Inculcating IKS cultural practices into the pre-service science and mathematics teacher education curriculum at an Institution of Higher Education in Namibia
Main Article Content
Abstract
In this paper we interrogate the teachers training programme offered at an institution of higher learning in Namibia. We used Empiricism to explore the authentic practices used in the transformational processes exposed to 3rd and 4th year mathematics and science student teachers. We emphasized three important constructs that guide the scholarship of teaching, namely standards of excellence, virtues and values to guide IK integration in the curriculum. We conclude that student teachers understood the meaning and importance of IK. However, the teacher preparation curriculum did not include aspects related to IK, it was left at their own discretion to adopt. We recommend appropriate strategies for adoption to implement and guide the required standards and values for curriculum development.
Article Details
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
References
Abah, J., Mashebe, P., & Denuga, D. D. (2015). Prospect of integrating African indigenous knowledge systems into the teaching of sciences in Africa. American Journal of Educational Research, 3(6), 668–673. https://doi.org/10.12691/education-3-6-1
Abonyi, O. S., & Achimugu, L. (2014). Innovations in science and technology education: A case for ethnoscience based science classrooms. International Journal of Scientific & Engineering Research, 5(1), 52–56.
Amukugo, E. M. (2017). Democracy, education and social justice: Theoretical perspectives. University of Namibia Press.
Brown, A., & Haihambo, C. K. (2015). Developmental issues facing the San people of Namibia: Road to de-marginalization in formal education. In Indigenous knowledge of Namibia. UNAM Press Windhoek.
Brown, A., & Haihambo, C. K. (2017). Inclusive education as a democratic imperative. In Democracy and Education in Namibia and Beyond: A Critical Apprasial. University of Namibia Press.
Chavez, A. (2016). Rights in education and self-identity: Education and language of Instruction in Namibia. International Education Studies, 9(3), 189–196. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v9n3p189
Fakoyede, S. J., & Otulaja, F. S. (2020). Beads and beadwork as cultural artifacts used in mediating learners’ agentic constructs in science classrooms: A case for place-based learning. Cultural Studies of Science Education, 15(1), 193–210. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-019-09911-4
Freire, P. (2020). Pedagogy of the oppressed. In Toward a sociology of education (pp. 374–386). Routledge.
Higgs, P., & Van Niekerk, M. P. (2002). The programme for indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) and higher educational discourse in South Africa: A critical reflection: Perspectives on higher education. South African Journal of Higher Education, 16(3), 38–49. https://doi.org/10.10520/EJC36946
Jumba, H. A., & Mwiti, F. M. (2022). Teachers’ perception on integration of indigenous knowledge systems in competence based curriculum at selected primary schools in Buuri East Sub-County. International Journal of Professional Practice, 10(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.1234/ijpp.v10i1.122
Kanandjebo, L. N. (2016). Effects of information and communication technology (ICT) driven pedagogy on performance of grade 12 Geometry ordinary level learners in the Omusati educational region, Namibia (Thesis). University of Namibia.
Kasanda, C. D., & Kapenda, H. M. (2015). School learners’ knowledge and views of traditional medicinal plant use in two regions in Namibia. In Indigenous knowledge of Namibia. University of Namibia Press Windhoek.
Kaya, H. O. (2013). Integration of African indigenous knowledge systems into higher education in South Africa: Prospects and challenges. Alternation: Interdisciplinary Journal for the Study of the Arts and Humanities in Southern Africa, 20(1), 135–153.
Kaya, H. O., & Seleti, Y. N. (2013). African indigenous knowledge systems and relevance of higher education in South Africa. International Education Journal: Comparative Perspectives, 12(1), 30–44. https://openjournals.test.library.sydney.edu.au/IEJ/article/view/7436
Khupe, C. (2014). Indigenous knowledge and school science: Possibilities for integration (Thesis). University of the Witwatersrand, Faculty of Science, School of Science Education.
Kimmerle, J., Fischer, F., & Cress, U. (2021). Argumentation and knowledge construction. In International Handbook of Computer-Supported Collaborative Learning (pp. 183–198). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-65291-3_10
Kreber, C. (2013). Authenticity in and through teaching in higher education. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203072301
Krieg, J. M., Goldhaber, D., & Theobald, R. (2022). Disconnected Development? The Importance of Specific Human Capital in the Transition From Student Teaching to the Classroom. Educational Evaluation and Policy Analysis, 44(1), 29–49. https://doi.org/10.3102/01623737211025306
Langenhoven, K. R. (2014). The effectiveness of an argumentation instructional model in enhancing pre-service science teachers’ efficacy to implement a relevant science indigenous knowledge curriculum in Western Cape classrooms. University of the Western Cape.
