Education
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- ItemExploring the contribution of civic education to the fight against substance abuse among the learners in selected secondary schools in Kitwe district in the Copperbelt of Zambia.(The University of Zambia, 2024) Chipasha, ChristineThis study explored the contribution of civic education to the fight against substance abuse among learners in secondary schools in Copperbelt Province of Zambia. Specifically, the study focused on, the contribution of civic education to the fight against substance abuse among learners, classroom practices that teachers of civic education employ to develop civic knowledge, dispositions, skills and values in the fight against substance abuse among learners and, the best teaching approaches that teachers of Civic Education employ to attain acceptable attitudes and behaviors among the learners in Civic Education. Qualitative research approach was used to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the contribution of civic education in the fight against substance abuse among learners in secondary schools. Data was generated through interviews from 22 participants. The data collected was analyzed using thematic approach. Findings of the study show that civic education empowers learners with knowledge and skills necessary for them to make informed decisions regarding the effects of substance abuse and how to resist peer pressure. It was also revealed that Civic Education helps to instil and strengthen good morals and values in learners needed to fight substance abuse. Equally, it was found out that through Civic Education, learners are able to develop virtues necessary for them to become agents of change in the fight against substance abuse. On the aspect of classroom practices, it was revealed that lecture method, question and answer method, textbook study, discussions, debate and role play are the classroom practices that teachers of civic education employ to develop civic knowledge, skills and values in the fight against substance abuse in secondary schools. On the best teaching approaches, the study found out that experts and role models, project based and co-curricular activities are the best approaches that teachers of Civic Education can employ to attain acceptable attitudes and behaviors among the learners. The study concludes that Civic Education is vital in the fight against substance abuse because it enlightens the learners on the consequences of substance abuse to their education, health and national development. Based on the findings of the study, the study recommends that Civic education curriculum should also include detailed topics about substance abuse at junior level so that learners are well equipped upon entry at grade eight.
- ItemOpportunities and challenges of planning for virtual markets in Lusaka.(The University of Zambia, 2023) Luapula, PasmoreThe advent of internet and increase in the usage of information and communication technology has brought about the demand for advertising and transaction of goods and services online through the use of cyber or virtual Markets. Zambia is among the most urbanized countries in Sub-Saharan Africa and is faced with an increase in the users of social media and other digital media platforms where advertising and online transactions are taking place without the required regulations and necessary legislation to guide and regulate the virtual Markets. The study was aimed at assessing how the current planning processes can include planning for virtual urban Markets. The study was set to assess the awareness of virtual urban Markets among urban planners and to examine the potential for inclusion of virtual space in planning for urban Markets. The study was anchored on the data collected from 36 participants which were purposefully selected from institutions responsible for coordination of planning and provision of policies on Virtual Markets and regulation of trade and commerce. The participants included key informants from key institutions and practicing planners. The study findings indicated that there was general awareness among urban planners on the usage of the virtual Markets to the advertisement and transaction of products in the virtual space through cyber platforms. The results further established that though there were policies to provide for advertisement and transacting online through cyber platforms, there are no regulations and standards to guide virtual Markets in their operations. For the possible inclusion of virtual Markets in the planning, the results indicated that there was progress being made by the Government ministries in advancing Virtual Markets by promoting a Smart Zambia campaign. The results indicated a serious challenge of low internet connectivity and high levels of computer illiteracy which hindered full participation of the general citizenry in virtual Markets. Furthermore, absence of hardware such as computers, phones and software coupled with lack of coordination among sector ministries in advancing the use of virtual Markets poses a great challenge in the planning and subsequent legislation of virtual Markets. This study concludes that the inadequacy coordination, low investments in Virtual Markets, inadequate regulations of cyber Markets, high internet access divide, between the urban areas and rural areas, high risks of internet fraud and low access to internet facilities and accessories hinders successful planning for virtual urban Markets. The virtual Market transactions have changed the way people advertise and trade their products in that the physical Market has been avoided and substituted by the virtual Market and so are some of the taxes and fees due to local authorities and the Government. To regulate and plan effectively for the virtual Markets, there is need to provide regulations pertaining cyber transactions and provide necessary education to the citizenry on the importance of virtual Markets. The Ministry of Local Government and Rural Development together with Zambia information Communication and Technological Authority to come up with a deliberate policy of registering online firms that advertises and transact with the public. The Government should introduce taxes and revenues that are connected with local authorities on every Virtual Market created and pay directly to the council in form of a percentage or loyalties.
