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Primary school teachers' subject matter knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge of number bases: a case study of Lusaka district.
Get PDFDoctor of Philosophy in Mathematics EducationThe study was inspired by the necessity to advance professional learning for primary school teachers that might support them to proficiently teach the mathematics topic of number bases. This was after a base line study conducted at National In-Service Teachers College (NISTCOL) in 2014 by the College Lectures in the Department of Mathematics amongst primary school teachers who came from all provinces of the country revealed that Grade 7 primary school teachers encounter challenges when teaching number bases. This qualitative case study evaluated the mathematics Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) and Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) of Grade seven primary school teachers with a focus on Number Bases, a topic which consolidates the concept of place value, the basis for all arithmetic algorithms (Wilson, 2006). Dimensions of the Knowledge Quartet: foundation, transformation, connection and contingency (Rowland, Turner, Thwaites, & Huckstep, 2009) and the strands of mathematical proficiency (Kilpartick, 2001) were applied to code, interpret and discuss the findings. Thematic analysis of lesson observations, questionnaire, concept maps and interviews was done by applying the pre-specified categorisation scheme of the Subject Audit Instrument (knowledge Quartet). Initially thirty participants took part in the questionnaire. Out of these nineteen took part in the concept maps. Then based on the performance in the questionnaire and concept maps two high performers, two moderate performers and two low achievers were selected to take part in lesson observations and post-lesson observation interviews. The study was guided by four research questions:
1. What foundation knowledge of Number Bases do primary school teachers have?
2. How do primary school teachers transform the content knowledge they have into forms that are pedagogically convenient to their pupils when teaching Number Bases?
3. How do the primary school teachers connect instructions when teaching Number Bases?
4. What are the primary school teachers’ contingency actions when teaching Number Bases?
With regard to the nature of primary school teachers’ foundation knowledge the findings indicated that most primary school teachers were uncertain as to the status or importance of topic of number bases and when making instructional decisions they mainly relied on imitation of one another or trial and error, rather than relying on the theoretical foundation required to guide instructional decisions. On the nature of primary school teachers’ transformation knowledge the findings indicated that in most cases examples were mathematically correct, selected intentionally, and matched the purpose of the lesson and that participants exhibited knowledge of various forms of mathematical representations such as tabular, symbolic and tally marks. With regard to the nature of primary school teacher’s connection knowledge the findings revealed that during lesson observation participants mainly used a single method; they rarely used several methods when solving problems on number bases. Moreover, they could not change tack when teaching number bases, amidst pupils facing challenges in comprehending the number bases concepts. On the nature of primary school teachers’ contingency knowledge of number bases the findings indicated that participants responded to student ideas mainly in two ways: ignore or acknowledge but sideline. In addition the findings revealed that most participants could not reflect in action of either example or representation being used during lesson enactment even when faced with challenges. In line with the research findings, a reference manual that could enhance primary school teachers’ SMK and PCK in the context of number bases has been
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proposed. Practically, the study has made contributions to areas in which primary school teachers need assistance such as the aspect of relational approaches to teaching mathematics.
Recommendations for primary school teachers, Institutions training primary school teachers and for further research have been made. For instance, in order to enhance professionalism in the teaching of number bases primary school teachers should be sensitized on how to notice and interpret key features of classroom interaction as well as ensuring that they acquire skills of stopping to reflect-in-action and change tack (example or representation being used) amidst challenges.
