Bachelor of Education in Primary Education

Aims of the Programme

The aims of the programme are as follows:

1. To equip students with various competences and knowledge to enable them to teach, facilitate learning and enhance the holistic development of pupils with different learning needs at this crucial level of their education.
2. To provide students with research skills that will allow them to develop new ideas, initiatives and pedagogical practices and attitudes that are essential for the educational workplace.
3. To equip the students with the required skills for using modern information technology and innovative practices within the classroom.
4. To promote values such as respect for Africa's common cultural heritage, national unity, democracy, gender equality, environmental protection, removal of social barrier, and respect for religious and moral values.
5. Develop outstanding primary education teachers who are confident, flexible, resilient, vibrant and dynamic classroom practitioners who challenge the current teaching norms, policies and teaching methods.
6. Encourage students to develop a personal and professional education philosophy that will guide their practice.
7. To prepare students to not only focus on children’s cognitive development but also to support children’s emotional, social, motor and moral development.
8. To create reflective educators who can enhance their own practice by assessing their teaching and pedagogical strategies.

Learning Outcomes

At the end of the programme, the student will be expected to:

1. Assess pre-reflective ways of understanding educational issues, by reflecting critically on practices in teaching, learning and assessments, hence employ initiatives to apply the aspects to the whole process of learning.
2. Define the school’s role in contemporary society and especially its mission for promoting democratic values, collaboration and mutual understanding, inter culturalism and active citizenship.
3. Relate the basic concepts, competencies, and principles of Education Sciences (STEAM) to actual teaching practice in all subjects offered at primary level.
4. Assess the basis of educational theory and practice, through historical, philosophic, psychological, and sociological approaches.
5. Contribute to the building of a more equitable and effective education system through research and other innovative modes.
6. Apply the knowledge, values and skills acquired in all subjects offered at this level to their teaching practice in order to facilitate critical thinking, active learning, and creativity.
7. Communicate effectively in visual, oral and written modes using technology as appropriately as possible according to the level of the learner.
8. Explain the relevance of research in the development of the different pedagogies, methodologies and knowledge in the profession.
9. Critically analyse assumptions underlying educational issues, inclusive of critical pedagogies, technology, inclusive education and many more.
10. Apply knowledge to educational settings in creative and responsible ways.
11. Evaluate the significance and relevance of different theoretical positions by reflecting on various modes of practice.
12. Participate in activities related to the concepts of human rights, act as responsible citizens and protect the environment, in class, locally and in national communities.
13. Propose main ideas or arguments in written texts and compare arguments/theories in order to develop logical arguments in verbal or written modes.
14. Generate a variety of strategies to enhance the learning process and manage a classroom.
15. Demonstrate cultural and aesthetic sensitivity across a range of social contexts to improve learning.
16. Organize their own activities with self-discipline, integrity and commitment.
17. Create learning environments that foster the learners’ communication skills as well as their critical and creative thinking.
18. Integrate effectively various ICT tools and other modern technologies in the learning process.
19. Develop teaching strategies for learners with different and special needs.
20. Function as relevant agents of social change and improvement within the educational institutions they will be working with.

Admission Requirements

The general admission requirements for entry to Unicaf University in Zambia Bachelor degree programmes are as outlined below.  Students are advised to contact the Office of Admissions to find out more about the range of equivalent international academic qualifications accepted.

• Regular admission to a Bachelor's degree programme requires a Full Grade 12 Certificate with 5 GCE O-levels at credit or higher including English or international equivalent qualification.
• Applicants with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma may be considered for entry.
• Applicants with a Diploma or Advanced Diploma in a relevant subject area may be considered for entry to year 3 of a relevant Bachelor's degree, depending on the content of the curriculum previously taken.
• English proficiency: Grade 6 (Credit) or better on the General Certificate of Education or international equivalent qualification or demonstrated by approved English Language Tests.
• Copy of passport or national ID.

In addition to a strong academic record, extra-curricular activities, leadership skills and other relevant background information may be taken into account.