Richard Bukaliya - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Richard Bukaliya
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jan 11, 2022
The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the student retention strategies at the Zimbabw... more The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the student retention strategies at the Zimbabwe Open University. It utilised the qualitative approach to collect and analyse data. The data was collected through interviews. The study sample comprised of sixteen participants, eight staff members and eight students. These were selected through purposive sampling since the study was qualitative. The findings show that ZOU had very lucrative strategies to manage student retention. Among them were management and leadership styles, peer teaching, mentoring and collaboration, orientation, and student-centred active learning. It also noted that ZOU had challenges in student retention which included resources, social influences, soft skills and teaching methods. The study concluded challenges faced by students were basically situational not institute based. Teaching methods like peer tutoring and collaboration were important as they created a conducive environment for learning. The study recommended that ZOU continuously trains its front desk employees and equip them with correct information. It was also recommended that the students be made aware of the learning styles in an ODL setup before taking up the studies.
This survey was carried out at the Zimbabwe Open University`s Mashonaland East and West region an... more This survey was carried out at the Zimbabwe Open University`s Mashonaland East and West region and sought to establish the challenges affecting the full implementation of internet based tutoring in ODL. The population for the study was 28 tutors and 700 students. A stratified simple random sample by faculty of 50 respondents was used for this study. Data were solicited from the respondents through telephone interviews and questionnaires. Results from the study show that a number of factors have affected the full utilisation of internet based technologies in tutoring. Socio-economic factors such as salary levels of respondents and cost of the gadgets affect adoption and use of the internet based platforms. Most learners did not possess the basic ICT gadgets such as computers. The younger respondents, however, have embraced the electronic gadgets more than the older generation which is fearful of the new technology. The study, therefore, recommended that there be training in the basic...
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jan 11, 2022
This study investigated the role of extra lessons on the general administration of the secondary ... more This study investigated the role of extra lessons on the general administration of the secondary schools in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. The case study design was adopted. Interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used to collect data. Twenty-three participants, consisting 8 teachers, 6 learners, 6 parents and 3 school inspectors were purposively sampled. Findings revealed that the general administration of schools was affected by extra lessons. Extra lessons helped in raising the school pass rates. They helped build a good image for the schools and assisted in the reduction of the teachers` workload. However, the lessons created a dent on teacher professionalism. Teachers were accused of neglecting formal schoolwork by creating demand for extra lessons among learners. The lessons also contributed to indiscipline among learners. Relations between learners and teachers were also strained. The study recommended that extra lessons should continue as they reduced the workload for teachers and provided a conducive working environment at the school. It is prudent that MOPSE, school heads and parents monitor work given to learners during normal school hours to avoid the creation of artificial demand for extra lessons.
Sumerianz Journal of Education, Linguistics and Literature
This study aimed at establishing stakeholders’ perceptions of factors affecting the teaching and ... more This study aimed at establishing stakeholders’ perceptions of factors affecting the teaching and learning of Early Childhood Development (ECD) children in Marondera Urban, Zimbabwe. The study adopted the case study design to provide a detailed understanding of the views voiced by respondents, who included school heads, ECD teachers, and SDC members who represented the community. Questionnaires were administered on ECD teachers while school heads and SDC members were interviewed. Documents on staffing and enrolment were accessed to substantiate claims made by respondents in questionnaires and interviews. A total population of 156 respondents was of interest to this study. The researchers selected 8 primary school heads, 56 ECD teachers and 10 School Development Committee (SDC) members adding up to 74 sampled respondents selected through random sampling. Some of the major findings were that in some instances, unqualified ECD teachers were being recruited as highlighted by most respond...
Manuscript History: The present study was aimed at exploring potential challenges faced by ODL st... more Manuscript History: The present study was aimed at exploring potential challenges faced by ODL students at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) in fulfilling the requirements of industrial attachment. The study focused on all the four faculties of ZOU. The study employed questionnaires and interviews to solicit data from the 100 respondents chosen through convenience sampling. Results showed that the majority of the students, while in favour of the attachment programme, felt a number of challenges militated against the effectiveness of the programmes. Among these challenges were that they were fulltime employees and their employers were not prepared to release them for the duration of the industrial attachment. Some employees in the field were also reluctant to disclose important information to students on industrial attachment. Some supervisors were too busy to provide effective supervision. In some instances, the ZOU supervisee was much older than the supervisor leading to the super...
