Abstract

Abstract. An abstract of about 250-300 words should be presented immediately preceding the text. The abstract should concisely inform the reader of the manuscript’s topic, its methods, and its findings.

Knowledge, interest, and engagement of Science education undergraduates in climate change and mitigation actions in Imo State, Nigeria

admin_irjstem Abstract , , , ,

Knowledge, interest, and engagement of Science education undergraduates in climate change and mitigation actions in Imo State, Nigeria
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This study examined the knowledge, interest, and engagement of Science Education Undergraduates in Climate Change and Mitigation actions in Imo State, Nigeria. The relationships existing among knowledge, interest and climate engagement was specifically studied. This study adopted a descriptive survey and a correlation design. Using a researcher-made 3-sectioned instrument, the researchers collected data from the respondents. To answer the research questions, frequencies, percentages, pie charts, mean scores, and standard deviations were used while the hypothesis was tested with Pearson r statistics at a 0.01 significance level. From the major findings, it is seen that 54% of the sampled students demonstrated high knowledge of climate change while 22% and 24% demonstrated moderate and low knowledge of climate change respectively, high climate interest levels exist among the respondents (mean =3.27), majority of the students participate in personal actions which help to mitigate climate change effects such as changing their lifestyle (84.90%), considering environmental impacts in choice of goods (93.00%), water conservation (91.80%), planting of trees and flowers (79.70%) and waste recycling (70.90%), there is low involvement of the undergraduates in online and offline climate change and climate change mitigation awareness (19%), 67% of the respondents engage in climate change mitigation actions to a high extent, 22% of the participating undergraduates have moderate engagement levels in climate change mitigation actions while 11% of the respondents have low engagement levels in climate change mitigation actions, high and significant relationships exist between climate change knowledge and climate interest among the undergraduates (r= 0.750, p<.05); significant relationship also exists between interest in climate change/mitigation actions and engagement in climate change actions (r=0.323, p<.05) while the relationship between knowledge of climate and engagement in climate change mitigation activities is low and non-significant (r=0.117, p>.05). The findings imply that the use of digital tools to create climate change awareness should be greatly emphasized by lecturers, as this will promote undergraduates’ interest and digital participation in climate actions and universities should incorporate climate change topics into various courses, making environmental knowledge a fundamental part of students’ academic experience.

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Students’ satisfaction with healthcare services in federal universities in Southwestern Nigeria

admin_irjstem Abstract , , ,

Students’ satisfaction with healthcare services in federal universities in Southwestern Nigeria
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This study assessed the availability of healthcare services in Southwestern Nigeria’s federal universities. Similarly, it examined students’ satisfaction with healthcare services in the study area. Furthermore, the study determined the relationship between healthcare services and students’ satisfaction. Descriptive survey research design was adopted for the study. The study’s population was 193,526 students while the sample was 1,144 students drawn from three universities in the study area. ‘Students’ Satisfaction with Healthcare Services Questionnaire (SSHFQ) was used in gathering data for the study. The analysis of gathered data was done using percentages, weighted average and Pearson Product Moment Correlation. The results indicated that healthcare services in the institutions of study were fairly or moderately available (2.6). Furthermore, the study indicated that students were fairly satisfied 576(52%) with healthcare services. It was also found that availability of healthcare services has significant relationship (r=0.72< 0.05) with students’ satisfaction. It was concluded that healthcare services in the study area were inadequate and students’ satisfaction was influenced by the level of availability of healthcare services. It was recommended that university management and government should build more wards, procure more beds, modern healthcare technological gadgets, as well as organise professional training for medical personnel on the need to treat patients professionally and with due respect.

