Challenges and prospects brought by the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools in Luapula province, Zambia.
Date
2022-07-01
Authors
Kaoma, Petronella
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
The University of Zambia
Abstract
The study sought to explore the challenges and prospects brought by the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools in Luapula province Zambia. The study objectives were to establish community views on the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools, determine challenges faced by schools as a result of the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools, establish challenges faced by the Ministry of General Education as a result of the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools, identify prospects brought by the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools and propose strategies aimed at mitigating the challenges that have been suggested.
The study employed a descriptive research design. The sample was 33 respondents comprising 2 Ministry of General Education officials, 4 administrators, 8 teachers, 7 pupils and 12 community members. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling were used to select the respondents. Data was collected using interview guides and focus group discussion guides. Data was analyzed by content analysis and emerging themes. The results were presented using major concepts and narrations.
The study revealed that most of the community members are in supported the idea of the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools. The study also revealed that schools are faced with a number of challenges as a result of the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools and these include inadequate infrastructure to cater for the increasing demand of learners as the enrollments are expected to raise, lack of teaching and learning materials and equipment, inadequate human resources, rise in the indiscipline levels, increased number of drop outs, early marriages and poor performance by learners. The study indicated that the Ministry of General Education is also faced with challenges as the result of the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools which include inadequate learning space and infrastructure, lack of trained specialized personnel, poor community involvement, parental negligence and lack of political will by policy implementers.
Prospects brought by the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools were creation of market local products like renting of houses and selling of food stuffs, job creation and ability by parents to send their children to the nearby secondary schools despite of sex. Other prospects included promotion of academic performance competition, environmental cleanness, and development of essential life skills such as self-confidence and the ability to participate effectively in society activities by student. Furthermore, access to education has been increased by shortening the walking distance from home to school which learners of the opposite sex has to cover before the introduction. Prospects for the Ministry of General Education are that gender equity and equality is achieved, policy is implemented thus there is provision of education for all.
The study also highlighted suggestions made by the respondents on the introduction of co-education in established single-sex boarding secondary schools and these were the need to develop adequate infrastructure, provision of teaching and learning materials, training of specialized human resource, closely working with the community so the that they can also participate accordingly, sensitization through motivation talks to learners by use of guidance and counseling, career exhibitions and instilling discipline in students.
The study recommended that community members should be involved in almost all the school undertakings and activities. There should be improvement in infrastructure and training of teachers in relevant fields of study; there should be out sourcing for funds in order to deploy teachers and purchase the much needed teaching and learning materials.
Description
Thesis
Keywords
Boys' schools, co-educational schools and preparatory schools. , Co-education.