School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS)

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The School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS) suceeds the Institute of Humanities, Education and Development Studies (IHEDS)

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Creating a spiration of love in freedom for personal growth (Kenya)
(Dublin City University, 2006) Dean, Catherine Anne
My doctoral research presents my self-enquiry as an Irishwoman who has lived and worked in Ireland and Italy for over thirty five years. This context throws light on my life and practice in Kenya over the last nine years. I then focus more specifically on the evolution of my work with staff and students at Strathmore University in this time span. Through my research I show how I have sought to understand the meaning of my life and practice in greater depth while trying to improve my teaching practice at Strathmore University. I express my new knowledge in my living educational theory and show how my work contributes to the knowledge base of practitioner research. I employ a methodology which I developed using elements of a living educational theory approach which embraces values and diverse forms of meaningful representation such as personal reflective narrative, autoethnography, intellectual representation and visual narrative. I use philosophical and theological reflection and analysis to explain the deeper meaning of the values that emerge in the course of my research as well as in the explanation of my living educational theory. I provide evidence of my contributions to knowledge using feedback from students, colleagues, friends and family members. I present the living values which give meaning to my life and practice as creating a spiration of love, in freedom, for personal growth. This expression illustrates how I understand these values as an analogical mirroring of the free flow of love among the Divine Persons of the Blessed Trinity as I explain in my living theory.
An Assessment of the role of teaching and support staff in maintenance of resources: a case of Majengo secondary school, Bondo district, Nyanza province in Kenya
(Strathmore University, 2007) Othieno, Indira Ogonjo
Provision of appropriate resources is essential in running a successful school. These resources are important for the implementation of the school curriculum. There is need to have them maintained for continuous use. This study was therefore aimed at assessing the role of the teaching and support staff in the process of maintaining the resources that they use. The assessment was done by use of questionnaires for the staff and interview schedule for the staff and interview schedule for the head teacher. The study targeted Majengo Secondary School in Bondo District of Nyanza Province.The sampling technique used m this study was purposive sampling. The data were analysed by developing frequency distribution and tabulating responses and percentages were used in drawing conclusions from data. From the study, it was clear that the staff participated slightly in maintaining the resources. It also came out clearly that they are not satisfied with role they are allowed to play. The study further recommended that the staff could be more involved in the process by being given enough resources to use. Their views should also be considered when making changes. They also suggested the use of a maintenance form. The study finally made suggestions for further research based on the findings.
An Investigation of the factors that influence Staffroom culture and its impact on the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education Performance: a case study of Kianda School
(Strathmore University, 2008) Mikui, Josephine
Teachers play a key role in the development of a country. Teaching is the essential profession, the one that makes all other professions possible. Well qualified, caring and committed teachers are needed in order to ensure that our children are prepared for the challenges and opportunities they will encounter in future.The role of the teaching staff is emphasized by Karugu (1986:7) who notes:'Reformers may build schools, make changes in structure and the curricular, recommend and prescribe methods or aids but in the end, everything will depend on the teachers who will be responsible for applying them. ' The morale and effectiveness of a teacher is influenced by the kind of culture he/she finds in the staffroom. This encompasses the way of carrying out teaching and non-teaching duties, the way of relating with one another, attitude towards administration and also the manner in which students are handled. Ultimately all these is likely to impact on students' performance.The performance in Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in Kianda School has been on the decline for the last three years. The mean score has been going down as a result of poor performance in some of the subjects. It has been noted that working relations and teamwork between teachers within some subject panels such as Science and Mathematics has also been deteriorating. A negative culture among the staff had begun to develop.The purpose of this study was to assess the culture in terms of the relationship the teachers have among themselves and how they perceive the school administration.The study sought to establish if the leadership style contributed to the staffroom culture and also to verify if there was a connection between the staffroom culture and students' performance.
