The efficacy of the Girls in STEM Trust’s digital skills program in achieving quality education among girls in Zimbabwe. A case study of Loch-view Primary School and SOS Hermann Gmeiner in Bulawayo · Electronic Theses and Dissertations

Author

Oprah Masina Jackson

Title

The efficacy of the Girls in STEM Trust’s digital skills program in achieving quality education among girls in Zimbabwe. A case study of Loch-view Primary School and SOS Hermann Gmeiner in Bulawayo

Abstract

ABSTRACT
The study emanated from the understanding that ICT skills are one of the most significant factors pertaining the quality of education in each and every country. However, Zimbabwe and other African countries have been facing challenges of shortage of resources which have been hindering its success in introducing ICT practical learning in primary schools. The failure to achieve digital skills amongst learners has been a source of discrimination due to the cultural background of gender roles. As a result, women tend to shy away from pursing STEM-based careers, possibly due to a lack of practical experience as they advance in their education. Thus, this study aimed to find out the efficacy of the Girls in STEM Trust’s digital skills program in achieving quality education in SOS Hermann Gmeinner and Loch-view Primary School. The study also looked at the challenges and the measures to quality education. The study was conducted using qualitative research methods, leading to the application of the thematic analysis. The study employed the social learning theory as its theoretical framework, emphasising learning from different perspectives such as through observation, modelling, reinforcement and imitation. The aim of the research using this template was to understand efficacy of the digital skills program though the lenses of the social learning theory provisions. The study was folded up with recommendation to the challenges that were addressed and also the gaps that were discovered in the research. Some of the recommendations that were given were to involve the parents in the learning of the girls, programs follow-up, and background research before implementing programs in schools and collaboration among institutions as in order to achieve quality education.

Date

JUNE 2023

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

ICT skills
quality of education
STEM

Supervisor

NIL