UNAM Repository :: Browsing by Author "Kasanda, Choshi D."

Browsing by Author "Kasanda, Choshi D."

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Education in Namibia: A collection of essays
(1998) Mostert, Louise; Kasanda, Choshi D.
This study is a case study of Continuous Assessment and External Examiners'.reports in two universities in the Southern African Development Community (SADC). The paper defines the term Continuous Assessment. The first part of the presentation then examines the conduct of Continuous Assessment at the two universities under study. The concerns in Continuous Assessment addressed are: Number of ContinuousAssessment test/assignments to be given per course; Absenteeism/ late/ non-submission of tests or assignments; Security of tests/assignments for continuous assessment; and Plagiarism. Advantages and disadvantages of Continuous Assessment schemes are briefly discussed. The second part of the paper examines the roles of External Examiners at the two Universities. The findings presented indicate that basically external examiners' roles revolve around five verbs. They do one or more of the following: expose; impose; suppose; endorse and propose. The paper concludes by affirming the power of examination. Examinations are here to stay.
The effects of cooperative learning on the performance of Grade 11 Mathematics learners in the Oshana educational region, Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2015) Haimbodi, Frans N.; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Kapenda, Hileni M.
This study sought to determine the effects of cooperative learning on the performance of the Grade 11 learners doing Mathematics on higher level in the Oshana Education Region. The study used a quasi-experimental design. Two Grade 11 classes (each comprising 31 learners) doing Mathematics on a higher level from one school in the Oshana region were purposefully selected; one as a control group and the other as an experimental group. The instruments used to measure the performance in Mathematics were a pre-test and post test. Prior to collection of the data, a pilot study was carried out in a different school to gather information on the appropriateness of the instruments and other administrative logistics. During the main study, the experimental and control groups were separately taught Differentiation a topic from the higher level Mathematics syllabus. The t-test was used to find out whether significant differences existed in the performance of the control and experimental groups. The results showed that significant differences in performance and in the motivation level of the experimental and control group existed at the 0.01 significant level. The findings suggested that cooperative learning improved learners’ performance in Mathematics. The study recommended that Mathematics teachers should place emphasis on learners’ understanding of particular concepts, guiding learners in active learning, providing opportunities for discussion and elaboration and encouraging them to work with peers to enhance learners’ academic performance.
The evolution of science and technology policy dialogue in post-colonial Africa
([s.l], 2012) Chinsembu, Kazhila C.; Kasanda, Choshi D.
This paper describes the dialogue around Science and Technology (S and T) policy in post-colonial African countries with a special emphasis on Southern Africa. It traces the evolution of S and T policy dialogue from several global and African conferences held in the 1960s. In post-colonial Africa, S and T policy dialogue was founded on the Monrovia declaration of 1979 and the Lagos Plan of Action of 1980. In the new millennium, African S and T policy dialogue has been driven by the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). In Southern Africa, the S and T policy environment is guided by several treaties of the Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (COMESA) and the Southern African Development Community (SADC). Although African S and T policies are well discussed and articulated, implementation of the S and T agenda has been poor, hence the authors recommend that NEPAD institutes an S and T peer-review mechanism to monitor performance of S and T indicators in member states.
The impact of Mastep on the use of practical work in Namibian science classes
(University of Namibia and University of York, 2006) Kandjeo-Marenga, Hedwig U.; Kapenda, Hileni M.; Lubben, Fred; Campbell, Bob; !Gaoseb, Noah; Kasanda, Choshi D.
This article presents an investigation into the changes in the Teaching practices of practical work in senior science classes in Namibia. The teachers in this study are involved in training Programme, the Mathematics and Science Teacher Extension Programme (MASTEP). Pre- and post-intervention data were Collected from eight Biology teachers and four Physical Science teachers Lesson plans, worksheets and other documentation were Used to characterise practical activities using m1 established Taxonomy classroom interactions were audio-taped and Transcribed verbatim the findings i11dicate an increased focus on Practical activities aimed more at qualitative rather than Quantitative understanding of science concepts. In addition, the Post-MASTEP teachers favoured small group work and demonstrations. The changes in teaching practices arc attributed To the improved PCK that has enabled teachers to align their Practice with the assessment system
Indigenous knowledge of HIV/AIDS among High School students in Namibia
(BioMed Central The Open Access Publisher, 2011) Chinsembu, Kazhila C.; Shimwooshili-Shaimemanya, Cornelia N.; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Zealand, Donovan
The use of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) can help students to form schemas for interpreting local phenomena through the prism of what they already know. The formation of schemas related to HIV/AIDS risk perception and prevention is important for individuals to form local meanings of the HIV /AIDS epidemic. The objective of this study was to explore the indigenous names and symptoms of HIY/AIDS among High School students in Namibia
Indigenous knowledge of Namibia
(University of Namibia Press, 2015) Chinsembu, Kazhila C.; Cheikhyoussef, Ahmad; Mumbengegwi, Davis R.; Kandawa-Schulz, M.; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Kazembe, Lawrence N.
