Search

The study compared the leadership empowering behaviors of male and female secondary school heads in Pakistan. Main purpose of the research is to collate captaincy empowering conduct of male & female educational leaders at the secondary level. The sample was comprised of 564 teachers including 379 males & 185 females employing a stratified random sample technique. In this study, quantitative and descriptive methodologies were used. A standardized tool “Leader Empowering Behavior Questionnaire” was used for data collection. Data was collected and analyzed using the mean, standard deviation, & independent samples t-test. Results explored that there is significant difference (t = 3.160, p = .002) between leadership empowering behavior among male (mean = 5.73, SD = .30) and female leaders (mean = 5.64, SD = .31) on whole. Male leaders were found to have better leadership empowering behavior than female leaders. Thus, it was recommended from results that female educational leaders should further improve and adopt leadership empowering behavior for better organizational productivity and female educational leaders should further improve their empowering behavior so as to stimulate potential of their subordinates for better performance and commitment in diverse situtions for desired outcomes.

This study examined occupational stress, its related symptoms, associated factors, and coping strategies among heads of secondary schools in Kohat Division, Pakistan. A sample of 101 secondary school-heads was taken using a multistage sampling technique. Occupational Stress Index (Shrivastava & Singh, 1981) followed by four open-ended questions was used to investigate the study variables. Findings revealed that heads of secondary schools were occupationally stressed in their workplace. The most associated factors causing occupational stress were poor compensation, work overload, lack of effective advancement and promotion policy, poor implementation of education policy, lack of basic facilities, political interference, and under-participation. Several symptoms such as headaches, alterations in blood pressure, and digestive problems, were found to be associated with an increased risk of occupational stress. Furthermore, various related perceived physiological, psychological, and behavioral consequences were found to be caused by stress at work. Findings suggest that a comprehensive strategy promoted by the education department should be recommended for reducing stress among secondary school-heads and improving their wellbeing and other health-related conditions at the workplace.

This paper examines the relationship between occupational stress and job satisfaction among secondary-school-heads in the province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A sample of only 402 secondary-school-heads (Male n = 260, Female n = 142) was selected with the help of multistage sampling technique. A descriptive and correlative design was employed. Two standardized tools were employed i.e., "Occupational Stress Index (OSI)" and Minnesota Satisfaction Questionnaire (MSQ) for seeking the responses. Pearson's correlation and linear regression were employed to analyze data statistically. The findings exposed a strong inverse relation between occupational stress and job satisfaction. Furthermore, a substantial negative correlation between all the subscales of occupational stress and overall job satisfaction is also present. Eight subscales of occupational stress, i.e., role ambiguity, responsibility for persons, under participation, unreasonable group and political pressure, low status, strenuous working conditions, peer group relations, and unprofitability were found significant predictors and have negative effect on job satisfaction. So, the researchers recommend focusing reduction in the level of occupational stress among secondary-school-heads. Elementary and Secondary Education Department should have collaboration with policy makers to formulate rewarding and effective strategies for stress reduction for secondary school heads to have high spirit for yielding good outcomes.

The purpose of this research work was to identify the factors that contribute to examination malpractices at secondary school level. The target population of the study was all the heads, teachers and students at secondary school level in Kohat Division (Pakistan). The study was delimited to the 80 male secondary schools. The sample for this study was made up of 840 respondents which were selected through simple random sampling technique. A self-developed semi-structured questionnaire was used as research instrument for data collection. Descriptive statistics i.e., simple percentage, mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics i.e., ANOVA were applied for the statistical analysis of data. The findings of the study explored that there are various factors that contribute to examination malpractices i.e., corruption; poor implementation of examinations rules; students and parental threats; no fear of punishment; inadequate preparation for examination; poor invigilation; collusion; disloyalty of examination bodies; fear of failure; poor morale and economic depression of supervisory staff etc. Furthermore, the findings of the study revealed that bringing of unauthorized materials to examination hall; sending of prepared answers to students by teachers and parents; impersonation; questions and papers leakage; cheating; and scripts changing are the various forms of examination malpractices. Based on findings, it was recommended that examination rules should be implemented effectively and those who were found guilty should be given severe exemplary punishment according to the examination’s rules.

