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Buy Used Text Books- Save Education Expenses

Education is the key to be successful in life. Education enhances knowledge. To be educated, you need to study a lot of books. It is absolutely not necessary that the books you study for enhancing your knowledge and skill has to be brand new rather we can always build knowledge by reading used textbooks or second hand text books. In this way we are actually saving lot of money and also gaining the desired knowledge. Especially if you are a college going person then every penny counts. With the limited amount of pocket money, you need to bear all the necessary expenses of your education as well as your personal expense. It is always better to save money if you can. One of the most expensive areas of attending school or college seems to be the cost of the text books.

One way to save money on text books is to Buy Used Textbooks from a marketplace. Used textbooks vary in quality but most of them are in good condition. You might find some tick marks on the pages of the books and also some notes included in the margin but it should hardly make any difference rather it will help the student to locate important topics which will make him or her easier to study. It may help you out more than it may hinder you. Buying used books is a great way to save money especially for the students who are not financially very strong.

Textbooks that have already been owned tend to be substantially less expensive than new ones. Choosing to purchase gently used books for classes can save the aspiring college student, who already is looking at a hefty school bill, a lot. Used text books are popular among students who have tight budgets because their price tags are much lesser as compared to the brand new text books. The idea of owning the textbook is also more appealing to many. The student gets the same information from the used text book as they would get it from a new text book. There is absolutely no need to purchase a brand new text book when you can save several hundred dollars by purchasing used text books. Especially, students seek relief from rising prices through the purchase of used copies of textbooks, which tend to be less expensive. Most market place offer used textbooks at lower rates. So, buy used text books and save as much education expenses as you can.

AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE EFFECTS OF IMPROVISED INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS ON THE PERFORMANCE OF SENIO

ABSTRACT The result of improvised instructional materials on students’ performance longitude and latitude at the senior technical colleges was assessed. Two hundred students of all senior technical colleges participated in the study. The students were grouped into two:- control group and experimental group (20 students formed each group “control and experimental”) preset was administered to both groups. Alter exposing the experimental group to treatment, post-test was administered. Mean and standard deviation was computed; ranked are used to answer the research question for the study. The t-test statistics was used in testing the null hypothesis formulated. The finding of this study shows that the group taught with improvised instructional materials performed better than the group taught without any instructional materials. Recommendations were offered on ways to promoting, encouraging and arousing the interest of teachers in the improvisation of mathematics equipment and materials.

INTRODUCTION For the purpose of definition, technical colleges are a post-secondary vocational training programme whose major purpose is the production of technicians and craftsmen. It is a special grade of vocational education which can be distinguished from other educational programmes because more mathematics and science are required in the training programme Okorie (2000) Today the population of Technical colleges has continue to decrease in the country, equally there had been an enormous decrease in the students population. This is due to the unimpressive state of the nation’s economy, the government has found it very difficulty to adequately finance technical colleges and also provide the scientific equipment required by these colleges. Therefore many technical colleges in the country operate without standard mathematics and science laboratories. Obviously the situation is not likely to improve in the nearest future judging from political and economic state of the nation, due to inadequate funding of the schools and colleges in the country. Consequently, the demand for mathematics and science equipment will continue to remain by these schools and colleges and the most feasible way to adjust with this demand is to resort to the improvisation of teaching equipment and materials. In Nigeria and other foreign countries, a lot of research work on improvisation of teaching of mathematics and science subjects had been carried out as part of the effort to promote, encourage and arouse the interest of mathematics and science teachers, educators and curriculum developers in improvisation of teaching equipment and materials. Alghomlan (1990) explain why mathematics teacher should improvise with available materials in other to achieve their aims in teaching. Therefore instructional materials help the teacher to meet individual differences of learners in class by using aid that appeal to different sense (Moronfola, 1983) Aina (2013), stressed that instructional materials are to supplement verbal explanation of concepts or any description so that the learning could be real to the student, therefore the national policy on Education (2004) emphasizes the teaching and learning of science principles, it also stated that the provision and use of science will lay a sound bases for scientific and reflective thinking among pupils. Ugoata (2006); Nwagbo (2008), asserted that teaching equipments and materials are often lacking in our schools. However, some of the equipments needed for teaching mathematics in technical colleges can be improvise to arose the interest of the students. Abimbola (1999), stressed that the primary purpose of instructional materials is to make learning more effective, and also facilitate it. Provision and use of instructional materials for mathematics teaching will lay a sound basis for scientific and reflective thinking among technical students. Studies have shown that the students enjoyed or gain more when improvised materials were used for teaching physics (Aina 2013).this was also supported by Eyetsemitan (2000) and Achimigu (2006) that the use of instructional materials improve achievement in basic science. METHODOLOGY An experimental design was used for this study, in which quasi-experimental approach was used. There was an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was exposed to improvised materials. Their performances were later compared using the mean scores in pre-test and post test scores. Senior students of all the five Technical colleges in Kwara State were used for this study A total of 200 students comprising of 155 males and 45 females constitute the entire population which was considered appropriate and manageable by the researcher. These students were divided in to two groups. One group was experimental (20) and other group was for control (20) Two groups (A & B) of senior students from all the five technical colleges in the state were taught mathematics lesson on the determination of distance between two points on the earth surface along the lines of latitude. The duration was 45minites each. Each group comprised of twenty (20) students. Group A was taught with improvised instructional materials, while group B, was taught without using improvised materials. At the end of the lesson, group A and B were given a written test, their script were collected and marked, and the scores were later analyzed.