Why this book, Indigenous Knowledge of Namibia? Nowadays, indigenous knowledge has gained prominence and attracted public interest due to its numerous applications in science and innovation: biotechnology, health, bioprospecting, pharmaceuticals, medicinal plants, agriculture, food preparation, mathematics, natural resource management, climate change and astronomy. There are many niche players in the field of indigenous knowledge in Namibia and many studies being carried out. Thus, although not all aspects of Namibia's indigenous knowledge are covered in this book, most readers from various walks of life - laypersons, scholars and policy makers - will find this book a very useful companion. The content of this book serves as a good starting point, because 'we cannot go further into the future without looking deeper into the past' (anonymous). Through their laboratory and scientific studies, the authors of this book server as guides through the journey to discover and record the indigenous knowledge of Namibia society. More importantly, their individual and collective works endevour to add value to Namibia's indigenous knowledge. The voyage and value addition are aimed at bringing greater clarity to some of the most perplexing aspects of indigenous knowledge in Namibia. Authors are aware of local communities need to benefit from their indigenous knowledge. That being said, the aim of this book is not to appropriate the indigenous knowledge of local communities, as most indigenous knowledge is already in the public domain.
Namibian boys' underachievement and under-participation in education
(University of Namibia Press, 2023) Zimba, Roderick F.; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Haihambo, Cynthy K.; Kudumo, Marius; Kapenda, Hileni M.; Neshila, Kashinauua Faustina; Sheyapo, Mirjam
The main purpose of the Namibian boys’ underachievement in education research project was to find out what accounted for the disparity in academic performance between male and female learners/students and what its educational and social-economic implications were. In addition, the study sought to explore factors which influenced Namibian male learners’/students’ underachievement and under-participation in education. Using a pragmatic parallel mixed methods research design, systematic, criterion and case study sampling techniques, we collected data from all 14 Educational Regions of Namibia by administering structured questionnaires to 4659 secondary school learners, 528 secondary school teachers, 182 parents, 122 University lecturers and 807 University and Vocational Training Centre (VTC) students. When collecting qualitative data, we conducted focus group discussions with sampled secondary school learners, secondary school teachers, parents and University students. From document analysis, we ascertained that at the secondary school level, challenges of some boys’ low survival rates, low promotion rates from grade to grade, high failure rates, high school leaving rates, and high dropout rates negatively affected their academic achievement and academic participation in school in all 14 education regions. At the tertiary education level, evidence showed that substantially more female than male students had been enrolled in all public and private Namibian educational institutions for three decades and that in general, during this period, female students had consistently and substantially performed better academically than male students in all tertiary education institutions. In summary, according to sampled learners and sampled teachers, some Namibian boys performed worse than girls because they distracted themselves from school work, withdrew from learning activities, engaged in self-destructive behaviour, believed they could do without education and because they were not interested in education as it was boring to them. In addition, some boys under-participated in education because they dropped out of school, did not take advantage of psychosocial programmes that were organized to promote their participation in education, and did not actively participate in learning activities. All this expressed some boys’ self-imposed exclusion from educational activities organized by schools. According to sampled learners, some boys underachieved in education because they spent less time on academic activities, preferred to work in isolation, were not eager to share academic information, did not care about their academic achievement, and they were less concerned about their future. Furthermore, sampled learners and sampled teachers reported that several parents undermined and sabotaged their sons’ educational achievement during socialization by giving them too much freedom to roam and loiter around aimlessly without restraint while strictly controlling the behaviour and movements of their daughters; allowing their sons to abuse alcohol and drugs, including, in some instances, sharing alcohol with them- alcohol they had easy access to through bars, night clubs, Shebeen outlets and Cuca shops (i.e. small retail shops in rural areas that include the sale of alcohol); not caring about what their sons did and how they spent their time; not giving their sons responsibilities at home to cultivate in them ethics of responsibility, hard work, discipline, commitment, persistence-virtues that promote academic achievement; not being concerned of their sons’ education, welfare, misconduct and misdeeds; and in some regions by