Zambia Association of Public Universities and Colleges (ZAPUC) Conference

Cyber Counseling Practices in public and private universities in Zambia

Daniel Mpolomoka Lupiya — 2023-08-26

This paper shares the findings of a study that explored counseling policies and practices in public and private universities in Zambia. The study contended that the shift in teaching modes in universities has led to the shift from traditional on-campus classroom sessions to distance and on-line ones. This has made counseling service provision somewhat problematic and divisive.

The study employed a qualitative research paradigm, in particular a descriptive research approach. Six (6) public and private universities were sampled using the simple random sampling technique and involved 90 respondents: 30 lecturers, comprising five (5) lecturers from each university; 60 students, consisting of 10 students from each university. Telephone interview guides and Google form questionnaires were the two main methods used to collect data for the study. Descriptive and thematic data analysis methods were used. Findings revealed an absence of counseling units and or departments in all the three private universities sampled. At least, 2 out of the 3 public universities had structures and some officers seconded to man (operate) the units. The following was evident in all the universities: absence of high-tech to facilitate and support cyber counseling; inconsistent engagement of students by the existing counseling units, no counseling plans, lack of models with guidelines in cyber counseling which is age appropriate. Social workers not knowing how to go about using cyber counseling students’ lack of orientation where cyber counselling exists in universities by the social workers, thus students going to any lecturer to seek counselling which leads to lack of confidentiality. Findings further showed that all the private and public universities did not have trained staff in cyber counseling. What is more, is that there were few or no records of students either referred for counseling or identified by any staff as needing such service(s). What was established from both the students and lecturers was that counseling was provided to students in now evident ways such as ‘learner support services’, ‘online student engagements’, ‘social media network engagements’ and through the student union representatives. Indirectly, these were named, yet not categorized as constituting counseling services. The study recommends that HEIs designate units to coordinate counseling service provision now that there are students who learn both synchronously and asynchronously.

EMPOWERMENT OF PARENTS FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES WITH ENTREPRENEUR SKILLS: A CASE OF KATONDO COMMUNITY

Annie Penda — 2023-09-02

Abstract

This study will explore the empowerment of parents of children with disabilities in Katondo community through the development of entrepreneurial skills. The research will aim to identify the challenges faced by parents in the community and how entrepreneurial training can help address these challenges. The study is qualitative and will use a case study approach. Data will be collected through the use of interviews schedule, group discussion guide and observations checklist of parents who will participate in the entrepreneurial training program. The entrepreneurial training program will provide a platform for parents to develop new skills and build networks, which will improve their economic status and social standing. The parents will be involved in development and implementation of program as they have valuable insights into the challenges they face and can provide input on how best to address these challenges. Entrepreneurship will be a viable strategy for addressing the challenges faced by families with children with disabilities The study will have a positive impact on parents’ ability to care for their children with disabilities and their overall quality of life. The study will also shed light on the potential economic benefits of empowering parents of children with disabilities. By enabling them to start their businesses, parents will be expected to generate income for their families and contribute to the local economy. This will be a ripple effect on the community, as it will help to reduce poverty and promote economic development. The starting support and resources for parents who will complete entrepreneurial training will be provided by researchers. In conclusion the study will provide insights into the challenges faced by parents in Katondo and emphasize the importance of how the empowerment of entrepreneurial training program will address these challenges by recognizing the potential of parents. The study will further highlight the role of education in empowering parents and providing them with the resources and support needed to start and maintain their businesses, in order to improve their economic and social well-being. The study will provide insights into the challenges faced by parents and the potential impact of empowering them and lay the foundation for future research and action in this area.

