Papers by Racheal Mafumbate
Journal of Culture, Society and Development, 2019
This study sought to determine the effects of parental involvement on the academic performance of... more This study sought to determine the effects of parental involvement on the academic performance of primary school learners in rural schools in the Lubombo region of Eswatini. The study employed a mixed method approach and the concurrent triangulation design was used. The study was guided by the ecological systems theory by Bronfenbrunner and wellness theory by Hettler. The findings revealed that education was a shared responsibility between the parents/ guardians and the school and most of the parents and guardians showed very little interest in their children's learning. The majority of the learners did not stay with their biological parents and it affected their performance at school. The study recommended that the school should engage all parents and prompt them on the importance of parental involvement by creating plenty of opportunities for parents to be actively engaged through parent/school meetings, prize giving days, homework among other things. Moreover, it was recommended that parents and communities should be helped to better appreciate the value and benefits of education to their children.
Advances in educational technologies and instructional design book series, Jun 16, 2023
Journal of Educational Studies, 2016
The study investigated the effectiveness of the Ubuntu Principle in enhancing of the intellectual... more The study investigated the effectiveness of the Ubuntu Principle in enhancing of the intellectual wellness of juvenile learners in a correctional school in Gauteng Province, South Africa. An integrative framework of Ubuntu and Wellness theories were used as a lenses underpinning this study. A mixed method design was used. The study used more than one data collection instrument for collecting data. A Likert scale was completed by 52 learners while interview questionnaires were used for gathering data from 4 teachers. Researchers also used observations as a form of collecting data. The researchers were observing the support given to learners during the teaching process and also how teachers related to their learners. Fifty-two learners and four teachers were randomly selected from a purposively selected correctional school in classes of ABET level 1-4 and Grade 10-12 in Gauteng. Data was analysed through the inductive content analysis coding, categorizing and then eventually coming up with themes. The study revealed that learners lack full confidence when learning in a correctional School compared to when learning in schools outside. It also emerged from the study that teachers need appropriate and adequate teaching and learning support material for effective teaching and learning in a correctional schools. The study further revealed the need for empowerment and development of teachers to effectively assist learners facing academic challenges. It was recommended that teachers' training for empowerment and development, would improve the teaching methods and alleviate the challenges teachers encounter while teaching in correctional schools.
ICERI2015 Proceedings, 2015
South African Journal of Childhood Education, Aug 19, 2020
Background of the study The readiness or willingness of an individual to demonstrate decent and g... more Background of the study The readiness or willingness of an individual to demonstrate decent and good conduct, respect for authority, high sense of responsibility, love for orderliness, eagerness to discharge duties with promptitude and efficiency makes the individual 'acceptable' (Kwaja & Mormah 2011). When an individual fails to reflect these characteristics, maladaptive behaviour occurs. Any behaviour tagged maladaptive runs contrary to the generally acceptable patterns of behaviour for the age and the environment of the individual and this behaviour negatively affects that individual and the people around him or her (Ughamadu & Enueme 2002). In every society there are norms and values to which each member of a particular community is expected to adhere. Conformity to such norms and values brings about cohesion amongst the members of the particular community (Mweemba 2011). A school is said to be a community within a larger community. Schools in Eswatini are always trying to embark on orderliness through positive discipline (Tungata 2006). However, maladaptive behaviour is on the rise in most schools in Eswatini (Dlamini, 2013; Mhlongo 2005). This state of affairs worries teachers, parents and the society at large as schools now spend more time dealing with maladaptive behaviour issues instead of imparting knowledge to the young generation which is tomorrow's future to ensure that they realise their full potential. Furthermore, children who are showing this behaviour face a greater risk of becoming violent and chronic juvenile offenders if nothing is done to correct their behaviour (Kwaja & Mormah 2011). Eswatini like any other developing country endeavours to protect its children, as clearly indicated in its Constitution and national policy (Mavundla et al. 2015). Furthermore, Eswatini is a signatory to the Background: The background which led to the researchers embarking in this research study was that they had noticed that teachers in schools in Eswatini, though they are always trying to ensure good behaviour of learners through positive discipline, maladaptive behaviour is still on the rise in most schools. This status has resulted in compromised teaching and learning since most of the time is now spent in trying to deal with maladaptive behaviour issues. If the behaviour of learners is not dealt with, they face a greater risk of becoming violent and chronic juvenile offenders. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the factors contributing to children's maladaptive behaviours in the upper primary school level. Setting: The study was conducted in the Hhohho region in Eswatini. Methods: The study employed a qualitative research design and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used as data gathering instruments. Note taking and audio recordings were used to ensure that details the discussions were captured. Results: The study revealed that a lack of proper parenting skills is a major factor, and that family dysfunctionality, family socioeconomic status as well as peer influence being contributors to maladaptive behaviour among children in Hhohho region. Conclusion: Based on the literature and findings in this study, it is evident that maladaptive behaviour among children in primary schools is persistent and a serious problem worldwide. This study revealed that currently there are no intervention strategies in the school to enhance proper behaviour among learners. Teachers also struggle to implement positive discipline because they lack the know-how.