The purpose of the study was to examine the relationship between perceived occupational stress and psychological well-being among secondary school heads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. A sample of 402 secondary school heads (male n = 260, female n = 142) was selected through multistage sampling technique. A descriptive, quantitative and correlative research design was used. For gathering information from the participants, two standardized tools i.e., "Occupational Stress Index (OSI)" and "Ryff's Psychological Wellbeing Scale (RPWB)" were used for measuring perceived occupational stress and psychological well-being respectively. For statistical analysis, mean, standard deviation, Pearson's product-moment correlation and multiple regression were employed. The findings revealed that there is a strong negative correlation between perceived occupational stress and psychological well-being. Furthermore, moderate negative correlation was found between all the sub-scales of perceived occupational stress and psychological well-being. All the subscales of occupational stress except low status were found significant predictors and have negative effect on psychological well-being of secondary school heads. So, it was suggested that Elementary & Secondary Education Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa should have a collaboration with policy makers to formulate a comprehensive strategy for stress reduction management for secondary school heads so that they may develop good psychological well-being and perform their duties effectively.

Research reveals that private or home tuition after school time plays a crucial role in strengthening and improving student’s academic achievement. The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of private tuition on the academic achievement of students in subject of mathematics at secondary school level. All the students at secondary school level in Kohat Division (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to the students of Government High School Ahmadi Banda Karak only. Fifty students of class 09 were selected as sample of the study. Sample students were divided into two groups i.e. control group and experimental group by equating them on the basis of their previous knowledge in subject of mathematics as determined through a pre-test. Each group was composed of 25 students. Students of the experimental group were engaged in tuition for two hours after school time. The study was experimental in nature therefore, “The pre-test-post-test Equivalent Groups Design” was used for the collection of data. Statistical tools i.e. the mean, standard deviation and differences of means were computed for each group. Significance of difference between the mean scores of both the experimental and control groups on the variable of pre-test and post test scores was tested at 0.05 levels by applying t-test. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers concluded that there is significant positive effect of private tuition on the academic achievement of students in subject of mathematics at secondary school level. Based on the findings, it was recommended that parents should arrange private tuition for their children to move up their achievement level in subject of mathematics.

The purpose of the study was to examine and compare the occupational stress of male and female secondary-school-heads in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All the male and female secondary school heads working in pubic secondary schools of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa constituted the population of the study. A total of 402 secondary school heads were selected as sample through multistage sampling technique in which 260 were males and 142 were females. Descriptive and quantitative survey research design was used. To seek the responses from the participants, a standardized tool i.e., “Occupational Stress Index (OSI)” was used. For statistical analysis, proper descriptive statistics i.e., mean, standard deviation and inferential statistics i.e., independent samples t-test were employed through SPSS. The findings revealed that both male and female secondary school heads were found occupationally stressful with respect to role overload, role conflict, strenuous working condition, unreasonable group & political pressure, under participation, and unprofitability. Comparatively, there was no significant difference between the overall occupational stress of male and female secondary school heads. Based on findings, it was recommended that Elementary & Secondary Education Department should have a collaboration with policymakers to develop comprehensive strategies for stress reduction for secondary school heads so that they may perform their duties effectively.Keywords: comparative study, gender based study, occupational stress, secondary school heads

The current paper investigated the effects of information and communication technology on the students’ academic achievement and retention in chemistry. Fifty students of 9th grade were selected randomly from Kohsar Public School and College Latamber Karak. The students were grouped into equivalent groups based on pretest score. In order to collect data, pretest posttest equivalent groups design was used. Mean, standard deviation and independent samples t-test were applied through SPSS for data analysis. Based on statistical analysis, it came to light that information and communication technology positively affects students’ academic achievement and retention and ICT was found more compelling, effective and valuable in teaching of chemistry when contrasted with conventional techniques of teaching. It is recommended that information and communication technology should be used in teaching chemistry for enhancing students’ academic achievement at secondary level.