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Development of portable electrostatic nozzle for sugarcane pesticide application

admin_irjstem Abstract , , ,

Development of portable electrostatic nozzle for sugarcane pesticide application
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

Agriculture remains a critical sector in the Philippine economy, with sugarcane ranking fifth among the most cultivated crops. However, pest infestations significantly reduce crop yield and quality. Conventional pesticide application methods are labor-intensive, inefficient, and contribute to health and environmental risks due to excessive spraying. This study aims to design, development and evaluate the portable electrostatic nozzle designed to improve pesticide application efficiency in sugarcane farming. The prototype incorporates a high-voltage arc generator using a 5-stage Walton-Cockcroft voltage multiplier, producing 14.09 kV to electrostatically charge pesticide droplets from a conventional sprayer. Utilizing ImageJ software for data gathering, an independent t-test was employed to compare its performance with traditional sprayers. Results demonstrated a significant increase in droplet deposition, with “back” leaf surface coverage improving from 1.048% to 21.421%, and “front” coverage increasing by 13%. Overall spray efficiency improved from a range of 18.344% – 20.374% in the control group compared to 34.444% – 34.661% in the experimental group, resulting an average of 20% greater coverage of pesticide using the electrostatic nozzle. It consumed 11.397 watts of power and operated for 1.5 hours per charge using a 3.9Ah Li-ion battery. The electrostatic nozzle consistently outperformed the conventional sprayer. Further research should focus on optimizing the electric field distribution, incorporating protective battery circuitry, and conducting field validation under practical agricultural conditions. These findings support the potential of electrostatic spraying technology as a sustainable solution for improving pesticide application in crop production.

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English language proficiency of students in relation to reading comprehension

admin_irjstem Abstract , , , , ,

English language proficiency of students in relation to reading comprehension
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This research sought to assess students’ proficiency in the English language and examine how it correlates with their ability to comprehend written texts. To assess the English language proficiency of 86 junior Liberal Arts students, the study utilized a researcher-developed survey questionnaire comprising ten items for each of the four core skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The questionnaire’s validity was affirmed with a mean score of 4.27. Additionally, a reliability test using Cronbach’s Alpha yielded a high-reliability index of 0.94, ensuring the consistency of the measurements. The second part of the questionnaire, adapted from Vibal (2017), assessed students’ reading comprehension levels with 25 items. The mean was used to measure these levels, while the relationship between the two variables was analyzed using the Pearson Product-Moment Correlation Coefficient. The study revealed that junior Liberal Arts students exhibited high levels of English language proficiency in listening, speaking, reading, and writing, with means of 3.70, 3.72, 3.72, and 3.61, respectively, and an overall mean of 3.69. However, their reading comprehension level was moderate, with a mean of 13.91, suggesting a disparity between their proficiency and comprehension skills. The analysis revealed a significant correlation between students’ English language proficiency and their reading comprehension levels. This suggests that enhancing English language proficiency could improve reading comprehension skills, underlining the importance of integrated language learning approaches and targeted interventions to address areas of weakness.

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Usefulness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education of TVL-Information Communication Technology (ICT) Senior High School Learners

admin_irjstem Abstract , , , ,

Usefulness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Education of TVL-Information Communication Technology (ICT) Senior High School Learners
Email: [email protected] 

A B S T R A C T

Emerging high technologies in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are providing new trends, approaches, and enriching learning experiences. The importance of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is growing in various aspects of life, especially in the technological era. This study aimed to identify the experiences perceived by different AI tools in a classroom setting based on the usefulness of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education to TVL-ICT senior high school learners. The researcher employed a qualitative research method, utilizing a narrative inquiry approach through semi-structured interviews and focus group discussions. A total of ten (10) learner respondents were purposively selected. Data revealed that the usefulness of AI education is a significant factor in analyzing data, identifying patterns, and improving the academic performance of TVL-ICT learners. Utilizing AI tools in school promotes teaching innovation and ready access to materials. However, there are advantages and disadvantages to the usefulness of AI education to learners, incorporating proper training and discipline. An increase in assessment efficiency, time-saving searching for relevant and updated information, and open access to everyone. In contrast, learners experience a high risk of accessing private personal information, potential bias in gathering information, and a lack of trust in using AI tools. Lastly, AI education revealed a five-cycle learning process in education for ICT learners. The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in education led to a significant improvement in school resources and technological advancement. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools in education have been developed to motivate, innovate, and adapt technological development. The usefulness of AI tools cannot replace humans in instructional strategies, but resistance to change may be replaced by technology in the future.

