UNAM Open Access Journal University of Namibia
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Effectiveness of higher order thinking scaffolding tool as a knowledge transfer instrument among University of Namibia science students
Get PDFThis paper presents the results of the study carried out at the University of Namibia on the extent to which high order thinking scaffolding tool can assist students to transfer knowledge. To examine the tool, a quasi-experimental design within the flipped-classroom was used in a mixed method study. Students were divided into two groups, the experimental group and the control group. These two groups were all approached in the similar manner and directed at different times of the day. The only difference was that the experimental group was provided with a scaffolding tool, while the control group had no scaffolding tool. The objective of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Higher Order Thinking as a scaffolding tool that can improve students’ knowledge transfer. When the means were compared, it was found that there is no statistical significant difference between the two means for the Higher Order Thinking Tool group (M= 4.89) and the control group (M= 4.27)
The role of the National Botanic Garden of Namibia in plant species conservation
Get PDFThis study was aimed at determining and comparing plant species diversity, species Composition and species richness in the National Botanic Garden and AloeTrail areas in Windhoek, Namibia. Floristic data were collected following standard random plot sampling procedure, where1m × 1m plots were nested in the 20m x 20m plots to measure herbaceous and woody plant species respectively. A total of 50 and 40 plots were sampled at the Botanic Garden and Aloe Trail areas respectively. The Shannon-Wiener diversity index was used to compute the species diversity of each plot sampled in each area. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used to test the data for normality. The Jaccard index of similarity revealed a 64% percentage similarity in species composition Between the two sites. However, there was no significant difference in the herbaceous Cover (Mann-Whitneystatistic, Z = −1.314,p = 0.189) between the two areas. The Botanic Garden showed a significantly higher species richness than the AloeTrail (ttest, p= 0.000). In addition, the Botanic Garden was found to be significantly more diverse (Mann-Whitneystatistic, U=478, p=0.000) than the AloeTrail because it is a protected area that is fenced and with minimal disturbances. The higher species diversity in the National Botanic Garden is attributable to the role of these living collections in the conservation of plant species
Effects of varying acidic levels on dissolution, strength, organic content ands urface texture of Pacific oysters (Crassostrea gigas) shells
Get PDFMarine coastal organisms are exposed to periodic fluctuations in sea water pH driven By biological carbon dioxide (CO2) production which may in the future be further exacerbated by the ocean acidification associated with the global rise in CO2. There is widespread concern that these changes have direct impact on coastal organisms and alter the habitats severely. However, little or no attention has been given to the effects of the anticipated decrease in coastal pH on farmed oysters within the Namibian coastal waters. In this investigation, shells of the Pacific oysters, Crassostrea gigas were exposed to varying acidic levels under laboratory conditions; pH level 6.5 represented extreme hypercarpnia condition, 7.0 and 7.5 representing future predicted coastal pH levels. Shell dissolution rate, strength, organic content and surface texture were assessed after a two-week exposure period. Significant loss (p < 0.05) in weight and diameter were observed in shells exposed to 6.5,7.0 and 7.5 pH levels compared to shells in the control groups (pH8.1-8.2). With regard to organic content of the shell, significant reduction (p < 0.05) was only observed in shells exposed to 6.5 and 7.0 pH levels. Microscopic examination of the shell surface revealed reduced nacreous layer while the organic layer of the shells was sheared in acidic conditions. Visual inspection of the nacre region of shells exposed to 6.5 ,7.0 and 7.5 pH showed straight edged tablets, with the nacre regions characterised by sparse with irregular shaped tablets within a reduced organic matrix. Ocean acidification can impact potential changes in morphometry and shell structure of pacific oysters during culture
Namibian learners' perceptions regarding English second language writing activities
