Student Theses https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses <p>This journal comprises a collection of scholarly works from students across diverse departments and disciplines at the University of Belize. Each research paper and thesis has undergone a rigorous peer review process to ensure adherence to the University of Belize's academic standards.</p> en-US Student Theses A Four Week Program Using The Development Method To Improve The Comprehension Skills Of Four STD II At Calcutta Seventh Day Adventist School In The Corozal District https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/725 <p>Here is a concise abstract for the passage you provided:</p> <hr> <p><strong>Abstract</strong></p> <p>This research explores the importance of reading and the role of reading comprehension skills in students’ academic development. Reading is more than the ability to pronounce words; it involves constructing meaning from written text and is essential for learning in school, at work, and in daily life. The researcher’s experience during teacher training highlighted the significance of teaching comprehension skills beyond basic recall. While students exposed to structured reading programs and trained in comprehension strategies performed well, challenges arose among students who lacked prior exposure—particularly those from Spanish-speaking backgrounds attending English-instruction schools. These students struggled with higher-level comprehension and critical thinking tasks. The study therefore underscores the need for explicit instruction in reading comprehension skills, especially in multilingual learning environments, to support literacy development and academic success.</p> <hr> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-27 2025-10-27 The Influence of Television on Student's Academic Performance in San Jose Succotz R.C. School Upper Division https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/704 <p>In this article, we examine the impact of television on children's academic performance, a topic that has sparked considerable debate. Television is often criticized for its potential to distract children and undermine their focus on studies, with various studies suggesting a negative correlation between excessive television viewing and academic outcomes. However, television also plays a positive role as an educational resource, offering students access to global news, educational programs, and research materials. This dual nature of television highlights its capacity to both support and hinder academic achievement, making it essential to understand the nuances of its influence on education.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-09-04 2025-09-04 An Investigation To Determine If There Is A Marked Difference In The Academic Performance Of Infant One Student Who Attended Kindergarden As Opposed To Those Who did not https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/717 <p>This research investigates whether there is a significant difference in the academic performance of Infant One students who attended kindergarten compared to those who did not. Conducted in the Toledo District, the study sought to determine if early childhood education influences students’ readiness and success in their initial years of primary school. Data were collected through teacher assessments, classroom observations, and performance records, focusing on literacy, numeracy, and social development. The results revealed that students who attended kindergarten performed notably better academically and exhibited greater social adaptability than those without such experience. The study concludes that kindergarten attendance plays a crucial role in enhancing children’s preparedness for formal education and overall academic achievement.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-22 2025-10-22 An Investigation To Determine Effectiveness Off Different Strategies In The Teaching Of Reading In Four Multigrade Schools Namely Cristo Rey R.C., SAN PEDRO GOVERNMENT, BUENA VISTA R.C., https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/723 <p>Education plays a critical role in shaping individuals and determining their position in society. In Belize, primary education serves children aged five to fourteen, with schools operating either as monograde or multigrade institutions. Multigrade schools—common in rural areas—require one teacher to instruct two or more grade levels simultaneously, often presenting challenges for teaching and learning. This study investigates effective reading strategies used in four multigrade schools in the Corozal District, where fourteen of the thirty-five primary schools operate under this system. The researcher’s personal experiences as a multigrade teacher, along with concerns arising from her son’s struggles with reading in a multigrade setting, prompted this investigation. The study aims to identify reading strategies that can support teachers in multigrade classrooms and improve students’ reading performance, thereby enhancing the quality of education delivered in rural Belize.