A high-resolution reconstruction of climate variability at Lagoa Negra Lake Flores, Azores

Master's Thesis in Earth ScienceGEOV399MAMN-GEO

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

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

Factors Contributing to Truancy Among Secondary School Students in Karak District, Pakistan

The current research paper investigated the factors contributing to truancy among secondary school students in Karak District, Pakistan. A sample of 150 secondary-school-teachers was used for gathering required information regarding factors contributing to truancy among secondary- school-students. The study was descriptive and a self-developed structured questionnaire based on five point likert’s scale was used to seek the responses of the respondents. Statistical tools i.e., mean and standard deviation were applied. The findings revealed that electronic media factors are the most influential factors contributing to truancy. Furthermore, family background factors, students’ factors, peer group factors, and school environment factors were also found contributory to students’ truancy. On the other hand, teacher factors were found the least contributory factors to students’ truancy. Based on findings, it was recommended that children should not be permitted to use electronic devices. Friendly, encouraging and facilitated environment in school and home might be ensured for students. Keywords: Electronic Media Factors; Students Factors; Family Factors; School Factors; Teacher Factors; Peer Factors; Truancy; Secondary School Students

Occupational Stress among Secondary School Heads: A Gender Based Comparative Study

The purpose of the study was to examine and compare the occupational stress of male and female secondary-school-heads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All the male and female secondary school heads working in pubic secondary schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa constituted the population of the study. A total of 402 secondary school heads were selected as sample through multistage sampling technique in which 260 were males and 142 were females. Descriptive and quantitative survey research design was used. To seek the responses from the participants, a standardized tool i.e., “Occupational Stress Index (OSI)” was used. For statistical analysis, proper descriptive statistics i.e., mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics i.e., independent samples t-test were employed through SPSS. The findings revealed that both male and female secondary school heads were found occupationally stressful with respect to role overload, role conflict, strenuous working condition, unreasonable group & political pressure, under participation, and unprofitability. Comparatively, there was no significant difference between the overall occupational stress of male and female secondary school heads. Based on findings, it was recommended that Elementary & Secondary Education Department should have a collaboration with policymakers to develop comprehensive strategies for stress reduction for secondary school heads so that they may perform their duties effectively.Keywords: comparative study, gender based study, occupational stress, secondary school head

Physio-Chemical Characterization of Biochar, Compost and Co-Composted Biochar Derived from Green Waste

Organic wastes are naturally biodegradable, but they contribute to environmental pollution and management issues. Composting and pyrolysis are widely used technologies for recycling these wastes into valuable organic products for soil health and crop production. In the current study, fruits vegetables waste (FVW) was converted to biochar, compost, and co-composted biochar. The microcrystal structure, functional groups, surface morphology, and nutrient contents of organic materials were investigated by XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDS, AAS, multi C-N analyzer, and ICP-OES techniques. Heavy metals contamination was not detected in the biomass used for pyrolysis and compost preparation. FVW had an acidic pH (5.92), while biochar, compost, and co-composted biochar had an alkaline pH. Total macronutrient (K, Na, S) and micronutrient (Cu, Fe) concentrations were higher in compost and co-composted biochar, with the exception of K, which was higher in biochar. Biochar had the highest surface area (4.99 m(2)g), followed by FVW, compost, and co-composted biochar. Co-composted biochar had a porous structure. Si, Ca, and Al contents were common in all organic materials, while P, K, Mg, and S were found with lower concentrations in both biochar and compost. Iron was only found in compost and co-composted biochar. Quartz, sylvite, and calcite were common minerals found in all organic treatments. Biochar contained more aromatic carbon ring structure C=C/C=O and aromatic C-H bending as compared to FVW and compost, thus, making biochar a stable carbon rich material suitable for soil carbon sequestration

Empirical Study of the Impact of Brand Name on Market Performance through Sustainable Competitive Advantage and Brand Loyalty as Moderator in Pakistani Context

This research examined the impact of sustainability based marketing asset (e.g., brand name) on market performance through the sustainable competitive advantage and with the moderating effect of brand loyalty. The data was collected from 360 respondents who were customers of hotels/restaurants, on likert scale from 1= strongly disagree to 5 = strongly agree that was used to empirically test the hypotheses. Primarily the current research is carried out to know the relationship among the brand name, brand loyalty, sustainable competitive advantage and market performance in Pakistani hotel/restaurants industry. The current research is conducted through questionnaire-based survey from individuals who were the customers of hotel/restaurants in Pakistan. Structural equation modeling technique is adopted through AMOS version 23. The results of the research show that sustainable competitive advantage partially mediates the relationship between brand name and market performance and brand loyalty moderates the relationship between sustainable competitive advantage and market performance. The results of this research are beneficial for the service industry and help the marketers in formulating their marketing strategies to attract the more and more customers toward service industry. In addition, according to researcher knowledge sustainable competitive advantage was not studied as a mediator between sustainability-based marketing asset (e.g., brand name) and market performance and brand loyalty as a moderator between sustainable competitive advantage and market performance before this study