Thesis Abstract

Abstract
This research project aims to investigate the effectiveness of educating girls through the use of radio programs, specifically focusing on a transactional radio instructional program called Tela Trann. The study involves a content analysis of the Tela Trann program to assess the quality and relevance of educational materials provided to the target audience. The research will explore how the radio program addresses key educational topics and whether it aligns with the curriculum and learning objectives for girls in the target region. By conducting a thorough content analysis of the Tela Trann program, this research seeks to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the educational content delivered through radio broadcasts. The study will examine the presence of gender-sensitive materials, the inclusivity of diverse perspectives, and the overall impact of the program on girls' educational outcomes. Additionally, the research will investigate the accessibility of the radio program to girls in remote or underserved areas, analyzing the reach and effectiveness of the broadcast in reaching its intended audience. Through a detailed examination of the Tela Trann program, this research aims to provide valuable insights into the potential of radio as a tool for educating girls and promoting gender equality in education. By evaluating the content and delivery of the instructional program, the study aims to inform future efforts to enhance the quality and impact of radio-based educational initiatives for girls in similar contexts. The findings of this research will contribute to the existing literature on girls' education and the role of radio in promoting learning outcomes. By identifying best practices and areas for improvement in the Tela Trann program, this study can offer recommendations for optimizing radio-based educational interventions for girls in low-resource settings. Ultimately, the research aims to support the design and implementation of effective educational programs that leverage radio as a cost-effective and scalable medium for reaching and empowering girls with quality education.

Thesis Overview

INTRODUCTION

 

 

1.1         Background of the Study

 

 

The place of radio for the purpose of education has been around for some time. The radio technology was developed in the 19th century and became an educational medium in the 20th century. Although according to Couch (1997) radio has been overshadow by television over the years but still remains a vital and viable medium for educational purposes in a large mass communication settings. Radio has the capacity to deliver quality educational programs to large audiences in an expanded geographical expanse and at a relatively low per unit cost (Couch, 1997). According to a studies conducted by UK Open University shows that when the radio technology is used as a supplementary learning tool for educational purpose. The Agency for International Development has revealed that it is more cost effective to use radio for educational purpose than teacher and textbook (Tripp and Roby, 1996). The use of radio as an educational tool cannot be disputed considering the cost effectiveness and the fact that it helps in improvising for materials that are lacking in a normal class room system (Muller, 1985). The radio can be listening to in the comfort and private of people’s homes which can provide the requisite knowledge for educational purpose.

 

Literacy and Nigeria

 

 

A recent USAID study also indicates that an estimated 10 million Nigerian children are not registered in school. A disclosure by a former Minister of State for Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, equally indicates that;

“The number of adults who cannot read and write in the country is estimated at 60 million, which is about 38% of the country’s population estimated at 170 million” (Daily trust, 13 2014)

 

The revelation was made by Wike at the flagging off of the 2014 International Literacy Day.

 

 

The declining fortune of literacy ratio among Nigerian children is, indeed, an embarrassment to the nation as we currently have over 10.5 million children out of school. The current Education for All, EFA, Global Monitoring report ranks Nigeria as one of the countries with the highest level of illiteracy. The EFA report on Nigeria affirmed that the number of illiterate adults has increased by 10 million over the past two decades, to reach 35 million (Hatch, 2015).

 

Technology Enhanced Learning for All (TELA)

 

 

The technology enhanced learning for all has made a significant change in the lives of people, especially in Nigeria. The Technology Enhanced Learning for All (TELA) is a program that seeks to help the less privileged kids to learn Literacy and Numeracy with the use of Radio. TELA is a project of the American University of Nigeria in collaboration with the United State Agency for International Development (USAID). The main aim of the project is to help the vulnerable kids of Adamawa state to learn the basics of Literacy and Numeracy, before the program started there was an Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Maths Assessment (EGMA) that the kids took to make sure they are ready to learn.