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Nenty, H.J. (Kamla-Raj Enterprises http://www.krepublishers.com, April NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: At the students’ level, researchers’ orientation tends to be undefined and hence students easily fall prey to having their orientation determined by factors other than those related to the nature of their research problems. The difficulties they experience especially in quantitative methods, biased supervisory advice, research orientations and motivational factors constitute some level of impediment to content learning, choice of research problem and to students’ views of the importance of research skills for their future work. The tendency is for them to narrow their choice of problem to only that which will suit their non-crystallized orientation. This exploratory study tried to look at such interconnected web and to determine the influence of research orientation on some research-related affective and cognitive behviour of UB graduate education students. To test the six research hypotheses posited to guide the study, data were collected from 78 UB graduate education students who registered for education research courses in 2006. These hypotheses were tested by carrying out z-test of independent proportion, chi-square analyses and one-way ANOVA statistical analyses. The results showed that a significantly higher proportion of the students prefer qualitative to quantitative research and gender has a significant influence on such preference. Research orientation was found to have significant influence on attitude towards research, research motivation, and perceived level of intellectual demand by research; but not on intention to enroll in a doctoral programme; willingness to be involved in research study; and their self-reported academic performance in research course. Problem with numbers was found to be a significant determinant of students’ research orientation. These results were discussed and recommendations made. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/732 Files in this item: 1
Nenty_JSS_2009.pdf (637.8Kb) -
Teacher trainees’ level of preparedness for inclusive education in Botswana schools: need for changeMukhopadhyay, S.; Molosiwa, S.M.; Moswela, E. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, December NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the extent to which the University of Botswana special education teacher-training programme. Inclusive education has gained significant currency nationally and internationally. Inclusive education demands that the teacher should be able to meet the needs of students with disabilities in a regular/ ordinary classroom. The success of inclusive education rests on quality teacher preparation gearing towards inclusive education. How teachers are prepared is intrinsically linked to the quality of education provided in the schools. Qualitative research method was used to explore how teachers are prepared for inclusive education in Botswana. Eighteen final year special education student teachers were involved in two focus group discussions. Findings of this study revealed that special education student-teachers were not prepared to meet the learning needs of diverse categories of learners with disabilities in inclusive settings. Based on the findings of this study, a teacher preparation model is proposed for successful implementation of inclusive basic education in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1073 Files in this item: 1
Mukhopadhyay_IJSRE_2009.pdf (1.243Mb) -
Mukhopadhyay, S.; Nwaogu, P. (Routledge. http://www.informaworld.com, December NaN, 2009)[more][less]
Abstract: The purpose of this investigation was to gain an understanding of the challenges of teaching non-speaking learners with intellectual disabilities and the scope of augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) used in primary school settings in Gaborone, Botswana. A qualitative interview methodology was used to investigate the experiences of 11 special educators working with non-speaking learners with intellectual disabilities. Participants of the study revealed that teaching non-speaking students with intellectual disabilities is challenging. The study further showed that AAC systems were not widely used in Botswana, and that teachers lacked knowledge and skills. Nevertheless, the participants recognised the importance of AAC in enhancing the functional communication skills of the non-speaking learners with intellectual disabilities. Based on the findings recommendations are made to pave the way forward. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/532 Files in this item: 1
Mukhopadhyay_IJDDE_2009.pdf (825.5Kb) -
Nenty, H.J. (Kamla-Raj Enterprises, http://www.krepublishers.com, NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: Student learning is influenced by many factors which educational research is tasked to determine and feed into the teaching-learning process to enhance its effectiveness. Several studies with different populations have determined that that to which a learner attributes his or her performance significantly influences such performance. To determine some of the factors that significantly impact upon students’ causal attribution of their performance on mathematics, this study ana1ysed, using chi-square (c2) statistics, survey research data from 717 Form D (Form 4) students from 30 randomly selected secondary schools in the Kingdom of Lesotho. The results showed that while gender of students had no significant influence on students attribution of their performance in mathematics, the person with whom the students were living, students’ preferred occupation after school, type of proprietor of schools, and preferred classroom seating zone during mathematics lesson, each had significant influence on this variable. Based on these results, appropriate discussions and recommendations were made. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1094 Files in this item: 1
