Comprehensive Sampling Technique Research Articles

Practice and challenges in provision of guidance and counselling services in secondary schools of South Gondar, Ethiopia

The main purpose of the study was to assess the provision of guidance and counselling service in South Godar secondary schools. It was designed to study the types of service provided by service providers in South Gondar secondary schools and to investigate the attitude and awareness of Guidance & Counselling Committee (GCC) members, teachers, principals and students towards the usefulness of guidance and counselling services/programme. The study was conducted using a descriptive survey design from five secondary schools using questionnaires and interview as data gathering instruments. The total number of sampled respondents was 173, of which 100 (students) selected by simple random sampling, five school principals, 49 teachers, 19 GCC members/service providers were selected using comprehensive sampling technique. Statistical data analysis techniques were used to analyse the data and thematic analysis, i.e., qualitative analysis, was used to interpret interview and open-ended questionnaires. The study revealed that most of the secondary school service providers were provided behavioural and academic counselling and educational counselling for their students in their respective schools. The study also indicated that positive attitude and promising awareness towards guidance and counselling service among the four category respondents.
 Keywords: Challenges, counselling guidance, practice and secondary school.

Burden, Social Support, and Life Satisfaction Among Caregivers of Children With Intellectual Disability: The Case of Felege Abay and Shembt Primary Schools, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.

This study was conducted to examine the burden, social support, and life satisfaction among caregivers of children with intellectual disability. The level of burden, social support, and life satisfaction of caregivers; the relationship among burden level, social support, and life satisfaction; and burden level difference across sociodemographic characteristics of the participants were the objectives of this study. With inclusion criteria of availability, willingness, and pertinent priority of being parents, grandparents, and siblings of the child, 74 caregivers were selected using comprehensive sampling technique. Descriptive statistics, one sample t test, Pearson correlation coefficient, independent sample t test, and one-way analysis of variance, were used for data analysis. The findings revealed that caregivers are experiencing much level of burden with inadequate social support and have pitiable satisfaction in their life. Burden is negatively correlated with social support and life satisfaction, but social support is positively correlated with satisfaction in life. Some of the sociodemographic variables, such as sex and school, were showing significant differences in the experiences of burden level, while all other sociodemographic variables used in this study were not having significant difference. The result implied that caregivers are in need of social support so as to outweigh the level of burden and enhance their satisfaction in life.

The practice and guidance and counseling in Amhara region Ethiopia.

The Practice of guidance and counseling service in Amhara region public university’s Ethiopia.
 Alebachew Mohammed1 and Antehun Atanaw2 
 1Department of psychology, Debere Tabor university E-mail, alebemohaa@gmail.com 
 2Department of English language and literature, Debere Tabor university E-mail, antehuns@gmail.com
 Abstract
 Supporting students through their academic and social development are central mission of any university. This study aimed to assess the practice of guidance and counseling service in Amhara region public universities. The study was conducted on Bahir Dar university, Wollo university and Debre Tabor university. Through using sample size determination formula 576 regular students by stratified random sampling and 4 counselors using comprehensive sampling techniques were selected. The data was gathered through observation, interview and questionnaire. The collected data were analyzed qualitatively through narration of words and descriptive statistics of frequency and percentage. The finding indicates all counselors except Debre Tabor university don’t have female counselors as well all are first degree. Furthermore, the average the ratio of one counselor is 5-10,000 students. Regarding the awareness, majority of student 69%-77.1% of student don’t know the office location of the counselor. Approximately 1% of Bahir Dar university, 3% of Debere Tabor university, 4% of Wollo university students were reported using the service. Among this 28(50.9%) of student evaluated the service as not helpful. Regarding the referral of student by academic staffs (Instructors, departments and Faculty’s) to counselor found poor. Furthermore, counselors are not formally delegated to attend issues that concern students like Forum, discipline and HIV etc. which might be helpful for the intervention. All university use Regular government working time and no night, weekend, telephone counseling service. Student consult their problems mainly to their friends, mothers and religious father. Teachers and counselors are among the least possible source of advisee. In conclusion, the general service provision of guidance and counseling were found poor and given less attention by universities. Thus, ministry of education and the university officials should give due attention by restructuring the office and allocation of resource and experts. 
 Key word; guidance and counseling, student, counselor, personal and social problems
 

