Effects of Classroom Interaction Patterns on Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Ecology

This study investigated the effects of classroom interaction patterns on senior secondary school students' achievement in ecology. A quasi-experiment of the pre-test, post-test non-equivalent control group design was adopted. Three groups were involved in the study. The first group was subjected to competitive interaction; the second group was subjected to cooperative interaction while the third group was subjected to individualistic interaction method. A total of ninety-three students (50 males and 43 females) from three intact classes were used for the study. The Ecology Achievement Test (EAT) was utilized as the data collection tool, with a reliability coefficient of 0.96. Research questions were answered using mean and standard deviation while the hypotheses were tested using analysis of Co-variance (ANCOVA) at a 95% confidence level. Findings revealed that students taught ecology in a cooperative classroom had higher mean achievement scores than those taught in individualistic and competitive classrooms interaction patterns. Furthermore, it was discovered that cooperative classroom interaction patterns had a significant effect on students' mean achievement scores in ecology. It was recommends that biology teachers prioritize the use of cooperative classroom interaction to facilitate biology instruction because of its proven efficacy in advancing students' achievement in ecology. Keywords: Classroom Interaction Patterns, Biology, Ecology, Achievement in Ecology DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-27-02 Publication date:September 30th 202

Multi-criteria decision analysis for the evaluation and screening of sustainable aviation fuel production pathways

The aviation sector, a significant greenhouse gas emitter, must lower its emissions to alleviate the climate change impact. Decarbonization can be achieved by converting low-carbon feedstock to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This study reviews SAF production pathways like hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), gasification and Fischer–Tropsch Process (GFT), Alcohol to Jet (ATJ), direct sugar to hydrocarbon (DSHC), and fast pyrolysis (FP). Each pathway's advantages, limitations, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact are detailed, with reaction pathways, feedstock, and catalyst requirements. A multi-criteria decision framework (MCDS) was used to rank the most promising SAF production pathways. The results show the performance ranking order as HEFA > DSHC > FP > ATJ > GFT, assuming equal weight for all criteria

Influence of Working Relationship between Principals and Teachers on Students Activities in Secondary Schools in Awgu Education Zone of Enugu State

This study investigated the Influence of Working Relationship between Principals and Teachers on Students Activities in Secondary Schools in Awgu Education Zone of Enugu State. Three research questions guided the study. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The population of the study comprised 54 principals and 785 teachers in the public secondary schools in the zone. Purposive sampling technique was employed to draw 28 principals and 252 teachers from 28 non-proportionately selected schools in the zone. A structured questionnaire in three clusters (A-C) containing 25 items titled Principal and Teachers Working Relationship on Students Academic Performance Questionnaire (PTWRSAPQ) was used for data collection. Three experts in Administration and Planning, Department of Educational Foundations and 2 experts from Measurement and Evaluation Unit, Department of Science Education both from Ebonyi State University, Abakaliki validated the instrument. Cronbach alpha was used to test the reliability of the instrument and the whole 25 items returned a coefficient of 0.61. Data collected were analyzed using mean (X) and standard deviation (SD) to answer the research questions. The findings of the study revealed that the mean responses of principals and teachers on the influence of their working relationship on students’ performance in classroom activities was no significant, the mean responses of principals and teachers based on location on the influence of their working relationship on students’ performance in external examinations was not significantly different, and the mean responses of the principals and teachers based on gender on the influence of their working relationship on students’ performance in internal examinations was not significantly different. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended among others that the principals should adopt leadership styles that will foster good working relationship between them and the teachers so that the objectives of the school can be meaningfully achieved. Secondly, workshops/seminars should be organized by the government to sensitize the principals and other staff of the schools on the importance of working as team in the actualization of the goals and objectives of secondary school education. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-36-08 Publication date: December 31st 202

Predictive Validity of Students’ Achievement in BECE/JSSCE in Basic Science on Their Achievement in Chemistry in Some Selected States in the Southeast Zone

