Exploring Factors Affecting Girls’ Education at Secondary Level: A Case of Karak District, Pakistan

The study examined the factors that affect girls’ education at secondary school level in Karak District, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan). All the female heads, teachers and students serving and studying at secondary school level in Karak District constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to only 30 girls’ secondary schools in the same district. In order to ensure adequate representation of the population, 30 heads, 120 teachers and 480 students were selected randomly as a sample. Quantitative descriptive research designed was used. Data was collected through self-developed semi-structured questionnaire designed on five Point Likert Scale. Statistical tools i.e., percentage and chi-square were used for data analysis. It was concluded that there were various factors that affect girls’ education. These were: unpunctuality of teachers; unfeasibility of school buildings; poor financial status of the parents; lack of basic facilities; marriage at early age; lack of parental attention; negative attitudes of parents about girls’ education; illiteracy of the parents; lack of competent teachers; lack of basic facilities for teachers; lack of proper security arrangement; and long distance to school etc. Based on findings, it was recommended that negative attitude towards female education should be discouraged through mass media. Early marriage culture should be banned. Secondary education should be made free and a special programme of scholarships should be lunched for female students. School buildings should be constructed on feasible and suitable places so that majority of the girls may be beneficialized.   Keywords: Factors, Affecting, Girls’ education, Secondary School Level, Karak District, Pakista

Effects of Computer-Assisted Instruction (CAI) on Students’ Academic Achievement in Physics at Secondary Level

The paper was aimed to examine the effects of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) on the academic achievement of secondary school students in the subject of physics. A sample of 46 students of Grade-09 was selected randomly from Government High School Khurram Karak. For data collection, pretest-posttest equivalent groups design was used. Experimental group was taught through computer-assisted instruction technique whereas control group was taught through conventional teaching method. On the completion of six weeks’ experimental process, posttest was planned immediately to examine the level of students’ achievement of both groups. Two weeks later, retention test was arranged to examine their retention. Statistical tools such as mean, standard deviation and independent samples t-test were employed through SPSS for analyzing data. The findings show that computer-assisted instruction has a significant positive effect on students’ academic achievement and retention in Physics. Based on findings, it was recommended that computer assisted instruction technique should be used by the science teachers for stimulating and boosting students’ academic achievement in Physics at secondary level. Keywords: Computer Assisted Instruction, Academic Achievement, Physics, Secondary Leve

Effects of Mild Corporal Punishment on the Academic Achievement of Secondary School Students in Kohat Division, Pakistan

This study was designed to explore the effects of mild corporal punishment on the academic achievement of students at secondary school level. Fifty students from the 9th class were selected as sample through simple random sampling technique. The study was experimental in nature, mild corporal punishment was given to the students of experimental group on showing poor performance but students of control group were not subjected to any type of corporal punishment during the experiment. Data was collected though pre-test and post-test technique. The results indicated that there is significant positive effect of mild corporal punishment on the academic achievement of students. It is very effective and useful in strengthening students’ academic achievement. The findings of the study revealed that mild corporal punishment has a significant positive effect on the academic achievement of students. Keywords: Mild Corporal Punishment; Academic Achievement, Secondary School Student

Managerial Challenges Faced by Fresh Directly Appointed Secondary School Heads in Kohat Division, Pakistan

Purpose – The current paper was specially designed to investigate the managerial challenges faced by fresh directly appointed secondary school heads of public sector in promoting secondary education.Design/methodology/approach – All the directly selected secondary school heads, secondary school teachers and students of public sector in Kohat Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) constituted population of the study. The study was delimited to only 60 male public secondary schools in Kohat Division. Only 60 directly selected secondary school heads, 120 secondary school teachers and 300 students were selected as sample through simple random sampling technique. The study was descriptive type and a self-developed structured questionnaire was used as research tool. Statistical tools i.e., mean, standard deviation and ANOVA were used for the analysis of data.Findings – The research findings indicate that newly directly selected secondary school heads face a number of managerial challenges in schools. These were; negative attitudes of teachers and support staff; incompetencies of teaching staff; absenteeism of teachers and support staff; parental threats; student’s disruptive behavior; unsatisfactory student’s results; inadequate budget; lack of physical facilities etc.Originality/value – The current paper explores the managerial challenges faced by directly selected secondary school heads. Management is the most important area of any organization but unfortunately it was ignored in public secondary schools by the government and not serious in devising policies and strategies to ensure effective management in secondary schools. The current paper will be proved beneficial in bringing a constructive revolution in the management of public secondary schools. The findings of the study will be useful for the head teachers, Ministry of Education and Policy Makers in devising policies and strategies to find out the appropriate solutions to these challenges in order to ensure effective management in secondary schools. Keywords Managerial Challenges; Fresh Directly Appointed; Secondary School Heads; Promoting; Secondary Educatio

