PhD graduate aims to assist learners in accounting
Dr Sithembele Goodman Ndovela graduated last year after he completed his research, which focused on the teaching of Accounting Threshold Concepts in English, Second Language Contexts.
Born in the small village of Manzamhlophe, Izingolweni, Dr Sithembele Goodman Ndovela (37) is proud to have recently graduated with a PhD in Accounting Education from the University of KwaZulu-Natal.
He said his accomplishment is very scarce in his community and believes he is one of the few, if any, PhD holders in the specific subject matter on the South Coast.
Ndovela graduated last year after he completed his research, which focused on the teaching of Accounting Threshold Concepts in English, Second Language Contexts.
“Having studied at Mthini and Mgawulane Primary schools before starting his secondary education at Khandalesizwe Secondary and matriculating at Ingwemabala Comprehensive High School in 2005, I never thought that I would one day be a PhD holder.
“It was my dream to develop myself in education and the young people from my area. I wanted to make a difference in my community,” he added.
Ndovela said his post-graduate studies were very challenging, as he was required to travel from Port Shepstone to Pinetown, to access a library with scholarly books.
“It is my passion to assist schools in my area and address the challenges they face. I want to develop strategies that will assist Accounting learners by enhancing their understanding of the subject. As a result, my PhD will assist in addressing some of the adversities faced by teachers and learners in my community,” he added.
He said his findings suggested that some teachers use a procedural approach to teaching as opposed to a conceptual approach.
“Teachers should pay attention to teaching Accounting concepts because learners need the information for the interpretation and analysis of financial information. I also found that teachers infuse learners’ home language (isiZulu) to assist in making sense of the subject. I feel that the Department of Education must encourage teachers to use learners’ home language to clarify challenging Accounting disciplinary concepts.
“Teachers use examples that resonate with learners’ lived experiences and also teach to test which is something they should refrain from,” he emphasised.
Ndovela previously worked as the departmental head for commerce at Ingwemabala Comprehensive High and Margate Middle School, before he was appointed as a lecturer at UKZN.
His advice to learners is to put in all the effort from Grade 9. “Grade 12s should ensure they produce good results in English, Maths, Maths Literacy, Accounting, Physical Sciences and History as these subjects are key in securing a place at universities.
“After completing their first degrees, they must pursue post-graduate studies and try to get funding from the various departments such as the Department of Science and Technology and the National Research Foundation,” he added.
Ndovela thanks his mother, Thembisile Ndovela and his supervisors, Dr JabulisileNgwenya and Prof Suriamurthee Maistry for their support.
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