An Evaluation of the administration of continuous tests and examinations: a case study of the Victor's school Nairobi
(Strathmore University, 2008) Omondi, Sarah Anzazi
This research project is a descriptive case study that takes an in-depth analysis of the administration of continuous tests and examinations at The Victor's School, a private primary school situated in South 'C' in Langata Division in Nairobi. The purpose of this study was be to evaluate the manner in which continuous tests and examinations are administered at The Victor's School and point out the issues arising out of the current system in place in order to form a basis for formulation of a comprehensive regulations and policy guideline document for the administration of continuous tests and examinations at the school,and to inform teachers of the expected standard.Administration of continuous tests and examinations is a very crucial issue in the Kenyan system of primary level education, the 8.4.4. Curriculum. Tests and measurement provide the teacher with data on the teaching-learning process , and especially on students' diagnosis of learning disabilities of past failures , of present weakness , the detection of mastery , of competence, of the acquisition and possession of the skills, knowledge and creativity.In this study, a complete enumeration of the subjects was done as the teaching staff was small. Quantitative and qualitative data was collected using a questionnaires and structured interviews to selected staff members. The data obtained was analyzed using simple descriptive statistics, frequency tables and content analysis using Microsoft word.The results obtained showed that teachers felt the assessments were not given the seriousness they deserved. Various issues were raised such as arguments for and against subject teachers setting exams for their students verse out-sourcing for exams , regularization of tests to fortnightly , and the need for teachers to be more strict with pupils' adherence of exams rules.
An Assessment of maintenance of physical and environmental resource and strategies for improvement. a case of Rae girls school Nyando District
(Strathmore University, 2008) Olueya, George O.
The main problem of this study is that despite the crucial role of maintenance in enhancing durability and use or physical; and environmental resources, performance of maintenance in schools has been quite dismal. Overriding factors resulting to this dismal performance of physical and environmental resources have not been adequately investigated and clearly understood therefore inhibiting an elaborate and continuous maintenance plan for schools. In this regard the purpose or this study was to understand and assess the current state of maintenance or physical and environmental resources and to detail action strategies for improvement in a selected secondary school, Rae Girls Secondary, lower Nyakach division, Nyando District,Nyanza province. This is an action research ·focusing of Rae Girls Secondary School, the researcher’s station of work. Another neighboring school was also studied for purposes of comparison. Views on further improvement of maintenance were also sought. Prom the sample school about 140 students \ivcrc selected from form I - IV. Data was collected using a questionnaire fi·om the head teacher, teachers and students. A questionnaire was also administered on the 'head teacher of a neighboring school to provide information that can be used for comparison. Semi-structured interview schedules were administered on the bursar, maintenance staffs and the driver as well as the storekeeper. Focused group discussion was used ;md involved the researcher and first group and second groups. In the group discussion views on maintenance of physical and environmental resources was sought and they contributed immensely on what improvement should be made. An observation checklist was also used to investigate and assess the current state and type of maintenance carried out. The researcher also used unwritten evidence by focusing on the appearance of building classrooms, furniture, textbooks and other vital facilities. Also the researcher used existing clues, carried out investigation and inspected the classes, desks, chairs, floors and walls by looking for signs or breakage of glass windows, furniture, graffiti or writings on the walls. Data was collected and analyzed using a descriptive case study approach in accordance with the research questions and objectives. The current state of maintenance was ar1alyzed and examined vis-a-vis the financial and human resources available. Plans for improvements have also been highlighted alongside the available maintenance resources and plans.
Effective utilization of physical resources in relation to academic performance. a case study on Kimathi Primary School
(Strathmore University, 2008-04) Angila, Grace A.
