Department of Technical and Engineering Education and Training

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Attitudes of Technical Teacher Education Student Teachers at University on the Use of Information Communication Technology for Learning and Teaching
(2014-09) Dlodlo, Mary
The study provides an indication about the attitudes of female and male student-teachers on the use information communication technologies in learning and teaching. Female learners’ lack of interest against the high interest shown by their male counterparts in learning and teaching has implications on their performance. The introduction of ICT in learning and teaching requires student-teachers as classroom instructors to be competent in using ICTs for a variety of activities in order to impart those skills to younger learners. The study sought to find differences between female and male students in the use of ICT and investigated students’ attitudes to assess whether access to computers, background, stereotype and experiences influenced female and male participants in using ICT in teaching and learning. The objective of the study was to discover attitudes of female and male students towards ICT. The study was also to discover differences in attitudes towards ICT between female and male student teachers and to what extent these differences could be explained by students, lecturers and student-teachers’ experience factors. Female and male students were exposed to the use of computers at university in different education programs that included student teachers from art and design, clothing, textiles and fashion design and computer study areas among others. The study did not reveal wide gender differences in computer attitudes between female and male student teachers as it showed that both female and male students developed computer knowledge and confidence in working with ICT although male students used ICT for experimentation while female students used them more for set assignments. From the results it is recommended that female student teachers use computers more freely in their student activities for the purpose of acquiring a variety of computer skills and for the male student teachers to focus on specific tasks of learning and teaching when using computers.
Best Practices for Institutions in Conducting SelfAssessment for Accreditation
(IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025) Chasokela, D.; Manokore, K.
This chapter provides an in-depth exploration of the best practices for institutions undergoing self-assessment for accreditation. It outlines a step-by-step process that institutions can follow to effectively evaluate their programs, policies and procedures against the standards set by accreditation agencies. The chapter highlights the importance of establishing a dedicated accreditation team, gathering and analyzing data, developing action plans for areas of improvement, and engaging in ongoing self-reflection and continuous improvement. The chapter also offers guidance on how to navigate the often complex and challenging process of accreditation, including tips for successfully addressing areas of concern and communicating with accreditation agencies.
Challenges faced by female students and the messages conveyed to them by practices of lecturers with regards to sexual harassment. Do lecturers nurture or denature their students?
(2014-09) Tlou, Faith Nomathemba
The aim of the study was to scrutinize what happens to students in a teacher’s college environment in terms of sexual harassment. It further sought to provide insights on (I) whether students are sexually harassed by lecturers (ii) the messages this sends to students (iii) how students cope with such experiences and the values they consequently pick because of such experiences. The research was located in the interpretive paradigm hence it adopted qualitative approach and used a case study design. Purposive sampling was used to select three college managers, ten lecturers and twenty five student participants. Seven of the students were interviewed individually using semi-structured interviews while 18 of them constituted 3 focus groups of six students each that completed the data collection by interview. The study found that there was sexual harassment of students by some lecturers in the colleges. The study also established that students got the message that some lecturers did not value students and on occasion treated them in a degrading manner. The study also established that students used some strategies to cope including avoidance, appealing to authorities and counselling. The study recommended that in cases of sexual harassment, specially trained officers in handling sexual harassment cases for reporting such cases be put in place so that in view of the culture of fear of victimization and stigmatization, students may be forth- coming in reporting such sensitive and personal matters so that these are curtailed
Computer Integrated Manufacturing Sub-Systems in Technical and Vocational Education and Training: A Bewilderment for Stakeholders in Polytechnics in Zimbabwe
(Indiana Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2022-03-31) Muzari, T.; Chasokela, D.; Sithole, A.
