University of Zambia Online Research Repository
Not a member yet
8755 research outputs found
Sort by
Exploration of the perceptions of academic staff on performance appraisals in some selected private universities in Lusaka district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master’s degree in Educational Administration and Management.This research study explored the perceptions of academic staff on performance appraisals in selected private universities in Lusaka District. The study explored types of performance appraisal systems used in selected private universities in Lusaka District, examined the use of data derived from appraisals and assessed academic staff perceptions on appraisals. Utilizing a qualitative approach grounded in an interpretivist philosophy, this study employed a descriptive research design. The research involved the distribution of online open-ended questionnaires to collect responses from a total sample size of thirty academic staff from five private universities. The findings revealed the prevalence of participatory performance appraisals as a widespread practice. However, the study uncovered varying perceptions among academic staff, with many perceiving appraisals as pointless due to the disconnection from tangible rewards, while others reported improvements in their performance such as teaching methods and time management. Disparities in the provision of feedback were also highlighted, with some receiving comprehensive feedback and others receiving none. Moreover, a notable skepticism appeared on the alignment of appraisal results with actual job performance. Interestingly, the qualification of the supervisor did not jeopardize the perception of academic staff on the Performance appraisal process. In view of these findings, the study recommends that there is need for private universities to establish clear and standardized performance appraisal processes, offer biannual training sessions focused on enhancing academic staff understanding of the appraisal process, utilize the 360-degree feedback appraisal system to provide a comprehensive view of performance and mitigate bias, provide regular and comprehensive feedback. In addition, the study recommends private universities should offer training focused on enhancing academic staff understanding of the appraisal process, use appraisal data for succession planning, rewarding, and recognizing exemplary performance and providing career development opportunities to academic staff. Additionally, the study suggests a framework that supervisors in private universities can use to implement performance appraisals effectively through a series of steps.
KEY WORDS: Performance appraisal, Academic staff, Private universities, Effect, Perceptio
Knowledge, perspectives and practices of suicide counselling by counsellors in selected secondary schools in Choma district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education Degree in Guidance and Counselling.School counsellors have an ethical obligation to protect their learners; they are in an ideal position to help prevent suicide among learners as they are likely to encounter suicidal learners during the course of their duties. To understand the lived experiences of the school counsellors about their knowledge, perspectives and practices of suicide counselling a qualitative study was undertaken. A phenomenological design was used. The study sample composed of 12 school counsellors from selected secondary schools in Choma District. Purposive sampling method was used to select the participants. Data was collected using semi-structured interview schedule and a focus group discussion guide. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The outcomes of the study show that eight out of twelve school counsellors were not aware of suicide related information in the school curriculum. Five of the school counsellors expressed knowledge about causes and warning signs of suicide. Their knowledge was as a result of experience and not training. Nine counsellors in the study lacked training in suicide counselling. As a result, they held stigmatising perspectives towards suicide. However, the school counsellors felt they had a role to play in suicide prevention but this role was compromised by lack of knowledge in suicide counselling. On the basis of the findings, the study recommends that trainee school counsellors should be equipped with knowledge in suicide counselling. In addition, head teachers should encourage continuous professional development in suicide counselling among school counsellors and other teachers. The Ministry of Education (MOE) should support the development of a national suicide protocol to be followed by all school counsellors. Further, future researchers should consider designing a study to identify other factors most impacting suicide assessment self-efficacy
Leaving no pre-schooler behind: using digital technology to foster emergent literacy skills of preschool children from resource-constrained environments in Lusaka province, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Sociology of EducationThis study investigated how a digital intervention programme influenced the development of emergent literacy skills, including rhyme awareness, vocabulary, and story comprehension, in preschool children from resource-constrained environments in Lusaka province, Zambia. The study was quantitative and employed a between-subjects randomised controlled experimental design. A sample of 353 children (Mage=81.1 months; SD=15.7) from 14 government
preschools in Lusaka, Chilanga, and Kafue districts of Lusaka province was randomly assigned to one intervention and two control groups. Children in the intervention group listened to and watched digital animated stories and rhymes 4 times a week for six weeks (which translated into a total intervention time of 4 hours, 46 minutes, and 8 seconds per child). To control for the effect of technology, the children in the control I group played a non-literary video game (Subway Runner downloaded from Combine, Inc.). In control group II, children continued with their usual classroom activities (scheduled on the school