Indilinga: African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, 2016
Lecture notes in networks and systems, 2022
Research Anthology on Advancements in Women's Health and Reproductive Rights
This chapter discusses marriage and reproductive choice issues. The chapter argues that feminists... more This chapter discusses marriage and reproductive choice issues. The chapter argues that feminists have seen marriage and reproduction as playing a crucial role in women's oppression and thus a central topic of justice. The chapter starts by defining and setting out the historical development of the philosophy of marriage, which shapes today's debates. The chapter argues that many of the ethical positions on marriage can be understood as divided on the question of whether marriage should be defined contractually by the spouses or by its institutional purpose. The debate further divides on whether that purpose necessarily includes procreation or may be limited to the marital love relationship. The chapter closes by discussing reproduction choice, specifically abortion and commercial surrogacy.
UNESWA Journal of Education (UJOE), Sep 1, 2021
Lecture Notes of the Institute for Computer Sciences, Social Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering, 2022
Society attaches a stigma to many forms of disability and this leads to prejudicial treatment. Th... more Society attaches a stigma to many forms of disability and this leads to prejudicial treatment. The birth of a child with a disability or chronic illness, or the discovery that a child has a disability, has a profound effect on a family. People with disabilities are often labelled by the non disabled people as blind, wheelchair users and called names rather than as complex human beings with specific challenges. Siblings need to adjust to a brother or sister who is disabled since the disabling condition may require a large portion of family time, attention, money and psychological support. The experiences of parents and siblings of a child who is disabled could be stressfulness, overprotection of the child from associating with peers, keeping the child secluded or even going to the extent of murdering the child to get rid of the disability considering it an abomination. Counselling is very crucial once a disability has been detected as that helps parents and siblings of a child who is...
Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2019
The purpose of this study was to explore effects of poor leadership styles in the Lubombo seconda... more The purpose of this study was to explore effects of poor leadership styles in the Lubombo secondary schools. Its objectives were to establish how the head teachers leadership styles affect the academic performance of learners in the secondary schools in the Lubombo region; and to establish ways in which head teachers can improve their leadership styles in the secondary schools in the Lubombo region. The study adopted a qualitative approach and case study design. Purposeful sampling was used to select a sample of 36 participants comprising 30 teachers, 3 deputy head teachers and 3 head teachers. The researcher used semi-structured interview, focus group discussions and observation as tools of data collection. The study revealed that using democratic leadership styles gives the teachers a chance to share their views making them feel valued leading to good performance. Poor leadership leads to failure of students at the school. The role of head teachers as leaders is thus a critical factor in determining implementation of school programmes. Also good leadership encourages good discipline leading to good performance. The findings showed that the head teacher needs to avoid using force on teachers and should be a role model to the teachers and work together to improve the performance of the school. The findings revealed that regular training through workshops, in-service training and self-upgrading would help in improving the head teachers' leadership styles.