This study is on the predictive validity of student achievement in Basic Science in the State Ministry of Education Organized Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination on their achievement in chemistry in Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) organized by West African Examination Council. The study methodically x-rayed the predictive strength of students’ achievement in Basic Science in SMoE – JSSCE on their achievement in Chemistry on SSCE organized by WAEC. To carry out the study, the researchers employed a co relational survey technique as the research design. The sample of the study comprised of 291 students, made up of 134 males and 157 females. These students were drawn from six schools. The selection process involved both purposive and random techniques. Three states in southeast geopolitical zone participated in the study. These States are Ebonyi, Imo and Anambra respectively. Two research questions and two hypotheses guided the study. The hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. Data were collected from the Students Achievement Records (SAR) of the two examination bodies kept in the schools. Hence the SAR is the instrument for data collection. The data analysis was done using Person Product Moment correlation (r) and coefficient of determination (r2). Linear regression analysis was further employed in the data, so as to answer the hypotheses. The findings of the study showed that Basic Science in JSSCE organized by State Ministry of Education is a poor predictor of male and female students achievement score in chemistry when they are jointly considered. It also showed that where as basic science in JSSCE is a significant predictor of female students’ achievement in chemistry; the reverse is the case for the male students. On the basis of the findings, the researchers recommended that, students, achievement in JSSCE Basic Science should not be used as basis for students’ placement in science classes in the senior secondary class. The researchers equally recommended that State Ministry of Education of the study area should recruit and post competent science teachers to both Junior and senior secondary schools. Finally, the researchers equally recommended that the State Ministry of Education of the study area should intensify regular monitoring of schools to ensure teachers’ coverage of science curriculum. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-36-11 Publication date: December 31st 202

Analysis of the Trend of Students’ Achievement in Physics in West Africa Examination Council Organized Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination

This study is on analysis of the trend of students’ achievement in physics in West African Examination Council organized Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). The study methodically investigated the trend of students’ achievement in physics in WASSCE in the South east geopolitical zone of Nigeria between 2015 and 2017 years. To conduct the study, the researchers adopted a survey research design of ex-post-facto method. Specifically the study carefully analysed students’ academic achievement in physics within the period of coverage. The sample of the study is made up of all physics students who sat for physics in SSCE in the zone within the period with a total population of one hundred and eleven thousand and twenty seven (111027) students. Four (4) research questions and eight (8) hypotheses guided the study. From the findings of the study, it was seen that while Abia state presented the least number of students entry, Imo state presented the highest number of students’ entry in the zone in physics in SSCE. Secondly, the zone recorded more than average mean percentage achievement in the high grade pass. Ebonyi state was seen to have recorded the least average percentage achievement and as well recorded the highest number of F9 (failure) grade within the period in the zone. On the basis of the findings, it was recommended that states should continue to support the teaching of physics in schools with provision of funds in their budgets and ensure its release for science programme implementation. It was also recommended that qualified physics teachers should be attracted to teach physics in schools. Finally, in-service training and other incentives should be provided to physics teachers to motivate them. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/12-36-04 Publication date: December 31st 202

Financial Management and Communication as Predictors of Marital Cohesion Among Married Secondary School Teachers in Anambra State of Nigeria

This study explored Financial Management and marital Communication as Predictors of Marital Cohesion among married secondary school teachers in Anambra State. Three research questions guided the study and three hypotheses were tested at 0.05 level of significance. The population of this study comprised of 4836 married secondary school teachers. Non proportionate random sampling technique was used to select a total of 347. The design of this study was a correlational survey design. Data were collected using questionnaire. The instrument for data collection was Financial Management, Marital Communication and Marital Cohesion Questionnaire. The reliability index of 0.88 was obtained using cronbach alpha method. Research questions were answered using both step-wise and linear regression model. Hypotheses were also tested using test of significance of t (sig. of t). The Result revealed that marital cohesion is attributed to financial management; marital cohesion is attributed to marital communication; and that marital cohesion is attributed to financial management and communication among married secondary school teachers in Anambra State of Nigeria. Based on these, the following recommendations were made among others;government should ensure that training programmes are organized for married secondary school teachers on financial management since it is a determinant of marital cohesion among married couples. The researcher also recommended that teachers should be sensitize on the importance of marital communication. Keywords: Marriage, Financial management, marital communication, marital cohesion DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-20-04 Publication date:July 31st 202

Implementation of science education programme for sustainable development in Ebonyi State: a prognostic analysis.

