Barriers to Collaborative Culture of Teaching and Learning in Selected High Schools of Libode in O.R. Tambo Coastal Education District
- Authors: Teh Albert Chenwi
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2787 , vital:42865
- Description: ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to collaborative culture of teaching and learning in selected high schools in Libode, O.R Tambo Coastal Education District. The literature review looked into each of the following aspects of teacher collaborative culture of teaching and learning in schools: theoretical framework, significance of changing the culture of teaching and learning and in schools, the nature of teacher resistance in collaborative teaching and learning in schools, the nature of teacher collaborative professional development activities in schools, the existence of collaborative learning culture in schools, leadership in collaborative culture of teaching and learning. This study was qualitative in nature and employed case study as the research design. The convenient sampling strategy was used to select three (3) high schools in Circuit 9 and 10 in Libode, O.R Tambo Coastal Education District. Four (4) teachers and one (1) principal were purposefully selected from each school the 3 schools and this made a total of fifteen (15) participants. Face-to-face individual interviews were conducted to gather data about the view points and opinions of the participants concerning the barriers to collaborative culture of teaching and learning in selected high schools of Libode, O.R Tambo Coastal Education District. Data collected was analyzed using the interpretational analytical strategies. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analyzed. Some of the findings were that: There was inadequacy of positive attitudes towards collaboration with other teachers in the process of teaching and learning, teacher resistances was a barrier to collaboration in schools, there were inadequate collaborative strategies to provide the social, emotional, and intellectual engagement among teachers, knowledge sharing among teachers was limited, there was prevalence of teachers who work in isolation and strongly protect their individualism without professional collaboration and school managers played inadequate role in maintaining a collaborative learning environment among teachers. The researcher made some recommendations towards ensuring effective and efficient teacher collaboration in the high schools of Libode, O.R Tambo Coastal Education District.
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- Authors: Teh Albert Chenwi
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2787 , vital:42865
- Description: ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to investigate the barriers to collaborative culture of teaching and learning in selected high schools in Libode, O.R Tambo Coastal Education District. The literature review looked into each of the following aspects of teacher collaborative culture of teaching and learning in schools: theoretical framework, significance of changing the culture of teaching and learning and in schools, the nature of teacher resistance in collaborative teaching and learning in schools, the nature of teacher collaborative professional development activities in schools, the existence of collaborative learning culture in schools, leadership in collaborative culture of teaching and learning. This study was qualitative in nature and employed case study as the research design. The convenient sampling strategy was used to select three (3) high schools in Circuit 9 and 10 in Libode, O.R Tambo Coastal Education District. Four (4) teachers and one (1) principal were purposefully selected from each school the 3 schools and this made a total of fifteen (15) participants. Face-to-face individual interviews were conducted to gather data about the view points and opinions of the participants concerning the barriers to collaborative culture of teaching and learning in selected high schools of Libode, O.R Tambo Coastal Education District. Data collected was analyzed using the interpretational analytical strategies. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants and analyzed. Some of the findings were that: There was inadequacy of positive attitudes towards collaboration with other teachers in the process of teaching and learning, teacher resistances was a barrier to collaboration in schools, there were inadequate collaborative strategies to provide the social, emotional, and intellectual engagement among teachers, knowledge sharing among teachers was limited, there was prevalence of teachers who work in isolation and strongly protect their individualism without professional collaboration and school managers played inadequate role in maintaining a collaborative learning environment among teachers. The researcher made some recommendations towards ensuring effective and efficient teacher collaboration in the high schools of Libode, O.R Tambo Coastal Education District.
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Challenges to effective Foundation Phase Teaching of Mathematics in The Libode Education District, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Authors: FAKU PUMEKA DOREEN
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2743 , vital:42857
- Description: Mathematics is an important learning area in the foundation phase. For effective learning and teaching of Mathematics, the foundation phase needs urgent attention. Rural area schools are often neglected by the government despite evidence that there are many challenges that hinder foundation phase teachers from implementing effective learning and teaching of Mathematics. This study investigated the prevailing challenges that affect learning and teaching of Mathematics, especially in the identified rural schools of the Libode Education District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The investigation of these challenges was conducted through the exploration of a main research question: What are the challenges to effective foundation phase learning and teaching of Mathematics in the rural schools of the Libode District? The subsidiary questions were derived from the above main research question. Three Junior Secondary Schools were selected from the population of schools in the Libode District of Education. The study made use of a case study design, purposive sampling of foundation phase teachers. Purposive sampling was used because the researcher was aware that the participants were teaching in the foundation phase. Data collected through interviews and observations were thematically analysed. Findings obtained include lack of teaching and learning materials and support for SMTs and parents; inadequate professional development and poor infrastructure. Key-words: Learning area, Mathematics, teachers, rural, challenges, learners, foundation phase.
