Empirical Research
A SURVEY ON THE LEVEL OF SKILLS NEEDED AND THE SKILLS POSSESSED BY THE YOUTHS OF THE NIGER DELTA REGION OF NIGERIA FOR SELF RELIANCE
Volume 8 Issue 1 - Mar 11, 2010 - 2:53:25 PM
By ARUBAYI ORITSEGBUBEMI DIANA
The purpose of this research work was to identify the skills needed and the skills possessed by the youths in the Niger Delta Region. To do this, a sample of 210 (two hundred and ten) youths were purposively selected from the population. Out of the two hundred and ten questionnaires sent out, 207 (two hundred and seven) were returned in usable form. Two research questions were raised to give direction to the study. The instrument used for the collection of the data was an adapted list of skills identified by Niger Delta Development Commission N.D.D.C.(2003). Respondents were asked to identify the skills they possessed out of the 39 (Thirty-nine) skills identified as needed. The data collected were analysed using simple frequency counts and percentages.

Findings revealed a gloomy picture of skills possessed by the youths of the region. Males and Females put together possessed only 26%. Based on the findings, conclusions were drawn and recommendations were made; that skill acquisition centres should be opened to train youths which will help to alleviate some of the sufferings of the youths as a result of joblessness on completion of the programmes. Youths should also be given incentives such as starter packs as a way of reducing problems usually encountered during the early period of post skills acquisition period.

Empirical Research
IMPORTANCE OF PROPER DRESSING IN MODERN LIVING IN NIGERIA
Volume 8 Issue 1 - Mar 11, 2010 - 2:50:47 PM
By
The purpose of this study was to find out the importance of proper dressing in modern living in Nigeria. To this end, two research questions were raised to give direction to the study. The sample for this study consisted of 120 academic staff made up of 80 males and 40 females from the target population of 145 members of staff of the faculty of Education of a State university in Nigeria. The study adopted an ex-post–facto research design. The instrument used for data gathering was a structured questionnaire. The data gathered was analysed using means, frequency counts and percentages. Findings indicated that people were aware of the importance of proper dressing with a reported overall percentage of 85, while the common mistakes people made in dressing had a percentage of 15. Notable amongst the findings were proper dressing gave self confidence, commands respect and approval to the wearer, although some individuals were still ignorant about what, how, and when to wear clothes, thus giving room to some common mistakes made due to ignorance. Based on the findings, some recommendations were made to the effect that individuals need to be simple in dressing taking into consideration their figure, personality and occasion. They should learn to keep abreast of the fashion world by reading fashion magazines.

Empirical Research
Solving the Problem: Improving Retention in Higher Education
Volume 8 Issue 1 - Feb 6, 2010 - 3:31:15 PM
By Marcia Heiman

As our nation looks ahead in this new century, an educated workforce is more important than ever. Yet college retention is a major problem. Last year, for the first time in 20 years, retention to the sophomore year dropped in the nation’s four-year colleges (Bushong, 2009). For minority students on predominantly white campuses – that is, most four-year colleges and universities – the graduation rate is unacceptably low. For example, less than half of black males graduate from four-year college programs within six years – 20 percentage points less than their white peers (Carey, 2008). And student persistence in community colleges is chronically low, circling at about 50% (Lederman, 2009).

Empirical Research
Conflict in the Community College Classroom.
Volume 8 Issue 1 - Feb 5, 2010 - 2:48:13 PM
By Will Carpenter

 

This manuscript displays the different types of conflicts that could, and sometimes do, arise in the community college classroom. Many people view college as an institution for higher learning, as well as they should; however, conflicts frequently arise in these classrooms among students. The manuscript will highlight how academic egos, social class, and high school locale can contribute or be the cause to conflict in the classroom. Also, suggestions to prevent and reduce these conflicts will be given.

Empirical Research
Dangerous Liaisons: Non-Western religious minority groups and American public education
Volume 8 Issue 1 - Feb 5, 2010 - 2:44:15 PM
By Steve Charbonneau

With diversity increasing amongst American students in the K-12 system, the need for cultural competency in public education has never been more important. In considering cultural competency, leaders in education must keep in mind that any knowledge gained regarding culture and cultural dynamics must be integrated into every facet of a school, program, or agency and leveraged to improve services to the unique subgroups being served. Staff must be trained to effectively utilize the knowledge gained (Olsen, Bhattacharya, & Scharf, 2006). More than this, educational leaders must develop policy that is responsive to the cultural diverse clientele being served. The bottom line is that institutionalized cultural knowledge can enhance an organization's ability to serve diverse populations, if something meaningful is done with it.