http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/172 2026-04-21T11:53:10Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2847 THE 5E INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL: AN IMPLICATION FOR LEARNERS’ SCIENTIFIC SKILLS ACQUISITION AMONG SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA Nabie, Alice; Ong’unya, Raphael Odhiambo; Toili, William Wamalwa This study investigated the effects of 5E instructional model on Biology students’ acquisition of scientific skills in Vihiga county, Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of using 5E instructional model approach on student’s acquisition of scientific skills. The secondary education curriculum in Kenya has been adversely criticized by researchers and the production industry for not meeting the societal expectations. It is accused of focusing on knowledge rather than enabling learners to acquire skills required for the world of work. The government has therefore adopted the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) to allow learners acquire skills and values to address the challenges posed by the job industry. The secondary education curriculum has since been designed to embrace learner centered activities with a greater collaboration with the community to meet their demands. The study engaged 550 students of biology. A pre-test and post-test on acquisition of scientific skills were used for data collection. Validation of the instruments was by Kenya National Examination Council experts in Biology. Reliability of the tests was determined by Cronbach’s reliability using split half method. Data analysis was done using T-test at 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated a significant difference in acquisition of scientific skills between learners in the treatment group and the control group. It was therefore concluded that the 5E instructional model improved scientific skills acquisition among students of Biology in secondary schools in Vihiga County, Kenya. The study therefore recommended that teachers should adopt 5E instructional model to improve learner’s acquisition of scientific skills in Biology lessons. This study investigated the effects of 5E instructional model on Biology students’ acquisition of scientific skills in Vihiga county, Kenya. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of using 5E instructional model approach on student’s acquisition of scientific skills. The secondary education curriculum in Kenya has been adversely criticized by researchers and the production industry for not meeting the societal expectations. It is accused of focusing on knowledge rather than enabling learners to acquire skills required for the world of work. The government has therefore adopted the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC) to allow learners acquire skills and values to address the challenges posed by the job industry. The secondary education curriculum has since been designed to embrace learner centered activities with a greater collaboration with the community to meet their demands. The study engaged 550 students of biology. A pre-test and post-test on acquisition of scientific skills were used for data collection. Validation of the instruments was by Kenya National Examination Council experts in Biology. Reliability of the tests was determined by Cronbach’s reliability using split half method. Data analysis was done using T-test at 0.05 level of significance. The results indicated a significant difference in acquisition of scientific skills between learners in the treatment group and the control group. It was therefore concluded that the 5E instructional model improved scientific skills acquisition among students of Biology in secondary schools in Vihiga County, Kenya. The study therefore recommended that teachers should adopt 5E instructional model to improve learner’s acquisition of scientific skills in Biology lessons. 2024-04-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2846 5E INSTRUCTIONAL MODEL: INSTRUCTIONAL APPROACH FOR ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN CELL BIOLOGY CONCEPTS AMONG STUDENTS IN VIHIGA COUNTY, KENYA Nabie, Alice Cell biology is the basic concept of biology that focuses on the Structure and functions of the Cell. It is therefore a pre requisite for understanding of Biology, a subject that is not only applicable in our daily lives but also key in the research and the production world. Despite the role of biology, failure rate in the subject remains high. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 5E instructional model on academic achievement in cell biology concepts among students of biology in Vihiga County, Kenya. Effectiveness of the 5E model on improvement of various science outcome has been supported by research conducted in schools. Mixed method research design comprising of quasi-experimental design and focus-group interviews was used. A sample of 550 students and 12 teachers of biology was selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. Data was collected using two achievement tests and an interview schedule guide. The reliability of the research instruments was determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients while validity was established through consultation with research experts and practicing teachers. Data was analyzed using the independent sample t-test, at α = 0.05. The main finding was that the 5E instructional model greatly improved student’s academic achievement in cell biology concepts and additionally, it increased student’s interest in the subject. It was therefore concluded that the 5E instructional model improved students’ academic achievement in cell biology concepts. The results of this study may provide a basis for improving instruction in biology as well as in other subjects to realize improved achievement by the learners. Cell biology is the basic concept of biology that focuses on the Structure and functions of the Cell. It is therefore a pre requisite for understanding of Biology, a subject that is not only applicable in our daily lives but also key in the research and the production world. Despite the role of biology, failure rate in the subject remains high. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of 5E instructional model on academic achievement in cell biology concepts among students of biology in Vihiga County, Kenya. Effectiveness of the 5E model on improvement of various science outcome has been supported by research conducted in schools. Mixed method research design comprising of quasi-experimental design and focus-group interviews was used. A sample of 550 students and 12 teachers of biology was selected using multi-stage sampling procedure. Data was collected using two achievement tests and an interview schedule guide. The reliability of the research instruments was determined using Cronbach’s alpha coefficients while validity was established through consultation with research experts and practicing teachers. Data was analyzed using the independent sample t-test, at α = 0.05. The main finding was that the 5E instructional model greatly improved student’s academic achievement in cell biology concepts and additionally, it increased student’s interest in the subject. It was therefore concluded that the 5E instructional model improved students’ academic achievement in cell biology concepts. The results of this study may provide a basis for improving instruction in biology as well as in other subjects to realize improved achievement by the learners. 