The primary stage of education is the most important for every child since it is here that basic knowledge is given to the child and a firm foundation for an economically productive and fulfilling life are laid. For this to be realized, there is a need to provide essential educational resources effectively and equitably to all pupils in order to facilitate effective teaching and learning. The quantity and quality of physical facilities and instructional materials that are available in the school determines partly the quality of education that the children experience through relevant curriculum coverage. The study endeavored to investigate the effect of the availability and the utilization of physical resources and their impact on pupil's performance in Kimathi Primary School. Using a case study approach, the process, organizational mechanisms and practices that are aimed at effective management of resources for improved performance were viewed. Classroom observation, interviews, questionnaires and literature review were used, focusing on availability, adequacy and utilization of these physical facilities within the school. The study was guided by the research questions, which were set to establish effectiveness and efficiency in the usage of the physical resources and the instructional materials and whether these have an effect on performance. The target population was all the pupils at the school with a total current population of 1420 pupils. The sampled population comprised I 0% of the whole population; hence 142 class eight pupils, who were randomly sampled in strata to get a figure of 48. The head teacher and fifteen teaching staff. The school management committee (SMC) and two support staff were reached through personal interviews. The study examined the adequacy of the Physical Resource such as classrooms, teaching and learning resources, sanitary facilities, computer facilities and sports field, how these resources are effectively utilized for the purpose of teaching and learning, which is the core business of a school. The selected design for the study was ex-post facto , where correlational method was specifically applied. The study assumed that the respondents would respond to the questions objectively. The collected data was then analyzed using statistical measures such as frequencies, percentages, averages and bar graphs. The research findings indicate a positive relationship between effective utilization of physical resources, and the pupils' performance. The findings were analyzed and discussed in light of the effect of the usage in promoting good performance. Recommendations given include initiation of income generating projects for extra money for repairs and school development, as shown in the sample five-year strategic plan for the school. Further research include replication of the study using a larger sample like a whole Division.
The use of different teaching strategies to improve classroom discipline in form 4 at Strathmore School
(Strathmore University, 2008-05) Owino, George
Strathmore School is a private, independent, boys' day school that prepares students for the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) and Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. There are around 630 students in the school. The School's chief purpose is to develop the minds and consciences of its students so that they can become self-disciplined and resourceful, and therefore better able to serve society in a useful way. This in keeping with its overall mission of producing competent professionals, responsible citizens, loyal friends, responsible members of a family and God-loving people. Above all, the School emphasizes academic excellence and moral integrity. The School aims at creating an environment that is conducive to learning; both experienced teachers and well-motivated students strive to actualize this.
Developing a web explicit research strategy theory in African universities : a cross-comparison of specific regional efforts through an analysis of research web-pages
(Academic and Business Research Institute, 2010-10) Kitawi, Alfred Kirigha; Neema-Abooki, Peter
The research is an analysis of Web explicit research strategies of specific African universities. The sampling was purposive. The African continent was sub-divided into four distinct cardinal regions in order to get a general overview of the whole continent. A further selective sampling was done according to international rankings, as a method for deciding which universities will be mapped. The rankings identified were: Webometrics, Academic Rankings of World Universities and Times Higher Education. Much contemporary analytical work is based on the examination of Internet data, like Google analytics. Premised on this assumption, the research resorted to analyze information available on different research Web-pages. The aim was to conceptualize research strategies currently in place (in the Internet), the respective internal and external factors which influence such strategies, and the corresponding issues that result from it. The model developed can be used by African universities in the development of their own context specific research strategies.