School principals’ and supervisors’ leadership practices in teachers’ continuous professional development program: in secondary school of Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate leadership practice of school principals and cluster supervisors in implementing continuous professional development (CPD) program. School principals (14) and cluster supervisors (4) were included in the study using comprehensive sampling techniques. A total of 305 teachers were selected from 14 secondary schools. Among the samples, 295 (96.7%) of teachers, 18 (100%) of school principals and cluster supervisors were involved in filling questionnaires. Percentage, mean score and one sample t-test were used for data analysis. The qualitative data obtained through interview and open-ended questions were analyzed using narration descriptions. The findings revealed that school principals’ and cluster supervisors’ leadership practices of CPD program were ineffectively implemented. Even principals and supervisors had knowledge gap on CPD program. Therefore, one can conclude that principals and supervisors had medium knowledge and understanding about the concept of CPD program. Finally, the following points were recommended: principals and supervisors must give attention for CPD training programs, the regional state must give capacity building trainings for principals and supervisors, and the program needs further study. Therefore, it would be better to give attention for individuals, government and nongovernment organizations to conduct research in the area.

Assessing stratospheric transport in the CMAM30 simulations using ACE-FTS measurements

Abstract. Stratospheric transport in global circulation models and chemistry–climate models is an important component in simulating the recovery of the ozone layer as well as changes in the climate system. The Brewer–Dobson circulation is not well constrained by observations and further investigation is required to resolve uncertainties related to the mechanisms driving the circulation. This study has assessed the specified dynamics mode of the Canadian Middle Atmosphere Model (CMAM30) by comparing to the Atmospheric Chemistry Experiment Fourier transform spectrometer (ACE-FTS) profile measurements of CFC-11 (CCl3F), CFC-12 (CCl2F2), and N2O. In the CMAM30 specified dynamics simulation, the meteorological fields are nudged using the ERA-Interim reanalysis and a specified tracer was employed for each species, with hemispherically defined surface measurements used as the boundary condition. A comprehensive sampling technique along the line of sight of the ACE-FTS measurements has been utilized to allow for direct comparisons between the simulated and measured tracer concentrations. The model consistently overpredicts tracer concentrations of CFC-11, CFC-12, and N2O in the lower stratosphere, particularly in the northern hemispheric winter and spring seasons. The three mixing barriers investigated, including the polar vortex, the extratropical tropopause, and the tropical pipe, show that there are significant inconsistencies between the measurements and the simulations. In particular, the CMAM30 simulation underpredicts mixing efficiency in the tropical lower stratosphere during the June–July–August season.

SOME CONSTRAINTS ON HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ MATHEMATICS PERFORMANCE: AWI-ZONE & WEST- GOJAM, ETHIOPIA

This study was designed to examine the possible constraints that can affect high school students’ mathematics performance in five selected high schools in Awi-zone and west Gojam. Observations and reports from examining bodies revealed that a high percentage of secondary school students continue to perform poorly in mathematics examinations. From a total of nine high schools, five were selected using simple random sampling technique. The respective sections were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Four sections were selected from each school. Then, two hundred samples of students were employed using comprehensive sampling technique. To obtain data, questionnaire, classroom observation, and semi-structured interviews were used. Fifty students from each school were selected using simple random sampling technique for the questionnaire. Similarly, three teachers from each of the sample school were selected using simple random sampling technique for the questionnaire, classroom observation and interview. The quantitative data were analyzed using one sample t- test whereas the qualitative one was analyzed using descriptive interpretations. The findings showed that students have laid claim on the problem of scoring passing mark as a result of poor mathematics performance. In addition, the result indicates that teachers possess the theories and their application of indirect instruction, organizing mathematics lessons, classroom management using assessment techniques. The findings also implied that there are opportunities to improve students’ performance in mathematics in the high schools to the expected level. Furthermore, the findings showed that paraphrasing math word problems improves performance of some students. In relation to the findings of the study, recommendations are forwarded.