Studies in Promoting the Tourism Sector in Zambia: The Response of Public Higher Education Institutions

Chikondi Banda-Thole — 2023-09-06

Economic diversification remains a priority for African countries seeking to grow their economies. The tourism sector offers numerous economic opportunities that can be harnessed to reflect the Structural Transformation agenda set by the members of the African Union. The rich natural and cultural heritage spread across the continent demands an effective response from Higher Education Institutions in calibrating their training content to reflect the evolving needs of the industry.
This paper undertakes a case study of Zambia. It studies the evolution of the tourism policy and Institutional frameworks from its independence era to 2020, in order to note important themes that have been emphasized over time. The paper then outlines findings from a survey amongst public higher education institutions offering programs targeted for the tourism sector. The paper evaluates the manner in which these Institutions reflect Zambia’s aspirations for the tourism sector.
The paper proposes that the multifaceted nature of the tourism sector provides Higher Education Institutions with an opportunity to be creative in the training of professionals for the industry. It further advocates for indigenous solutions to the challenges and opportunities of the tourism sector in each African country.

A Review of upscaling a skill based Higher Education system for community connectedness in Zambia

Lucky Musonda — 2023-08-21

The article undertook to examine upscaling skills based frameworks in Higher Education for transforming communities. The criteria used is to understand and analyze the three operational levels of higher education; 1) Higher Education Authority, 2) Higher Education Institutions and 3) Higher Education learners. The article’s examination of the three operational levels of higher education found that there is an existence of operational frameworks with regard to policies, strategic planning and curriculum design. The frameworks functions based on same values of constituted national education laws. However, the upscaling of skill based structures are hardly in operation due to lack of firm supportive frameworks to solidify the linkages of the three entities to community needs which are at the center of their operations.

There is need to build frameworks in higher education that have defined community needs as the basis for upscaling skill based systems. The community seem detached from the three higher education operations even though it supplies its human resources in form of learners.

Public University Students’ Perspective of a Youth Employability Curriculum

Ireen Moonga — 2023-08-21

Zambia is facing high unemployment rates, particularly among the youth. Universities have been accused of offering curricula that promotes the student attitude of graduating for white-collar jobs only. This can be seen through the many youths that fight for the few vacancies each time government advertises jobs leaving many of them disoriented as they discover that the formal job market is flooded. From time to time, Universities undertake curriculum review in a quest to respond to youth unemployment. Unfortunately, these efforts do not always yield the desired results as unemployment among the youth keeps increasing. There is a need for Zambia to develop a curriculum that is formulated for employability with or without the formal sector playing a major role. Through purposive sampling, the study engaged 40 3^rdyear, 4th year and former students from two Zambian public universities through interviews and questionnaires to express their views regarding coming up with a meaningful curriculum to enhance youth employability. As its objectives, the study intended to: (1) Establish the practical skills and knowledge that are on high demand in today’s job market. (2) Create an opportunity for senior students to identify and pursue job opportunities. To address this problem, the study applied the exploratory and descriptive research designs with qualitative and quantitative methods to collect and analyse data and perceptions of a youth employability curriculum. Findings revealed that students preferred a curriculum that focused on developing practical skills, critical thinking, communication, and teamwork abilities. The data was analyzed thematically according to the objectives.

The Adoption and Usage of Recommender Systems in Tertiary Institutions in Zambia: A Case of Mulungushi University

Sinyinda Muwanei — 2023-08-21

This study aims to assess the adoption and usage of recommender systems in Zambian universities. Recommender systems have gained popularity in various domains, including education, for providing personalized recommendations to users. However, the extent to which these systems are implemented and utilized in Zambian universities remains unclear. For this study the scope covers Mulungushi University. Through surveys, this research investigates the current adoption status, implementation strategies, and specific usage areas of recommender systems in Zambian universities. The findings will provide valuable insights for enhancing the student experience, promoting personalized learning, and optimizing resource allocation in Zambian higher education institutions.

Cultivating Dialogue in Higher Learning Institutions in Zambia within the Context of Academic Freedom

Oliver Magasu — 2023-08-21

This article will provide an entry into the cultivation of policy dialogue skills between lecturers and students, and university authorities within the context of academic freedom. The position that is strongly advanced is that an understanding of, and experience with policy dialogue is critical to the attainment of academic freedom in higher learning institutions. Therefore, this paper will raise an argument in favor of this position. In this regard, this article will present an understanding for integrating dialogue and academic freedom. Furthermore, this article will highlight intersecting themes; dialogue as a competency for achieving academic freedom, dialogue as a primary value for academic freedom and dialogue as constitutive of academic freedom itself. These themes will help to position dialogue within the context of academic freedom.

