Retaining learners in primary schools in the East London education district: policy implications
- Authors: Kumanda,Nomaroma
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Learning ability Dropouts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6114 , vital:29492
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate different ways of retaining learners in teaching and learning practices in grade seven classrooms. The study was conducted in two East London Primary schools. The research took the form of a qualitative interpretive case study focusing on a study sample. The qualitative methods allowed the researcher to gather data in order to describe and interpret teachers‟ knowledge in retaining learners in grade seven classrooms. This critical analysis explored the literature relating to retention of learners if they fail to meet proficiency requirements. The research made use of a qualitative, mixedmethod, and meta-analysis techniques to collect and analyse the data. The study is systematically analysed and categorized according to three themes: retention and social promotion policy effectiveness, causes of dropping out and identification of curriculum and program options. The findings suggested that retaining learners may have some positive effects in the short-term, but that may diminish with time and age. Early detection of academic deficiencies by teachers can possibly prevent negative psychological effects and dropping out due to retention. Student retention in public schools is comparatively poor in traditional education and in some contexts, embarrassingly low. Literature on the subject of student retention in public schools indicates that even when interventions are designed and undertaken to improve student‟s retention, they tend to fall short. The main aim of this dissertation therefore is to better understand and measure learners‟ attitudes and perceptions towards the effectiveness of learning. In view of this, it is hoped that the study can determine how these strategies can be used optimally to improve student retention at lower grades in the East London District in Eastern Cape. The findings at its best indicate what possible method that could be used to improve retention of learners, by enhancing their teaching/ learning and improving the efficacy of Eastern Cape school‟s existing student support system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kumanda,Nomaroma
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Learning ability Dropouts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Prevention
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6114 , vital:29492
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate different ways of retaining learners in teaching and learning practices in grade seven classrooms. The study was conducted in two East London Primary schools. The research took the form of a qualitative interpretive case study focusing on a study sample. The qualitative methods allowed the researcher to gather data in order to describe and interpret teachers‟ knowledge in retaining learners in grade seven classrooms. This critical analysis explored the literature relating to retention of learners if they fail to meet proficiency requirements. The research made use of a qualitative, mixedmethod, and meta-analysis techniques to collect and analyse the data. The study is systematically analysed and categorized according to three themes: retention and social promotion policy effectiveness, causes of dropping out and identification of curriculum and program options. The findings suggested that retaining learners may have some positive effects in the short-term, but that may diminish with time and age. Early detection of academic deficiencies by teachers can possibly prevent negative psychological effects and dropping out due to retention. Student retention in public schools is comparatively poor in traditional education and in some contexts, embarrassingly low. Literature on the subject of student retention in public schools indicates that even when interventions are designed and undertaken to improve student‟s retention, they tend to fall short. The main aim of this dissertation therefore is to better understand and measure learners‟ attitudes and perceptions towards the effectiveness of learning. In view of this, it is hoped that the study can determine how these strategies can be used optimally to improve student retention at lower grades in the East London District in Eastern Cape. The findings at its best indicate what possible method that could be used to improve retention of learners, by enhancing their teaching/ learning and improving the efficacy of Eastern Cape school‟s existing student support system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Rethinking care and support of 'vulnerable' learners in the age of HIV and AIDS : an arts-based approach
- Authors: Khanare, Fumane Portia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School children -- Care , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Prevention , Rural schools
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9573 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017612
- Description: This study explores secondary school children’s constructions of care and support provided for ‘vulnerable’ schoolchildren in the age of HIV and AIDS. The study attempts to respond to the following two research questions: What are secondary school children’s constructions of care and support in a rural school context in the age of HIV and AIDS? How can the use of participatory arts-based research enable agency in the lives of ‘vulnerable’ secondary school children in a rural school context in the age of HIV and AIDS? The provision of care and support for ‘vulnerable’ school children is of key concern in South African schools since the number of ‘vulnerable’ children is rising because of the increase in the prevalence of HIV and AIDS, which renders many school children ‘vulnerable’. Schools are mandated by departmental policy to provide care and support to ‘vulnerable’ school children, but they are challenged in their implementation of this policy, which leaves ‘vulnerable’ school children inadequately cared for and supported. The input from school children is often not drawn upon, and this hampers the effectiveness of the provision of care and support. This qualitative study is positioned within a critical paradigm, and employs a participatory arts-based research methodology in its intention to take an approach based on the notion of research as intervention. Twenty Grade 11 male and female school children aged 16 to 21, from two secondary schools in the rural Vulindlela district in KwaZulu-Natal, were purposively selected, using inclusion criteria. The Life Orientation teachers assisted in identifying participants from the school register of ‘vulnerable’ schoolchildren. This did not mean that they were living with HIV or AIDS, but that they were ‘vulnerable’, and at risk of dropping out of school. The study made use of a multimodal approach of data generation with the school children, in which several visual methods, such as drawing, photovoice, and collage, as well as reflective free writing, were used in a participatory way as modes of inquiry, representation, and dissemination. The ethics of research with ‘vulnerable’ school children made the dictum, “do the most good” through the research important, and hence the use of the strategy of research as intervention. The data analysis involved two levels – that of the school children’s own analysis of their visual artifacts, and my overarching thematic analysis, using Tesch’s (1990) open coding. Informed by the theoretical frameworks of Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) bio-ecological systems theory and Giddens’s (1984) structuration theory, the findings show that care and support in schools is constructed as a reciprocal relationship, and they point to the importance of school children’s own agency in the provision of care and support. The findings show that school children construct themselves as both visible and invisible in relation to care and support in school, in that they receive care and support but are overlooked in terms of being able to offer input on how care and support should be provided. Furthermore, the findings indicate that school children perceive the school to be an environment that enables but also constrains the provision of care and support: the infrastructure, the safety and security, and the instructional spaces in the school do provide the basics for care and support, but the overt and covert discrimination by school children and teachers, the challenge of putting policies into practice, and the overall fragmented provision of care and support in the school are constraining. Another emerging finding from this study is that secondary school children construct themselves as being included in the strengthening of care and support in rural schools. The use of visual arts-based methods enabled the exploration of how ‘vulnerable’ school children construct care and support in a rural school; the findings also indicated how the use of visual arts-based research contributed to making a difference in the lives of ‘vulnerable’ school children: it was a joyful experience; it leveraged multiple literacies; it contributed to cooperation, collaboration, and collective construction of knowledge; and, in encouraging thought about the issue, it raised critical awareness of, and solutions to, providing care and support in the school. The findings also pointed out how the visual artifacts could be disseminated in the school, and how this could influence the well-being of the community. The findings have implications for how schools provide care and support for ‘vulnerable’ school children. The findings could be engaged with by schools and the Department of Basic Education as a tool to accomplish strengthening the provision of care and support in rural schools, so that care and support are socially and culturally embedded, and to inform policy making through an approach that can be described as being from the ground up.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Khanare, Fumane Portia
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School children -- Care , AIDS (Disease) in children -- Prevention , Rural schools
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:9573 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1017612