Instructional technology plays a vital role in enhancing instructional process and makes it more interesting, successful and productive (Suleman, et al. 2011a). The purpose of the study was to explore the role of instructional technology in enhancing student’s educational attainment in General Science at elementary level in District Karak (Khyber Pukhtunkhwa) Pakistan. All the students at elementary level in District Karak constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to the students of Government High School Khurram District Karak. The study was further delimited to the students of 8 th class. Fifty students of class 08 of the same school were selected as sample of the study. Sample students were divided into two groups i.e. control group and experimental group by equating them on the basis of their previous knowledge in subject of General Science as determined through pre-test. Each group was comprised of 25 students. The study was experimental in nature therefore pre-test and post-test technique was used as research instrument for the collection of data. Mean, standard deviation and t-test were used for the statistical treatment of the data. After analysis of the data, the researchers concluded that instructional technology plays a fundamental and crucial role in teaching of General Science at elementary level. The application of instructional technology during teaching learning process increased the achievement level of the students. It also increased the motivational level of the students. Students of the experimental group were found more attentive and interested. On the basis of findings and conclusions it is recommended that instructional technologies should be utilized in teaching of General Science at elementary level. It is further recommended that instructional technologies should be provided to each school on priority basis. KEYWORDS: Instructional Technology; Enhancing Students’ Educational Attainment; General Science; Elementary Level

Classroom management is a critical part of effective and successful instruction. Effective teaching learning process depends upon effective classroom management. Effective classroom management depends upon the competencies of teachers. Therefore the study was conducted to explore and compare the competencies of in-service promoted and directly selected elementary school teachers regarding classroom management in District Karak, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (Pakistan). The objectives of the study were: (a) to compare the competencies of directly selected and in-service promoted elementary school teachers regarding classroom management (b) to explore the weak and strong points of directly selected and in-service promoted elementary school teachers regarding classroom management and (c) to suggest proper ways and means to improve the quality of elementary school teachers regarding classroom management. All the students at Elementary Level in District Karak, Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. In order to ensure adequate representation of sample, only 1350 students studying in forty five schools at elementary level in District Karak were selected randomly. From each school, 05 students from class 6 th , 10 from class 7 th and 15 students from 8 th were selected. The study was descriptive in nature therefore, the researchers decided to develop questionnaires for the collection of data. Two questionnaires were developed for the whole sample. One questionnaire was prepared about in-service promoted elementary school teachers and the other was prepared about directly selected elementary school teachers. Pilot testing was conducted to explore the weakness, misconceptions and ambiguities of the questions in questionnaires in order to make it more reliable and authentic. After conduction of pilot testing, the questionnaires were revised and then their final versions were prepared. The researchers personally visited to the respective sample students and distributed two two questionnaires among the participants. In this way data was collected. After the collection of data, the data was organized, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. Percentage and chi-square were used for the statistical treatment of the data. After statistical analysis of data, the researchers concluded that the overall performance of the directly selected elementary school teachers is better and highly appreciable. On the other hand, the performance of the in-service promoted elementary school teachers is poor and unsatisfactory. On the basis of findings and conclusions, it is strongly recommended that special training should be given to the existing in-service promoted elementary school teachers in classroom management and teaching methods to equip them with the modern teaching methods and techniques so that they may perform their duties effectively. KEYWORDS: Elementary School Teachers, Competencies, Classroom Management, Elementary Level

Family setting and structure is playing a crucial role in strengthening or devastating student’s academic performance. Family is the primary socializing agent which moulds the child in society. Therefore, the study was conducted to know the effects of family structure on academic performance of the students at elementary level in district Karak. The main objectives of the study were: (a) to explore the effects of family structure on the academic performance of the students at elementary level and (b) to suggest proper ways and means for the excellent academic performance of students at elementary level. All the students at elementary level in district Karak constituted the population of the study. In order to represent adequate sample, 30 students from each school were selected as a sample randomly. The study was delimited to the twelve male secondary schools. The study was further delimited to the students of class 08. The Study was descriptive in nature therefore the researchers decided to develop questionnaire for the collection of data. Pilot testing was conducted to know the weakness, misconceptions and ambiguities of the questionnaire. After the conduction of pilot testing, final version of the questionnaire was developed and prepared. The researchers personally visited to the respective sample and distributed questionnaires among the sample. In this way data was collected. After collection of data, the data was organized, tabulated and analyzed. Chi-square was used for the statistical treatment of the data. After analysis of data, the researchers concluded that large family size; large number of brother and sisters; domestic issues and tension among the family members; low socio-economic status, lack of parent’s participation badly effects student’s educational attainment. On the other hand, it was also found that home tuition; parent’s education; high socio-economic status; and parent’s participation plays a fundamental and significant role in enhancing student’s academic performance. Key Words: Family, Family Structure, Effects of family Structure, Academic Achievement