International journal of innovative research and development, 2014
This qualitative research was conducted to explain the, “opinions, experiences, feelings and beha... more This qualitative research was conducted to explain the, “opinions, experiences, feelings and behavior” of lecturers as a result of the quality assurance workshops (Hancock 2002:2). The interpretivist philosophy underpinned the whole research as focus was on interpreting the influence of quality assurance workshops on lecturers’ performance (Scwandt 1994). The phenomenology research design was used. The sixteen academics in Mashonaland East Region of the Zimbabwe Open University were the population and all of them participated in the study. Interviews were used to elicit data. For triangulation, data was also generated through analysis of internal quality audit results carried out over the last year. The research concluded that, quality assurance workshops imparted knowledge, developed skills, attitudes, confidence and competence of the staff members in the implementation of the ISO 9001 based quality management system. Effective workshops use learner centred approaches. Workshops a...
This study was meant to establish the problems affecting the funding of informal business operati... more This study was meant to establish the problems affecting the funding of informal business operations in Zimbabwe and what role the Zimbabwe Open University could play to solve these challenges. The study focused on twenty carpentry and metal fabrication operations in Marondera. It identified and analysed the major sources of capital for informal businesses and the problems faced in accessing business funds. Informal operators, government representatives and financial institutions were part of the subjects. The descriptive survey method was adopted for the study to provide information on the nature of problems affecting the funding of these operations. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. The findings revealed that the main source of business funds for informal businesses is personal equity which was found to be very inadequate. Financial support from institutions was also found inadequate and has reached relatively few operators. It was also established t...
International Open and Distance Learning Journal, 2017
Zimbabwe is an agro-based country and the majority of citizens rely of agriculture for their live... more Zimbabwe is an agro-based country and the majority of citizens rely of agriculture for their livelihoods. In order to foster a culture meant towards the realisation of adequate agriculture output, a number of initiatives have been put in place. Among these is the introduction of agriculture in the primary schools. The introduction has come with its own successes and challenges. This study sought to establish the successes and challenges in implementation of agriculture in primary schools. This study adopted the descriptive survey approach in which questionnaires were used to solicit data required to answer the research questions. The research data were obtained from 100 primary school teachers in Chegutu district. The teachers were drawn from different categories of primary schools which included urban, farm and mine schools. Results show that most schools in Chegutu district have a sustainable programme on Agriculture for Grade 7 pupils. Most schools are on track to implement the s...
International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, Jul 10, 2014
A quality assurance unit was put in place by the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) for all the regio... more A quality assurance unit was put in place by the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) for all the regions in 2010. The unit has gone in leaps and bounce to ensure that the university attains the ISO 9000 certification among other quality initiatives. Internal quality audits have been conducted for quality improvement and also in readiness for ISO 9000 certification. These audits have been carried out after thorough preparation, which included selection and training of internal quality auditors. Contextually, these audits were carried out as an innovation to ZOU as the quality assurance is also in its infancy. This research was inspired by staff reaction during internal audits. The present study therefore, focused at establishing the perceptions of academic staff on the impact of internal quality audit on their work. A qualitative approach was used while the research design was the case study. The study adopted interviews for data collection and these were administered on all the 13 academic staff members of the Mashonaland East Region. Results from the study indicate that the majority of academic staff members understood the objectives of internal quality audits. Whilst academics view the process as systematic, generally it stifles innovation as staff is expected to perform certain activities as dictated by procedures, which may not be the most efficient way. In terms of communication of results, most academics were uncomfortable as results were first communicated to immediate supervisor thus bringing about a lot of anxiety among members. The study recommends that further awareness is required in making sure that all members appreciate the need for the internal quality audits in order to address issues of anxiety.
