IIE Vol. 12 No. 2 (September 2024)

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https://demodspace.chitkara.edu.in/handle/123456789/519

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    An Analytical Comparison of the 8-4-4 and Competency-Based Curriculum Grading Systems in Kenya
    (Chitkara University Publications, 2024-09-09) Felix Chepchieng Aengwo; Ismail Thamarasseri
    Background: Kenya has transitioned from the long-established 8-4-4 education system to the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), sparking widespread debate regarding the effectiveness of their respective grading systems. While the 8-4-4 system primarily emphasized academic achievement through summative national examinations, the CBC emphasizes formative and continuous assessment strategies designed to evaluate a broader range of learner competencies. Purpose: This study aims to conduct an analytical comparison of the grading systems used in the 8-4-4 and CBC frameworks in Kenya, focusing on their effectiveness, strengths, and challenges in assessing learners. Methods: A mixed-methods research design was employed. Quantitative data were collected through surveys administered to 67 participants, including 60 teachers and 7 policymakers. Additionally, qualitative data were gathered via interviews with 13 respondents—10 teachers and 3 policymakers. The survey data were analysed using descriptive statistics, while thematic analysis was used to interpret interview responses. Results: Survey findings revealed that 78% of respondents favoured the holistic and competency-oriented approach of the CBC, with a mean score of 20.23 (SD = 0.92). However, concerns were raised about the inconsistency and resource limitations of the CBC, which averaged a lower score of 16.61 (SD = 2.75). Interviews highlighted the CBC’s flexibility and inclusiveness, as it assesses a range of 21st-century skills such as creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving. Conversely, the 8-4-4 system was appreciated for its structured and transparent grading, though it was criticized for promoting rote learning and lacking practical engagement. Conclusion: While the 8-4-4 grading system provided clarity and structure, the CBC represents a forward-looking approach by offering a more comprehensive and competency-based learner evaluation. Nonetheless, successful implementation of the CBC depends on addressing critical challenges such as teacher preparedness, resource availability, and standardized assessment criteria. A balanced integration of both systems’ strengths could guide Kenya toward more inclusive and effective learner assessment practices.
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    Impact of Virtual Reality Instruction on Secondary School Students’ Conceptual Understanding of Physics Concepts in Dutsin-Ma, Katsina State Nigeria
    (Chitkara University Publications, 2024-09-09) Ahmed Salihu; Abdulmalik Sabitu
    Background and Purpose: The purpose of this research was to find out how virtual reality instruction affected students’ conceptual understanding of physics concepts. Method: This study used a quasi-experimental approach with control groups before and after the test. 117 SSII physics students comprise the study’s sample. chosen at random from two public co-educational secondary schools in the Dutsin-Ma Education Zone. The Physics Conceptual Understanding Test (PCUT) with a reliability of 0.781 was used. Means, standard deviations, and a t-test with independent samples were used to analyze the data (P = 0.05). Result: In fostering students’ conceptual understanding of physics concepts, virtual reality instruction was found to be more effective than the teacher-centered method. The result shows no significant differences in the conceptual knowledge of male and female students. Conclusion: To enhance their conceptual understanding of physics, it was suggested that teachers expose their physics students to virtual reality instruction. It was also suggested that it be incorporated into teacher training institutions’ curricula to enhance the conceptual understanding of both male and female students.
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    Effectiveness of English Newspaper Reading on Reading Comprehension: A Study Conducted on 9th Class Students
    (Chitkara University Publications, 2024-09-10) Sanjay Chandwani; Dillip Kumar Khuntia
    Background: Vygotsky’s theory accentuates the importance of social and cultural context and meaning. The newspapers provide contextual, meaningful, and authentic input that makes it easier to understand the passage, syntactical structures, unfamiliar vocabulary, and social and cultural issues as well. Reading newspapers regularly works towards improving learning outcomes and reading comprehension skills. Purpose: The study was conducted in Malerkotla, Punjab, and explored the effect of gender and English newspaper reading on the reading comprehension of 9th-class students. Methods: The investigator intended to conduct that study on 100 randomly selected students. But during the experiment some students got absent, so investigators decided to remove the 8 pairs of students. In the final stage the investigator performed an experiment on 42 randomly selected pairs with respect to gender. The study employed an experimental research design, with 84 students from two selected schools using a lottery approach. The experimental group received instruction while dedicating 45 minutes every day to reading newspapers under the supervision and assistance of teachers. Mean, S.D., Levene’s Test of Equality of Error Variances, and balanced two-factor (2×2) factorial design were applied. Results: The results showed that there is a significant effect of English newspaper reading and gender on the reading comprehension of 9th-class students. Reading comprehension of 9th-class students was found independent of interaction between gender and newspaper reading. Conclusion: the study indicates that both gender and treatment type significantly affect reading comprehension scores among 9th-class students, with females and the experimental group performing better than their counterparts. Overall, the analysis indicates that both gender and treatment significantly influence the dependent variable reading comprehension, while the interaction between these two factors does not have a significant effect.