- Description: This study explores secondary school children’s constructions of care and support provided for ‘vulnerable’ schoolchildren in the age of HIV and AIDS. The study attempts to respond to the following two research questions: What are secondary school children’s constructions of care and support in a rural school context in the age of HIV and AIDS? How can the use of participatory arts-based research enable agency in the lives of ‘vulnerable’ secondary school children in a rural school context in the age of HIV and AIDS? The provision of care and support for ‘vulnerable’ school children is of key concern in South African schools since the number of ‘vulnerable’ children is rising because of the increase in the prevalence of HIV and AIDS, which renders many school children ‘vulnerable’. Schools are mandated by departmental policy to provide care and support to ‘vulnerable’ school children, but they are challenged in their implementation of this policy, which leaves ‘vulnerable’ school children inadequately cared for and supported. The input from school children is often not drawn upon, and this hampers the effectiveness of the provision of care and support. This qualitative study is positioned within a critical paradigm, and employs a participatory arts-based research methodology in its intention to take an approach based on the notion of research as intervention. Twenty Grade 11 male and female school children aged 16 to 21, from two secondary schools in the rural Vulindlela district in KwaZulu-Natal, were purposively selected, using inclusion criteria. The Life Orientation teachers assisted in identifying participants from the school register of ‘vulnerable’ schoolchildren. This did not mean that they were living with HIV or AIDS, but that they were ‘vulnerable’, and at risk of dropping out of school. The study made use of a multimodal approach of data generation with the school children, in which several visual methods, such as drawing, photovoice, and collage, as well as reflective free writing, were used in a participatory way as modes of inquiry, representation, and dissemination. The ethics of research with ‘vulnerable’ school children made the dictum, “do the most good” through the research important, and hence the use of the strategy of research as intervention. The data analysis involved two levels – that of the school children’s own analysis of their visual artifacts, and my overarching thematic analysis, using Tesch’s (1990) open coding. Informed by the theoretical frameworks of Bronfenbrenner’s (1979) bio-ecological systems theory and Giddens’s (1984) structuration theory, the findings show that care and support in schools is constructed as a reciprocal relationship, and they point to the importance of school children’s own agency in the provision of care and support. The findings show that school children construct themselves as both visible and invisible in relation to care and support in school, in that they receive care and support but are overlooked in terms of being able to offer input on how care and support should be provided. Furthermore, the findings indicate that school children perceive the school to be an environment that enables but also constrains the provision of care and support: the infrastructure, the safety and security, and the instructional spaces in the school do provide the basics for care and support, but the overt and covert discrimination by school children and teachers, the challenge of putting policies into practice, and the overall fragmented provision of care and support in the school are constraining. Another emerging finding from this study is that secondary school children construct themselves as being included in the strengthening of care and support in rural schools. The use of visual arts-based methods enabled the exploration of how ‘vulnerable’ school children construct care and support in a rural school; the findings also indicated how the use of visual arts-based research contributed to making a difference in the lives of ‘vulnerable’ school children: it was a joyful experience; it leveraged multiple literacies; it contributed to cooperation, collaboration, and collective construction of knowledge; and, in encouraging thought about the issue, it raised critical awareness of, and solutions to, providing care and support in the school. The findings also pointed out how the visual artifacts could be disseminated in the school, and how this could influence the well-being of the community. The findings have implications for how schools provide care and support for ‘vulnerable’ school children. The findings could be engaged with by schools and the Department of Basic Education as a tool to accomplish strengthening the provision of care and support in rural schools, so that care and support are socially and culturally embedded, and to inform policy making through an approach that can be described as being from the ground up.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Supporting the implementation of alternatives to corporal punishment in the Eastern Cape secondary schools : towards a framework for school management teams and teachers
- Authors: Kalipa, Velelo Clifton
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Corporal punishment of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rewards and punishments in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5664 , vital:29359
- Description: Alternative to corporal punishment in schools is a worldwide practice. Most countries have banned the use of corporal punishment in schools and have promulgated laws and adopted policies aiming to enforce the practice of alternative to corporal punishment. South Africa is one of the countries that have introduced policy on alternatives to corporal punishment. However, this policy does not provide details on how School Management Teams (SMTs) and teachers should support the implementation of alternatives to corporal punishment; as a result, schools end up having different approaches in as far as implementing alternatives to corporal punishment is concerned. There is also a serious problem of indiscipline in schools and this has since attracted growing attention of researchers in South Africa and the whole world. There are serious offences by learners in schools which range from serious criminal ones such as drug abuse, assaults, theft, murders and rapes to less serious ones such as truancy, incomplete projects, absenteeism and lateness, dodging and bunking of classes in schools. This study therefore sought to investigate how SMT and teachers support the implementation of alternatives to corporal punishment in schools. This was a multi case study of four secondary schools in the King Williams Town Education District which was conducted through qualitative research approach. Interviews and documentary analysis were used to collect data and a total of 16 participants (four principals, four SMT members and eight teachers) were selected. From the data, it emerged that some teachers were fixed in using corporal punishment to discipline learners in schools. The data also showed that the alternatives to corporal punishment (ATCP) policies were inconsistently applied as schools had different approaches in as far as how ATCP is implemented and that some schools had no ATCP policies at all. It also emerged from the data that school leadership was a problem in as far as supporting the implementation of ATCP in schools as in some schools the issues of disciplining learners was centralised in the principal’s office. It also became clear that the majority of participants did not understand the national policy on ATCP. There were no indications of parental involvement in the implementation of ATCP in schools. It can be concluded that the channels of communication among principals, SMTs, teachers with regards to the implementation of ATCP was problematic as there were no clear roles as to how each of these officials should implement ATCP. Some teachers still perceived the ATCP as unsuitable for maintaining discipline in rural schools and their discipline strategies were still characterized by punitive measures which border on corporal punishment. School discipline was not seen as a societal matter where other relevant stakeholders could play a pivotal role in learner discipline. This had a negative impact on the school discipline. Learners had no responsibility on maintenance of positive school atmosphere as they were not in any way part taking in the maintenance of discipline in schools. This study therefore recommends a comprehensive framework for the implementation of ATCP that will give details on the roles of SMTs and teachers in the implementation of ATCP in schools. It is recommended that this framework be inclusive of parents and other community stakeholders who would give different perspectives on the implementation of ATCP in schools as education is a societal matter. It is also recommended that more research be conducted that will deal with urban schools and on the involvement of parents and other stakeholders in the implementation of ATCP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kalipa, Velelo Clifton
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Corporal punishment of children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Rewards and punishments in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5664 , vital:29359
