This paper presents the benefits and challenges of online teaching during the COVID-19 pandemic experienced by educators at the Rundu Campus of the University of Namibia. Researchers used a structured interview guide to collect data from 14 conveniently selected lecturers from a population of 65. Findings of the study indicate that the benefits of using online teaching and learning include flexibility, ability to teach large classes; increased interaction and engagement between lecturers and students; and increased learning opportunities for lecturers. The study further found that some of the significant challenges lecturers experienced with online teaching and learning include lack of information and technology skills, internet connectivity and availability; poor student attendance; and loneliness. The study provided crucial information on lecturers' progress within the framework of online teaching and learning mode. The paper recommends that lecturers receive formal training on online teaching and learning tools to minimise the limitations. The study also suggests increased psychosocial support for lecturers to curb feelings of isolation and loneness during this time.

The study explored the e-teaching and learning experiences of lecturers amidst the COVID-19 pandemic at one of the University of Namibia satellite campuses. The study sample was 76 selected using the purposive sampling method from the population of 98. The study used a convergent parallel research design within a mixed methods research approach. A survey questionnaire and telephone interview were used to collect data. Data collected from open-ended questions and telephone interviews were analysed and categorised into themes while quantitative data were tabulated and analysed mainly by descriptive statistics with the use of Microsoft Excel. The study revealed that participants found using Moodle and other e-learning tools efficient as they save time and reduce the chances of spreading the virus since no gatherings were required. The study further revealed that participants had an opportunity to learn new skills despite not having prior experience in online teaching and learning as well as online course design. However, regular power outages and server incapacity to accommodate multiple devices caused many lecturers and students to miss virtual lessons. The study provided crucial information on the progress of lecturers and students' within the e-teaching and learning mode framework and recommended the campus server upgrading and the formal training of both lecturers and students on online teaching and learning tools to optimise learning.

The purpose of the study was to investigate the Namibian School Counselling Programme from the perspectives of selected stakeholders. The study focused on what the stakeholders consider to be the objectives of the Namibian School Counselling Programme, the services characteristics of the programme, the resources available in the schools for the implementation of the programme, the beneficiaries of the school counselling programme and the programme services recipients' satisfaction.Mixed methods approach was employed for the study and both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. One hundred and forty eight (148) schoolsfrom the Ohangwena region of Namibia were involved. The study participants were two hundred and eighty eight (288) learners, one hundred and forty two (142) principals, sixty eight (68) teacher-counsellors and five (5) parents.Questionnaire and interviews (in-depth individual one-on-one semi-structured interview and focus groups discussions) were used to gather data. Quantitative data were analyzed by using Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS), while qualitative data were analyzed by the use of themes and coding.The results revealed that participants endorsed all the three sets of objectives of school counselling programme, presented to them on the questionnaire, as representing those of the Namibian School Counselling Programme. Major services which the participants considered to characterize the Namibian School Counselling Programme include counselling, academic development, career planning, education and/or information dissemination, consultation and referral services. Teacher-counsellors, school principals, learners and parents were considered to be human resources for the programme which was said to have no clear or specific budget. Material resources in the forms of counselling books, job housebrochures, and some other information materials on career and health were indicated as available for the programme. However, teacher-counsellors have no counselling rooms to conduct individual counselling or therapy and that file cabinets (for the storage of learners' cumulative records) and display boards (foreducation and career information) wereonlyavailable in very few schools.Generally, participants positively perceived the counselling services provided by the Namibian School Counselling Programme as satisfactory.While the study highlighted the strength of the Namibian School Counselling Programme, recommendations are also made regarding areas which the programme can improve upon.

This chapter presents an overview of the psychological adjustment challenges of first-year students. A review of the literature has been carried out to address the main research question of this study: “What are the psychological adjustment challenges that first-year university students face?” The chapter discusses the most common factors that negatively affect adjustment to universities such as stress, anxiety and fears, depression, self-esteem, the importance of self-esteem, signs of high and low self-esteem, and the coping strategies used by first-year university students in the university transition adaptation process. The chapter recommends university authorities initiate stress management programmes such as expanding counselling activities and providing adequate facilities and resources at the campus. Similarly, efficient advisory mechanisms and extracurricular activities and psychological and academic counselling services should be geared toward the needs of the students.

The purpose of this study was to explore the junior primary teachers’ use of teaching aids in the Environmental Studies teaching and learning process. The study used a case study design within the qualitative research approach. The sample comprised of five (5) junior primary teachers who were purposively selected. Observation and individual interview methods were employed to collect data. Data were analysed by the using thematic approach. The study results revealed financial constraints, lack of knowledge in designing aids, lack of time for making teaching aids for each lesson, limited space in the classroom and inadequate storerooms as hindrance to effective use of teaching aids. The study provided crucial information on the use teaching aids in the Environmental Studies teaching and learning process and recommends that teachers be trained on learning material development. The Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture should also provide adequate teaching resource materials and facilities to schools for junior primary teachers to effectively teach and impart knowledge and skills in learners at this crucial phase.