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Papers by zodwa nxumalo

Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy, 2019

This paper sought to establish primary school English Language teachers" experiences that they en... more This paper sought to establish primary school English Language teachers" experiences that they encounter during schools" inspection. Underpinned by the MacBeath Cube theory of Evaluation, a qualitative research approach was adopted where a case study research design was utilized with a purposively selected sample of fourteen (14) primary school English language teachers who had been picked from two schools that had been identified as underperforming. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The paper was based on the following research questions: What are the challenges encountered by English language teachers during schools" inspection? How can the challenges encountered by English Language teachers during schools" inspection be minimized? The findings of the study revealed that some of the challenges encountered by English language teachers during schools" inspection were that, inspectors disrupted teaching and learning as they came unannounced; inspectors harassed, rudely reprimanded and disrespected the English language teachers; inspectors instilled fear on the teachers because they harshly criticized them and they also confused the teachers as they gave different insights on how best to teach English Language; inspectors threatened teachers with their jobs. The findings further revealed that all these challenges could be minimized if inspectors could respect teachers and provide constructive criticism. Based on the findings, the study recommends that inspectors should annually plan and announce dates for their visits and that the inspectors should follow the inspection guidelines when they visit schools. The study further recommends that the Ministry of Education should establish a policy which protects teachers from being harassed by the inspectors.

IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2017

This study sought to examine the teaching and learning of practical subjects in primary schools. ... more This study sought to examine the teaching and learning of practical subjects in primary schools. The main focus of this study was how the practical subjects are taught in one school in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. The study examined the experiences and perceptions of learners and teachers. A qualitative approach case study research design in which one-on-one interviews and observations were used to collect data was used. Data were analysed for content and conclusions were drawn. The main conclusions of the study were that practical subjects are timetabled to be taught in primary schools. The study also concluded that practical subjects sharpen the brains of the learners. The main findings of the study were that practical subjects are essential in the holistic development of the learner. It was also a finding in this study that most teachers and learners have a positive attitude towards practical subjects albeit that some teachers lacked confidence in teaching the subjects. The study recommends that teachers be assisted through workshops and short courses to boost their confidence in teaching practical subjects. The study also recommends that policies be put to place in order to ensure that practical subjects are taught in primary schools.

International Journal of Current Science Research and Review

The realization that traditional methods of teaching have become inadequate hence can no longer b... more The realization that traditional methods of teaching have become inadequate hence can no longer be exclusively used when teaching, has seen technology being integrated in instruction for all curricula. This study intended to explore the views of primary school teachers on the integration of technology when teaching English language in rural school contexts in the Lubombo region of Eswatini. The study was based on the following research questions: What are the views of primary school English language teachers on the integration of technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? What are the benefits of integrating technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? How do primary school teachers integrate technology in English Language instruction in rural school contexts? What challenges do primary school English language teachers encounter when integrating technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? The study adopted th...

The study explored the implementation of the new and localised Swaziland General Certificate of S... more The study explored the implementation of the new and localised Swaziland General Certificate of Secondary Education (SGCSE) English language curriculum in rural school contexts at senior secondary school level in the Lubombo region of Swaziland. It was based on the premise that for many years until 2006, the curriculum that was in use in Swaziland was the GCE O-level. In 2006, the curriculum was replaced with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which was later localised to the Swaziland General Certificate of Secondary Education (SGCSE). Studies conducted on the former curriculum revealed that rural school English language teachers were still experiencing challenges implementing the former curriculum although the curriculum had been in place for a long time. Moreover, this curriculum was not as demanding as the new and localised curriculum in terms of materials and infrastructure. The former curriculum viewed the teacher as the only custodian of information whereas the new and localised curriculum views both teachers and learners as equal partners in knowledge production. This study utilised the mixed method approach. Twenty three (23) English Language teachers that had been randomly selected from twenty three rural senior secondary schools in the Lubombo region of Swaziland participated in the study. The study utilized open-ended questionnaires, one on one interviews and classroom observations for the collection of data. Data were analysed thematically using content analysis. The study found that most of the suggested teaching methods were not applicable in the rural school context as a result teachers were confined to only those teaching methods that were applicable. It also found that most of the teaching materials and infrastructure required for this curriculum was not available in rural schools, hence teachers improvised. In addition, rural senior secondary school learners were not represented in the setting of external examinations and this resulted in them performing badly in these examinations. The non-representation of rural senior secondary school learners was against the stipulations of a localised curriculum because this curriculum is supposed to cater for the needs of the learners in their specific environment. The study therefore suggested a model to be used in the examinations which will ensure that both rural and urban school learners are represented in the setting of external examinations.

