Information Communication Technology Pedagogical Integration in Mathematics Instruction among Teachers in Secondary Schools in Kenya

This paper reports finding of the study that sought to ascertain the extent of ICT-pedagogical integration in mathematics instruction among secondary school teachers in Kenya. Information was sought on professional development experiences and needs in computer technology use in mathematics instruction, the type of computer software used in mathematics curriculum content delivery, the influence of accessibility to ICT infrastructure and technical support, teachers’ competence and confidence on ICT integration in mathematics teaching and learning. This was a descriptive survey of explanatory nature that involved 200 mathematics teachers from schools who were selected using proportionate stratified sampling techniques. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview and observation schedules. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics involving computation of frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics that included Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis. Results show that there is limited use of ICTs in mathematics instruction which is attributed to low self confidence and incompetence in use of ICTs and inaccessibility to appropriate software materials and technical support. There is need to equip schools with the necessary ICT infrastructure including content specific software and technical support. There is also need for professional development of teachers in ICT pedagogy as they require the knowledge and skills to put these tools in practice. Keywords: ICT; Computer; Technology; Pedagogy; Profession; Innovation

An Outreach Experience With Cleft Lip/Palate Surgery in selected Hospitals in Kenya

Objective To describe the presentation and surgical care of patients managed for cleft lips and palates during a surgical outreach program.. Study design A five year retrospective chart study of the patients operated on between January 2005 to the 31st December 2009 in selected hospitals in Kenya. Setting Smile train-facilitated surgical outreach programs at the following hospitals: St Elizabeth Mission Hospital Mukumu, St Francis Mission Hospital, Mwiki, Embu Provincial General hospital , Isiolo District Hospital.and Alupe Subdistrict Hospital. Subjects One hundred and sixty three patients with cleft lips and palates. Results The male female ratio was 1.3 to 1. Left unilateral cleft lip was the most common malformation (34.6% of the patients) with modified Millards repair the most frequent surgical procedure. More than 30% of the patients operated on had attained their fifth birthday. There were eight complications for every 100 procedures. Palatal fistulae were the most common complications. Conclusion The overall pattern of deformity encountered and the morbidity profile correlate with other studies. There is need to intensify more outreach programs to capture younger patients and address the backlog of cleft cases in the community

INSTRUCTIONAL RESOURCES AVAILABILITY AND USE IN EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION AND DEVELOPMENT CENTRES IN BUNGOMA COUNTY, KENYA

This paper reports finding of a study that sought to analyze the availability and use of instructional resources in Early Childhood and Development Education centers in Bungoma County, Kenya. Specifically, the teacher’s perception of the availability and use of instructional materials and its influence on learning was investigated. The research was based on Piaget’s theory of cognitive development 1964. The study adopted the descriptive survey design and involved use of purposive, stratified and simple random sampling techniques to select a sample size of 81 respondents from the target population of educational officers, head teachers and teachers of the selected ECDE centers. Data was collected using questionnaire, observation and interview schedules. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics including frequencies and percentages. The findings of the study showed that there are challenges related to the availability and use of instructional materials. The study is envisaged to provide useful information for the education policy makers to ensure availability of instructional resources for the teachers.  Article visualizations

MATHEMATICS TEACHERS' CONCEPTIONS ABOUT PROBLEM SOLVING AND ITS INFLUENCE ON THEIR CLASSROOM PRACTICES IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN KENYA

The study investigated secondary school mathematics teachers’ conceptions of problem solving and their classroom practices. The study was based on theoretical frameworks represented by Anderson (1996), Ernest (1991) and Bernardo (2002). The study was conducted in selected secondary schools in Uasin Gishu County, Kenya. Simple random and stratified sampling techniques were used to select 20 teachers from twenty schools. Data was collected using questionnaires, interview schedule and classroom observation checklist. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. In general, the results of this study indicated that there was no significant correlation between teachers’ conceptions about problem solving and their classroom practice. The results of this study also showed that teachers tend to hold strong conceptions about problem solving that are consistent with the instrumental view. In view of the findings, it was recommended that in-order to gradually challenge the teachers’ negative conceptions about mathematical problem-solving, adequate educational interventions should be planned and implemented in teacher education programmes and that teacher educators should assist and support teachers in concretizing these conceptions by undertaking reforms at both the pre-service and in-service training levels.  Article visualizations

Examining User Acceptance of Computer Technology: An Empirical Study of Student-Teachers in Kenya