HYPOTHESIS There is no significant difference between the performances of students taught using improvised instructional materials and those taught without using instructional materials.

DATA ANALYSIS Student’s scripts were marked and the scores obtained by each of the two group of student were recorded independently. The mean score of each group was then calculated t – test was also computed to find out whether or not there was any statistical significant difference in the two mean score. RESULTS Table 1 shows the number of students that took part in the pre-test and post- test for each of the two group, i.e. experimental group and control group the table therefore shows that 200 student took part in the pre-test and the 200 students took part in protest. TABLE 1: DISTRIBUTION OF STUDENTS S/NOGroupsNumbers of students Pre- testPost- test AExperimental Group100100 BControl group100100 Total200200

Table II: – shows the mean scores of the two groups in the pre- test. The results indicate that the students had little or no prior knowledge of longitude and latitude due to their poor performance in the pre- test conducted. Table II: MEAN SCORES FOR THE PRE- TEST DescriptionExperimental groupControl group Total score75-IK No of students100100 Mean score23.824 Table III shows the test computation of students taught with improvised instructional material i.e. locally made “globe of the earth” and their counterpart without improvised material

VariablesNoMeanSDDfCalc.tCritical value tDecision Students taught with improvised material10082.59.85998.641.970Rejected Students taught without improvised material10041.56.75 HYPOTHESIS There is no significant difference between the performance of student exposed to improvised instructional material and those not exposed to it. The hypothesis was tested using t-test statistics at 0.05 alpha level of significant. Judging from table 111 above, it is indicated that die t-calculated value is 8.64, while the critical or t- table value in 1-970. Since the t-calculated value is greater than the t-table, therefore null hypothesis is hereby rejected. Hence there is significant difference in the performance of student taught using improvised instructional materials and their counterparts taught without improvised instructional materials. DISCUSSION OF FINDING Pretest mean scores for the two groups are higher than the scores of their post- test of die two groups, experimental group scores was also higher than that of control group scores. Differences in their scores indicate the effectiveness of treatment given to the experimental group. This was confirmed by the t-test statistics computation of the two groups. The treatment easily aroused their interest, aid their retention and stir-up the cognitive conflict in them, thereby engage them in active participation in the lesson presented. The control groups in order hand were just presented with facts and reasons. These act allowed students to a passive participation in the lesson thereby do courses mass failure in mathematics as a subject. CONCLUSION Mathematics teaching/learning at both junior and senior students of technical colleges required a lot of handling of teaching equipment and materials by the student’s before any meaningful learning could be achieved by the teacher. Therefore, in the absence of no unready made equipment, mathematics teachers should be encouraged and advised to always design and construct equipment and material by improvising from the available resources. RECOMMENDATIONS Based on the finding of this study the researcher makes the following recommendations: 1.That a comprehensive syllabus be prepared along with appropriate suggested teaching equipment and material by curriculum planners who are in charge of mathematics to guide mathematics teachers, so that the teaching and learning of mathematic in Nigeria may be thorough enough to achieve the technological development. 2.The national commission for college of education should introduce into the present NCCE curriculum for mathematics a detail comprehensive course on improvisation of mathematics equipment and materials.

