https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/241 Wed, 08 Apr 2026 22:44:38 GMT 2026-04-08T22:44:38Z https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4109 Title: Zimbabwean students' conceptions of selected ecological concepts Authors: Chiromo, Alois Solomon Abstract: The study was aimed at identifying the conceptions held by ‘O’ Level students who were studying the Zimbabwe Integrated Science syllabus in Mutare urban high schools. The study was conducted with 409 students. The conceptions were established by administering a multiple-choice test on ecological concepts followed by face-to-face interviews with 27 respondents. The study established that students held erroneous conceptions in varying degrees in the following aspects of ecology: food chains and webs, populations, inverted pyramid of numbers, nitrogen cycle, carbon cycle and energy flow in ecosystems. However, students had a clear understanding of the source of energy for plants and some food web dynamics.The results of this study suggest that students are likely to hold erroneous views of the topic under study. It is suggested in this study that teachers should endeavour to identify students' misconceptions on a given topic, and then use them as a basis for instruction. Curriculum developers should design science curricula that build on students' conceptions, and to that effect the Zimbabwe Integrated Science syllabus needs revision so that students' misconceptions of certain ecological concepts can be addressed. Mon, 01 Jan 2001 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/4109 2001-01-01T00:00:00Z Chiromo, Alois Solomon https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/1801 Title: The level of participation of women with disabilities in economic empowerment programmes in Gweru District Authors: Museva, Loveness Abstract: This study was carried to investigate the level of participation of women with disabilities in economic empowerment programmes in Gweru District. The objectives of the study were to find out community views on participation of women with disabilities and to examine barries that limited the participation of women with disabilities in economic programmes. The descriptive survey method was used to gather the data. Questionnaires and Interviews were used to solicit information from the thirty respondents in Gweru Urban. The researcher also gathered data from Government, Non-Governmental Organisations and Community Leaders. The study findings indicated that women with disabilities were given very little attention and not consulted in issues affecting their lives. Women with disabilities were regarded as charity cases. Cultural, Social, Physical and Psychological barriers were regarded as challenges that limited participation of women with disabilities in economic programmes. The study concluded that government and non-governmental organisations should craft new policies that would promote gender equality and advancement of women with disabilities. More support should be given by government, non-governmental organisations and community leaders to women with disabilities on issues that effect their lives. Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/1801 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z Museva, Loveness https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/749 Title: Militant piety: violence as a sacred duty Authors: Bhebhe, P. Abstract: This paper examined the development of Christianity from the Old Testament to the New Testament through military piety: violence as a sacred duty. It also examined in detail what the Old Testament says about military piety as a sacred duty and considered this as a guide for future generations in the nation of Israel. The books of Deuteronomy and Joshua were critically examined with a view to understanding instructions purported to have been given to Moses and Joshua by God to exterminate other nations. Citations from the Old Testament were also analysed with a veiw to understanding the great theme of the book of Deuteronomy that God has saved and blessed his chosen people, whom he loves; his people are to remember this, and love and obey him, so that they may have life and continued blessings, (Good News Bible: 170). The Theology of conquest, the promised land, chosen people and laissez faire where also explored and analysed. Reference was also made to the Bible versus oppressed nations taking the Dutch Reformed Church and the apartheid system in South Africa as an example. The paper also examined the concept of Holy War as understood by Moses and Joshua and present day Israel. The Authority of the Bible was also put under introspection. In the light of military piety as a sacred duty and the Holy War , the paper asked these pertinent questions concerning the Bible: How does scripture apply to the people or nations where they are? How does the text address current issues? Does the understanding of the bible lead to socio-political transformation? The paper concluded by calling on God to listen to cries from all people irrespective of whether they are in the promised land or not, they are a chosen nation or not, who call upon Him for help by quoting from Habakkuk, (1,:2 4) Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/749 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z Bhebhe, P. https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/627 Title: Stakeholders' perceptions about causes of students' poor performance in secondary schools in the Lower Gweru Circuit in Zimbabwe Authors: Chiromo, Alois S.; Mutemeri, Judith; Mawere, Daniel Abstract: The purpose of the study was to determine stakeholders’ perceptions about causes of students’ poor performance in the secondary schools of the Lower Gweru Circuit in Zimbabwe. The major question that guided the research was how stakeholders perceived causes of students’ poor performance in the secondary schools of the Lower Gweru circuit in Zimbabwe. Consistent with the post modern research paradigm that underlined this study, both qualitative and quantitative designs were used. Schools were randomly selected and respondents were purposively sampled. Questionnaires and interviews were the main tools for data collection. The study found out that all odds in the Lower Gweru circuit were against students’ achievement. As a consequence of low remuneration and lack of incentives, teachers had given up attending fully to their classes. Teachers’ motivation was at its lowest ebb. Students were, as a result, left to their own devices. Strained relationships between students and teachers as well as between teachers and community left the students at an academic disadvantage. Poor parental support in terms of material and financial resources galvanized the students’ disadvantage and further eroded their academic achievement. On instructional supervision, data gathered pointed to a laissez-faire approach that started from the region and cascaded down to school heads and to teachers. In the light of these findings it was suggested that improving the nation’s lowest performing schools should be a national priority. There is need for schools with a track record of chronic failure to be transformed and turned around. Tue, 01 Jan 2013 00:00:00 GMT https://cris.library.msu.ac.zw//handle/11408/627 2013-01-01T00:00:00Z Chiromo, Alois S. Mutemeri, Judith Mawere, Daniel