Factors Affecting Quality of Primary Education in Kohat Division, Pakistan

Education in general and primary education in particular can bring a revolution in the advancement of a nation. The main objective of the study was to investigate the factors that affect the quality of primary education in Kohat Division, Pakistan. A total of 240 primary school heads and 800 teachers were selected in the same region on the basis of simple random sampling technique. The nature of the study was descriptive and a semi-structured questionnaire was used to solicit responses from the participants. Chi square and simple percentage was employed for the statistical analysis of the data. The findings indicate that lack of educational facilities; insufficient qualified staff; poor supervision and management; political interference; unattractive salaries packages for primary teachers; unsatisfactory evaluation and examination system; poor curricula; inadequate budget for education; corruption; poor implementation of educational policies; lack of coordination between schools and community; parental low socioeconomic status; parental negative attitudes; illiteracy of parents; and lack of in-service training programmes for teaching staff. Based on findings, it was suggested that corruption and political interference should be discouraged. Pre-service and in-service teachers’ training programme should be made effective. Adequate funding should be allotted for the advancement of education. Curriculum should be reviewed and redesigned according to the needs of emerging society. Proper check and balance system might be put into practice effectively. Keywords, Factors, Affecting, Quality Education, Primary Education, Kohat Distric

A Comparative Study of Directly Selected, In-Service Promoted and Online Selected Subject Specialists Regarding Teaching Effectiveness in Kohat Division, Pakistan

The main objective of the study was to compare the teaching effectiveness of directly selected, in-service promoted and online selected subject specialists teaching at higher secondary school level in Kohat Division, Pakistan. The target population of the study was the higher secondary school students in Kohat Division, Pakistan. A sample of 600 students randomly selected from 10 out of 20 higher secondary schools in Kohat Division was used in this study. The design of this research study was survey. A self-developed structured questionnaire was used a research instrument for data collection. Statistical tools i.e., mean, standard deviation, ANOVA and Post-hoc t-tests were used. After statistical analysis, it was concluded that the teaching performance of the directly selected subject specialists was highly appreciable and excellent. On the other hand, teaching performance of in-service promoted subject specialists was found satisfactory while teaching performance of online selected subject specialists was poor and unsatisfactory. Based on findings, it was recommended that at least 75% of the total subject specialists should be recruited through Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Public Service Commission only. Keywords: Directly Selected Subjects Specialists, In-Service Promoted Subject Specialists, Online Selected Subject Specialists, Higher Secondary School Level

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

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

Challenges to Successful Total Quality Management Implementation in Public Secondary Schools: A Case Study of Kohat District, Pakistan

The current study explores the challenges faced by public secondary schools in successful implementation of total quality management (TQM) in Kohat District. A sample of 25 heads and 75 secondary school teachers selected from 25 public secondary schools through simple random sampling technique was used. Descriptive research designed was used and a self-developed semi-structured questionnaire was used for gathering information from the sample subjects. Descriptive statistics i.e., mean, standard deviation and inferential statistic i.e., t-test were employed for the statistical analysis of the data. The findings showed that public secondary schools face a number of challenges in implementing TQM. The results indicated that ineffective leadership; lack of funding and resources; insubordination of workforce; lack of management commitment; poor and ineffective planning; political interference; and poor teachers’ status and morale were the main challenges faced by public secondary schools in implementing TQM. Based on findings, it was strongly recommended that all the educational institutions should be bound by the competent authorities to adopt the philosophy of TQM. A special professional in-service training programme regarding TQM implementation should be introduced so that secondary school heads may be equipped with the modern techniques of successful TQM implementation. In addition, sufficient funding and infrastructure facilities should be provided to each school on priority basis. Keywords: Challenges, Successful, Total Quality Management, Implementation, Public Secondary School