Asian Journal of Social Sciences Humanities, Nov 1, 2012
International Open and Distance Learning Journal, 2017
Mobile phone usage by learners in secondary schools in Zimbabwe has received mixed feelings among... more Mobile phone usage by learners in secondary schools in Zimbabwe has received mixed feelings among stakeholders. While some have insisted that there was need to incorporate these gadgets, others have found no merit in their use. This present study was a case study on the use of mobile phones in schools, through a detailed contextual analysis of selected schools in Chegutu urban, Zimbabwe. The researcher studied thirty-two cases that exposed detailed views of stakeholders on why mobile phones continued to be neglected as instructional media. In order to generate data from participants, the study utilised face to face interviews as these were seen as the best way of achieving high quality data. Thirty-two participants were purposively chosen and included 2 school heads, 10 teachers and 20 learners. The participants were deemed adequate for a qualitative study. The findings from the study indicated that while a good number of learners had mobile phones and other related devices, these w...
Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
This study investigated the role of extra lessons in the general administration of the secondary ... more This study investigated the role of extra lessons in the general administration of the secondary schools in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. The case study design was adopted. Interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis was used to collect data. Twenty-three participants, consisting of 8 teachers, 6 learners, 6 parents and 3 school inspectors were purposively sampled. Findings revealed that the general administration of schools was affected by extra lessons. Extra lessons helped in raising the school pass rates. They helped build a good image for the schools and assisted in the reduction of the teachers` workload. However, the lessons created a dent in teacher professionalism. Teachers were accused of neglecting formal schoolwork by creating a demand for extra lessons among learners. The lessons also contributed to indiscipline among learners. Relations between learners and teachers were also strained. The study recommended that extra lessons should continue as they reduced the work...
Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
This qualitative study investigated the psycho-emotional effects of extra lessons among urban day... more This qualitative study investigated the psycho-emotional effects of extra lessons among urban day secondary school learners in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis was adopted to generate data from teachers, school inspectors, parents and learners. Results from the study show that participants expressed mixed feelings on the psychological and emotional roles of attending extra lessons learners. Some participants credited extra lessons for their confidence building among the learners, before going into a test or examination. Others viewed extra lessons as a source of depression among learners and strained learners physically because most of the time they were busy. The study recommended that extra lessons needed to be continued but under the guidance of the teachers and parents. Since learners had their morale boosted before taking a test or examination, learners need to continue getting involved in extra lessons.
Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the student retention strategies at the Zimbabw... more The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the student retention strategies at the Zimbabwe Open University. It utilised the qualitative approach to collect and analyse data. The data was collected through interviews. The study sample comprised sixteen participants, eight staff members and eight students. These were selected through purposive sampling since the study was qualitative. The findings show that ZOU had very lucrative strategies to manage student retention. Among them were management and leadership styles, peer teaching, mentoring and collaboration, orientation, and student-centred active learning. It also noted that ZOU had challenges in student retention which included resources, social influences, soft skills and teaching methods. The study concluded challenges faced by students were basically situational not institute based. Teaching methods like peer tutoring and collaboration were important as they created a conducive environment for learning. The study recom...
International Journal of Educational Studies, 2019
This multiple case study was an analysis of the perceptions of teachers, parents, school inspecto... more This multiple case study was an analysis of the perceptions of teachers, parents, school inspectors and learners towards the role of extra lessons on the academic achievement of learners in three secondary schools in Chegutu Urban, Zimbabwe. The study was guided by the Incentive Theory of Motivation developed by Young (1936), which postulates that there are many reasons that drive people towards doing certain things. The study adopted the interpretivist paradigm that hinges on the premise that social meaning is created by interacting with various participants affected by a phenomenon it was rooted in the qualitative approach. Interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used to generate data. The results of the study show that extra lessons were used to improve learners` academic achievement. Extra lessons came in as a form of remediation for learners who failed to grasp concepts during the formal learning school hours. The lessons also enhanced slow learners‟ achi...