International Journal of Research, 2020

This paper sought to establish teachers’ perceptions on the use of the mother tongue as a medium ... more This paper sought to establish teachers’ perceptions on the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school, grade 1-4. The paper adopted a qualitative approach where a case study research design was utilized. Data were collected from eight (8) grade 1-4 teachers in one primary school in the Manzini region of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The school was randomly selected and purposive sampling was used to select the teachers who participated. One on one interviews and questionnaires containing open- ended questions were used to collect data from the sampled teachers. The paper was based on the following research questions: what are teachers’ perceptions of using the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school? How is teaching and learning affected by the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school? Data were analysed using thematic content analysis....

European Journal of Education Studies, 2019

In most African countries the mother tongue leans much on culture. There is a conspicuous relatio... more In most African countries the mother tongue leans much on culture. There is a conspicuous relationship between first language and culture. This study sought to establish the relationship between first language and culture in teaching and learning siSwati as a first language. The study adopted an interpretive research paradigm where a qualitative approach was used. The qualitative approach was employed because it is mainly concerned with human behavior, and data collected in natural settings. In this study, a case study design was selected. The case study design enabled me to obtain data from a purposively selected sample of siSwati teachers. Schools were also purposively selected. Data was collected through interviews and observations. The findings of the study revealed that first language goes hand in hand with the norms and customs of the people of a particular society. It was a finding in this study that teachers teaching siSwati as a first language are also teachers of culture a...

European Journal of Education Studies, 2019

In most African countries the mother tongue leans much on culture. There is a conspicuous relatio... more In most African countries the mother tongue leans much on culture. There is a conspicuous relationship between first language and culture. This study sought to establish the relationship between first language and culture in teaching and learning siSwati as a first language. The study adopted an interpretive research paradigm where a qualitative approach was used. The qualitative approach was employed because it is mainly concerned with human behavior, and data collected in natural settings. In this study, a case study design was selected. The case study design enabled me to obtain data from a purposively selected sample of siSwati teachers. Schools were also purposively selected. Data was collected through interviews and observations. The findings of the study revealed that first language goes hand in hand with the norms and customs of the people of a particular society. It was a finding in this study that teachers teaching siSwati as a first language are also teachers of culture a...

International Journal of Research, 2020

This paper sought to establish teachers’ perceptions on the use of the mother tongue as a medium ... more This paper sought to establish teachers’ perceptions on the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school, grade 1-4. The paper adopted a qualitative approach where a case study research design was utilized. Data were collected from eight (8) grade 1-4 teachers in one primary school in the Manzini region of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The school was randomly selected and purposive sampling was used to select the teachers who participated. One on one interviews and questionnaires containing open- ended questions were used to collect data from the sampled teachers. The paper was based on the following research questions: what are teachers’ perceptions of using the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school? How is teaching and learning affected by the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school? Data were analysed using thematic content analysis....

IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2017

This study sought to examine the teaching and learning of practical subjects in primary schools. ... more This study sought to examine the teaching and learning of practical subjects in primary schools. The main focus of this study was how the practical subjects are taught in one school in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. The study examined the experiences and perceptions of learners and teachers. A qualitative approach case study research design in which one-on-one interviews and observations were used to collect data was used. Data were analysed for content and conclusions were drawn. The main conclusions of the study were that practical subjects are timetabled to be taught in primary schools. The study also concluded that practical subjects sharpen the brains of the learners. The main findings of the study were that practical subjects are essential in the holistic development of the learner. It was also a finding in this study that most teachers and learners have a positive attitude towards practical subjects albeit that some teachers lacked confidence in teaching the subjects. The study recommends that teachers be assisted through workshops and short courses to boost their confidence in teaching practical subjects. The study also recommends that policies be put to place in order to ensure that practical subjects are taught in primary schools.

Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy, 2019

This paper sought to establish primary school English Language teachers‟ experiences that they en... more This paper sought to establish primary school English Language teachers‟ experiences that they encounter during schools‟ inspection. Underpinned by the MacBeath Cube theory of Evaluation, a qualitative research approach was adopted where a case study research design was utilized with a purposively selected sample of fourteen (14) primary school English language teachers who had been picked from two schools that had been identified as underperforming. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The paper was based on the following research questions: What are the challenges encountered by English language teachers during schools‟ inspection? How can the challenges encountered by English Language teachers during schools‟ inspection be minimized? The findings of the study revealed that some of the challenges encountered by English language teachers during schools‟ inspection were that, inspectors disrupted teaching and learning as they came unannounced; inspectors harassed, rud...

GIS Business

Classroom instructors have a task to choose the most appropriate strategies for effective teachin... more Classroom instructors have a task to choose the most appropriate strategies for effective teaching to enhance student achievement. The study sought to establish factors that influence classroom instructors to select suitable instructional strategies to use for teaching SiSwati as a first language in primary schools in Eswatini. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm where a qualitative research approach and a multiple case study were used. Schools and teachers were purposively sampled. The study used face to face interviews as a primary research instrument, document analysis and observations supplemented the interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings of the study revealed that learners who were highly and responsive to instruction easily comprehend when taught in a variety of complex ways. The study revealed that once learners perform well, teachers used routine instructional methods. The study concluded that most teachers struggle in selecting appropriate teaching strategies when teaching Siswati. It was recommended that the Ministry of education should engage subject specialists who will assist teachers in selection of appropriate teaching strategies for the types of learners they have. It was also recommended that school administrators should allocate only teachers who are qualified and experienced in teaching the Mother Tongue.

Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy, 2019

This paper sought to establish primary school English Language teachers" experiences that they en... more This paper sought to establish primary school English Language teachers" experiences that they encounter during schools" inspection. Underpinned by the MacBeath Cube theory of Evaluation, a qualitative research approach was adopted where a case study research design was utilized with a purposively selected sample of fourteen (14) primary school English language teachers who had been picked from two schools that had been identified as underperforming. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The paper was based on the following research questions: What are the challenges encountered by English language teachers during schools" inspection? How can the challenges encountered by English Language teachers during schools" inspection be minimized? The findings of the study revealed that some of the challenges encountered by English language teachers during schools" inspection were that, inspectors disrupted teaching and learning as they came unannounced; inspectors harassed, rudely reprimanded and disrespected the English language teachers; inspectors instilled fear on the teachers because they harshly criticized them and they also confused the teachers as they gave different insights on how best to teach English Language; inspectors threatened teachers with their jobs. The findings further revealed that all these challenges could be minimized if inspectors could respect teachers and provide constructive criticism. Based on the findings, the study recommends that inspectors should annually plan and announce dates for their visits and that the inspectors should follow the inspection guidelines when they visit schools. The study further recommends that the Ministry of Education should establish a policy which protects teachers from being harassed by the inspectors.

IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2017

This study sought to examine the teaching and learning of practical subjects in primary schools. ... more This study sought to examine the teaching and learning of practical subjects in primary schools. The main focus of this study was how the practical subjects are taught in one school in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. The study examined the experiences and perceptions of learners and teachers. A qualitative approach case study research design in which one-on-one interviews and observations were used to collect data was used. Data were analysed for content and conclusions were drawn. The main conclusions of the study were that practical subjects are timetabled to be taught in primary schools. The study also concluded that practical subjects sharpen the brains of the learners. The main findings of the study were that practical subjects are essential in the holistic development of the learner. It was also a finding in this study that most teachers and learners have a positive attitude towards practical subjects albeit that some teachers lacked confidence in teaching the subjects. The study recommends that teachers be assisted through workshops and short courses to boost their confidence in teaching practical subjects. The study also recommends that policies be put to place in order to ensure that practical subjects are taught in primary schools.