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Artificial intelligence in Philippine education: A narrative review of applications, perceptions, and challenges

admin_irjstem Abstract , , ,

Artificial intelligence in Philippine education: A narrative review of applications, perceptions, and challenges
Email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This narrative review analyzes the current status of artificial intelligence (AI) implementation in Philippine educational settings through a comprehensive synthesis of scholarly literature from 2018 to 2025. This study aims to identify current AI applications across different educational levels, analyze stakeholder perceptions and readiness, and determine implementation challenges in Philippine educational settings. A systematic literature search was conducted across Google Scholar, EBSCO Host, and ScienceDirect databases using search terms combining “Artificial Intelligence,” “Philippines,” and “Education”. Following the selection criteria, 43 published studies underwent examination through Braun and Clarke’s thematic analytical approach. Results indicate significant implementation disparities, with higher education institutions—particularly private universities in urban centers— demonstrating substantially more advanced AI integration than K-12 schools. Three major themes emerged: (1) current AI applications spanning teaching tools, student support systems, administrative functions, and research tools; (2) mixed stakeholder perceptions with students showing more positive attitudes than faculty; and (3) significant implementation challenges including infrastructure limitations and technical expertise gaps as major barriers. Key challenges include the urban-rural digital divide, insufficient professional development opportunities, ethical concerns around academic integrity, and the absence of comprehensive institutional policies. The study concludes that realizing AI’s potential in Philippine education requires coordinated efforts to enhance technological infrastructure, develop educator capacity, establish appropriate policies, and ensure equitable access. The study recommends developing national AI education policy frameworks, investing in rural digital infrastructure, and implementing systematic professional training initiatives targeting technical skills and educational AI implementation.

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Viewing secondary school students’ behaviour through the lens of teachers’ characteristics and classroom environment in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria

admin_irjstem Abstract , , , ,

Viewing secondary school students’ behaviour through the lens of teachers’ characteristics and classroom environment in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This research explored how secondary school students in Ibadan, Oyo State, exhibit learning behaviors in relation to their teachers’ characteristics or attributes and the classroom environment or setting. A descriptive survey approach was adopted, targeting all students and teachers in Ibadan, Oyo State. Using a multistage sampling method, 440 participants were selected, including 400 students and 40 teachers. Data collection was carried out with two structured questionnaires. The analysis incorporated both descriptive statistics (such as frequency, percentage, and mean) and inferential statistics (including t tests and multiple regression analysis). The results indicated that 60% of the teachers were female and 40% were male, with 55% falling within the 35–44 age range and most having 6–10 years of teaching experience. The majority of teachers held either a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) or a Master’s degree. Among the students, 55% were female, and 48% were aged between 13 and 15. Furthermore, 62% of fathers and 70% of mothers had completed tertiary education, with most parents being self-employed (48% of fathers and 54% of mothers). The students generally demonstrated positive learning behaviours (weighted average = 3.04). There were no notable differences in learning behaviors when comparing students by gender or age group. Teacher characteristics and the classroom environment together explained 92.4% of the variation in students’ learning behaviours (Adjusted R² = 0.924, p < 0.05). Notably, the classroom environment was a significant predictor of learning behaviour (β = 1.052, p < 0.05), while teacher characteristics did not have a significant individual impact (β = -0.120, p > 0.05). These findings highlight the critical influence of the classroom environment on student learning behaviours, irrespective of teacher qualifications or experience. Based on these insights, it is recommended that school administrators focus on enhancing classroom conditions to promote student engagement and positive learning behaviours, regardless of students’ gender or age.

