Achievement Test Research Articles

The Effect of Modelling Instruction on the Interest and Achievement of Lower Basic 5 Special Needs Pupils in Special Needs Schools in Abia State, Nigeria

The study investigated the effect of modelling instruction on the interest and achievement of lower basic 5 special needs pupils in special needs schools in Abia state, Nigeria. The study employed a quasi-experimental design with pretest, posttest non randomised control group using 2x2 factorial matrix, and gender as moderating variable. Two intact class of lower basic 5 special needs pupils were used for the study and were assigned as experimental and control groups. The experimental group consisted of 12 pupils’ and control group 15 pupils. Data were collected using a 34-item multiple choice Home Economics Achievement Test (HEAT). The questionnaire contained 10 Likert-type questions on interest scale. The instrument was subjected to face and content validation. Face and content validation were carried out by three experts. The internal consistency aspect of the reliability of the instrument was determined using Kuder Richardson (K-R20) formula which yielded an index of 0.81 indicating that the instrument was highly reliable. The experiment which lasted for six weeks was carried out with the assistance of the regular Home Economies teachers in the sampled schools. The HEAT was used to collect data for the Pre-Test, and Post-test and the retention tests. The data collected from the pupils were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the three research questions that guided the study, while the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the three null-hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results among others showed that pupils’ Modelling teaching strategy has had an increasing and significant mean score difference on interest scores and achievement scores of primary five special needs pupils’ when taught Home Economics using Modelling teaching strategy and those taught using lecture method. Furthermore, gender has no significant effect on primary five special needs pupils’ taught Home Economics using modelling teaching strategy and those taught using lecture method. It is recommended that Government and relevant professional bodies should pay more attention to special needs schools by providing the needed instructional materials for better instructional delivery.

Editorial

E ngā kaipānui o Set: Research Information for Teachers, kia ora, kia kaha, kia māia. Ko tēnei te wā o Whiringa-ā-Nuku. The sun is trying its best to warm the ground, still with a chill in the air. This issue aims to provide some warm support to teachers who have received crisp directions over the winter months on how to structure teaching and learning. Two commissioned supporting articles provide the bookends. For Q&A I asked the lead developer of social and emotional learning resources for teachers, Aha and Oto, to share her wisdom. Cat Lunjevich explains how collaborating with researchers, schools, and their communities influenced the design of the cards and the support they provide for teachers to foster social and emotional learning. For Assessment News I asked the Progressive Achievement Tests’ (PAT) Assessment Services and Education Advisory team to explain how they will support schools to manage the Ministry of Education’s new assessment requirements. Ben Gardiner and advisers draw on the concept of wayfinding to understand each school’s starting point and guide them toward their preferred destination. The article follows up the previous edition of Assessment News, which outlined the position of the New Zealand Council of Educational Research (Darr and Cosslett, 2024) on potential policy directions prior to the Ministry’s July announcement. Between the two bookends readers will find articles across Practitioner Inquiry, He Rangahau Whakarāpopoto, and He Whakaaro Anō.

The Effectiveness of Graphic Organizers in Fostering the Learning of Chemical Bonding in Chemistry

Graphic Organizers are visual and graphic display that illustrates the correlations between facts, terms, and ideas with a learning task. Integrating Graphic Organizers can enhance the efficiency of the teacher's delivery of lessons and students' learning. However, no study had been conducted in using graphic organizers in the process of teaching and learning. Therefore, this explanatory mixed-method study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of Graphic Organizers in teaching Chemical Bonding to grade nine (n=98) students in Samtse Dzongkhag, Bhutan. The study's main objective was to compare the academic achievement of the control group (n=53) and experimental group (n=45) and also to investigate students' and teachers' (n=6) perceptions of using Graphic Organizers in teaching and learning Chemistry over four weeks. Learning achievement tests (pre-test and post-test), semi structured interviews, and survey questionnaires were used to collect the quantitative data and qualitative data. The independent sample t-test analysis of the post-test scores revealed a statistically significant difference between the control group and the experimental group with a mean difference value of 1.17 (p=0.017), indicating that the use of Graphic Organizers improved the students' learning achievement which was also reflected in the qualitative data gathered through interview and survey questionnaire. As a result, this study strongly suggests the use of graphic Organizers as a teaching and learning tool to improve students' academic performance in Chemistry.