Get PDFNamibian learners exhibit low performance in English creative writing. This might be attributed partly to learners’ attitudes towards the English writing activities as prescribed by the school curriculum. This paper investigated Grade 11 learners’ perceptions of English Second Language (ESL) writing activities at selected schools in Windhoek, Namibia. The study employed a mixed-method design that involved a survey. Purposeful sampling was used to select three schools on the basis of learners’ performance in ESL writing. A total of 286 learners participated in the study. Quantitative data were collected via questionnaires and qualitative date via open-ended questions in the questionnaire and focus group discussions. Findings revealed, amongst others, that learners had both negative and positive attitudes towards ESL writing. When compared, a larger number of learners felt that writing activities were easy; fewer learners regarded them as difficult. The research also revealed differences in how learners enjoyed and regarded the usefulness of the ESL writing activities. Chi-square results in relation to sex demonstrated that in most cases, the differences between boys and girls were not statistically significant. However, a clear difference was found be-tween boys and girls with regard to the writing of diaries. Chi-square analyses done on the schools’ performance level in relation to perceptions of ESL writing activities yielded clear and statistically significant differences between the three schools
An analysis on why the mathematics and integrated Natural Sciences basic education teachers diploma (BETD) graduates opted further studies in their areas of specialisation at the Rundu campus, University of Namibia
Get PDFThis study was conducted to find out why the BETD Mathematics and Integrated Natural Sciences graduates currently studying at Rundu Campus of the University of Namibia (UNAM) opted to further their studies in their areas of specialisation.The profile of the BETD graduates can shed some light on the current training of teachers by the Faculty of Education (FoE) at the Rundu Campus. These graduates were trained in either Upper Primary (UP), grades 5-7 level, or Junior Secondary (JS), grades 8-10 (JS) level, which UNAM did not offer before the merger. Currently the FoE is offering a 4 year Bachelor of Education Honours (B. Ed. Honours) degree at Upper Primary (UP) level, grades 4-7. This enables those who did UP level to articulate in 2nd year, while those who did JS level have to start from year 1, due to the different levels of studies, subject content, skills and methodology acquired. A total number of 26 participants were involved in this research, 11 females and 15 males. The study employed semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and followed up with stimulated recall interviews to establish their perceptions regarding the reasons why they opted to further their studies at the Rundu Campus, which are mainly as follows: higher level subject con-tent, skills, methodology, distance, finances, accommodation, and work stations that are within the regions
The claimed dravidian influences on southern African societies: some linguistics perspectives
Get PDFThis paper provides a reaction to and a discussion of the Hromník (1999) paper presented at the Elandsdoorn, Mpumalanga, South Africa symposium, which was also published in a journal. The paper raised thought-provoking associations of some SePedi vocabulary to the Dravidian lan-guages in an attempt to make a connection between the spiritual practices of the two societies. While the reaction and discussion does not question the methodology employed by Hromník (1999), it critically assesses the validity of the associations between the two societies as well as the conclusions that Hromník (1999) arrives at. The paper notes that these conclusions are based on a very limited and nearly insignificant list of vocabulary items which have not been cross-checked, linguistically or historically. This paper further provides some of the procedures that could help to solicit unbiased socio-cultural data that could shed light on possible interactions between SePedi and Dravidian societies, if any. Finally, the paper calls upon linguists, historians and archaeologists to conduct focused research and analyses on this critical issue that Hromník courageously presents
Influence of resting period on fruits and secondary tubers of Harpagophytum procumbens in Namibia
Get PDFHarpagophytum procumbens, the devil’s claw, is a plant with medicinal values in Namibia, leading to high demands, and resulting in unsustainable harvesting techniques by locals. The most commonly practiced harvesting period is 2 years, mostly dictated by the need to make as much money as possible. A study was undertaken to investigate the effect of extending the current 2 year harvesting period to 5 years on secondary tuber and fruit production. Two experimental plots at two sites (Vergenoeg and Tjaka Ben Hur) were explored. The first plot had plants harvested every 2 years and another only after 5 years. Between sites and within sites differences in means were analyzed using a t-test at _ = 0.05. Results established that there was no difference in fruit production between the 2 groups at Vergenoeg (p = 0.375) and Ben Hur (p = 0.131). However, between sites variability in number of secondary tubers was Observed (p = 0.014). Particularly, at Vergenoeg, the number of secondary tubers pro duced after 5 years, were abundant (p = 0.003). In addition, the harvest at Vergenoeg showed a difference in weight of secondary tubers between the 2 groups (p = 0.006). Within Ben Hur, there was no difference (p = 0.928) between the numbers of secondary Tubers produced at 2 years and at 5 years. A holistic management approach (rotational harvesting) is recommended for to harvest every 5 years to maximize benefit and sustain the species