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jan 11, 2022
The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the student retention strategies at the Zimbabw... more The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the student retention strategies at the Zimbabwe Open University. It utilised the qualitative approach to collect and analyse data. The data was collected through interviews. The study sample comprised of sixteen participants, eight staff members and eight students. These were selected through purposive sampling since the study was qualitative. The findings show that ZOU had very lucrative strategies to manage student retention. Among them were management and leadership styles, peer teaching, mentoring and collaboration, orientation, and student-centred active learning. It also noted that ZOU had challenges in student retention which included resources, social influences, soft skills and teaching methods. The study concluded challenges faced by students were basically situational not institute based. Teaching methods like peer tutoring and collaboration were important as they created a conducive environment for learning. The study recommended that ZOU continuously trains its front desk employees and equip them with correct information. It was also recommended that the students be made aware of the learning styles in an ODL setup before taking up the studies.
This survey was carried out at the Zimbabwe Open University`s Mashonaland East and West region an... more This survey was carried out at the Zimbabwe Open University`s Mashonaland East and West region and sought to establish the challenges affecting the full implementation of internet based tutoring in ODL. The population for the study was 28 tutors and 700 students. A stratified simple random sample by faculty of 50 respondents was used for this study. Data were solicited from the respondents through telephone interviews and questionnaires. Results from the study show that a number of factors have affected the full utilisation of internet based technologies in tutoring. Socio-economic factors such as salary levels of respondents and cost of the gadgets affect adoption and use of the internet based platforms. Most learners did not possess the basic ICT gadgets such as computers. The younger respondents, however, have embraced the electronic gadgets more than the older generation which is fearful of the new technology. The study, therefore, recommended that there be training in the basic...
Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research), Jan 11, 2022
This study investigated the role of extra lessons on the general administration of the secondary ... more This study investigated the role of extra lessons on the general administration of the secondary schools in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. The case study design was adopted. Interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used to collect data. Twenty-three participants, consisting 8 teachers, 6 learners, 6 parents and 3 school inspectors were purposively sampled. Findings revealed that the general administration of schools was affected by extra lessons. Extra lessons helped in raising the school pass rates. They helped build a good image for the schools and assisted in the reduction of the teachers` workload. However, the lessons created a dent on teacher professionalism. Teachers were accused of neglecting formal schoolwork by creating demand for extra lessons among learners. The lessons also contributed to indiscipline among learners. Relations between learners and teachers were also strained. The study recommended that extra lessons should continue as they reduced the workload for teachers and provided a conducive working environment at the school. It is prudent that MOPSE, school heads and parents monitor work given to learners during normal school hours to avoid the creation of artificial demand for extra lessons.
Sumerianz Journal of Education, Linguistics and Literature
This study aimed at establishing stakeholders’ perceptions of factors affecting the teaching and ... more This study aimed at establishing stakeholders’ perceptions of factors affecting the teaching and learning of Early Childhood Development (ECD) children in Marondera Urban, Zimbabwe. The study adopted the case study design to provide a detailed understanding of the views voiced by respondents, who included school heads, ECD teachers, and SDC members who represented the community. Questionnaires were administered on ECD teachers while school heads and SDC members were interviewed. Documents on staffing and enrolment were accessed to substantiate claims made by respondents in questionnaires and interviews. A total population of 156 respondents was of interest to this study. The researchers selected 8 primary school heads, 56 ECD teachers and 10 School Development Committee (SDC) members adding up to 74 sampled respondents selected through random sampling. Some of the major findings were that in some instances, unqualified ECD teachers were being recruited as highlighted by most respond...
Manuscript History: The present study was aimed at exploring potential challenges faced by ODL st... more Manuscript History: The present study was aimed at exploring potential challenges faced by ODL students at the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) in fulfilling the requirements of industrial attachment. The study focused on all the four faculties of ZOU. The study employed questionnaires and interviews to solicit data from the 100 respondents chosen through convenience sampling. Results showed that the majority of the students, while in favour of the attachment programme, felt a number of challenges militated against the effectiveness of the programmes. Among these challenges were that they were fulltime employees and their employers were not prepared to release them for the duration of the industrial attachment. Some employees in the field were also reluctant to disclose important information to students on industrial attachment. Some supervisors were too busy to provide effective supervision. In some instances, the ZOU supervisee was much older than the supervisor leading to the super...
