Genre Analysis of WhatsApp Group Chat among Students at University

Aim: This study examined Whatsapp group chat in connection with its influence on proficiency in English. Methods: Employing purposive sampling and mixed-method (quantitative and qualitative) approach to research, a group chat used for educational purposes by selected students of the University of Cape Coast, was analysed. Findings: the study revealed that most of the group members were not living in the same area within campus. Hence, the use of backchannel signals (Ok) with the sole aim of ascertaining whether communication is progressive and the information passed is well deciphered. Additionally, the study also shows that unlike drama, Oh is sparingly used on Whatsapp chat whereas Ok and its deviant form, were generously used. Ok was used to indicate initialization of conversation, reception of an information or message and closure of a conversational sequence. It was also shown that both Oh and Ok do not affect the truth conditions of the text; neither does it add any special meaning to the propositional content of the chat. Recommendation: In view of the findings that Oh and Ok do not enhance grammaticality of a sentence nor does it create propositional meaning, it was recommended that students should balance their use of Whatsapp messenger because much dependence on it for communication purposes could erode students’ grammatical construction of sentences as well as spellings in the English language. Contribution to the body of knowledge: investigating the use of discourse markers on WhatsApp group chat fills the knowledge gap regarding Whatsapp group chats among university students and educationists. Keywords: Whatsapp, Group Chats, University Students, Discourse Marker, English Language DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-35-02 Publication date: December 31st 202

Insights into the Value of Inclusive Education to Both Children with and without Diasabilities at Kabulonga Boys Secondary School in Lusaka, Zambia

The study was undertaken to analyze the benefits of inclusive education to children both with and without special education needs. A descriptive survey design was used. The study sample comprised 20 participants: one head teacher, one deputy head teacher, nine special education teachers and nine regular teachers. Simple random sampling and purposive sampling techniques were used to select these participants. Data was collected using questionnaires and interview guides while analysis of data was done by SPSS (descriptive statistics) and themes (thematic analysis). The study revealed that the benefits of inclusive education are many; inclusive education can be an important and a meaningful thing or program to implement if all the materials needed are available, and if specially trained teachers are available to work with regular teachers and other stakeholders that may be needed for it to work. The study also established that regular teachers face many challenges in curriculum modification and adaptation. The study suggests that CPD activities be done so as to train regular teacher on how to modify and adapt the curriculum in inclusive classes; more sensitization of the benefits of inclusive education be done via different media platforms, and schools to strictly follow the stipulated guidelines on inclusive education and special education. This study concludes that there many benefits of inclusive education to both CSENs and those without special educational needs. On the other hand, curriculum adaptation and modification is very vital for inclusion to come to fruition. However, regular teachers face many challenges in this area. Keywords: Inclusive education, curriculum modification and adaptation, children with and without special education needs. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-35-01 Publication date: December 31st 202

Adapting Fadel’s Four-Dimensional Education Model in Teaching and Learning Civic Education In 21st Century Zambia

This study focused on contextualizing Charles Fadel’s four-dimensional model of education to teaching and learning Civic Education in secondary schools in of the 21st century Zambia. The study confirmed the importance of Fadel’s four-dimensional model of education in teaching and learning Civic Education in secondary schools in the 21st century in Zambia. All the four interlinked educational components in the model are crucial in teaching and learning of Civic Education in secondary schools. The study recommends the review of Civic Education curriculum course that secondary school teacher training institutions offer in colleges and universities in Zambia to incorporate the 21st teaching and learning methods as espoused in the four-dimensional education model; and the need to periodically review how methods used in teaching and learning Civic Education help prepare learners for civic agency, give them confidence to vote, and engage with their communities voluntarily as these are the tenets of the 21st teaching and learning of this epoch. Key Terms: Civic Education, Teaching, learning, four-dimensional, and education. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-33-15 Publication date: November 30th 202

Grammar Error Analysis of Narrative Compositions of Learners in Senior Secondary School Grades: A Case Study of Selected Public Secondary Schools in Chingola District, Zambia

