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Thesis Chapters by Christiana D Afrikaner
The purpose of the research was to develop new knowledge about teaching methods for the Arts as a... more The purpose of the research was to develop new knowledge about teaching methods for the Arts as a non-promotional subject in primary and secondary schools. The main aim of the study was to challenge the current state of Arts Education in Namibia. This study includes a description of the present state of Arts Education in Namibia and a survey about the problems and needs in Art Education at the national level. Data were collected to examine the teaching background, experience, and interests of Arts Education teachers, which provided a strong foundation to undertake action research with a sample of schools and educators in Namibia.
The research explored how to teach the Arts as a non-promotional subject can be improved toward a comprehensive approach in Namibian schools. The study explored the current teaching methods for the subject in Pre-primary, primary and secondary schools. Teachers were empowered to seek their own meaning and understanding to engage in a deeper practice of teaching the Arts.
After a systematic discussion about how teaching can be improved, the teachers showed an eagerness to take part. They created a sense of ownership for improving Arts Education in the country. The research with the teachers engaged learners by enhancing the learners’ uniqueness, seriousness, and enthusiasm. They shared a passionate commitment to enriching the teaching standard of the Arts.
The author used self-administered questionnaires–the National Arts Questionnaire for Schools, the National Teachers’ Questionnaire, the Learners’ Questionnaire, the Pre-primary School Teachers’ Questionnaire and the National Arts Questionnaire for Artists - to collect data about Arts Education needs in Namibia. This study also covered workshops and lesson observations conducted by the researcher with Pre-primary teachers, primary teachers, and first-year university students.
The study further gained information through observing lessons on methods for teaching the Arts as a non-promotional subject in primary and secondary schools. It explored the teachers’ knowledge about the Arts and the subject in their respective schools and classrooms. It examined the integration of the disciplines of drama, dance, music and visual art in the syllabus themes. The research collected an array of lessons from the members of the Volunteer Arts Focus Team and Primary School teachers, who generously contributed their lesson plans to be shared with local Arts teachers and for the research.
The conclusions of the study identified the need for better training for Arts teachers. It presented a holistic approach to Arts Education in Namibia integrating drama, dance, music and visual art in a project-based Arts curriculum.
Keywords: Arts Education; Arts, Curriculum; teacher training; Namibia.
Drafts by Christiana D Afrikaner
REACHING half a millennium is a symbol of the guidance from the Almighty. The flagship programme'... more REACHING half a millennium is a symbol of the guidance from the Almighty. The flagship programme's achievement was sealed with the presence of thousands of joyful Lutherans in Namibia recently. I want to salute all Lutherans with "the greatest hymn of the greatest man of the greatest period of German history," the "battle hymn of the Reformation:" "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." The song directs us to see the power and the grace of God. Such encouraging words. Martin Luther, through this song, showed us the way to see the Creator as a pillar from whom we can get reassurance and power in times of weakness. This is a sign that Luther fought the religious war with only lyrics and the Bible, not with military weapons. The joy I felt during the celebrations cannot be described in words, and I believe each Lutheran will share my sentiment. The celebrations brought pleasant memories of reformation, though it unlocked further thoughts of what the Reformation means to me. My favourite Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) took hands with the rest of the Lutheran world. Challenges in churches or organisations are familiar. Thus, the ELCRN is no exclusion. During this year of liberation, I imagine what Martin Luther would do in cases of challenges in the church. I want to ask myself, "What would Martin Luther do?" How would he have solved the various difficulties? Would Martin Luther not want us to reform daily and by so doing, nurture our souls and enlarge the work of Christ? The ELCRN requires a thorough evaluation. Let the triumph of the five centuries' goal be the time to evaluate and re-evaluate until, with God's grace, we create a haven, an all-inclusive ELCRN home where peace and harmony prevail. President Hage Geingob, in his Harambee Prosperity Plan, describes the 'Namibian house' as one where all must come together and fit in. The HPP thus assigns the church to also 'pull together' and 'build together.' The ELCRN was such a home over the years and will be for years to come. Unity among Christians is the building blocks of such a house. Building on the ELCRN house requires love, peace, forgiveness, mutual respect, and dedication.
