ANALYSING TEACHERS’ SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE IN THE USE OF ICTS FOR TEACHING COMPUTER STUDIES IN MALAWIAN SECONDARY SCHOOLS

Abstract

The study investigated the instructional skills and knowledge of teachers for teaching
Computer Studies in five secondary schools. A case study design was used to collect qualitative
data using interview and observation. The population was Computer Studies teachers in
secondary schools and ten teachers were identified as informants through purposive sampling.
Findings revealed that most of those teaching Computer Studies were not qualified to teach the
subject but were rather qualified to teach other science subjects such as Mathematics, Physical
Science, Chemistry and Biology. Teachers’ skills in using ICT instructional devices such as
computers were found to be moderate. However, other teachers lacked hardware and software
repair and maintenance of the ICT devices found in classrooms including computers. It was
noted that many teachers were willing to undergo training to improve their computer usage
skills for instruction and knowledge to advance their competence in the teaching of Computer
Studies. The study recommends that government should implement strategies to improve the
delivery of Computer Studies in secondary schools, upgrade short courses as well as provide
adequate teaching and learning materials and equipment. Limitations of the study included the
unwillingness of some participants to respond to questions and others declined to participate in
data collection. The views shared are mostly from male participants, although deliberate effort
was made to get a good number of female participants.