- Description: Alternative to corporal punishment in schools is a worldwide practice. Most countries have banned the use of corporal punishment in schools and have promulgated laws and adopted policies aiming to enforce the practice of alternative to corporal punishment. South Africa is one of the countries that have introduced policy on alternatives to corporal punishment. However, this policy does not provide details on how School Management Teams (SMTs) and teachers should support the implementation of alternatives to corporal punishment; as a result, schools end up having different approaches in as far as implementing alternatives to corporal punishment is concerned. There is also a serious problem of indiscipline in schools and this has since attracted growing attention of researchers in South Africa and the whole world. There are serious offences by learners in schools which range from serious criminal ones such as drug abuse, assaults, theft, murders and rapes to less serious ones such as truancy, incomplete projects, absenteeism and lateness, dodging and bunking of classes in schools. This study therefore sought to investigate how SMT and teachers support the implementation of alternatives to corporal punishment in schools. This was a multi case study of four secondary schools in the King Williams Town Education District which was conducted through qualitative research approach. Interviews and documentary analysis were used to collect data and a total of 16 participants (four principals, four SMT members and eight teachers) were selected. From the data, it emerged that some teachers were fixed in using corporal punishment to discipline learners in schools. The data also showed that the alternatives to corporal punishment (ATCP) policies were inconsistently applied as schools had different approaches in as far as how ATCP is implemented and that some schools had no ATCP policies at all. It also emerged from the data that school leadership was a problem in as far as supporting the implementation of ATCP in schools as in some schools the issues of disciplining learners was centralised in the principal’s office. It also became clear that the majority of participants did not understand the national policy on ATCP. There were no indications of parental involvement in the implementation of ATCP in schools. It can be concluded that the channels of communication among principals, SMTs, teachers with regards to the implementation of ATCP was problematic as there were no clear roles as to how each of these officials should implement ATCP. Some teachers still perceived the ATCP as unsuitable for maintaining discipline in rural schools and their discipline strategies were still characterized by punitive measures which border on corporal punishment. School discipline was not seen as a societal matter where other relevant stakeholders could play a pivotal role in learner discipline. This had a negative impact on the school discipline. Learners had no responsibility on maintenance of positive school atmosphere as they were not in any way part taking in the maintenance of discipline in schools. This study therefore recommends a comprehensive framework for the implementation of ATCP that will give details on the roles of SMTs and teachers in the implementation of ATCP in schools. It is recommended that this framework be inclusive of parents and other community stakeholders who would give different perspectives on the implementation of ATCP in schools as education is a societal matter. It is also recommended that more research be conducted that will deal with urban schools and on the involvement of parents and other stakeholders in the implementation of ATCP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Supportive strategies for teachers and parents dealing with learners experiencing mild intellectual barriers to learning
- Authors: Swartz, Deon Jude
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Learning disabilities , Inclusive education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5065 , vital:20799
- Description: Education support provision underwent a complete metamorphosis with the adoption of Education White Paper 6: Building an Inclusive Education and Training System in 2001. Within this new paradigm, learners who experience Mild intellectual barriers to learning are understood from a culture of inclusion and accommodation within mainstream education, alongside their non disabled peers. Another important development within Inclusive Education is the recognition of parents as important role-players in their children’s education. This bold transformation implies that teachers and parents need the necessary support from health professionals and support staff at District Based Support Teams (DBSTs) attached to the local Education Support Centres, in order for them to support their children who experience Mild intellectual barriers to learning. As a result of the radical overhaul of the education system to accommodate learners who experience Mild intellectual barriers to learning in mainstream schools, the main aim of the study is to establish the implications for teachers and parents who deal with such learners. The researcher employed a qualitative research design within an interpretive paradigm from a phenomenological perspective, in order to capture the organic richness of the participants’ perceived experiences with regards to the phenomenon under investigation. The researcher made use of a combination of convenience, judgement and purposive sampling. The sample group included teachers and parents from two primary schools who deal with learners who experience Mild intellectual barriers to learning. The learners had previously been assessed psychometrically by Educational Psychologists and identified as fulfilling the criteria for Mild intellectual barriers to learning. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and separate interview schedules were drafted for teachers and parents. Data was analysed using Tesch’s eight step data analysis procedure to identify common themes which emerged from the participants’ responses. The findings of the research indicated teachers and parents had different perceptions about their roles in regards to the children whose learning they support. It also indicated that teachers experience challenges in their attempts to support their learners who experience Mild intellectual barriers in their classes, and with understanding the philosophy of Inclusive education. Furthermore, both parents and teachers experience a lack of support from health professionals and Inclusive Education specialists at the DBSTs within Bronfenbrenner’s eco-systemic framework, which formed the theoretical foundation for this study. Consequently, strategies to support teachers and parents to address these challenges were proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Swartz, Deon Jude
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Learning disabilities , Inclusive education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/5065 , vital:20799
- Description: Education support provision underwent a complete metamorphosis with the adoption of Education White Paper 6: Building an Inclusive Education and Training System in 2001. Within this new paradigm, learners who experience Mild intellectual barriers to learning are understood from a culture of inclusion and accommodation within mainstream education, alongside their non disabled peers. Another important development within Inclusive Education is the recognition of parents as important role-players in their children’s education. This bold transformation implies that teachers and parents need the necessary support from health professionals and support staff at District Based Support Teams (DBSTs) attached to the local Education Support Centres, in order for them to support their children who experience Mild intellectual barriers to learning. As a result of the radical overhaul of the education system to accommodate learners who experience Mild intellectual barriers to learning in mainstream schools, the main aim of the study is to establish the implications for teachers and parents who deal with such learners. The researcher employed a qualitative research design within an interpretive paradigm from a phenomenological perspective, in order to capture the organic richness of the participants’ perceived experiences with regards to the phenomenon under investigation. The researcher made use of a combination of convenience, judgement and purposive sampling. The sample group included teachers and parents from two primary schools who deal with learners who experience Mild intellectual barriers to learning. The learners had previously been assessed psychometrically by Educational Psychologists and identified as fulfilling the criteria for Mild intellectual barriers to learning. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews and separate interview schedules were drafted for teachers and parents. Data was analysed using Tesch’s eight step data analysis procedure to identify common themes which emerged from the participants’ responses. The findings of the research indicated teachers and parents had different perceptions about their roles in regards to the children whose learning they support. It also indicated that teachers experience challenges in their attempts to support their learners who experience Mild intellectual barriers in their classes, and with understanding the philosophy of Inclusive education. Furthermore, both parents and teachers experience a lack of support from health professionals and Inclusive Education specialists at the DBSTs within Bronfenbrenner’s eco-systemic framework, which formed the theoretical foundation for this study. Consequently, strategies to support teachers and parents to address these challenges were proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Teachers' perceptions on the non- implementation of the alternatives to corporal punishment policy : a case study
- Authors: Billie, Sikelelwa khuthala
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Corporal punishment of children Children's rights School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:29494
- Description: This study aims to identify the perceptions that teachers have regarding the nonimplementation of the Alternatives to Corporal Punishment Policy (ATCP). Using a qualitative research approach, data was collected from teachers in a high school in Mdantsane that is still using corporal punishment. The main tools of data collection used were semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings from this study revealed a range of factors that influence teachers not to implement the alternatives to corporal punishment policy. These include: culture, religion, lack of parental involvement, violence in schools and lack of capacitation in teachers on the policy. Moreover the findings of this study revealed that if new policies are imposed on implementers there is bound to be resistance. This study therefore recommends that new policies need to be discussed and agreed upon by both the policy makers and policy implementers. The study also recommends that teachers need capacity building workshops so that they understand the need and the benefits of implementing the ATCP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Billie, Sikelelwa khuthala
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Corporal punishment of children Children's rights School discipline
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/${Handle} , vital:29494