Key Words: Academic Freedom; Dialogue Skills, Policy; Cultivating Dialogue

Locust Infestations and Mobile Phones: Exploring the Potential of Digital Tools to Enhance Early Warning Systems and Response Mechanisms

Brian Halubanza — 2023-08-21

This study aimed to investigate the knowledge levels and prevalence of locusts in the Sikaunzwe Agricultural camp in Zambia, as well as the association between mobile phone ownership and access to locust information. The study found that the majority of the sampled population were male, married, and engaged in farming as their primary occupation, with limited formal education. A significant proportion of the population had experienced locust outbreaks in the year preceding the survey, with the majority able to recognize the signs of locust outbreaks but only a small proportion having received training in locust management. Mobile phones were found to be a valuable tool for accessing and reporting locust information, but a significant proportion of the population did not own mobile phones. These findings have important policy implications for improving agricultural practices and management in the region, increasing training and awareness programs for locust management, and promoting the use of mobile technology to disseminate critical information to farmers in remote areas.

Incubating an Entrepreneurial Mind Through Student Skills Empowerment Programme at Kwame Nkrumah University in Zambia

Jive Lubbungu — 2023-08-21

The main purpose of this paper is highlight Kwame Nkrumah University's student Empowerment programme (SEP) whose core business is to empower students to improve their lives and the lives of others while on campus and after they have left the university. The program was initiated by three lecturers after a realisation that there has been a shrinking space for employment in the teaching fraternity in the country. Kwame Nkrumah university predominantly trains teachers who are taken on by the government which has not been able to employ all the graduates of late. As such, graduate teachers have been left to wander the streets without anything meaningful to do. This is because their training does not expose them to survival skills in an event that jobs are not available after graduation. Due to a huge backlog of unemployed teacher graduates, there is no hope that our students would be employed soon. The nature of training directs them to job-seeking as opposed to self-employment. The empowerment aspect seems to be the missing link that the SEP has come to address especially at Kwame Nkrumah University through a number of activities. To address the gap identified, three clubs outside the normal academic calendar were introduced namely, Art Club, Student Research Club, and French Club. In these clubs, students are exposed to hands-on activities such as music and dance, interpretation, Research mentorship activities, and many other skills development activities. The clubs, through various activities, are critical in shaping the students to be change agents by gaining the skills to impact their own lives and lives of other individuals, organisations, and communities once they are out of the university instead of waiting to be employed by the government. Various career programmes are conducted through in-house workshops and the programme has proved to be a success story.

Key Stakeholders’ Perception About Engagement of Virtual Tools for Learning During Covid-19 Pandemic for Church Sabbath School Classes in Zambia: A Framework Analysis on the Possibility of an Integrating Model

Dexter Adamson Njuka — 2023-08-21

Virtual tools technology has influenced even religious communication has it has become the modern day toolbox for knowledge sharing. It is a very exponential form of knowledge sharing that happens in virtual spaces reaching out to masses in a dynamic manner and in real time as compared to physical tools. Realizing the engagement of virtual tools for learning for church sabbath school classes cannot go on without first analyzing the impact of Seventh-Day Adventist Church in Zambia key stakeholders perception during Covid-19. In this work, a descriptive and survey design was employed. The study population was made up of church members, church workers, and administrators of the Seventh-day Adventist Church from all the ten provinces of the country which has a membership of 1,295,153. The research objectives were subjected to both qualitative and quantitative methods with an interpretive or constructive paradigm with an embedded subjectivism philosophy and SPSS was used for thematic and content analysis. The finding from this research establishes that key stakeholders perception significantly impacts the engagement of virtual tools for sabbath school class as was established during Covid-19 Pandemic. It was recommended that the church invests in a virtual infrastructure that should be manned by professionals who can effectively implement the the integrated model for its mission existence and effectively use virtual tools.

Examination anxiety among undergraduate distance students at Chalimbana University.

