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This paper examines the implications of the neoliberal reforms of higher education in Zambia for the professional lives faculty at the University of Zambia (UNZA). It draws on interviews with junior faculty

The Ministry of General Education (Zambia) introduced subject specialisation at primary school. However, researchers have not yet sufficiently interrogated the concepts and modalities of subject specialisation at the primary school level to build a basis for an informed position and implementation. The paper aimed to review the literature and international practice relevant to subject specialisation at the primary school level. Interpretive techniques were applied while conducting secondary data analyses. The review established that there were different models of specialisation in education. There were also mixed experiences of subject specialisation in teaching and learning at primary school levels from the countries accessed. Nonetheless, intentional narrowed practice tended to contribute to the competent delivery of service in education. The paper, thus, welcomed differentiated types of specialisation based on school circumstances, learner grade level, staff numbers and teaching and learning facilities. Therefore, the authors proposed a study to explore the assertions and proposals.

This study investigated the factors that push teachers away from rural schools and pull them towards urban and periurban schools. The study used ethnographic research techniques to explore the factors that influence teacher transfers from rural to urban spaces in Isoka district of Northern Zambia. We used purposive sampling to locate and interview teachers and administrators to provide insights into the pull and push factors of teacher transfer. The study uncovered a plethora of reasons for these phenomena. The factors included how the study participants negotiated their relationships with colleagues or superiors. Our research, thus, recommends that the District Education Office in the area needs to be considerate during teacher deployment and placement to suitably place teachers where they can be most productive and settled to avoid transfers.

The study aimed to examine the challenges faced by pupils with disabilities in accessing primary education at two selected inclusive education piloting primary schools in Livingstone district of Southern Province. The researchers adopted a descriptive case study approach with a qualitative perspective. Data were analysed using the thematic approach. The study found that the views of most school stakeholders were predominantly positive, reflecting an acceptance of the inclusive status of the schools. The absence of significant negative attitudinal barriers, improvements in school accessibility, progress in teacher training and the production of locally made Inclusive Education (IE) modules are noticeable areas of achievement. The study concludes that despite the presence of various exclusionary factors, the two schools have made some observable headway towards the improvement of inclusive learning for children with disabilities. The study puts forward various recommendations for IE implementation and future research in Zambia.