The Effect of Scaffolding Teaching Strategy on the Achievement and Retention of Lower Basic 5 Special Needs Pupils in Abia State, Nigeria

The study investigated effect of Scaffolding Teaching Strategy on the Achievement and Retention of Lower Basic Five Pupils' in Special Needs Schools in Abia State, Nigeria. The study was a quasi-experimental research design. The study determined the difference in the mean achievement and retention scores of lower basic five male and female students taught Home Economics using scaffolding teaching strategy and those taught using lecture method. Three research questions and three null hypotheses guided the study. The sample consisted of 40 lower basic five pupils drawn from the population of 309 special needs pupils, using stratified simple random sampling technique. Home Economics Achievement Test (HEAT) which contained 34 multiple-choice questions and four options: three distractors and one correct answer, with stability of reliability index of 0.81 was used for data collection. The data collected from the pupils were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer the three research questions that guided the study, while the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null-hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The results revealed that scaffolding teaching strategy independently had increasing effect on the pupils’ academic achievement and retention in Home Economics respectively, having recorded higher mean gain than those in control group. It also showed that scaffolding teaching strategy independently had more increasing effect on the male pupils’ academic achievements and retention in Home Economics respectively than on the female pupils.

Development of Mathematics Achievement Test Using Item Response Theory.

Development of Mathematics Achievement Test Using Item Response Theory.

EnhancingStudents’Future Problem-solvingSkills for Educational InternshipPreparation

The goal of this study was to assess the future problem-solving skills of students as they prepare for an educational internship program. The research used an experimental design and involved five universities in Indonesia. There were a total of 10 class groups, with five acting as control groups and five as experimental groups. The study included 300 students and five prerequisite course lecturers, and a random sampling technique was employed. Three instruments—a problem-solving test, a future problem-solving test, and a standardized achievement test—were administered to all participating students. The results indicated that the design of educational internship prerequisite courses with a future problem-solving approach significantly impacted students' ability to come up with original problems. However, it did not improve the contextuality, complexity, and diversity of issues proposed. The study focused on designing, implementing, and evaluating prerequisite courses for educational internships to improve problem-solving skills, future problem-solving skills, student beliefs about the physical education and health teaching profession, and attitudes toward posing academic problems as future educators. Additionally, the study developed a framework for teaching and assessing problem submission.

Investigating pre-tertiary students’ mistakes in solving algebraic word problems: Insights from Asutifi North District, Ghana

Algebra word problems inculcate in learners the skills and ability to think critically and look for answers to problems in society and the world. Using an explanatory sequential mixed design, the study investigated the errors made by pre-tertiary students in algebraic word problems in a selected school in the Asutifi North District of the Ahafo Region of Ghana. Whereas the Newman Error Analysis Model was used to find the types of errors students make when translating and solving algebraic word problems, protocols from topics relating to the study were carefully selected and used as interview guides alongside inspiration from the Newman Error Analysis Model. Quota and simple random sampling techniques were used to select ninety-eight (98) respondents. The Algebraic Word Problem Achievement Test (AWPAT) was given to the ninety-eight students who had studied several topics on word problems, followed by a structured interview to elicit more information from the respondents. The scores gained from the marked test items illustrated that students made more transformation errors, which happened indirectly from a lack of understanding of the concept. A careful analysis of the written responses of the five (5) students interviewed also revealed that, lack of comprehension directly translated into students’ inability to transform algebraic word problems into mathematics equations. In the same vein, the study showed that the main cause of students’ failure to translate and solve algebraic word problems was students’ lack of understanding of the concept of “word problem” among others. The study recommends that students be motivated by encouragement and praise to arouse their interest in translating and solving algebraic word problems.

