The Teaching of Design and Technology Subjects During Free Education Period in Selected Secondary Schools in Kitwe, Zambia

The purpose of the study was to investigate the teaching of Design and Technology subjects during free education period in Zambia. This was a descriptive study that used a sample size of 60 pupils and teachers from secondary schools in Kitwe District. The sample for the study was selected using cluster sampling. The data was collected using a self-administered questionnaire. The questionnaire was self-administered to the teachers and the learners. The collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with the aid the Statistical Package for Social Sciences software. The findings are presented in the form of frequencies to answer the research questions. The results revealed that that the quality of teaching of Design and Technology as a practical subject was compromised due to the increased enrollment levels and limited or lack of equipment and infrastructure to teach the subject effectively. As a result, teachers resorted to teaching the subject theoretically; thereby, compromising the prescribed methods of teaching Design and Technology. The study recommends that classes should be decongested by constructing more classrooms, more schools, and providing more equipment and teaching and learning materials for practical lessons.