Category Archives: International Journal of Educational Research and Management Technology 2018

Measurement of Temperature Gradient of Walls as a Means of Controlling the Inner Temperature of Buildings

Akpan, O.P., Etim, I.G., Akpan, E. F., Ekwere, A.E. & Jimmy, E.E

Department of Science Technology

Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua

ABSTRACT

In this study, wall temperature gradient was investigated as means of controlling the inner room temperature. The temperature data were collected in ten buildings in Akwa Ibom State Polytechnic, Ikot Osurua. The result shows that the temperature gradient for 10 buildings ranges from 13.1°C/m to 30.8°C/m, the highest value was for building ten(30.8°C/m) and the least was for building nine (13.1°C/m). The building with higher temperature gradient was seen to have low inner temperature. The result also shows that the inner temperature is proportional to the outer temperature while temperature gradient is inversely proportional to the thermal conductivity that aids the radiation of the heat within the room. Thermal mathematical model were developed for the various variables. The equations generated from the graph are good input parameters that can be used by building designers to regulate the internal temperature of the enclosure to a tolerable degree. The result shows that to regulate the room temperature, the inner and outer temperature of walls together with the temperature gradients have to be considered.Keywords: Temperature, Temperature gradient, Thermal conductivity, Radiation

Cost Analysis of Power Loss in a Distribution Network by the Application of Distributed Generation and Static Var Compensator

Patrick Oshevire  & Oludare Ogundepo

Department of Electrical / Electronic

 Federal University of Petroleum Resources (FUPRE), Effurun, Delta StateE-mail:ask4pat2001@yahoo.com and yinkdare@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Energy losses happen during the process of supplying electricity to consumers due to technical and commercial losses. The technical losses are due to energy disseminated in the conductors and equipment utilized for transmission, transformation, sub transmission and distribution of power. These technical losses are inherent in a system and can be decreased to an optimum level. These days distributed generation is frequently connected to the distribution network. Distributed power supply willimportantly have an impact on the system network loss when it connects to the distribution network. Cost of annual energy loss occurs in distribution networks are a vital issue in distribution systems planning, design and operation.In this paper, the impact of optimal placement of Distributed Generators and Static Var Compensator (SVC) ona distribution network is investigated. It has determined the cost of technical losses in the network and savings that would be made by optimally deploying DG sources and Flexible Alternating Current Transmission Systems (FACTS) Devices.

Keywords: Energy loss; Distributed Generation (DG); Flexible Alternating Current Transmission (FACTS) Devices; Power Tools for Window (PTW); Static Var Compensators (SVC).

Speed Control of a Single Phase Induction Motor Using Step-down Cycloconverter

Ayebatonye Marttyns Epemu & Kingsley Okeoghene Enalume

Department of Electrical/Electronic Engineering

 Federal University of Petroleum Resources Effurun, Effurun, Nigeria

Email address: enalume.kingsley@fupre.edu.ng

Corresponding author: K. O. Enalume

ABSTRACT

Induction motor is a constant speed machine when operated from the mains. However it is necessary to vary the speed of the motor in some applications. The speed of a motor basically depends on the supply frequency and number of poles. While the frequency can easily be changed without changing the entire structure of the motor, the same cannot be said for the number of poles. This paper examines the use of cycloconverters to vary the speed of single phase induction motors. Cycloconverters work on changing the supply frequency to vary the speed of the motor. With the aid of three push buttons connected to the microcontroller and the program written on it, the speed of the motor was varied in three steps, at F, F/2 & F/3. The microcontroller sends the gating pulse through an optocoupler to trigger the thyristors in a dual bridge providing the alternating signal needed to drive the motor. As the frequency decreases, the speed of the motor also decreases. The cycloconverter was used on a single phase induction motor and the result shows that it can vary the speed of an induction motor.

Keywords: Cycloconverter, Induction motor, Motor Speed, Thyristors, Variable Frequency

Assessment of Factors Affecting Maintenance Practice in Adamawa State Science and Technical Colleges