The embracing Computer Integrated Manufacturing (CIM) sub-systems are indispensable for sustainable development of entrepreneurship skills of students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET). There seems to be a dearth of requisite skills in Polytechnic students in Masvingo Province to measure up to the expectations of industry in this technological era. A case study of a polytechnic college was carried out to assess the barriers that militate against students’ acquisition of full training in accredited TVET programmes. The study employed the qualitative approach which focuses on the interpretive paradigm. Five students, five lecturers, four college administrators and three captains of industry were purposively sampled to participate in semi-structured face to face interviews and participant observations. Results revealed that there are resource constrains and physical infrastructure inadequacy as well as mismatch between industry and training institution in the provision of indispensable CIM software packages. The results also showed that not every lecturer is capable of using CIM sub-systems during teaching and learning besides having been staff-developed. The study recommended that TVET lectures be extensively condensed on the acceptance and use of CIM technology so that they become capable of using such technologies during teaching and learning taking cognisance of the 21st Century industry expectations. There is need for the college through both government agencies and non-governmental organisations to initiate and mobilise resources to sufficiently equip TVET colleges with technological devices and indispensable CIM software packages. The training institution is recommended to network for collaboration and partnerships as well starting innovation hubs inform of campus companies which would produce the same services that the industry is providing.
Constraints affecting men's participation in early childhood education (ECE): Implications for intervention.
(2020) Mathwasa, J.; Sibanda, L.
A qualitative study grounded in the interpretive paradigm was adopted where four men, four women and four educators were purposively selected, responded to the semi-structured interviews. The aim of the study was to establish the constraints affecting men’s participation in the early childhood education of their children. The researchers observed all the ethical concerns. Data was analysed in easily understood themes. The findings revealed that although all stakeholders fully understood the importance of men in the early childhood education their participation was still minimal indicating that they still faced constraints. The constraints included work-related absence, broken relationships, lack of interest, traditional and cultural beliefs, stereotypes and mothers’ monopoly on the children. The study concluded that for the achievement of early childhood goals, men should improve their participation in early education of children. The study recommends that all stakeholders make a retrospect into how they have contributed to the constraints that men face in their endeavour to change the status quo.
Design of a Flood Water Powered Water Pump
(National University of Science and Technology (NUST)., 2007-07-17) Dewa, Mncedisi; Mhlanga, Samson; Maphosa, N.; Phuthi, Nduduzo
The paper set to discuss the research to develop a machine that collects water from flooded rivers and pumps it to a reservoir so that it can be used to water crops during the interludes of dry spells that characterize the Zimbabwe rain season. This water is not necessary intended to irrigate the crop on full scale, but just to bridge the crop and sustain it during the critical weeks of the dry spells which usually stresses the crop beyond recovery even after the rains resume. The simple machine designed relies totally on the force of the flood water to pump water from the river and send it to the reservoir, thus making it possible for the machine to be used in the rural areas where there is no electricity. The cost of the model that was built is given as well as the pictorial view of the model.
E-Learning Environments in Undergraduate Design and Technology Courses
(2014) Phuthi, Nduduzo; Molwane, Olefile Bethuel
When e-learning and other information and communication technologies (ICT’s) became accepted in both distance and face-to-face modes of learning in tertiary education, expectations were high that they would, within a reasonable time frame, yield visible and perhaps irrefutable gains in course delivery strategies and revolutionise both learning content knowledge and access to it. In developing countries it was hoped that there would be benefits in tapping into a knowledge revolution currently dominated by industrialised countries, who are by far the greatest contributors and beneficiaries. The University of Botswana’s (UB) efforts, initiated in 2001, at technological transformation in teaching and learning for meaningful quality processes and outcomes have been evaluated by researchers, reviewers and participants. Comments have been made such as, ‘substantial progress, but many challenges” “very useful teaching support tool for large classes, but there is need to address key background issues” , “students share learning through educational technologies, but appropriate learning environments are required” . It has been evident that although a lot has been done at institutional management level to promote adoption and implementation of e-learning as a rule at UB, the ideal situation has not materialised. Much of the problem seems to emanate from the interaction between key players, such as top management, the teaching staff and students. This paper reports on an on-going qualitative study that was carried out in order to negotiate and establish acceptable quality and effectiveness of e-learning envisaged by both the staff and students in a course that was not online at the time, in preparation of launching the course online in the next cycle. The action learning research study aimed at constructing an environment and a disposition towards e-learning mutually negotiated between students and their lecturers. Data was collected through various student-lecturer and student-student interaction processes such as classroom lecture, internet search, group presentations, tests, assignments, classroom observations, questionnaires, and video script analyses. Preliminary findings indicate that most students are enthusiastic about adopting e-learning if they have been adequately pre-oriented into the method and are consistently guided by caring and competent staff. They also will appreciate quality and effective learning if this is negotiated with someone who can articulate standards of performance.