The biosorption of lead(II) and chromium(VI) on groundnut hull was investigated. Batch biosorption experiments were conducted to find the equilibrium time and biosorption capacity. Effect of parameters like pH, temperature and initial metal concentration was studied. The maximum biosorption capacity of lead(II) and chromium(VI) was found to be 31.54 ± 0.63 and 30.21 ± 0.74 mg g-1, respectively. The optimum pH for lead(II) and chromium(VI) removal was 5 ± 0.1 and 2 ± 0.1, respectively. The temperature change, in the range of 20 - 45ºC affected the biosorption capacity. The maximum removal of lead(II) was achieved at 20 ± 2ºC, where as maximum uptake of chromium(VI) was observed at 40 ± 2ºC. The biosorption data was fitted to the Langmuir and the Freundlich isotherm models. The Langmuir model showed better representation of data, with correlation coefficient greater than 0.98. The kinetics of biosorption followed the pseudo second order kinetics model. The thermodynamics parameters were evaluated from the experimental data.

Presence of heavy metals in the aquatic systems has become a serious problem. As a result, there has been a great deal of attention given to new technologies for removal of heavy metal ions from contaminated waters. Biosorption is one such emerging technology which utilized naturally occurring waste materials to sequester heavy metals from industrial wastewater. The aim of the present study was to utilize the locally available agricultural waste materials for heavy metal removal from industrial wastewater. The wastewater containing lead and hexavalent chromium was treated with biomass prepared from ficus religiosa leaves. It was fund that a time of one hr was sufficient for sorption to attain equilibrium. The equilibrium sorption capacity after one hr was 16.95 ± 0.75 mg g-1 and 5.66 ± 0.43 mg g-1 for lead and chromium respectively. The optimum pH was 4 for lead and 1 for chromium. Temperature has strong influence on biosorption process. The removal of lead decreased with increase in temperature. On the other hand chromium removal increased with increase in temperature up to 40ºC and then started decreasing. Ion exchange was the major removal mechanism along with physical sorption and precipitation. The biosorption data was well fitted to Langmuir adsorption model. The kinetics of biosorption process was well described by the pseudo 2nd order kinetics model. It was concluded that adsorbent prepared from ficus religiosa leaves can be utilized for the treatment of heavy metals in wastewater

The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effects of parental socioeconomic status on the academic achievement of secondary school students in District Karak (Khyber Pakhtunkhwa) Pakistan. The objectives of the study were: (a) to find out the effect of parental socioeconomic status on the academic achievement of secondary school students (b) to determine the effect of parental educational level on the academic achievement of secondary school students (c) to find out the effect of parental occupational level on the academic achievement of secondary school students and (d) to suggest workable recommendations for the enhancement of the students’ academic achievement. All the students studying at secondary school level in District Karak constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to only sixty government boys’ high schools in District Karak. The study was further delimited to the students of 10th Class. In order to represent adequate representation of population, only 1500 secondary school students were selected randomly at the rate of 25 students from each school. The study was survey type and therefore the researchers decided to develop self-developed questionnaire for the collection of data. Pilot testing was conducted to explore the weakness, misconceptions and ambiguities of the questionnaire. After the conduction of pilot testing, final version of the questionnaire was developed and prepared. The researchers personally visited to the respective sample and distributed questionnaires among the participants. In this way data was collected. After collection of data, the data was organized, tabulated and analyzed. Chi-square and percentage were used for the statistical analysis of the data. After statistical analysis of data, the researchers concluded that parental socio-economic status; parent’s educational level, parental occupational level; and parental income level affect the academic achievement of students at secondary level. Therefore it is strongly recommended that unemployment should be controlled. Poor students should be provided scholarships, free books and other stationary. In addition, it is also recommended that government should take steps to raise socioeconomic status of people. KEY WORDS: Parental Socioeconomic status, academic achievement, secondary school students

