Browsing by Author "Melaku Wakuma(PhD)"

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    An Investigation of Adequacy of Speaking Skill Assessment Questions in the Ethiopian University Entrance Examination (EUEE) to Project the Communicative Capacity of Students
    (Addis Ababa University, 2023-05) Fikru Ashenfi; Melaku Wakuma(PhD)
    This research study aimed to investigate the adequacy of speaking skill assessment questions in the Ethiopian University Entrance Examination (EUEE) and their ability to effectively measure students' communicative capacity. A mixed methods approach was employed, with a sample of 50 freshman students from three universities by utilizing convenience sampling technique. The objective was to assess students' perception of the speaking assessment questions and its effect in projecting students speaking capacity. Quantitative data were collected through a structured questionnaire using Likert scale questions. While qualitative data were gathered through open-ended questions, content analyses of past speaking skills assessment questions and interviews to English teachers were also conducted. The findings revealed varying perceptions among students, with some considering the questions effective but others expressing concerns about format, authenticity, and representation of language skills. In line with this, the study put forward working recommendations based on the findings. The study highlighted the need for a more balanced approach, including a wider range of speaking tasks and integration of real-life communicative situations. By addressing the identified gaps and incorporating student feedback, the EUEE English examination, particularly the speaking skill questions, can measure students' communicative capacity and align with language proficiency development goals. Overall, this study emphasizes the need for improvements in speaking skill assessment questions in the EUEE to ensure a comprehensive evaluation of students' speaking abilities.
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    The Influence of Poor Handwriting on Students’Academic Performance in Abala High School Grade Ten in Focus
    (Addis Ababa University, 2024-08) Nuredin Abdella; Melaku Wakuma(PhD)
    This study was conducted to evaluate the consequences of poor handwriting on the academic performance of students in the 10th grade at the Abala Secondary School. Writing by hand is referred to as language. It serves as a mirror that reflects each person's creativity, aptitude, patience. The goals of the study included identifying characteristics of learners' handwriting, factors that affect learners with poor handwriting, and finally identifying the effects of poor handwriting on academic performance. The sample size of 246 respondents, consisting of 34 teachers, 2 head teachers, and 210 students, was obtained through the technique of probable sampling.A combination of interviews and observations were used to gather qualitative data. On the other hand, open-ended and closed-ended questionnaires were used to gather quantitative data. Pie charts, graphs, and tables were used to display the findings of data analysis. The results showed that even if poor hand writing is affected on students’ performants’, the majority of respondents thought that students with poor handwriting could improve their handwriting. And, finally, the need to include handwriting instruction in the national curriculum.