The study analysed grammar errors in narrative compositions of learners in senior grades (grades 10-12) in four selected public secondary schools in Chingola District of the Copperbelt Province, Zambia. The study relied on the Universal Grammar Theory of Noam Chomsky of 1960. The informants of the study were 60 (26 males and 34 females): 1 (one) from the District Education Board Secretary’s office, 2 (two) Head teachers, 4 (four) Deputy Head teachers, 3 (three) Heads of Departments, 2 (two) Heads of Sections, 8 (eight Subject Teachers and 40 learners. Purposive sampling was used to select participants positioned to give the needed information. Questionnaires, interview schedules, focus group discussions, lesson observation and assessment of learners’ narrative composition scripts were the methods of data collection used. Both quantitative and qualitative approaches to data collection were employed. Quantitative data was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 16 and Excel while qualitative data was analysed in a descriptive manner. The study revealed variations in the types of grammatical errors learners committed in narrative compositions in the four selected schools. The numbers and types of grammatical errors varied from school to school. Respondents further suggested to the investigation possible causes of grammatical errors learners made in narrative compositions. It was established that despite the variations as regards the types of grammatical errors learners made, some errors, namely spellings, tenses, punctuations, word order and paragraphing were common in all the four selected schools. Keywords: Grammatical errors, narrative composition, syntax, sentence construction, English language DOI: 10.7176/JEP/13-21-14 Publication date:June 30th 202

TEN Team

There is a growing realisation that to better understand and intervene in the interconnected political, cultural and psycho-social dynamics that constitute the contexts for these current global challenges requires transdisciplinary and intersectoral approaches; approaches that include and value diverse perspectives and pay particular attention to the perspectives and experiences of those who are the most vulnerable and those who are currently excluded from the knowledge creation processes. This article discusses the learning gained from an inter-disciplinary and inter-institutional project entitled Transformative Engagement Network (TEN). &nbsp

Mutual Knowledge Between Spouses About Their Characteristics and Its Relationship to Their Educational Level, Jourdan

Objectives: This study aimed to explore (1) the knowledge level of husbands and wives about their characteristics and (2) the existence of a relation between the level of mutual knowledge of spouses about their characteristics and their educational level. Methods: This study used the descriptive correlational method. The sample consisted of 390 husbands and 390 wives residing in the Petra Development and Tourism Region Authority. To collect data, two scales about the husband and wife’s level of knowledge of each other’s characteristics were developed.Results: The results from the two scales showed the total and sub-level of knowledge (emotional characteristics, financial characteristics, parental characteristics, characteristics in decision-making), with the spouses having a medium degree of each other’s characteristics. The study also revealed that there were differences between the educational level of husbands and wives and the level of knowledge of their characteristics in favor of the higher educational level (higher education).Contributions of this study: Findings of this study have a bearing on individual and collective attainment of lifelong education, literacy and socio-economic determinants that propel health living. This study provides a realistic description of spousal characteristics, promotes family union and longevity, contributes to the reduction in divorce cases; improves the level of relations between spouses. It also promotes SDG goal number 4.6; contributes to the field of counseling and families. Keywords: knowledge, characteristics of the husband, characteristics of the wife, educational level. DOI: 10.7176/JEP/15-5-05 Publication date: April 30th 202

SOCIO-ECONOMIC IMPLICATIONS OF COVID-19 IN DENSELY POPULATED COMPOUNDS (KOMBONI) IN LUSAKA, ZAMBIA

The Coronavirus 19 (CoviD-19[1]) pandemic has ravaged countries and disrupted the social-economic stability of communities leaving people in desperate need of essential commodities. Its effects are generally implicitly well known by many. Yet, the reality in densely populated areas such as compounds, is underestimated. The year 2020 marked a pivotal point in human history due to this global pandemic that, among other things, forced unprecedented upheaval to human lives, individual careers, economic activities, education and health systems. This research set out to explore the social-economic implications of the CoviD-19 pandemic in densely populated compounds in Lusaka. This was done with an intention to explore the impact on the human lives of those already struggling under the strain of poverty and expose how they are currently coping. As an exploratory design, the research seeks to use a case study approach of 4 compounds in Lusaka District. The intention is to use focus group interviews, complete observations and fixed questions to collect rich data in situ that is intended to demonstrate the multi-layered effects affecting settlers in densely populated compounds. This research analysed the collected data through the use of thematic analysis. Key Words: CoviD-19, Pandemic, Masks, Densely populated compound, Social Distancing, Settlers DOI: 10.7176/JCSD/73-05 Publication date: April 30th 2024 [1]COVID-19 will be used interchangeably with Coronaviru