Purpose – The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of over-scheduled involvement in co-curricular activities on the academic achievement of the secondary school students. Design/methodology/approach – All the students at secondary school level in Kohat Division (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to students of 10 th class of Govt. High School Khurram (Karak). Fifty students from class 10 th were selected as sample through simple random sampling technique. The study was experimental in nature and therefore, “Pre-test-Post-test Equivalent Groups Design” was used. The students of experimental group were involved in co-curricular activities for 40 minutes in school and 2 hours after school time. The students of the control group were only involved for 40 minutes in school. Data was collected though pre-test and post-test technique. After collection of data, it was organized, tabulated and analyzed. Statistical tools i.e., mean, standard deviation and differences of means were computed for each group. Significance of difference between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups were tested at 0.05 levels by applying t-test. Findings – The current research findings indicate that there is significant negative effect of over-scheduled involvement in co-curricular activities on the academic achievement of the secondary school students. Originality/value – Past research studies reveal that involvement in co-curricular activities is directly proportional to the achievement level of the students. There is a strong connection between student’s participation in co-curricular activities and excellent academic performance. The current study negates the findings of past research studies regarding involvement in co-curricular activities and students’ academic achievement. The current paper shows that how over-scheduled involvement in co-curricular activities affect the academic achievement of secondary school students negatively. Therefore the findings of this research study will prove more fruitful and productive in strengthening student’s academic achievement at secondary school level.

The purpose of this study was to analyze the perceived effectiveness of academic leadership in schools of Bahawalpur (Pakistan). All the teachers teaching at secondary school level of private sector constituted the population of the study. Only 100 school teachers were selected as sample through simple random sampling technique. A self-developed structured questionnaire was used as research instrument for data collection. The quantitative research methodology has been used. Statistical tools i.e., mean standard deviation and percentage were used for the analysis of the data. After analysis of the data, it was concluded that that the academic leadership in schools is not as effective as it should be as per staff perception. Supervisors do not empower their teachers. Teachers are not motivated and not involved in decision making process. Teachers are not rewarded on showing excellent performance. Furthermore, they are not engaged in building ethical ambiance in school.

The purpose of the paper was to examine the effects of classroom physical environment on the academic achievement scores of secondary school students. All the students studying at secondary school level in Kohat Division, Pakistan constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to the students of class 09 of Govt. High School Khurram (Karak). Forty students from class 09 of the same school were selected as sample through simple random sampling technique. The study was experimental in nature and therefore “Pre-test-Post-test Equivalent Groups Design” was used. Statistical data was collected through pre-test and post-test technique. Statistical tools i.e., mean, standard deviation and differences of means were calculated for each group. Significance of the difference between the mean scores of the experimental and control groups was tested at 0.05 level of confidence by applying t-test. After analysis, it was concluded that classroom favorable environment has a significant positive effect on the academic achievement scores of secondary school students. The students of experimental group showed better performance as compared to the students of control group. Based on findings, it was recommended that classroom physical environment should be well-organized, equiped and facilitated.

Secondary school teachers occupy the most critical and crucial position in the entire education system (Suleman, et al, 2011a). The purpose of the study was to compare the performance of online and directly selected secondary school teachers regarding teaching proficiency and classroom Management. All the students at secondary school level in Kohat Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. Only 600 students studying at secondary school level in Kohat Division were selected as sample randomly. The study was delimited to only male students at secondary school level. The study was descriptive type and questionnaire was used as research instrument. Data was collected through personal visits. After the collection of data, it was organized, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. The statistical tools i.e. means, standard deviation and differences of means were computed for each variable. Significance of difference between the mean values of the responses of students about online and directlly selected secondary school teachers were tested at 0.05 levels by applying t-test. After statisitcal analysis of the data, the researchers conclduded that the overall performance of the directly selected secondary school teachers was better and satisfactory. They were found to have the knowledge of teaching methods and the ability to control classroom disruptive behaviour. Conversely, the overall performance of the online selected secondary school teachers was poor and unsatisfactory. They have no knowledge of teaching methodologies and subject mastery. They were found unable to manage classroom disruptive behaviour and other related activities. Based on findings, it was strongly recommended that a special professional training programme should be arranged to the existing online selected SSTs in teaching methodologies and classroom management to equip them with the modern teaching methods and techniques of managing classroom behaviour so that they become able to perform their duties effectively.