timetable). Data at pretest and post-test were collected using various assessment tools, including the picture rhyming test rhyme production test, expressive one-word picture vocabulary test, receptive one-word picture vocabulary test, retelling, and question-and answer comprehension tests. A linear mixed effect analysis was used to assess the intervention's impact on rhyme awareness, vocabulary, and story comprehension skills. Results revealed that the intervention group significantly outperformed the two control groups in vocabulary and story comprehension but not in rhyme awareness. Thus, the study provides empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of digital animated stories and rhymes in enhancing early literacy skills, particularly vocabulary and story comprehension, among Zambian preschool children. The study recommends integrating these resources as supplements to printed materials for preschoolers in preschools and homes. By using these digital instructional tools alongside traditional printed materials, educators and parents can create engaging learning experiences that support children's overall early literacy development
Application of information processing theory in teaching english grammar to facilitate meaningful learning: a case of pre-service teachers in Malawi.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Educational Psychology.This study aimed at exploring how pre-service teachers applied information processing theory (IPT) strategies in teaching English grammar to facilitate meaningful learning in secondary school students during their teaching practice. In particular, the study explored how pre-service teachers applied information theory strategies of contextualization, rehearsal, elaboration and organization strategies when teaching English grammar to secondary school students during their teaching practice. Information processing theory was the major theoretical framework that the study employed. The study design was a qualitative single-case study which was both descriptive and exploratory. The study was conducted in six Malawian districts including Chitipa, Karonga, Kasungu, Mzuzu, Nkhatabay and Rumphi. Nine (9) public secondary schools were conveniently sampled from these districts. The sample comprised ten pre-service teachers who were purposefully sampled through homogenous sampling. The main criterion for selecting participants was that they were majoring or minoring in English language. To ensure trustworthiness and use triangulation, data were collected through multiple methods including classroom observation, semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The data comprised field notes and audio recordings of interviews. The data analysis was done simultaneously with collection through thematic analysis which was inductive to generate meanings. All steps for thematic analysis were followed. Audio recordings from interviews were transcribed into readable texts to make the data
maneageable and meaningful themes were assigned to all codes before they were summarized and interpreted. Results from triangulation of data from the three sources showed that pre-service teachers applied various information processing theory strategies when teaching English grammar
namely contextualization, rehearsal, elaboration and organization. The study also uncovered challenges of using IPT strategies such as larger class size, inadequate materials, teacher competence, and learner background and time constraints. Finally, a model of information processing theory for teaching English grammar to secondary school students that recommends integration of all strategies was developed. In view of the findings, this study recommends that teacher education institutions should ensure that pre-service teachers apply the different theoretical knowledge through peer teaching before teaching practice in order to gain experience in how to apply theories to actual classroom situations to facilitate meaningful learning in students
The univerity of Zambia students’ experiences about online learning during COVID-19 pandemic lockdown.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Sociology of Education.The study aimed to investigate the experiences of University of Zambia students with online learning during the Covid-19 pandemic lockdown. The study was guided by connectivism theory by George Siemens (2005). The study's objectives were to explore lived experiences students had about online learning during COVID-19 lockdown, to establish the benefits of online learning in times of COVID-19 pandemic lockdown and to establish challenges which students faced when using online learning during COVID19 pandemic lockdown at the University of Zambia. The study used a qualitative research design because this design is ideal as it explores and understands the meaning individuals or groups ascribe to a social or human problem. The sample for the study was 20 respondents who were purposive selected. These 20 students were subjected to a focus group discussion. Data was analysed qualitatively using thematic analysis. The study revealed some positive and negative experiences. The positive experiences included: the flexible nature of online learning, conduciveness of online learning and anonymity nature of online learning. The negative experiences included but not limited to: unequal access to online learning, social interaction and digital divide. The findings further showed the following benefits of online learning: availability of recorded lessons/lectures, availability of additional resources/materials on the internet, reduced numbers of COVID-19 cases amongst students among others. Some notable challenges encountered by students included: poor internet connectivity, unaffordable data bundles, lack of online learning facilities, limited number of students some online platforms could accommodate, lack of interaction, power cuts, digital divide and unconducive home environment. Given the above, the study recommended that the government should improve ICT infrastructure, internet services and access in the country. To enhance online learning, universities should be provided with more ICT equipment.