Brian Mumba — 2023-08-21

This paper details findings of a study which investigated the prevalence and causes of examination anxiety among undergraduate distance students at Chalimbana University. The objectives of the study were to establish the prevalence of examination anxiety among undergraduate distance students at Chalimbana University, and establish causes of examination anxiety among the students. The study used a descriptive survey design. The sample comprised one hundred and fifty-one (151) students who were randomly selected to participate in the study. Data was collected through use of an online questionnaire through whatsapp student platforms. The findings revealed that majority of the students experienced examination anxiety as they were writing their examination papers. The study also revealed that students experienced examination anxiety due to less work covered during residential school, inadequate preparation for the examination, so many courses to do, and lecturers not doing much to prepare them for the examination. The study recommends that university management should ensure that students are oriented on examinations, course combination, expectations and overall university culture for the students to easily adapt to the university system.

The Impact of Free Education Policy on the Provision of Quality Education and access to tertiary education in Zambia. A Case of Selected Schools and Colleges of Livingstone District.

Elliot Machinyise — 2023-08-21

In the quest to improve and increase access to education at both primary and secondary levels of education systems, the government of the republic of Zambia introduced the free education policy in 2022. Despite this progressive measure, there are a lot of challenges which need to be addressed to achieve the objectives of this policy. The purpose of the study was to investigate and establish the impact of free primary and secondary education on the provision of quality education and access to tertiary education in Zambia. The study used the survey design. The main research instruments were the interview guide, questionnaire and observation checklist. Purposive and simple random sampling techniques were used in selecting the respondents. The findings of the study revealed that while access to education has improved in primary and secondary schools, the quality of education being provided is compromised. It was reported that enrolment levels increased in grade one and grade eight. However, due to the stoppage of PTA fees, which was the main source of schools’ income, many infrastructure projects have stalled. The study also revealed that due to inadequate funds, schools were unable to purchase the required teaching and learning materials thereby raising the pupil-material ratio. Another serious challenge reported by school administrators was the shortage of teachers to handle overwhelming numbers of pupils in classes.

Looking at the impact this free education policy has on higher education institutions, the study revealed that, enrolment levels have slightly improved in colleges as most parents are able to save money for college tuition due to school fees relief in secondary and primary schools. The study recommended that government should increase the termly grant for schools and should continue with recruitment of new teachers so as to normalize the teacher- pupil and material- pupil ratios respectively.

Key words: Free education, Quality education, School fees, Sustainable Development Goal 4

Perceptions on Youth Employability and Entrepreneurship in Zambia: A Case of Kwame Nkrumah University.

Pauline Mileji — 2023-08-21

The main purpose of this study was to establish the perception of students pertaining employability and entrepreneurship. This research took a qualitative approach. The population for the study involved a total number of thirty students from Kwame Nkrumah University who provided complete information regarding the study. A phenomenological research study design was used. Data was analysed using thematic analysis. An interview guide and a focus group discussion was used to collect data. The main findings were that the perception regards entrepreneurship is generally positive though, entrepreneurship on the other hand is perceived as risky and requires significant capital investment which may deter some youths from pursuing it. Further, the study revealed that, youths lack access to education and training and generally limited job opportunities because the formal job market in Zambia cannot cater for all the youths. Based on these findings, this study recommends that, the stakeholders should make the business environment more favorable for business growth, and also devise a flexible education system that will be inclusive in terms of accessibility and will enforce the skill for employability and productivity among the youths.

The Role of Teaching Methodology in Higher Learning Institutions in Zambia

Nasilele Brian Nasilele — 2023-08-21

This conference paper investigates the role of teaching methodology in higher learning institutions in Zambia, with a specific focus on examining current teaching methodologies, identifying alternative teaching methodologies, exploring challenges associated with implementing these alternatives, and proposing recommendations for addressing these challenges. The study aims to enhance the quality of education by exploring innovative teaching approaches and addressing the barriers faced by educators in adopting and implementing them effectively. Through a comprehensive analysis, the paper provides insights into the current state of teaching methodologies, highlights the benefits and limitations of alternative approaches, and proposes actionable recommendations for educators and institutions to overcome challenges and promote effective teaching and learning practices in Zambia.