Research reveals that private or home tuition after school time plays a crucial role in strengthening and improving student’s academic achievement (Atta, et al., 2011). The purpose of the study was to explore the effects of private tuition on the academic achievement of students in subject of mathematics at secondary school level. All the students at secondary school level in Kohat Division (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to the students of Government High School Ahmadi Banda Karak only. Fifty students of class 09 were selected as sample of the study. Sample students were divided into two groups i.e. control group and experimental group by equating them on the basis of their previous knowledge in subject of mathematics as determined through a pre-test. Each group was composed of 25 students. Students of the experimental group were engaged in tuition for two hours after school time. The study was experimental in nature therefore, “The pre-test-post-test Equivalent Groups Design” was used for the collection of data. Statistical tools i.e. the mean, standard deviation and differences of means were computed for each group. Significance of difference between the mean scores of both the experimental and control groups on the variable of pre-test and post test scores was tested at 0.05 levels by applying t-test. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers concluded that there is significant positive effect of private tuition on the academic achievement of students in subject of mathematics at secondary school level. Based on the findings, it was recommended that parents should arrange private tuition for their children to move up their achievement level in subject of mathematics.

Effective classroom management is playing a vital role in strengthening instructional process and makes it more productive, effective and successful. Without effective classroom management, teaching learning process has no fruitful results. Classroom disruptive behaviour of students is one of the important issues in field of education that affects the teaching learning process negatively. The purpose of the study was to explore the techniques used by secondary school teachers in managing classroom disruptive behaviours. All the secondary school teachers and students in District Karak constituted the population of the study. Only 135 secondary school teachers and 920 students (at the rate of 75% and 15% respectively) were selected as sample through simple random sampling technique. As the study was descriptive in nature therefore questionnaire was used as research instrument. Data was collected through personals visits. Percentage and chi square were used as statistical tools for the analysis of the data. After analysis of the data, the researchers arrived at the results that the overall performance of the secondary school teachers in managing classroom disruptive behaviour is satisfactory as they use constructive and appropriate techniques to control the classroom disruptive behaviour. However, the negative area of the secondary school teachers in managing classroom disruptive behaviour is that they do not devise any rules and regulations of classroom management at the opening day of the class. Parents are not informed through letters about the disruptive behaviour of their children. Therefore it is strongly recommended that at opening day of the class, classroom management norms, rules and regulations should be formulated and announced so that students may understand the conduct of a teacher. A special training programme regarding management of classroom disruptive behaviour should be launched to equip the existing teachers with modern techniques to control and manage classroom disruptive behavior properly. KEYWORDS: Techniques, Secondary School Teachers, Classroom Disruptive Behavior, Secondary School Students

The purpose of the study was to identify the problems faced by exceptional children at primary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. All the government institutions for persons with disabilities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to physically handicapped students only. The study was further delimited to seven government institutions for persons with disabilities. From each institute, five teachers and ten students were randomly selected. The study was descriptive in nature therefore a single questionnaire was developed as research instrument for the collection of data. Data was collected through personal visits. After collection of the data, it was organized, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. Percentage and chi square were applied for the statistical treatment of the data. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers concluded that curriculum was not designed to meet the needs of special children. Special children were not being taught according to Individualized Educational Programme (I.E.P). Basic educational facilities were not available. Mobility aids were not present in the institutions. Therefore it is strongly recommended that special children should be taught through individualized educational programmes to strengthen their educational attainment. Curriculum should be designed according to the needs of the special children. Mobility aids i.e., crutches, wheelchairs, artificial limbs etc should be provided to each special education institution on priority basis. KEYWORDS: Identification, Problems, Exceptional Children, Primary Level