The Impact of an Instructional Package Based on a Virtual Lab on the Achievement of First-Grade Intermediate School Students in Chemistry

The current research aims to identify the impact of an instructional package based on a virtual lab on the achievement of first-year intermediate school students in chemistry. To achieve the research objective, the following null hypothesis was formulated: "There is no statistically significant difference at the 0.05 level of significance between the mean scores of the experimental group students who study according to an instructional package based on a virtual lab and the mean scores of the control group students who study according to the traditional method in chemistry achievement." The quasi-experimental design with partial control (an experimental group and a control group) with unequal numbers and a post-test in achievement was chosen. The sample consisted of 66 students from Al-Qadisiyah Intermediate School for Boys, selected randomly. The experimental group consisted of 34 students who studied according to the instructional package based on a virtual lab, and the control group consisted of 32 students who studied according to the traditional method. The experimental and control groups were equalized in terms of variables: age (in months), general average grades for the sixth grade, prior knowledge, and parental education level. A total of 24 daily teaching plans were prepared for both the experimental and control groups. The teaching plans for the experimental group were organized according to an instructional package based on a virtual lab, while the teaching plans for the control group were organized according to the traditional method. The data were statistically processed using the SPSS package for two independent samples with unequal numbers. The results showed that the experimental group, which studied according to the instructional package based on a virtual lab, outperformed their peers in the control group, who studied using the traditional method in the achievement test. Therefore, the current study recommends using an instructional package based on a virtual lab in teaching chemistry and suggests conducting further studies on different stages and subjects to identify its impact on various variables.

Mathematics Self-Efficacy and Study Habit as Predictors of Achievement of Senior Secondary School Students

This study therefore looked at Mathematics Self-Efficacy and Study Habit as Predictors of Academic Achievement of Senior Secondary School Students in Ijebu Ode Local Government Area, Ogun State, Nigeria. Three hypotheses that were examined at the 0.05 significance level served as the study's compass. Descriptive survey was used, 500 students sampled from 10 senior secondary schools in Ijebu ode using simple random sampling techniques. mathematical achievement test, study habit scale, and self-efficacy scale constitute the instruments, validated and demonstrates reliability coefficients of 0.78, 0.81 and 0.86. The results shows that self-efficacy and study habit will accurately forecast students' academic success in mathematics (F =38.328, p < 0.05 & F =35.011, p < 0.05) and jointly predict students' proficiency in mathematics (F = 49.136, p < 0.05). The conclusion derived is that both Study habits and self-efficacy are significant predictors of academic achievement of senior secondary school students in mathematics.

Improving Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Chemistry Through Interaction Pattern Approach

The study determined the effect of interaction pattern approach on secondary students’ achievement in Chemistry. The study was carried out in Awka South Local Government Area of Anambra State. The study employed a quasi-experimental research design. Specifically, the pre-test, post-test non-equivalent control group design was used. A sample size of 112 (45 male & 67 female) out of the 1,522 senior secondary two (SS2) Chemistry students was selected using purposive and simple random sampling techniques. A 50 multiple-choice objective items Chemistry Achievement Test (CAT) developed by the researchers was the instrument used for data collection. The reliability index of 0.92 was obtained for CAT using Kendall’s Coefficient of Concordance (w). Data were analysed mean and standard deviation to answer the research questions and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) to test the hypotheses at 0.05 level of significance. The findings of the study revealed that interaction pattern approach (IPA) significantly improves students’ achievement in Chemistry than the conventional lecture approach (CLA). Gender has no significant influence on students’ achievement in chemistry when taught using IPA. Also, there is no significant interaction effect of instructional approaches and gender on students’ achievement in chemistry. Based on the findings, it was recommended that chemistry teachers should make use of IPA to improve students’ achievement in the subject and promote gender friendly chemistry teaching and learning.

