Twenty-first Century Teacher Challenges of Emerging Trends in Primary Education: A Case of Five Primary Schools in Harare Metropolitan Province, Zimbabwe

Mildred Shingirirai Nyamayedenga
University of Rwanda, Rwanda
Email: mildrednyamayedenga@gmail.com

Abstract: The Zimbabwean Primary School Education system in this 21st century caters for the new syllabus which is competence based and requires learners at all levels of education to have an exit profile. This study aims to explore the major challenges that primary school teachers in Zimbabwe face in their classrooms to keep up with Continuous Assessment Learning Areas (CALAs) which are project based. This study is hinged on a qualitative research approach which is interpretive. A case study with five purposively sampled teachers and grounded on a constructivist theory was undertaken. Semi-structured interviews and document analysis of the questions were used to collect data. Collected data which was analysed inductively, answered the study research question. Findings indicate that although CALAs is an innovative method and an emerging trend in pedagogy that allows learners to have an in-depth understanding, they pose challenges to teachers. Their downside is that they are time consuming and learners without ICT resources fail to cope. Schools and learners’ guardians/parents lack adequate resources to do CALAs which are project based and also embrace the use of technology. Teachers have negative attitudes towards CALAs and they also lack adequate technological pedagogic skills to assist the learners adequately. The study recommends that Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education (MoPSE) undertake a massive technological project to assist teachers and schools to have adequate and efficient resources that are compatible with the 21st century demands.