Nutritional assessment of schools′ Children of Six Years Old in Al-Dora Family Medical Center in Baghdad/Iraq

Background: Assessment of the nutritional status of children is a rising concern all over the world. Since school health services play an important role in the development of every child, so assessment of nutritional status of this segment of the population is essential. The term malnutrition “refers to both undernutrition and overnutrition”. Malnutrition has various forms including both macro and micronutrient deficiencies affect a large sector of the population which include; underweight, thinness, stunting, overweight and obesity according to WHO classification.Objectives: Assessment of the nutritional state of six years old children.Subjects and methods: This is a descriptive cross-sectional study, comprehensive sampling technique, included children registered to schools, of ages six years old. Weight and height were measured for each child by using standard scales. nutritional status is assessed by using growth charts which include; BMI to age (Z score), weight to age (Z score), height to age (Z score) conducted in the catchment area of Al-Dora Family Health Center in Al-Dora suburb in Baghdad city capital of Iraq from 1/7/2017 to 25/9/2017. The study adopted by taking the records of schools’ registration of children of 6 years old. It included 1202 students.Results: Girls consists 50.9% of the sample. In general, malnutrition was prevalent in 25.4%, and it was significantly higher among boys. The analysis showed that 2.1% of the students were stunted, (5.9%) were underweight and (10.3%) were overweight. The prevalence of thinness was higher among boys (9.2%) while severe low weight was significantly higher among girls (1.5%).Conclusions: One in every four of the registered children was malnourished. The highest prevalent malnourished category was overweight and the lowest was severe stunting.

Causes of Grade Nine Students’ Grade Retention in General Secondary Schools of Dabat Woreda in North Gondar, Ethiopia

One of the great problems of Ethiopia for the educational arena is retention. Averagely 8.07% of each year of the secondary education students is repeated due to lack of achievement in this country. The percentage of retention in a country shows what proportion of students is regularly repeated in the same grade and who are, therefore, committing different crimes and misbehaved behaviors. Grade retention predicts many negative student outcomes: the frustration and humiliation associated with repeating the curriculum, combined with one’s physical size, may result in an increase in aggression and oppositional behavior. The main purpose of this study was to investigate some of the causes that contribute to grade nine students’ grade retention in general secondary schools of Dabat district. It has attempted to identify the major factors under two headings: in-school and out-of-school factors to present separate area of intervention. In order to attain the objectives, the study was carried out in two general secondary schools which were selected using comprehensive sampling techniques. The study involved 264(M=106 & F=158) grade repeaters and 44 teachers and 2 principals. The data gathered were analyzed using percentage, mean, Spearmen rank order correlation coefficient and t-test. Based on the result of the analysis, among the in-school factors, the highest percentages were observed for difficulty of language of instruction, students’ failure to study hard, poor quality of teaching, lack of guidance and counseling and frequent absenteeism of students were in-school related. On the other hand, low level of family income, parent (pupils) health problem, lack of parents support and child labor were identified as the major out-of-school causes for grade retention in grade nine secondary schools. It was also found out that the combined effect of both in-school and out-of-school factors was important in explaining students’ grade retentions in the secondary schools of the district. The incidence of the problem is relatively higher among girls than among boys.

Prognosis of referred patients with an obstetric emergency at the Yaoundé Gynaecology, Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital

IntroductionL’impact des références sur la survenue des complications obstétricales n’est pas encore connu. Notre but était d’identifier les complications associées aux références obstétricales à Yaoundé.MéthodesIl s’agissait d’une étude transversale descriptive et analytique du 1er Février au 31 Juillet 2015 à l’Hôpital Gynéco-Obstétrique et Pédiatrique de Yaoundé, ayant comparé les femmes référées aux non référées et leurs nouveau-nés respectifs. L’échantillonnage était consécutif et exhaustif pour l’analyse des caractéristiques sociodémographiques, obstétricales et néonatales précoces. Les tests de Chi carré et exact de Fisher ont aidé à comparer les variables qualitatives. L’analyse par régression logistique a permis d’éliminer les facteurs confondants. P était significatif si p < 0,05.RésultatsAprès analyse multi variée, les complications obstétricales statistiquement significatives chez les patientes référées étaient: la rupture prématurée des membranes (OR ajusté = 9,37, IC95%: 2,52-66,98, p = 0,002); la prématurité (OR ajusté = 4,14 (1,88-9,16; P < 0,001) et le décès après asphyxie néonatale sévère (OR ajusté = 6,48 (1,17-35,80); P = 0,032).ConclusionLa rupture prématurée des membranes, la prématurité et le décès après asphyxie néonatale sévère sont les complications associées aux références obstétricales à Yaoundé.