International journal of innovative research and development, 2014
This qualitative research was conducted to explain the, “opinions, experiences, feelings and beha... more This qualitative research was conducted to explain the, “opinions, experiences, feelings and behavior” of lecturers as a result of the quality assurance workshops (Hancock 2002:2). The interpretivist philosophy underpinned the whole research as focus was on interpreting the influence of quality assurance workshops on lecturers’ performance (Scwandt 1994). The phenomenology research design was used. The sixteen academics in Mashonaland East Region of the Zimbabwe Open University were the population and all of them participated in the study. Interviews were used to elicit data. For triangulation, data was also generated through analysis of internal quality audit results carried out over the last year. The research concluded that, quality assurance workshops imparted knowledge, developed skills, attitudes, confidence and competence of the staff members in the implementation of the ISO 9001 based quality management system. Effective workshops use learner centred approaches. Workshops a...
This study was meant to establish the problems affecting the funding of informal business operati... more This study was meant to establish the problems affecting the funding of informal business operations in Zimbabwe and what role the Zimbabwe Open University could play to solve these challenges. The study focused on twenty carpentry and metal fabrication operations in Marondera. It identified and analysed the major sources of capital for informal businesses and the problems faced in accessing business funds. Informal operators, government representatives and financial institutions were part of the subjects. The descriptive survey method was adopted for the study to provide information on the nature of problems affecting the funding of these operations. Questionnaires and interviews were used as research instruments. The findings revealed that the main source of business funds for informal businesses is personal equity which was found to be very inadequate. Financial support from institutions was also found inadequate and has reached relatively few operators. It was also established t...
International Open and Distance Learning Journal, 2017
Zimbabwe is an agro-based country and the majority of citizens rely of agriculture for their live... more Zimbabwe is an agro-based country and the majority of citizens rely of agriculture for their livelihoods. In order to foster a culture meant towards the realisation of adequate agriculture output, a number of initiatives have been put in place. Among these is the introduction of agriculture in the primary schools. The introduction has come with its own successes and challenges. This study sought to establish the successes and challenges in implementation of agriculture in primary schools. This study adopted the descriptive survey approach in which questionnaires were used to solicit data required to answer the research questions. The research data were obtained from 100 primary school teachers in Chegutu district. The teachers were drawn from different categories of primary schools which included urban, farm and mine schools. Results show that most schools in Chegutu district have a sustainable programme on Agriculture for Grade 7 pupils. Most schools are on track to implement the s...
International Journal of Innovative Research and Development, Jul 10, 2014
A quality assurance unit was put in place by the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) for all the regio... more A quality assurance unit was put in place by the Zimbabwe Open University (ZOU) for all the regions in 2010. The unit has gone in leaps and bounce to ensure that the university attains the ISO 9000 certification among other quality initiatives. Internal quality audits have been conducted for quality improvement and also in readiness for ISO 9000 certification. These audits have been carried out after thorough preparation, which included selection and training of internal quality auditors. Contextually, these audits were carried out as an innovation to ZOU as the quality assurance is also in its infancy. This research was inspired by staff reaction during internal audits. The present study therefore, focused at establishing the perceptions of academic staff on the impact of internal quality audit on their work. A qualitative approach was used while the research design was the case study. The study adopted interviews for data collection and these were administered on all the 13 academic staff members of the Mashonaland East Region. Results from the study indicate that the majority of academic staff members understood the objectives of internal quality audits. Whilst academics view the process as systematic, generally it stifles innovation as staff is expected to perform certain activities as dictated by procedures, which may not be the most efficient way. In terms of communication of results, most academics were uncomfortable as results were first communicated to immediate supervisor thus bringing about a lot of anxiety among members. The study recommends that further awareness is required in making sure that all members appreciate the need for the internal quality audits in order to address issues of anxiety.
