Academic Session Research Articles

Abstracts of Oral Presentations and Poster Presentations: The Sri Lanka Surgical Congress 2023 52<sup>nd</sup> Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka and Joint International Conference with the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh and the SAARC Surgical Care Society; September 14<sup>th</sup> - 16<sup>th</sup> 2023, Colombo, Sri Lanka

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Pedagogy and Technical Implication of Blended Learning in Obafemi Awolowo University Centre for Distance Learning, Nigeria

The study examines pedagogy and technical implication of blended learning in Obafemi Awolowo University Centre for Distance Learning. The research design method used for this study was survey research methods. The population of the study comprises of Two hundred and fifty (250) registered nursing students for 2021/2022 academic session at Obafemi Awolowo University Centre for Distance Learning programmes. The sample size of One hundred and fifty-two (152) respondents was selected through the Krejcie and Morgan sampling techniques to select the sample size from the population. The returned rate of the instrument used to elicit the data from the respondents was 142(93.42%). The instrument used to collect data was questionnaire. This questionnaire was designed on a scale of 4 points Likert. The validity of the instrument was done and the reliability of the instrument was tested through the use of Cronbach Alpha reliability tools to determine the internal consistency of the instrument. The instrument revealed a coefficient of 0.702 which is acceptable. The method of data analysis used was analysis of variance (ANOVA) statistics to test the research hypotheses. The statistical package for social sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. The findings revealed learners technology skill (N = 142; F = 3.543; P = 0.016 @ 0.05).Teaching flexibility (N = 142; F = 0.908; P = 0.439 @ 0.05). Learner self-efficacy (N = 142; F = 0.277; P = 0.842 @ 0.05). Personal commitment (N = 142; F = 2.220; P = 0.089 @ 0.05) are positively significant with the technical implication of blended learning. Hypothesis one was rejected while other hypotheses were sustained. The implication was that learners portrayed certain IT skills which ease their understanding of blended learning. The study therefore recommended that the tertiary institution stakeholders should fund blended learning for both teachers and students. Also, build a supportive technological environment and creating a technical hub for students will lower education costs and promote academic advancement. Keywords: Pedagogy, Technical Implication, Blended Learning and Distance Learning.

The Relationship between Continuous Assessment Scores and Examination Scores of Students Motivated to Attend Lectures

A prominent feature in the pursuance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the learning process in education is the evaluation and assessment of students. As part of the process of evaluating students’ learning outcomes, effective practice of cont inuous assessment is considered capable of influencing other factors that affect the improvement of teaching and learning. We used a strategy of continuous assessment to teach four Basic Science and Technology courses to minimize observed absenteeism to lectures, improve the active participation of students, and enhance learning during lectures. This study aims to find the relationship between the continuous assessment scores and the examination scores of students in the courses using a descriptive/correlational research design. The sample consists of all the students totaling 2,214 who were examined in the courses for three sessions 2010/2011, 2011/2012, and 2012/2013 in the College of Education, Agbor, Delta State, Nigeria. Their examination scores were correlated with the corresponding continuous assessment scores using Pearson’s product-moment correlation procedure for each of the courses in each academic session. All the correlation coefficients obtained are positive and statistically significant at .05% level, indicating a consistent and significant positive relationship between the continuous assessment scores and the examination scores for each of the courses, each academic session, and the overall sample. Based on this result, we encourage the use of continuous assessment in more pragmatic ways to enhance both the cognitive and non- cognitive correlates of students’ performance in courses in tertiary institutions.

Impact of Different Training Methods on Daily Use of Point-of-Care Ultrasound: Survey on 515 Physicians.

Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) curriculum varies among countries. However, the length of training required for physicians is still under debate. We investigated the impact of different training methods: short hands-on courses (STS), long academic training sessions (LTS), or both (mixed training [MTS]), for POCUS daily use and self-reported confidence overall and specific to specific clinical situations. This was a descriptive study conducted over a 3-month period through a Web-based survey designed to assess the influence of different methods of POCUS training among physicians and residents on their daily practice. The survey was sent to 1212 emergency physicians with prior POCUS training; 515 answers (42%) could be analyzed. Participants in the STS group performed POCUS less frequently than physicians in the LTS or MTS group. Daily use in the STS group was 51% versus 82% in the LTS group and 83% in the MTS group ( P < 0.01). The overall self-reported confidence in POCUS was lower in the STS group ( P < 0.01) in all studied clinical situations. There was no significant difference between LTS and MTS groups ( P > 0.05). Method of POCUS training significantly influenced POCUS daily use. Physicians who underwent long training sessions used POCUS more frequently in their routine practice and were significantly more confident in their ability to perform and interpret a POCUS examination.

Digital Literacy and Entrepreneurial Intentions of Business Education Students in Tertiary Institutions

The advancement in technology is revolutionizing the way activities of the 21 st -century business environment are being conducted. It saddening to note that despite the array of opportunities for jobs provided by technology, the high rate of unemployment among business education graduates has continued to be a course for concern. Therefore in a bid to stem this problem that it becomes imperative to determine the correlation between digital literacy and entrepreneurial intentions of business education students in tertiary institutions. The survey design was adopted for the study and the population of the study comprised 338 three hundred (300) level business education students in the 2022/2023 academic session from the four public tertiary institutions offering business education programmes in Anambra State. Two structured questionnaires were used to collect data for the study. The data was analyzed using the Bivariate Pearson Correlation matrix and simple linear regression techniques. Technology skills, digital communication, digital safety, and media literacy were found to be substantially connected with the entrepreneurial inclinations of business education students.

Perceived Influence of Whatsapp Usage on Students’ Academic Achievement in the University of Cross River State

The study determined the perceived influence of WhatsApp usage on students’ academic achievement at the University of Cross River State. Two research questions were asked, two hypotheses were developed, and evaluated at a 0.05 level of significance in order to accomplish the goal of this study. This study adopted a survey research design. Purposive sampling and census techniques were used to select 258 400-level business education students that participated in the study. A validated questionnaire titled “WhatsApp Usage Questionnaire” and approved students' results in Vocational Guidance (BED 4107) for the 2020/2021 academic session were used for data collection. A reliability index of 0.82 was obtained for the questionnaire using Cronbach Alpha statistics after a trial test was conducted on twenty (20) business education students at the University of Calabar. Hypotheses were tested at a .05 level of significance using a population t-test and one-way ANOVA. Research outcome indicates that students’ frequency of WhatsApp usage is significantly high and WhatsApp application significantly influenced students’ academic achievement in Vocational Guidance (BED 4107). In light of the research outcomes, it was recommended, that the school's administration should have a course on time management taught across all disciplines, as this course would enlighten the students on what they should prioritize; Hence, they would be able to strike a balance on the period used on WhatsApp for scholarly work and for leisure.

Usage of Medical Library Resources: A Study in the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal

This paper aims to analyse the usage of library resources, both physical and electronic, in the Central Library of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal. The study was designed to assess the usage of library resources in the Central Library of the Regional Institute of Medical Sciences, Imphal. The library visitor registry was surveyed for statistics. The research is limited to the usage of library resources at the RIMS’ central library during the 2016–2021 academic session. The Library has 645 members registered during the last five academic sessions. The library has a record of 13738 women and 12435 men, totalling a total of 2,6173 users who visited the library during the last 2016-2021 academic years. The highest number of visitors (1179) was recorded in September during the 2019-20 academic year, followed by (1139) in September during the 2018-19 academic year, (1127) in October, (1115) in May during the academic year 2018-19 respectively. A total of 280 users visited the print journals section of the library during the academic year 2016-17, 342 during 2017-18, 356 during 2018-19, 365 during 2019-20 and 109 during 2020-21 respectively. The library has the highest number of visitors (906) who use E-resources recorded in September followed by(827) in October during the academic year 2019-20. The least number of visitors (106) were recorded in January during the 2020-21 academic session. Further, it is found that the highest number of users (6270) visited the library during 2018-19, and only (818) during 2020-21.