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- Authors: FAKU PUMEKA DOREEN
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2743 , vital:42857
- Description: Mathematics is an important learning area in the foundation phase. For effective learning and teaching of Mathematics, the foundation phase needs urgent attention. Rural area schools are often neglected by the government despite evidence that there are many challenges that hinder foundation phase teachers from implementing effective learning and teaching of Mathematics. This study investigated the prevailing challenges that affect learning and teaching of Mathematics, especially in the identified rural schools of the Libode Education District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The investigation of these challenges was conducted through the exploration of a main research question: What are the challenges to effective foundation phase learning and teaching of Mathematics in the rural schools of the Libode District? The subsidiary questions were derived from the above main research question. Three Junior Secondary Schools were selected from the population of schools in the Libode District of Education. The study made use of a case study design, purposive sampling of foundation phase teachers. Purposive sampling was used because the researcher was aware that the participants were teaching in the foundation phase. Data collected through interviews and observations were thematically analysed. Findings obtained include lack of teaching and learning materials and support for SMTs and parents; inadequate professional development and poor infrastructure. Key-words: Learning area, Mathematics, teachers, rural, challenges, learners, foundation phase.
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Factors Influencing English Reading Competencies Of Grade 4 Learners in the Libode- Mega District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: CORNAS NGEPHI NOMKOPO
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2781 , vital:42864
- Description: Reading has become the national and international centre of debate as learners persistently read below the required levels and matriculation results are due to learners’ poor reading competencies. The concerns about poor reading competencies has mounted into inflammatory statements in articles and popular media nationally, continentally and internationally. Without the ability to read learners are deprived access to pertinent information and knowledge that can assist individuals in lifelong learning. Being a language teacher, the researcher in this study strongly believe that every learner can read appropriately and teachers can assist learners to improve their reading competencies. The purpose of the study wasto identify the factors contributing to poor reading competencies of grade 4 learners and to provide recommendations to assist in dealing with poor reading competencies. Qualitative research approach was undertaken to deal with all aspects related to research methodology.The data were collected using research instruments such as observation of six learners from three selected primaryschools. The observation was conducted during readingof textby learners in the presence of English teachers. The questionnaires were distributed to eleven teachers offering English in grade 4 as another means of data collection instrument.Major findings of the study revealed that factors affecting reading competencies are hugely emanated from schools, teachers, family background, departmental policy and learners themselves. Despite reading problems exist in schools, there are always positive solutions to bring hope and success to the learners
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- Authors: CORNAS NGEPHI NOMKOPO
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2781 , vital:42864
- Description: Reading has become the national and international centre of debate as learners persistently read below the required levels and matriculation results are due to learners’ poor reading competencies. The concerns about poor reading competencies has mounted into inflammatory statements in articles and popular media nationally, continentally and internationally. Without the ability to read learners are deprived access to pertinent information and knowledge that can assist individuals in lifelong learning. Being a language teacher, the researcher in this study strongly believe that every learner can read appropriately and teachers can assist learners to improve their reading competencies. The purpose of the study wasto identify the factors contributing to poor reading competencies of grade 4 learners and to provide recommendations to assist in dealing with poor reading competencies. Qualitative research approach was undertaken to deal with all aspects related to research methodology.The data were collected using research instruments such as observation of six learners from three selected primaryschools. The observation was conducted during readingof textby learners in the presence of English teachers. The questionnaires were distributed to eleven teachers offering English in grade 4 as another means of data collection instrument.Major findings of the study revealed that factors affecting reading competencies are hugely emanated from schools, teachers, family background, departmental policy and learners themselves. Despite reading problems exist in schools, there are always positive solutions to bring hope and success to the learners