Key Words: experiences, online learning, online platforms, COVID-19, Pandemic, teaching
Acquisition of information and communication technology skills among learners with visual impairments: analysis of the selected schools in southern and Lusaka provinces.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Special Education.In the modern era, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) plays a critical role in everyday life, with over 5.16 billion global internet users. In Zambia, ICT usage has grown significantly, particularly through mobile internet access, with 85% of the population able to use 3G or 4G services. Despite this progress, the education system particularly for learners with visual impairments faces considerable challenges in integrating ICT into teaching and learning. This study employed a qualitative collective case study approach to explore the acquisition of ICT skills among learners with visual impairments in four selected secondary schools located in Lusaka and Southern Provinces: Munali Boys, Munali Girls, Rusangu Secondary, and St. Mulumba Special School. A total of 20 participants were purposively selected, comprising 8 focus groups with visually impaired learners and 12 individual interviews with teachers and resource personnel. The learners, drawn from grades 10 to 12, included both males and females from varied low- to middle-income backgrounds. Data collection methods included semistructured interviews and focus group discussions, supported by thematic analysis. Findings revealed substantial disparities in the availability of ICT resources across schools. St. Mulumba Special School was better equipped with assistive technologies such as JAWS screen reader software, braille embossers, and trained support staff, enhancing the ICT learning experience. Conversely, Munali Boys, Munali Girls, and Rusangu Secondary faced critical shortages of assistive devices and ICT-trained educators, significantly limiting the learners’ capacity to acquire ICT skills. Additionally, most teachers lacked formal training in inclusive ICT instruction, further hindering effective learning for students with visual impairments. The study highlights the urgent need for targeted investments in assistive technologies, teacher
capacity-building, and inclusive ICT infrastructure. Bridging these gaps is essential to ensuring equitable access to digital education for visually impaired learners. These insights offer valuable guidance for policymakers, educators, and development partners committed to promoting inclusive education in Zambia’s digital era.
Key words: Learners, Visual Impairment and Information Communication Technolog
Analysis of the use of mother tongue based-multilingual education (MTB-MLE) strategies by teachers in lower primary grades in Chongwe rural district.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Literacy, Language and Applied Linguistics.This study investigated the use of Mother Tongue Based Multilingual Education strategies by teachers at Primary level in Chongwe Rural District. The study is informed by the Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) and Ruiz’s three language orientation theories. Adopting a descriptive research design, the study used qualitative research approach. The study sought to address the following objectives: (i) to establish teachers’ understanding of MTB-MLE strategies used in the classroom. (ii) to analyse teachers’ use of MTB-MLE strategies in lower grades of Primary school. (iii) to identify the challenges that teachers face when applying MTB-MLE strategies in lower grades of primary school. The sample size was thirty teachers of Primary from ten schools of Chongwe District. The population was sampled using purposive sampling and the data were collected using Focus Group Discussion, classroom observation and document analysis and was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings reveal that most teachers in Chongwe District somewhat understood the meaning of MTB-MLE strategies. In addition, the results of the study indicated that teachers of Chongwe District used a variety of MTB-MLE strategies in the classroom. These strategies included translanguaging, use of pictures and picture stories, use of groups, song and real objects. Furthermore, the findings showed that teachers of Chongwe District in an effort to use MTB-MLE strategies faced a number of challenges. Challenges included inadequate materials, unfamiliar concepts in the mother tongue, inadequate preparation time on the part of
teachers, and over enrollment. The study concludes that teachers in Chongwe District understand and use MTB-MLE strategies to help learners not familiar with the LOI in multilingual contexts. The study recommends that MOE should come up with a deliberate policy where teachers from
time to time should be capacity built on how to handle learners in multilingual contexts. Also, DCD should capacity build teachers to be able to design materials in Zambian languages that can be used in multilingual classrooms. In addition, teachers should be more liberal and innovative in the classroom by making use of other minority languages as opposed to regional languages
Improving the procurement function in the public sector : a case study of ministry of health.