The principal's role in influencing student performance in mathematics: a study of Usigu division secondary schools
(Strathmore University, 2013) Indira, Othieno Ogonjo
Every country is interested in ensuring that its citizens make a good contribution to its development. This could be achieved through ensuring good academic performance in mathematics in learning institutions. Disparities in academic performance continue to be noticed as one of the many challenges facing education and have raised a lot of concern. The KCSE results in mathematics have been poor in the recent years and as a result many students who go through public secondary schools in Usigu division cannot compete favorably for national opportunities. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the school principal in Usigu division in teaching of mathematics in order to improve student academic performance. To achieve this purpose, the study was guided by the following objectives: To investigate the principals organisational skills, to identify the supervisory techniques that the principal uses and to investigate the extent to which teachers' instructional methods influence students' performance in mathematics in public secondary schools in Usigu division. This study was based on Instructional leadership which provides guidance aimed at the improvement of student learning. Instructional quality is the top priority of the leader. The principal encourages improvement in his team by defining his objectives, setting goals, providing resources, evaluating progress and creating learning opportunities. This type of leadership tends to be collaborative; teachers must cooperate with the leader and each other to accomplish the leader's goals. The study used descriptive research design that involved administration of questionnaires and conducting in-depth interviews to a sample of 43 respondents drawn from a target population of 51. This included 37 mathematics teachers and 8 principals. Since only 8 public secondary schools were considered for the study, all principals were interviewed while the assistant teachers were randomly sampled for the study. The data collected was edited, coded and analyzed using descriptive statistics with the help of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). Correlation analysis was used to determine the relationship between the variables in the study. The analyzed data was presented in form of simple tables, bar graphs and pie charts where applicable. Study findings were discussed, conclusions drawn and finally recommendations made to deal with the challenges revealed by the study. The researcher found useful findings to the concerned stakeholders.
The effectiveness of school management strategies in the provision of quality and holistic education in church sponsored schools : a case of Kahuro area of Murang'a County
(Strathmore University, 2013) Kuria, Fr. Willian Kamau
The main purpose of this research was to find out the effectiveness of strategies employed by managers of the church sponsored schools in the provision of quality and holistic education in rural areas, specifically in Kahuro area of Murang'a County. Simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used for data collection. The simple random sampling procedures were used to arrive at the sample of the schools and teachers, while purposive sampling was used to select the head teachers. Questionnaires were used to collect data from teachers; the interview schedule was used with the head teachers. Quantitative data was coded and analyzed using SPSS, version 17.5 for Windows and presented in frequencies and percentages in tables and graphs. The qualitative data was analyzed and categorized in themes in accordance with research objectives and was reported in a narrative form. The study found out that: The leadership of the church sponsored schools in Kahuro area of Murang'a County perceives holistic and quality education as that which builds the learner, intellectually, socially as well as spiritually by imparting the learners with widespread knowledge, Christian values, and skills and capabilities to excel in life; head teachers in church sponsored schools in Kahuro enhance quality and holistic education by provision of sufficient learning materials, timely payment of staff salaries, and offering of moral support to both learners and staff; strategies employed by head teachers in Kahuro to ensure effective implementation of holistic education are effective in that they have improved academic performance, discipline, and enrollment. This was found to be facilitated by increased pupils' retention, rich learning environment, and improved communication. The study recommended that: Teachers in church sponsored schools in Kahuro area should offer unlimited support to each and every strategy initiated by the school management in church sponsored schools; Head teachers in Kahuro area should adopt a positive perception of church's management initiatives in the schools; the government on the other hand should get to recognize the various ways in which the church has contributed to improvement of primary education standards and support these strategies; and now that the government is offering quite a number of incentives in terms of making education affordable and accessible through free primary education(FPE) program, the church should look for other ways of complimenting these efforts for it to remain relevant and be seen to be doing something especially in the provision of holistic education; not to be sponsors by name.
Bridge over troubled water phenomenologizing Filipino College deans’ ethical dilemmas in academic administration
(Sage Journals, 2013-03) Catacutan, Maria Rosario G.; de Guzman, Allan B.
This phenomenological study intends to capture and describe Filipino college deans’ lived experiences of ethical dilemmas as they carry out their work as administrators. Using semi-structured in-depth interviews and following Collaizzi’s method, data was collected and subjected to cool and warm analyses yielding a set of themes and sub-themes that typify what these deans consider to be ethical dilemmas. The resulting ‘Wheel’ of School Leaders’ Ethical Dilemmas depicts the nature of the dilemmas faced by these deans, the critical incidents which trigger the onset of the dilemmas, and the value conflicts that are embedded in them. This article intends to add to the growing body of research on ethical decision making in educational management, particularly on the ethical dilemmas faced by Filipino college deans. At a practical level, the findings of this study provide valuable resource to assist practicing and aspiring deans to be more adept in identifying the moral and ethical dimensions of their work as academic administrators. Finally the findings of this study could serve as a knowledge base for curriculum planners in designing ethics courses offered in educational leadership programs in the Philippines to develop academic leaders’ competencies and skills in ethical decision making.
