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Exploring learner behavior within school context: a study of disciplinary committees in selected secondary schools of Southern Zambia.
No full textArticleThis study aimed at establishing how disciplinary committees managed learner behavior within the
school context. The objectives of the study were to: establish how Disciplinary Committees dealt with
acts of indiscipline; explore the perceptions of head teachers, deputy head teachers, senior teachers,
class teachers and pupils on indiscipline; and identify strategies used by Disciplinary Committees in
handling pupil indiscipline in selected secondary schools of Southern, Zambia. Purposive sampling
procedure was used to select the head teachers, deputy head teachers, and class teachers, while random
sampling procedure was employed to select pupils who participated in the study. The findings of the
study revealed that punishment in form of manual work, suspension, and forced transfers were used.
However, the penalty depended on the gravity of the case and this was done depending on the case
done by the learners. With regard to the perceptions of the pupils and members of the disciplinary
committees, it was found that most pupils knew where to report the cases of indiscipline in school.
They also perceived these committees as effective enough in combating pupil indiscipline in school.
As regards the strategies used by disciplinary committees to overcome indiscipline in schools, it was
found that sensitization of the learners proved to be the most effective way of improving pupil behavior
in schools. Furthermore, incorporating guidance and counselling services was yet another important
method which the schools employed. Based on the findings, the study recommended inter alia that
regular marking of the school attendance register by teachers should be enhanced and students who
absent themselves from school without permission from the school should be dealt with so as to serve
as deterrent measure to others. Disciplinary committees in schools should also consider having
meetings more frequently so that they can discuss new ways and means of fighting Indiscipline.
KEYWORDS:
Disciplinary
committee, learner
behaviour, pupil
indiscipline,
sensitization, guidance
and counselling
Exploring management experiences of female heads of department: the case of social sciences heads of department in selected secondary schools in Lusaka urban district.
Get PDFMaster of Education in Civic EducationThis study explored management experiences of female social sciences heads of departments in selected secondary schools in Lusaka urban District, Zambia.
The researcher used the qualitative approach with a descriptive research design in carrying out the study. The main population targets in this research were 5 female heads of social sciences department, 10 school administrators and 10 Teachers of Civic Education. The total sample population were 25. Data was collected through interviews and was analysed using thematic analysis.
The study revealed decentralisation of the department into sections, monitoring of teacher and learner performance and holding of in-house and continues development meetings were key management strategies employed by female social sciences heads of departments . Management challenges faced by female social sciences heads of department includes subject management, management of over populated human resource, teacher absenteeism, and frequent permission, material constraints and limited space for operations. On the kind of support female social sciences heads of department received from school management, it was revealed that Head of Department received skill development, provision of teaching and learning aids and moral support in teacher management On strategies aimed at enhancing management practices of female social sciences heads of department, it was revealed that there is need to enhance in-house meetings and workshops, infrastructure development for effective operation, appointment of Head of Departments based on merit and continued academic advancement, boosting of teaching and learning aids and teacher motivation.
The study concluded that despite challenges experienced faced by female social sciences heads of department; there is still window of opportunity available to improve the running of the department.
The study recommended that Heads of the departments through the social sciences association should have some periodic engagement in order to compare how Heads of the departments from other schools are managing to run their departments. The Ministry of Education should consider downsizing the human resource in the social sciences department for easy management by considering taking Teachers of social sciences to where their services are needed most than taking them to already populated schools and departments. The Ministry of Education should offer periodic training to the Heads of the departments through CPDs so that they are always acquitted with new changes in the system.
Keywords: Female head of department, Management experiences, social science department
The impact of compulsory sexuality education on students’ discipline in selected public secondary schools of Kitwe district.