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-27 2025-10-27 An investigation to look at the behavioural patterns of children who are Physical abused at holy ghost school in dangriga https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/715 <p>This study investigates the behavioural patterns of children who have experienced physical abuse at Holy Ghost Primary School in Dangriga, Belize. Recognizing that children are vital to national development, the research seeks to understand how abuse—whether physical, emotional, or neglect—affects their academic performance, self-esteem, and social interactions. The study employed questionnaires and interviews with teachers and principals to collect data on children’s attendance, classroom behaviour, parental involvement, and overall attitude toward learning. Findings revealed that abused children often display poor academic performance, low self-image, irregular attendance, and lack of interest in school activities. Parental neglect and limited emotional support were identified as major contributing factors. The research emphasizes the need for greater teacher awareness, parental engagement, and national efforts to prevent child abuse. It concludes by recommending school-based counseling programs, community education, and stronger collaboration among educators, parents, and social workers to improve the well-being and development of affected children.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-16 2025-10-16 An Investigation To Complete The Academics Performance Of Children Who attended Pre-School In An Infant 1 Class AT ST. PETER'S ANGLICAN SCHOOL, ORANGE WALK TOWN https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/720 <p>This study investigates the academic performance of Infant I students at St. Peter’s Anglican School in Orange Walk Town, comparing children who attended preschool with those who did not. The research analyzed performance in Mathematics, Reading, Phonics, and Science using secondary data obtained from report cards for three academic terms. The sample consisted of 35 students, of whom approximately ten had preschool experience. Findings revealed that students with preschool education generally performed better academically and demonstrated greater consistency across terms, particularly in Reading. In contrast, students without preschool experience showed lower performance in the first term but gradual improvement in subsequent terms, suggesting a longer adjustment period to the primary school environment. The results support the view that preschool attendance contributes positively to early academic achievement and school readiness. It is recommended that parents, educators, and policymakers encourage preschool enrollment and that further research be conducted to determine whether these performance differences persist throughout primary and secondary education.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-24 2025-10-24 A Six Week Program To Develop Reading Comprehension Skills In Children In Standard II At Epworth Methodist School Using Belizean Folk-Tales, Puppetry Through Cooperatives Learning. https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/726 <p>This study examines the challenges of teaching reading and literacy in Belizean primary schools within a multilingual and media-influenced society. While reading has long been recognized as essential to educational success and societal participation, many students still struggle to develop adequate literacy skills beyond basic reading and writing. Although Belize reports a high literacy rate, concerns persist regarding <em>functional literacy</em>, which refers to the ability to comprehend and use written information effectively in daily life. The study highlights that literacy in Belize must be viewed in relation to the country's linguistic diversity, as many students speak a first language other than English—the official language of instruction. Limited attention to the literacy development of non-English speakers contributes to disparities in reading comprehension and communication skills. This background underscores the importance of strengthening literacy instruction to support meaningful understanding, critical thinking, and effective communication among Belizean learners.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-27 2025-10-27 The economic implications on the Government of Belize Engaging in Offshore Oil Exploration and drilling https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/705 <p>In this research paper, we examine the potential implications of the Government of Belize's renewed efforts to explore and drill for oil offshore, nearly sixty years after the first attempt. The study explores the possible economic, environmental, and social impacts that could arise from engaging in offshore oil exploration and drilling. To gather relevant insights, a representative sample of residents from the Belize District was interviewed to capture their personal opinions on the matter. Additionally, the Director of the Geology &amp; Petroleum Department was interviewed to provide a comparative perspective from the government's standpoint on offshore oil exploration and drilling in Belize.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2024-08-13 2024-08-13 A Survery To Determine Parent's Attitudes Towards The Establishment Of A Pre-School In Progreso Village https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/718 <p>This study explores the attitudes of parents in Progreso Village toward the establishment of a preschool in their community. The research was motivated by the growing recognition of early childhood education as essential for children’s cognitive, emotional, and social development. A questionnaire was administered to a sample of parents to gather insights into their perceptions, expectations, and willingness to support such an initiative. The findings revealed that the majority of parents expressed strong support for the establishment of a preschool, acknowledging its role in preparing children for primary education. The study concludes that there is a clear need and community readiness for the introduction of a preschool in Progreso Village.