Factors affecting peer observation of teaching in School of Humanities and Social Sciences in Strathmore University
(Strathmore University, 2013-05) Mikui, Josephine
This study focused on Peer Observation of Teaching (POT) as a collaborative activity among lecturers that enhances self reflection. Peer observation involves colleagues observing each other's classroom teaching with the aim of sharing and developing good practice. In Strathmore University the Academic Development Unit (ADU), now known as Learning and Teaching Services (LTS), has been encouraging the teaching staff to work more collaboratively within departments with a view to improve their teaching. It is in this regard that POT was proposed as a means to achieve this objective. In the School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), the Teaching and Learning committee has incorporated POT in its teaching strategy for the last four years. This was intended to foster a culture of lecturers evaluating their own teaching in order to improve it. It has however been noted that the practice of POT is yet to get fully embedded within the school but no studies had been done to evaluate the impact of POT in the school. The study therefore conducted an in-depth analysis of SHSS using a qualitative and quantitative approach. Data collection tools included questionnaires, interviews and observations of feedback meetings. Participants involved were both full time lecturers and part time lecturers. The study sought to explain the process of POT as it has been implemented in SHSS. Bearing in mind that POT can be used for summative or formative purposes, this study tried to find out how lecturers were using POT to improve their teaching. The study also investigated the challenges encountered in its implementation with a view to proposing suggestions to improve the process. Findings revealed that the implementation process needed to be improved as there were no clear guidelines in regard to frequency, selection of observers, the three stages ofPOT and model to be followed. However the study found out that most lecturers valued POT and were using it as a tool to reflect critically on their teaching. It was also clear that the lecturers preferred to be given freedom in some aspects of the process. They also preferred that it be used for self development (or formative) purposes and not for appraisal (or summative) purposes. The study found out that the major challenges encountered in POT implementation were constraint of time, lack of training and poor induction. In order to improve the process of POT and strengthen its effectiveness the study recommends that the school involves the lecturers in establishing a clear procedure on the implementation process. The collaborative model should be used and POT should not be made mandatory. Trainings and seminars should be organized for all the participants of POT.
Impact of e-Learning strategy on students’ academic performance at Strathmore University, Kenya
(Makere University, 2014) Kitawi, Alfred; Neema-Abooki, Peter
This study examined the impact of e-learning strategies on students’ academic performance at Strathmore University. The purpose of the study was to investigate the methodology, ideologies, output and ecology of ICT strategies and their impact on students’ performance. This was done through comparing students’ mean scores on courses deploying ICT in their delivery with those that do not. The findings were that the e-learning strategies adopted at the University positively impacted on students’ academic performance. However, a digital divide in disfavour of poor students is cutting back on the effectiveness of elearning at the University. The paper discusses recommendations towards improvements in deployment of e-learning.