- Description: This study aims to identify the perceptions that teachers have regarding the nonimplementation of the Alternatives to Corporal Punishment Policy (ATCP). Using a qualitative research approach, data was collected from teachers in a high school in Mdantsane that is still using corporal punishment. The main tools of data collection used were semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The findings from this study revealed a range of factors that influence teachers not to implement the alternatives to corporal punishment policy. These include: culture, religion, lack of parental involvement, violence in schools and lack of capacitation in teachers on the policy. Moreover the findings of this study revealed that if new policies are imposed on implementers there is bound to be resistance. This study therefore recommends that new policies need to be discussed and agreed upon by both the policy makers and policy implementers. The study also recommends that teachers need capacity building workshops so that they understand the need and the benefits of implementing the ATCP.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Teachers’ experiences in identifying learners with learning barriers in a Full Service School
- Authors: Dakada, Alinda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Inclusive education Learning disabilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6147 , vital:29495
- Description: This study investigates teachers‟ experiences in identifying learners with learning barriers in one primary school in the East London District. It focuses on diversity and inclusive education as well as practices and procedures within the school. This is a phenomenological study conceptualized in terms of social constructivism(Leatherman, 2007), Kurt Lewin‟s Field Theory(Neill, 2004) and ecological systems theory(Maddock, 2000).The literature review encompasses four focal points: conceptualisation of inclusive education, inclusive education in South Africa, policy implementation, and lessons learned from inclusive education implementation both internationally and in South Africa. A qualitative research method is employed in this study through the use of semistructured interviews and observations. The findings are analysed using content analysis. The key findings of this might help the teachers working in full service or mainstream schools to have a good understanding and a sense of what diversity and inclusive education entails. The findings might attempt to examine how educators manage inclusion in the classroom, their competencies and the strategies they need in order to be competent inclusive teachers. Recommendations are developed that point to how practices could be put in place to facilitate an effective implementation strategy for the development of an inclusive education system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Dakada, Alinda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Inclusive education Learning disabilities -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/6147 , vital:29495
- Description: This study investigates teachers‟ experiences in identifying learners with learning barriers in one primary school in the East London District. It focuses on diversity and inclusive education as well as practices and procedures within the school. This is a phenomenological study conceptualized in terms of social constructivism(Leatherman, 2007), Kurt Lewin‟s Field Theory(Neill, 2004) and ecological systems theory(Maddock, 2000).The literature review encompasses four focal points: conceptualisation of inclusive education, inclusive education in South Africa, policy implementation, and lessons learned from inclusive education implementation both internationally and in South Africa. A qualitative research method is employed in this study through the use of semistructured interviews and observations. The findings are analysed using content analysis. The key findings of this might help the teachers working in full service or mainstream schools to have a good understanding and a sense of what diversity and inclusive education entails. The findings might attempt to examine how educators manage inclusion in the classroom, their competencies and the strategies they need in order to be competent inclusive teachers. Recommendations are developed that point to how practices could be put in place to facilitate an effective implementation strategy for the development of an inclusive education system.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Teachers’ practices of ‘cooperative learning’ instructional technique in six schools: Implications for learner performance in Mathematics
- Authors: Febana, Papama
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Group work in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Team learning approach in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5094 , vital:29075
- Description: One of the key features of curriculum change in South Africa in the last twenty years has been a move away from teacher centred instructional techniques to those that promote active participation of learners in their learning. Although the post democratic National Curriculum Statement has put emphasis on the importance of cooperative learning as a learner centred instructional technique, there is hardly any research on how teachers in schools understand and use it. This study sought to fill this gap by using a case study of seven mathematics classes in six schools. Data was collected through interviews, observations and document analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Febana, Papama
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Group work in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Team learning approach in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5094 , vital:29075
- Description: One of the key features of curriculum change in South Africa in the last twenty years has been a move away from teacher centred instructional techniques to those that promote active participation of learners in their learning. Although the post democratic National Curriculum Statement has put emphasis on the importance of cooperative learning as a learner centred instructional technique, there is hardly any research on how teachers in schools understand and use it. This study sought to fill this gap by using a case study of seven mathematics classes in six schools. Data was collected through interviews, observations and document analysis.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The potential of dance education to promote social cohesion in a post-conflict society: perspectives of South African pre-service student teachers
- Authors: Marx, Margaretha Elizabeth
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Student teachers -- South Africa , Dance in education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4474 , vital:20605
- Description: This study constitutes a theoretical and qualitative investigation into the meanings and locations of social cohesion in dance education. Theoretical connections between culture, dance education and social cohesion are explored. The empirical investigation is designed as a qualitative case study interrogating pre-service student teachers’ experiences and perceptions of a particular dance education course in a culturally and politically diverse university classroom in post-apartheid South Africa. Open-ended questionnaires, reflective journals and focus group interviews were employed to generate data. Findings indicate that involvement in creative movement and ethno-cultural dances raised awareness of the Self and the Other, engendering perspective and personal transformation, important requisites for social transformation and subsequently social cohesion in a formerly divided society, such as South Africa. In addition, these dance education experiences provided participants with unique encounters with the Other’s culture. These occurred through embodied experiences of the culture of the Other, as well as through bodily negotiations with the Other. These findings lead me to argue that dance education, as pertaining to this particular course, can facilitate spaces conducive to cohesion amongst culturally and politically diverse participants in post-apartheid South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Marx, Margaretha Elizabeth
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Student teachers -- South Africa , Dance in education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4474 , vital:20605
- Description: This study constitutes a theoretical and qualitative investigation into the meanings and locations of social cohesion in dance education. Theoretical connections between culture, dance education and social cohesion are explored. The empirical investigation is designed as a qualitative case study interrogating pre-service student teachers’ experiences and perceptions of a particular dance education course in a culturally and politically diverse university classroom in post-apartheid South Africa. Open-ended questionnaires, reflective journals and focus group interviews were employed to generate data. Findings indicate that involvement in creative movement and ethno-cultural dances raised awareness of the Self and the Other, engendering perspective and personal transformation, important requisites for social transformation and subsequently social cohesion in a formerly divided society, such as South Africa. In addition, these dance education experiences provided participants with unique encounters with the Other’s culture. These occurred through embodied experiences of the culture of the Other, as well as through bodily negotiations with the Other. These findings lead me to argue that dance education, as pertaining to this particular course, can facilitate spaces conducive to cohesion amongst culturally and politically diverse participants in post-apartheid South Africa.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The presentation of African government leaders or Sovereigns' in selected African and mainstream films
- Tjalle, Rosalie Olivia Vanessa
- Authors: Tjalle, Rosalie Olivia Vanessa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Motion pictures -- Political aspects -- Africa Political science -- Philosophy , Sovereignty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12392 , vital:27062
