Secondary Level Research Articles

Enhancing learners’ self-regulated learning in physical sciences classrooms through formative assessment intervention strategies

Fostering self-regulated learning (SRL) in the context of physical sciences is crucial for promoting twenty-first-century learning skills and establishing a solid foundation for academic achievement among science students. In South African schools, the physical sciences curriculum holds significant importance, serving as a cornerstone for students’ educational development. This research aimed to investigate the effectiveness of formative assessment interventions in cultivating SRL among grade 10 physical sciences students. Utilizing survey methodology, quantitative data were gathered through questionnaires administered to 175 grade 10 physical sciences students selected purposively. The study utilized the self-regulatory skills scale, appropriately adapted to the specific context, with a model of self-regulated learning serving as the conceptual framework. Data analysis involved both descriptive and inferential statistics. The study revealed that implementing formative assessment practices in physical sciences classrooms effectively promotes students’ SRL behaviors. The findings underscored the positive impact of formative assessment practices as interventions in enhancing students’ SRL and improving academic performance. It is recommended that formative assessment strategies be integrated into teaching methodologies at the secondary level, offering valuable benefits to learners.

IMPLEMENTASI PEMBELAJARAN AKIDAH AKHLAK DALAM MEMBENTUK KARAKTER SISWA KELAS VIII DI MTS NEGERI 2 SUKOHARJO

Learning moral aqidah is one of the curricula taught at secondary education level which has a big influence on students' behavior, both in school life and outside of school. This research aims to find out how moral learning is implemented in shaping the character of Class VIII students at MTs Negeri 2 Sukoharjo. The approach in this research is a qualitative approach, using descriptive case study research. This research was conducted at MTs Negeri 2 Sukoharjo using data collection techniques in the form of observation and interviews. Aqidah Akhlak learning is used as a media for the process of forming polite character in students. This is supported by the role of Aqidah Akhlak teachers in directing and cultivating good moral character so that in the future students become good individuals in society. The culture of shaking hands before entering class at MTs Negeri 2 Sukoharjo is an inspiration for the polite character of students who need to be emulated in the millennial era.

Artificial intelligence literacy in primary education: An arts-based approach to overcoming age and gender barriers

Artificial Intelligence (AI) literacy education was previously taught primarily at the university and secondary school levels but has recently started to be expanded to primary school settings. When available at the primary school level, AI literacy is often taught within computer science courses, which may potentially reinforce gender stereotypes and discourage female students' engagement. In AI literacy education, the predominant teaching methods are constructivist approaches, which, while effective in fostering active learning, heavily emphasize technical skills and are therefore limited in their pedagogical scope, as they underplay other important questions, such as disinformation, data justice, and AI's ethical and societal implications. The lack of a clear definition of AI literacy for primary education also raises questions about what to teach and how to teach it. Additionally, little attention has been devoted to understanding gender differences in learning outcomes within AI literacy primary education.This study advocates the use of an arts-based transdisciplinary approach for teaching AI literacy to 25 primary school students. A pilot study utilizing mixed methods was conducted to assess the effectiveness of this arts-based approach. Quantitative analysis through a paired t-test revealed a statistically significant improvement in AI literacy among students participating in knowledge tests. Moreover, the results of the Mann‒Whitney and Kruskal‒Wallis tests indicated that gender and age did not impact pre- and post-knowledge test scores. Qualitative analyses further revealed the pedagogical benefits of the arts-based approach, demonstrating that students enhance their conceptual understanding of AI literacy by reflecting on their artifacts. This study contributes to the literature by providing evidence with a small sample size that the arts-based approach can overcome age and gender barriers to accessing AI literacy education and can serve as a means to teach AI thinking.

Socio-psychological Paradigms and Economic Metrics of the Beneficiary Farmers of Centrally Sponsored Agricultural Schemes: A Comprehensive Evaluation of PKVY, PMKSY and SHC in Maharashtra

