Faculty of Education and Human Sciences

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Browsing Faculty of Education and Human Sciences by Subject "Academic achievement"

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    Exploring parental involvement in learners’ education: A case of selected junior primary schools in the Kavango West region, Namibia
    (University of Namibia, 2024) Sikwaya, Jonathan; Anyolo, E. O.
    This study set out to find out how involved parents are in their kids' education in the Kavango West Region. Parents should be equipped with the knowledge necessary to enthusiastically support their children in their academic endeavors, as they are an invaluable resource for students' education. Three primary goals guided the study: (1) finding out how involved parents are in their kids' education at selected junior primary schools; (2) identifying barriers to parents' involvement in students' education at selected junior primary schools; and (3) identifying possible ways to increase parents' involvement in students' education. The qualitative method was applied in this study along with a case study design. In order to facilitate a more comprehensive study in an organic environment, a case study was selected. All in all of twenty-three (23) participants, consisting of three (3) principals, ten (10) teachers and ten (10) parents formed the study sample. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis were employed for data collection. Convenience sampling was employed because it enabled the researcher to take a sample from a conveniently accessible but relevant population. Thematic data analysis was used as it breaks down the data into more manageable smaller groups. The study revealed that most parents are involved in the education of their children, however, they are faced with some barriers. Such barriers include parents’ other responsibilities, parents’ attitude towards school activities, parents’ educational background, dissemination of information in English, parent’s financial constraints, and parents’ cultural differences. The study further suggested the strategies that the schools could adopt to strengthen parental involvement in the education of their children. Such strategies include building trust between schools and parents; providing home activities; treating parents as partners and major stakeholders; and organising volunteer programs for parents. The study propose that the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture should have responsibilities to ensure parental involvement. The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture should recognise the community as a partner in education, and schools should have good lines of communication to keep parents well informed about everything their children are doing at school. The study further suggests that schools should have good lines of communication to keep parents well informed in everything their children are doing at school
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    The impact of school libraries on learning and academic achievement
    (University of Namibia, 2012) Nengomasha, Cathrine T.; Uutoni, Wilhelm; Yule, Wilson
    Suclies have shown a strong link between school libraries and academic performance. However for a school library to effectively have an impact on academic achievement, it must fulfill a number of requirements such as, a conducive physical infrastructure, which is well furnished,· be well equipped in terms of computers (with internet facilities) and photocopiers; a strong collection with relevant and up to date materials: and qualified skilled staff to run the library. The school must also effectively integrate the library activities into the school curriculum with a strong programme to enhance information literacy skills amongst learners. This paper is based on a study entitled: "The impact of school libraries on learning and academic achievement: a case study of Caprivi, Omusati, Omaheke, Karas and Khomas regions in Namibia" which was conducted by the University of Namibia's Department of Information and Communication Studies from July 2009 to February 2010. The study employed a qualitative and quantitative research design using a triangulation of data collection methods including surveys, interviews, focus group discussions, and observation. The study's main research question was, ''Do well run school libraries make a difference to academic performance in Namibia?" Although the study showed the existence of libraries in all the schools; more than 80% of these were not adequately resourced in terms of reading materials, equipment, staffing and hence the impact on academic petformance was negligible.