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Macroalgal Cultivation and Growth of Weaning Juvenile South African Farmed Abalone Haliotis Midae
- Authors: Sanele Qondani
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2765 , vital:42860
- Description: ABSTRACT Haliotis midae Linnaeus, 1758 is the largest among six abalone species found in South Africa, making it the second largest around the world. This species is highly sought after due to its size and delicacy. However, it’s expensive formulated feed and slow growth rate has prompted increasing research on improving its growth using natural feeds. Inclusion of fresh and dried macroalgae (Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, 1753 and Gracilaria gracilis Irvine & Farnham, 1995) onto artificially formulated feed (Abfeed®) was tested on the growth of juvenile weaning H. midae. Therefore the three treatments were referred to as: Abfeed®, Abfeed® plus fresh seaweed and Abfeed® plus dried macroalgae. The growth of U. lactuca and G. gracilis was also compared using four different liquid fertilizers. Results revealed that inclusion of dried macroalgae was the best feed as it showed better consumption (92±0.48%) and growth (SGR = 2.9±0.04 % g. day-1 , DISL = 12.04±0.48 µm. day-1 and CF= 0.97±0.07 g. mm-1 ) rates. The study exhibited no differences in survival rate and feed conversion ratio in all the treatments used. Enriching with different fertilizers at 10 % concentration revealed that Nutrisol® promoted the best growth for U. lactuca among four different fertilizers used while Kelpak® yielded the best growth for G. gracilis. Increasing concentrations to 20 % resulted in Nitrosol® performing better than other fertilizers in U. lactuca growth while G. gracilis grew best in Nitrosol® and Kelpak®. This study therefore demonstrates the potential to develop abalone feeds with inclusions of dried macroalgae meal. Abfeed® as a diet alone performed poorly against the feeds tested as expected due to many previous studies favoring mixed diet. The study further revealed that macronutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) is the limiting ii factor for macroalgal growth and their level in culture system is very critical as it determines growth rate. Key words: Consumption rate, Feed conversion ratio, Fertilizer, Formulated feed, Survival rate
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- Authors: Sanele Qondani
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2765 , vital:42860
- Description: ABSTRACT Haliotis midae Linnaeus, 1758 is the largest among six abalone species found in South Africa, making it the second largest around the world. This species is highly sought after due to its size and delicacy. However, it’s expensive formulated feed and slow growth rate has prompted increasing research on improving its growth using natural feeds. Inclusion of fresh and dried macroalgae (Ulva lactuca Linnaeus, 1753 and Gracilaria gracilis Irvine & Farnham, 1995) onto artificially formulated feed (Abfeed®) was tested on the growth of juvenile weaning H. midae. Therefore the three treatments were referred to as: Abfeed®, Abfeed® plus fresh seaweed and Abfeed® plus dried macroalgae. The growth of U. lactuca and G. gracilis was also compared using four different liquid fertilizers. Results revealed that inclusion of dried macroalgae was the best feed as it showed better consumption (92±0.48%) and growth (SGR = 2.9±0.04 % g. day-1 , DISL = 12.04±0.48 µm. day-1 and CF= 0.97±0.07 g. mm-1 ) rates. The study exhibited no differences in survival rate and feed conversion ratio in all the treatments used. Enriching with different fertilizers at 10 % concentration revealed that Nutrisol® promoted the best growth for U. lactuca among four different fertilizers used while Kelpak® yielded the best growth for G. gracilis. Increasing concentrations to 20 % resulted in Nitrosol® performing better than other fertilizers in U. lactuca growth while G. gracilis grew best in Nitrosol® and Kelpak®. This study therefore demonstrates the potential to develop abalone feeds with inclusions of dried macroalgae meal. Abfeed® as a diet alone performed poorly against the feeds tested as expected due to many previous studies favoring mixed diet. The study further revealed that macronutrient (nitrogen and phosphorus) is the limiting ii factor for macroalgal growth and their level in culture system is very critical as it determines growth rate. Key words: Consumption rate, Feed conversion ratio, Fertilizer, Formulated feed, Survival rate
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Perceptions and Attitudes of Health Care Professionals Regarding the Role of Clinical Associates in District Hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa
- Nomzingisi Princess Mnyipika
- Authors: Nomzingisi Princess Mnyipika
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2729 , vital:42848