Get PDFThesis of Masters of Science Projects, Operations and Supply Chain Management.This Study was premised on empirical research gaps of unknown barriers that accentuated the costs of doing business and further than this, most of the procurement function activities are not done on schedule. It was not known what the barriers of procurement function are on attaining effective procurement functions of the Ministry of Health. A cross sectional quantitative Study enlisting 96 staff in the procurement sector was done. Data was collected using a survey questionnaire and linear regression was performed using SPSS software version 21. The Ministry of Health experiences three barriers in meeting its procurement functions and these include challenges in availability of materials from our suppliers, failing to meet the set
ideal times in the procurement processes, the type of management and insufficient financial resources to procure goods and services. In spite of these barriers, at a general level, the Ministry of Health has demonstrated that its procurement functions are effective as the regression model does not demonstrate a statistically significant outcome to predict the outcome variable effectiveness of procurement function (i.e., it is not a good fit for the data) as p is > 0.05 (0.719). Further, none of the four predictor variables show any statistically significant effect as p values are ≥ 0.05. In view of the findings made, the following conclusions were made. It is not possible that the procurement function in the Ministry of Health takes large amounts of revenue and there is no evidence that it is becoming expensive. The concerns raised are unfounded as the barriers have no influence riddled with barriers such that the sourcing of goods and services poses a challenge. Hence this Study recommends sustaining the current procurement processes
Performance assessment of Mulungushi university library services in meeting users’ needs.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Library and Information Science.This study aimed at assessing the performance of Mulungushi University (MU) Library by examining its facilities and services in relation to the needs and demands of the end users. The study was guided by the main objective which were to evaluate the performance of Mulungushi University Library in order to establish whether its facilities and services met the needs and demands of the end users. Structured questionnaire and an interview guide were used to collect data from respondents. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data from fourth year undergraduate on-campus students and the interview guide was used to collect data from the key informants. The target population for this study comprised fourth year undergraduate students from the 7 schools at Mulungushi University Main Campus. The University had a population of 1,498 fourth year accommodated students from the 7 schools, and a sample size of 364 students (representing 24.29% of the population) was derived. The aim was to include 52 students from each school, as well as 7 key informants who are Heads of Departments (HoDs) from various schools and the Director of Research and Post-graduate studies. The study reveals that library users at MULIB had diverse expectations and preferences. Some users were satisfied with the library's services, while others expressed neutrality or dissatisfaction, highlighting the need for targeted improvements. On the other hand the respondents recommended that the library should invest in expanding and updating the library's collection to ensure a more comprehensive and up-to-date range of resources, including both physical and digital materials
An evaluation of the state of record management amongst local authorities for improved service delivery: a case study of Lusaka city council
Get PDFThesis of Master of Library and Information Science.Records management plays a pivotal role in fostering efficient service delivery through preserving and facilitating access to valuable information. However, poor record management amongst local authorities has resulted to unsatisfactory service delivery. In order to address this problem, this
study aimed to establish the state of records management at Lusaka City Council (LCC) and its implication on service delivery. The objectives of the study were to establish records management systems and processes at LCC, determine record management knowledge levels amongst registry
staff at LCC, establish the impact of records management on service delivery at LCC, and identify the challenges faced by LCC in managing records.
A case study research with a mixed methods approach was used by this study. Furthermore, a sample size of 33 respondents was selected using purposive sampling. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and key informant interviews. Quantitative data on record management systems and processes, record management knowledge levels, challenges faced in the management of records, and the impact of record management on service delivery was analysed using descriptive statistics. Relationships between variables were established using chisquare test statistic and a p-value of less than .05 was considered to be statistically significant. Quantitative data analysis was done using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Qualitative data on the challenges faced in the management of records was analysed using content analysis. The study found that the LCC does not have an electronic management system for capturing and storing records and mostly relies on paper-based records. However, there is minimal amount of records that are digitally created on spreadsheets. Furthermore, LCC does not have an official records management policy and therefore, training of staff is usually anecdotal. Records are filled in alphabetical order and stored in file cabinets, shelves, and computers. LCC does not have a record disposal and disaster recovery plan. In addition, records management knowledge levels amongst LCC staff where found to be low and there was an absence of consistent training. Furthermore, the quality of records management translated into poor service delivery. The main
challenges faced by LCC include insufficient storage space, limited accessibility, absence of an Electronic Records Management System (ERMS), poor funding, lack of skilled personnel, inadequate materials, poor maintenance of records, and lack of a records management policy. Based on these findings, the study recommends that LCC should create a comprehensive records management policy that explicitly outlines the processes and procedures relating to the creation, storage, preservation, recovery, and disposition of records. Secondly, LCC should digitalize records management by designing and implementing an Electronic Records Management System (ERMS) to enhance efficiency, reduce errors and aid better collaboration for service delivery. In addition, registry staff should get adequate training in order to gain skills and knowledge in record management. Furthermore, there is need to revise entry educational requirements for registry personnel. The study also recommends that local government management and policy makers should prioritize promoting effective record management practices for efficient service delivery