2025-04-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2686 Use of Seasonal Climate Forecast in Agricultural Decision-making among Smallholder Farmers in Semi-Arid Southeastern Kenya Mwatu, Morris Maingi Various adaptation strategies to climate variability have been used over the years with little attention given to the vital role played by seasonal climate forecast (SCF) in providing information on the expected climatic conditions to adapt to. This study sought to assess the level of use and constraints in using seasonal climate forecast in agricultural decisionmaking by smallholder farmers in semi-arid Voi sun-County. SCF for October-November-December (OND) 2015 was obtained from Kenya Meteorological Service (KMS) and compared to observed climatic conditions for the season. Climatic data of the study area for the period 1985-2014 was obtained from Voi Meteorological station and used to calculate the OND mean rainfall for the study area. Questionnaires were administered to 204 household heads randomly selected from two Locations and interview schedule administered to five purposively selected Key Informants. Primary data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation test. The study showed that 41.7% of smallholder farmers used OND 2015 SCF in agricultural decision-making. Key constraints to use of seasonal climate forecast were lack of trust in the forecasts and inadequate extension support. The household’s socio-economic characteristics that were found to have a significant relationship with use of SCF were education level and reason for farming. The study concludes that although OND 2015 SCF was accurate, there was poor use of the forecast in agricultural decision-making mainly due to lack of trust on the information and low level of training on its use. The study recommends enhancement of awareness on importance of SCF information and training on its use in agricultural decision-making especially in semi-arid areas Various adaptation strategies to climate variability have been used over the years with little attention given to the vital role played by seasonal climate forecast (SCF) in providing information on the expected climatic conditions to adapt to. This study sought to assess the level of use and constraints in using seasonal climate forecast in agricultural decisionmaking by smallholder farmers in semi-arid Voi sun-County. SCF for October-November-December (OND) 2015 was obtained from Kenya Meteorological Service (KMS) and compared to observed climatic conditions for the season. Climatic data of the study area for the period 1985-2014 was obtained from Voi Meteorological station and used to calculate the OND mean rainfall for the study area. Questionnaires were administered to 204 household heads randomly selected from two Locations and interview schedule administered to five purposively selected Key Informants. Primary data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Correlation test. The study showed that 41.7% of smallholder farmers used OND 2015 SCF in agricultural decision-making. Key constraints to use of seasonal climate forecast were lack of trust in the forecasts and inadequate extension support. The household’s socio-economic characteristics that were found to have a significant relationship with use of SCF were education level and reason for farming. The study concludes that although OND 2015 SCF was accurate, there was poor use of the forecast in agricultural decision-making mainly due to lack of trust on the information and low level of training on its use. The study recommends enhancement of awareness on importance of SCF information and training on its use in agricultural decision-making especially in semi-arid areas 2017-12-01T00:00:00Z http://41.89.205.12/handle/123456789/2685 Spatial Analysis of Food Crop Diversification in Busia County-Kenya: Implications on Household Food Security Odhiambo, Ongang’a Peter; Ngugi, Margaret Njeri; Mwatu, Morris Maingi Food insecurity is a major problem in Busia County as studies show that 54 percent of households face food insufficiency and child malnutrition. This problem is compounded by small land holdings per household, with just 155,990 acres under food crops. Studies that have been done in the County to show the major food crops that are cultivated, however, no single one has been done showing the variations of these food crops within regions, while it is well known that diversity in terms of space has a bearing in food security at household level. This research sought to find out how food crops are diversified within space and its implications on household food security. Mixed design approach was used (descriptive and correlational). Nine research assistants were involved to collect data in the cropping season using interview schedules and observation schedules. Primary data was collected in one cropping season using interview and observation schedules. Gibbs and Martins Index of crop diversification was applied to determine crop diversification. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used to determine food security status. Multi-stage mixed sampling techniques involving purposive, simple random stratified proportionate was used. Qualitative data was used to address research questions while quantitative data addressed the hypotheses. The results showed that there was a wide range of food crops grown in the County with cereals taking the largest portion while oils and miscellaneous crops had the lowest acreage. The study further revealed that Busia County had household food security index of 3.52 in the range of 1 to 6. It also found no statistically significant difference in regional diversification of food crops (p= .126). Finally, it revealed a very low negative correlation (r= -.080) with an insignificant relationship (p= .13) between crop diversification and household food security. Food insecurity is a major problem in Busia County as studies show that 54 percent of households face food insufficiency and child malnutrition. This problem is compounded by small land holdings per household, with just 155,990 acres under food crops. Studies that have been done in the County to show the major food crops that are cultivated, however, no single one has been done showing the variations of these food crops within regions, while it is well known that diversity in terms of space has a bearing in food security at household level. This research sought to find out how food crops are diversified within space and its implications on household food security. Mixed design approach was used (descriptive and correlational). Nine research assistants were involved to collect data in the cropping season using interview schedules and observation schedules. Primary data was collected in one cropping season using interview and observation schedules. Gibbs and Martins Index of crop diversification was applied to determine crop diversification. Household Dietary Diversity Score (HDDS) was used to determine food security status. Multi-stage mixed sampling techniques involving purposive, simple random stratified proportionate was used. Qualitative data was used to address research questions while quantitative data addressed the hypotheses. The results showed that there was a wide range of food crops grown in the County with cereals taking the largest portion while oils and miscellaneous crops had the lowest acreage. The study further revealed that Busia County had household food security index of 3.52 in the range of 1 to 6. It also found no statistically significant difference in regional diversification of food crops (p= .126). Finally, it revealed a very low negative correlation (r= -.080) with an insignificant relationship (p= .13) between crop diversification and household food security. 2024-05-30T00:00:00Z