- Description: ABSTRACT Introduction National Department of Health of South Africa introduced clinical associates in 2002 to work under the supervision of medical doctors in district hospitals. The first cohort of clinical associates was trained at Walter Sisulu Universty, Eastern Cape in 2008. However, there is no information about the attitudes and how other healthcare professionals within the health team and health setting perceive them. Aim The study assessed the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of other health care professionals towards the clinical associates’ role. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey with attitudes and perceptions as dependent variables and role of clinical associates as independent variable. This study was carried out in four district hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, namely, Mthatha General, St Barnabas, Madwaleni and All Saints hospitals. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used for this study. The study population included other healthcare professionals working within the study setting. A simple random sampling procedure was utilized to recruit doctors and nurses in the four district hospitals. Associations between dependent variables (inhibiting factors of effectiveness, scope of practice, benefits from clinical associates to health care, place and overall acceptance of clinical associates (CAS) in district hospitals, personnel monitoring CAS, concerns for diagnosis and management of patients, concerns about performing clinical procedures) and independent and explanatory variables (age, gender, occupation, ethnic group, qualifications, religion, inhibiting factors of effectiveness) were presented using Chi- square test. Student t- test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare means between two groups and ≥3 groups, respectively. P-value < 0.05 was significant for differences.ii Results The participants were characterized by male predominance (28 male professionals vs 9 female professionals), mean age of 59.5 % married, 54 % Christians, 86.5 % Blacks, 78.4 % doctors vs 21.6 % nurses, duration for clinical associates ≥ 1 year by 71.1 % participants, clinical associates supervision in the department by 51.4 % participants. The perceptions were positive about clinical associates on scope of practice (as assistant doctors) in 73 %, Benefits to healthcare in 86.5 %, no concerns on diagnosis and management of patients in 83.8 % and positive relevance in 73.3 %. The magnitude of barriers to positive perceptions about CAS was in non-acceptance by doctors in 67.6 %, concerns about performing clinical procedures in 94.6 %, and knowledge in 94.6 %. For attitudes, personnel monitoring of CAS was positive in 81.1 %, and appointment of more number of CAS was also positive in 83.3 %, need of CAS in district hospitals was expressed in 81.1 %. Respondents with positive perceptions of CAS considered as assistant doctors were older (age = 42.7 ± 16.3 years: P = 0.039) than those with negative perceptions (age = 31 ± 8.7 years). Respondents with negative perceptions from CAS were younger (age = 25.6 ± 5.3: P = 0.028) than those with positive perceptions (age = 41.7 ± 15.4 years). Female gender, Blacks, Christian religion, lowest qualifications of respondents were significantly associated with positive perceptions. There was agreement between quantitative approach and qualitative approach according perceptions and attitudes on the role of CAS. Conclusion These findings demonstrated excellent levels of social accountability for the role of clinical associates in the healthcare system and delivery of patient care. However, recommendations are necessary to minimize few barriers to integration of CAS in the healthcare system.
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- Authors: Nomzingisi Princess Mnyipika
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2729 , vital:42848
- Description: ABSTRACT Introduction National Department of Health of South Africa introduced clinical associates in 2002 to work under the supervision of medical doctors in district hospitals. The first cohort of clinical associates was trained at Walter Sisulu Universty, Eastern Cape in 2008. However, there is no information about the attitudes and how other healthcare professionals within the health team and health setting perceive them. Aim The study assessed the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of other health care professionals towards the clinical associates’ role. Methods This was a cross-sectional survey with attitudes and perceptions as dependent variables and role of clinical associates as independent variable. This study was carried out in four district hospitals in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa, namely, Mthatha General, St Barnabas, Madwaleni and All Saints hospitals. Quantitative and qualitative approaches were used for this study. The study population included other healthcare professionals working within the study setting. A simple random sampling procedure was utilized to recruit doctors and nurses in the four district hospitals. Associations between dependent variables (inhibiting factors of effectiveness, scope of practice, benefits from clinical associates to health care, place and overall acceptance of clinical associates (CAS) in district hospitals, personnel monitoring CAS, concerns for diagnosis and management of patients, concerns about performing clinical procedures) and independent and explanatory variables (age, gender, occupation, ethnic group, qualifications, religion, inhibiting factors of effectiveness) were presented using Chi- square test. Student t- test and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to compare means between two groups and ≥3 groups, respectively. P-value < 0.05 was significant for differences.ii Results The participants were characterized by male predominance (28 male professionals vs 9 female professionals), mean age of 59.5 % married, 54 % Christians, 86.5 % Blacks, 78.4 % doctors vs 21.6 % nurses, duration for clinical associates ≥ 1 year by 71.1 % participants, clinical associates supervision in the department by 51.4 % participants. The perceptions were positive about clinical associates on scope of practice (as assistant doctors) in 73 %, Benefits to healthcare in 86.5 %, no concerns on diagnosis and management of patients in 83.8 % and positive relevance in 73.3 %. The magnitude of barriers to positive perceptions about CAS was in non-acceptance by doctors in 67.6 %, concerns about performing clinical procedures in 94.6 %, and knowledge in 94.6 %. For attitudes, personnel monitoring of CAS was positive in 81.1 %, and appointment of more number of CAS was also positive in 83.3 %, need of CAS in district hospitals was expressed in 81.1 %. Respondents with positive perceptions of CAS considered as assistant doctors were older (age = 42.7 ± 16.3 years: P = 0.039) than those with negative perceptions (age = 31 ± 8.7 years). Respondents with negative perceptions from CAS were younger (age = 25.6 ± 5.3: P = 0.028) than those with positive perceptions (age = 41.7 ± 15.4 years). Female gender, Blacks, Christian religion, lowest qualifications of respondents were significantly associated with positive perceptions. There was agreement between quantitative approach and qualitative approach according perceptions and attitudes on the role of CAS. Conclusion These findings demonstrated excellent levels of social accountability for the role of clinical associates in the healthcare system and delivery of patient care. However, recommendations are necessary to minimize few barriers to integration of CAS in the healthcare system.
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Stressful Experiences of Primary School Teachers in One Education District: A South African Case Study
- Nomtshongwana Thanduxolo Albert
- Authors: Nomtshongwana Thanduxolo Albert
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2794 , vital:42867
- Description: ABSTRACT This study sought to establish ways of dealing with stress as experienced by primary school teachers. Stress is a global phenomenon that affects everyone regardless of gender, resources and environment. Although this phenomenon is well researched, it remains a worrying challenge particularly to schools’ effectiveness. Teachers face many challenges in South African schools such as the ill-discipline of learners and overcrowding of schools. It is vital that schools come up with better intervention programs that can assist teachers to overcome stress. This study involved qualitative approach method and a case study design was used for sampling purposes in which five (5) post level 1 Mathematics teachers from different schools responded to interviews. Data were analysed using categories or themes. The findings of this study revealed that stressful experiences of primary school teachers were overcrowding, infrastructure, lack of parental involvement and lack of reliability in doing homework and extra-co-curriculum activities. It is recommended that the school disciplinary committees should be trained in various disciplinary measures that can be implemented in the school to curb learner ill-discipline and lack of commitment. It is also recommended that a working relationship should be built properly between the school and the Department of Basic Education, motivational speakers and educational counsellors should meet with all learners to motivate them to have high desire for and interest in education and to build their self-confidence in the classroom.
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- Authors: Nomtshongwana Thanduxolo Albert
- Date: 2018
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2794 , vital:42867
- Description: ABSTRACT This study sought to establish ways of dealing with stress as experienced by primary school teachers. Stress is a global phenomenon that affects everyone regardless of gender, resources and environment. Although this phenomenon is well researched, it remains a worrying challenge particularly to schools’ effectiveness. Teachers face many challenges in South African schools such as the ill-discipline of learners and overcrowding of schools. It is vital that schools come up with better intervention programs that can assist teachers to overcome stress. This study involved qualitative approach method and a case study design was used for sampling purposes in which five (5) post level 1 Mathematics teachers from different schools responded to interviews. Data were analysed using categories or themes. The findings of this study revealed that stressful experiences of primary school teachers were overcrowding, infrastructure, lack of parental involvement and lack of reliability in doing homework and extra-co-curriculum activities. It is recommended that the school disciplinary committees should be trained in various disciplinary measures that can be implemented in the school to curb learner ill-discipline and lack of commitment. It is also recommended that a working relationship should be built properly between the school and the Department of Basic Education, motivational speakers and educational counsellors should meet with all learners to motivate them to have high desire for and interest in education and to build their self-confidence in the classroom.