Nenty_JSS_2010.pdf (648.2Kb) -
Moswela, B. (EMAL, http://ema.sagepub.com, January NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This study was conducted to determine how instructional supervision was carried out in schools. The study begins with a brief outline of the decentralization of the inspection system in Botswana. It proceeds to present a brief global historical background of instructional supervision before findings on instructional supervision are discussed. Evidence from the findings, which were obtained from teachers and head teachers through a structured questionnaire and interview, suggests that the environment in which instructional supervision takes place in schools is rather hostile and intimidating to teachers to make any meaningful impression on the improvement of teaching standards. Instructional supervisors’ effectiveness is constrained by the much expanded secondary education system that has seen a massive increase in schools and teachers in a relatively short time. The study concludes with the recommendation that, for instructional supervision to fully benefit schools, it needs restructuring so that the teachers and the head teachers play a more meaningful and effective role. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1076 Files in this item: 1
Moswela_EMAL_2010.pdf (1.527Mb) -
Pheko, B.C. (Kamla-Raj Enterprises, http://www.krepublishers.com, March NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The primary objective of this paper is to evaluate the outcomes of the 10 year- basic education policy in Botswana through comparison of one cohort national results of School Leaving Examination (PSLE) of 2003 and its Junior Certificate (JC) of 2006. The main assumptions of this policy are that all children will have gone through a quality education. The PSLE (2003) results indicate that most pupils passed their examinations and proceeded to junior secondary education level. However, the problem is that the JC national results of 2006 show that most completers have poor results which do not allow them to proceed to senior secondary education. This is an indication of poor quality education. The observation is that class sizes at junior secondary education are huge (45 - 51) and there are inadequate teaching resources at junior secondary education. The Ministry of Education should take cognizance of the educational problems at this level and make efforts to reduce class size, provide adequate teaching resources so that teachers could be able to give each student the attention she/he deserves. These have affected students’ performances and it is therefore important for the Ministry of Education to introduce Regional examinations at Form 2 in order to monitor each individual performance and provide remedial if it is necessary. These may improve quality education at this level. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1093 Files in this item: 1
Pheko_JSS_2010.pdf (623.3Kb) -
Moswela, B. (JEAPS, http://www.academicjournals.org/ijeaps, April 20, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper sought to unpack the extent of students’ democratic involvement in the teaching and learning processes. Data that were analyzed were obtained from 253 teachers and 194 students from 15 secondary schools in Botswana using a closed questionnaire consisting of 31 question items. Although the sample may not be representative of all the schools in the country (only 15 out of 233 schools were studied), the study concluded that the teaching and learning activities are largely pursued in democratic environments where teachers consult students on important classroom decisions. These efforts are, however, constrained by the disturbing levels of bullying in the classroom reported by the students. The democratic practices encouraged by the teachers, the study concluded, are consistent with what obtains at the national macro level. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1036 Files in this item: 1
Moswela_JEAPS_2010.pdf (92.21Kb) -
Nitza, A.; Chilisa, B.; Makwinja-Morara, V. (Routledge. http://www.informaworld.com, June NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: This article describes a small group intervention for HIV/AIDS prevention among adolescent girls in Botswana. The psychoeducational group model is designed to empower girls to overcome the gender inequality that puts women at increased risk of HIV infection in the country. Group goals include heightening group members' awareness of the influence of the restrictive social messages that surround them and assisting them in developing efficacy and skills to combat the barriers they face. Specific goals, strategies, and interventions for the initial, middle, and termination stages of the group are described. Indigenous and culturally relevant interventions are included in each stage. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/549 Files in this item: 1
Chilisa_JSGW_2010.pdf (548.7Kb) -