- Description: African Cinema is an entity as diverse as the various countries, languages and cultures on this continent. The entertainment value of Cinema has been more popular than the study of its ideological significance, but nevertheless in a contemporary Africa where politics affect the social, cultural and economical survival of its citizens, Cinema can be used as a valuable asset and a powerful means of communication that can conscientize and educate African audiences. Thomas Hobbes’s leadership model and political theory of sovereignty, though a XVIIth century framework, can theoretically contribute in the analysis of the representation of African leadership styles in Cinema. This article analyzes four fiction films representing four different political leaders in, respectively, South Africa, Uganda, Cameroon and Nigeria. A film content analysis will explore the different representation of leadership styles, the personality of each leader, the power struggles in each society and how this may suggest value judgments about African leadership to the films’ various target audiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Tjalle, Rosalie Olivia Vanessa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Motion pictures -- Political aspects -- Africa Political science -- Philosophy , Sovereignty
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/12392 , vital:27062
- Description: African Cinema is an entity as diverse as the various countries, languages and cultures on this continent. The entertainment value of Cinema has been more popular than the study of its ideological significance, but nevertheless in a contemporary Africa where politics affect the social, cultural and economical survival of its citizens, Cinema can be used as a valuable asset and a powerful means of communication that can conscientize and educate African audiences. Thomas Hobbes’s leadership model and political theory of sovereignty, though a XVIIth century framework, can theoretically contribute in the analysis of the representation of African leadership styles in Cinema. This article analyzes four fiction films representing four different political leaders in, respectively, South Africa, Uganda, Cameroon and Nigeria. A film content analysis will explore the different representation of leadership styles, the personality of each leader, the power struggles in each society and how this may suggest value judgments about African leadership to the films’ various target audiences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The role of academic middle managers in the planning and implementation of curriculum change in private higher education institutions in Botswana
- Authors: Rudhumbu, Norman
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Botswana -- Administration Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- Botswana Curriculum planning -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2979 , vital:28214
- Description: The purpose of the study was to examine the role of academic middle managers (AMMs) in the planning and implementation of curriculum change in private higher education institutions in Botswana. This study employed a mixed methods research approach which utilised a structured questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide to gather data on AMMs‟ role in the planning and implementation of curriculum change in PHEIs in Botswana. SPSS version 21 was used for analysing quantitative data while thematic analysis was used for analysing qualitative data on the role of AMMs in the planning and implementation of curriculum change in PHEIs. The study showed that the role of AMMs in the planning and implementation of curriculum change in PHEIs was too complex and demanding because they spent most of their time on daily administrative routines instead of on core academic activities such as planning and implementing curriculum change in their departments. The AMMs in the PHEIs under study operated more like managers in academic departments than academics in management. As a result the study showed that AMMs faced more challenges than opportunities in their planning and implementation of curriculum change in PHEIs. The major challenges AMMs faced in the planning and implementation of curriculum change were a highly controlled and strict work environment, role conflict, lack of autonomy, role strain and heavy workloads which limited the time AMMs spent on the core business of managing curriculum change in their departments. The study also highlighted some of the strategies albeit a few, which, despite the numerous challenges AMMs faced, are used to try and make the planning and implementation of curriculum change by AMMs was to some extent successful. The study provided insight on the influence of AMMs biographical characteristics as well as the influence of AMM job requirements (such as having a detailed job description and having authority over curriculum matters) on how AMMs enacted their role in curriculum change. Based on the results of the study, a model to assist AMMs in the effective planning and implementation of curriculum change was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Rudhumbu, Norman
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- Botswana -- Administration Education, Higher -- Aims and objectives -- Botswana Curriculum planning -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/2979 , vital:28214
- Description: The purpose of the study was to examine the role of academic middle managers (AMMs) in the planning and implementation of curriculum change in private higher education institutions in Botswana. This study employed a mixed methods research approach which utilised a structured questionnaire and a semi-structured interview guide to gather data on AMMs‟ role in the planning and implementation of curriculum change in PHEIs in Botswana. SPSS version 21 was used for analysing quantitative data while thematic analysis was used for analysing qualitative data on the role of AMMs in the planning and implementation of curriculum change in PHEIs. The study showed that the role of AMMs in the planning and implementation of curriculum change in PHEIs was too complex and demanding because they spent most of their time on daily administrative routines instead of on core academic activities such as planning and implementing curriculum change in their departments. The AMMs in the PHEIs under study operated more like managers in academic departments than academics in management. As a result the study showed that AMMs faced more challenges than opportunities in their planning and implementation of curriculum change in PHEIs. The major challenges AMMs faced in the planning and implementation of curriculum change were a highly controlled and strict work environment, role conflict, lack of autonomy, role strain and heavy workloads which limited the time AMMs spent on the core business of managing curriculum change in their departments. The study also highlighted some of the strategies albeit a few, which, despite the numerous challenges AMMs faced, are used to try and make the planning and implementation of curriculum change by AMMs was to some extent successful. The study provided insight on the influence of AMMs biographical characteristics as well as the influence of AMM job requirements (such as having a detailed job description and having authority over curriculum matters) on how AMMs enacted their role in curriculum change. Based on the results of the study, a model to assist AMMs in the effective planning and implementation of curriculum change was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
The role of Teacher Unions in the governance of schools in Mthatha District of the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa
- Authors: Viti, Anderson Madodomzi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Teachers Unions -- School Governance Labour Unions -- School management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1278 , vital:30789
- Description: The study sought to investigate the role of teacher unions in the implementation of policies in the Department Of Education in Mthatha District. The study developed out of complaints and a lot of noise that has been done by the public towards the department of education complaining about lack of commitment and necessary enforcement of policies. This has been noticed after 1994 when teacher unions became more vocal and played a noticeable role in the education system. Many teachers became members of teacher unions and the department of education has to involve teacher unions in the decisions that it has to take. Teachers began to have rights to an extent that when they feel like striking they began to have a right to do so. Schools now began to be in totally governed by SGBs. Teachers and particularly the principals and their SMTs no longer have power to enforce any of the policies to teachers and as well as to learners. It was for that reason that the researcher became interested in conducting a study on the role played by teacher unions in the implementation of policies by the DOE in Mthatha District. In the study both qualitative and quantitative research methodology has been used. Questioners have been used to collect data. In the process of collecting data 5 schools within Mthatha district were selected. All these schools were on the Mqanduli part of Mthatha District because by the time the sturdy was started researcher was working as a principal in Mqanduli. Among schools that were selected there were 2 senior secondary schools and 3 junior secondary schools. From each school a sample of 5 educators was purposely ii selected according to their duties in running g the school i.e. in each school there has to be one or two members of the SMT. The position of the person in the SMT was not considered as long as the person is serving in the SMT. Also it was considered that people who are selected are members of a teacher union regardless of which teacher union. Some of the main findings of the study were: teacher unions are confusing the SMTs in that they sometimes get confused in knowing who to listen to between the department of education and the teacher unions. Teacher unions are sometimes helpful in that they train their members in understanding the professionalism that is required at work. Sometimes teacher unions have a tendency of protecting their members even if they act irresponsible. Among many recommendations that the researcher has done he has recommended that there must be constant meetings between all stakeholders in the education system to avoid unnecessary clashes. All parties concerned about the education system must respect the learner and as such he must be always at the centre of the education system. Also those SGB members who are expected to develop policies for their schools must be trained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Viti, Anderson Madodomzi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Teachers Unions -- School Governance Labour Unions -- School management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1278 , vital:30789