Key ethical values of successful family-owned businesses in Lagos, Nigeria
(Strathmore University, 2014) Ogbechie, Rose Kambili
Family businesses are a common business model and constitute more than 70 percent of the overall businesses of many countries. They contribute to the economic values of nations in terms of growth in GDP and employment creations. Family businesses, especially those in the emerging markets such as Nigeria, have been affected by the challenges of growth and long term sustainability. While some of the family businesses in Nigeria have succeeded and are still growing strong, many others have not managed to survive beyond the first generation. Some scholars have attributed the collapse of some family owned firms to not practising ethical values that they claim negates the sustainability of family owned businesses. However, others have argued otherwise. Thus, this dissertation examines the fundamental ethical values of successful family-owned businesses in Lagos, Nigeria and the relationship between key ethical values and the success of family owned firms. Based on extant literature, a conceptual framework and a set of hypotheses were developed. The ethical values considered in the research include respect for the human person, integrity, commitment, prudence, courage, justice, transparency and industriousness. Furthermore, ethnicity (geographic zone) is presented as the intervening variable to establish if there is a relationship between ethnicity and business performance. Family business success for the purpose of this study is defined by longevity, the practise of ethical values and sales revenue. Performance was measured by sales revenue. Quantitative data sourced from questionnaires, administered to the owners or founders of 20 family businesses, was analyzed using the Statistical Packages for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. The study in an attempt to enhance the validity complemented the outcome of the questionnaires with interviews of CEOs of 10 family-owned businesses. The results indicate that integrity is a key ethical value that mostly account for the success of family businesses in Nigeria. It further shows that integrity, as a key ethical value, is practiced by keeping organisational promises to customers and other stakeholders. Furthermore, the study establishes the fact that, integrity is positively and significantly related to the performance of family businesses in Nigeria. In addition, the study reveals that though ethical values such as commitment, prudence, respect, justice and transparency are positively related to the performance of family business, they are insignificant. Courage and industriousness were found to be inversely related to the performance of family businesses. The study concludes that family businesses that practice these ethical values are more likely to be successful and remain in business than those who do not, therefore, it recommends that family businesses should practice these ethical values with more emphasis on integrity, and entrench them in the code and ethics of family businesses.
An analysis of principals' instructional leadership role: a case of Gatundu District
(Strathmore University, 2014) Owenga, Sophia Nekesa
Leadership today deals with complex phenomena because of the complexity of industrial, social or political organization, globalization and technological advancement especially in information technology. Research on effective schools points to the crucial role leaders play in establishing and monitoring quality schools for all students. This study examined the various leadership roles of a school principal as an instructional leader. The objectives of the study were: to investigate the current instructional leadership skills practiced by the principals, to identify the influence of the principals' instructional leadership skills on the school performance, to identify the challenges that principals face in executing their leadership roles and to recommend strategies for improvement on the challenges. This study was a survey carried out in sixteen government and four private owned secondary schools in Gatundu District which now falls under Kiambu County. Some schools were sampled to represent the entire district and a descriptive survey research design was used. The data collection instruments included questionnaires, records and observation. The target population was a total of twenty secondary schools that were sampled through purposive sampling. The two research questions addressed by the study were answered using descriptive statistics. The results showed that principals in Gatundu District showed high level of instructional leadership responsibility but they missed out on some important skills like teamwork i.e. cultivating amicable relationships with stakeholders, sensitizing board of management and communities on the importance of supporting principals. The researcher recommended that principals should get a firm grip of their school curriculum in order to be able to offer useful advice/ assistance to the teachers, since one can only give what he/she has. In order to have teachers who can impart the right knowledge and also meet the challenges of being teachers at every point in time, they must be engaged in several staff development programmes to constantly update their knowledge hence funding should be given to principals to run the programmes. If the recommendations are well effected, ,it will be apparent that schools will have improved instructional leadership practices, improved academic performance, improved teacher performance, and reduce student truancy.
