A Comparative Analysis of High and Low Performing Schools in Agriculture in Eswatini

Analysis of the school performance in external Agriculture examination showed that there were schools that consistently performed well and those constantly performing poorly in Eswatini. Unfortunately, there is no study that has sought to analyze the characteristics of the high performing and low performing schools in agriculture in Eswatini. Thus, the purpose of the study was to analyze the high and low performing schools in Agriculture in Eswatini. A comparative analysis targeting 27 schools: 15 high performing and 12 low performing schools was conducted. All the 38 teachers and 26 teachers from high and low performing schools respectively, participated in this study. A questionnaire was used in data collection. Three experts from the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension at University of Eswatini and two agriculture teachers validated the questionnaire. Thirty agriculture teachers who were not involved in the study were used in pilot testing to establish inter-item reliability using Cronbach’s Alpha and the reliability coefficient was .82. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. Findings revealed that high performing schools possessed the following features over low performing schools: motivation of learners to excel in academic work, practice farming in school garden, student making consultations with teachers, provision of extra lessons for students, monitoring class attendance and absenteeism, and teachers attending classes regularly. Also, the Ministry of Education and Training, headteachers, agriculture teachers and parents were more involved in high performing schools than in low performing schools. Therefore, the study recommended that special attention should be made to assist all stakeholders in low performing schools improve the academic performance

Experiences of Cooperating Teachers on Teaching Practice Supervision in Eswatini, Swaziland

Cooperating teachers (CTs) are key participants in ensuring a valuable experience for the student teacher (ST) during teaching practice. Surprisingly, their voices largely remain absent in the extant literature. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate the experiences of CTs during teaching practice supervision in Eswatini. A descriptive research design using a census of 46 CTs for student teachers (STs) who did teaching practice in the 2015/16 academic year of the University of Eswatini in the Department of Agricultural Education was used. A selfadministered questionnaire was used for collecting data. A five-point numerical scale and sixpoint Likert-type rating scale were used to measure the variables. Three lecturers from the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension and two agriculture teachers established content and face validity for the questionnaire. Inter-item reliability from a pilot study was .78. Findings of the study revealed that CTs were supported by the University through the supervisors and Teaching Practice Handbook. The CTs noted that establishing rapport with the STs was essential and head teachers needed to visit the STs in the respective classes they teach. STs were good in developing, organizing and using instructional materials but had challenges in disciplining learners. The study recommended that CTs should be provided with trainings and incentives so that they can effectively discharge their duties during teaching practice

Gap Analysis for Future Agricultural Education Research in Eswatini, Swaziland

From the late 1970s to the early 1980s, agriculture educators began to use research as a way of verifying, creating, disseminating and applying new knowledge. However, existing literature is inconclusive on research themes covered and yet to be covered in Agricultural Education in Eswatini. Thus, this study sought to identify themes and gaps for future research in Agricultural Education in Eswatini. This was a qualitative study employing desk review in data collection. Trustworthiness of the content analysis guide was ensured through the use of experts from the Department of Agricultural Education and Extension (AEE) at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA). Data analysis was performed using frequencies and percentages. Findings of the study revealed that in Agricultural Education, gaps existed in the following thematic areas: primary themes - programme delivery methodologies and curriculum programme planning; and secondary themes- creative thinking and problem-solving; innovative instructional technologies; teaching basic and academic skills; professional staff development; educational methodologies for teaching and learning; professional preparation and competence; and needs of future agricultural workforce. The study concluded that research conducted in Agricultural Education in Eswatini is imbalanced in both primary and secondary research themes. Therefore, the Department of AEE at UNESWA must establish a research agenda to ensure that the research conducted is thematically balanced

Relationship between teaching competence and academic performance of high school agriculture teachers in Swaziland

No Abstract. UNISWA Research Journal of Agriculture, Science and Technology Vol. 8(2) 2005: 103-10