Implementing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education: A Case of Four Single Sex Secondary Schools in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe
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2018
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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to examine the implementation of STEM education in Bulawayo Metropolitan
Province single sex Secondary Schools. This study was qualitative in nature, guided by interpretivist paradigm,
and used case study design. The population encompassed seven single sex secondary schools. Participants who
included one district schools inspector, four school heads, four heads of departments, sixteen science teachers
and forty learners were purposively sampled from four schools. Data were collected through face-to-face semistructured
interviews and focus group discussions, coded and analysed thematically. The results of the study
indicated that standard laboratories were available to facilitate the implementation of STEM education in single
sex secondary schools. The study further revealed that most of the teachers who taught STEM subjects had
relevant qualifications and used various methods to encourage learner participation in STEM education.
Additionally, the study established that learners were actively involved in science exhibitions and olympiads
which gave learners hands-on experience in STEM subjects. It also emerged from the findings that some female
learners are highly confident in taking up STEM subjects and are not afraid to compete against their male
counterparts. However, the findings of the study revealed that the implementation of STEM education in single
sex schools was constrained by lack of well-equipped science laboratories, lack of financial resources to
purchase learning materials, especially chemicals, large class sizes, negative attitude towards STEM subjects by
some learners, and limited parental involvement in their children’s learning. The study concluded that single sex
schools created an enabling environment for learner engagement and afforded both male and female learners
equal access to STEM education despite the challenges encountered. The study recommends that the Ministry of
Primary and Secondary Education should expedite the construction of well-equipped laboratories and provision
of material and financial resources.
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Ncube, P. and Sibanda, L. (2018) Implementing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Education: A Case of Four Single Sex Secondary Schools in Bulawayo Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe. JMournal of Education and Practice, 9(32): 1-10