ENHANCING TEACHING AND LEARNING OF OPEN AND DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL) STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES USING DIGITAL TECHNOLOGIES AT UNIVERSITY, ZAMBIA

Technology is highly valued in modern day teaching and learning especially when it comes to imparting knowledge to students with disabilities. This paper presents the findings of a study that sought to establish the emerging and digital technologies being used to enhance the teaching and learning of ODL students with disabilities at Nkhruma University. The study used a case study design. The population comprised all students with visual and hearing impairment under ODL and their lecturers. A total sample of fifty-five (55) participants was employed and snowball sampling technique was utilized. The instruments used for data collection were interview guides and observation schedules. Data was analyzed thematically. The findings revealed that emerging technologies such as the use of information and communication technology were used by both students with visual and hearing impairment to learn effectively and lecturers to teach effectively. It was also revealed that digital technologies such as computers, cell phones, and Ipads were used during the lectures for effective teaching, easy access to materials and information. It was further revealed that some students with disabilities and lecturers were not well oriented on the use of modern ICT tools. Based on the findings of the study, it was recommended that the institution conducts technology-biased capacity building workshops for all ODL lecturers.  Article visualizations

Application of Bloom’s Taxonomy in Categorization of Cognitive Process Development in Colleges

Bloom’s Taxonomy is crucial in any teaching and learning environment because it determines direction for a course of study. This study assessed application of Bloom’s Taxonomy in courses of study offered in colleges in Lusaka District. Objectives were: Assess the application of Bloom’s Taxonomy in setting learning outcomes for the courses; Assess reflection of Bloom’s Taxonomy in activities set for course participants; Ascertain significance attached to Bloom’s Taxonomy in courses of study designed for participants. The study employed a mixed methodology, in particular employing a descriptive research design to assess application of the Taxonomy in course outcomes/objective. The population comprised college lecturers in Lusaka District. Sample size was 36 lecturers who were conveniently sampled. Data were collected using a questionnaire and analyzed using frequencies and Spearman correlation coefficient. Findings revealed that the majority of the lecturers did not illustrate how to use Bloom’s Taxonomy in planning course of study, setting objectives/outcomes, creating learning activities or create assessment tasks for course participants. However, most of the lecturers demonstrated use of active verbs which they use in objectives/outcomes. Findings revealed that lecturers hardly used Bloom’s Taxonomy. There is no relationship between lecturers’ use of learning outcomes as a basis for preparing class tasks and their assertions that they compared objectives with tasks prepared for students. It is recommended that lecturers should be oriented on use of the learning Taxonomy. Keywords: Bloom’s Taxonomy, Objectives, Outcomes, Lecturers DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-4-02 Publication date: February 28th 202

Social Significance of Kinship in the Bemba Speech Community

This study investigated the social significance of kinship in a Bemba speech community by examining the concept from the linguistic and anthropological perspectives. It took a qualitative approach, in particular ethnographic research design. This study included family heads, spouses, children, dependents, area councilors, social workers in Mufulira District. In total forty eight (48) participants took part in the study. Family heads, children and dependents among others took part in the study. Two methods of sampling were used in this study: purposive and simple random. Data was collected through interviews, Focus Group Discussion (FGD) and questionnaire. Findings indicate that many factors have certainly strained extended family ties to an extent that many people no longer honor the ideals of traditional family loyalty yet, such cultural ideals are as common to African societies as those of personal autonomy are in Western societies. Literature corroborates with the findings and establishes that the family is one of the key cultural strongholds in a Bemba community just like in many African communities. Unanimously, participants in the study point to the disintegrated social cohesion as one of the factors contributing to the increase in the number of people in need of care and support. There seem to be a general view from participants that initiatives to support the needy should be accompanied with efforts to ascertain their socio-psychological effects on those in need of care and support. Findings further reveal that majority of the people in need of support have relatives who could come to their aid but are unable due to, among other issues, economic hardships. This paper encourages the acceptance and support of extended family system in Zambia owing to its cultural compatibility with the community. Keywords: Bemba, Community, Kinship, Language, Family DOI: 10.7176/JLLL/96-02 Publication date: February 28th 202