The Effect of Semantic Mapping Strategy on EFL Preparatory School Students' Higher Thinking Skills

Literary text usually begins with a writer’s need to convey his or her personal vision to reader. Even when a writer uses factual material, historical documents newspaper stories, personal experience his or her primary purpose is not just to convey information but to give a unique view of experience, one that has significance beyond the moment. Literature is the news that stays news. To convey his or her view of experience, invents characters, and creates dialogue. In order to solve this problem, the teacher should have creative activity, and semantic mapping strategy can be an alternative way as a learning and make students enjoy and easy to write. The present study aims at; 1) finding out whether there is any significant difference between students' achievement at the recognition level on one hand, and their achievement at the production level, on the other hand. 2) Finding out EFL preparatory school students' ability to identify figurative language, recognize and be aware of other cultures, and higher thinking skills. A sample of (60) students has been randomly selected from Iraqi EFL fourth year preparatory school students who study ‘Literature Focus’ at Al-Manahil school for boys in the city of Tikrit during the academic year 2023/2024. The sample represents (25.60%) percent of its original population and is divided into two equal groups, i.e. the experimental and control groups. Both groups have been equalized in their age, the parents’ educational attainments, and their scores in English language subjects in the previous year of the academic year (2022-2023). An achievement test of six question is constructed, validated, its reliability is obtained, it is items have been analysed and then applied to the two involved groups of the study. The results show that SMS is more effective than using the conventional method for organizing, clarifying, or simplifying complex information.

Effect of 2-PL and 3-PL Models on the Ability Estimate in Mathematics Binary Items

The investigation delves into examining the influence of 2-parameter logistic (PL) and 3-parameter logistic models on the ability estimates of students in mathematical binary items. It ascertained the parameters of the items in the 2-PL and 3-PL models. We employed Item Response Theory (IRT) in the design of this research survey, with a sample comprising 1015 senior secondary (SS) students in SS III classes who were analyzed using both models in the investigation. The Mathematics Achievement Test instrument was adapted from the General Mathematics Paper 1 of the Senior School Certificate Examination administered by the West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC). Results indicated that the 2-PL model shows lower difficulty levels but higher discriminatory indices. Statistical analysis revealed a significant (F = 19.52, p < 0.05 and F = 18.52, p < 0.05) effect of both models, respectively, on ability estimates in mathematics binary items among Nigerian secondary school students. We established that item parameters in the 2-PL and 3-PL models significantly affected the ability estimate of Nigeria secondary school students in binary mathematics items, while the 3-PL model provided a better ability estimate than the 2-PL model.

The Effect of Kagan Models on the Achievement of First-Grade Intermediate Female Students in Biology

The research aimed to investigate the effect of Kagan models on the achievement of first-grade intermediate female- students in biology. The sample consisted of 84 students, divided into two groups: an experimental group of 42 students and a control group of 42 students. The experimental method was used for two independent and equivalent groups, with one group taught according to the Kagan models and the other taught using the traditional method. The experiment was conducted at Al-Jameaa Secondary School for Girls for a full academic semester. To verify the research hypothesis, an achievement test consisting of 36 multiple-choice questions was applied. The results showed a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group.

Improving Elementary Students’ Computational Thinking Skills through an Educational Robot Intervention: A Quasi-Experimental Study

Globally, many educational institutions recognize the importance of computational thinking and have begun incorporating it into primary education. Educators cultivate students’ computational thinking skills through block-based programming; however, a lack of digital learning tools that offer real interaction may negatively impact students’ computational thinking learning performances. This study proposes a cost-effective, block-based, programmable computational thinking educational robot developed using the open-source Arduino platform, combined with Android application development. This robot is specifically designed for use in elementary computational thinking education. To assess the impact of the proposed approach on elementary students’ learning achievement, motivation, and attitudes towards computational thinking education, a quasi-experimental design with control and experimental groups was implemented in the computational thinking curriculum at an elementary school. The experiment was conducted over a period of three weeks and involved two classes of students and one teacher. The control group engaged in computational thinking learning activities using computers, while the experimental group completed computational thinking learning activities using the computational thinking educational robot and application developed in this study. Data were collected through prior knowledge tests of computational thinking, learning motivation and attitude questionnaires, and computational thinking achievement tests completed by the students. The results indicate that the experimental group outperformed the control group in learning achievement, motivation, and attitudes, demonstrating that physical interaction in learning can effectively enhance learning performances.