The Effect of Some Constraints on Mathematics Instructors’ Problem Solving Practices: Universities in Amhara Region in Focus

This study was designed to examine the effect of perceived constraints on four universities mathematics department instructors’ classroom practices of problem solving in teaching mathematics. To this end, the target population of the study includes mathematics instructors in the Amhara Regional state universities. From a total of seven functioning universities, four universities were selected using simple random sampling technique. The four universities’ respective mathematics departments were selected using purposive sampling techniques. Then, all mathematics instructors of the four universities selected using comprehensive sampling technique were samples of this study. Five mathematics instructors from each of the four universities were selected using simple random sampling technique for classroom observation and similarly three instrctors from each of the sample universities were selected using simple random sampling technique for interviewing. Questionnaire, classroom observation, and semi structured interviews were used as the basic instruments for collecting data. The quantitative data were analysed using one sample t-test whereas the qualitative one was analysed using narration.The findings showed that teachers have claimed to have adequate experience concerning problem-solving teaching in mathematics. This further shows that teachers possess the theories and their application of indirect instruction, organzing mathematics lessons, classroom management using assessment techniques. Teachers have also explained that the training has helped them to relate it with their actual teaching strategies, to organize their lessons into problem-solving approach, to manage the classroom and to align assessment techniques in line with problem-solving approach. In spite of the presence of constraints in implementing problem- solving method at an average level, their obstruction effect was not significant. The findings also implied that there are opportunities to implement problem-solving approach in mathematics in the universities to the expected level. In spite of the existence of opportunities at an adequate level, their extent of availability was found insignificant. In relation to the findings of the study, recommendations are forwarded.

Instructional Leadership Practices In Secondary Schools of Assosa Zone, Ethiopia

ABSTRACT The purpose of the study was to investigate instructional leadership practices in secondary schools of Assosa zone, Ethiopia. In order to address the objectives of the study, a descriptive survey method was employed. The population of the study were 266 teachers and 12 principals. From this number of population, 141 teachers and 12 principals were used as a sample using simple random and comprehensive sampling techniques respectively. Data collected from these respondents was analyzed and interpreted using Percentage, one sample t-test, weighted mean and mean ranking. The finding revealed that, among instructional leadership functions, instructional leaders’ role in communicating school goals, supervision and evaluation of instruction, monitoring of school progress, protection of instructional time, maintaining high visibility, are promoting professional development seemed at a level near to average. Whereas, coordination of the curriculum, providing incentive for teachers, and incentive for students were significantly low performed. Based on findings it is concluded that, instructional leadership practices in the zone seem to be poor. On top of the findings, recommendations are forwarded to address the challenges the principals’ faced in their instructional leadership activities mainly focusing on empowering both principals and schools to foster instructional leadership practices in the secondary schools of the zone.

The Current Practices and Problems of School Based Supervision in Primary Schools of Jile Timuga Woreda

The purpose of this study was to identify the current practice and problems of school based supervision in government primary schools of Jile Timuga Woreda of Oromia Zone. A descriptive survey design of research methodology was employed. Regarding sampling, there were 39 primary schools grouped in 10 cluster centres. From these cluster centres all were selected using comprehensive sampling techniques. 13 primary schools were selected using multi-stage sampling technique. Having these schools 112 (32.36%) teachers was selected out of 342 teachers using proportional stratified sampling followed by systematic random sampling to select each teacher from the strata i.e. schools were considered as strata. This constitutes 56 % the respondents. All teacher respondents were used in the analysis. On the other hand 65 school based supervisors, 13 principals and 10 cluster supervisors were selected using comprehensive sampling techniques as they are highly responsible for supervisory practices and their number was also manageable. The main instruments used to collect data were questionnaire and semi-structured interview. The questionaire was made to be closed ended followed by some open ended questions and designed as five point Likert scaled type. The reliability of the questionnaire was checked using cronbach alpha method after pilot test was conducted. The face and content validity of the tools were also checked by experienced experts in the study area. Frequency count and percentage were used for the analysis of general characteristics of respondents. Mean and one sample t-test method of analysis were used to analyse the data collected through questionnaire and also narration for interview items. The results of the study reveal that the school based supervisory practice were ineffective. School based supervisors were involved in the difficult task of supervision without having sufficient training. School supervisors were also inefficient in promoting professional competence of teachers. Furthermore, the study revealed that SBS was affected by many problems that are related to the school itself, the supervisor and the clients themselves.

