Browsing by Author "Ndatilifa, Eveline Ngondumbo"

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    Experiences of junior primary teachers and learners in Oshindonga medium multilingual classrooms in the Khomas educational region
    (University of Namibia, 2025) Ndatilifa, Eveline Ngondumbo; Hengari, J.
    Multilingual learners' success is greatly reliant on the medium of instruction (MoI) in a multilingual classroom where students come from a variety of linguistic backgrounds. In addition, the MoI they select can have an immense impact on their academic performance, cognitive growth, and overall learning experience. The purpose of this qualitative study was to investigate the experiences of Junior Primary teachers and learners in an Oshindonga medium multilingual classroom in Namibia's Khomas educational region. The study employed interviews, observations, and focus group discussions to collect data. The data revealed both positive and negative experiences adopting Oshindonga as an instructional medium in a classroom where not all children are Oshindonga native speakers. Moreover, the study findings indicated that teaching native speakers Oshindonga has been observed to enhance academic performance, increase motivation and engagement, and strengthen cultural identity. Furthermore, the results from the study indicated linguistic misperception in learners from minority language families who were/are studying in the Oshindonga medium class. The study further revealed several problems, including a lack of resources, insufficient teacher training in mother tongue, weak language policies, minimal community involvement, and poor monitoring and assessment of educational practices. Therefore, the study recommended that teachers and policymakers engage to create an inclusive and successful learning environment by acknowledging and embracing the challenges, opportunities and effective teaching and learning strategies suitable in a multilingual classroom employing Oshindonga as the medium of instruction