Zambia HEIS and Building Community Connectedness: Orature surrounding Mulungushi Rock of Authority and Broken Hill Mine

Mwaka Siluonde — 2023-08-21

In this paper, I use the orature surrounding Mulungushi Rock of Authority and Broken Hill Mine to argue that there is often a missing link between the public, formal and theoretical discourse taught in Zambian HEIS and the private or communal narratives as observed in communities where the subject matter originates from. This is despite the fact that when taught in the classroom, it is assumed that what is presented about a particular community in the classroom reflects that community including its peoples’ perspectives on the same. I theorise that despite the existence of many public political, historical narratives of Mulungushi Rock of Authority and Broken Hill mine to feed the University classroom, the perspective of the community as espoused in its orature is scanty. Such a situation broadens the gap and alienates local and/or indigenous people in concerned communities from knowledge that relates to them. My thesis is that the missing link, the gap or connection between the local and indigenous communities where the Rock and Mine are located and the HEIS can be built by bridging classroom knowledge with indigenous orature about the two. This is because myths and other oral literary art forms have always been ways in which society understands, interprets and demystifies the world around it (Guerin, 2005). Finding the oral narratives and other oral artforms such as legends, myths surrounding the historical sites under discussion would provide valuable information regarding how communities interpret and connect to these artifacts. As such, as long as orature is considered a manque (Finnegan, 2012), unworthy of study and considered primitive by evolutionists, important communal narratives will be overshadowed. Hence there is need to reorient 21^st century HEIS to include perspectives such as the ones suggested concerning orature and the two historical sites above. Only then will we be able to bridge the gap between the subjects taught in the classrooms and the actual subjects in the community.

Automated Document Classification for research HEI grant awards using Machine Learning

Rebecca Lupyani — 2023-08-21

The recent advances in information technology has resulted into a continual increase of electronic textual documents. The need to classify these documents according to their subject or related content has become pragmatic for decision making and policy makers. This paper explores the use of the Support Vector Machine Model which is considered one of the most popular text classification models. The model was trained with two different datasets; the S2ORC and the dataset obtained from the University of Zambia-Institutional Repository (UNZA-IR). The model performed generally well using the S2ORC but did not perform well when trained with the UNZA-IR dataset due to its small size. The research therefore recommends merging the two datasets with the hope of improving the performance of the model and/ or building a larger corpus of Zambian electronic thesis, dissertations and articles to make the dataset size satisfactory for training.

Evaluation of Multimedia and Gaming in Education: Opportunities and Solutions for the Education Sector in Zambia.

Prudence Kalunga — 2023-08-21

The use of computer-based models in education has grown to enhance students' conceptual understanding. However, there is still much disagreement regarding the efficacy of these models, especially considering the numerous variables that influence learning. In addition, there is a lack of research on their effectiveness in underprivileged school settings with limited access to computer-based infrastructure. Presently, nations like Zambia are implementing information technology-integrated teaching strategies. To support teaching and learning, this also refers to the provision of desktop computers, mobile computers, and smart boards in educational institutions. There is ongoing research into how much of a positive influence these resources have on learning. Additionally, given the relatively poor socioeconomic context, researchers are still investigating the potential impact that computer-based teaching may have on students. This paper presents a systematic literature review by evaluating ICT in the education sector in Zambia and exploring the opportunities and solutions that animation, multimedia and gaming can bring. The literature shows that using animation to teach students can improve their performance. Learners can be helped using animation for both sounds and images to construct mental images. Based on the observations and accompanying sound, students can be able to create their own mental models. The literature also demonstrates that visual information presented through animation is retained in the memory structure for a longer period, and learners can be encouraged to solidify their understanding of concepts learned and support their memory retention, which can improve their performance.