Get PDFThesisAcross the world, there are many different names for, and approaches to, Comprehensive Sexuality Education (CSE). The objective of CSE is to ensure that young people are receiving comprehensive, life skills-based sexuality education to gain the knowledge and skills to make conscious, healthy and respectful choices about relationships and sexuality. The study’s general objective was to assess the effect of provision of compulsory sexuality education materials on students’ attitudes or behavior towards sexuality in Kitwe district. Nevertheless, the study was guided by the following specific objectives: to assess the effectiveness of the Comprehensive Sexuality Education curriculum on behavior and attitude of learners towards sexuality in schools; to find out the perception of learners on learning Comprehensive Sexuality Education in schools; and to establish if there is any relationship between comprehensive sexuality education materials provided in schools and the reduction/increase in sexuality related illnesses. The research was both qualitative and quantitative in nature. A questionnaire and a focused group discussion guide were used to collect data from learners, while an interview guide was used for teachers and DEBS. For data analysis the software SPSS was used to analyze quantitative data in order to obtain frequencies, percentages and tables. The software QDA miner lite was used to analyze qualitative data in order to organize themes for easy interpretation. In line with the objectives and findings of the study, the researcher concluded that CSE has a great impact on learners and influences learners’ attitude and behaviour towards sexuality. Findings regarding learning of CSE revealed that it was mainly through lessons in the classroom and it is integrated in other subjects in the school curriculum. Other methods of learning where demonstrations, role-plays, drama and discussions during safe club meetings. This idea is contrary to what Ionesco pointed out that in some countries, sexuality education taught as a stand-alone subject by a range of teachers including those responsible for it or Biology, Health, Home/Family living. The strategy of teaching sexuality education as a stand-alone subject ensures that competing priorities do not prevent it from being taught in totality. Concerning the perception of learners and teachers on the teaching and learning of CSE, the study revealed positive perception. Many respondents, in all respondent categories, viewed it as very helpful, despite popular views that it was promoting sexual immorality among learners. They argued that it promoted knowledge on HIV/AIDS and prevention of teenage pregnancy among other issues and that it should continue being taught in schools. The study concluded that although there was significant positive impact on
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learners’ level of knowledge about CSE, there was little impact on behavior change among learners in Kitwe district. Based on the research findings it was recommended that CSE should be taught as a standalone subject and that teachers be trained in the subject to improve quality of service delivery. In addition, parents need to be oriented on the content of CSE in order to give them right information regardin
Evaluation on effectiveness of scaled up control intervetion towards malaria prevalence among children in Chienge district of Luapula province.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Public Health.In Chiengi District, more than 10 years after Scaled up malaria control interventions has not seen any drastic reduction in the number of morbidity and mortality of malaria cases. The study aimed at evaluating on effectiveness of scaled up control intervention towards malaria prevalence among children in Chienge District. The independent variables included Diagnostic Methods of Malaria, Malaria Treatment and Preventive measures being implemented in the Control of Malaria. Records indicated that the prevalence of the burden of malaria among the under 5 children in Chienge District was at 30%. Therefore, a cross sectional study or survey using the quantitative approach has helped to cover the prevalence of malaria in Chienge District. The targeted populations of the research study are all the people who were caregivers to children who are susceptible to malaria in Chiengi District. The data that was collected used both the primary and secondary data sources. For primary data, a questionnaire was used which contained both closed and open ended questions and secondary data was collected from statistical records from health facilities. The primary data was processed and analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) computer software version 20. The findings showed that mostly Rapid Diagnosis Test (RDT) is mostly used for testing malaria among the people. The caregivers delay in seeking medical treatment for children in the area which adverse effects treatment. Coartem is mostly used in treatment of malaria of which due to poor practices of not finishing the drugs has resulted into drug resistance among the people. The district has maintained free distribution of ITNs among the vulnerable group. The study noted, people uses the ITNs as fishing nets and children are left without sleeping under the net. The study showed that the proximity of residence to stagnant water and poor use of ITNs are the most dominant risk factors for malaria infection. The study showed that distribution of ITNs coverage is important factor to achieve significant reduction in malaria morbidity and mortality which demands sensitization to increase the levels of awareness of the people regarding the diseases through health education on scaled up control measures using different media, and community based organizations
Responding to challenges in tourism in the era of climate change in Zambia.
Get PDFTourism is a vital driver of the global economy, Zambia inclusive. According to the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC), the direct contribution of travel and tourism to world GDP in 2012 was US$ 2.1 trillion. However, the tourism sector is highly vulnerable to climate change. This is because tourism depends on environmental resources while climate defines the length and quality of tourism seasons. At the same time, tourism contributes to the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), the cause of global warming. Many types of tourism in Zambia are weather dependent and by extension, climate dependent. It is, therefore, very likely that climate change may affect tourism sector in Zambia. Climate change can reduce, increase and prolong heat waves or change the patterns of annual rainfall received in Zambia. Using literature review, this paper presents direct impacts and indirect impacts of climate change to the tourism sector and also proposes response strategies to climate change mitigation and adaptation in the Zambian context. Responses such as mainstreaming ESD, teacher education, research engagement, community-based approach, sustainability education among others are proposed
Exploring the effects of peer assisted learning strategy on grade 10 pupils’ learning of turning effect of a force in selected secondary schools of Kabwe district.
