Standardized curriculum in University of Zambia Extension Education Studies: exploring relevance, constraints and possible solutions by stakeholders in Chipata district, Zambia

Abstract

The study was centered on an exploration of stakeholders perception on the relevance, constraints and possible solutions with regards to a standardised curriculum in University of Zambia (UNZA) extension education in Chipata District. The objectives were to: explore the relevance of the standardized curriculum by stakeholders in UNZA extension education studies; ascertain constraints faced by stakeholders; and establish stakeholders suggestions on the solutions to constraints they faced as a result of the standardized curriculum used in UNZA extension education studies in Chipata District. The research design for the study was a mixed method which adopted concurrent triangulation of data collection instruments on a sample of 150 respondents. Purposive sampling was used to select the Resident Lecturer and Part-time Tutors whereas random sampling was applied on students while former students were traced through snow ball sampling. A semi-structured questionnaire was used to collect data from 100 students while the Resident Lecturer, 15 Part-Time Tutors and 34 former students were interviewed. Microsoft excel was used to analyse quantitative data while thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The findings of the study indicated that: some stakeholders benefited from the credit courses offered by the University of Zambia in Chipata District especially so for working individuals; some participants were promoted at their places of work after their studies; while others were enabled to create opportunities for self-employment. In spite of the above, the study was able to discover that there were constraints encountered which included: lack of teaching and study materials; absence of quality classrooms for use by the university; low wages for and late payment of Part-Time Tutors; as well as the absence of the library facilities. To address the above, a number of propositions are being made which in inter-alia include: construction of classrooms by the university; availability of a well-stocked library; improvement of conditions and employment of lecturers on permanent basis rather than relying on Part-Time Tutors.