Challenges Facing the Implementation of the New School Curriculum in Namibian Secondary Schools

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges that are faced by secondary schools in implementing the revised curriculum in Outapi Circuit of Omusati Region. The study used a qualitative research methodology, which employed a case study design. Semi structured interview and open-ended questionnaire were used to obtain data from the participants and respondents. The sample was made up of teachers and schools principals who were purposively sampled because of their typicality to the subject of research. The collected data was analysed using thematic analysis method. Key findings reveal that the implementation of the revised curriculum was faced by challenges related to shortages of instructional material and limited funding provisions, teachers’ perceptions and attitudes towards the revised curriculum, as well as the lack of training and continuous support provisions to both teachers and school principals as they were not involved in curriculum development. The study concluded that the implementation of the revised curriculum was characterised by flaws which had negative implications on the process of teaching and learning. Stakeholders in charge of curriculum implementation should be cognisant of the challenges facing the implementation of the curriculum, and devise mechanisms to minimise the negative implications of the challenges for successful teaching and learning.