Effectiveness of Strategic Communication Tools in Enhancing Local Authorities Operations, the Zimbabwean Experiences
(Indiana Journal of Humanities and Social Sciences, 2022-03-31) Ngwenya, B.; Ndlovu, M.J.; Shava, G.; Zulu, E.; Shonhiwa, S.
The study sought to evaluate strategic communication tools in Zimbabwe with the City of Bulawayo as a case study. Bulawayo City Council was the first local authority to set up a service call centre in 2012 to cover all municipal service faults and queries. The focus of the call centre was to ensure efficient service delivery and also customer relationship management. The study sought to examine the role of the strategic communication tools to a municipal‟s overall strategy. It also aimed at assessing the role of the call centre since its formation as well as evaluate the importance of the call centre in enhancing service delivery. As the first local authority to set up a call centre there has been increased interest from other local authorities in learning from Bulawayo‟s experiences. In conducting the study, 100 questionnaires were sent to internal respondents who were members of staff for the City of Bulawayo and 290 questionnaires were distributed to all the 29 wards in the city. Purposive sampling was used in the distribution of questionnaires for internal respondents and non - probability convenience sampling used for the external respondents. The study established that the call centre has been an influential strategic communication tool contributing towards the enhancement of service quality and delivery. The study further revealed that there is need for the local authority to match services provided at the call centre to the services provided by other service departments. The study indicated that the call centre as a strategic communication tool could be successfully implemented by other Zimbabwean local authorities although it was noted that this should be after careful research and analysis. The study recommended that organisations wishing to set up call centres should be able to match customer service demand with the actual delivery of services.
Effects of school leadership in enhancing learners' achievement in South African schools
(2020) Shava, G.N.; Sibanda, L.
Introduction: School leadership has increasingly been gaining attention from educational policymakers, and the entire educational society. Research has also confirmed that school principals are essential for developing and maintaining effective school systems. The role of school leadership in schools is highly complex and dynamic such that strategies are needed to change underperforming schools. This article reported on a small scale exploratory qualitative study that investigated the effects of school leadership in enhancing the learning outcomes of a cohort of schools in a rural setting in South Africa. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to analyse the role of principals in enhancing learning achievement in schools. Methodology: The study took a qualitative research approach with an interpretive epistemological and constructivist ontological perspective. Qualitative evidence was collected from six schools in the same district through semi-structured interview question with educators and school principals. Purposive sampling techniques were used to select information-rich cases from the schools and in selecting the schools. Results: Grounded in the accounts of our study participants, results from the study indicated that school principals are the cornerstones of achieving quality teaching and learning through motivating educators, training and providing distributed leadership Recommendations: From the study findings, it was recommended that there is need to improve the basic unit of the educational institution which include structural, cultural and agential conditions to enhance the effective operations of school principals. There is a need to motivate and enhance existing forms of agency in ways that expand learners’ achievement.
Enhancing Students’ Self-Efficacy: Implication for High School Guidance and Counselling Educators
(2020) Mathwasa, J.; Sibanda , L.