The Effect of Question Answer Relationship Strategy on Iraqi EFL Intermediate Pupils’ Reading Comprehension

The Question Answer Relationship strategy is useful for teaching pupils how to understand and reply of several forms of the questions. Understanding that some questions have “Right There” solutions in the text, that others require the reader to “Think and Search,” and that others can only be answered “On My Own” helps pupils recognize the importance of thinking about the topic before finding the answer. The aims of the current study are finding out the effect of Question Answer Relationship strategy on Iraqi EFL intermediate pupil’s achievement and finding out the effect of Question Answer Relationship strategy on developing Iraqi EFL intermediate pupil’s reading comprehension. The aims of the study are supposed to be achieved through verifying the following hypothesis: There are no statistically significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental group which is taught by question answer relationship strategy and the control group who is taught by prescribed method in pupil’s post achievement test . The second hypothesis states that there is no statistical significant differences between the mean scores of the experimental group in pre and post reading comprehension test. The sample of the current study consists of (60) pupils from the second grade at Karam AL Rahman Intermediate School for Boys is chosen at random to be the sample of the study. The sample is split into two groups: one for the experiment and the other is for the control. Both groups are similar in terms of their age, parent’s educational level and previous year’s English language scores. The experiment lasted for ten weeks ,the researcher taught the two groups during the academic year 2022-2023. To analyze the obtained data, different statistical means have been used T-test, Weighted mean to measure the pupils’ achievement. After the statistically treatment of the data.

IMPROVING SOCIAL STUDIES LEARNING ACHIEVEMENT THROUGH THE APPLICATION OF E-COMIC LEARNING MEDIA

The aim of this research is to improve student learning achievement in social studies subjects through the application of e-comic learning media. The data collection method is a learning achievement test. The data analysis method is descriptive for both qualitative data and quantitative data. The results obtained from this research are that the application of e-comic learning media can improve student learning achievement. This is evident from the results obtained initially reaching an average value of 60.76, in cycle I reaching an average value of 70.51 and in cycle II reaching an average value of 79.74. The percentage of student learning completeness has also increased. At the beginning of learning, students' learning completion only reached 30.76%. In cycle I there was an increase to 82.05%, and in cycle II student learning completion increased to 100%. The conclusion obtained from this research is that the application of e-comic learning media can improve social studies learning achievement.

Effect of Kinesthetic Learning on Students’ Interest and Achievement in Mathematics

One of the pertinent reasons for poor academic achievement in Mathematics is fundamentally linked to the application of ineffective teaching methods by teachers to impact knowledge to learners. This study adopts a quasi-experimental pre-test post-test research design to examine the efficacy of kinesthetic learning on interest and achievement in Mathematics. Four research questions were raised to guide the study and four hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance. The sample comprises 101 Junior Secondary School students drawn from two secondary schools in Bekwarra Local Government Area of Cross River State, Nigeria. Two intact classes were randomly selected from each school and assigned to experimental and control group. Data for the study were sourced using a modified Mathematics Interest Inventory (MII) and mathematics achievement test designed by the researchers tagged Students’ Mathematics Achievement Test (SMAT). Data collected were analyzed using mean, standard deviation and Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA). The findings revealed a high post-test interest cluster mean of 3.10 (above the decision benchmark of 2.50) and also a higher post-test mean achievement score with (Mean = 20.82; Standard Deviation = 3.63) for students in the experimental group compared to the control group. The result also indicated that both male and female students taught mathematics using kinesthetic learning in the experimental group had positive interest and achievement after exposure to the treatment. The test of the hypotheses indicated that there is significant difference in interest and achievement between students taught mathematics using kinesthetic learning and conventional method, whereas there is no significant difference on the interest and achievement of male and female students taught mathematics using kinesthetic learning. The study concluded that kinesthetic learning has a positive effect on interest and achievement in mathematics; and that gender is not a sole determinant of good academic performance or interest in mathematics but teaching method. The study recommended that mathematics teachers should adopt kinesthetic learning or play way method in teaching because of its relevance in improving learners’ interest and achievement.