REFERENCES Abimbola, A. (1999). Principles and practice of Education Technology, Ibadan, Nigeria: International Publisher. Aina, J. K. (2013). Instructional materials and Improvisation in Physics Class: Implication for Teaching and Learning. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education Aigbomlan, D.O. (1990) Improving the attitude of primary school science teachers toward improvisation, Journal of Science Teachers Association of Nigeria, 26 (2), 53-58 Achimugu, L. (2006). Resources Materials for Teaching Primary Science. In U. Nzewi (ed). Science Teachers Association of Nigeria Annual Conference Proceedings, 339-345. Heinemann Publishers Plc. Eyetsemitan, P.E. (2002). Curriculum Design and Development: The Teaching and Learning of STM with the Primary Science Curriculum. In M.A.G. Akale (eds) 43rd Science Teachers Association of Nigeria Annual Conference Proceedings, 420-425. Heinemann Publishers Plc. Federal Ministry of Education (2004) National policy on Education. Lagos, NERDC Morohunfola, P.I (1983). A study of relationship between instructional resources and students’ academic performance. (Unpublished master’s thesis) University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.

Nwagbo, C. (2008). Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) curriculum development; Focus on problems and prospects of Biology Curriculum Delivery. N. Udofia (eds) 49th Science Teachers Association of Nigeria Annual Conference Proceedings. 13-15. Heinemann Publishers Plc. Okorie, JU (2001) Vocational industrial education, league of researchers in Nigeria (LRN) Bauchi Nigeria. Uyoata, U.E. (2006). Availability, selection and utilization of instructional resources for teaching Primary Science in Uyo Local Government Education Authority, Akwa.

Overseas Education – Gain Exceptional Exposure

Education is an integral part of ones professional career. The institute, University, location and the degree itself all of this is extremely essential and severely affects an individuals professional decision. The fact that cannot be ignored is that an education degree from a college or University of repute gets higher chances of getting employed in renowned commercial houses. However, with passing times, the importance of education has been known and today the meaning and definition of education has broadened, it is not just about acquiring dream jobs in the corporate sector but also about opening up minds and becoming aware. Along with the meaning, the system of education has also grown and improved!

The global system of education in todays era has opened up diverse opportunities for inquisitive students to learn and explore. Overseas education has emerged as a popular and rather a beneficial choice of study amongst young aspirants. Ambitious students fly out to different destinations of the world not just to enjoy high standards of education but also to benefit from an opportunity to learn and experience new cultures and traditions. Global education has created a huge world of opportunities. Several students from India too wish to experience the new era of education and benefit from varied potential professional opportunities.

Globalization is the key reason behind the increasing number of students wanting to pursue their learning abroad. However, if theres no pain there will b no gain! To acquire the global standards of learning, one has to undergo intensive preparations for acing the competitive entrance examinations. Even after getting into their choice of education institutes or Universities, the students studying abroad have to undergo intensive training for gaining the holistic knowledge and skill of their chosen profession and become industry ready professionals.

Faculties comprising of experienced academicians, excellent infrastructure and exceptional placement opportunities all make global education the most lucrative and desired choice of study. Another advantage of studying abroad is the confidence and independence that comes with living alone, facing different challenges and interacting with other students from different nationalities. Overseas education is exposure to the entire globe as one studies varied topics relevant to global community, spend quality time students from different nationalities and also get an opportunity to visit and explore beautiful places of the world.

Canada is a popular travel destination of the world. It has to its pride mesmerizing beauty and enriching cultural heritage. Also this exotic country is famed for a excellent system of education. Besides other professional courses, management programs are very popular in Canada. Numerous ambitious students seek to pursue their MBA in Canada and acquire professional understanding of the commercial world. Also extremely famous and popular is PhD in UK. The course gets its popularity from the intensive training techniques adopted by talented academicians who impart finest quality teaching and guidance to youthful learners.

Connecting To University Delegates For Overseas Education

High demand for excellent colleges, less seats and intense competition lead to students opting for studying in top-notch colleges abroad. It is seen over the years that bright students too aim for renowned universities abroad as they are well aware of the fact that overseas education can give them an edge over others when applying for jobs in any part of the globe.

