Papers by Eureka Mokibelo
The national language as a language of instruction in Botswana primary schools
Language and Education, May 2, 2014
This article examines the use of the national language, Setswana, as the language of instruction ... more This article examines the use of the national language, Setswana, as the language of instruction in linguistically and ethnically complex primary schools in Botswana, and the dilemmas it presents. The current language-in-education policy in Botswana requires the use of Setswana as a language of instruction at standard 1 in public schools. The study used the qualitative approach, with teachers as implementers of the policy being the key participants. The study used open-ended questionnaires, interviews, classroom observations and field notes to elucidate the complexity involved in the interpretation and translation of such a policy in schools which children with different home languages attend. These included foreigners, immigrants and Setswana-speaking children who have been through preschool education. The findings indicate that there is tension between standard 1 classroom practices and what the policy stipulates. The use of Setswana has a profound negative impact on ethnically diverse standard 1 classes because it presents challenges to effective teaching and learning.
The national language as a language of instruction in Botswana primary schools
Language and Education, 2014
This article examines the use of the national language, Setswana, as the language of instruction ... more This article examines the use of the national language, Setswana, as the language of instruction in linguistically and ethnically complex primary schools in Botswana, and the dilemmas it presents. The current language-in-education policy in Botswana requires the use of Setswana as a language of instruction at standard 1 in public schools. The study used the qualitative approach, with teachers as implementers of the policy being the key participants. The study used open-ended questionnaires, interviews, classroom observations and field notes to elucidate the complexity involved in the interpretation and translation of such a policy in schools which children with different home languages attend. These included foreigners, immigrants and Setswana-speaking children who have been through preschool education. The findings indicate that there is tension between standard 1 classroom practices and what the policy stipulates. The use of Setswana has a profound negative impact on ethnically diverse standard 1 classes because it presents challenges to effective teaching and learning.
International Journal For Multidisciplinary Research, Feb 29, 2024
This is a very important study that links the University with the rural communities. In most case... more This is a very important study that links the University with the rural communities. In most cases, rural communities are neglected and people focus on urban areas. While the rural communities could be developed for growth and development as well as economic development, the stakeholders do not give preference to rural communities and yet, they are rich in indigenous knowledge, fertile soil and therefore, small entrepreneurships could be developed to create employment to avoid people flooding to urban areas. Hence, this study is a very important one that puts the university in the spotlight. The writer managed to introduce his/her idea clearly. But since the statement of the problem has not been clearly articulated. It is difficult to understand why the writer is problematizing the issue under study. The stamen of the problem is placed under the introduction. Therefore, it is not clear why the writer is problematizing the issue The Theoretical Framework: The write does not specify his/her theoretical framework. The writer decided to use concepts such as cooperation, engagement and population decline, it is not clear why. The write does not clearly explain the theoretical framework and the reasons for its applicability. The writer does not have a clear heading of research methodology such that readers can follow clearly how the study was conducted. The writer provided heading such as rural development and university in japan -This could have been part of the background. Also, there are subheadings such as counter communities and graduates which presents the results of the study. Although the results are sound, they lack an appropriate heading. Therefore, the research methodology is lacking in many ways. This part should reveal and analyse what was discussed under the results of the study. One can see a blend of literature review -which was not provided and the results. The discussion managed to tease out the
This is generally an important topic that cuts across all educational systems globally. Disciplin... more This is generally an important topic that cuts across all educational systems globally. Disciplinary procedures have become so complex in secondary schools due to issues that have emerged and clouded modern societies. Teachers find it difficult to handle disciplinary matters due to acts that go against the realities on the ground, hence, leaving a lot of questions unanswered. Also, modern society and communities are external factors that influence disciplinary matters in schools. Therefore, making teachers look for answers where they cannot find them.
Journal of Language Teaching and Research, Jul 1, 2016
This paper examines learners' transition from Setswana in Standard One to English at Standard Two... more This paper examines learners' transition from Setswana in Standard One to English at Standard Two in line with the implementation of the language-in-education policy in selected Botswana primary schools. Using data from classroom observations, open ended questionnaires and interviews, this paper scrutinizes the effectiveness of such transition especially where learners do not speak both languages of instruction. The transitional education model is used as a theoretical framework for this paper to better understand how transition could be done from one language to another. The findings of this study indicate that transition from Setswana medium of instruction to English medium is taken for granted and is overlooked by key agents of the policy and supervisors and therefore it is not monitored and supervised. The conclusion is that the period of transition is critical and sensitive. As a result, teachers and supervisors; both internal and external should have the necessary delivery skills and support to enable them to go through that critical period with less anxiety.