The present study focused on assessing the socio-psychological constructs and economic variables of beneficiaries of centrally sponsored agricultural schemes namely Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY), Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY), and the Soil Health Card Scheme (SHC). An ex post facto research design was employed in the present study. Amravati and Buldhana districts in Vidarbha region of Maharashtra was selected for the study. For the proposed study 60 beneficiary farmers were selected from Amravati districts and 60 beneficiary farmers were selected from Buldhana districts for each scheme. Thus, for the three schemes, a total of 360 beneficiary farmers were selected from seven selected talukas of two districts of Vidarbha for three schemes. Majority of the middle aged respondents (61.11%) having secondary school level of education (39.44%) received low level of training (59.00%), but PKVY beneficiaries received high level of training (73.33%). Majority of the overall respondents had small land holdings (40.28%) with 1.01 to 1.50 ha. of irrigation potential (41.39%) having biseasonal cropping system (96.94%). Beneficiary farmers had sound financial background with 35.83 per cent of PKVY respondents with annual income in the range of Rs. 2,07,901 to 3,35,301/-, 56.67 per cent of PMKSY respondents in an annual income range of Rs. 2,86,962 to Rs. 4,77,753/-, and 40.83 per cent of SHC respondents in the range of Rs. 2,10,101 to 3,29,701/- annual income respectively. In overall beneficiaries of centrally sponsored agricultural schemes, 63.89 per cent of the respondents had medium level of social participation, source of information (65.00%), innovativeness (58.33%), economic motivation (47.50 %) and benefits accrued (43.06%). The study revealed lower participation of older farmers, indicating a need for targeted outreach and simplified training. Educated farmers benefited more, suggesting their role in promoting new technologies. Local information sources, like friends and relatives, were crucial, emphasizing the need for Gram Sabhas and exhibitions to improve awareness and participation.

Management of Emergency Department Services at a Secondary Level Hospital

Background: The primary purpose of the Emergency Department (ED) is to provide immediate medical attention and resuscitation to seriously ill patients. Prompt treatment and efficient service management play crucial roles in preventing fatalities and disabilities. Objective: To evaluate the management of emergency department services at a secondary-level hospital in Bangladesh. Methodology: A descriptive cross-sectional study was carried out in the emergency department at Narayanganj General Hospital from January to December 2018. The study involved 229 participants, including both service recipients and providers. Data was collected using a pre-tested, semi-structured questionnaire administered through face-to-face interviews. Results: The majority of participants easily identified the ED room (82.3%) and waited ≤15 minutes (91.2%) to see a doctor. They also felt that doctors listened attentively to their complaints (88.9%) and behaved well (92.5%). Service providers' behavior was also positively rated by patients, with 90.8% expressing satisfaction. Most patients did not receive all prescribed medicines from the pharmacy (81.4%), expressed dissatisfaction with the cleanliness of the environment (52.1%), and facilities in the waiting room (60.0%). Despite these concerns, they mostly stated satisfaction with the treatment received (51.6%) and the overall management of the ED (45.1%). Service providers identified several shortcomings across multiple areas, such as laboratory facilities (78.6%), staffing levels of doctors (78.6%), nurses (64.3%), and supporting staff (85.7%). Despite these challenges, they expressed satisfaction (64.3%) with their roles. Conclusion: The study demonstrated that both service recipients and service providers were satisfied with the management of medical services. However, hospital administration and health service providers should prioritize resolving deficiencies in order to improve patient satisfaction more substantially. Journal of Monno Medical College June, 2024; 10 (1):36-42

A look at the treatment of the contents of Agroecology as a component of agricultural education in Biology 1

<p>Currently, the study of Agroecology as a component of agricultural education in the subject of Biology 1 and the treatment of its contents at the basic secondary educational level is of great importance. Agricultural education is of vital importance to achieve sustainable development, adopting environmental, economic and social policies based on agroecological principles related to food production and local development from the Cuban educational system. In this sense, it is necessary for teachers to promote and encourage students towards the use of agroecological practices to contribute to the education of current and future generations in love and respect for rurality and for the school to become an extensionist of the agrarian culture. The objective of this article is: to systematize the theoretical foundations of Agroecology as a component of agricultural education and the treatment of its contents, promoting agroecological practices on the basis of food sovereignty and security. To achieve this objective, theoretical (analytical-synthetic; inductive-deductive) and empirical (observation; documentary analysis and interview) methods were used. The importance of this work lies in seventh grade students being able to develop agroecological practices in school, family and community with a view to finding possible solutions to the problems associated with production processes to support family food security.<strong></strong></p>

Evaluation of patients who re-admitted to the emergency department within 24 hours