Get PDFThesis of Doctor of Philosophy in Science Education.This study examined the effectiveness of the Peer-Assisted Learning (PAL) strategy in enhancing learners' active engagement, motivation, self-concept, teamwork, retention, and academic performance in lessons focused on the Turning Effect Of a Force (TEOF). Employing mixed methods approach with a concurrent research design, the study utilized the Solomon Four Group Design and a quasi-experimental "Nonequivalent Control Group Design." The study involved 131 participants from four secondary schools, with a gender distribution of 68 girls and 63 boys. The study spanned 34 weeks, during which experimental groups (class 1 and class 3), comprising 65 participants, engaged in a 6-week PAL program, while control groups (class 2 and class 4) adhered to traditional instruction methods with 66 participants. The F-value obtained from the one-way ANOVA was found to be F (3, 106) = 115.068, indicating a statistically significant difference among the groups (p < 0.05). Post-hoc tests, employing the Tukey HSD, were subsequently conducted to explore pairwise comparisons. The results of these tests revealed that the post-test scores of Class 1 (84.0 ± 8.4) and Class 3 (82.1 ± 7.1) were significantly higher than those of Class 2 (53.8 ± 7.1) and Class 4 (52.7 ± 8.3) suggesting a positive impact of the PAL strategy on learning outcomes and the experimental classes showed a remarkable 30-32% increase in post-test scores as compared to control groups. Notably, there was no significant difference (p-value = 0.845) between experimental classes. To test the retention of concepts a second post-test was administered 7 months after the first post-test for all groups. The results revealed that the means of Class 1 (83.9 ± 7.4) and Class 2 (83.1 ± 5.9) were significantly higher than Class 2 (45.2 ± 4.49) and Class 4 (43.9 ± 4.3). The results demonstrated significant differences in post-test 2 scores among the groups (F(3,127) = 523.263), affirming the lasting impact of the PAL strategy on learners' retention of concepts. This study’s findings underscore the positive influence of PAL on learners' active engagement. Learners showed improved motivation and self-concept. The PAL strategy emerged as a catalyst for fostering teamwork and collaboration among learners. This study provides valuable insights for educators and policymakers, suggesting the incorporation of the PAL strategy in teaching difficult topics in physics. Future research should explore the sustainability of PAL effects over more extended periods and consider variations in subject matter to generalize findings across diverse academic disciplines.
Keywords: PAL strategy, TEOF, Active engagement, motivation, self-concept and retention
Exploring factors that perpetuate child marriage and strategies to prevent them: a case study of Nyangu village in Rufunsa district, Lusaka province.
Get PDFArticleChild marriage remains a concern globally, more so in developing countries, including
Zambia. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that perpetuate child
marriage and strategies to prevent them: A case study of Nyangu Village in Rufunsa
District, Lusaka Province. The main objectives of the study included; to explore the
existence of child marriages within Nyangu village of Rufunsa District, in Zambia; to
identify unique factors that foster child marriages in families and communities in
Nyangu village; to identify gaps that are in marriage laws in Zambia; and to determine
strategies that can prevent child marriages in families and communities in Nyangu
village. This research applied a qualitative approach. The study sample included a total
of twenty three participants; sixteen under eighteen participants made up of fourteen
girls and two boys; one Headwoman, One headmaster of the primary school of the
community, and five parents made up of community leaders, two male and three female.
Purposive sampling was used to determine the sample for the study. Data was collected
using semi-structured interviews and a focus group discussions. Thematic analysis was
used to analyse the data. The study revealed that child marriages existed in Nyangu
village and were influenced by factors common and generational. These factors
included poverty, lack of education, influence from parents and culture, gaps between
the two legal systems, lack of developmental programs, and early pregnancy. The study
recommended the government of Zambia harmonising the two national laws; the
government of Zambia offer holistic resources support towards learners to support the
free education policy; improving the lives of families in the village through the
promotion of tourism in the village and surrounds, as it is located at the border of three
countries and in close proximity to the Luangwa River and national parks; lastly, to
improve reporting systems and implementation of the police service in the village.