It is a reality that educational technology plays a remarkable role in strengthening and facilitating instructional process. Educational technologies are useful and effective in maximizing educational attainment at each level. The purpose of the study was to explore the effectiveness of educational technology in strengthening students’ achievement in English at secondary school level. All the students at secondary school level in Kohat Division constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to the students of Govt. High School Khurram (Karak). The study was further delimited to the students of 9 th class. Forty students of 9 th class were selected as sample. Sample students were divided into two groups i.e. control group and experimental group on the basis of pre-test. Each group was comprised of 20 students. The study was experimental in nature therefore pre-test and post-test research design was used as research instrument. Statistical tools i.e. the mean, standard deviation and differences of means were computed for each group. Significance of difference between the mean scores of both the experimental and control groups on the variable of pre-test and post test scores was tested at 0.05 levels by applying t-test. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers arrived at the conclusions that educational technology plays a vital role in teaching of English at secondary level. Educational technologies were found to be more effective and successful in teaching of English. The students of experimental group showed unexpected and astonishing performance as compared to the students of control group. On the basis of the findings, it is strongly recommended that availability of educational technologies should be ensured and utilized at secondary school level. KEYWORDS: Effectiveness; Educational Technology; Students’ Achievement; English; Secondary Level

The purpose of the current paper was to explore the role of in-service promoted secondary school heads in strengthening secondary education. The objectives of the study were: (a) to investigate the role of in-service promoted secondary school heads in strengthening secondary education; (b) to investigate the weak areas of in-service promoted secondary school heads in strengthening secondary education; and (c) to suggest workable recommendations to improve the administrative performance of in-service promoted secondary school heads. All the teachers and students at secondary school level in Kohat Division, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to male secondary school heads, teachers and students only. The study was further delimited to 30 secondary schools in each district of Kohat Division i.e., Karak, Kohat and Hangu. In order to ensure adequate representation of the population, 450 teachers and 900 students were selected through simple random sampling technique. The nature of the study was descriptive and questionnaires were used as research instrument. Pilot testing was conducted to eliminate the weaknesses, misconceptions and ambiguities of the questions in the questionnaires. Data was collected through personal visits. Then it was organized, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted. Statistical tools, i.e., percentage and chi square were used for the statistical treatment of the data. After analysis of the data, the researchers arrived at the conclusions that the overall administrative performance of in-service promoted secondary school heads was ineffective and unproductive. They lack the qualities of effective leadership and successful administration. Based on findings of the study, it is strongly recommended that a special professional training programme regarding school administration and management should be institutionalized so that in-service promoted secondary school heads may be equipped with the modern techniques of school management and administration. KEYWORDS: Role, In-service Promoted Secondary School Heads, Strengthening, Secondary Education

Educational technology plays a fundamental role in enhancing teaching learning process. It has facilitated instructional process and made it more effective, dynamic and productive (Suleman, et al. 2012). The purpose of this study was to explore the effectiveness of the multimedia in the development of teachers training institutes at tertiary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The objectives of the study were; (a) to find out the effects of multimedia on the educational attainment of prospective teachers at tertiary level (b) to determine whether teaching through multimedia is more effective than the traditional method of teaching at tertiary level (c) to examine the effects of multimedia on the educational attainment of higher and low achievers (d) to investigate whether the prospective teachers can retain the learning for a longer time when they taught through multimedia and (e) to make workable recommendations to enhance the teaching learning process through multimedia and other educational technologies. All the prospective teachers studying in public and private teachers training institutes at tertiary level in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to the prospective teachers of Kohsar Public Schools and College Latamber (Karak) and Hussan Model Degree College Chokara (Karak) studying at B.Ed level. The study was further delimited to the subject of Teacher Education. Forty prospective teachers of B.Ed level from these two institutions were selected as sample of the study. Sample prospective teachers were divided into two groups i.e. control group and experimental group on the basis of pre-test. Each group was comprised of 20 prospective teachers. The study was experimental in nature therefore pre-test and post-test research design was used as research instrument. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers arrived at the results that multimedia plays a fundamental role in teaching of teacher training programmes at tertiary level. Multimedia was found to be more effective in clarifying difficult concepts of the prospective teachers. The students of experimental group showed extraordinary performance as compared to the students of control group. On the basis of the findings, it is strongly recommended that provision of multimedia should be ensured and utilized in teachers training institutes at tertiary level..Keywords: Effectiveness, Multimedia, Development, Teacher Training Institutes, Tertiary Level

