This article investigates the algebraic non-routine problem-solving skills of grade 12 learners of a high-achieving school in northern Namibia. The school was selected on the basis of its outstanding results and sound management style. The study followed a descriptive survey design that involved a written test to examine learners' problem-solving skills together with the solution strategies used, and structured learner interviews to get their views about the choice of strategies for solving non-routine problems. The assessment framework of the learners' problem-solving skills was based on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) scales for Polya's problem-solving model. The results showed that learners were more successful in answering the question with a diagrammatic illustration, suggesting that the use of diagrams makes it easier to understand the problems. A significant number of learners' algebraic problemsolving skills function at or below level 2 of TIMSS scale. The algebraic strategy was the most preferred solution strategy and there were learners who encountered difficulties with the language used in the questions.
Grassroots innovation (GI) provides significant opportunities to develop creative solutions to address challenges of developing economies, like Namibia, where the majority of the people live under difficult economic conditions. Despite substantial research on grassroots innovation, there is still little understanding of the inputs required for its acceleration. This article explores; the existing legislation governing Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) in Namibia, concepts of grassroots innovation and techno-entrepreneurship as a premise for mitigating any bottlenecks towards accelerating GI in Namibia. The Honey Bee Network (HBN) approach was employed in ten (10) regions of Namibia, to scout for and document locally designed solutions and traditional knowledge. The HBN framework was specifically used to explore existing bottlenecks to grassroots ideas with the potential to be refined to impact communities in terms of providing solutions to consumer needs through enhanced productivity, sustainability and poverty reduction. The findings of the study revealed that while there were some good grassroots innovation ideas, there is a lack of policy support for these ideas to reach their commercial or non‐commercial potential. It was concluded that there was a need for the services provided by technological business incubators in developing the marketing capabilities of grassroots innovators in Namibia. In light of the findings it is recommended that Namibia develops a National Innovation Strategy, with specific focus on acceleration of grassroots innovation, through establishment of regional makerspaces and provision of Technology Business Incubation (TBI), particularly in rural areas.
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