Aim: It was conducted to investigate the demographic and clinical characteristics of patients who re-admitted to the emergency department within 24 hours and to contribute to studies on reducing the re-admission rate. Methods: The data of patients who re-admitted to the emergency department within 24 hours between November 2021 and September 2023 in a secondary level public hospital were retrospectively examined. Data regarding the patients' demographic information, admission dates and times, clinical characteristics, examinations, diagnoses, consultations, hospitalization and referral status were obtained from the hospital automation system. Results: 496270 patients admitted to the emergency department during the study period. 6991 (1.4%) of the patients were admitted to the emergency department again within 24 hours. 40.3% of these patients were between the ages of 19-35 and 52.4% were women. The most common reason for re-admission to the emergency department was upper respiratory tract diseases. It was determined that 66.7% of the patients applied to the emergency department again 13-24 hours after their first admission. In their second admission, 43 patients were hospitalized or transferred for various reasons; It was determined that 1 of these patients died 5 months after being admitted to the intensive care unit. Conclusion: Effective triage practices, directing green area patients to family physicians, making the referral chain effective, increasing health literacy, making an accurate diagnosis, allocating appropriate time to patients and explaining the treatment and expectations from treatment, ensuring that patients referred to polyclinics are evaluated as soon as possible and returned to the emergency department will significantly reduce applications.

Ghana Citizenship Education: A Review from the Perspective of National Education Policy and Learning Models

This study aims to find out the perspective of national education policy and learning model of civic education in Ghana. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method. The references in this study are divided into two, first, primary, namely journal articles that have high validity. Second, secondary, namely books and documents as an effort to minimize errors that are conceptual, procedural and praxis. Data analysis is gradual, namely, reduction, data display and verification. Civic education in Ghana begins at the primary level and continues through to tertiary education. The government of Ghana considers civic education an integral part of the national education system and has introduced policies and programs to strengthen civic teaching and learning throughout the education system. At the primary level, civic education is taught through social studies subjects, while at the secondary and tertiary levels it is provided as a separate subject. The Ghanaian government has also developed teaching materials and curricula dedicated to civic education, as well as conducted teacher training in integrating civic teaching into the curriculum and classroom activities. The teaching and learning model of Civic Education in Ghana emphasizes the local peaceful cultural and social context. The aim is to strengthen the values of cultural traditions and local wisdom that exist there.

Differences in the Rates of Diagnoses of Mental and Behavioral Disorders Due to Psychoactive Substance Use by Sex and Age during Pre-Pandemic and COVID-19 Pandemic Periods in Kazakhstan.

The COVID-19 pandemic had profound impacts worldwide on individuals with mental and behavioral disorders, including disorders due to psychoactive substance use. We investigated how the COVID-19 pandemic affected the trends in these disorders in the Republic of Kazakhstan. We researched and compared ICD-10 data on mental and behavioral disorders due to substance use in Kazakhstan that were diagnosed in 2018-2019 (pre-pandemic) versus 2020-2021 (the pandemic period). The data for the pandemic period were significantly different from those of the pre-pandemic in that (i) 'other stimulant-related disorders (F15)' and 'other psychoactive substance-related disorders (F19)' were increased in the younger age groups, (ii) the risk of 'opioid-related disorders (F11)' was decreased in the 30-year-old group in both males and females, and (iii) the risk of 'alcohol-related disorders (F10)' was increased in the 30-year-old group and decreased in the 20- and 50-year-old groups. In only the males, (iv) the risk of 'other psychoactive substance-related disorders (F19)' was increased in almost all of the age groups, and (v) the risk of 'cannabis-related disorders (F12)' was increased in the ≥50-year-olds. The pre-pandemic and pandemic periods thus involved changes due to COVID-19 in both males and females that were especially notable in males. These results indicate that further measures designed to prevent mental and behavioral disorders due to psychoactive substances are necessary at the primary, secondary, and tertiary levels, and personnel in medicine/nursing, the government, private organizations, and the public need to collaborate to devise such measures.

Inequality in participation in shadow education in mathematics in Europe: An intersectional perspective

There is a growing body of research on participation in shadow education (SE), reflecting the global growth of this sector. However, less is known about the topic from an intersectional perspective. Drawing on TIMSS 2019 and PISA 2012 data for European countries, this paper explores the way in which social background, gender and migration background interact to shape participation in mathematics SE. Our findings show that across European Economic Area (EEA) countries, migrant females from socioeconomically disadvantaged families have the highest probability of participating in SE at the primary school level, while native males from socioeconomically advantaged families have the lowest probability of doing so. At the secondary school level, regardless of their socioeconomic background, migrant female students have the highest likelihood of participating in SE compared to other groups. Our research reveals that contrary to common understanding, participation in SE is not solely determined by high socioeconomic status, especially for specific demographics like migrant girls, indicating the need for future studies to delve deeper into the various factors influencing such involvement beyond just financial means.