Factors Contributing to Low Enrolment Levels of Students in Teacher Training Institutions in Zambia

Elliot Machinyise — 2023-08-21

The purpose of this study was to investigate factors contributing to low enrolment levels of students in teacher training institutions. The target population consisted of school leavers, parents and heads of colleges in Livingstone, Monze, Lusaka and Kabwe towns of Zambia The study followed a case study research design. The bulk of the data was elicited through a questionnaire, interviews and complemented by secondary sources specifically institutional enrolment records. This study’s findings showed that failure by government to employ teachers in the recent past is the main reason why a good number of school leavers were discouraged from training as teachers. The other reason that seriously contributed to the decline in the number of students in teachers’ training colleges was the mandatory merit grade required in the teaching subjects for one to be enrolled in public colleges of education. Prospective students would rather go to universities where the entry qualification is simply five credits. To a smaller extent, the economic and financial status of parents was noted as another barrier to teacher training. Based on the findings, the study recommended that government should employ more trained teachers in order to motivate and encourage school leavers to train as teachers. Considering the competitive environment colleges of education find themselves in, the study recommended that the government should change the entry qualification from two merits in the teaching subjects to five credits which should include English just like what universities are demanding

Transformational Leadership and Organizational Excellence: Implications for Leadership Practice in Higher Education Institutions- A Review of Literature

Rachel Kabeta — 2023-08-21

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play a vital role in shaping individuals' intellectual and professional growth and contribute to the socioeconomic advancement of nations. Effective leadership within these institutions is crucial for achieving organizational excellence. Transformational leadership has emerged as a prominent leadership approach that inspires and motivates followers to attain exceptional outcomes. However, many organizations still struggle to achieve this level of excellence, encountering challenges such as low employee engagement, high employee turnover, resistance to change, and a lack of innovation and creativity. This study aims to explore the relationship between transformational leadership and organizational excellence by reviewing existing literature and theoretical frameworks that examine this connection. The findings reveal a strong association between transformational leadership and organizational excellence. Transformational leaders are recognized as key drivers of organizational performance, as they inspire and motivate their followers, establish a shared vision, and foster an environment of innovation and engagement. Empirical studies support the effectiveness of transformational leadership in HEIs, demonstrating a positive correlation between transformational leadership and employee outcomes, such as job satisfaction, commitment, and organizational climate. Based on these findings, this research concludes that transformational leadership significantly contributes to organizational excellence. It recommends that HEIs should create conducive environments where leaders can motivate and encourage employees to exercise creativity and innovation through transformational leadership practices. Additionally, managers in these institutions should receive training on effective leadership to inspire higher employee performance, thereby enhancing organizational effectiveness and efficiency.

Keywords: Transformational Leadership, Organizational excellence, Higher Education Institutions, Innovation, Organizational Performance.

The impact of Social Media Marketing on Branding of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Zambia-A perspective of the changing role of Marketing

Francis Mukosa — 2023-08-21

This research discusses the impact of social media marketing (SMM) on the branding of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in Zambia. The research uses a desktop research approach to inform the study. The empirical findings were based on analytics from digital marketing tools such as SEMrush, Brand 24, and other statistical findings were based on scientific findings from the author’s Doctorial research thesis at ZCAS University. The findings show that SMM has a huge impact on the branding of HEIs and that social media is changing the role of marketing since it is demanding that marketers are retrained in digital marketing. The article brings out managerial implications as well as recommendations for HEIs for the efficient implementation of SMM strategies.

Unveiling the Hidden Side: Exploring the Potential for Academic Dishonesty Among Lecturers during Examination Marking

Robert Msendo — 2023-08-21

Abstract—Academic dishonesty is a critical concern within
the education system, often associated with students attempting
to gain unfair advantages. However, there is a growing need
to acknowledge the potential for academic dishonesty among
lecturers during the examination marking process. This research
paper aims to shed light on the hidden side of academic dishonesty by exploring the factors that contribute to the potential misconduct of lecturers during examination marking. The study investigates the motives, methods, and consequences of such dishonest practices and discusses the implications for maintaining the integrity of the academic assessment process.