Quality assurance in Nigerian technical and vocational education and training institutions: strategies for improvement

Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) has become increasingly important in meeting the needs of the global workforce. The objective is to examine some activities that promote quality assurance in TVET institutions and recommend solutions to any challenges. A hundred and fifty questionnaires were administered only 50 responses were returned. Descriptive statistics was used to analyse the data collected. Results showed that the National Board for Technical Education curriculum is not reviewed regularly and the time span for the review varies from department to department. Also, local content is integrated into the NBTE curriculum. TVET institutions take accreditation seriously, all programmes for departments surveyed are accredited. 96% of the academic staff give feedback to students after continuous assessment and examination. Some equipment for students’ practical are obsolete. TVET trainers do not attend conferences/workshops/seminars as regularly as expected due to lack of sponsorship. Most departments do not conduct industry needs assessment and about 90% are not in partnership with any industry for curriculum enhancement nor job placement. The study concludes, curriculum review should be done at least once in two academic sessions with more emphasis on local content. For quality assurance the accreditation pattern should be improved upon. Also, feedback mechanism must be improved. The obsolete equipment needs to be replaced through increased funding for TVET institutions. For continuous professional development, conspicuous allowance should be provided for TVET trainers for conferences/workshops/seminars. Invariably, ccollaborative curriculum development with the industries is a key to entrepreneurship, and relevance in the work environment.

Managing entrepreneurship education and undergraduates’ job creation propensity post covid-19 in universities in cross river state, nigeria

This study looked at how managing entrepreneurship education affects undergraduates' tendency to create job post-COVID-19 in universities in Cross River State, Nigeria. Specifically, the study assessed the influence e-learning and blended learning on creativity and self-employment among 370 undergraduates drawn from 4,993 final year students of 2021/2022 academic session from all the faculties in University of Calabar and Cross River University of Technology respectively. The study adopted correlational research design. To guide the study, two null hypotheses were developed. A structured questionnaire titled: “Managing Entrepreneurship Education and Undergraduates’ Job Creation Propensity Questionnaire (MEEUJCPQ)”, was designed and used for data collection. Multiple Linear Regression Analysis was used to statistically examine the collected data. Results from testing of the hypotheses revealed that managing entrepreneurship education in terms of e-learning and blended learning has a significant effect on both undergraduates' creativity and self-employment. Based on the study's findings, we assert that managing entrepreneurship education through e-learning and blended learning, individually and collectively, predicts undergraduates' propensity to create job by exuding creativity and self-employment characteristics.

Influence of Inflation on Business Education Undergraduate Students’ Ability to Incur Indirect Costs of Studying in Tertiary Institutions in Rivers State

This study investigated influence of inflation on Business education undergraduate students’ ability to incur indirect costs of studying in tertiary institutions in Rivers State. Three specific purposes posed based on the proxies of inflation related to the indirect costs of studying which are transportation, feeding and accommodation guided the study. Descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Population was made up of 1065 Business Education undergraduate students from year 1 through to year 4 in the four tertiary institutions in Rivers State offering the programme during the 2022/2023 academic session. Sample size consists of 50% of the entire population which was 534. Proportional stratified random sampling technique was used to select the sample size. Primary data was collected using structured questionnaire and secondary data was obtained from the published National Bureau of Statistics monthly CPI transportation, housing utility and food for Rivers State. The instrument was validated by two experts, one expert of Educational Measurement and Evaluation, and the other of Business Education all from Ignatius Ajuru University of Education (IAUE). Test retest method was used to determine reliability of the instrument and Pearson Product Moment Correlation was calculated to obtain r value of 0.86. Data collected were analysed using Simple Linear Regression Model (SLRM) to answer both the research questions and test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings revealed that inflation proxies such as CPI transportation and CPI housing utilities positively influenced Business Education undergraduate’s ability to incur indirect cost (transportation and accommodation costs) of studying in tertiary institutions in Rivers State. The finding also revealed that CPI food has negative influence on Business education students’ ability to incur indirect cost (feeding cost) of studying in tertiary institutions in Rivers State. The findings also revealed that none of the influences were significant. Based on the findings, it was recommended amongst others that Business education students’ association in tertiary institutions in Rivers State should collaborate with their respective Students’ Union Government to request the three tiers of governments to provide respective students with not less than N6,000 lunch allowance as part of their palliatives for subsidy removal till the inflation abate.

