that died from anthrax and consequently suffered from the cutaneous form of anthrax. They were not aware of the fatal pulmonary and gastrointestinal forms of the disease. “Hunger for meat” was the main driver of consumption of anthrax carcasses. Dressing of anthrax where they lay contributed to environmental contamination with anthrax spores which was a major source of primary infection for livestock and wildlife. These anthropogenic activities together with lack of knowledge about anthrax strongly intimated their contribution to anthrax recurrence and maintenance in the upper Zambezi basin. From the samples analysed, fifteen (15) pure isolates of anthrax were obtained which were spatially distributed across four districts. Twelve, biologically plausible variables were found to be highly significant on multivariable logistic regression analysis model for questionnaires which included poor access to veterinary services (OR = 10.87; CI = 4.8-15.9; p ≤ 0.004), herd size (OR = 10.46; CI 8.8-16; p ≤ 0.005), anthrax carcass dressing (OR = 6.9; CI = 3.4-9.8; p ≤ 0.001 and management system (OR = 2.57; CI = 1.3-7.5; p ≤ 0.001). In summary, the majority (78.7%) of anthrax outbreaks were observed in areas with low veterinary services (χ2 = 8.6162, p ≤ 0.013) within the newly created districts of Nalolo, Mwandi and Luampa. This study has revealed that access to good quality veterinary services is critical in preventing anthrax outbreaks. We therefore highly recommend strengthening of veterinary and livestock extension services delivery and establishing a government anthrax surveillance programme for early detection, vaccination and decontamination of anthrax graves within the upper Zambezi basin. In that effect, there is need to embark on public health awareness campaigns aimed at promoting active participation of the general public in the control of anthrax in the identified hotspots and their surrounding areas

An evaluation of secondary school mathematics textbooks in light of sustainable education in Zimbabwe

Mathematics plays a major role in overcoming future challenges, and mathematical skills as well as problem-solving skills might help provide apt solutions to existing and upcoming economic, social and environmental challenges. Textbooks play a major role in mathematics lessons, and they influence how concepts are taught and learners’ understanding of the concepts. The article analysed secondary school mathematics textbooks to find out how they were aligned with sustainable development goals. Content analysis was used to analyse four textbooks that are mainly used in the teaching and learning of mathematics at the secondary school level which are forms one to four in Zimbabwe. The aim was to present how education for sustainable development related content is addressed in the textbooks. According to the findings of the study, the three dimensions (economic, social and environment) of sustainable development goals were reflected in the four mathematics textbooks. Most of the sub-contents in the three dimensions were covered in the textbooks except for climate change, human rights, peace and security, sustainable consumption and narrowing the gap between the rich and the poor