Le Grange, L. (2007). Integrating western and indigenous knowledge systems: The basis for effective science education in South Africa? International Review of Education, 53(5–6), 577–591. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-007-9056-x
Lekhu, M. A. (2023). Pre-service science teachers’ preparedness for classroom teaching: Exploring aspects of self-efficacy and pedagogical content knowledge for sustainable learning environments. Journal of Curriculum Studies Research, 5(1), 113–129. https://doi.org/10.46303/jcsr.2023.9
Lilemba, J. M., & Matemba, Y. H. (2015). Reclaiming indigenous knowledge in Namibia’s post-colonial curriculum: The case of the Mafwe people. In Indigenous Knowledge of Namibia. UNAM Press.
Madlela, B. (2022). Blending a constructivist theory of teaching and learning with indigenous knowledge systems in the official natural science curriculum in Phongola Schools, Kwazulu Natal. Indiana Journal of Arts & Literature, 3(1), 6–12. https://indianapublications.com/articles/IJAL_3(1)_6-12_6206a6c7238ba2.47306263.pdf
Magara, E. (2015). Integration of indigenous knowledge management into the university curriculum: A case for Makerere University. Indilinga African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, 14(1), 25–41. https://doi.org/10.10520/EJC174406
Mashoko, D., Mpofu, V., Keane, M., & Mushayikwa, E. (2016). Indigenous knowledge for school science: Insights into the issue of intellectual property rights from three South African studies. Indilinga African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, 15(3), 303–313. https://doi.org/10.10520/EJC-533bcaa43
Maweu, J. M. (2011). Indigenous ecological knowledge and modern western ecological knowledge: Complementary, not contradictory. Thought and Practice, 3(2), 35–47. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/tp/article/view/74874
McDonald, J. T., & Dominguez, L. A. (2010). Professional preparation for science teachers in environmental education. In The Inclusion of Environmental Education in Science Teacher Education (pp. 17–30). Springer Netherlands. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-90-481-9222-9_2
Meister, L. (2018). On methodology: How mixed methods research can contribute to translation studies. Translation Studies, 11(1), 66–83. https://doi.org/10.1080/14781700.2017.1374206
Mekoa, I. (2015). Challenges and opportunities for IKS in higher education institutions in South Africa: Politics, ideological, institutional cultures and structural dimensions. Indilinga African Journal of Indigenous Knowledge Systems, 14(1), 12–24. https://doi.org/10.10520/EJC174407
Mhakure, D., & Mushaikwa, N. (2014). Science teachers’ indigenous knowledge identities. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(20), 1554–1563. https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2014.v5n20p1554
Michie, M. (2014). Teachers in cross-cultural settings. In Working Cross-culturally (pp. 107–134). Brill.
Ministry of Education and Culture. (1993). Towards education for all: A development brief for education, culture and training.
Ministry of Higher Education Technology and Innovation. (2021). National science, technology and innovation policy. NAM-STI-POLICY.pdf (ncrst.na)
Mkhize, N., & Ndimande-Hlongwa, N. (2014). African languages, indigenous knowledge systems (IKS), and the transformation of the humanities and social sciences in higher education. Alternation, 21(2), 10 – 37.
Mpofu, V., Otulaja, F. S., & Mushayikwa, E. (2014). Towards culturally relevant classroom science: A theoretical framework focusing on traditional plant healing. Cultural Studies of Science Education, 9(1), 221–242. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-013-9508-5
Mubangizi, J., & Kaya, H. (2015). African indigenous knowledge systems and human rights: Implications for higher education, based on the South African Experience. International Journal of African Renaissance Studies - Multi-, Inter- and Transdisciplinarity, 10(2), 125–142. https://doi.org/10.1080/18186874.2015.1107985
Mudaly, R. (2018). Towards decolonising a module in the pre-service science teacher education curriculum: The role of indigenous knowledge systems in creating spaces for transforming the curriculum. Journal of Education, 74. https://doi.org/10.17159/2520-9868/i74a04
Mukumbu Chinsembu, G. M., & Hamunyela, M. (2015). To integrate or not: Exploring the prospects and challenges of integrating indigenous knowledge at the University of Namibia. In Indigenous knowledge of Namibia (pp. 361–377). University of Namibia Press Windhoek.
Mushayikwa, E., & Ogunniyi, M. (2011). Modeling the integration of IKS into the teaching and learning of Science. Proceedings from the 19th Conference of the Southern Association of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education (408–425). South Africa: North West University.