South African Journal of Childhood Education, 2020
Background of the study The readiness or willingness of an individual to demonstrate decent and g... more Background of the study The readiness or willingness of an individual to demonstrate decent and good conduct, respect for authority, high sense of responsibility, love for orderliness, eagerness to discharge duties with promptitude and efficiency makes the individual 'acceptable' (Kwaja & Mormah 2011). When an individual fails to reflect these characteristics, maladaptive behaviour occurs. Any behaviour tagged maladaptive runs contrary to the generally acceptable patterns of behaviour for the age and the environment of the individual and this behaviour negatively affects that individual and the people around him or her (Ughamadu & Enueme 2002). In every society there are norms and values to which each member of a particular community is expected to adhere. Conformity to such norms and values brings about cohesion amongst the members of the particular community (Mweemba 2011). A school is said to be a community within a larger community. Schools in Eswatini are always trying to embark on orderliness through positive discipline (Tungata 2006). However, maladaptive behaviour is on the rise in most schools in Eswatini (Dlamini, 2013; Mhlongo 2005). This state of affairs worries teachers, parents and the society at large as schools now spend more time dealing with maladaptive behaviour issues instead of imparting knowledge to the young generation which is tomorrow's future to ensure that they realise their full potential. Furthermore, children who are showing this behaviour face a greater risk of becoming violent and chronic juvenile offenders if nothing is done to correct their behaviour (Kwaja & Mormah 2011). Eswatini like any other developing country endeavours to protect its children, as clearly indicated in its Constitution and national policy (Mavundla et al. 2015). Furthermore, Eswatini is a signatory to the Background: The background which led to the researchers embarking in this research study was that they had noticed that teachers in schools in Eswatini, though they are always trying to ensure good behaviour of learners through positive discipline, maladaptive behaviour is still on the rise in most schools. This status has resulted in compromised teaching and learning since most of the time is now spent in trying to deal with maladaptive behaviour issues. If the behaviour of learners is not dealt with, they face a greater risk of becoming violent and chronic juvenile offenders. Aim: The aim of the study was to explore the factors contributing to children's maladaptive behaviours in the upper primary school level. Setting: The study was conducted in the Hhohho region in Eswatini. Methods: The study employed a qualitative research design and in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were used as data gathering instruments. Note taking and audio recordings were used to ensure that details the discussions were captured. Results: The study revealed that a lack of proper parenting skills is a major factor, and that family dysfunctionality, family socioeconomic status as well as peer influence being contributors to maladaptive behaviour among children in Hhohho region. Conclusion: Based on the literature and findings in this study, it is evident that maladaptive behaviour among children in primary schools is persistent and a serious problem worldwide. This study revealed that currently there are no intervention strategies in the school to enhance proper behaviour among learners. Teachers also struggle to implement positive discipline because they lack the know-how.
Journal of Culture, Society and Development, 2019
In this paper, we examine the various ways in which language portrays a negative image of women. ... more In this paper, we examine the various ways in which language portrays a negative image of women. We argue that this state of affairs is of great concern to feminists. We identify ways in which language has been found wanting in as far as women are concerned. Firstly, language, especially the English language, is accused of creating false gender neutrality because this purported neutrality ends up showing a bias towards maleness. Feminists further argue that the English language makes women invisible and always overshadowed by men. The language is accused of making maleness the standard measure of humanity and maturity. As such, maleness is seen as the norm. They further argue that sex-marking common in the English language encourages male visibility and powerlessness of women in a male dominated world. As a result, the world is seen through an oppressive male worldview. Reform efforts have been piecemeal and as such have largely failed to reach the desired destination. Critics argue that these claims concerning the maleness of the English language are contentious, as they tend to be exaggerated, unrealistic and problematic.
