REVIEW OF AFRICAN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES (RAES) Volume Three Number Three

Abstract

The study determined the effects of computer numerical control machines on students’ academic achievement in machining operations in technical colleges in Rivers State using turning and drilling operations as variables. Two research questions were posed, and two hypotheses postulated and tested. The study adopted quasi-experimental design. The area of study was the four government technical colleges in Rivers. The population for the study was 133 National Technical Certificate class two (NTC II) mechanical engineering craft practice students from four Technical Colleges in Rivers State for the 2022/2023 session. These students in their intact classes were assigned to sixty-seven (67) for experimental group (Computer Numerical Controlled Machines) and sixty-six (66) for control group (Traditional/ Conventional machines).  The study was a census as the entire population. Hence, there was no sampling due to the manageable size of the population. The instrument for data collection was an achievement test titled “Machining Operation Achievement Test (MOAT)”. The instrument was validated by three experts. A reliability index of 0.81 was obtained using Pearson Product Moment Correlation coefficient. The data collected from the administration of pretest and posttest was analyzed using descriptive statistics to answer the research questions using means and standard deviation while inferential statistics were used test hypotheses using Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) at .05 level of significance. The findings revealed that those taught turning and drilling operations using computer numerical control machines performed better in their achievement test than those taught using traditional machines in technical colleges in Rivers State. Based on the findings, the following recommend were made among others: teachers should be encouraged to employ use of CNC machines more in the teaching turning operation.

REVIEW OF AFRICAN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES (RAES) Volume Three Number Two

Abstract

Trichurisis is a common soil-transmitted helminthic pathogen with considerable impact on human health. To achieve appropriate control of trichuriasis from a public health perspective, effective treatments and regular education of populations most at risk such as children and pregnant women are essential. Currently available drugs show however only unsatisfying cure rates when used in short course regimens, and egg reduction rates are disappointingly low. An improvement in the efficacy of drug therapy has been demonstrated for a prolonged 3-day dosing regimen of albendazole as well as for a combination therapy of albendazole and oxantel pamoate or mebendazole and albendazole. However, even these regimens do not reach the widely accepted threshold for a satisfactory cure rate of at least 90 %. While this lack of efficacy of current anthelminthic drugs may be explained by specific single nucleotide polymorphisms in the β-tubulin gene of T. trichiura, these findings highlight the need for further research to develop highly efficacious short-course treatments for human Trichuriasis.

REVIEW OF AFRICAN EDUCATIONAL STUDIES (RAES) Volume Three Number One

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to assess the utilization of facilities for teaching and learning of metalwork technology in the department of mechanical technology, School of Technical Education, Plateau State Polytechnic, Plateau State, Nigeria. Three research questions were formulated to guide the study. Survey research design was adopted in conducting the study. The total populations of 64 respondents were used for the study which includes four (4) technical instructors, five (5) metalwork technology teachers and 55 metalwork technology students to give a total population of 64 respondents. A questionnaire based on four point scale was used as instrument for data collection. The analysis was done using percentages, mean scores and standard derivations. It was found that the facilities in the metalwork technology workshop were not effectively utilized for teaching and learning. Instructional materials like, audiocassette tapes, videos, slides, and filmstrips were not utilized for teaching and learning and teachers lack skill for improvisation. It was recommended that (a) facilities like obsolete machines and equipment be replaced and properly maintained through adequate funding (b) institutions training technical teachers should include courses on improvisation in specific trade areas as a mandatory requirement for graduation.

Keywords: Facilities, Metalwork and Vocational, Technical Colleges.