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Revolutionizing waste management system through the development of an i-smart trash bin solid waste sorter

admin_irjstem Abstract , , ,

Revolutionizing waste management system through the development of an i-smart trash bin solid waste sorter
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This study presents a structured approach to creating an efficient waste management solution capable of segregating papers, plastic bottles, and metal cans. Following a developmental research design, the study progresses through three main phases: design and construction, development and programming, and performance evaluation. In the design phase, this study integrates electronic components such as inductive proximity sensors, ultrasonic sensors, servo motors, LEDs, LCD, a buck converter with an Arduino ATMEGA 2560 microcontroller, and a backup power source from solar energy to operate each bin with an 11-gallon capacity. The development and programming phase implements a sophisticated waste management system using Arduino IDE, incorporating sensor inputs to classify and sort waste items accurately. Results showed an overall accuracy rate of 97% in waste segregation with a minimal error of 6%, where paper waste achieved 100% accuracy, while a 97% accuracy rate was seen in both plastic bottle and metal waste. These findings underscore the prototype’s potential as a reliable waste management solution, contributing to more effective and sustainable waste segregation practices. Further enhancements can be explored to optimize functionality and usability, ensuring continued innovation in waste management technology.

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The integration of augmented reality tools in South African schools: Selected preservice teachers’ views

admin_irjstem Abstract , , , ,

The integration of augmented reality tools in South African schools: Selected preservice teachers’ views 
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This study examines selected pre-service teachers’ views on the application of Augmented Reality (AR) tools in South African schools where they were deployed for School-Based education (SBE). Mixed methods were used to collect quantitative data from 80 purposively selected pre-service teachers. A survey questionnaire with a Likert scale with 5 points was used to gather the quantitative data from the 80 participants. Out of 80 participants, face-to-face interviews with 10 randomly selected pre-service teachers were conducted. The results demonstrated that more than 70% of the 80 pre-service teachers disagreed and strongly disagreed that the teachers had a good awareness of and understanding of AR innovation; were ready to adopt AR tools, were competent with these tools, and that their attitudes towards AR were positive. As these participants indicated that difficulties with implementing AR existed at the schools, more than 60% of them agreed that interventions were desperately needed. The study suggests that the schools collaborate with the Department of Basic Education in South Africa and other key stakeholders to ensure that the 4IR resources, in this case AR are adequately funded to enable all teachers, including student-teachers to effectively incorporate them into their teaching and learning activities whilst on School Based Education (SBE). There is need to engage further research at a large scale to alleviate similar challenges at many other schools, thus closing the digital divide that could be existing between south Africa and other countries.

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Peer tutoring day: Perceptions and its effectiveness on the academic performance of students in learning high school physics

admin_irjstem Abstract , , , ,

Peer tutoring day: Perceptions and its effectiveness on the academic performance of students in learning high school physics
Corresponding email: [email protected]

A B S T R A C T

This study looked at how well high school students performed academically in physics when using the Peer Tutoring Day (PTD) approach. Specifically, it assessed students’ perceptions of PTD in terms of helpfulness, confidence, and motivation, as well as its implications on achievement scores. A mixed-methods, one-group pretest-posttest quasiexperimental design was used. High-performing students served as tutors, while lower-performing students were tutees. Data were collected through a 15-item achievement test, a Likert-scale survey, and focus group discussions (FGDs). Results showed that students rated PTD as very helpful (mean = 3.58), very empowering (mean = 3.38), and very motivating (mean = 3.44). The favorable contribution of PTD to the learning outcomes was confirmed by the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, which showed a substantial improvement in posttest results (p=0.000). Qualitative findings revealed that PTD fostered collaborative learning, deepened conceptual understanding, and strengthened interpersonal relationships. However, challenges such as limited tutor preparation time and initial discomfort in tutor-tutee interactions were mentioned. The study concludes that PTD is a helpful, motivating, and confidence building strategy, which enhances students’ understanding of physics. It recommends allocating sufficient preparation time for tutors and fostering a supportive classroom environment to optimize the intervention’s benefits.

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