¹Gowon, Kerter Eric & ¹Buba, Aishatu Saidu

¹Department of Technology Education

School of Technology and Science Education

Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola, Adamawa State

Email: ericgowon@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting maintenance practice in Adamawa State science and technical colleges. Two research questions were posed to guide the study and a null hypothesis formulated and tested. Survey research design was adopted for the study. The study was carried out in Adamawa State with a population of 116 respondents. The population was manageable. Hence, there was no sampling and sampling techniques. A 20-item structured questionnaire developed by the researchers was used for data collection. The instrument was validated by three experts and reliability of coefficient of 0.83 was obtained using Cronbach Alpha. The coefficient indicated high internal consistency of the instrument. Data for this study were analyzed using mean and standard deviation to answer research questions whereby a mean cut-off point of 3.50 was used for decision making. The research hypothesis was tested using z-Test at 0.05 level of significance. Result of data analysis found that strategies such as: provision of funds by school administrators, routine feasibility studies, setting up of committee to plan and implement maintenance policies in the colleges can improve maintenance practice. Maintenance personnel, poor attitude and unavailability of spare parts of the machines in workshops are major factors militating against effective implementation of maintenance practice. Upon the findings of the study, it is therefore recommended that teachers and college administrators should adopt modern strategies in order to ensure effective implementation of maintenance practice measures in Adamawa State Science and Technical Colleges.

Keywords: Maintenance, Factors, Adamawa State, Technical Colleges

Investigating Difficult Concepts in Basic Science and Technology Curriculum for Solving Energy and Power Problems for Sustainable National Developments

¹Babayemi, J.O., ²Akpan, I.F., ³Emah, J. S.

Department of Science Education

Akwa Ibom State University, Akwa Ibom State

Email: ¹babayemioluwole@gmail.com, ²finiobong@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

This study investigated difficult concepts in junior secondary school basic science and technology curriculum with the implication for solving energy and power problems for community development in Ikot Abasi Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State. The study adopted a survey research design, using simple random sampling technique. Four hundred and twenty four (424) JSS 3 students from seven (7) randomly selected junior secondary schools were involved in the study. One instrument used was; perceived difficult concepts questionnaire (PDCQ) (r=0.89). One hypothesis was formulated and tested at 0.05 level of significance and two research questions constructed to guide the study. Data were analyzed using weighted mean, percentage scores and t-test statistics. The results showed that the level of difficult concepts perceived by students was high in most concepts investigated including energy and power concepts. Also, there was no significant difference between male and female students’ perceived difficult concepts in Basic science and Technology (t = -0.876; df = 422; P>0.05). Finally, conclusion and recommendations were made based on the findings.

Keywords: Difficult concepts, junior secondary school curriculum, Basic science and technology, gender.

Innovative Science Education Curriculum: The Needed Skills for Competitiveness in the Global Economy

Iniobong F. Akpan

Department of Science Education

Akwa Ibom State University, Ikot Akpaden, Mkpat Enin

E-mail: finiobong@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Despite the fact that science influences all parts of our lives and decision making processes, but it seems that science education in Nigeria sits at the crossroads. Despite public and policy emphasis on the importance of science and technology, there still exist wide disparities in participation in science education in all levels of our educational system. This paper discusses some of the main curriculum issues involved that should help citizens acquire the necessary knowledge of and about science to participate actively and responsibly throughout their lives. This include the following: That science education should focus on competencies, Placing emphasis on quality teaching, teacher induction, pre-service preparation and in-service professional development, collaborating between formal, non-formal and informal educational providers, Promoting responsible research and innovation and discussing the findings and consequences. This is hope will bring about more inclusive forms of science education and help reduce disparities.                   

Keywords: Innovation, Science Education, Curriculum, Competitiveness, Global Economy.

Need Satisfaction, School type and Indiscipline Behaviour among Secondary School Adolescents in Cross River State

Kingsley B. Abang & Melvina N. Amalu

Department of Educational Foundations

University of Calabar, Calabar

Email: bekomabang@gmail.com; melvinaamalu@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of school types need satisfaction on indiscipline among senior secondary school students in Cross River State, Nigeria.  An ex-post facto design was adopted in carrying out the study.  1250 senior secondary school students were drawn as sample from both public and private secondary schools using stratified and simple random sampling technique.   The Student Opinion Questionnaire (SOQ) instrument was used for data collection.   Two null hypothesis were formulated and tested using One-Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), Independent t-test and Fisher’s Least Significant Difference (LSD) at .05 level of significance.   The result showed that need satisfaction and school types significantly influence students’ indiscipline behaviour.  Based on the finding, it was recommended among others that parents should provide their children/wards psychological, emotional and physiological needs of their children/wards.

