Browsing by Author "Maingi, J. M."

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    Language Teachers’ Perceptions and Practices in Enhancing Learners’ Strategy Use for Reading Proficiency in Selected Secondary Schools in Kenya
    (Kenyatta University, 2015) Maingi, J. M.
    This study addresses the issue of language teaching, specifically the use of reading strategies for comprehension in secondary schools in Kenya at a time when concern is being expressed about declining reading habits in the institutions of learning. It investigates language teachers perceptions about teaching the use of reading strategies, the perceived reading strategies and how these are reflected in their classroom practices. This was done to establish the consistence in practice or any inconsistencies and the reasons for the disparities. The study was a descriptive survey and the sample was randomly selected using stratifies random sampling from two counties: Nairobi and Kitui. Data was collected from 18 public secondary schools using questionnaire which was responded to by 36 teachers of English teaching Form 3 in the 18 secondary schools. Eighteen (18) classroom observations were made, 18 semi-structured interviews were conducted with same teachers and 18 FGDs with learners was done. Analysis of data was done using descriptive statistics such as frequency tables and percentages and Chi-square tests were done to establish the significance between the variables using SPSS. The analysed data revealed individual variations across the teachers theoretical perceptions about teaching use of strategies in reading and their classroom practices. Teachers perceptions revealed that teachers were knowledgeable about the importance and necessity of reading strategies. However, these stated perceptions were inconsistent with their classroom instructional practices. Their knowledge was not reflected in their practice. There was a tendency of language teachers to rush learners in to reading exercises without adequate preparation. The choice of reading materials was not varied. Teachers tended to rigidly use the prescribed text-books to teach reading. Enrichment forums were few and learners practice of learnt strategies was not encouraged. Although teachers faced many challenges when planning to teach reading strategies, there is need for updating teachers classroom practice in order to match theory and practice.
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    Managing Soybean for Enhanced Food Production and Soil Bio-Fertility in Smallholder Systems through Maximized Fertilizer Use Efficiency
    (Scientific & Academic Publishing, 2013) Njeru, E. M.; Maingi, J. M.; Cheruiyot, R.C.; Mburugu, G. N.
    The production of promiscuous soybean by smallholder farmers in Kenya would improve soil fertility through biological nitrogen fixation (BNF), boost food security, and contribute to generation of cash. The present study was conducted to determine the effects of soil amendments on growth and yields of promiscuous soybean cultivars under varying soil carbon levels. Field experiments using early maturing SB 19 and late maturing SB 20 promiscuous soybean cultivars and different levels of phosphorus (P), potassium (K) and sulphur (S) fertilizers were conducted in two sites in the south-eastern slopes of Mt. Kenya, approximately 1500 m above sea level. The soybean cultivars were observed for phenology, plant biomass production, pod fresh weight, 1000 seed weight and haulm weight. Significant differences were observed on most yield components due to field carbon level, soybean cultivar and fertilizer amendments, while the plant height was only affected by fertilizer application and soy bean cultivar. However, the effects due to the interaction of these factors were not significant. Therefore, the benefits of combined use of BNF by soybean and application of PKS fertilizers could be a promising entry point into maximized fertilizer use efficiency by smallholder systems in Kenya.
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    Variation in Nitrogen Fixation among Three Bush Bean Cultivars Grown in Kenya when Inoculated with Three Rhizobia Strains
    (Greener Journals, 2013) Gicharu, G. K.; Gitonga, N. M.; Boga, H.; Cheruiyot, R.C.; Maingi, J. M.
    Nitrogen deficiency is a major factor limiting bean production in Africa. This problem can be alleviated by the use of nitrogen fertilizers which on the other hand adversely affect the environment. The problem can also be alleviated by the use of environmental friendly biological nitrogen fixation technology. In this study, growth experiments were designed to investigate biological nitrogen fixation in three determinate (bush) beans namely Ayenew, GLP 24, and Ecab 0807. Greenhouse and field studies were carried out to determine the most efficient bean cultivar and rhizobia strain in nitrogen fixation. Each bean cultivar was inoculated with the rhizobia strains CIAT 899, USDA 2674, USDA 2676, the three rhizobia strains combined and one was not inoculated. Results from greenhouse studies showed significant statistical differences in nodulation within the bean cultivars. The bush bean cultivar GLP24 was poorly nodulated (40.0 nodules on average) as compared to Ayenew (52.0 nodules on average) and Ecab 0807 (58.0 nodules on average). It was also observed that bush beans inoculated with USDA 2674 strain of rhizobia in the greenhouse produced the highest nodule number although in the field, it was those inoculated with strain CIAT 899. Bush beans inoculated with USDA 2674 gave the highest total plant dry weight. Treatments within each of the cultivars showed differences in total plant dry weight yield in response to rhizobia strain used. Field experiments showed that plantdry weight differed statistically between cultivars at P<0.05. Bush beans inoculated with USDA 2674 gave the highest total plant dry weight but there were no significant differences in yield.