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Parental involvement and learners' performance in rural basic schools of Zambia
By Simweleba, Never H
Background: Parental involvement is one of the important factors in pupils' academic achievement. Aim: The study sought to assess whether an intervention to enhance the interaction of parents with Grade 4 learners (aged 10-15 years) in homework would improve the learners performance in Chitonga and Mathematics. Setting: This study was conducted with two rural primary schools in the Kalomo District of Southern Province, Zambia. Methods: The participants were Grade 4 learners and their parents. A total of 168 participants were enlisted (84 learners and 84 parents). Elementary tests in Mathematics and Chitonga, the quality of parent-child interaction in homework, the quality and frequency of parent-school communication in homework, and the use of home resources in the instruction of children to increase Chitonga and Mathematics skills were assessed. One school served as a control while the other was the target of intervention. Parents in the intervention group received a 10-week programme of sensitisation on how to support their children in homework using available local resources and on parent-child interactions. Questionnaires and interviews were sent to collect data from parents while tests in Mathematics and Chitonga, systematically developed by the national regulatory body, were set to assess the learners' performance. Results: Post-test scores of learners in Mathematics and Chitonga in the intervention school were significantly higher, in addition to increased parent-child interaction and the use of home resources in instruction. Conclusion: The authors conclude that interventions which empower parents with knowledge and skills for greater involvement in their children's homework can be effective in improving the learners' performance.
Using a phone-based learning tool as an instructional resource for initial literacy learning in rural African families
By Nshimbi, J. C.
Background: Despite increased enrolments at primary schools in Zambia, more than half of the children in Grades 1-4 are unable to meet the required minimum standards for literacy. Aim: The study set out to examine the effects of using a phone-based mobile literacy game (Graphogame) to improve literacy skills in children and adults in rural family settings. Setting: The study was conducted in the Katete District, a rural town in the eastern province of Zambia. Methods: Participants were 73 Grade 2 learners (52% boys, mean age 9 years and 48% girls, mean age 10 years) and 37 parents (mean age 36 years). Three literacy tests, measuring letter-sound identification, phonological awareness, spelling competence and word recognition, were administered to both the children and parents. Parents also reported on their level of education, familiarity with smart phone use, availability of home reading materials and home literacy activities. Results: The findings showed that children who were exposed to the Graphogame performed better than the control group on all literacy measures. Furthermore, parent's performance on the tests improved after the intervention. Conclusion: The findings suggest that technology can improve literacy skills in both children and adults in rural areas of Zambia.
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