Keywords:   Need satisfaction, school type, adolescents, indiscipline, behaviour

Challenges of Effective Science Teaching in Multicultural Classrooms in Nigeria: Implication for Nation Building

Adedamola A. A. Kareem, Ph.D

Department of Science and Technology Education

University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria

damkar2005@yahoo.com

ABSTRACT

Science is a search for meanings or explanation of events in nature. It’s an attempt by human beings to organize their experiences about nature into meaningful systems of description, explanations and predictions. Science is the bedrock of development in nation building. The basic knowledge and skills acquired in science through science teaching are useful for scientific and technological development of a country. With uncontrolled migration and relocation of people with diverse cultural backgrounds within and across countries especially Nigeria, in recent times, one wonders if the objectives of science teaching is successfully achieved. This study examined the challenges of teaching science in multicultural classrooms in Nigeria. An ex-post facto research design was employed with all the science teachers in Ogun State, Nigeria. An instrument titled Challenges of Science Teaching in Multicultural Classroom (CSTMC) was designed and validated (r= 0.78) by the researchers was used to collect data. The data were analysed using percentages, mean and standard deviation. Findings were that challenges in multicultural classrooms included communication problems ( =2.87), difficulties in utilization of instructional materials (X=2.90), classroom interaction ( =2.63). The result also revealed that the methodology science teachers regularly used is lecture method ( =2.97).  Recommendations were among others that incorporation of multicultural science education during science teacher preparation, in-service training for science teachers on multicultural education, formulation of government policy on multicultural science education in secondary schools to ensure quality assurance of science teaching for consistent nation building and national development.

Keywords: Science teachers, Multicultural education, Classroom, Challenges, Nation Building

Assessment of Causes and Effect of Examination Malpractice: A Panecea for Quality Education and Productivity in Secondary Schools in Gombe State

¹Kasim Mohammed Saad & ²Saratu Yakubu

¹General Administration and Council Affairs, Registry Department, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto

²Post Primary Schools Management Board Yola, Adamawa State

Email: alkasim.saad@gmail.com, sayaks14@yahoo.com

Corresponding author:Kasim Mohammed Saad

ABSTRACT

The study investigated the Causes and effect of Examination Malpractice in Secondary Schools in Gombe Metropolis, Gombe State, Nigeria. The study adopted descriptive survey design. The population of the study was1021 comprises 17 principals and 1004 secondary school teachers in Gombe metropolis. A sample of 279 respondents was selected using proportionate random sampling techniques. Instrument used for the study was a structured questionnaire with a five-point Likert scale titled Causes and Consequences of Examination Malpractice Questionnaire (CCEMQ). It was validated by professionals in the Department of Educational Foundations and Curriculum, Faculty of Education, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria. Pilot study was carried out and the data for the pilot study were analyzed using split halve method of reliability. Cranach’s Alpha was used to compute the reliability coefficient where 0.93 reliability coefficients were obtained. Descriptive statistics (mean score and standard deviation) was used to answer the research question and t-test analysis was used to test the null hypothesis at 5% (p <0.05) significant level. The findings revealed a significant difference in the opinion of principals and teachers on the causes and effect of examination malpractices in secondary schools in Gombe metropolis. It was concluded that having enough classrooms and furniture in schools, qualified teachers for subjects and effective supervision during examination did not cause examination malpractice. The study recommends among others that there should be regular pre-examination lectures, seminars, workshops for teachers and students on the evils inherent in examination malpractice. National and international examination board should share information on new threat to examination security and procedures for counter reacting malpractices.

Keywords: Examination Malpractice, Quality Education, Productivity, Secondary Schools

Assessment of Teachers Feedback on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students in a Recessed Economy in Delta State

Enwefa Chiekem

Department of Guidance and Counselling

Delta State University, Abraka, Delta State, Nigeria

E-mail: chiekemenwefa@gmail.com.

ABSTRACT

Feedback is an essential component of learning in the school system. However, teachers and students express disappointment and frustration in a recessed economy in relation to the conduct of feedback process in schools. The study assesses teachers’ feedback on academic performance of secondary school students in a recessed economy in Delta State .Questionnaire was used to collect data from four hundred and fifty (450) teachers in 15 public secondary schools from the three senatorial districts of Delta State. The t-test statistics was used to test the stated hypothesis at 0.05 level of significance. The result inferred that there was significance difference between male and female teachers assessment of feedback on secondary school students academic performance in a recesses economy in Delta State. However, it is recommended that: teachers should give a clear and meaningful feedback to students on time; parents/guardian should check his/her ward feedback given by the teachers and teachers should regularly promote feedback to studentsKeywords: Assessment, Feedback, Academic Performance and Recessed Economy