As students enter high school, they face a myriad risk of adverse outcomes such as pressure to perform or drop out; peer influence to conform or be an outcast; drug and substance abuse; delinquency, poverty and possibly abuse and neglect. It is also at this stage where most teenage students experience identity crisis. As a result, students’ self-efficacy is then impaired, and their resilience diminished with every stress and trauma they experience. Thus far, there has been scanty research in utilising classroom guidance in understanding what factors impact or not, and how school counsellors choose to engage in classroom guidance. While much guidance and counselling in schools has focused on career choices, sexual and physical harassment, and perhaps, bereavement, abuse and neglect, very little is known on how detrimental lack of self-efficacy and resilience is to the high school student. Even though educators aim to cover the academic syllabus, it is also essential that operative guidance and counselling should also pay equal attention to the social syllabus. This chapter aims to explore the factors that are detrimental to students’ self-efficacy, resilience and coping mechanism; how classroom guidance and counselling can reduce the risk of the adverse outcomes in the society.
Foundations of Academic Accreditation: The Role of Institutional Research in Supporting Quality Assurance Efforts
(IGI Global Scientific Publishing, 2025) Chasokela, D.; Moyo, M.; Phuthi, N.
Institutional research (IR) is an essential component of quality assurance in higher education and plays a key role in academic accreditation processes. This book chapter explores the foundations of academic accreditation and the role of IR in supporting quality assurance efforts. It covers topics such as the purpose of accreditation, the accreditation process, the role of IR in accreditation, and the challenges and opportunities for IR in the context of accreditation. The chapter will be useful for Institutional Research professionals, administrators, and faculty members who are involved in the accreditation process. The purpose of this book chapter is to provide an overview of the foundations of academic accreditation and the role of IR in supporting quality assurance efforts. The chapter begins by exploring the purpose of accreditation, including a discussion of the key organizations and standards.
Grounded Theory in Educational Research, Features and Processes a Review of Literature
(International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science, 2022-01) Shava, G.N.; Sibanda, S.; Moyo, S.; Bapire, K.; Mathonsi, E.
Grounded theory which is a systematic methodology of discovering theory from data in social science and educational research is considered a general methodology and a way of thinking about conceptualizing data. Using Grounded theory, meaning is negotiated and understood through interactions with others in a social process. This paper provides an overview of the features of grounded theory; process activities involved in using grounded theory are highlighted finally the weaknesses and strength of grounded theory are discussed. In this article we argue that using an appropriate research method for an inquiry is critical to successful educational research. Our study adopted a systematic literature review which examined the key characteristic of grounded theory as a technique for analysing qualitative data.
Indigenous Design and Production Entrepreneurship: Sector Performance Audits and Proactive Support
(Bulletin of the Centre for Academic Development, 2008-03) Phuthi, Nduduzo; Letsatsi, M.T.
There is little doubt, if at all, that one of the most urgent goals for developing Africa is genuine economic emancipation, which would, in turn, expedite solutions to the persistent problems of poverty, disease, ignorance, civil strife, and many others. This emancipation requires deliberate, proactive home-grown initiatives that gradually unshackle economically deprived nations from dependence on imported expertise, ideas, tools and products, to a culture of planned local design, production and trade in globally competitive wares and products. Such a mindset has evolved over the years in industrialised countries through steady and cumulative growth from small to medium to large-scale business enterprises. In this paper we propose a systematic audit for small and medium-scale enterprises in the design and production business which would assist to identify the necessary support needed to propel the local small and medium-scale sector into national and global competitiveness.
Integrating Entrepreneurship into the University Curriculum: Perceptions of 4th Year Students in One Public University in Zimbabwe
(Taylor and Francis, 2018) Nani, G.V.