Papers by Christiana D Afrikaner
The end of the most enjoyable academic challenge has arrived. Challenges, which hold educational ... more The end of the most enjoyable academic challenge has arrived. Challenges, which hold educational enrichment, joy, and excitement. Though, I cannot close the academic journey without looking back to those who made it possible for me to complete the thesis journey. I owe an obligation of thankfulness to the several people who helped me along the way of the study. Thanks to the thesis committee for their patience and understanding. Also for generously giving their time and ability to improve my work. I also thank them for their contribution and their friendly support. Special thanks to my Course Director, Dr. José Carlos de Pair, and Dr. Catarina Silva Martins and Dr. Sílvia Simões. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and endurance. You made it possible to endure the language and distance barriers. Your support was tremendous and much appreciated. I am grateful to Dr. Paiva and Dr. Martins for the help and supervision of the organizational apprehensions that made it possible for me to complete my study over an enormous geographical distance. I need to thank many other people, my former Director, Mrs. Retha-Louis Hofmeyr and Mr. Calvin Martin. They had faith in me and allowed me to represent Namibia at International Arts Conferences and training. That contributes enrolling for the Ph.D. I appreciate my Director of Arts, Mr. Ervast Mtota who made it possible for the financial help through the state support program. My appreciation goes to Dr. Minette Mans, my mentor, for the encouragement and support. I thank Elma Bloedoog and Monalisa Awaras for assisting me with the data analysis. I also thank Bennett Khaibeb and Justina Nekongo for the encouragement and trust they showed in me. To my pillar of strength, Mr. J. A. N. Opperman, thank you for your care and motivation. A special acknowledgment to the teachers of the Volunteer Arts Focus Team, who worked with me. They were the pioneers to teach Arts. I appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm. vi My thanks also go to my dear friends Ivan Scheffers and Anna Shipiki. Each of you had encouraged me to finish when I thought it was not possible. Thank you for your incredible support and advice, Ivan. Special thanks to my supervisor, Dr. Teresa Torres de Eça. The inspiration for undertaking the study came from her invitation to attend an InSEA Conference. She encouraged me during the progress of the research. I have been fortunate to have her as my supervisor; someone blessed with patience and who got me on track. She got out the best in me and gave me the confidence I never knew I possessed. Besides going through many drafts and making valuable suggestions and comments, she helped me endure this long journey with her sustained encouragement. Above all, I would like to thank the most important people in my life, my family. My children and grandchildren, Linda, Beatrix, Petra and Daniel, Leandro, Daniella and Yasmine, thank you for the patience and for allowing me to neglect you.
InSEA eBooks, Jun 25, 2020
Astra Salvensis - revista de istorie si cultura, 2018
The purpose of the research was to develop new knowledge about teaching methods for the Arts as a... more The purpose of the research was to develop new knowledge about teaching methods for the Arts as a non-promotional subject in primary and secondary schools. The main aim of the study was to challenge the current state of Arts Education in Namibia. This study includes a description of the present state of Arts Education in Namibia and a survey about the problems and needs in Art Education at the national level. Data were collected to examine the teaching background, experience, and interests of Arts Education teachers, which provided a strong foundation to undertake action research with a sample of schools and educators in Namibia.
The research explored how to teach the Arts as a non-promotional subject can be improved toward a comprehensive approach in Namibian schools. The study explored the current teaching methods for the subject in Pre-primary, primary and secondary schools. Teachers were empowered to seek their own meaning and understanding to engage in a deeper practice of teaching the Arts.
After a systematic discussion about how teaching can be improved, the teachers showed an eagerness to take part. They created a sense of ownership for improving Arts Education in the country. The research with the teachers engaged learners by enhancing the learners’ uniqueness, seriousness, and enthusiasm. They shared a passionate commitment to enriching the teaching standard of the Arts.
The author used self-administered questionnaires–the National Arts Questionnaire for Schools, the National Teachers’ Questionnaire, the Learners’ Questionnaire, the Pre-primary School Teachers’ Questionnaire and the National Arts Questionnaire for Artists - to collect data about Arts Education needs in Namibia. This study also covered workshops and lesson observations conducted by the researcher with Pre-primary teachers, primary teachers, and first-year university students.
The study further gained information through observing lessons on methods for teaching the Arts as a non-promotional subject in primary and secondary schools. It explored the teachers’ knowledge about the Arts and the subject in their respective schools and classrooms. It examined the integration of the disciplines of drama, dance, music and visual art in the syllabus themes. The research collected an array of lessons from the members of the Volunteer Arts Focus Team and Primary School teachers, who generously contributed their lesson plans to be shared with local Arts teachers and for the research.
The conclusions of the study identified the need for better training for Arts teachers. It presented a holistic approach to Arts Education in Namibia integrating drama, dance, music and visual art in a project-based Arts curriculum.
Keywords: Arts Education; Arts, Curriculum; teacher training; Namibia.