Key words: Knowledge Quartet, Foundation, Transformation, Connection, Contingency, Number bases, Subject Matter Knowledge (SMK) and Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK
Determinants of child marriages in Chamilala ward of Nyimba district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master Degree of Public HealthChild marriages are increasingly becoming high and it seems that the strategies used to end child marriages are ineffective yet resources are increasingly being spent. Child marriages affect the improvement of livelihoods among the people especially those in the rural communities. Furthermore it compromises the effectiveness of the foreign aid on which ending child marriages promotions and campaigns depend on. Ultimately, initiatives such as ending child marriages will not bring about improved sustainable livelihoods and standards of living, and reduction in poverty at large. Thus this study sought to identify and investigate the determinants that lead to child marriages and options for reducing child marriages in Chamilala ward of Nyimba district. A mixed-method research design was used in this study to collect the needed data. The study targeted a population of 796 households of Chamilala ward of Nyimba district from which a sample size of 77 was drawn from the population using random sampling procedure. Further the study used purposive sampling to select key informants and focus group discussants. Descriptive statistics using percentages was used to analyze quantitative data and thematic analysis was used
to analyze qualitative data. The study found that the most affected families with child marriages are the poor families, single/widowed, orphaned homes, grand parented homes and those whose household heads were illiterate. The respondents’ perception on child marriages was that it was wide spread and worrying to the community members. The study showed that initiation ceremonies such as kulanga ndola,cinamwali and cisungu are the most influencing cultures to
child marriages and the most affected age cohort in child marriages was the 15-17 years old. Research results further showed that immorality (29 percent), education challenges (17 percent), forced marriages (12 percent), poverty (21 percent), peer pressure (14 percent) and child mistreatment (7 percent) were the main determinants of child marriages in the study area. Lack of decision making (14 percent), marital violence (18 percent), health complications (44 percent) and financial challenges (24 percent) were some of the risks or dangers of child marriages that were identified in this study. It was identified that the community react to child marriages by reporting to the police (victim support unit), traditional leaders and the one stop center (Gender Based Violence Unit) while others did nothing about it for fear of being bewitched by the involved families. Some of the identified opportunities as preventive measures to child marriages were law enforcement (36 percent), community awareness (22 percent) and girls’ education (42 percent). The study therefore concluded that child marriages were really a challenge in the study area and that it was imperative that all stakeholders be involved to help in reducing child marriages in the rural areas
The effectiveness of trade unions in meeting teachers’ needs: a case of primary education sector unions in Lusaka district.
Get PDFThesisEmployees in the primary education sector are faced with a number of challenges in their places of work. In order to deal with these challenges, they form trade unions in an attempt to enhance their strength and fight for improved terms and conditions of service. In order to be effective trade unions, provide collective strength, improved wages through collective bargaining and provide member services for their teachers in the primary education sector.
The general objective of the research was to examine the effectiveness of trade unions in meeting teachers’ needs in the primary education sector in Lusaka district. Specifically, it aimed at examining the effectiveness of trade unions in providing collective strength to teachers in the primary education sector. It also aims at analysing the effectiveness of trade unions in improving wages for teachers and assess the effectiveness of trade unions in providing member services.
This research employed a mixed method research design. This means that it collected both qualitative and quantitative data. The sample comprised of 116 ordinary teachers and trade union officials in Lusaka district. From the sample, sixteen respondents were trade union officials and 100 were ordinary teachers drawn from the ten schools. Ten were trade union officials based at the schools where the research was conducted from. Then three trade union officials were at district level and three trade union officials were at national level. Purposive sampling was used to sample trade union officials. While Multistage and simple random sampling were used to sample ordinary teachers. To collect data questionnaire and interview guide were used. To analyse qualitative data, content analysis was used while Statistical Package for Social Statistics (SPSS) was used to analyse quantitative data.
The findings of the research indicate that trade unions are effective in providing collective strength for teachers in the primary education sector. This is so, because trade unions recruit their members using two methods, capturing where teachers are neither consulted nor asked to apply for membership. Trade unions are somewhat effective when it comes to improving wages in the primary education sector. This is done through collective bargaining. Trade unions are also somewhat effective in the provision of member services because trade unions provide member services like loans, land, school sponsorship and union branded clothes but the services are not enough
An investigation of the use of social media among students with visual impairments in Zambian secondary schools: a case of selected secondary schools for the blind in Zambia.
Get PDFThesisThis study examined the use of social media among students with visual impairments in three selected secondary schools located in three provinces of Zambia. The specific objectives of the study were: 1) to explore the extent to which students with visual impairment used social media; 2) to determine the types of social media platforms mostly used by students with visual impairment; 3) to establish reasons why students with visual impairment engage in using social media; and 4) to establish the impact of social media on the social life of students with visual impairment and 5) to identify the challenges that students with visual impairment face when using social media. This was a case study of three selected schools in Zambia namely: Ndola Lions School, Magweru Secondary School and Munali Secondary school. The questionnaire was used to collect data from a sample of 78 Visually Impaired (VI) pupils conveniently selected from the three schools. Data was analysed using SPSS version 25. The study findings revealed that students were engaged in social media and they used it several times a day. The study found that the commonly used social media platforms in their order of frequency included WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. The study also established that VI students engage in social media for various reasons ranging from accessing and sharing information, socialising with friends and family and facilitating schoolwork. It was clear from the study findings that social media use has had a positive impact on the social life of students with visual impairment. The study also identified several challenges that visually impaired (VI) pupils face when using social media. This study recommends that there was need for stakeholders in the education sector to find innovative ways to promote the use of social media among visually impaired (VI) students in institutions of learning for promoting educational purposes.