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Seasonal Variations in the Growth and Reproduction of Helcion Concolor (Krauss, 1848) Limpet along The Wild Coast Of South Africa
- Authors: VUYOKAZI NIBE
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2773 , vital:42862
- Description: Growth and reproduction are crucial in understanding the biology and ecology of rocky intertidal limpet species. It is inevitable that seasonal fluctuations affect the different reproductive stages of each limpet species in the wild. This led to this research project investigating the seasonal effects on the reproduction and growth rate of the colour variable limpet Helcion concolor (Krauss, 1848). Growth was quantified by comparing the shell dimensions (i.e. shell length, shell width and shell height) and weight (i.e. total body mass, shell weight, somatic weight and gonad weight) of both male and female individuals across the seasons. Histological studies were conducted to quantify the reproductive variation of both male and female individuals during different seasons. Shell conicity (SC), shell ellipticity (SE) and gonad somatic index (GSI) were then calculated to determine seasonal variability. The results revealed that H. concolor females were longer, broader, taller and heavier than the males. Daily incremental shell length analysis detected that the limpets gained more shell length and width in autumn while they gained more shell height in spring and autumn. The ratio of males to females fluctuated on a monthly basis resulting in more females (51.67 ± 4.41 %) than males (48.33 ± 4.41 %) in this study. Males had a larger GSI than females. GSI for females was lowest in summer and highest in spring. For males, the GSI was highest during the winter season. Regression results revealed that shell length and width were useful in determining GSI in both male and females. Histological analysis detected five stages of germ cells for females (Oogonia, Previtellogenic oocyte, Vitellogenic oocyte, Mature oocyte and Atresic oocyte) and four stages for males (Spermatogonia, Spermatocytes, Spermatids and ii Spermatozoa). Mature oocytes were the most abundant stage for females, mostly abundant in autumn and winter. For males, spermatozoa increased from summer to winter and decreased during spring. Histological studies further revealed that H. concolor was a partial spawner as the gonads always contained sperm and eggs within them. Overall, this study highlighted that seasons had more effect on the reproduction than the growth rate of this limpet. Keywords: histology, gonad somatic index, oocytes, patellid, shell dimensions, spawning.
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- Authors: VUYOKAZI NIBE
- Language: English
- Type: Master
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2773 , vital:42862
- Description: Growth and reproduction are crucial in understanding the biology and ecology of rocky intertidal limpet species. It is inevitable that seasonal fluctuations affect the different reproductive stages of each limpet species in the wild. This led to this research project investigating the seasonal effects on the reproduction and growth rate of the colour variable limpet Helcion concolor (Krauss, 1848). Growth was quantified by comparing the shell dimensions (i.e. shell length, shell width and shell height) and weight (i.e. total body mass, shell weight, somatic weight and gonad weight) of both male and female individuals across the seasons. Histological studies were conducted to quantify the reproductive variation of both male and female individuals during different seasons. Shell conicity (SC), shell ellipticity (SE) and gonad somatic index (GSI) were then calculated to determine seasonal variability. The results revealed that H. concolor females were longer, broader, taller and heavier than the males. Daily incremental shell length analysis detected that the limpets gained more shell length and width in autumn while they gained more shell height in spring and autumn. The ratio of males to females fluctuated on a monthly basis resulting in more females (51.67 ± 4.41 %) than males (48.33 ± 4.41 %) in this study. Males had a larger GSI than females. GSI for females was lowest in summer and highest in spring. For males, the GSI was highest during the winter season. Regression results revealed that shell length and width were useful in determining GSI in both male and females. Histological analysis detected five stages of germ cells for females (Oogonia, Previtellogenic oocyte, Vitellogenic oocyte, Mature oocyte and Atresic oocyte) and four stages for males (Spermatogonia, Spermatocytes, Spermatids and ii Spermatozoa). Mature oocytes were the most abundant stage for females, mostly abundant in autumn and winter. For males, spermatozoa increased from summer to winter and decreased during spring. Histological studies further revealed that H. concolor was a partial spawner as the gonads always contained sperm and eggs within them. Overall, this study highlighted that seasons had more effect on the reproduction than the growth rate of this limpet. Keywords: histology, gonad somatic index, oocytes, patellid, shell dimensions, spawning.
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