Nenty, H.J. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, October NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: The extent to which teachers perceive the existence of pressure emanating from negative stereotype of teaching as a career by the society tends to reduce the amount of affective and cognitive investments on teaching and learning by teachers and teacher trainees. Given this problem, the purpose of this study was to determine the level to which stereotype threat as perceived by University of Botswana (UB) teacher trainees influences their learning- and teaching-related behaviour. To test the nine research hypotheses posited to guide the study, data for the inferential survey study was collected using a validated 48-item questionnaire from a sample of 452 UB teacher trainees. Data analyses were done using t-test of single mean, chisquare (72) test and one way analysis of variance (ANOVA). The findings showed that the level to which UB teacher trainees perceived teaching as a stereotyped career significantly influences the amount of affective investment they are making on their training programme and hope to make on their teaching. These findings were discussed and recommendations that emanated from findings were made. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1082 Files in this item: 1
Nenty_IJSRE_2010.pdf (1.468Mb) -
Chilisa, B.; Ntseane, G. (GE, http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/cgee20, November NaN, 2010)[more][less]
Abstract: In this paper we explore tensions between Western gender theory and research, and post‐colonial and indigenous feminist standpoints, which challenge us to re-define our roles as feminist-activist educators and researchers working with formerly colonised and historically marginalised communities. We discuss how African and Black feminist approaches can enable the construction of context-specific knowledge of African women’s power via relational world views of motherhood, family, sisterhood and friendship. In contrast, the application of Western gender theory and policy in Botswana has tended to reduce women and girls’ experiences to the categories of ‘victim’ and ‘other’. We illustrate how Western male hegemony enters the school through subjects such as religion and can be typically reinforced through Tswana culture, embodied in language and rituals, generating multiple centres of oppression for girls/women in the education system and the public space. The paper explores ethical and transformative ways of approaching this complexity that can account for how girls and women negotiate and resist patriarchal power. Through analysis of empirical research narratives from several gender‐ and education-focused studies, we explore strategies for decolonising Euro-Western archival knowledge and challenging dominant, patriarchal, colonial research methodologies. Finally, we outline the role of the activist feminist researcher as transformative healer, who resists dominant research discourses in order to develop processes of social justice and healing in the community. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1074 Files in this item: 1
Chilisa_GE_2010.pdf (4.065Mb) -
Moswela, E.; Mukhopadhyay, S. (DS, http://www.tandfonline.com/, May NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: Students with disabilities are under-represented in higher education (HE) institutions in Botswana. The number of students with disabilities is on the rise but parity has not been attained. The struggle of students with disabilities to access and participate in HE remains an issue of great concern for disability activists and researches. This paper sought to document the experiences of university students with disabilities took part in the study. Data were gathered through semi-structured focus group interviews. Later on these data were triangulated with an analysis. Six themes emerged, namely: attitudinal barriers; resource barriers; structural barriers; policy related issues; lack of support mechanisms; and lack of skills and knowledge. Implications of the findings to institutions of higher learning are discussed in order to promote wider participation for students with disabilities in HE in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1072 Files in this item: 1
Moswela_DS_2011.pdf (3.053Mb) -
Cheng, C.; Jose, P.E.; Sheldon, K.M.; Singelis, T.M.; Cheung, M.W.L.; Tiliouine, H.; Alao, A.A.; Chio, J.H.M.; Lui, J.Y.M.; Chun, W.Y.; De Zavala, A.G.; Hukuzimana, A.; Hertel, J.; Liu, J.T.; Onyewadume, M.; Sims, C. (JCCP, http://jcc.sagepub.com, July NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: In this study, the authors tested four cultural models—independence, interdependence, conflict, and integration—that describe the hypothesized relationships between dimensions of self-construal and components of subjective well-being among individualistic and collectivistic countries. Collectivistic countries that have undergone rapid socioeconomic changes (i.e., East Asian countries) and those with limited changes (i.e., African countries) were differentiated. Participants were 791 university students from four Western countries, 749 university students from three East Asian countries, and 443 university students from three African countries. Findings provided some support for the applicability of (a) the independence model to individuals from Western countries and (b) the integration model to individuals from East Asian countries. Mixed results were found among the African countries. The interdependence model is more applicable to African participants from the sub-Saharan region, but the integration model is more applicable to those from the North African region. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1110 Files in this item: 1