Keywords: Impact, Socia media, Use, VI pupils, Social media platforms
Measuring faecal sluge stabilization and its relation to dewatering performance.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Engineering in Environmental Engineering.Stabilization and dewatering are indispensable treatment mechanisms applied in the management of Faecal Sludge (FS) that accumulates in onsite containment facilities such as pit latrines and septic tanks. This is because FS is mainly comprised of 80 – 95 percent water and readily degradable organic matter. Based on field observations, Faecal Sludge is normally stabilized (offering limited scope for further stabilization at treatment) due to the longer storage times it spends in the onsite containment systems where it undergoes digestion in mostly anaerobic and facultative conditions. In addition, a potential linkage has been reported between the observed level of Faecal Sludge stabilization and its dewatering performance. It has been noted that more stabilized FS is easier to dewater than fresh sludge which is not stabilized. However, it is not clear how FS stabilization and its relation to dewatering can be measured with practitioners relying on qualitative information such as colour and odour to distinguish between the so-called stabilized and non-stabilized or fresh Faecal Sludge. The study evaluated rapid and low cost methods that can be used to measure FS stabilization, including criteria or index for characterizing a sample as stabilized or not stabilized. The study also assessed the relationship between FS stabilization and its dewatering performance. Methods that can be used for measuring FS stabilization were selected through a two-stage process i.e. screening using a decision matrix and laboratory evaluation to determine method performance and suitability. The relationship between FS stabilization and dewatering performance was determined through laboratory anaerobic digestion and dewatering experiments. A total of 27 faecal sludge samples including a fresh sample were collected and nine parameters related to stabilization and dewatering performance were analysed. The study found that FS stabilization can be measured using low cost methods such as the Volatile Solids to Total Solids ratio and the Specific Oxygen Uptake Rate and is associated with dewatering performance measured as capillary sanction time. Stabilization was correlated to the age/ type of faecal sludge, though the differences based on sludge age were not significant among samples from pit latrines and septic tanks. The observed differences in dewatering performance were associated with differences in level of stabilization. The majority of the FS samples become stabilized after 60 days of anaerobic digestion and a corresponding improvement in dewatering performance was also observed. Based on these results, FS from onsite containment facilities is not fully stabilized, despite the longer retention times at containment. Further, the associations between anaerobic digestion and improvement in dewatering performance as well as stabilization suggests that application of a biological stabilization step at treatment before FS dewatering can be beneficial
Copying strategies to chronic floods in Kuku residential area in Lusaka district, Zambia: a hermeneutic phenomenology study.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in GeographyChronic flooding is one major annual disaster, whose effects have not been sparing the residents in Kuku, a low cost residential area in the urban District of Lusaka. It has been attributed by both natural and manmade factors such as the inability of the residential area to drain water, change of rainfall pattern, increase of built environment without sustainable drainages and poor garbage disposal with emphasis on the non-biodegradable materials. Incidentally, this study entails the captured raw lived experiences of chronic flood victims of the Kuku residential area of Lusaka district from a hermeneutic phenomenology approach study. It was entirely anchored from a qualitative methodology. Descriptive, Hermeneutic phenomenology and explorative research designs, snowball sampling method, unstructured interview guide, observation and a camera were used to generate data from the participants. With the use of a thematic analysis, the study exposed the effects of the flooding which are; victims are sometimes left homeless, affected with waterborne diseases, loss or disruption of welfare, loss of diversity of livelihoods and trauma. It also considered a magnitude of lived experiences from flood victims with three or more annual episodes of floods. The captured experiences and challenges among flood victims included; sleepless nights and fear to relocate, social conflicts, fear of junkies and negative effects of flooded potholes and dug trenches. Despite the severe effects of urban flooding, most resilient flood victims in Kuku have continued to inhabit the area due to the opportunities and limited options available to them and their socioeconomic status. The study reported that flood victims had over time developed copying strategies which help to adapt to conditions of the residential area. These include; the use of sandbags and pouring of sand to elevate the low lying Earth surface areas, dig trenches, build houses and toilets with a high elevation to prevent flood water from flowing through them. Some victims are left traumatized during and after the flooding. To this effect, most flood victims were against permanent relocation. The failure to refurbish dilapidated houses and lack of
a reliable source of sustainable financial support system to help them relocate and live in nonprone area expedites the challenges experienced with flooding. Findings indicate that, overall, the raw lived experiences of the chronic flood victims are a reflection of their resilience, vulnerability of the urban low cost residential area to flooding ,the capability of their socioeconomic status to sustain themselves and poor planning of the built environment. The study also recommends that the victims and all kuku residents should holistically implement the following eco-friendly sustainable measures in order to reduce the effects of flooding; personal hygiene, construction of a recycling centre for non biodegradable domestic garbage within Kuku residential area, mobile dumpster, construction of an organic manure centre, environmental education to be embraced by the residents, inclusive area improvement and sensitization programs to be put in motion, provision of garbage collection services by the local authority, engaging proper engineers, increasing drainage systems and advocating and implementing the construction of flushable toilets with septic tanks
Evaluation of lateritic coarse aggregates as a partial replacement for granite coarse aggregates in structural concrete.