criticising, ostracising, ridiculing, shaming and shunning their sons for going to school instead of looking after livestock. Moreover, University lecturers and University and VTC students reported that female students academically performed better than male students who underachieved at tertiary education institutions because they were motivated, worked harder, did not waste time socializing in dysfunctional ways (e.g. abusing alcohol and drugs), participated in learning activities, were collaborative, were willing to learn, were organized, were persistent and they did not easily drop out of universities when faced with difficulties. v We have discussed these and other findings in the rest of the report and made recommendations on how Namibia’s educational policy framework should be reviewed, reoriented, adapted and transformed to cater for the needs of boys who underachieve in education; how schools, teachers, fellow learners, parents, communities, University lecturers, University students and other educational stakeholders should support Namibian boys’ education. At the theoretical level, we have demonstrated how the data from this study could be used at the global, continental, Southern African Development Community (SADC) regional and Namibian national levels to reframe boys’ and girls’ education in a manner that promotes genuine gender parity in education, authentic and balanced social-economic development. We have also proposed that for all this to be implemented, a social cultural and participatory community-based transformation in support of boys’ functional socialization and education should take place in the Namibian society.
The need for research in Mathematics education in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2008) Kapenda, Hileni M.; Kasanda, Choshi D.
A number of definitions of the term 'research' abound. Hitchcock & Hughes, (1995, p.S) define research to 'systematic inquiry'. This inquiry is characterized by sets of principles, guidelines for procedures and is subject to evaluation in terms of criteria such as validity, reliability and representativeness. According to Cohen, Manion & Morrison (2000, p.3 ), "research is concerned with understanding the world" (in which we live) and "is informed by how we view our world(s), what we take LUlderstanding to be and what we see as the purposes of understanding". It should be pointed out further that research might be viewed as a science requiring logical steps to achieve the goal or as a subject of study whereby individuals teach, the concepts related to research as a subject in its own right. That is as a product or the process or as a subject.
Needs assessment for colleges of education in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2009) Kasanda, Choshi D.; Kapenda, Hileni M.; Nicol-Wilson, R. E.
There is a need to enable the four Colleges of education in Namibia to carry out their stated mandate to prepare effective teachers for the primary and junior secondary phases in our education system. Quality teacher training can only take place in an environment where management, academic and no-academic staff work together as a team and cooperate in all aspects related to their mandates. Educational institutions need to be managed as a business venture if stated goals are to be achieved. Management maybe defined as, " ... the process of setting objectives and coordinating the efforts of personnel in order to attain them''(Hodgetts, 1985, 4). Accordingly educational managers should ensure that " ... individuals can work together towards the achievement of stated goals" (Kroon, 1998, 3) in their institutions. Therefore, a conducive environment must exist, if individuals have to give of their best. Such an environment requires that management cadres display a variety of skills in several areas related to making their institutions effecf1ve and eff1cient. In carrying out these management tasks, managers may use one or a combination of the following management styles; autocratic, democratic and laissez faire. It should be indicated that often the management style adopted by an institutional manager may depend on the type of workers s/he has.
The perceptions and practice of learner centred teaching in Namibia. The case of Physical Science teachers in the Omusati eucation region
(University of Namibia, 2016) Awe, G.A.; Kasanda, Choshi D.
This study sought to find out the practice and problems encountered by Physical Science teachers in the Omusati Education Region in Namibia. It was found that there was a discrepancy between the teachers’ perceptions of their practice of learner-centred teaching and their actual practice in the classroom. It was also found that a number of problems hindered their practice of learner centred teaching. Possible solutions to these problems were also indicated.
The perceptions and practice of learner centred teaching in Namibia: The case of Physical Science teachers in Omusati education region
(University of Namibia, 2016) Awe, Grace A.; Kasanda, Choshi D.
This study sought to find out the practice and problems encountered by Physical Science teachers in the Omusati Education Region in Namibia. It was found that there was a discrepancy between the teachers’ perceptions of their practice of learner-centred teaching and their actual practice in the classroom. It was also found that a number of problems hindered their practice of learner centred teaching. Possible solutions to these problems were also indicated.