The use of computer technology in schools has made slow progress even though the government has been generous in funding as evidenced in the Kenya Education Sector Support Programme (KESSP). It is therefore important to understand how and when teachers use computer technology in order to devise implementation strategies to encourage them. This study investigated student teachers’ perceptions of computer technology in relation to their intention to use computers. The purpose is to shed light on more effective ways to promote the use of computer technology in schools. Based on an expanded variation of the Technology Acceptance Model, a survey of student teachers’ perceptions were collected at local universities in Kenya. Overall, the results indicated that: (1) student teachers perceived usefulness of computer technology had a direct significant effect on their intention to use it; (2) student teachers perceived ease of use had only an indirect significant effect on intention to use; however, (3) student teachers’ subjective norm, that is the possible influence of external expectations, did not have any direct or indirect significant effects on their intention to use computer technology

Pedagogical Factors Affecting Integration of Computers in Mathematics Instruction in Secondary Schools in Kenya

The paper reports findings of a study which sought to examine the pedagogical factors that affect the integration of computers in mathematics instruction as perceived by teachers in secondary schools in Kenya. This study was based on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM). A descriptive survey design was used for this study. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were used to select a sample of 200 teachers that was drawn independently and randomly from the stratum of secondary schools. Questionnaires, interview and observation schedules were used to collect data from respondents. Data was analyzed using descriptive statistics frequencies and percentages and inferential statistics including one way analysis of variance and regression analysis. The results indicate that mathematics teachers’ use of computer technology is significantly related to pedagogical factors such as knowledge and skills in computer, perceived usefulness, access to hardware and software and technical support and pedagogical routine practice. The study provides a basis upon which recommendations on appropriate remedies can be formulated to enhance the integration of computers in mathematics instruction by teachers. This also provides a guideline for the selection of sound instructional approaches in mathematics instruction in secondary schools. Keywords: ICT pedagogy, instructional software, mathematics classroom

Project Communication and Road Construction Projects Performance in Kenya

The purpose of the study is to assess the effect of project communication on road construction projects performance in Kenya, The study used the following theories as per the variables; Communications theory relevant to the study variable. The study adopted a mixed research design with a target population of 475 and a sample size of 143. Data collection instrument was questionnaire.  Piloting was done to test the validity and reliability of the data collection instrument. Data was analyzed using a Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) Version 27.0. The multiple regression analysis models was developed to establish the relationship between dependent and independent variable. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used to test significance of variance of one variable over the other. On the prediction that Project communication did not have significant relationship with the road construction projects performance in Kenya. A p value of 0.000 was less than 0.05 implying rejection of the null hypothesis in favour of the alternative. Therefore, project communication had a significant relationship with road construction projects performance in Kenya. Based on the findings, the study recommended that communication is one of the most fundamental skills for construction project managers and that considering the vast number of employees working on different tasks throughout a project, confident, clear, and reliable communication are crucial to the success of the project for all parties involved – and it starts with you as the PM. The management should provide a two-way communication that includes sharing information with stakeholders, allowing sufficient opportunities to appeal and building trust with stakeholders to improve teamwork and lead to better project collaboration as poor communication result in misunderstandings, delays, and issues down the road. The finding of the study was important because: it was to assist the government in  strengthening the policy framework and enact laws to govern the road construction industry, Road Construction firms will use the findings of this study to enhance their Total Quality Management (TQM) and hence be able to deliver Road projects on time and within budget, Road Construction professionals like Project Managers(Civil & Structural Engineers) and Road Construction Companies will use the findings of this study in their day to day Road construction project management. Keywords:Project Communication, Road Construction Performance DOI: 10.7176/EJBM/15-17-07 Publication date:October 31st 202

Evaluation of a modified multipurpose cassava processing machine for size reduction

The production of cassava (Manihot esculenta) is considered an important alternative to a reduction in food scarcity around the world. Kenya is rapidly gaining prominence due to the declining production of staple foods, especially maize and wheat. Though still considered a poor man’s food, the usage of cassava has greatly diversified in terms of both industrial and domestic applications. This coupled with the introduction of improved varieties and better farming options calls for innovative ways of handling the increasing volumes of fresh cassava tubers to minimize post-harvest losses. One of the important postharvest processes is size reduction which is achieved by either chipping or grating. Improved production methods alone are not adequate to solve the issues of field losses in cassava production. Factors affecting the efficiency of size reduction operation include operator experience, disc type, disc speed, cutting clearance and moisture content. Conventionally, this has been done manually but due to the inherent problems, the use of machines is being encouraged through the development and adoption of chipping/grating machines. In this study, the machine developed was dual-powered and allowed conversion from a chipper to a grater and vice versa as need be. It has a capacity of 162.15kg/h and 81.62 kg/h when chipping and grating respectively. The chipping process consumed less power averaging 0.0034 kW/kg compared to 0.0075 kW/kg used in the grating and these chips dried faster than manually worked cassava. Keywords: Cassava, post-harvest, chipping, grating, dual power DOI: 10.7176/ISDE/13-1-06 Publication date:June 30th 202