Key words: Child marriage, education, early pregnancy, poverty, laws of Zambia
Outdoor testing of some commercial solar panels found on the Zambian market in terms of their fill-factor and efficiency.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Science in PhysicsThe power utility company in Zambia, the Zambia Electricity Supply Corporation (ZESCO) introduced load-shedding in urban and rural areas in 2015 when the country experienced severe drought and caused low water levels in our hydropower stations for power generation and distribution. To mitigate load-shedding the Government of the Republic of Zambia (GRZ) encouraged citizens to consider using solar energy for lighting, TV or radio operations or water heating and run small businesses such as saloons and barber shops using solar power. Most solar solutions are in the form of photovoltaic (PV) systems, solar heaters and solar geysers. Solar panels, for example, have output ratings displayed on their back side. These values give the solar panel output power specifications and the quality of the solar panels. However, there has been no technical report (from the author) on the data provided by different solar panel manufacturers and the locally tested data as a validation of the quality of solar panels on the Zambian market. It is a known fact that solar panels are tested under standard test conditions such as solar irradiance of 1000 W/m2, temperature of 25℃, and air mass of AM 1.5 different from out-door environmental conditions. The aim of this research is to validate the quality of solar panels available on the Zambian market by comparing the manufacturer’s claims with outdoor tested parameters based on local conditions. The study will collect data on the types and sizes of solar panels supplied in Zambia and test each category of power ratings, fill factor and efficiency. The study will use the I-V curve tracer to determine I-V characteristics and a Solar Survey Meter 200R instrument to obtain solar irradiance, panel tilt and panel temperature. The findings showed that there are substandard solar panels on the Zambian market with an average power output drop as high as 45%, much higher than the recommended power drop of 16.5%. One of the major reasons for this power drop is the degradation of the cells and hence an increase in series resistance of the panels arising from an increase in temperature of the solar cells and thermo-mechanical fatigue of the solder bonds and interconnections. Based on the above findings, the study recommends regulatory measures for manufacturers and suppliers as well as education and assistance for citizens on the usage, maintenance and choice of solar photovoltaic systems
An analysis of the legiblity of handwriting among grade 5 learners in the selected primary schools of Mongu district, Zambia.
Get PDFThesis of Master of Education in Literacy, Language and Applied Linguistics.Handwriting has been neglected in the Zambia’s literacy education system. Despite its importance, it gained minimal consideration from educators, policy makers or researchers into mainstreaming educational processes (Sedita, 2022). Therefore, the study sought to analyze the legibility of handwriting among Grade five learners in selected public primary schools of Mongu district of Western province. The study utilized qualitative research methods, including interviews and document analysis, to examine the Grade five learners’ handwriting legibility in depth. Thematic analysis was employed to organize and
reduce data into meaningful themes through the coding process. The study focused on Grade five learners in six selected public primary schools. It involved interviewing eleven teachers (1 male and 10 females), and analyzing sixty learners’ books to assess handwriting legibility. The study revealed that fifth graders’ handwriting was generally poor, with issues related to letter formation, alignment, case combination, spelling, spacing, and messiness, mirror and reversal letter writing. It also identified several factors influencing poor handwriting among fifth graders such as: school factors: overcrowded classrooms and insufficient desks, lack of teaching resources for handwriting, curriculum constraints with limited time for handwriting instruction, inadequate teacher training and orientation on handwriting and absence of proper assessment and remediation policies. Teacher factors: Insufficient teacher knowledge in teaching handwriting skills, teachers’ own poor handwriting and negative attitudes toward teaching handwriting. Learner factors: Age and developmental levels, learning disabilities,
limited background knowledge in handwriting, absenteeism and lack of interest and motivation in writing. While home-based factors included scarcity of literacy materials at home, insufficient support from family members and some family members’ illiteracy. Addressing these factors is crucial for improving handwriting quality in educational settings. Hence, the study recommended that, the MoE through policymakers, curriculum developers, educators should prioritize investing in the appropriate space design in terms of providing conducive learning environment for handwriting instruction, timetabling handwriting as a separate subject, introduction of handwriting assessment and remediation, and enhanced monitoring of handwriting instruction. In conclusion, conducting research across various districts to explore handwriting legibility can offer valuable insights for enhancing instruction
and practice