Practitioners’ experiences of the implementation of sustainable development in the institutions of higher learning in Namibia
(2014) Hamunyela, Miriam N.; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Kanyimba, Alex T.
The aim of this article reports results of the study that examined the experiences of the practitioners in Namibian Higher Education institutions on the implementation of Education for Sustainable Development. Although the article demonstrated that lecturers in the Namibian Higher Education Institutions view education for sustainable development as cross-cutting discipline that should be the responsibility of all lecturers, it seems that lecturers do not teach it collaboratively, as required by international bodies. The members of institutions’ management should inspire and motivate the idea of sustainability and environmental awareness, and actively promote the transformation of society through the adoption of a policy and action plan on education for sustainable development.
Prevalence, distribution and behavioral determinants of coital activity among high school students in Namibia
(University of Namibia, 2011) Chinsembu, Kazhila C.; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Shimwooshili-Shaimemanya, Cornelia N.
Although HIV transmission among Namibian in-school adolescents is mainly heterosexual, previous data on sexual activity are not disaggregated, making It difficult to target interventions. This study conducted a disaggregated analysis of coital activity and explored various factors associated with coital activity among Namibian High School students. A cross-sectional survey was carried out in 18 schools located in six education regions. Data were collected from 829 students through a structured questionnaire. Pearson i analysis was used to determine the distribution of coital activity for students from different regions, rural-urban areas, ethnic groups, and gender. Factors associated with coital activity were established by the use of odds ratios and multivariate logistic regression analysis. Overall, 50.2% of the students never had sex before and 29.2% were sexually active. Pearson i analysis showed that coital activity was significantly high among students In the Caprivl region, urban areas, Lozl, Herero and Damara-Nama ethnic groups, and male gender. Multivariate logistic regression showed that the only significant factors positively associated with coital activity were Herero ethnlcity, male gender, testing for HIV, thinking one could not get HIV if they were faithful to a single sexual partner, having a boyfriend of girlfriend, and drinking beer. These disaggregated results will help design targeted HIV/AIDS preventive programmes for High School students In Namibia. This can be done by targeting messages that reduce students' coital activity by way of altering personal, peer, and social behaviours.
Proceedings of the 14th Annual SAARMSTE Conference. University of Pretoria , 2006
(University of Pretoria, 2006) !Gaoseb, Noah; Campbell, Bob; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Kapenda, Hileni M.; Lubben, Fred; Kandjeo-Marenga, Hedwig U.
The MASTEP professional development intervention programme set out to improve the teaching of science and mathemancs in senior secondary schools Namibia. This paper demonstrates that teachen who participated in MASTEP (science, i.e. biology and physical science) changed their practice in ways that embraced the use of everyday contexts and reflected a more learner centred approach to science education The nature of the change and the stimulus for change are discuss
Proceedings of the 1Oth annual conference of the Southern African Association for Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education
(SAARMSTE, 2002) Lubben, Fred; Campbell, Bob; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Kapenda, Hileni M.; Kandjeo-Marenga, Utji
This paper surveys the ways Namibtan science teachers use prescnbed textbooks. Instances of textbook use are identified in 29 lessons through non-participant observation and verbatim records of class interactions. Using a classification scheme from linguistics, these instances are grouped according to their filed (pedagogic purpose). mode (textbook genre) and the tenor (nature of the accompanying social interactions). Findtngs show that in a large percentage of (particular senior) classes the book is not used. If used, the focus is on diagrams and tables. and on the book's role as authority of knowledge. Whole-group usage of the book in class predominates. followed by indtvidual usc for homework. Explanations of the findings are sought in teachers' perceptions of the nature of science. their role as providers of learning. and their confidence as science content experts. Suggestions for teacher training programmes are provided.
Provision of integrated early childhood development in Namibia: Are we on the right track?
(2018) Ngololo, Elizabeth Ndeukumwa; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Van Rooy, Gert
The provision of Integrated Early Childhood Development (IECD) positively impacts children’s futures physically, cognitively, emotionally and socially. The assessment sought to inform intervention programs to improve the status of children’s physical, social-emotional, cognitive and educational needs, as well as their health and nutritional needs. A mixed method approach was used to collect data: a survey and multiple case studies through interviews with 32 caregivers were conducted and focus group discussions were held with community members. The findings show that the Early Childhood Development (ECD) centers lacked the essential prerequisites for the provision of quality IECD education as per the requirements stipulated in the Adapted Theory of Change (ATC). The study recommends formation of smart partnerships in providing integrated childhood development services at ECD centers to meet their health, sanitation, nutritional, physical, socio-emotional and cognitive needs.