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-22 2025-10-22 A Six-Week Programme Using Selected Belizean Songs, Poems And Short Stories To Develop Reading Comprehension Skills In STD I Students At Ebenezer School https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/724 <p>The teaching of reading continues to be a significant challenge for educators worldwide, as the process extends beyond decoding printed words to developing meaning and comprehension. Many students can read fluently yet struggle to understand what they read, often relying on memorization rather than true comprehension. This issue is frequently linked to inadequate reading readiness and insufficient development of higher-level reading skills. The researcher observed that children enter the classroom with diverse backgrounds, abilities, and prior knowledge, which affects their reading progress. Effective reading instruction must therefore include strategies that build comprehension skills such as interpreting and predicting, to foster functional literacy. Without these skills, students may appear literate but remain unable to apply reading meaningfully in daily life. This study emphasizes the importance of developing strong comprehension abilities to support genuine literacy among learners.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-27 2025-10-27 A survey To Determine The Attitudes Of Parents Towards The Establishment Of A Pre-School In San Antonio Village In The Toledo District https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/716 <p>This study investigates the attitudes of parents in San Antonio Village, Toledo District, toward the establishment of a full-time preschool. Observations revealed that many children entering primary school lacked essential social, emotional, and cognitive skills, largely due to limited early childhood preparation. Using a questionnaire administered to thirty parents, the research examined their perceptions, willingness to support, and readiness to contribute to the creation of a preschool. The findings indicated a highly positive attitude among parents, who recognized the importance of preschool education in preparing children for formal schooling and were willing to offer financial and cooperative support. The study concludes that the establishment of a preschool in San Antonio is both necessary and strongly supported by the community.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-22 2025-10-22 An Investigation To Compare The Academic Performance Of Children Who Attended Pre-school With Those Who did Not Attend Preschool In An Infant 1 Class AT ST. PETERS ANGLICAN SCHOOL https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/722 <p>The implementation of Sex Education in Belizean primary schools continues to be a controversial issue, particularly among parents and teachers. While some schools have successfully introduced Sex Education with community support, others encounter strong parental objections rooted in the belief that such instruction promotes sexual experimentation among students. In addition, many teachers express discomfort with teaching the subject, often due to limited training or cultural and religious influences that portray sex as inappropriate or shameful. This study investigates the attitudes of parents and teachers toward the teaching of Sex Education to Standard VI students at Trial Farm Government School. The research highlights factors contributing to resistance, including lack of awareness of the curriculum content, cultural beliefs, and insufficient parental knowledge. The findings aim to provide insight into stakeholder perspectives and support the development of informed strategies for implementing Sex Education to address the growing needs of pre-adolescent students, particularly in relation to puberty, sexual development, and the prevalence of early pregnancy among students.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-27 2025-10-27 A Survey to Determine the attitudes of primary education students at University of Belize (belmopan campus) towards the current teacher training program https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/706 <p>The research is about how information technology is integrated in the teacher training program currently offered by the University of Belize. Teacher education and its relevance to the field of information technology as a tool to enhance teaching and learning in the classroom should be a vital component that constitutes the composition of the core teacher education courses offered by the University of Belize, in order to prepare teachers to be efficient and effective in their delivery.&nbsp;</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-16 2025-10-16 A Survey To Evaluate The Extent To Which Five Pre-Schools In The Cayo District Are Meeting The Standards Outlined By The Ministry Of Education https://ojs.ub.edu.bz/index.php/theses/article/view/719 <p>This study examines the differences in academic and social performance between children who attended preschool and those who did not, focusing on Infant One students in the Corozal District. The research sought to determine whether early childhood education enhances students’ readiness, learning pace, and classroom adaptability. Data were collected through questionnaires distributed to nine Infant One teachers across several schools. Findings revealed that children with preschool experience demonstrated stronger social skills, faster learning abilities, and better classroom adjustment compared to their peers without such background. The study concludes that preschool education plays a vital role in a child’s overall development and recommends that preschool attendance be encouraged and made accessible to all children to improve early learning outcomes.</p> Chimezirim Amagwula Copyright (c) 2024 Student Theses 2025-10-22 2025-10-22