Naidoo, P. D., & Vithal, R. (2014). Teacher approaches to introducing indigenous knowledge in school science classrooms. African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(3), 253–263. https://doi.org/10.1080/10288457.2014.956407
Nhalevilo, E. A., & Ogunniyi, M. (2011). Teachers’ deconstruction of the image of science through contiguity argumentation theory-Paving the way for IKS in school curriculum. Proceedings from the 19 Th Conference of the Southern Association of Research in Science, Mathematics and Technology Education, 332–343.
Office of the President, N. (2004). Namibia vision 2030: Policy framework for long-term national development (Vol. 2). Office of the President.
Ogunniyi, M. B. (2004). The challenge of preparing and equipping science teachers in higher education to integrate scientific and indigenous knowledge systems for learners: The practice of higher education. South African Journal of Higher Education, 18(3), 289–304. https://doi.org/10.10520/EJC37088
Ogunniyi, M. B., & Hewson, M. G. (2008). Effect of an argumentation-based course on teachers’ disposition towards a science-indigenous knowledge curriculum. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 3(4), 159–177. http://www.ijese.net/makale/1360.html
Ogunniyi, M. B., & Mushayikwa, E. (2015). Teacher education in South Africa: Issues and challenges. In Teacher education systems in Africa in the digital era (Vol. 71). African Books Collective.
Ogunniyi, M. B., & Rollnick, M. (2015). Pre-service science Teacher education in Africa: Prospects and challenges. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 26(1), 65–79. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10972-014-9415-y
Owuor, J. (2007). Integrating African indigenous knowledge in Kenya’s formal education system: The potential for sustainable development. Journal of Contemporary Issues in Education, 2(2), 21–36. https://doi.org/10.20355/C5Z594
Pant, B. P., Luitel, B. C., Bjønness, B., & Gjøtterud, S. (2023). “Science” and “art” as ways of knowing in school education in Nepal for an inclusive learning environment. Discover Education, 2(1), 16. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-023-00039-w
Republic of Namibia. (2017a). National development plan (NDP4 2017/8 to 2021/22).
Republic of Namibia. (2017b). National development plan (NDP45 2017/8 to 2021/22).
Sampson, V., Enderle, P., & Grooms, J. (2013). Argumentation in science education. The Science Teacher, 80(5), 30–33. https://doi.org/10.2505/4/tst13_080_05_30
Semali, L. M., Hristova, A., & Owiny, S. A. (2015). Integrating Ubunifu, informal science, and community innovations in science classrooms in East Africa. Cultural Studies of Science Education, 10(4), 865–889. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11422-014-9640-x
Semali, L. M., & Mehta, K. (2012). Science education in Tanzania: Challenges and policy responses. International Journal of Educational Research, 53, 225–239. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijer.2012.03.012
Shizha, E. (2014). The indigenous knowledge systems and the curriculum. In African indigenous knowledge and the disciplines (pp. 113–129). Brill.
Sitsha, M. (2023). Exploring the integration of Indigenous Knowledge Systems (IKS) into the teaching of Life Sciences through Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) (Thesis). North-West University (South Africa).
Taylor, D. L., & Cameron, A. (2016). Valuing IKS in successive South African physical sciences curricula. African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 20(2), 35–44. 10.1080/10288457.2016.1147800
Tondi, P. (2019). The significance of indigenous knowledge systems (IKS) for Africa’s socio-cultural and economic development in the dawn of the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). Journal of Gender, Information and Development in Africa (JGIDA), 8(Special Issue 1), 237–243. https://doi.org/10.31920/2050-4284/2019/s1n1a14
Ugulu, L. (2019). An investigation on the effects of teacher-designed educational videos on grade 11 learners’ Geometry performance in Oshikoto education region, Namibia. University of Namibia.
UNESCO. (2002). Right to education: Scope and implementation. United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. http://portal.unesco.org/en/ev.php-URL_ID=13179&URL_DO=DO_TOPIC&URL_SECTION=201.html
View, T. (2017). Mîyo Pîkiskwatitowin (Speaking to each other in a good way): The significance of culture brokers in cross-cultural collaboration with Aboriginal peoples (Thesis). University of Saskatchewan.
Wagle, S. K., Luitel, B. C., & Krogh, E. (2024). Exploring possibilities for participatory approaches to contextualized teaching and learning: A case from a public school in Nepal. Educational Action Research, 32(2), 276–294. https://doi.org/10.1080/09650792.2023.2183874