Research in Science & Technological Education
(Carfax Publishing, 2002) Kapenda, Hileni M.; Kandjeo-Marenga, Hedwig U.; Kasanda, Choshi D.; Fred, Lubben
This paper presents a study into science practical work conducted in Namibian classrooms. Lesson plans, task sheets, student work, lesson transcripts and observation notes were used to identify intended learning Outcomes. In addition, aspects of task design (inductive-deductive; open-closed; nature of student involvement) and the context of the practical task (duration; interaction patterns; types of task information and apparatus; nature of the student records were explored. A profile form was used and its usefulness evaluated for the analysis of 12 practical Tasks. The findings showed an emphasis on conceptual as opposed to procedural objectives, and a frequent change from an inductive to a deductive approach during the execution of the tasks pupil practical activity was rarefy Consolidated as a laboratory report but functioned as an enjoyable introduction to a set of general questions on the Content covered in the practical. Suggestions are made for the modification of the profile form, and for in-service.
The role of everyday contexts in Learner-centered teaching
(Routledge Publisher, 2005) Kasanda, Choshi D.; Lubben, Fred; !Gaoseb, Noah; Kandjeo-Marenga, Utji; Kapenda, Hileni M.; Campbell, Bob
This paper reports on the usc of out-of-school everyday contexts in Namibian science classrooms. This usc is portrayed against the backdrop of an explicit educational philosophy of learner centred teaching. Data were collt:cted through audio-taped teacher-learner interactions and non-participant field notes in 29 junior and senior science classes taught by 12 teachers in six schools. An existing typology was applied to classify episodes of use of everyday contexts and identify teachers' pedagogic strategies for their use. The results show that more everyday contexts are used in junior secondary than in senior secondary classes, that only a limited range of types of everyday contexts are used at both levels, and that their usc often follows theoretical exposition or teacher questioning. These findings are related to three interpretations of learner centered teaching. Recommendations for a fuller implementation of learner-centred teaching are made.
The role of practical work in science teaching in Namibia
(SAARMSTE, 2001) Kapenda, Hileni M.; Kandjeo-Marenga, Hedwig U.; !Gaoseb, Noah; Kasanda, Choshi D.
This paper presents a study into science practical work conducted in Namibian classrooms. Lesson plans, task sheets and student work are used to identify the intended learning outcomes. In addition, aspects of task design (inductive-deductive; open-closed,· nature of student involvement) and the context of the practical task (duration; interaction patterns; types of task information and apparatus; nature of the student record) are explored. Millar's Profile Form is used to analyse twelve practical tasks. Findings show an emphasis on conceptual instead of procedural objectives, and a frequent change from an inductive to a deductive approach during the execution of the tasks. The practical activity is rarely consolidated in a laboratmy report but functions as an enjoyable introduction to a set of unrelated consolidation questions. Suggestions are made for the modification of the analysis scheme, and for in-service activities to support teachers to use practical work more effectively.
School learners’ knowledge and views of traditional medicinal plant use in two regions in Namibia
(University of Namibia Press, 2015) Kasanda, Choshi D.; Kapenda, Hileni M.
Local knowledge about natural resources that may be of use to communities, including medicinal plants, is becoming increasingly important globally. This knowledge is important for the participation of indigenous peoples in the conservation and maintenance of indigenous forests (Gazzaneo, de Lucena, & de Albuquerque, 2005) in addition to the frequent use of these resources in the treatment of common ailments and diseases. Knowledge about the use of local fauna and flora, nowadays, is minimal. To ensure the preservation of indigenous knowledge, this state of affairs needs to be rectified. In fact, Teklehaymanot, Giday, Medhin and Mekonnen (2007, p. 272) note that ‘traditional knowledge is rapidly eroding’, hence, there is real danger that if something is not urgently done, this knowledge might be lost for good. This is due to the fact that often indigenous knowledge is passed on from older to younger generations orally, and is not documented. According to Kambizi and Afolayan (2006), it is essential to make an effort to avoid the loss of this important knowledge in order to conserve medicinal plants, especially in rural communities. There is an increasing advocacy for the integration of indigenous knowledge into mainstream science curricula.

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