- Description: The study sought to investigate the role of teacher unions in the implementation of policies in the Department Of Education in Mthatha District. The study developed out of complaints and a lot of noise that has been done by the public towards the department of education complaining about lack of commitment and necessary enforcement of policies. This has been noticed after 1994 when teacher unions became more vocal and played a noticeable role in the education system. Many teachers became members of teacher unions and the department of education has to involve teacher unions in the decisions that it has to take. Teachers began to have rights to an extent that when they feel like striking they began to have a right to do so. Schools now began to be in totally governed by SGBs. Teachers and particularly the principals and their SMTs no longer have power to enforce any of the policies to teachers and as well as to learners. It was for that reason that the researcher became interested in conducting a study on the role played by teacher unions in the implementation of policies by the DOE in Mthatha District. In the study both qualitative and quantitative research methodology has been used. Questioners have been used to collect data. In the process of collecting data 5 schools within Mthatha district were selected. All these schools were on the Mqanduli part of Mthatha District because by the time the sturdy was started researcher was working as a principal in Mqanduli. Among schools that were selected there were 2 senior secondary schools and 3 junior secondary schools. From each school a sample of 5 educators was purposely ii selected according to their duties in running g the school i.e. in each school there has to be one or two members of the SMT. The position of the person in the SMT was not considered as long as the person is serving in the SMT. Also it was considered that people who are selected are members of a teacher union regardless of which teacher union. Some of the main findings of the study were: teacher unions are confusing the SMTs in that they sometimes get confused in knowing who to listen to between the department of education and the teacher unions. Teacher unions are sometimes helpful in that they train their members in understanding the professionalism that is required at work. Sometimes teacher unions have a tendency of protecting their members even if they act irresponsible. Among many recommendations that the researcher has done he has recommended that there must be constant meetings between all stakeholders in the education system to avoid unnecessary clashes. All parties concerned about the education system must respect the learner and as such he must be always at the centre of the education system. Also those SGB members who are expected to develop policies for their schools must be trained.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Views of HIV and AIDS amongst rural secondary school youth: an exploratory study
- Daniels, Brendon Mara Laurence
- Authors: Daniels, Brendon Mara Laurence
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Study and teaching Communicable diseases -- Prevention High school students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11460 , vital:26928
- Description: The HIV and AIDS epidemic continues to affect communities worldwide particularly so in South Africa. Youth, also the so-called Coloured youth, continue to remain at risk of infection, in spite of having been exposed to information about HIV and AIDS. This study explores the views of Coloured secondary school youth in a rural town in the Eastern Cape, on HIV and AIDS. Fifteen secondary school learners, both boys and girls, from Grades 10 to 12 were purposively selected. This qualitative study, framed within an interpretivist paradigm, draws on a phenomenological methodology. The data was generated from using drawing and focus group interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The research adhered to ethical principles and trustworthiness was ensured. Constructivism and Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory were used to frame the study and to make meaning of the findings. In response to the primary research question, What views do Coloured youth attending a secondary school in a rural town have of HIV and AIDS?, five themes emerged, namely: individuals spread HIV, impoverished family life increases youth vulnerability to HIV, youth under pressure from peers knowingly engage in risky behaviour, misconceptions fuel the epidemic, and HIV and AIDS “captures the community in its net”. Drawing on the findings and in response to the secondary research question, What guidelines can be developed to assist educators to facilitate learners taking action against the spread of HIV and AIDS?, several guidelines were developed. They suggest that teachers should use participatory pedagogies to engage secondary school learners when teaching HIV and AIDS, build self-esteem in their learners, assist learners in dealing with peer pressure, engage learners in erasing misconceptions, and enable learners to break free from being “caught in the net” of HIV and AIDS. Collectively these guidelines could enable learners to take action in protecting themselves and their community against the spread of the HI virus. The study concludes that the views that Coloured secondary school learners from a rural town have about HIV and AIDS show their awareness of the realities of the epidemic affecting the individual, the family, the school and their community. They have constructed their views of HIV and AIDS in a way which shows their understanding of the complexities of the epidemic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Daniels, Brendon Mara Laurence
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Study and teaching Communicable diseases -- Prevention High school students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11460 , vital:26928
- Description: The HIV and AIDS epidemic continues to affect communities worldwide particularly so in South Africa. Youth, also the so-called Coloured youth, continue to remain at risk of infection, in spite of having been exposed to information about HIV and AIDS. This study explores the views of Coloured secondary school youth in a rural town in the Eastern Cape, on HIV and AIDS. Fifteen secondary school learners, both boys and girls, from Grades 10 to 12 were purposively selected. This qualitative study, framed within an interpretivist paradigm, draws on a phenomenological methodology. The data was generated from using drawing and focus group interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The research adhered to ethical principles and trustworthiness was ensured. Constructivism and Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory were used to frame the study and to make meaning of the findings. In response to the primary research question, What views do Coloured youth attending a secondary school in a rural town have of HIV and AIDS?, five themes emerged, namely: individuals spread HIV, impoverished family life increases youth vulnerability to HIV, youth under pressure from peers knowingly engage in risky behaviour, misconceptions fuel the epidemic, and HIV and AIDS “captures the community in its net”. Drawing on the findings and in response to the secondary research question, What guidelines can be developed to assist educators to facilitate learners taking action against the spread of HIV and AIDS?, several guidelines were developed. They suggest that teachers should use participatory pedagogies to engage secondary school learners when teaching HIV and AIDS, build self-esteem in their learners, assist learners in dealing with peer pressure, engage learners in erasing misconceptions, and enable learners to break free from being “caught in the net” of HIV and AIDS. Collectively these guidelines could enable learners to take action in protecting themselves and their community against the spread of the HI virus. The study concludes that the views that Coloured secondary school learners from a rural town have about HIV and AIDS show their awareness of the realities of the epidemic affecting the individual, the family, the school and their community. They have constructed their views of HIV and AIDS in a way which shows their understanding of the complexities of the epidemic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Working Towards Improved Facilitation of Research Capacity Development at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Using Action Research (AR) Methodology
- Sotshangane, Nkosinathi Owen
- Authors: Sotshangane, Nkosinathi Owen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Capacity development -- Research Research -- Higher education Research development -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Education, higher -- Action Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/901 , vital:30009