Get PDFMasters of Engineering in StructuralIn Zambia, coarse aggregates for concreting are normally produced by crushing granite, limestone and basalt among other rock types. However, these rocks are scarce diminishing natural resources and henceforth; the need to study other naturally available materials for full or partial replacement; with the intention of reducing the cost of concrete. The main aim of this research was to evaluate concrete produced by partially replacing Granite Coarse Aggregate (GCA) with Lateritic Coarse Aggregates (LCA). The properties of LCA concrete evaluated included; but were not limited to the fresh and hardened state properties of LCA concrete, some durability properties of the concrete such as Sorptivity, water accessible porosity and residual strength after exposure to high temperature. Mineral composition of Lateritic Coarse Aggregates was analyzed using X-Ray Diffraction (XRD). The results showed that crushed lateritic aggregates were composed of 43.7% Crystalline iron oxide (FeO (OH)) (Goethite), 38% Kaolinite i.e. Clay mineral (Al2O3 2SiO2·2H2O), 18.3% Quartz (SiO2) and abundant amorphous (non-crystalline) iron oxide minerals such as Ferrihydrite (Fe2O3•H2O). A trial mix for 30MPa concrete was done in the laboratory, using granite coarse aggregates, river sand, 42.5R Portland Cement and portable water. Thereafter, alternative mixes were done by replacing GCA with LCA in the proportions, 90:10, 80:10, 70:30, 60:40, 50:50, and 0:100, by mass. The study results showed a trend of reducing crushing and split tensile strengths with increase in the LCA amount in the concrete mix. Mathematical relationships obtained from this study showed that replacing 19.2% of LCA for GCA in a 30 MPa concrete mix can achieve a concrete with a characteristic strength of 25 MPa at 28 days, while a 27% replacement of LCA for GCA would achieve a compressive strength of 25 MPa at 50 days. This range of replacement was found to produce normal weight concrete. The study also showed that concrete with less than 30% of GCA replaced with LCA had higher, but acceptable sorptivity and water absorption rate than plain concrete. Further, LCA concrete replaced with up to 30% of GCA at 28 days showed identical mass and crushing strength loss to that of plain concrete; upon the specimens being exposed to elevated temperature.
Keywords: Workability, Water absorption, Granite coarse aggregate, Lateritic coarse aggregate, Structural concret
Exploring teachers’ experiences in the teaching of civic education as part of the social studies subject in selected schools of Luanshya district.
Get PDFThesisThe study explored teachers’ experiences in the teaching of Civic Education as part of the Social Studies subject in selected schools of Luanshya district. The purpose of the study was to establish the views of teachers on merging of Civic Education as part of the Social Studies subject, challenges in the teaching of Civic Education and suggest interventions to improve the teachers’ experiences in the teaching of Civic Education as part of the Social Studies subject. The study employed the qualitative social constructivism research paradigm. A Sample of 15 participants was used, which included 12 Civic Education teachers and 3 Heads of Department. Homogenous purposeful sampling procedure was used to select all the participants and the instruments for data collection were semi-structured interview schedule for Heads of Department, FGDs for Civic Education teachers and observation checklist for Civics teachers. Data was analyzed thematically. The study found that teachers had mixed view on the merging of Civic Education as part of the Social Studies subject. The study found that minority of teachers felt that the merging of Civic Education as part of the Social Studies subject was good because it benefited the learners as they only wrote one subject during the examination as opposed to three subjects. On the other hand, majority of the teachers felt that the merging of Civic Education made the subject bulk, it reduced the number of periods, limited time to complete syllabus and increased pressure on untrained teachers with inadequate skills and competency in teaching all the three components of Social Studies. The study also unveiled that the teaching of Civic Education as part of the Social Studies subject was characterised by challenges such as environmental challenges, instructional and material challenges and teacher incompetence. To address these challenges, teachers were engaged in Continuing Professional Development (CPDs), purchased of Civic Education teaching and learning resources, engaged in research practices and provided of remedial works to cover up on time. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that MoGE should train more teachers of Social Studies, provide schools with the necessary teaching and learning resources, schools should engage in seminars, workshops and CPDs, improve the infrastructure for teaching in schools. Further, the government should support teachers who are engaged in writing books for social studies in schools, teachers should be encouraged to engage in action research practices, consultations from colleagues on best practices for teaching the subject and increase funding to the schools. The recommendation for future research is that further research be done on the best practices and pedagogies for teaching crowded classrooms
Genetic analysis of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L. WALP) agronomic variables in phosphorus limiting soil.