Onyewadume_JCCP_2011.pdf (5.837Mb) -
Phamotse, I.T.; Nenty, H.J.; Odili, J.N. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com/, November NaN, 2011)[more][less]
Abstract: The study used an inferential survey design in which a validated questionnaire was used to gather and analyze the views and perceptions of a random sample of 146 primary and 102 high school teachers at Qacha’s Nek district in Lesotho. These were with regard to the influence training in assessment has on the availability of skill to carry out effective classroom practices that sustain standards in educational assessment and hence enhance quality of education. The sample was made up of 119 male and 127 female teachers, 103 of theme with certificates 41 with diploma and 102 with bachelor’s degrees. Some 92 of them had 1-5 years of teaching experience, 57 had 6-10 years while 97 of them had above 10 years of such experience. Among them they attended a mean of 0.706 assessment-related workshops. The study involved the use of a face validated sic-option Likert-type questionnaire with two sets of items consisting of: (a) list of assessment skills to which teachers were required to indicate the level to which they possess each of them; a list of classroom assessment practices, which teachers were expected to indicate the frequency to which they applied each of them. A Cronbach alpha analysis gave the alpha coefficient of the instrument as 772 and 764 respectively for the two parts of the instrument. A composite of the number of assessment-related courses taken, and seminars and workshops attended were developed to operationalize each teacher’s level of assessment training. Based on this, 137 of them were found not to have any training in assessment at all, while 73 had a little training and 35 had some training in assessment. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1130 Files in this item: 1
Nenty_IJSRE_2011.pdf (1.911Mb) -
Major, T.E.; Tiro, L. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, March NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This study investigated the perceptions on pre-service or student teachers regarding their teacher education program. Data was collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews with 17 pre-service student teachers in one primary college of education in Botswana. In addition, there was an analysis of documents from the Ministry of Education and Skills Development that outlined how the training of pre-service teachers should be run. Participants indicated that they spend too much time learning/exploring theory and less time of hands on experience. Research has also shown that teacher education overemphasize theory and focus less on practice in the preparation of pre-service teachers. The study results indicated that student teachers are taught too much theory and did less of teaching practice. Pre-service teachers should be given more time to do teaching practice and less time on content, as they need the application skills more than they need the content. Based on the findings in this study, it is recommended that the Tertiary Education Council in Botswana should revise the teacher education training program and to reconsider increasing the amount of time for teaching practice for the pre-service teachers. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1052 Files in this item: 1
Major_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.297Mb) -
Mangope, B.; Kuyini, A.B.; Major, T. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, June NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This study examines the role and functions of the Botswana Assessment Centre in diagnosing the learning needs of primary school students. It also examines the issues and challenges faced by learners with special needs who are not assessed for placement and/or instructional modification in regular primary schools. This study endeavours to articulate the issues around this lack of assessment and its implications for the learners and teachers of such learners. Forty-nine teachers from primary schools in Gaborone and surroundings responded to a thirteen-item questionnaire. Data from this questionnaire was analysed using descriptive statistics, t-tests and ANOVA. The results show that the Botswana Assessment Centre (Central Resource Centre (CRC) is unable to assess all students who require assessment and that there is a long wait time for assessments. The results also revealed that although the majority of schools had School Intervention Teams (SIT) who were responsible for referring students to assessment, the role of teams was unclear in some schools. This study recommends that government address the critical shortage of staff facing the Centre and pay more attention to the composition and functioning of the SITs. Finally, the Ministry of Education should explore other ways of ensuring that assessment for placement and modification of instruction can be efficiently and effectively carried out across Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1079 Files in this item: 1
Mangope_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.630Mb) -