Electronic Invigilation Inclusion in Curbing Examination Malpractices Among Postgraduate Students in Selected Public Tertiary Institutions In Rivers State

The study investigated electronic invigilation inclusion in curbing examination malpractices among postgraduate students in selected public tertiary institutions in Rivers State. The study adopted the descriptive survey research design. Three research questions and three hypotheses guided the study. The population of the study consisted of all 9,510 postgraduate students of three academic sessions of three tertiary institutions. Taro Yamane Formula was used for the sample size. The multi-stage sampling techniques were adopted in selecting the sample size of 400. A structured questionnaire titled electronic invigilation inclusion in curbing examination malpractice questionnaire (EIICEMQ) was used as an instrument for data collection. Three experts validated the instrument and Cronbach Alpha Method was used to obtain an average reliability coefficient of 0.83. 400 copies of the questionnaire were administered to the respondents but only 365 were retrieved and used for the study. The items were rated on a four (4) point rating scale; mean and standard deviation were used to answer the research questions while z-test was used in testing the formulated hypotheses. The findings reviewed that there is a high extent of close-circuit television (CCTV) camera, biometric system and signal jamming devices inclusion in curbing examination malpractices among postgraduate students in selected public tertiary institutions in Rivers State. The researcher recommended that tertiary institutions should adopt the use of CCTV camera for surveillance and the recording of examination offenses because the mere presence of CCTV cameras alone is capable of scaring potential malpractice candidates, since they are well aware of being watched, with the possibilities of recorded clips being filed as evidence of malpractice endeavors, tertiary institutions should adopt the use of biometric system in registering admitted students and use same process in identifying the registered students during examinations and tertiary institutions should also deploy signal jamming devices in order to temporarily stop the functionality of cell phones and its usage for unnecessary communications during examinations.

INFLUENCE OF ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION ON UNDERGRADUATES’ PERCEPTIONS OF SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

The obvious environmental, social and economic crises across the globe are a reminder of the need for environmental education in institutions of higher learning to provide undergraduates with the competence to live sustainably and promote the quality of life for both present and future generations. The study examined the influence of environmental education on undergraduates’ perception of sustainable development. The study adopted the descriptive research design of the survey type. The population of the study comprised all the 2,892 undergraduates in 2017/2018-2020/2021 academic sessions in the Science Education Department, Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti, Nigeria. The sample for this study was 120 undergraduates from the Department who were purposively selected for the study. The instrument used for the study was a questionnaire. The instrument was validated by experts in the Faculty of Education, Ekiti State University, Ado Ekiti. The reliability coefficient was determined using test-retest and a coefficient of 0.88 was obtained. Frequency counts, percentages and mean were used to answer the research questions while the inferential statistics involving Pearson Product Moment Correlation were used to test the hypothesis at a 0.05 level of significance. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that environmental education should be made compulsory for all students due to its potential to inculcate in students, environmental literacy for environmental quality and decision-making process to encourage a healthy society and sustainable future, and should be included in the curriculum in order to promote sustainable development. It was also recommended that parents should endeavour to inculcate moral values in their children for hard work, respect for nature, human diversity and gender equity so as to promote sustainable development in any environment they find themselves. It was also recommended that the university authorities need to embrace and intensify the learning of environmental education towards giving undergraduates the requisite environmental, social and economic literacy that promotes sustainable development.&lt;p&gt; &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt; Article visualizations:&lt;/strong&gt;&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;img src="/-counters-/soc/0056/a.php" alt="Hit counter" /&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

Augmented Reality Instructional Strategy on Students’ Performance in ICT in Education Course, University of Calabar