- Description: This study was originally undertaken to change and improve the way I do my practice at Walter Sisulu University as a Research Associate whose responsibility is to facilitate research capacity development and research excellence within the University, amongst academics and postgraduate students. The success of the Research Resource Centre that I manage depends on the way I promote research culture and research productivity amongst academics and postgraduate students. According to Leedy and Ormrod (2013, p. 2), research is a systematic process that is used to collect, analyse, and interpret data in order to increase my understanding of the phenomenon about interest and concern about a given/identified phenomenon. In this case my own practice changed and improved for the better. The main objective of this study, therefore, was to examine the reasons behind the decline in research productivity in terms of research output and how this could be reversed through action research study intervention in order to enhance research productivity at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). The Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) allocation of research output units for WSU indicated that there was a decline in research output from 2005 to 2010. The extent to which my practice improvement could contribute towards changing or improving research productivity was a question which this study addressed through a quantitative, qualitative and self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry. I organized sample strategies of this study as follows: For quantitative data, I used 120 lecturers as my respondents through questionnaires (females = 47 and males = 73) who were randomly selected; For qualitative data, I used 24 lecturers as respondents who were randomly selected with whom I conducted interviews; and For self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry I used 7 Transformative Education/al Studies (TES) project group members as my focus group. My research findings concluded that the heavy teaching workload at WSU was problematic and lecturers/academics could not devote time to do research. My recommendation is that research should be made compulsory so that academics become aware that at least one or two published articles are required from them, for the benefit of annual university research productivity. Some research participants also recommended that the Research Resource Centre must include programs that focus directly on active participation in research in order to increase the capacity of individual researchers so as to build a critical mass of competent researchers, perhaps by even including incentives as a reward for doing research. According to Koshy (2010), action research is a specific method of conducting research by professionals and practitioners with the ultimate aim of improving practice. My new knowledge, therefore, in respect of how a concerned Research Associate, from a Historically Disadvantaged Institution (HDI), provided the impetus to create a collaborative practice in a higher education institution which was forced to merge with two former technikons (which lacked understanding of what a university means by research productivity and research output). I consequently developed the Nkosinathi Sotshangane’s cyclic practice improvement model through self-reflective action research, from which I believed other research practitioners could learn by doing something similar in their own context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sotshangane, Nkosinathi Owen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Capacity development -- Research Research -- Higher education Research development -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Education, higher -- Action Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/901 , vital:30009
- Description: This study was originally undertaken to change and improve the way I do my practice at Walter Sisulu University as a Research Associate whose responsibility is to facilitate research capacity development and research excellence within the University, amongst academics and postgraduate students. The success of the Research Resource Centre that I manage depends on the way I promote research culture and research productivity amongst academics and postgraduate students. According to Leedy and Ormrod (2013, p. 2), research is a systematic process that is used to collect, analyse, and interpret data in order to increase my understanding of the phenomenon about interest and concern about a given/identified phenomenon. In this case my own practice changed and improved for the better. The main objective of this study, therefore, was to examine the reasons behind the decline in research productivity in terms of research output and how this could be reversed through action research study intervention in order to enhance research productivity at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). The Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) allocation of research output units for WSU indicated that there was a decline in research output from 2005 to 2010. The extent to which my practice improvement could contribute towards changing or improving research productivity was a question which this study addressed through a quantitative, qualitative and self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry. I organized sample strategies of this study as follows: For quantitative data, I used 120 lecturers as my respondents through questionnaires (females = 47 and males = 73) who were randomly selected; For qualitative data, I used 24 lecturers as respondents who were randomly selected with whom I conducted interviews; and For self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry I used 7 Transformative Education/al Studies (TES) project group members as my focus group. My research findings concluded that the heavy teaching workload at WSU was problematic and lecturers/academics could not devote time to do research. My recommendation is that research should be made compulsory so that academics become aware that at least one or two published articles are required from them, for the benefit of annual university research productivity. Some research participants also recommended that the Research Resource Centre must include programs that focus directly on active participation in research in order to increase the capacity of individual researchers so as to build a critical mass of competent researchers, perhaps by even including incentives as a reward for doing research. According to Koshy (2010), action research is a specific method of conducting research by professionals and practitioners with the ultimate aim of improving practice. My new knowledge, therefore, in respect of how a concerned Research Associate, from a Historically Disadvantaged Institution (HDI), provided the impetus to create a collaborative practice in a higher education institution which was forced to merge with two former technikons (which lacked understanding of what a university means by research productivity and research output). I consequently developed the Nkosinathi Sotshangane’s cyclic practice improvement model through self-reflective action research, from which I believed other research practitioners could learn by doing something similar in their own context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Assessing the preparation, induction and professional development experiences of teacher educators in Botswana and South Africa: recommendations for an andragogically based model
- Kasozi, Joseph Amooti https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0978-2171
- Authors: Kasozi, Joseph Amooti https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0978-2171
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Teachers -- In-service training , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Education -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24643 , vital:63388
- Description: Research evidence points to the fact that in most countries teacher educators enter the field of teacher education with little or no preparation (Abell, 1997;Ntoyi≤fuka, 2001; Robinson & Macmillan, 2006; Snoek, Swennen and van der Klink, 2009). Yet, it is argued that the teacher is the single most important factor determining the achievement of learners and the quality of education (UNESCO, 2008; Snoek, Swennen and van der Klink, 2009; Smith, 2010). Sadly, however, most countries and teacher education institutions have paid little or no attention to the preparation, induction and professional development of those who train these teachers, that is, the teacher of the teachers or the teacher educators (Martinez, 2008; Santoro, Mayer, Mitchell, & White, 2009; European Commission, 2010; van Velzen, van der Klink, Swennen, Yaffe, 2010). This situation probably arises from the general belief that good school teachers are good teacher educators and therefore there is no need to worry about their preparation, induction and professional development. This is the basis upon which this research is premised. A mixed methods approach was used to research the following questions: • How are teacher educators in Botswana and South Africa inducted and developed as teachers of adults? • How do the teacher educators (in Botswana and South Africa) adjust their teaching practice to cater for the needs of their students who are adults? • What recommendations can be made to improve the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators as teachers of adult student teachers? The sites for the study were four institutions (two faculties of education, one located in Botswana and another in South Africa, and two colleges of education located in Botswana). Out of a possible total of 316 teacher educators at the four institutions 128 responded to a close ended questionnaire that required them to indicate their autobiographic details, experiences as teachers and teacher educators, and their preparation, induction and professional development as teacher educators. In addition 12 teacher educators with varying experiences in teacher education were interviewed. The purpose of the interviews was to record the experiences of their preparation, induction and professional development as teacher educators. Furthermore, literature from various sources was consulted about the topic under study. The results confirmed the earlier assertion that there is very little attention paid to the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators in the institutions that were studied. Literature also indicated a similar pattern in most teacher education institutions in Botswana and South Africa. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators be conducted following the andragogical model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Kasozi, Joseph Amooti https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0978-2171
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Teachers -- In-service training , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Education -- Botswana
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/24643 , vital:63388