International Journal of Current Science Research and Review

The realization that traditional methods of teaching have become inadequate hence can no longer b... more The realization that traditional methods of teaching have become inadequate hence can no longer be exclusively used when teaching, has seen technology being integrated in instruction for all curricula. This study intended to explore the views of primary school teachers on the integration of technology when teaching English language in rural school contexts in the Lubombo region of Eswatini. The study was based on the following research questions: What are the views of primary school English language teachers on the integration of technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? What are the benefits of integrating technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? How do primary school teachers integrate technology in English Language instruction in rural school contexts? What challenges do primary school English language teachers encounter when integrating technology in English language instruction in rural school contexts? The study adopted th...

The study explored the implementation of the new and localised Swaziland General Certificate of S... more The study explored the implementation of the new and localised Swaziland General Certificate of Secondary Education (SGCSE) English language curriculum in rural school contexts at senior secondary school level in the Lubombo region of Swaziland. It was based on the premise that for many years until 2006, the curriculum that was in use in Swaziland was the GCE O-level. In 2006, the curriculum was replaced with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE), which was later localised to the Swaziland General Certificate of Secondary Education (SGCSE). Studies conducted on the former curriculum revealed that rural school English language teachers were still experiencing challenges implementing the former curriculum although the curriculum had been in place for a long time. Moreover, this curriculum was not as demanding as the new and localised curriculum in terms of materials and infrastructure. The former curriculum viewed the teacher as the only custodian of information whereas the new and localised curriculum views both teachers and learners as equal partners in knowledge production. This study utilised the mixed method approach. Twenty three (23) English Language teachers that had been randomly selected from twenty three rural senior secondary schools in the Lubombo region of Swaziland participated in the study. The study utilized open-ended questionnaires, one on one interviews and classroom observations for the collection of data. Data were analysed thematically using content analysis. The study found that most of the suggested teaching methods were not applicable in the rural school context as a result teachers were confined to only those teaching methods that were applicable. It also found that most of the teaching materials and infrastructure required for this curriculum was not available in rural schools, hence teachers improvised. In addition, rural senior secondary school learners were not represented in the setting of external examinations and this resulted in them performing badly in these examinations. The non-representation of rural senior secondary school learners was against the stipulations of a localised curriculum because this curriculum is supposed to cater for the needs of the learners in their specific environment. The study therefore suggested a model to be used in the examinations which will ensure that both rural and urban school learners are represented in the setting of external examinations.

International Journal of Research, 2020

This paper sought to establish teachers’ perceptions on the use of the mother tongue as a medium ... more This paper sought to establish teachers’ perceptions on the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school, grade 1-4. The paper adopted a qualitative approach where a case study research design was utilized. Data were collected from eight (8) grade 1-4 teachers in one primary school in the Manzini region of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The school was randomly selected and purposive sampling was used to select the teachers who participated. One on one interviews and questionnaires containing open- ended questions were used to collect data from the sampled teachers. The paper was based on the following research questions: what are teachers’ perceptions of using the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school? How is teaching and learning affected by the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school? Data were analysed using thematic content analysis....

European Journal of Education Studies, 2019

In most African countries the mother tongue leans much on culture. There is a conspicuous relatio... more In most African countries the mother tongue leans much on culture. There is a conspicuous relationship between first language and culture. This study sought to establish the relationship between first language and culture in teaching and learning siSwati as a first language. The study adopted an interpretive research paradigm where a qualitative approach was used. The qualitative approach was employed because it is mainly concerned with human behavior, and data collected in natural settings. In this study, a case study design was selected. The case study design enabled me to obtain data from a purposively selected sample of siSwati teachers. Schools were also purposively selected. Data was collected through interviews and observations. The findings of the study revealed that first language goes hand in hand with the norms and customs of the people of a particular society. It was a finding in this study that teachers teaching siSwati as a first language are also teachers of culture a...