Developing Country Studies, 2019
This paper explores the relationship between women civil society organisations and the government... more This paper explores the relationship between women civil society organisations and the government in Zimbabwe using Woman of Zimbabwe Arise (WOZA) in Bulawayo as case study. WOZA, like other civil society organisations in Zimbabwe, has been increasingly using protests and strikes to confront women and human rights abuses by government. They also employ negotiation techniques as in the case of the Tripartite Negotiation Forum which has been in place since 1997. All these techniques, like several other efforts have been ineffective as evidenced by the increasing gaps in social justice and gender disparities in the country. Respondents claimed that they were raped; exposed to inhuman torture like forcing a bottle into their sexual organ; insulted and called names like whores / prostitutes / beaches; and so on. At organisational level WOZA faced challenges like lack of reliable and sustainable source of funding; violence from government sponsored groups (ZRP, youth, women); and hatred by government authorities who saw the civic organisation as a front for Western imperialists. The paper recommends the establishment of a national policy framework that encourages tolerance and acceptance of diversity; cooperation between men and women in confronting their everyday social and political problems; a partnership model by various stakeholders to solve the socioeconomic problems bedeviling the country; among other things.
Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2019
This study is an interrogation of views and experiences of sexual encounters of women from afflue... more This study is an interrogation of views and experiences of sexual encounters of women from affluent urban settings and those from traditional communal areas in the communities of Zimbabwe. The study is based on women only WhatsApp groups discussions on their sex lives. Using evidence from the sentiments, views, perceptions and experiences of women from the two different settings, this paper argues that women enjoy heterosexuality; their only problem is that their male colleagues do not perform up to their expectations. This state of affairs makes some segments of feminist scholars think that heterosexuality puts women in a perpetual subordinate position that reduces them to the mothering roles linked to their reproductive capacities. Nonetheless, the female voices in this study argue that although in some cases, they still experience oppression and dissatisfaction women in heterosexual relations have agency and capacity to assert themselves and control their sexual experiences so that they also enjoy sex to optimum levels. The study shows that women are not always passive participants within heterosexual relations for they are able to express their sexual desires freely and sometimes negotiate options for pleasurable sexual experiences. The study shows that heterosexuality is neither a hegemonic nor monolithic one size fits all experience, but a multifaceted heterogeneous experience in which both women and men negotiate their cases in their own special ways.
Research on Humanities and Social Sciences, 2019
This study sought to investigate perceptions and experiences of female parent students on delegat... more This study sought to investigate perceptions and experiences of female parent students on delegated parenting using a sample of twenty parent students at Zimbabwe Open University, Masvingo regional campus. The study was qualitative. Data was generated using focus group discussion. The study revealed that, the young female parents did not trust their maids but still they had to rely on them since they were all employed and going to school. Respondents shared instances and reports of child abuse in their families and stories from the media about child abuse. The study recommended that government, employers and local authorities should come up with supportive policies to create a conducive environment for parenting responsibilities; efforts should be made to improve the quality and conditions for child care in both the informal and formal environment through caregiver training; and parents should always create quality time for their children.
Journal of Education and Practice, 2019
The purpose of this study was to explore Teachers' Disciplinary Practices and their impact on lea... more The purpose of this study was to explore Teachers' Disciplinary Practices and their impact on learner behaviour in primary schools in the Hhohho region. The research employed mixed research methodology. Purposive sampling was used to select the most accessible research participants. Questionnaires, one on one interviews and observations were used as data collection instruments. Findings showed that there were several disciplinary practices that were used in primary schools by the teachers to curb students' misbehaviour. The findings also indicated that the majority of participants were using guidance and counselling to discipline students. Furthermore, the study revealed that some traditional punitive disciplinary practices are not effective in curbing students' misbehaviour in schools. Most public primary schools have embarked on the use of guidance and counselling as a measure to instil discipline. While disciplinary practices shape the overall school and classroom atmosphere, discipline affects students differently. The use of some disciplinary practices were found to contribute to poor academic performance. Considering the findings of this study, it was recommended that guidance and counselling training should be given to all teachers by the Ministry of Education and Training to help teachers get equipped with the necessary skills to handle students' issues.
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Papers by Racheal Mafumbate