This study was conducted to find out what the students’ views were regarding the right time to introduce Entrepreneurship into the university curriculum. The issue of when Entrepreneurship should be taught at university level has been a topic for debate amongst students, with some raising concerns that the course is not given adequate time to complete the entire entrepreneurial process. From a population of 477 students studying Entrepreneurship as a service course, 221 randomly selected fourth and final year students of one public university in Zimbabwe participated. The study employed a case survey approach which used semi-structured questionnaires to collect data. Thematic coding was used to analyse qualitative data. Findings were two-fold: that at the university under study, Entrepreneurship was introduced at fourth and final year level and that students felt that the course should be embedded into the curriculum earlier. Recommendations were that Entrepreneurship be taught from first year level to enable coverage of both the theoretical and practical components of the Entrepreneurship course. Alternatively, the study recommended that a specialised degree program be developed which would allow for the introduction of the Entrepreneurship course from first year university level.
Load Shedding Battery Cut-Off Circuit for Solar Powered System
(Indiana Journal of Multidisciplinary Research, 2022-08-27) Chasokela, D.; Tshuma, L.S.; Mastshe, K.; Sibanda, M.
Most countries have high demand of electricity. Load shedding is a way of shedding loads when the electricity demand is higher than the total generation, Butt et al.(2020). Therefore, to protect the system solar powered systems are used in households. The experimental design set up system includes a battery, comparator and control of the system. The design allows energy conservation and the design process uses Droid Telsa application. Simulations of circuit battery voltages are simulated at different voltages. The design is sensitive to slight voltage changes.
Modelling Positive Behaviour: A Vital Strategy in Instilling Positive Discipline Among Secondary School Learners.
(2020-07) Sibanda, L.; Mantwasa, J.
This qualitative study, guided by interpretive paradigm, explored how secondary schools use modelling positive behaviour strategy to instil positive discipline among learners in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. The study was enthused by the abolition of corporal punishment, exclusion due to delinquent behaviour and adoption of positive, inclusive discipline strategies to maintain order in schools. A case study design purposively sampled four schools in which four school heads, twenty members of the disciplinary committee, four school counsellors, two education officers, four School Development Committee chairpersons and forty prefects participated. Data collected through focus group interviews, semi-structured interviews and document analysis were thematically analysed. The results indicated that secondary schools adopted the modelling positive behaviour strategy to instil positive discipline among learners. New staff members’ orientation focused on conduct, modelling of positive behaviour whenever teachers, learners and parents interact as they perform various activities in the school environment. The study also established that prefects as role models were afforded opportunity to lead assembly sessions. The study concluded that in spite of a few cases of misconduct, it is evident that modelling positive behaviour strategy produced affirmative outcomes in schools understudy. The study recommends further research that explores other strategies that could be adopted by schools to maintain positive discipline particularly in rural schools.
National STEM education framework: Teachers’ perspectives on the 2015-2022 curriculum cycle
(Scientia Publica Media, 2024) Manokore, K.; Sibanda, L.
Throughout the world, nations are busy investing in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) to prepare innovative minds that can spearhead the development and sustainable growth of their economies. Zimbabwe’s participation in the global economy is premised on the preference for STEM education system. The introduction of the Competence-Based Curriculum (CBC) in Zimbabwe meant a shift in the general aims and objectives of the education system. The transformation meant a move from an academic oriented and content-focused curriculum to one that is skills-based, giving prominence to continuous assessment over final examinations. To explore classroom practitioners’ perceptions of the first cycle of the CBC, 20 purposively selected STEM teachers participated in the study. A qualitative research approach and case study design were adopted as study methodology. Thematically analysed data were collected through focus group interviews with participants. The study focused on support systems available for STEM education in secondary schools and how the absence of the national framework affects its implementation. The study found that there were limited support systems for STEM education as some schools did not have adequate facilities and equipment such as science laboratories, apparatus, science consumables, computer laboratories, computer hardware and software among others. It came out from the study that the absence of national framework had negative effect on the implementation of STEM education in secondary schools. The study concluded that though the secondary schools experienced constraints in implementing STEM education there were noticeable pockets of good practices in some schools, for example, learners graduating with competences for life skills. The study recommended that the schools should engage stakeholders for support in provision of required resources. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should expedite the development of a national framework for the effective implementation of STEM education.