European Journal of Education Studies, 2019

In most African countries the mother tongue leans much on culture. There is a conspicuous relatio... more In most African countries the mother tongue leans much on culture. There is a conspicuous relationship between first language and culture. This study sought to establish the relationship between first language and culture in teaching and learning siSwati as a first language. The study adopted an interpretive research paradigm where a qualitative approach was used. The qualitative approach was employed because it is mainly concerned with human behavior, and data collected in natural settings. In this study, a case study design was selected. The case study design enabled me to obtain data from a purposively selected sample of siSwati teachers. Schools were also purposively selected. Data was collected through interviews and observations. The findings of the study revealed that first language goes hand in hand with the norms and customs of the people of a particular society. It was a finding in this study that teachers teaching siSwati as a first language are also teachers of culture a...

International Journal of Research, 2020

This paper sought to establish teachers’ perceptions on the use of the mother tongue as a medium ... more This paper sought to establish teachers’ perceptions on the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school, grade 1-4. The paper adopted a qualitative approach where a case study research design was utilized. Data were collected from eight (8) grade 1-4 teachers in one primary school in the Manzini region of the Kingdom of Eswatini. The school was randomly selected and purposive sampling was used to select the teachers who participated. One on one interviews and questionnaires containing open- ended questions were used to collect data from the sampled teachers. The paper was based on the following research questions: what are teachers’ perceptions of using the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school? How is teaching and learning affected by the use of the mother tongue as a medium of instruction in the lower grade levels of primary school? Data were analysed using thematic content analysis....

IOSR Journal of Humanities and Social Science, 2017

This study sought to examine the teaching and learning of practical subjects in primary schools. ... more This study sought to examine the teaching and learning of practical subjects in primary schools. The main focus of this study was how the practical subjects are taught in one school in the Hhohho region of Swaziland. The study examined the experiences and perceptions of learners and teachers. A qualitative approach case study research design in which one-on-one interviews and observations were used to collect data was used. Data were analysed for content and conclusions were drawn. The main conclusions of the study were that practical subjects are timetabled to be taught in primary schools. The study also concluded that practical subjects sharpen the brains of the learners. The main findings of the study were that practical subjects are essential in the holistic development of the learner. It was also a finding in this study that most teachers and learners have a positive attitude towards practical subjects albeit that some teachers lacked confidence in teaching the subjects. The study recommends that teachers be assisted through workshops and short courses to boost their confidence in teaching practical subjects. The study also recommends that policies be put to place in order to ensure that practical subjects are taught in primary schools.

Journal of Advances in Education and Philosophy, 2019

This paper sought to establish primary school English Language teachers‟ experiences that they en... more This paper sought to establish primary school English Language teachers‟ experiences that they encounter during schools‟ inspection. Underpinned by the MacBeath Cube theory of Evaluation, a qualitative research approach was adopted where a case study research design was utilized with a purposively selected sample of fourteen (14) primary school English language teachers who had been picked from two schools that had been identified as underperforming. Data were analysed using thematic content analysis. The paper was based on the following research questions: What are the challenges encountered by English language teachers during schools‟ inspection? How can the challenges encountered by English Language teachers during schools‟ inspection be minimized? The findings of the study revealed that some of the challenges encountered by English language teachers during schools‟ inspection were that, inspectors disrupted teaching and learning as they came unannounced; inspectors harassed, rud...

GIS Business

Classroom instructors have a task to choose the most appropriate strategies for effective teachin... more Classroom instructors have a task to choose the most appropriate strategies for effective teaching to enhance student achievement. The study sought to establish factors that influence classroom instructors to select suitable instructional strategies to use for teaching SiSwati as a first language in primary schools in Eswatini. The study adopted an interpretive paradigm where a qualitative research approach and a multiple case study were used. Schools and teachers were purposively sampled. The study used face to face interviews as a primary research instrument, document analysis and observations supplemented the interviews. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. The findings of the study revealed that learners who were highly and responsive to instruction easily comprehend when taught in a variety of complex ways. The study revealed that once learners perform well, teachers used routine instructional methods. The study concluded that most teachers struggle in selecting appropriate teaching strategies when teaching Siswati. It was recommended that the Ministry of education should engage subject specialists who will assist teachers in selection of appropriate teaching strategies for the types of learners they have. It was also recommended that school administrators should allocate only teachers who are qualified and experienced in teaching the Mother Tongue.