Effectiveness of the Marketing Strategies in Increasing Student Enrollment in Public Universities in Zambia

Dewin Sikalumbi — 2023-08-21

The study investigated the effectiveness of the marketing strategies for students’ enrolment in public universities in Zambia. One Hundred (100) questionnaires were administered in this study. The study population was three thousand full time students on campus and Full time members of staff from communication and Marketing Departments. Data were analyzed using the Mean and Population T-Test. The results revealed some marketing strategies that can be used in universities to boost students’ enrolment in their order of perceived effectiveness. It has indicated that the extent to which universities adopt marketing strategies in enhancing students’ enrolment is significantly low in most of the studied universities. The results further showed that there is significant relationship between marketing strategies adoption and student enrolment. Based on the findings, it was concluded that adopting effective marketing strategies in universities can enhance student enrolment which will expand the universities income opportunities for sustainability and quality service delivery of the organization in the long run. It is therefore recommended that marketing strategies such as universities website/social media, quality programmes, infrastructural development, media adverts should be used to boost enrolment since it is a modern means of awareness creation and communicating values of the institution to the prospects. This will serve to increase enrolment rate, thereby increasing literate populace in the country for social and economic well-being of the country.

Distracted Minds and Declining Grades: Unveiling the Detrimental Effects of Digital Distraction on Student Academic Performance.

Brian Halubanza — 2023-08-21

The widespread use of digital devices and social media platforms among students has raised concerns about the impact of digital distractions on their academic performance. This research study aims to explore the extent and effects of digital distractions on student performance in Zambian universities. A questionnaire survey was conducted among 757 students to gather data on various aspects of digital distractions, including social media usage, frequency of phone and social media checking during studying, efforts to limit device usage, time taken to refocus after distractions, notification distractions, managing distraction awareness, motivation to manage distractions, perceived impact of distractions on academic performance, self-rated academic performance, missed deadlines due to distractions, difficulties focusing on school work, and time spent on social media. The analysis of the survey data revealed that a significant proportion of students spend a considerable amount of time on social media, with over 49% of respondents reporting spending more than 120 minutes per day. Furthermore, a substantial number of students admitted to frequently checking their phones and social media while studying. These distractions were found to have a negative impact on their ability to concentrate and refocus, with an average time of 10-15 minutes required to regain focus after a distraction. Students also reported experiencing difficulties in focusing on their school work due to digital distractions. Interestingly, the study found that efforts to limit device usage and manage distractions were perceived as effective by a considerable number of students. However, there was a significant difference in perspectives based on sex, with females being more likely to report limiting device usage and managing distractions effectively. The study also revealed that students who perceived a significant impact of digital distractions on their academic performance were more motivated to manage these distractions. These findings highlight the need for educational institutions to address the issue of digital distractions and provide students with effective strategies to manage them. It is crucial to promote awareness among students about the detrimental effects of excessive digital distractions and equip them with skills to prioritize their academic tasks. Educators and policymakers can develop interventions and educational programs to foster a conducive learning environment that minimizes the negative impact of digital distractions.

Epistemic Insight Teaching Approach: An approach for preparing students in Higher Education institutions to be relevant to the community

Kanchebele Sinyangwe — 2023-08-21

Future generations can be prepared to effectively respond to community and global challenges and to live sustainably. This could be done through an epistemic insight teaching approach. This qualitative study on epistemic insight teaching approach in higher education called into play ‘Big Questions’ (Berry & LASAR, 2023) about how we understand the place and purpose of humanity in the world. It made use of three data collections methods: Questionnaire with open ended questions, semi-structured interviews and FGD to collect data from the 9 purposively selected student teachers. The paper describes the perspectives and experiences of epistemic insight teaching approach among the selected student teachers who are in their first year of their four-year degree programme at the selected university in Central Zambia. It also discusses some implications of epistemic insight teaching approach to the preparation of a future generation of teachers and individuals that is open, informed and enthusiastic about engaging in collaborations, at different levels, that seek to extend and challenge their current perspectives on life issues and community/societal problems. While the students in this study expressed a positive perception/outlook about the teaching approach, they also shared some challenges that may have to be addressed to maximize on its potential benefits. It is hoped that the findings of this study would stimulate discussion and inform research and teaching practice in Higher education.