माध्यमिक स्तरीय शिक्षकों में सतत एवं व्यापक मूल्याँकन प्रक्रिया सम्बन्धितज्ञान एवं अभिवृत्ति का अध्ययन

The purpose of the research investigation was to study the knowledge and attitude of the secondary level teachers regarding continuous and comprehensive evaluation process. The study was conducted on 100 randomly selected secondary level teachers of Lucknow and Sitapur district. The investigation was done with the help of tools constructed by the researcher. There were four parts and thirty items/questions in the tool used to collect the data section “A” of the tool was investigating the knowledge of secondary school teachers about continuous and comprehensive evaluation process. Section “B” of the tool was investigating the priorities of secondary school teachers about methods and strategies to conduct continuous and comprehensive evaluation process. The thired part “C” of the tool was investigating the knowledge of secondary school teachers about the construction/administration of tools related to continuous and comprehensive evaluation. Part four “D” of the tool consisted of items related to the attitude of the secondary school teachers towards continuous and comprehensive evaluation process. Analysis of data was done with the help of percentage. It was concluded from the study that teachers of secondary level had satisfactory knowledge about continuous and comprehensive evaluation process, tool construction, process of evaluation as well as they showed a positive attitude towards continuous and comprehensive evaluation process

Implementasi Metode Pembelajaran Mufrodat pada Pelajaran Bahasa Arab di SMP Islam Al Fadli Medan

This study aims to analyze the implementation of vocabulary learning methods in Arabic language instruction at SMP Islam Al Fadli Medan. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through interviews, observations, and document analysis from five Arabic language teachers. The findings indicate that teachers employ interactive methods, such as language games, to enhance student interest. Additionally, the integration of technology, like digital learning applications, aids students in better remembering vocabulary. However, challenges such as limited resources and diverse student abilities persist. Teachers need to adjust methods to accommodate all students' needs and enhance professional training for effective teaching. In conclusion, interactive methods in vocabulary instruction have significant potential to improve the quality of Arabic language teaching. This research is expected to serve as a reference for further development in Arabic teaching at the secondary school level.

Relationship between Theoretical Knowledge and Application Abilities of Science Teachers in Assessment Practices at School Level

The objective was to test the hypothesis that there is no relationship between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in assessment practices used by science teachers in the classroom and in general at the school level. The nature of the study was quantitative with descriptive correlational and linear regression design. The sample was randomly taken for the survey questionnaire from the Principals of high and higher secondary schools in two districts of Pakistan. The result revealed that there is a strong positive relationship between theoretical knowledge and its practical application in assessment used by science teachers at the secondary level. The regression analysis also showed that the theoretical understanding of assessment has a strong impact on the hands-on practices of the assessment. It was recommended that the science teachers' training focus on both theoretical concepts and learning along with the practical application of the assessment practices for effective and quality instructions or pedagogy.

Association of Serum Bile Acid Profile with Diet and Physical Activity Habits in Japanese Middle-Aged Men.

Circulating bile acid (BA) profiles change with lifestyle and are closely related to intestinal BA metabolisms such as deconjugation and conversion to secondary BAs. The composition of BA in the blood is involved in systemic nutrient metabolism and intestinal health. Herein, we explored the associations of lifestyle and physical fitness with the circulating BA profile of middle-aged men. Data of 147 male participants (aged 50-64 years; BMI < 26 kg/m2; no medication for diabetes or dyslipidemia) from the Japan Multi-Institutional Collaborative Cohort study were analyzed. Serum concentrations of 15 types of BAs were examined for associations with variables on dietary habits, physical-activity habits, and physical fitness. Green tea intake was positively associated with the deconjugation ratio of total BAs (p = 0.028) and negatively associated with secondary BA levels (free deoxycholic acid [DCA] (p = 0.078), glyco-DCA (p = 0.048), and tauro-DCA (p = 0.037)). In contrast, physical activity was negatively associated with the deconjugation ratio (p = 0.029) and secondary BA levels (free DCA (p = 0.098), and free lithocholic acid (p = 0.009)). Grip strength was also negatively associated with secondary BA levels (tauro-DCA (p = 0.041)) but was not associated with the deconjugation ratio. Energy and fat intake and skeletal muscle mass were not associated with the deconjugation ratio or secondary BA levels. The study findings suggest that lifestyle-associated changes in serum deconjugated and secondary BAs indicate improvements in nutrient metabolism and the intestinal environment.