This paper assessed the degree of implementation of science education programme for sustainable development particularly in Ebonyi State, Nigeria. Four research questions guided the study. The study adopted programme evaluation design. The population of the study comprised of all the one thousand and eighty (1080) Science teachers from Abakaliki Education Zone of Ebonyi State and out of which one hundred and eight research subjects were selected as sample through proportionate random sampling technique. The instruments that were used for the data collection were checklist and observation schedule drawn from secondary schools science curriculum. The instruments used for were subjected to validation which was validated by experts from different science areas. The instrument were subjected to test of internal consistency using Kendel-W of Concordance for Checklist and Cronbach alpha for Observational Schedule. The reliability indices for Kendel W Concordance yielded 0.77 0.72 and 0.83 respectively and this was specifically for research question 1-3 and the reliability index for the Observational schedule using Cronbach alpha yielded an alpha index of 0.68. Research questions were answered using frequency and percentages. The study established among other things that; biology, chemistry and physics teachers used at secondary for the teaching of science subjects are not adequate with the specification of biology, chemistry and physics core curriculum to effectively teach the subjects. The study also shows that some of the science instructional materials, some teaching facilities such as classrooms and boards are not adequate with the specification of the facilities in the core curriculum. The study therefore recommended inter alia; that government should fund science programme adequately, since science is the key to development, government and school authorities should endeavour to provide adequate instructional material resources for the teaching and learning of sciences, workshops and seminars/conferences should be organized periodically by government for serving biology, chemistry and physics teachers

Biomethane and propylene glycol synthesis via a novel integrated catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis, carbon capture and biomethanation process

A novel conceptual design for the co-production of biomethane and propylene glycol from integrated catalytic transfer hydrogenolysis (CTH), biogenic CO2 capture and biomethanation reaction was presented in this study. Furthermore, process economics and environmental impact study was performed to appraise the feasibility of the proposed design. The minimum selling price (MSP) of propylene glycol produced considering the overall cost of biomethane as co-product is 1.41 U.S.$/kg. However, if the cost of biomethane was not considered or if the biomethane produced is not enough to yield a yearly revenue then the MSP would increase to 1.43 U.S.$/kg. The MSP of biomethane for the integrated process was 148 U.S.$/MWh. The MSPs of propylene glycol and biomethane were comparable with those of the business-as-usual technology. Factors such as hydrogen donor solvent cost, catalyst cost, electricity price and equipment purchase cost influenced the MSP. Environmental assessment studies showed that the standalone CTH had a higher overall carbon footprint (carbon emissions of 3.7 MM tonnes/yr.). This could be attributed to the consumption of CO2 derived from the process streams via biomethanation process

Multi-criteria decision analysis for the evaluation and screening of sustainable aviation fuel production pathways

<p>The aviation sector, a significant greenhouse gas emitter, must lower its emissions to alleviate the climate change impact. Decarbonization can be achieved by converting low-carbon feedstock to sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). This study reviews SAF production pathways like hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids (HEFA), gasification and Fischer–Tropsch Process (GFT), Alcohol to Jet (ATJ), direct sugar to hydrocarbon (DSHC), and fast pyrolysis (FP). Each pathway’s advantages, limitations, cost-effectiveness, and environmental impact are detailed, with reaction pathways, feedstock, and catalyst requirements. A multi-criteria decision framework (MCDS) was used to rank the most promising SAF production pathways. The results show the performance ranking order as HEFA > DSHC > FP > ATJ > GFT, assuming equal weight for all criteria.</p&gt

Process design, exergy, and economic assessment of a conceptual mobile autothermal methane pyrolysis unit for onsite hydrogen production

The present study proposes a conceptual mobile autothermal methane pyrolysis unit for onsite hydrogen production. Considering the shortage of hydrogen pipeline infrastructure between production plants and fuelling stations in most places where hydrogen is required, it is imperative to create alternative hydrogen production means. The design combines a catalytic plasma methane pyrolysis unit with a steam char gasification setup, combustion, and biomethanation unit for hydrogen production. The reactor design includes Ni - Br in a bubble column acting as a catalyst. Energy and exergy calculations followed by a comprehensive economic analysis were appraised to evaluate the efficiency and performance of the integrated process. The levelized cost of hydrogen (LCOH) from the conceptual design ranged from 1.3 to 1.47 U.S.$/kg, while the proposed design's net present value (NPV) was in the range of 3.76 – 4.35 M.U.S.$. Factors such as equipment purchase cost (EPC) and feedstock cost significantly influenced the NPV and LCOH. In addition, a positive NPV and lower LCOH outline the proposed design's profitability. Finally, an optimized methane conversion of 76.8 % was obtained from the study