Transformation Leadership Style a Satellite to Change Economic Environment: A Review on Zambian Colleges of Education

Audrey Muyuni — 2023-08-21

Higher education institutions face a unique set of challenges in today's rapidly changing and increasingly competitive environment. They must not only provide quality education but also meet the demands of stakeholders, including students, faculty, staff, and funding agencies. To achieve excellence in higher education, transformative leadership is essential. Despite the efforts of higher education institutions to enhance their quality of education and meet stakeholder expectations, many still struggle to achieve sustainable growth and excellence. This highlights the need for transformative leadership that can foster a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous improvement, and align institutional goals with stakeholder needs and expectations Hence, this study reviewed the findings on Wellness and leadership in higher education that allies leadership styles and organizational excellence in Zambian colleges of education.The study was guided by behavioural and contingency theories. Behavioural theory posits that a leader’s behaviour is the best predictor of his or her leadership influences and, as a result, is the best determinant of his or her leadership success. Contingency theory, which is similar to situational theory, takes a broader view that includes contingent factors about leader capability and other variables. The objectives of the studywasto examine the role of leadership in creating a culture of innovation, continuous improvement, and stakeholder engagement inZambian Colleges of Education. The research was qualitative in nature employing comparative design to review leadership styles and organisational well-beingwhich enhances changing economic environment. Three Zamian Colleges of Education were purposively selected in order to have a wider comparison on leadership styles used to achieve changing economic environment through transformative leadership. Furthermore, the studyoffered some practical recommendations for higher education leaders and managers who are interested in fostering a transformative leadership culture and achieving organizational excellence.

Effectiveness of inclusive education in colleges of education: Case of David Livingstone College of Education

Caphers Mizinga — 2023-08-21

^{The study was conducted in order to evaluate the effectiveness of inclusive education in colleges of education. David livingstone college of education was the reference college. To achieve the objective, a qualitative research approach was adopted. The population of the study was made up of senior lectures at David livingstone College of education in livingstone district. Data was collected using desk study of documents relating to inclusive education. Data was also collected using questionnaires which were administered to a stratified sample of 50 lecturers and analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. The results indicated that inclusive education at David Livingstone College of Education was satisfactory; there is increased access to higher education by eligible students and an increased support by management, development of positive attitude towards inclusive education.}

Capacity Building through Open and Distance Learning, A Response to Society Needs: A Case Study of Kwame Nkrumah University in Kabwe, Zambia

Augustine Lumwanga — 2023-08-21

The working class who need to further their education, upgrade their qualifications in order to acquire knew knowledge which can improve their lives and benefit their communities cannot leave their work unattended to. Every worker has the right to acquire knew knowledge in order to respond better to the needs of a given society. Education as a process of teaching, training and improving one’s taste is needed by almost every worker but sometimes circumstances cannot allow for each and every worker to go for full-time training because of space and other commitments. For instance a serving teacher or a working class person who need to upgrade or further his or her studies on a full-time basis, cannot leave her or his work unattended to. In some situations a worker is told to choose between his or her job and studies. A worker can even be asked to resign if he or she has to go for further studies. For that reason, capacity building for the working class through open and distance learning is of great importance. Therefore, this paper looks at how capacity building for the working class through open and distance learning can be a response to the needs of society. The study also used a face to face interviews to specific beneficiaries of the link between Kwame Nkrumah University and the industry.

Capacity Building through Open and Distance Learning, A Response to Society Needs: A Case Study of Kwame Nkrumah University in Kabwe, Zambia

Augustine Lumwanga — 2023-08-21

Abstract: The working class who need to further their education, upgrade their qualifications in order to acquire knew knowledge which can improve their lives and benefit their communities are detered from advancing in their studies as they cannot leave their work unattended to. Every worker has the right to acquire knew knowledge in order to respond better to the needs of a given society. Education as an equalizer is a process of teaching, training and improving one’s taste is needed by almost every worker but sometimes circumstances cannot allow for each and every worker to go for full-time training because of space, time and other commitments. For instance a serving teacher or a working class person who need to upgrade or further his or her studies on a full-time basis, cannot leave her or his work unattended to due to the nature of their positions or staffing levels. In some situations affected workers are told to choose between their job and studies. In other cases, a worker can even be asked to resign if he or she has to go for further studies.This scenario impedes capacity building at all levels of human endeavour For this reason, capacity building for the working class through open and distance learning is of great importance. Therefore, this paper looks at how capacity building for the working class through open and distance learning can be a response to the needs of society. The study also used a face to face interviews to specific beneficiaries of the link between Kwame Nkrumah University and the industry.