Needs-based knowledge processing through university- community partnerships: higher education inroads into rural community development in Zimbabwe
(The UNESCO Forum on Higher Education Research and Knowledge, 2008-11) Phuthi, Nduduzo; Gundani, M.P.D.; Sibanda, Isaiah M.
Knowledge, the ultimate competitive advantage for any modern community or organization, gives its possessor a unique and inherently protected commodity for survival and development. Today's universities are among those organizations credited for spearheading and sustaining the on-going knowledge revolution. In developing countries, universities have come to playa key role within their own societies in a wide range of developmental issues even though they often find themselves acutely outclassed in the competitive international knowledge network (Altbach, 1998). Notably, many universities need sensitization for them to prioritize the integration of local and alien knowledge that should address broader sustainable development needs as perceived by the affected communities. Comparatively, the superior military, economic, intellectual and technological accomplishments of industrialized countries give some of their universities extensive, jealously-guarded power, prompting them to assert themselves as 'central' institutions within their countries and in the global knowledge arena. The third world universities remain 'peripheral', tending to copy developments from abroad, producing little that is original, and generally not at the frontiers of knowledge. Within developing countries, the Western-sourced education, science, technology and Western human development models appear to perpetrate a socio-economic and knowledge gap among citizens, creating a conservative traditional culture alongside a neo-Western one.
Partnerships in Education, Training and Management for Sustainable Natural Resources Processing in Zimbabwe’s Rural Communities
(2014) Phuthi, Nduduzo; Sibanda, A.J.P.
In the course of their everyday academic business, universities in developing countries turn over large volumes of mainly foreign-sourced knowledge, while on the other hand typical communities in rural areas are starved of vital information for their own survival and development. Partnerships between universities and their immediate communities have a potential to turn the fortunes of both parties in economic ways. In the area of natural resources harvesting for commercial purposes, the university- community partnership plays a critical role in fulfilling mutual needs and tackling environmental stability. This paper explores the perceived roles of education, training and management practices on encouraging rural communities to recognize natural resources within their environments and to develop appropriate capacity to sustainably exploit them for economic benefit. Elaborating on the views of selected players and with reference to textile materials sourcing and processing, the paper identifies the complementary functions of education, management and rural communities in developing informed appreciation for sustainable harvesting of natural resources.
A Preliminary Study on Causes of Non Retention of Masendu Ward Girls at Secondary School
(Zimbabwe Journal of science and technology, 2010) Nkiwane, Londiwe C.; Dube, S.; Maposa, Daniel; Nxumalo, M.
This case study is a preliminary attempt to identify possible factors that might contribute to poor retention and progression of a girl-child in Secondary School education in Masendu Area. The study was conducted using school leavers from Masendu ward, in the Bulilima district of Zimbabwe. The results presented in this study were collected from a workshop attended by 13 female and 2 male school leavers from Masendu Ward and 10 female students from the National University of Science and Technology. Questionnaires and focus group discussions were used as instruments for collecting data. The results serve as a preliminary to the pilot study conducted at the Mangwe district in Plumtree. A paper on the study is to follow. From the data collected in the workshop, twelve major problems were identified which most participants viewed as the key contributors to the poor retention and progression of a girl child in secondary school education. The problems identified included just to mention a few: early pregnancies, lack of finance, lack of moral support and protection from unruly characters on the way , after school sporting activities which cause the children to leave school late, leaving school to seek job in neighbouring countries. Some of the suggestions of improving the retention on a girl –child at secondary school included the need to educate school girls on importance of abstinence, community to seek sponsorships, need for intervention from the community at large to safeguard the education of all children irrespective of gender, provision of cheap accommodation at school or at villages near school, sport activities could be scheduled one morning of a chosen day during the week to enable the students to leave school early and get home before it of dark. Lessons for that day could be covered by extending the other remain 4 days by a lesson or two, career guidance that emphases the need of education for a long lasting career.

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