There is a lot of research involved in studying abroad as it is a matter of your career and life. There are many education portals like connectuniversities etc that give complete information about the best colleges abroad. If doing research on your own is tedious and confusing, then it is best to take help from the associated counsellors working for these education portals or some renowned global education consultancy. The experts can even check your aptitude and tell you more about a course suitable for you.

Informed and thought-over decisions are the best way to proceed further in case of overseas education. It is essential to ascertain first that the college has the course you are looking for. Only after knowing that it will be lucrative in the long run, one should go forward and apply.
The exposure that one gets while staying in a foreign land is something that will aid in understanding yourself and others better. Once you step in to the job market, this will help to interact better with your clients/manager considering the enviable communication skills you will acquire while studying abroad.
Global education fairs are a good platform to meet delegates of various universities around the world and get specific answers directly from them about any question that may be bothering a student regarding overseas education, some university or a course. The Global Education Interact (GEI), a much-awaited education fair which opens the gates of opportunities for students who wish to study abroad, will be hosted by ‘The Chopras’ this year too.

GEI has been a blessing in disguise for a large number of students across different cities in India in deciding about their further education, overseas education journey, which university to choose, best degree program and numerous related avenues. The main aim of the delegates is to meet students who are interested in taking admission in the current or up-coming batches. There will be personal interactions with each student to discuss more about various countries’ processes, visas, scholarships, et al.
Delegates from renowned universities of US, UK, Singapore, Australia, Switzerland, Canada, New Zealand, Malaysia, etc along with expert counselors of ‘The Chopras’ will be there to help every student. The schedule of this event is as following:

Coimbatore – 28th Jan, 2014
Hyderabad – 30th Jan, 2014
Bangalore – 1st Feb, 2014
Chennai – 2nd Feb, 2014
Pune – 5th Feb, 2014
Mumbai – 7th Feb, 2014
Delhi – 9th Feb, 2014
Jaipur – 11th Feb, 2014
Chandigarh – 13th Feb, 2014
Lucknow – 15th Feb, 2014
Nepal – 24th Feb, 2014

Cerebral Palsy and Education

Learning disabilities were not part of the everyday educational lexicon in the 1970s. Today, the topic is a commonly-used term in the academic world. Research shows that one-tenth of kids in the United States are diagnosed with a learning disability. Recognizing these issues, Congress passed a series of laws over the past thirty years providing federal funds under infant, preschool and school-aged programs. The most recent legislation provided for special programs benefiting disabled children and a re-scoping of goals regarding special education for cerebral palsy patients.

Unfortunately, educational institutions associate cerebral palsy with learning disabilities, when in fact some students with cerebral palsy are not learning disabled. Based on the initial treatment and recovery from the initial injury, a child may have a learning disability so mild as to not greatly impede their learning, while others may be more unfortunately impaired. Many must accept a lifetime of severe challenges, leading to special education services and guidence during their schooling.

Some children require help in one area, while some will need assistance in all areas. A variety of factors affect a child’s learning ability. Vision problems, balance and coordination, speech problems and delayed language skills can all impede a child’s learning progress. Children with learning disabilities may require a variety of prompts and assistance in completing an academic task. Parents need to make their child’s educational assistance team aware of their child’s learning abilities and strengths as well as challenges.

Professional assessment of children impacted by cerebral birth trauma is crucial to determining the correct learning strategies. Early educational assessments measure strengths and weaknesses and discover possible disabilities and issues.

US regulations outline the and process used in the calculating services. U.S. Department of Education creates annual special education scorecards showing ratings for each State Performance Plan. This approach identifies factors in the planning of special education services to children with learning disabilities. Many factors influence the determination process. This process is known as Special Learning Disabilities (SLD) Determination. Schools and educators use these guidelines to determine determine a child’s eligibility for special education services. Depending on the state or city you live in, you could find yourself battling with the school district to get the special education assistance your child has a legal right to. Locating local and state resources can be challenging; which is why the Cerebral Palsy Family Network created up-to-date state-by-state Survival Guides for parents.

Before selecting a school for your child, you need to know if he or she qualifies for special education assistance. The school may assume one of a number of plans. Some children with cerebral palsy with learning disabilities may be able to attend a mainstream school, possibly with an aide assigned or adaptive equipment and services as part of their academic program. Others may require enrollment in a special school that provides an array of services such as physical, speech, and language skills training administered by teachers and therapists with advanced training in individualized education. In the case of profound learning disabilities, the focus may be on on mobility, life skills and self care.