The linguistico-cultural experience of Cuban teachers working in the Jamaican education system

ABSTRACT In 1997, the Government of Jamaica signed a three-year cooperative agreement with the Government of Cuba to support Jamaican education through the provision of teachers of Spanish, mathematics and the sciences. After several renewals, the programme is in its 26th year, with 76 Cuban teachers currently resident in Jamaica and serving at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels of the country’s education system. Through focus group discussions with 32 teachers in the 23rd cohort, this article reports on the linguistic insertion of the teachers into their Jamaican classroom environments. It assesses the strengths and limitations of the linguistico-cultural preparation of the teachers for working in the Jamaican education system, and documents their sociolinguistic and cultural adjustment experiences. Results indicate that while the information and training sessions on pedagogy were useful and informative, the intergovernmental cooperative agreement programme could benefit significantly from the inclusion of a strong and targeted initiative designed to initiate teachers into Jamaican sociolinguistic realities.

Efficient power management strategies for AC/DC microgrids with multiple voltage buses for sustainable renewable energy integration

This study proposes a distinct coordination control and power management approach for hybrid residential microgrids (MGs). The method enhances the feasibility of hybrid MGs by reducing power loss on ILBCs. The MG has been modeled with solar and wind generators. The MG comprises multiple direct current (DC) and alternating current (AC) sub-microgrids (SMGs) with varying voltage levels. The coordination control and power management strategies for autonomous hybrid MGs with primary and secondary control levels. A novel technique is proposed to ensure seamless and precise power transfer among SMGs while minimizing the constant operation of ILBCs in islanded mode, with a focus on the secondary control level. The study uses MATLAB/Simulink to analyze on-grid, off-grid, and transient mode power transfer among MG. The MG has been operative during transient/faulty conditions. The results indicate that the proposed method demonstrates excellent adaptability in managing power flow.

Teachers' Perspectives on Teaching Listening Skills in Secondary Level English Language Classes

Teachers' Perspectives on Teaching Listening Skills in Secondary Level English Language Classes

Learning English in Multicultural Contexts: Experiences and Strategies of Secondary Level Students in Rural Nepal

Learning English in Multicultural Contexts: Experiences and Strategies of Secondary Level Students in Rural Nepal

Matrix Support: interface between Specialty Dental Centers and primary oral health care in Brazil

BackgroundMatrix Support (MS) is a strategy that can be used to improve integration between Primary Health Care (PHC) and other levels of care.ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to investigate the association between MS carried out in Brazilian Dental Specialty Centers (CEOs) (secondary level of oral health care) and aspects of the integrated work process with PHC, as well as contextual variables.MethodsA quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the Program for Quality Improvement and Access to CEOs (PMAQ-CEO). Secondary data from the External Evaluation of the second cycle of PMAQ-CEO were analyzed, including contextual variables obtained from sources such as the Unified Health System (SUS) and official research institutions. Descriptive analyses were performed, and four multiple models were adjusted to investigate the association between the variables.ResultsThe results showed that about half of the CEOs did not carry out therapeutic projects developed with the oral health teams of PHC. It was found that the lack of therapeutic projects developed with the teams was associated with the lack of discussion of complex cases by the team, lack of discussion of individual therapeutic project, absence of joint continuing education activities, lack of construction and discussion of clinical protocols, and lack of belief in the importance of planning and periodic evaluation. The results suggest that the articulation between PHC and secondary oral health care still presents weaknesses within the scope of SUS. Comprehensive care needs to be strengthened, requiring greater intervention from management.ConclusionIt was concluded that the individual factors of CEOs, related to the work process, have a greater influence on the lack of integration with oral health teams of PHC, compared to the contextual variables of municipalities.

The Development Of Learner’s Self-Concept As A Function Of Education Quality In Secondary Schools In The Drc

Many schools in the Democratic Republic of Congo face the challenge in fostering educational quality due to learner’s negative self-concept. The use of traditional teaching methods and destructive feedback provided by most of teachers to learners greatly reduces learners’ self-concept in secondary schools, leading to failure and school dropout. However, scientific discourses in education reveals that learner’s self-concept is a key fact resulting to the learner’s motivation to learn. Learner’s self-concept is relevant at secondary school level in enhancing education quality, especially when it leads learner’s better outcomes. The present article reflects the role of the learner’s self-concept and some strategies to develop it at secondary school level for educational quality attainment in DRC