Universal Journal of Educational Research, 2016
Nations are tasked with expanding education, increasing its accessibility and quality to develop ... more Nations are tasked with expanding education, increasing its accessibility and quality to develop skilled labour forces needed to compete in the global world. Every nation is under pressure to strive to give their learners an opportunity to explore their potential to achieve the national and global educational goals. In learning, language and culture play a vital role in achieving educational goals at individual, national and international levels. This paper is part of the main study that used the qualitative approach to investigate how the language-in-education policy is implemented in ethnically and linguistically complex classrooms. The policy recognises only two languages of instruction: the national and a foreign language. Therefore, the idea is to see how such a policy is implemented in situations where learners do not speak the two languages. The findings indicate that there are challenges that could impede on achieving both the national and global educational goals especially Education for All goals as regards ethnic minority groups. The study observed that some of the marginalized groups such as BaZezuru and San lag behind due to language barrier and different lifestyle which are not considered in the implementation process. The paper recommends a reconsideration of the language-in-education policy that is inclusive in order to achieve the Education for All goals.
Journal of Language Teaching and Research, Sep 1, 2018
This study examined practices in academic progress record keeping at Junior Secondary Schools in ... more This study examined practices in academic progress record keeping at Junior Secondary Schools in Botswana in the Setswana language programme. Using the qualitative approach it was observed that students' academic progress at Junior Secondary Schools were recorded in scheme books with marks written at the back of it, either after an exercise or after writing monthly tests with no evidence produced when necessary during conferencing. The recordings did not show parents, educational officials and learners students' academic strengths and weaknesses in a particular skill they were supposed to develop in the teaching and learning processes. The study involved in-service teachers at Junior Secondary Schools who were furthering their education at the University of Botswana. A questionnaire with open ended questions and interviews were used to collect data from the participants. Data were analyzed using the grounded theory by considering thematic statements that emerged from key research questions. The findings indicated that the measures used for academic records by teachers were not systematic and effective. The study recommends portfolio assessment not as a means to an end, but as a strategy that can be adopted and used to develop a systematic way of keeping students' academic records and monitoring their academic growth and development progress.
Learner Reading Problems: A Case of Khoe Learners at Junior Secondary School
Marang: Journal of Language and Literature, Jul 20, 2010
... The learners came lroto different villages in Botswana such as Irlotshegaletau, Mosolotslrata... more ... The learners came lroto different villages in Botswana such as Irlotshegaletau, Mosolotslratae, 'l'l'rahala, Mogorosi, and Moiyabana and frorn neighbouring ... Lastly, about at of the students said they could not rernetnber Hae na111es of plaocs in the story hscarise they were ...
International journal of scientific research and management, Apr 25, 2018
The Australian journal of Indigenous education, Nov 10, 2014
Among San communities in Botswana, the rate of student disengagement from both primary and junior... more Among San communities in Botswana, the rate of student disengagement from both primary and junior secondary school is an ongoing concern for educators. San learners leave school at all levels of primary and junior secondary education. Students who leave school have tended not to provide reasons as to why they are dropping out. This study investigated some of the reasons why San learners decided to drop out at primary and junior secondary school levels in the Central District in Botswana. In-depth interviews were undertaken with 20 former students living in five cattle-posts where the participants worked as cattle herders. The results indicate that some San drop out of school for reasons of survival, both within and outside school. The findings of the study offer insights into some of the issues that impede students within San communities in achieving their educational goals. Further, the findings could assist educational authorities in their review of current educational practices in Botswana so that that all citizens can be appropriately accommodated within the education system.