Asian Journal of Social Sciences Humanities, Nov 1, 2012
International Open and Distance Learning Journal, 2017
Mobile phone usage by learners in secondary schools in Zimbabwe has received mixed feelings among... more Mobile phone usage by learners in secondary schools in Zimbabwe has received mixed feelings among stakeholders. While some have insisted that there was need to incorporate these gadgets, others have found no merit in their use. This present study was a case study on the use of mobile phones in schools, through a detailed contextual analysis of selected schools in Chegutu urban, Zimbabwe. The researcher studied thirty-two cases that exposed detailed views of stakeholders on why mobile phones continued to be neglected as instructional media. In order to generate data from participants, the study utilised face to face interviews as these were seen as the best way of achieving high quality data. Thirty-two participants were purposively chosen and included 2 school heads, 10 teachers and 20 learners. The participants were deemed adequate for a qualitative study. The findings from the study indicated that while a good number of learners had mobile phones and other related devices, these w...
Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
This study investigated the role of extra lessons in the general administration of the secondary ... more This study investigated the role of extra lessons in the general administration of the secondary schools in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. The case study design was adopted. Interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis was used to collect data. Twenty-three participants, consisting of 8 teachers, 6 learners, 6 parents and 3 school inspectors were purposively sampled. Findings revealed that the general administration of schools was affected by extra lessons. Extra lessons helped in raising the school pass rates. They helped build a good image for the schools and assisted in the reduction of the teachers` workload. However, the lessons created a dent in teacher professionalism. Teachers were accused of neglecting formal schoolwork by creating a demand for extra lessons among learners. The lessons also contributed to indiscipline among learners. Relations between learners and teachers were also strained. The study recommended that extra lessons should continue as they reduced the work...
Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
This qualitative study investigated the psycho-emotional effects of extra lessons among urban day... more This qualitative study investigated the psycho-emotional effects of extra lessons among urban day secondary school learners in Chegutu, Zimbabwe. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis was adopted to generate data from teachers, school inspectors, parents and learners. Results from the study show that participants expressed mixed feelings on the psychological and emotional roles of attending extra lessons learners. Some participants credited extra lessons for their confidence building among the learners, before going into a test or examination. Others viewed extra lessons as a source of depression among learners and strained learners physically because most of the time they were busy. The study recommended that extra lessons needed to be continued but under the guidance of the teachers and parents. Since learners had their morale boosted before taking a test or examination, learners need to continue getting involved in extra lessons.
Sprin Journal of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the student retention strategies at the Zimbabw... more The study aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the student retention strategies at the Zimbabwe Open University. It utilised the qualitative approach to collect and analyse data. The data was collected through interviews. The study sample comprised sixteen participants, eight staff members and eight students. These were selected through purposive sampling since the study was qualitative. The findings show that ZOU had very lucrative strategies to manage student retention. Among them were management and leadership styles, peer teaching, mentoring and collaboration, orientation, and student-centred active learning. It also noted that ZOU had challenges in student retention which included resources, social influences, soft skills and teaching methods. The study concluded challenges faced by students were basically situational not institute based. Teaching methods like peer tutoring and collaboration were important as they created a conducive environment for learning. The study recom...
International Journal of Educational Studies, 2019
This multiple case study was an analysis of the perceptions of teachers, parents, school inspecto... more This multiple case study was an analysis of the perceptions of teachers, parents, school inspectors and learners towards the role of extra lessons on the academic achievement of learners in three secondary schools in Chegutu Urban, Zimbabwe. The study was guided by the Incentive Theory of Motivation developed by Young (1936), which postulates that there are many reasons that drive people towards doing certain things. The study adopted the interpretivist paradigm that hinges on the premise that social meaning is created by interacting with various participants affected by a phenomenon it was rooted in the qualitative approach. Interviews, focus group discussions and document analysis were used to generate data. The results of the study show that extra lessons were used to improve learners` academic achievement. Extra lessons came in as a form of remediation for learners who failed to grasp concepts during the formal learning school hours. The lessons also enhanced slow learners‟ achi...