N. Wadesango

Effects of a Large Class Size on Effective Curriculum Implementation

Abstract The study sought to examine the feelings and attitudes of heads and teachers towards how a large class size affects effective curriculum implementation in primary schools of Zimbabwe. The researchers used questionnaires as the data collection instrument. In the study, 20 teachers and 5 heads were requested to respond. Questionnaires for heads were different from the teachers’ although both sought to tape the same information. The responses were presented in tables and graphs and then analyzed. An analysis of the results shows that the current teacher to pupil ratio of 1:40 was too large. Hence, both the head and teachers felt that it should be reduced to as low as 1:30. The respondents felt that a large class is not conducive to cater to individual differences. Marking and provision of adequate learning materials were signed as majority constraints in large class sizes. The results further revealed that supervision in general and discipline were a thorn in the flesh in most large class sizes.

Issues and Challenges around Low Representation of Women in Administrative Posts in Schools

Abstract This study aimed at establishing factors that contribute to low representation of women in administrative posts in primary schools in Lower Gweru District. This study reviews literature on issues and concepts related to the study as put forward by other writers and researchers within which the problem of the study was discussed and analyzed. The review of the related literature was done mainly to indicate why few women are found in administrative positions in primary schools in Lower Gweru District. The researchers reviewed the related literature so that an understanding of major issues on women and administration would be grasped. The literature review showed that there were gender disparities in educational management in schools. Women should accept change and perceive taking headship positions as a way of climbing to the upper echelons of educational organization.

The Importance of Ethics of Caring in South African Higher Education

Abstract This paper focused on the moral decline that is prevalent in South African society in general and higher education in particular. The study followed qualitative paradigm with documents analysis as data collection tool. The aim of the study was to explore the ethics of care have on School Leadership. Data was analysed through content analysis. Emerging themes were identified and discussed. The results of the study revealed that the curriculum does not cater for ethics of care whereby school safety and security and the issue of honesty and trustworthiness have been neglected. The study recommended that there should be licencing principalship and infusing principles and values of Ethics of Care. The study concluded that in order to deal with corruption and collapse facing the education system, Ethics of Care ought to be an integral part of the curriculum of the School Leadership Programme, in order to reskill and to retool principals to address corruption, immoral and violent acts in schools.

An Investigation into the Extent of Parental Involvement in the Schools’ Financial Management

Abstract The study was carried out to determine the extent of parental involvement in the schools’ financial management in six primary schools in zone 6 cluster of Shurugwi District in the Midlands Province of Zimbabwe. In this study, six schools and twenty respondents were used. These included six heads, six School Development Committee Chairpersons, six clerks, one District Accountant and one Councillor. The descriptive survey method was used. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. It emerged that the participation of parents in S.D.Cs has greatly helped in improving financial management in schools since the finance committee is not very operational in schools. The study recommends that members of the S.D.Cs should attend staff development workshops for more than a week and not the one day they used to attend.

Parental Involvement in the Schools’ Financial Management: Issues and Challenges

Abstract The study sought to find whether the statutory requirements, which stipulate that parents must be involved in the schools’ financial management were being followed, the inclusion of heads and parents in decisionmaking in schools, and the availability of financial management skills so as to identify areas that need improvement so that proper correct measure is put in use. This was a desktop review. From the reviewed literature, it was deduced that whilst the School Development Committees (S.D.Cs) were doing school business administration, they failed to comply with the statutory requirements. It also showed that most of the S.D.C members lacked requisite knowledge and skills to carry out financial management functions effectively. The study recommends that members of the S.D.Cs should attend staff development workshops for more than a week and not on just the day they used to attend. It also recommends that there should be separation of duties in the S.D.Cs.

Exploring Lecturers’ Acceptance Level of Learning Management System (LMS) at Applying the Extended Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate the lecturers’ acceptance level of the learning management system (LMS) at applying the extended technology acceptance model (TAM). This research has been conducted at only one rural based university in the Eastern Cape Province. Only academic staff members of the institution who have been trained on the LMS were allowed to participate in this research. A mixed methodology research design was adopted. A questionnaire was distributed to a convenient sampling of 30 lecturers from this particular university. The Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) has been used to analyze and interpret the data. The results of the study indicated that attitude of lecturers towards LMS was not so bad even though there were some academic staff members who demonstrated negative attitudes towards the use of the LMS. The study therefore recommends that e-learning specialists should train lecturers and inform them about the benefits of using Blackboard.

An Investigation of Factors that Contribute to Low Representation of Women in Administrative Posts in Primary Schools

Abstract The purpose of this study was to investigate factors that contribute to low representation of women in administrative posts in schools. The researchers used the descriptive survey design. The instruments used to collect data were interviews and questionnaires. The sample selected for the study was made up of seven schools which constituted thirty five percent of the 20 primary schools in Lower Gweru District. Ten school heads, seven deputy school heads and twenty teachers in charge from the selected primary schools were included in the sample. The results indicated that there are stereotyping beliefs that affect women when they are making critical decisions such as opting to take up administrative posts. The government should therefore adopt gender sensitive policies that enhance equitable and equal participation of women and men in the educational sector.

The Effects of Motivation on Pass Rate of Students

Abstract The study set out to investigate the effects of teacher motivation on the grade seven pass rate in Silobela West Circuit of Kwekwe District. The study was largely prompted by high failure at grade seven level in Siloela West and the effects of teacher motivation were investigated in relationship to the pass rate. The descriptive survey was used in this study. Stratified sampling was used. A sample of 10 grade seven teachers, 5 heads of schools and 5 SDC members was used in the research and the descriptive survey method was also used during the research. Research findings showed that non-monetary incentives like recognition and respect, good accommodative school climate, good school leadership and decision making structure helped to motivate teachers. The study recommends that school heads be encouraged to involve their teachers in management so that teachers may feel that they are part of the system.