Factors affecting effective teaching of life science practical activities in junior secondary schools in Okongo circuit, Ohangwena region
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Date
2025
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Namibia
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the factors affecting effective teaching of
practical activities in Life Science in Junior Secondary schools (JSS) in the Okongo
circuit, Ohangwena Region. The study answered the following research questions: 1).
What are the factors affecting effective teaching of practical activities in Life Science
at JSS in the Okongo Circuit in Ohangwena Region, Namibia? 2). How can the Life
Science teachers be assisted to improve the teaching of practical activities in Life
Science at JSS in the Okongo Circuit in Ohangwena Region, Namibia? Mixed methods research design involving both qualitative and quantitative approaches were
used in this study. Equally, a survey questionnaire, interview guide and observation
guide were used to collect data. The sample of the study included ten Principals, eight
Head of Departments and ten Life Science teachers from the ten JSS in Okongo
circuit. The participants were purposively selected using the total population
sampling. The results of the study revealed various factors that affect the effective
teaching of practical activities in Life Science in JSS in the Okongo circuit. These
factors include; lack of laboratories, lack of laboratory equipment and apparatus, lack
of timetable slot allocated to practical activities, teachers high workload, lack of
training workshop for teachers on how to conduct practical activities, lack of
electricity in some schools, and lack of laboratory manuals to guide the teachers on
how to conduct practical activities. In order to help the teachers to improve the
teaching of Life Science practical activities in Okongo Circuit in Ohangwena Region,
the participants suggested the need for the provision of: 1) well-equipped laboratories
at the JSS, 2) teachers’ training on how to conduct practical activities in Life Science,
3) adequate funds to procure equipment, and 4) dedicated timetable slots for Life
Science practical sessions
Description
A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Master of Education
Keywords
Factors, Life science, Effective teaching, Practical activities, Namibia, University of Namibia