This study investigated the effect of Augmented Reality Instructional Strategy on undergraduate students’ academic performance in ICT in Education Course in University of Calabar. Two research questions and corresponding null hypotheses guided the study. The study adopted a quasi-experimental design. The population of the study consists of all the 200 level undergraduate students, who are offering the course ICT in Education (EDU 203.1) in Faculty of Educational Foundation Studies for 2020/2021 academic session in University of Calabar. The sample of the study comprised of two hundred and sixty-eight (268) students selected using the multi-stage sampling procedures. The instrument used for data collection was a researcher-made performance test titled; ICT in Education Performance Test (ICTEPT). The instrument was subjected to face content and content validation with a reliability coefficient of 0.80. Mean, Standard deviation and t-test and were the statistical tools used in the study. The findings revealed that Augmented Reality Instructional Strategy has a significant effect on the students’ mean performance in ICT in Education. The study concluded that augmented reality instructional strategy is one of the emerging technologies with great educational possibilities and is being incorporated by various disciplines in education at different academic levels. It combines digital information with physical information in real time and with user participation. It was recommended that instructors should adopt the use of an augmented reality instructional strategy in teaching ICT in Education courses so that students could produce better and dependable results.

Abstracts of Oral and Poster Presentations: 28&lt;sup&gt;th&lt;/sup&gt; Annual Academic Sessions of the College of Community Physicians of Sri Lanka

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Informal learning in architectural education through sociomaterial approaches: Towards a network-based pedagogy in design education

Most ethnographic research on architectural education focuses on formal teaching events. It mainly analyses meetings between students and teachers in tutorial sessions, design reviews, and formal presentations. Architectural knowledge, however, is also acquired informally between formal academic sessions. This study focuses on informal design-learning processes within formal architecture academic courses. Our data were collected during eight months of ethnographic study in an immersive masters-level architecture programme. We analysed our data using a macro-level inductive methodology and interpreted our findings using a sociomaterial theoretical approach. This paper offers two types of contributions. Theoretically, it contributes to our understating of informal learning processes in architectural education by demonstrating how different actor network compositions and dynamics affect informal learning. Pedagogically, it re-evaluates the role of the design instructor within a broader context of actors working together to produce knowledge and develops a network approach to design education.

Gender Based Analysis of Students Performance in Nigeria Certificate in Education (Nce) In Integrated Science

The study determined gender differences in the performance of Integrated Science Students in Kogi State College of Education Ankpa. From 2012-2015 academic sessions. The study is a correlational design and was guided by three research questions and one hypothesis. A total of 225 (141 females and 84 males) final year students who had completed the programme of study in Integrated science made up the population of the study. This population formed the purposive sample of the study. The instrument for data collection was the final academic board approved results of the college, mean scores and percentages were used to answer the research questions and Ƶ-test was used to test the hypothesis. The findings of the study among others are; there is a significant difference in the grade mean scores of the female and male students which are 48.7 and 47.7 respectively which implies that gender gap in performance in integrated science is disappearing. This is source of hope for the country and the world in general where gender disparity in performance is prominent.

A forward-looking vision for the path of translation for justice

This study is part of a series of research, contributions, and presentations we conduct in the field of translation, legislation, and linguistic planning. Interested individuals in this field may find that they all share the same title, as we have chosen a common main title for them, which is "Regarding Translation...". Due to the unity of the subject, subheadings emerge for each topic and each study. As part of the ongoing series of academic sessions on translation, I am addressing the subject. This is in line with one of the objectives of the conference, which aims to enhance intellectual perspectives on knowledge and promote scientific and cognitive progress in the Arab and Islamic world. This exclusive research is presented at the international scientific conference titled "Recent Advancements in Cognitive Preservation in Light of Interdisciplinary Studies," which is scheduled to be held at the prestigious University of Fes. Our research topic revolves around the specialization of translation in the context of justice. It is a descriptive study that illustrates the purpose of establishing this important specialized field and the methodology for practicing translation within the context of justice as a forward-looking vision for a pioneering project that concerns translation in the context of justice. The aim of this study is to outline the path for students, graduates, and beginners working in this field as a reference that can be added to the shelves of both digital and physical libraries, accessible to the younger generations for them to explore the accomplishments and achievements in the field within the justice sector. It also serves as an opportunity to become acquainted with this important specialized field within the justice sector and to establish a connection between academic training programs and the job market, catering to the increasing demands of professionals. It is an opportunity to enhance coordination between academics, university professors, and decision-making centers. Therefore, it is an applied study inspired by field experience, aimed at laying its initial foundations and disseminating it as a pioneering experience within the justice sector at the national level and across the Arab world.