How the process of doctoral enquiry developed my openness and criticality
(2014-04-07) Dean, Catherine
In my recently concluded doctoral enquiry I evaluate and make public nine years of my educational practice at Strathmore University (Kenya). My research focuses on the process of transformation in myself and others through the development of my teaching and learning methods and fostering positive educational relationships with those around me. In this paper I will show how the process of my doctoral research helped me to develop my openness to critical engagement with my own ideas and those of others. This allowed me to identify the deeper values underlying my practice and my relations with students and colleagues. Simultaneously I clarified the historical dimension of the evolution of these values. In this contribution I will highlight some key features that enabled me to evaluate my doctoral research and make it public. I will refer to elements which are normal within this context, but which require one to foster openness to sharing their ideas by interacting with and learning from others. For example, the very first feedback I received from my potential supervisor opened up a totally new horizon for my doctoral enquiry. It also required me to engage in a critically intellectual mind shift to adjust to the proposal. Other contributors to developing my openness and criticality were the process of selfreflection; on-going recourse to student feedback; the transfer paper and oral exam; the use of video and photos to evaluate myself in the classroom; critical analysis of my findings using philosophical and theological perspectives; presentation of my research at various conferences; the oral defence of my final dissertation, etc. My paper will illustrate how I held myself accountable for my doctoral enquiry by evaluating and making it public through openness to and critical engagement with others.
Fernando Inciarte on Substance: His interpretation of Aristotle’s Theory
(Strathmore University, 2014-06) Byarugaba, Jennifer K.
Fernando Inciarte Armiñán (1929 – 2000 AD) was a contemporary Philosopher, cultured in an incomparably profound and ample manner not only in traditional and modern, but also in classical and actual Philosophy. Of interest to this study is his Aristotelian interpretation of substance as outlined in Aristotle’s Metaphysics, Books IV and VII-IX. What is primary substance and what is a subject? What may be predicated of a subject? Does this not categorise it as an accident? Can there be accidents of accidents? Regarding substance, he claims that it is because of a substance that a subject is what it is, both concretely and abstractly. He affirms that primary substance is the ultimate subject that has the fullness of the thing to be known. This ontological study regarding the theory of substance is of a hermeneutical nature. The researcher deals with Inciarte’s original works. The so-called “Substance Books” of the Metaphysics, Books VII to IX, are of primary interest because it is in these books that Aristotle concentrates on the meaning of substance and they therefore serve as a major and primary reference. Aristotle is of interest to this study on two counts. First, he provides the traditional, fundamental interpretation of substance as it is or should be. His work was greatly complemented by studies done by St. Thomas Aquinas and so reference to him is made for better comprehension purposes. And second, it is Aristotle that Inciarte interprets regarding the theory of substance. One of the most important results of this study is the attention that Inciarte draws once again to proper definition and understanding of terms in clearly defined boundaries. For example, he raises the important issue of knowing how to distinguish between being καθ’αὺτò (or just necessarily) and being essentially or by definition in order to avoid a kind of infinite regress that results from errors that have occurred due to wrong application, use and understanding of this term. Inciarte’s way of understanding of substance and his flexibility in metaphysical interpretation has not as yet been recorded nor has it been systematically studied. This therefore serves as a pioneer study. It intends to make his understanding of substance, be made known in a way that is accessible and understandable as well as provide an analysis of the origin of the epistemological differences that are associated with the different interpretations of substance. He himself said: You never have a ‘finished work’ in Philosophy but one can always propound philosophical truth in different ways without changing it.
Factors that students in Strathmore University consider in evaluating teaching effectiveness
(Strathmore University, 2014-06) Bett, Harry
This study aimed at investigating the factors that university students consider in evaluating teaching effectiveness in Strathmore University (SU). Though student evaluation of teaching is carried out in the institution, there is need to establish if the ratings that are awarded in this process are valid and reliable enough to be used for academic and personnel decision making. The general aim of this study was to examine the factors that students consider in evaluating teaching effectiveness in SU; the specific objectives were: to explore students understanding of the reason for evaluating teaching effectiveness; to examine the factors that students consider while evaluating teaching effectiveness, and lastly, to analyse students’ opinion about their evaluation of teaching effectiveness. More studies have been carried out in the field of Students Evaluation of Teaching Effectiveness (SETE) than in any other area of evaluation of teaching. Several factors, such as instructor personality, grades awarded and students’ tastes and preferences, have been found to influence (albeit in varying degrees) the evaluation of teaching by students. This has therefore put the validity and reliability of scores from such evaluations into question. The study was carried out using the explorative descriptive design; and used the probability sampling technique to collect data. Stratified probability sampling was used as second and third year students provided feedback for the research study. The data was collected using questionnaires and processed using the SPSS statistical method then analysed in percentages. Findings from the study indicated that majority of the students (85.8%) understand the reason for evaluating teaching to be improvement of teaching and learning. On factors considered in SETE, instructor personality and extent of learning are considered the most important factors at 86.6% and 85.8% respectively. Majority of the students (87.2) are in favour of the use of the SETE process in the university to evaluate teaching effectiveness. This research study will be of immense contribution to the field of SETE, especially here in Strathmore University. It will help guide decision making with regard to improvement of instruction; as well as matters pertaining to staff appraisal. The findings from this study will also help other institutions of higher learning within the country and beyond.