Strategies Used in Learning for Employment: What Students Say About Their Lecturers
US-China education review, Feb 28, 2023
European Journal of Human Resource
Purpose: This paper investigated the extent to which employers in Botswana use exit interviews to... more Purpose: This paper investigated the extent to which employers in Botswana use exit interviews to reflect on the feedback provided by the leaving employees for improvement. It is essential in any organization, division or company to reflect on its objectives, goals, achievements and setbacks for its growth and development. Employees may choose to quit their unpleasant jobs or express concern in an effort to improve the situation.Methodology: The study adopted mixed method approach and employed in-depth interviews and questionnaires for data collection. The informants of this study were the University of Botswana academic employees who previously had other jobs before being employed by the university.Findings: Findings indicated that exit interviews could assist in improving the performance and growth of an organization, division or company. The leaving employee could reveal information that could contribute towards the strengths and development of a company, division or an organizat...
South Africa but globally. Cases of violence, fatal shootings and killings have been reported eve... more South Africa but globally. Cases of violence, fatal shootings and killings have been reported even in Western countries. This could mean that societies are sick, societies are lacking and it is partly the responsibility of the education system to orchestrate an awareness amongst leaders of tomorrow who are secondary school students to curb the problem. The problem should not be addressed by schools only but the communities at large. Hence, the problem highlighted in this paper is a serious concern that needs to be addressed by the stakeholders and provide stringent measures and remedies to address it. A delay in addressing it could perpetuate the problem and the perpetrators may see it as a normal issue while it keeps other learners away from school. Generally, this is a well written paper.
Strategies Used in Learning for Employment: What Students Say About Their Lecturers
US-China Education Review A
International Journal of Scientific Research and Management (IJSRM), 2018
This paper examines Botswana Language-in-Education Policy (LiEP) by relating it to the role of ed... more This paper examines Botswana Language-in-Education Policy (LiEP) by relating it to the role of education as perceived by Karl Marx’s philosophy on ethnic minority groups in primary schools in Botswana. Botswana LiEP still recognizes only two languages of instruction despite the fact that it is a multilingual society with an estimation of 28 languages spoken in the country. The Marxist perspective on education is used as bedrock to describe the relevance of some of its principles and what the policy prescribes in primary school classes through citing some researches. All the cited researches were investigated through a qualitative approach using a questionnaire with open ended questions, interview, class observations, focus groups and field notes. The findings of these studies reveal that there are: inequalities in Primary School classes and beyond, lack of progression to the next levels of education, communication barriers which present themselves in many faces, and poor hostel cond...
Disengagement From Schools: Possible Solutions
Journal of Education, 2022
This article investigated possible solutions to disengagement from schools by ethnic minority lea... more This article investigated possible solutions to disengagement from schools by ethnic minority learners in Botswana. Disengagement is a concern for educationists and researchers. The study used qualitative approach to investigate the problem. The reason for disengagement include cultural misfit. The theory of social integration was used to understand the problem under study. The findings indicated that there must be consultation with farm owners and they use local languages for teaching. The article concludes that there is a need to liaise with stakeholders to review certain practices to encourage retainment in schools such as mobile schools and the use of indigenous languages.
An evaluation of the implementation of the language in-education policy in Botswana primary schools
A dissertation submitted to the Dept. of Language Education, Faculty of Education, University of ... more A dissertation submitted to the Dept. of Language Education, Faculty of Education, University of Botswana in partial fulfilment of the requirement of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy in Language Education. Citation: Mokibelo, E.B. (2015) An evaluation of the implementation of the language in-education policy in Botswana primary schools, University of Botswana
Are San children in Botswana capable of acquiring English
Journal of Emerging Trends in Educational Research and Policy Studies, 2015
Current research from two decades ago indicates that San children are not capable of acquiring En... more Current research from two decades ago indicates that San children are not capable of acquiring English due to various reasons. Despite this argument, this paper argues that San children are capable of acquiring English. Through qualitative research, the study employed open ended questionnaires, interviews, site visits and field notes to examine the problem. The study sampled San learners from a number of classes to examine whether indeed the problem was still prevalent. The results indicated that San children were not capable of acquiring English. However, a visit to a primary school in a rural setting at Tsumkwe village in Namibia indicated that indeed San children were capable of acquiring English if learners were taught in both mother tongue and English at the start of their primary education and were also taught by teachers from the same ethnic groups. The significance of this paper is that it will help the educational fraternity in Botswana to rethink and reflect on how San chi...
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Papers by Eureka Mokibelo