- Description: Research evidence points to the fact that in most countries teacher educators enter the field of teacher education with little or no preparation (Abell, 1997;Ntoyi≤fuka, 2001; Robinson & Macmillan, 2006; Snoek, Swennen and van der Klink, 2009). Yet, it is argued that the teacher is the single most important factor determining the achievement of learners and the quality of education (UNESCO, 2008; Snoek, Swennen and van der Klink, 2009; Smith, 2010). Sadly, however, most countries and teacher education institutions have paid little or no attention to the preparation, induction and professional development of those who train these teachers, that is, the teacher of the teachers or the teacher educators (Martinez, 2008; Santoro, Mayer, Mitchell, & White, 2009; European Commission, 2010; van Velzen, van der Klink, Swennen, Yaffe, 2010). This situation probably arises from the general belief that good school teachers are good teacher educators and therefore there is no need to worry about their preparation, induction and professional development. This is the basis upon which this research is premised. A mixed methods approach was used to research the following questions: • How are teacher educators in Botswana and South Africa inducted and developed as teachers of adults? • How do the teacher educators (in Botswana and South Africa) adjust their teaching practice to cater for the needs of their students who are adults? • What recommendations can be made to improve the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators as teachers of adult student teachers? The sites for the study were four institutions (two faculties of education, one located in Botswana and another in South Africa, and two colleges of education located in Botswana). Out of a possible total of 316 teacher educators at the four institutions 128 responded to a close ended questionnaire that required them to indicate their autobiographic details, experiences as teachers and teacher educators, and their preparation, induction and professional development as teacher educators. In addition 12 teacher educators with varying experiences in teacher education were interviewed. The purpose of the interviews was to record the experiences of their preparation, induction and professional development as teacher educators. Furthermore, literature from various sources was consulted about the topic under study. The results confirmed the earlier assertion that there is very little attention paid to the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators in the institutions that were studied. Literature also indicated a similar pattern in most teacher education institutions in Botswana and South Africa. Based on the findings, it is recommended that the preparation, induction and professional development of teacher educators be conducted following the andragogical model. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
Collegial leadership roles of teachers to manage curriculum reform in primary schools In Limpopo, South Africa
- Authors: Kgohlo, Piet Maphodisa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Limpompo (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53349 , vital:45143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the collegial leadership roles of teachers in managing the challenges of the implementation of the CAPS curriculum in primary schools in Limpopo. Four hundred and ninety-two teachers participated in this quantitative study. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers in the intermediate phase of primary schooling in Limpopo lack competence in content subjects such as mathematics, NSTECH and English as the language of teaching and learning. The findings further revealed that the lack of facilities such as libraries, media centres and computers, teacher development and support and infrastructure such as classrooms contributed to teachers’ low competencies in the use of resources to manage the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. In addition, the findings revealed that the majority of teachers experienced high levels of tobephobia. Furthermore, the findings revealed that teachers showed symptoms of stress, anxiety, tension, unhappiness, depression, pessimism and uncertainty in managing the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. However, the findings also revealed that collegial teaming is a potent strategy that could be used to reinforce the in-service training that fails to equip teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills to face up to the challenges of managing the implementation of CAPS. This research explored a new area of managing curriculum change by making use of collegial teaming to develop teachers’ professional competencies. It makes a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge of implementing curriculum reforms in disadvantaged schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Primary School Education: Intermediate Phase, 2015.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Kgohlo, Piet Maphodisa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Limpompo (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53349 , vital:45143
- Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the collegial leadership roles of teachers in managing the challenges of the implementation of the CAPS curriculum in primary schools in Limpopo. Four hundred and ninety-two teachers participated in this quantitative study. The findings of this study revealed that the majority of teachers in the intermediate phase of primary schooling in Limpopo lack competence in content subjects such as mathematics, NSTECH and English as the language of teaching and learning. The findings further revealed that the lack of facilities such as libraries, media centres and computers, teacher development and support and infrastructure such as classrooms contributed to teachers’ low competencies in the use of resources to manage the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. In addition, the findings revealed that the majority of teachers experienced high levels of tobephobia. Furthermore, the findings revealed that teachers showed symptoms of stress, anxiety, tension, unhappiness, depression, pessimism and uncertainty in managing the challenges of the implementation of CAPS. However, the findings also revealed that collegial teaming is a potent strategy that could be used to reinforce the in-service training that fails to equip teachers with the requisite knowledge and skills to face up to the challenges of managing the implementation of CAPS. This research explored a new area of managing curriculum change by making use of collegial teaming to develop teachers’ professional competencies. It makes a significant contribution to the existing body of knowledge of implementing curriculum reforms in disadvantaged schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Humanities, Primary School Education: Intermediate Phase, 2015.
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- Date Issued: 2015-01
Teachers' experiences of English as the language of teaching and learning: a case study of two primary schools in East London education district
- Authors: Mkohlwa, Tantaswa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Language and languages , English language -- Study and teaching , Primary school teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26515 , vital:65519
- Description: This study investigates teachers‘ experiences on English as the language of learning and teaching of isiXhosa learners. It critically examines the teachers‘ practices and experiences towards English as the sole language of learning and teaching LOLT at two different primary schools in Ncerha in the East London District in the Eastern Cape. The study is guided by the fact that most learners use their mother tongue isiXhosa in classroom as well as outside classroom contexts. Furthermore, some teachers use the translation method as they code-switch to their home language when teaching content subjects as well as English but learners are expected to answer the test and examination questions in English Maphalala 1988.Theoretically, this study is underpinned by the constructivist view of language learning Gaserfeld 2003 and English as an international language Sivasubramaniam, 2011. On the basis of the ecological and the constructivist approaches to language learning, Sivasubramaniam 2011 p53 views language as a creative instrument of meaning which has the power to create meaning anew and afresh‘ each time that someone uses it. The study makes use of the qualitative research method with a case study design. The data collected was analysed within the framework of discourse analysis.The findings of this study suggest some instrumental motivations for the use of English as LOLT. Some of these motivations are studying abroad, business with foreign investors Abongdia, 2009 and integrative motivations as the learner might be able to communicate with people from different countries Lambert and Gardner, 1972 Baker 2006 and Abongdia 2009. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01
- Authors: Mkohlwa, Tantaswa
- Date: 2015-01
- Subjects: Language and languages , English language -- Study and teaching , Primary school teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26515 , vital:65519
- Description: This study investigates teachers‘ experiences on English as the language of learning and teaching of isiXhosa learners. It critically examines the teachers‘ practices and experiences towards English as the sole language of learning and teaching LOLT at two different primary schools in Ncerha in the East London District in the Eastern Cape. The study is guided by the fact that most learners use their mother tongue isiXhosa in classroom as well as outside classroom contexts. Furthermore, some teachers use the translation method as they code-switch to their home language when teaching content subjects as well as English but learners are expected to answer the test and examination questions in English Maphalala 1988.Theoretically, this study is underpinned by the constructivist view of language learning Gaserfeld 2003 and English as an international language Sivasubramaniam, 2011. On the basis of the ecological and the constructivist approaches to language learning, Sivasubramaniam 2011 p53 views language as a creative instrument of meaning which has the power to create meaning anew and afresh‘ each time that someone uses it. The study makes use of the qualitative research method with a case study design. The data collected was analysed within the framework of discourse analysis.The findings of this study suggest some instrumental motivations for the use of English as LOLT. Some of these motivations are studying abroad, business with foreign investors Abongdia, 2009 and integrative motivations as the learner might be able to communicate with people from different countries Lambert and Gardner, 1972 Baker 2006 and Abongdia 2009. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2015
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015-01