REACHING half a millennium is a symbol of the guidance from the Almighty. The flagship programme'... more REACHING half a millennium is a symbol of the guidance from the Almighty. The flagship programme's achievement was sealed with the presence of thousands of joyful Lutherans in Namibia recently. I want to salute all Lutherans with "the greatest hymn of the greatest man of the greatest period of German history," the "battle hymn of the Reformation:" "A Mighty Fortress Is Our God." The song directs us to see the power and the grace of God. Such encouraging words. Martin Luther, through this song, showed us the way to see the Creator as a pillar from whom we can get reassurance and power in times of weakness. This is a sign that Luther fought the religious war with only lyrics and the Bible, not with military weapons. The joy I felt during the celebrations cannot be described in words, and I believe each Lutheran will share my sentiment. The celebrations brought pleasant memories of reformation, though it unlocked further thoughts of what the Reformation means to me. My favourite Evangelical Lutheran Church in the Republic of Namibia (ELCRN) took hands with the rest of the Lutheran world. Challenges in churches or organisations are familiar. Thus, the ELCRN is no exclusion. During this year of liberation, I imagine what Martin Luther would do in cases of challenges in the church. I want to ask myself, "What would Martin Luther do?" How would he have solved the various difficulties? Would Martin Luther not want us to reform daily and by so doing, nurture our souls and enlarge the work of Christ? The ELCRN requires a thorough evaluation. Let the triumph of the five centuries' goal be the time to evaluate and re-evaluate until, with God's grace, we create a haven, an all-inclusive ELCRN home where peace and harmony prevail. President Hage Geingob, in his Harambee Prosperity Plan, describes the 'Namibian house' as one where all must come together and fit in. The HPP thus assigns the church to also 'pull together' and 'build together.' The ELCRN was such a home over the years and will be for years to come. Unity among Christians is the building blocks of such a house. Building on the ELCRN house requires love, peace, forgiveness, mutual respect, and dedication.
The end of the most enjoyable academic challenge has arrived. Challenges, which hold educational ... more The end of the most enjoyable academic challenge has arrived. Challenges, which hold educational enrichment, joy, and excitement. Though, I cannot close the academic journey without looking back to those who made it possible for me to complete the thesis journey. I owe an obligation of thankfulness to the several people who helped me along the way of the study. Thanks to the thesis committee for their patience and understanding. Also for generously giving their time and ability to improve my work. I also thank them for their contribution and their friendly support. Special thanks to my Course Director, Dr. José Carlos de Pair, and Dr. Catarina Silva Martins and Dr. Sílvia Simões. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and endurance. You made it possible to endure the language and distance barriers. Your support was tremendous and much appreciated. I am grateful to Dr. Paiva and Dr. Martins for the help and supervision of the organizational apprehensions that made it possible for me to complete my study over an enormous geographical distance. I need to thank many other people, my former Director, Mrs. Retha-Louis Hofmeyr and Mr. Calvin Martin. They had faith in me and allowed me to represent Namibia at International Arts Conferences and training. That contributes enrolling for the Ph.D. I appreciate my Director of Arts, Mr. Ervast Mtota who made it possible for the financial help through the state support program. My appreciation goes to Dr. Minette Mans, my mentor, for the encouragement and support. I thank Elma Bloedoog and Monalisa Awaras for assisting me with the data analysis. I also thank Bennett Khaibeb and Justina Nekongo for the encouragement and trust they showed in me. To my pillar of strength, Mr. J. A. N. Opperman, thank you for your care and motivation. A special acknowledgment to the teachers of the Volunteer Arts Focus Team, who worked with me. They were the pioneers to teach Arts. I appreciate your dedication and enthusiasm. vi My thanks also go to my dear friends Ivan Scheffers and Anna Shipiki. Each of you had encouraged me to finish when I thought it was not possible. Thank you for your incredible support and advice, Ivan. Special thanks to my supervisor, Dr. Teresa Torres de Eça. The inspiration for undertaking the study came from her invitation to attend an InSEA Conference. She encouraged me during the progress of the research. I have been fortunate to have her as my supervisor; someone blessed with patience and who got me on track. She got out the best in me and gave me the confidence I never knew I possessed. Besides going through many drafts and making valuable suggestions and comments, she helped me endure this long journey with her sustained encouragement. Above all, I would like to thank the most important people in my life, my family. My children and grandchildren, Linda, Beatrix, Petra and Daniel, Leandro, Daniella and Yasmine, thank you for the patience and for allowing me to neglect you.
InSEA eBooks, Jun 25, 2020
Astra Salvensis - revista de istorie si cultura, 2018