Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education in Zimbabwe: Research, Policy and Practice

Historical and current educational perspectives are epistemologically challenging to weave together. The contributors brought together in this book have risen to that challenge and, in the process, have produced a detailed and thorough account of the issues and processes at play.

Science, Mathematics and Technology (SMT) education is recognised globally as a means of developing critically needed human capital. In Zimbabwe, SMT subjects constitute a significant component of the curriculum which, since political independence in 1980, has emphasised application-oriented, experientially-based teaching and learning. Efforts to mainstream this approach have resulted in several significant reforms to the country's education system. Relatedly, there are ongoing attempts to boost uptake in SMT subjects and, through them, to develop such professional skills as problem-solving, lifelong learning, teamwork, critical thinking, and the capacity to contribute and adapt to our rapidly changing world.

There is a self-evident need to document progress made in these efforts and, in the process, to carefully examine issues at play, challenges met, and solutions developed. This book, developed through a partnership involving Zimbabwean editors and authors, was developed to fulfil this need. It is long overdue.

If you want to know about the Zimbabwean Science, Mathematics and Technology education system, this book is for you. I am recommending this book because it explains in detail the challenges faced by the Science, Mathematics, and Technology education in Zimbabwe.--Louis Sibanda, Chairperson, Department of Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education, National University of Science, and Technology (NUST)

The book significantly contributes to STEM education in Zimbabwe and possibly the entire SADC region. The book addresses the critical areas of instructional and scholarship challenges in Science, Mathematics and Technology education in Zimbabwe. It stresses how research, policy and practice have contributed to its development. A strength of this book is the multiplicity of ideas proffered by the authors. The book should be a valuable resource for policymakers, educators and researchers in STEM education throughout Southern Africa.--Andile Mji, Professor of Mathematics Education and Dean of Faculty of Education, Cape Peninsula University of Technology

The book is a crucial contribution to Science, Mathematics and Technology education in Zimbabwe and globally. It puts into perspective the relevant research activities that can be pursued in imparting Science, Mathematics, and Technology education and deliberates on policies implemented to improve its teaching and learning in Zimbabwe. It offers the opportunity to scrutinise strategies used to deliver Science, Mathematics and Technology education to the Zimbabwean nation and identify ways to improve them.--Benias Nyamunda, Doctor of Chemistry and Acting Dean of Studies in the Department of Chemical and Processing Engineering, Manicaland State University of Applied Sciences