Archive for month: March, 2025

Despite the increasing global discourse on decolonizing education, mathematics instruction in rural Zambian schools remains predominantly aligned with Western epistemologies, marginalizing Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) and their pedagogical significance. This study examined the extent to which IKS is integrated into mathematics instruction in Kalomo District and proposes a structured pedagogical framework that harmonizes Indigenous mathematical reasoning with formal education. Grounded in ethnomathematics and decolonial education theory, the study employs a qualitative case study approach, incorporating semi-structured interviews with 20 mathematics teachers, focus group discussions with 30 students, and classroom observations alongside interviews with 10 community elders. Findings reveal a systemic disconnect between formal mathematics curricula and Indigenous mathematical practices, driven by institutional resistance, rigid curriculum structures, and insufficient teacher training in culturally responsive pedagogy. However, where IKS is meaningfully integrated, students demonstrate higher engagement, improved problem-solving skills, and enhanced conceptual understanding, reinforcing the transformative potential of ethnomathematics. The study introduces two structured frameworks: (1) a Teacher Training Model for IKS Integration and (2) a Curriculum Adaptation Model for Culturally Responsive Mathematics Instruction, which offer scalable solutions for embedding Indigenous mathematical knowledge into formal curricula while maintaining academic rigor. The study underscores the urgent need for policy reforms, including curriculum revisions that incorporate Indigenous mathematical knowledge, targeted teacher training initiatives, and structured partnerships between educators and Indigenous knowledge holders. By fostering epistemic inclusivity and pedagogical relevance, the integration of IKS into mathematics instruction can bridge the gap between formal education and students’ lived realities, contributing to a decolonized, contextually grounded, and more effective educational experience.

Due to their strategic importance, the concepts of man and human resources have been a focal point of scholarly inquiry.  The critical role of human resources in advancing socio-economic progress has become increasingly apparent since the sixth National Congress of the Communist Party of Viet Nam in 1986, which introduces the reforming process, particularly with the advent of industrialisation and modernisation.  Sustainable development requires strategic and comprehensive investments that encompass both theoretical frameworks and practical applications.  The application of Marxist-Leninist ideology is essential to this comprehension, as it offers a fundamental perspective for understanding human nature, directing human development, and effectively mobilising human potential.

The research investigated the impact of a mathematics puzzle instructional strategy on student achievement. The research employed a quasi-experimental design featuring a pre-test post-test non-equivalent control group. It possesses a factorial structure of 2x2x3. The study comprised 362 mathematics students picked from six randomly selected mixed secondary schools. The assessment tool utilised was the Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT). The instrument had a reliability index of 0.82, as determined by the Kuder-Richardson (k21) formula analysis. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics of the mean to address the study issues, while independent sample t-tests and Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) were employed to evaluate the proposed hypotheses. The study’s findings indicated that mathematics students instructed using a mathematical puzzle strategy achieved higher scores than those instructed with traditional lectures strategy; additionally, no significant variation in the performance of male students taught with the puzzle strategy, nor a notable interaction effect between instructional method and gender on achievement. The study concluded that the puzzle instructional strategy is more effective in enhancing mathematics students’ achievement compared to the lecture method. Furthermore, the puzzle instructional strategy is not biassed by gender. It is recommended that both teachers and students receive adequate training to develop the necessary skills for implementing this strategy and that they be encouraged to utilise it in teaching and learning. Additionally, the faculties of education in universities and Colleges of Education should revise their curricula to ensure that pre-service teachers are trained in the skills required for its application.

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by inattention, hyperactivity and impulsivity, which causes functional impairment. The study unveiled a conceptual framework for supporting teachers teaching learners with mild ADHD in inclusive primary schools of Lusaka- Zambia, arising from their own perceptions of the learners with ADHD they teach. A descriptive design was used. The sample size involved 25 participants, which included 18 Class Teachers, 3 School Administrators and 4 MoE Officials. Homogeneous purposive sampling techniques was used to select class teachers and school administrators and expert purposive sampling techniques to select all MoE officials responsible for special education in the district. Data were collected using in-depth interviews guides, Focus Group Discussion guides and observation checklist. Analysis was thematic. Mixed perceptions were recorded from participants showing that few teachers had adequate understanding and most of the teachers had limited understanding due to inadequate preparation in Special education. Inadequate understanding of the condition largely influenced how they perceived learners with ADHD and how much support they provided to them. To address the negative perceptions on teaching of learners with ADHD in inclusive primary schools, Kabwe’s Framework (KF) of supporting teachers and learners with mild ADHD in inclusive schools was designed in order to promote inclusive education. The design recommends the participation and collaboration of various stakeholders as well as improved school environment that accommodates learners with ADHD.

This research study aimed to examine the workplace environment, including factors such as the physical environment, company culture, and working conditions, at North Park Noodle House. Additionally, it explored the relationship between these workplace factors and employees’ productivity and profitability. The study sought to determine whether there were significant relationships between the status of the workplace environment and the level of employees’ productivity, as well as between the status of the workplace environment and profitability. Furthermore, it examined the connection between employees’ productivity and profitability. The researcher also aimed to analyze how the status of the workplace environment and the level of employee productivity, either individually or in combination, could predict the profitability of North Park Noodle House. This study employed a descriptive-correlational research design, focusing on the workplace environment, employees’ productivity, and profitability as the key variables. The findings revealed a significant relationship between the status of the workplace environment and the level of employee productivity, with factors such as physical environment, company culture, and working conditions playing a crucial role. Additionally, the results showed that the level of profitability is influenced by the workplace environment, indicating that profitability is affected by factors like physical environment, company culture, and working conditions. Lastly, the study confirmed that profitability is also dependent on employee productivity, highlighting that higher productivity contributes to increased profitability.

Overall, the workplace environment and employee productivity—whether individually or together—were found to significantly predict profitability at North Park Noodle House.