Education Perception, Experience, and Anxiety Level Among Undergraduate Dental Students in Malaysia During the Covid 19 Pandemic

Introduction: This study aims to explore the dental students’ educational experience, the protocol consideration after school reopening and their physical health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondly, to evaluate the anxiety level of dental students during the COVID-19 pandemic. Method: A cross-sectional survey was distributed with a hyperlink, reported as frequencies and percentages. A univariate analysis was used to explore the significant associations between demographic variables and anxiety levels. The risk factor was also identified using regression analysis. A two-tailed p&lt;0.25 was considered significant. Results: A total of 333 respondents participated in the survey. Half of the respondents (42.3%) were comfortable with distance learning but worried about passing their examination and completing their clinical requirements. The transitioning to the online course by the lecturer was documented as effective. Despite missing academic sessions, only 15.3% were willing to replace the loss of educational experience. The majority of students (85.9%) believed that masks should be worn in school, but varied perceptions on wearing gloves and frequent COVID-19 testing. For physical health, mostly concerned about contracting the virus after the school reopens. For their anxiety level, nearly half have mild (n=99), moderate (n=55), and severe (n=36) levels. The factors were mainly associated with gender, household income, type of university, and respondent’s accommodation. Conclusion: As positive feedback was recorded towards online learning, constant improvement is needed to ensure the possibility of hybrid learning, even after the pandemic. The physical and psychological health of dental students should be a priority, to ensure a smooth transition during these unprecedented circumstances.

Developing academic coaches: The efficacy of psychometric tests for cultivating ‘business ready’ graduates

This scientist-practitioner study investigated the effectiveness of psychometric-informed academic coaching sessions for cultivating ‘business ready’ graduates. Sixty undergraduate student coaches consented to evaluate the academic coaching provision, which comprised both coaching sessions and materials. Materials included Business Graduate Work Readiness Scale (BGWRS), Occupational Interests Profile (OIP), and Competency Evidence Log (CEL); provided by 10 trained academic coaches, trained in coaching skills, and psychometric test use. Multi-methods were used to gather data. This included a focus group interview, reflective essays, and evaluation forms. Findings suggest that psychometric knowledge helped to raise coach’s self-awareness, and understanding of careers that would fit their personality, including the knowledge and skills they should develop to ensure their readiness.

Socio-family Factors Predictive of Adaptative Coping Post COVID-19 Pandemic in Nursing Students from a Private University.

To identify socio-academic and family functionality factors - communication, cohesion, and flexibility - as predictive stimuli of adaptive coping of nursing university students in the post-COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional descriptive study with stratified random sampling, with participation by 416 Nursing students from a private university in Pereira (Colombia), who answered a self-completed sociodemographic characterization survey, the Olson et al., communication scale, FACES III scale to assess family cohesion and flexibility, and the Calixta Roy CAPS scale to assess coping and adaptation capacity. Binary logistic regression and Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit were performed to determine predictors of success, using SPSS v.26. The profiles of the participants showed a higher proportion of women (78.4%), ages between 21 and 30 years (57.5%), young people who study and work (60.1%), and those who have an academic session on Friday and Saturday (67.5%). Nursing students perceive that their families communicate efficiently and satisfactorily (85.8%), have strong cohesion with a tendency towards attachment (73.6%) and flexibility, show a tendency towards chaos (70.7%) and have adaptive coping (48.5%). The success predictors for adaptive coping were female sex (p=0.007), academic session Friday and Saturday (p=0.042), occupation, study, and work (p=0.026), socioeconomic strata 4.5 and 6 (p=0.041), good or very good communication (p=0.001), balanced family cohesion (p = 0.048), and balanced family flexibility (p=0.039). This study found that good family functionality and having adequate socioeconomic conditions were predictors of higher coping and adaptation capacity during the COVID-19 pandemic in the nursing students who participated in the study.