Teachers possess the most important and critical position in the entire education system. Successful and effective teaching learning process depends upon the quality of a teacher. The purpose of this research study was to identify the problems which affect the performance of secondary school teachers. The objectives of the study were: (a) to identify the problems faced by male and female secondary school teachers in District Karak (b) to make workable recommendations to enhance the performance of male and female secondary school teachers. All the male and female secondary school teachers in District Karak, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (Pakistan) constituted the population of the study. The study was delimited to only 60 female and 80 male Govt. High Schools. In order to ensure adequate representation of the population, only 120 female and 160 male secondary school teachers were selected as sample randomly. The study was descriptive type and the researchers designed a questionnaire on five likert rating scale for the collection of data. Pilot testing was conducted to remove the misconceptions, ambiguities and weakness of the questions in the questionnaire. After pilot testing the questionnaire was revised and its final version was prepared in the light of suggestions given by the experts. In order to collect data, the researchers personally visited to the respective participants and distributed questionnaires among them and data was collected. Then it was organized, tabulated and analyzed. For the statisitcal analysis of the data, the percentage, means, standard deviations, and differences of means were computed for each male and female SSTs. Significance of difference between the mean opinions of both the male and females SSTs were tested at 0.05 level by applying t-test. After statistical analysis of the data, the researchers arrived at the conclusions that there are various problems which negatively affect the performance of secondary school teachers. These problems are: unattractive pay package; lack of basic facilities; overcrowded classes; misbehaviors of students; financial crises of teachers; overwork load; long distance to school; autocratic environment inside school etc. In the light of the findings and conclusions, it is recommended that teachers should be given attractive salaries and pay scale. Educational facilities should be provided to them. Heads of the institutions should be democratic minded and adopted the principles of equality. KEYWORDS: Identification, problems, secondary school teachers, secondary school level

Educational technology plays a fundamental role in enhancing teaching learning process. It has facilitated instructional process and made it more productive, dynamic and effective. Therefore the study was conducted to explore the role of educational technology in public and private institutes in district Karak (Khyber Pukhtunkhwa) Pakistan in comparative perspectives. The main objectives of the study were: to compare the availability of educational technology in public and private institutions at secondary level; to compare the usability of educational technology in public and private institutions at secondary level and to know the usefulness of educational technology in public and private institutions at secondary level. All the heads, teachers and students in public and private secondary schools in district Karak constituted the population of the study. In order to ensure adequate sample, 60 heads, 180 teachers and 600 students serving and studying in public and private sectors at secondary school level in District Karak were selected randomly. The study was delimited to the selected male public and private secondary schools. The study was also delimited to those technologies which are commonly used. The study was descriptive in nature therefore, the researchers decided to develop questionnaire for the collection of data. A single questionnaire was developed for the whole sample. Pilot testing was conducted to know the weakness, misconceptions and ambiguities of the questions. After conduction of pilot testing, the questionnaire was revised and then its final version was prepared in the light of valuable suggestions of the heads, teachers and students. The researchers personally visited to the respective sample and distributed the questionnaires among the heads, teachers and students in public and private secondary schools. In this way data was collected. After the collection of data, the data was organized, tabulated and analyzed. The researchers decided to apply chi-square for the statistical treatment of the data. Therefore, chi square was applied to compare the responses of the sample. After analysis of the data, it was concluded that educational technologies are not available in both sectors. Some technologies are available in minor amount but these technologies are not used in both public and private sectors. Key Words:Educational Technology, Availability of Educational Technology, Usability of Educational Technology, Importance of Educational Technology

The study was conducted to investigate the effectiveness of the administrative performance of the head teachers at primary level in District Karak. The main objectives of the study were; to evaluate the administrative performance of the head teachers; and to diagnose the major areas of strength and weakness of head teachers at primary level. All the teachers at primary level in District Karak constituted the population of the study. Only five hundred and twenty primary school teachers at the rate of 10% of the total were selected as sample of the study. The study was descriptive in nature. A questionnaire was developed as a research instrument for the collection of data. After analysis of data, the researcher arrived at results that the administrative performance of the head teachers at primary level is very poor, ineffective and objectionable. Majority of the head teachers have no administrative and leadership qualities and they have no interest in the school affairs.