Get PDFThesisCowpea is an important cultivated grain legume pulse, vegetable and fodder crop of
African origin. However, yields have been characteristically low as a result of both
abiotic and biotic stresses. Among the abiotic stresses, yield losses due to phosphorus
(P) deficiency is an important factor. Identification and selection of cowpea
genotypes possessing suitable agronomic traits is key for cultivar design and
development to increase production. Accordingly, genetic improvement in cowpea
aims to develop cultivars with improved grain yields and tolerance to abiotic and
biotic stress factors. The objectives of the study were to (i) identify high yielding
cowpea genotypes when exposed to P-limiting soil, (ii) determine the cowpea
heritability response of yield and its associated variables when exposed to P-limiting
soil and (iii) identify the variables with high discriminating capability among cowpea
genotypes in P-limiting soil. Twenty cowpea genotypes comprising of twelve crosses
and eight progenitors were evaluated for agronomic variables performance in P limited soil at the University of Zambia Greenhouse in Lusaka. The experiment was
arranged as a two set experiment (i.e. applied rate of i) 0kg P2O5 /ha and ii) 60kg
P2O5/ha [a control]) and laid as a completely randomized design (CRD) with 3
replications. Comparisons using a paired t- test revealed a significant increase in
performance in a control (60kg P2O5 /ha) for all measured variables across genotypes
when compared to a 0 Kg P2O5 / ha experimental set. In this study, genotype [LT 11-
3-3-12] and a cross [LT 3-8-4-1 X LT 11-5-1-1] were identified as the highest
performers exhibiting a mean yield of 1994.90 kg/ha and 1984 kg/ha respectively in
a P-limiting soil. The narrow sense heritability for measured variables ranged from
11- 35 % and 12 -72% for 0 Kg P2O5 and 60 Kg P2O5 experimental set respectively.
The highest narrow sense heritability scores in a limiting P experimental set were for
pod length (h2= 0.35) and root biomass (h2= 0.28) while in the control set the
variable yield (h2= 0.72) had the highest score. Variables plant biomass, root
biomass, number of pods and pod length were identified as ideal at discriminating
genotypic performance responses in P- limiting soil. These findings imply that high yielding cowpea genotypes with acceptable P deficiency can be developed.
Keywords: Cowpea, yield, phosphorus, discriminating, principal component analysis,
Heritabilit
Prevalence and co-occurrence of substance use in mental health patients at Lewanika general hospital.
Get PDFThesis of Masters Of Public HealthIntroduction: The prevalence of substance use among mentally ill patients across the world has been varying. In 2019 it was reported by the United Nations (UN) that an estimated 271 million people around the world aged between 15 and 64 used substances, which was 11.5% higher than the reported figure in 2012. The prevalence rates remain high and worrying. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence and associated risk factors of substance use among patients with mental illness admitted to Lewanika General Hospital in Mongu, Zambia. Methods: 523 records of patients diagnosed with mental illness between 1st of January 2017 and 31st of December, 2021 were retrieved from Lewanika General Hospital (n=523). A logistic Regression model was fitted to determine associated factors of substance use. A cross-sectional study design was used in the study. Stata version 14.2 was used. Results: The results in the study found a proportion of females (167/523) and males (356/523) that were admitted to Lewanika General Hospital. The median age in the study was 30 (IQR, 24 – 40) years. Additionally, majority of the patients had secondary school level education (58.94%) and were unemployed (56.90%). Of these cases 78.55% (315/401) were not married and 21.45% (86/401) were married. From the records, 33.77% (102/302) reached up to primary, whereas 58.94% and 7.28% reached secondary and tertiary respectively. 56.90% of the patients were unemployed. The findings in the study also show that 57.21% had family history of mental illness. 33.7% reported to have a medical condition and these where STIs (17.55%), Epilepsy (4.7%) and HIV (29.58%). The study also reported patients receiving treatment as 22.88%. Age, occupation, on treatment and family history were associated with substance use among patients with mental illness (P<0.05). Conclusion: The study reported a prevalence of substance use among patients with mental illness at 54.5%. Age, occupation, on treatment and family history were associated with substance use among patients with mental illnes