Revisiting the modified Baermann extraction method: extraction efficiency of Radopholus similis using different extraction materials

Open Access Article; 29 Sept 2021In order to determine the threat that plant-parasitic nematodes pose to crop production, it is essential to establish an accurate estimation of their presence. The extraction efficiency from soil, therefore, is a critical step in establishing disease pressures presented by nematodes or the conditions of soil health. To achieve high nematode extraction efficiency, various methods and modifications have been developed over time (Oostenbrink, 1954; Seinhorst, 1956; Harrison & Green, 1976; Viaene et al., 2021) with variations being introduced locally, depending on the availability or access to certain materials

Market arrangements used by small scale bean farmers in Kenya: What needs to change for sustainable trade volumes?

Markets and marketing of common beans ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is a major issue of concern to small scale farmers and other actors in the bean value chain in Kenya, particularly inconsistency in supplying sufficient volumes required for trade. This case study assessed market arrangements used by small scale farmers in the Lake Basin and Lower Eastern bean corridors of Kenya, to determine which markets work for rural producers and what changes are needed to produce and supply sufficient quantities for trade. Using exploratory research, data were collected through Focus Group Discussions with six farmer groups, representing a total of 1255 bean farmers; and key informant interviews with extension staff. The results indicated that 94% of the farmers produced beans before identifying buyers, while only 6% participated in group marketing. Though spot-market transactions with brokers and traders provided ready cash for the farmers, formal buyers were perceived to be more reliable, but difficult to find, and operated the stringent requirements, which were a barrier to entry. Based on the study findings, sustainable production and supply of sufficient volumes for trade should entail a transformation agenda at four levels of the value chain; namely intensification of production through pure stand models with greater use of certified high yielding varieties; stable price guarantees; market-driven research and extension service; and an enabling policy and business environment in the bean value chain. Further research is needed to pilot these changes in a case control study.Les march\ue9s et la commercialisation des haricots communs ( Phaseolus vulgaris L.) constituent un sujet de pr\ue9occupation majeur pour les petites entreprises les agriculteurs et d\u2019autres acteurs de la cha\ueene de valeur du haricot au Kenya, en particulier les incoh\ue9rences dans l\u2019approvisionnement volumes suffisants requis pour le commerce. Cette \ue9tude de cas a \ue9valu\ue9 les accords de march\ue9 utilis\ue9s par les petites d\u2019agriculteurs dans les couloirs de haricots kenyans du bassin du lac et du Bas-Est, afin de d\ue9terminer les les march\ue9s fonctionnent pour les producteurs ruraux et quels changements sont n\ue9cessaires pour produire et fournir suffisamment quantit\ue9s pour le commerce. \uc0 l\u2019aide de recherches exploratoires, les donn\ue9es ont \ue9t\ue9 recueillies lors de discussions de groupe avec six groupes d\u2019agriculteurs, repr\ue9sentant un total de 1255 producteurs de haricots; et entretiens avec des informateurs cl\ue9s personnel de vulgarisation. Les r\ue9sultats ont montr\ue9 que 94% des agriculteurs produisaient des haricots avant d\u2019identifier acheteurs, alors que seulement 6% ont particip\ue9 au marketing de groupe. Bien que les transactions sur le march\ue9 au comptant avec des courtiers et les commer\ue7ants fournissaient de l\u2019argent disponible aux agriculteurs, les acheteurs formels \ue9taient per\ue7us comme plus fiables, mais difficile \ue0 trouver et appliquait les exigences strictes, qui constituaient une barri\ue8re \ue0 l\u2019entr\ue9e. Bas\ue9 sur r\ue9sultats de l\u2019\ue9tude, la production durable et la fourniture de volumes suffisants pour le commerce devraient impliquer une programme de transformation \ue0 quatre niveaux de la cha\ueene de valeur; \ue0 savoir l\u2019intensification de la production par mod\ue8les de peuplements purs utilisant davantage de vari\ue9t\ue9s certifi\ue9es \ue0 haut rendement; garanties de prix stables; ax\ue9 sur le march\ue9 service de recherche et de vulgarisation; et une politique favorable et un environnement commercial dans le haricot cha\ueene de valeur. Des recherches suppl\ue9mentaires sont n\ue9cessaires pour piloter ces changements dans une \ue9tude cas-t\ue9moins