Mentoring at Strathmore University: Towards Companion Friendship
(Strathmore University, 2014-06) Muigua, Thomas R.
This dissertation is concerned with mentoring at Strathmore University. The study developed and tested the hypothesis that mentoring at Strathmore University can be moved from status of hidden curriculum to status of official curriculum through the use of Professional Licensing and mentoring handbook. The study also looked at what exactly characterize Strathmore University’s institutional culture and the place of mentoring in that culture. The study used mixed research method where; survey research method was used to get students’ understanding and perception of both mentoring and Strathmore University institutional culture; philosophical method was used to offer analysis and contribution of Aristotle on friendship; while researcher’s personal experiences as mentor for four and half years at Strathmore University were used in the clarification of data. The population used for the study comprised of undergraduate students at Strathmore University. The study used three data sets arising from the foresaid research methods comprising of: student’s questionnaire, primary and secondary data on Aristotle’s treatise on friendship and researcher’s personal experiences as a mentor at Strathmore University. Friendship came out in the research findings as a major element of Strathmore University’s institutional culture and a benefit of mentoring by students and hence acting as a means that can be used to improve mentoring at Strathmore University. The study spelled out how Strathmore University’s institutional culture and mentoring can be enhanced by Aristotle’s concept of friendship. The discussion on friendship further offered a philosophical input into mentoring at Strathmore University proposing that mentors and mentees are meant to get to the level of perfect friends or companion friends for mentoring to be effective. The study concluded that the hypothesis that mentoring at Strathmore University can be moved from status of hidden curriculum to status of official curriculum through the use of Professional Licensing and mentoring handbook is a null hypothesis. The study opened a new area that can enhance mentoring and Strathmore University institutional culture namely, professional friendship.
Is the family a principle of the nation in the Kenyan constitution if examined from an Aristotelian perspective?
(Strathmore University, 2015) Mutura, Raymond
The current constitution (2010 Chapter) defines family as a natural and fundamental unit of society and the necessary basis of social order. The Marriage Act (2014), Matrimonial Property Act (2013), the Children Act (2002) and the Sessional Paper on National Values (2012) provide principles of the family in relation to marriage, matrimonial property, children and how national values emerge from the family. Despite having various studies on the family, there have been few scholarly inquiries on how to assess the core principles of the family from a sound theoretical analysis. The study investigates Aristotle’s principles on the family as illustrated in his book Politics and examine other foundational principles related to the family from his other books – Nichomachean Ethics and Metaphysics. The study’s objective is to demonstrate how the principles expressed in the different family governing laws of Kenya are informed or not by the principles of the family as illustrated by Aristotle in his book Politics. This study uses the qualitative method, involving desktop and documentary analysis. The findings can inform and establish sound principles for Kenya’s Family Policies and Laws and other African countries’ laws and policies as the results reveal sound and Aristotelian principles based on a very logical theoretical framework of the four causes that has been utilized in philosophy to affirm principles about things. The three causes utilized in the study include material, formal and final causes. The fourth case, the efficient cause was not interrogated due to the tendency of research moving towards the philosophy of God.

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