- ItemMathematics teachers’ classroom practices in the context of 21st century skills: a case of one secondary school in Lusaka district, Zambia.(The University of Zambia, 2023) Chileshe, Chantell BwalyaDespite global aspirations towards a 21st Century Skills learning agenda, Zambia's efforts to effectively integrate these skills into classroom settings have shown limited advancement. This discrepancy highlights the challenge of translating theoretical aspirations into tangible educational practices. It is in this light that the researcher investigated the mathematics teachers’ classroom practices in the context of 21st Century Skills at secondary school level. Mathematics teachers’ practices were focused on because mathematics as a subject plays a key role in shaping how individuals deal with the various spheres of life, be it private, social or cooperate. The objectives of this study included: determination of what mathematics teachers know about 21st Century Skills; determination of how mathematics teachers’ classroom practices align with facilitation of learners’ acquisition of 21st Century Skills; understanding ways in which classroom-based assessments as administered by mathematics teachers are aligned with 21st Century Skills; and establishment of the views of teachers on the challenges they face in line with the 21st Century Skills. In this qualitative study, an ethnographic research design was utilized. The study sample consisted of two secondary school mathematics teachers who were purposively selected. The first teacher had 29 learners whereas the second one had 24 learners. Semi-structured interviews, lesson observations, performance assessment and document analysis were used to generate information. Content analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. It was found out that the sampled teachers were aware of 21st Century Skills however they deemed technology as the main 21st century skill. The teachers practices in respect of teaching and assessment did not incorporate strategies aligned to the learner acquisition of the 21st Century Skills, an occurrence which denied learners to effectively acquire the 21st Century Skills focused on in this study. Consequently, it is recommended that school mathematics departments implement comprehensive professional development programs for mathematics teachers that encompasses 21st Century Skills beyond technology. Furthermore, professional development programs should integrate innovative teaching strategies and align classroom assessments with 21st Century Skills.
- ItemEffects of adolescent pregnancy on families in Ng’ombe compound in Lusaka.(The University of Zambia, 2020) Jere, Towela StellaThis research is on the effects of adolescent pregnancy on families in a named compound. The objectives of the research are: 1. establish the causes of adolescent pregnancy in a named compound: 2. establish the effects on families of the pregnant adolescent in a named compound: 3. establish the efforts being made to reduce on adolescent pregnancies in the named compound. A case study research design supported by qualitative data collection techniques was used. Target population was adolescent girls who had been pregnant before and their family members. The sample size was 16 respondents, broken down as: 5 pregnant adolescents and 11 parents. The sampling procedure used was purposive sampling. In the collection of data, research instruments used were interview guides and focused group discussion guides. In the data analysis thematic analysis was used. This involved: steps 1, the researcher familiarizing herself with the data collected by reading and re-reading the transcripts and listening to the voice recordings. In step 2, generating initial codes, while in step 3 themes and sub themes were created. Step 4 reviewing themes and sub themes, step 5 defining the themes and sub themes and step 6 reporting the findings. The study revealed that causes of adolescent pregnancy include: poverty, admiring marriage, wanting to get married and having children plus lack of beneficial recreation facilities and culture plus refusing to adhere to elderly people‟s advice and following other cultures, peer pressure, and lack of education motivation. The study further showed that the effects of adolescent pregnancy on families included: financial strain, managing extended family, health complications, and lack of education, emotional distress and early marriage. It was also evident that, guidance and counselling, provision of entrepreneurship and other skills training were part of the efforts to reduce adolescent pregnancy. From these findings the researcher would like to recommend the following: 1 that more programs that can help reduce adolescent pregnancies be implemented in low income high density communities. Some of these programs can include the ones already highlighted in the findings such as guidance and counselling, entrepreneurship and skills training and health care counselling. The second recommendation is to implement a program that may involve role models from the community that have finished schools to motivate the girl children to finish school and give benefits of why the girls can delay pregnancy, finish school and thereafter get married.
- ItemInvestigating the role of selected organisations and government institutions in promoting the welfare of older persons in Lusaka-district, Zambia.(The University of Zambia, 2024) Pelekamoyo, BrendaThe older persons population remains a vulnerable group that deserves special protection. Due to lack of care and support they continue to face different forms of abuse. If issues relating to abuse of older persons are not addressed adequately, the older persons will remain a neglected group. However, the primary concern is whether the welfare of older persons is recognised, promoted, and respected. The aim of the study was to investigate the role of SCAZ, RWBZ, HRC and MCDSS in promoting the welfare of older persons in Lusaka District, Zambia. Therefore, this study investigated the contributions of the Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ), Retirees Welfare Bureau of Zambia (RWBZ), Human Rights Commission (HRC) and Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) in advocating for the welfare of older persons; establish how the Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ), Retirees Welfare Bureau of Zambia (RWBZ), Human Rights Commission (HRC) and Ministry of Community Development and Social Services (MCDSS) in providing legal protection for older persons and identify the livelihood skills promoted to the older persons by Senior Citizens Association of Zambia (SCAZ), Retirees Welfare Bureau of Zambia (RWBZ), Human Rights Commission (HRC) and Ministry of Community Development and Social Service (MCDSS). The researcher used case study design. A total of 21 older persons were selected through key informant recruitment from the Matero after care centre in Lusaka District. Further, 15 key informants from SCAZ, RWBZ, HRC and MCDSSS were purposively selected for the research. Data was collected using the semi-structured interview guide from 21 older persons and key informant interview schedules from 15 key informants 2 from Senior Citizens Association of Zambia, 5 Retirees Welfare Bureau of Zambia, 2 from Human Rights Commission of Zambia and 2 from Ministry of Community Development and Social Services. Qualitative data was analysed using thematic analysis. Findings revealed that SCAZ, RWBZ, HRC and MCDSS reached out to older persons but did not offer legal protection services and had no plan of events. Findings also show the two organisations and two institutions provided livelihood skills to the older person. Further findings revealed that most of the older persons did not know their rights and how to claim them. The study concluded that for SCAZ, RWBZ, HRC and MCDSS to fully represent the older persons, they needed to have legal representation of older persons and use varying advocacy strategies.