Page 15 - 6-RUNDU Campus (16 April 2024) Graduation e-BOOK

School of Education
FACULTY OF EDUCATION &
HUMAN SCIENCES

DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY IN EDUCATION
(SCIENCE EDUCATION)
CANDIDATE: MURONGA Andreas S

CANDIDATE’S DISSERTATION

TEACHERS’ USE OF TEACHING AND LEARNING
SUPPORT MATERIALS FOR EFFECTIVE TEACHING OF
GRADE 11 CHEMISTRY AND PHYSICS IN KAVANGO
EAST REGION, NAMIBIA
The doctoral study was undertaken and completed under the
supervision of Prof Abah James as main supervisor, and Dr Adademola
Shobo, as co-supervisor, both from the University of Namibia.

The candidate investigated teachers’ use of Teaching and Learning
Support Materials (TLSMs) for effective teaching of Grade 11 Chemistry
and Physics in the Kavango East Region, Namibia. Using Likert scale
closed ended survey questionnaires, interviews and live classroom
observations, the study found that the teachers mainly used TLSMs
to help their learners acquire quality knowledge construction and
enduring memory of Chemistry and Physics concepts taught, and
to instill scientific skills of handling apparatus in the learners. These
support materials are further used to capture learners’ attention
and enhance their concentration during the lesson, and to facilitate
guided interactions between the learners. Factors such as teachers’
lack of pedagogical knowledge in using TLSMs, scarcity of TLSMs,
overcrowded classrooms, poor English as a Second language, lack of
well-equipped school laboratories, and lack of training workshops were
shown to constrain teachers from using TLSMs. Possible intervention
measures include provision of teachers’ in-service training through
Continuous Professional Development, provision of well-equipped
science laboratories, and provision of relevant TLSMs. Teachers also
need training on the best practices of using TLSMs and methods to
achieve the desired teaching objectives.

The study recommended that the SEO should provide regular capacity
building workshops for Chemistry and Physics teachers based on
innovative usage of TLSMs to enable them to effectively teach the
subjects. Furthermore, the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture
should provide adequate relevant TLSMs as well as equip Chemistry
and Physics laboratories in the schools in order to avail teachers the
needed TLSMs for effective teaching of Grade 11 Chemistry and
Physics.

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