Assessing students in English Second Language courses: The role of alternative assessment tools in language instruction
Get PDFThis conceptual paper is an analysis of the role of alternative assessment (AA) tools in English language instruction. AA tools tend to be less formal than traditional testing; they gather information rather that at one point in time; and they are rather formative than summative in nature (Alderson & Banerjee, 2001). There has been increasing criticism of standardized test and examinations and it has brought into question the value of other indirect approaches to language assessment. Research has shown that these approaches provide a wealth of information which can inform a more valid interpretation of standardized test or examination results. The results of this analysis could be useful in informing language instructors, language material developers, language teacher trainers, as well as curriculum designers
Taking a closer look at vocabulary and academic literacy levels of undergraduate students
Get PDFThis paper reports on a study conducted in 2011 with undergraduate students at the University of Namibia (UNAM). One of the aims of the study was to assess the vocabulary and academic literacy levels of the students, as well as to examine the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and academic literacy. The multi componential aspect of vocabulary knowledge coupled with the fact that university students need a large vocabulary (relevant to their academic context and purposes for reading) in order to fully understand their texts which are written in a language which for the majority is an additional language (AL), has led to a re-evaluation of current practices. Two research instruments were used to obtain data: the receptive vocabulary levels test (VLT) and the test of academic literacy levels (TALL). Findings paint a bleak picture of English mid frequency word knowledge of first year students at UNAM. Data also showed that not all students who enter university have adequate vocabulary knowledge to participate in the academic discourse prevalent at university. This dispels the assumption that students entering university have adequate vocabulary knowledge. The TALL results showed that the students’ academic literacy skills were not very strong, revealing inadequate academic literacy skills to cope with the academic demands of university. This result shows the relevance of introducing academic literacy tests at UNAM, to provide scientific and not just anecdotal evidence to prompt management to spend the necessary resources (financial and human) on the design and implementation of standardized tests assessing academic literacy levels, whic
Basic phychological need satisfaction and the impact on turnover intention across industries, Windhoek
Get PDFHigh levels of unemployment in Namibia, skills shortages and the pressure to compete both locally and internationally, require organisations to satisfy basic psychological needs of employees. Basic psychological needs have been identified as critical ingredients for employees to grow, develop integrity and remain healthy (autonomy, relatedness, competence). Turnover intention is a damaging attitude towards the organisation that lasts long after the employee has left. The aim of this study was to assess the relation between basic psychological need satisfaction and turnover intention within the insurance, telecommunication and teaching industries in Windhoek. Employees are less likely to leave an organisation if they experience satisfaction in terms of autonomy, competence and relatedness. A cross-sectional survey design was used, employing questionnaires to collect data on the biographical details, basic psychological need satisfaction and turnover intention of employees in the Khomas region. The sample consisted of an insurance firm (n=85), a telecommunication provider (n=37) and different Governmental Secondary Schools (n=104) in Windhoek. The relationship between basic psychological need satisfaction (as measured by the Work-Related Basic Psychological Need Satisfaction Scale) and turnover intention (as measured by the Turnover Intention Scale) was investigated making use of Spearman’s rank order correlation. A negative correlation was found between competence and relatedness [r = -.15, n=226, p < .05]; an insignificant relation between competence [r = -.01, n=226, p < .05] and turnover intention; and between relatedness and turnover intention [r = .10, n=226, p < .05]. When employers and managers know how to ensure satisfying interactions and how they manage employees, provide employees with the necessary autonomy; and improve their perceived levels of competence, a reduction of turnover intention, coupled with other positive work related attitudes, becomes likely