HALLEMA: A GOOGLE SITES INTEGRATED ADDIE INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL IN FACILITATING MALAYSIA HALAL CERTIFICATION APPLICATION

The expansion of the halal industry in Malaysia generates a demand for halal-related positions, including halal executive and halal auditor. Higher education institutions in Malaysia that offer halal-related programs are tasked with delivering a halal career-oriented education to cultivate professional graduates prepared for industry employment. Halal graduates should already be familiar with their job scopes, such as applying for the Malaysia Halal certification and developing a Halal Assurance Management System (MHMS) in their workplace. The present studies aim to investigate the integration of the ADDIE model in the development of the Halal Learning Mate (Hallema) using Google Sites and to evaluate the effectiveness of Hallema on the Google Sites platform in addressing project-based learning challenges related to the application of the Malaysia Halal certification.This research was carried out among a class of 23 students from the Bachelor of Halal Industry Management program at UiTM. The data collection instrument consisted of two sets of achievement tests a pre-test set (from the analysis stage) and a post-test set- which were utilized to determine the need analysis for teaching aids based on the students prior knowledge. Next, the evaluation of the effectiveness of Hallema was conducted through descriptive analysis using four variables: information (KN=4.49), accessibility (KA=4.53), information (IN=4.50), and document management (PD=4.60), which were evaluated using a 5-point Likert scale.Results revealed that Hallema is effective as a teaching aid in facilitating Malaysia Halal Certification, with a total mean (of 4.50). Students exhibit more engagement when they perceive the relevance of their learning to real-world applications. Any halal educator may repurpose Hallema for their classroom. This educational resource may facilitate the development of proficient halal practitioners who maintain halal integrity in products and services worldwide.

Effect of Computer Graphics Instructional Mode on SS2 Secondary School Students’: A Study of Agbani Education Zone of Enugu State

There is a perceived trend of poor academic achievement and interest of students in Computer Studies in Secondary schools in Agbani Education Zone of Enugu State. This situation has been attributed to many factors one of which is poor method of teaching. The research design was quasi – experimental. Two groups (one experimental and one control) made up of 135 senior secondary one (SS two) students were drawn from a population of 2,608 SS two students. Two instruments were used for data collection namely Computer Graphics Interest Scale (CGIS) andComputer Graphics Achievement Test (CGAT).Analysis of Co-variance (ANCOVA) was used to test the null hypotheses. The findings revealed that computer graphics instructional mode had significant effect on the mean interest and achievement scores of students in computer Studies. Based on the findings, it was recommended among others that Computer Scienceteachers should adopt computer graphics in the teaching of Computer Studies in order to enhance the interest and performance of students in Computer Studies. Enugu State Government and Agbani Education Zone.

Impact of Teachers’ Psychological Well-Being on Usability of Systematic Guidance for Constructing Achievement Test Items

Assessment in education is crucial for revealing student achievement potential and motivating learners. Teacher-made tests, a common assessment tool, must be well-designed and aligned with learning objectives to measure student performance effectively. The Systematic Guidance System (SiPantik) was developed to assist teachers in constructing quality test items. This study evaluates SiPantik's usability and its impact on teachers' psychological well-being. Using the USE Questionnaire, the study investigates how the system's ease of use, usefulness, and satisfaction reduce stress and enhance teachers' sense of competence and control. The findings indicate that SiPantik is perceived as a supportive and efficient tool that positively influences psychological well-being by reducing administrative burdens and making the teaching process more enjoyable. The study underscores the importance of user-centric design in educational tools, as the usability and satisfaction provided by SiPantik are closely linked to improved job satisfaction, mental health, and overall life satisfaction. The positive impact of SiPantik highlights the broader benefits of well-designed systems in fostering a supportive and productive educational environment.