Molecular species delimitation of a symbiotic fig-pollinating wasp species complex reveals extreme deviation from reciprocal partner specificity.

BackgroundSymbiotic relationships have contributed to major evolutionary innovations, the maintenance of fundamental ecosystem functions, and the generation and maintenance of biodiversity. However, the exact nature of host/symbiont associations, which has important consequences for their dynamics, is often poorly known due to limited understanding of symbiont taxonomy and species diversity. Among classical symbioses, figs and their pollinating wasps constitute a highly diverse keystone resource in tropical forest and savannah environments. Historically, they were considered to exemplify extreme reciprocal partner specificity (one-to-one host-symbiont species relationships), but recent work has revealed several more complex cases. However, there is a striking lack of studies with the specific aims of assessing symbiont diversity and how this varies across the geographic range of the host.ResultsHere, we use molecular methods to investigate cryptic diversity in the pollinating wasps of a widespread Australian fig species. Standard barcoding genes and methods were not conclusive, but incorporation of phylogenetic analyses and a recently developed nuclear barcoding gene (ITS2), gave strong support for five pollinator species. Each pollinator species was most common in a different geographic region, emphasising the importance of wide geographic sampling to uncover diversity, and the scope for divergence in coevolutionary trajectories across the host plant range. In addition, most regions had multiple coexisting pollinators, raising the question of how they coexist in apparently similar or identical resource niches.ConclusionOur study offers a striking example of extreme deviation from reciprocal partner specificity over the full geographical range of a fig-wasp system. It also suggests that superficially identical species may be able to co-exist in a mutualistic setting albeit at different frequencies in relation to their fig host’s range. We show that comprehensive sampling and molecular taxonomic techniques may be required to uncover the true structure of cryptic biodiversity underpinning intimate ecological interactions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12862-014-0189-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Correctional Education Teachers’ Teaching Competence and Use of Adult Learning Principles: Inmates and Teachers’ Views in Selected Correctional Institutions

This study aimed at investigating teachers’, inmate’ and administrators’ views on the practices of correctional education. It investigates teachers’ competence and practice of adult learning principles and challenges faced by correctional institutions and inmates. The study involved one hundred thirteen respondents comprising of 24 teachers, 87 inmates and 2 administrators. The respondents were selected from two purposely selected correctional institutions. Systematic random sampling and comprehensive sampling techniques were used to select inmates, teachers and administrators respectively. Data were collected using questionnaire and interview. Descriptive methods and t-test were employed for analysis. Results showed actual means for six principles of adult learning and two dimensions of competence were below the expected means and were found statistically significant. Interview results also demonstrated teachers’ failure to use the principles in their instructional practice. Teachers reported lack of competence in general pedagogy and pedagogical content knowledge as major reasons for not using the instructional principles. The study concludes that teachers lack required competencies and fail to support their instructional practices with core principles of adult learning. Major challenges facing correctional institutions in their efforts to educate inmates identified were lack of textbooks and teaching materials, lack of training for teachers, failure to make the literacy training functional and inmates’ psychological problems. Based on the findings, actions for intervention are suggested.

Stir Bar Sorptive Extraction: A New Quantitative and Comprehensive Sampling Technique for Determination of Chemical Signal Profiles from Biological Media

Various applications of a novel sampling procedure in chemical ecology are outlined. The stir bar extraction method features the analytical reproducibility needed in recording the analytical profiles of volatile and semivolatile components of biological mixtures. This methodology has been demonstrated here through the examples of small volume urine samples, glandular tissue volatiles, and the air blown through animal cages. Its analytical merits are compared with those of the previously established purge-and-trap (dynamic headspace) technique.