Phibion, O.S. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, June NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This article examines choral contests in Botswana’s music education. Choral contests have been conducted for many years in Botswana and predate the introduction of formal music teaching in schools. These early contests were often annual choral competitions (tonic sol-fa notation) and were organized through the Botswana Teachers Union or community organizations such as churches. These early choral competitions in fact laid a foundation for formal music teaching in schools. Data for this study was collected through the researcher’s participatory observation as a college choir conductor, a community choir conductor and a competition adjudicator. Rather than empirical research, this article is based on a critical argument about issues the author has experienced. At the time of writing this article, there has been very little to no documentation of Botswana choral music. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1037 Files in this item: 1
Phibion_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.046Mb) -
Moalosi, W.T.S. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, September NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This paper discusses student engagement in learning in junior secondary schools classes. Concern has been raised on the declining performance of students in junior secondary schools. The 2009 junior certificate results are a testimony to this concern. This paper investigates the response of Botswana junior secondary school teachers on three subscales, the Teacher Sense of Self Efficacy scale (TSES), efficacy in student engagement, instructional strategies and classroom management. The findings of this study suggest that teachers do not fully engage students in learning activities. Data was collected using a survey instrument administered to 1006 participants. Based on this study, decline in student performance can be linked to teachers failing to fully engage students in learning. Recommendations on how to engage students in learning are offered. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1054 Files in this item: 1
Moalosi_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.101Mb) -
Baliyan, S. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, September NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: This formative evaluation seeks to measure the effectiveness of Botswana ICT curriculum (Code 0417) by evaluating the content taught and the instructional strategies used to deliver the course contents. It also seeks to assess whether both academics and students felt that the course content and instructional strategies were important. This study employed both quantitative and qualitative research designs as surveys, focus groups, one-on-one interviews, classroom observations and student test annual examination grades were used to collect data. Sixty students enrolled in the course and twelve course instructors were selected randomly from a sample of three private senior secondary schools in Botswana. Descriptive statistical analyses were used to analyse the data collected. Students rated all ICT course topics, except computer networks, as less useful than did their instructors. Both students and teachers offered a number of suggestions on how this course might be improved. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1108 Files in this item: 1
Baliyan_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.104Mb) -
Mogapi, M.O. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com/, December NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: Grading is a central component of educational assessment because it is through grading that a student’s performance is judged as having satisfied the requirement for a given unit or grade level. Accurate determination of the cut-off point between adjacent grades is thus critical in ensuring that a letter grade assigned, and ultimately the certificate given, are a true reflection of a candidate’s mastery of the assessed subject matter. Different systems are used to establish cut-off points: each method with its own advantages and disadvantages. In Botswana, the Angoff grading model was adopted following the introduction of criterion referenced testing in 1997. This model was implemented in order to correctly reflect the achievement level of primary school graduates and at the same time, maintain performance standards from year to year. While this model appears to have robust the theoretical foundations, its practical application and success are highly constrained by contextual country-specific factors. This paper outlines the observed practical limitations of the Angoff grading system in Botswana. URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1115 Files in this item: 1
Mogapi_IJSRE_2012.pdf (1.384Mb) -
Moalosi, W.T.S. (IJSRE, http://www.ijsre.com, December NaN, 2012)[more][less]
Abstract: People in different cultures vary in their descriptions of their self-concept. These descriptions tend to be either individualistic or collectivist. Individualistic cultures preface independence and self-fulfillment, while collectivist cultures tend to be more group-oriented and carry more social responsibilities. Immigration and colonization have had an impact on many collective cultures that had lived among independent ones. Conflict often occurred when interdependent cultures tried to maintain their identity in their new independent environment. Teachers and students at schools frequently experience similar challenges. Theories of cognitive development show that parents differ in their perception of intelligence among these two cultural types (independent and interdependent). URI: http://hdl.handle.net/10311/1131 Files in this item: 1
Moalosi_IJSRE_2012.pdf (211.3Kb)
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