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Industrial attachment and graduate employability in technical vocational education and training: a case of agriculture education in Zimbabwe

  • Authors: Edziwa, Xavier
  • Date: 2022-04
  • Subjects: Vocational education -- Zimbabwe , College graduates -- Employment , Technical education -- Zimbabwe
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56022 , vital:54939
  • Description: Institutions of higher learning, the world over, have adopted means of producing graduates that are work-ready and Zimbabwe is no exception. In Zimbabwe, a Commission of Inquiry into Education and Training recommended the introduction of vocational education and the introduction of a programme that improves the work-readiness of higher education graduates. This culminated in the institutions of higher education introducing industrial attachments in their curricular. This study was designed to explore the nature and implementation of industrial attachment by agricultural technical and vocational education and training institutions in Zimbabwe, as a way of enhancing students’ graduate attributes. It was done to hopefully improve policy and practice in the use of industrial attachment in imparting skills among college students. The research presented in this thesis, focuses on three case studies that were eclectically sampled, and data collected through focus group discussion with students and face-to-face individual interviews with college academia and workplace mentors. The study commenced by first establishing what stakeholders perceived as the employability skills expected of a graduate who has gone through an agricultural technical and vocational and training programme, and then explored how the IA programmes have been operationalised. Kolb’s experiential learning theory was used in the designing of research instruments and answering the research questions. The study established that the students generally perceived graduate attributes differently from academia and industry personnel. It was also established that current industrial attachment practices in agricultural training appear to favour production of graduates that are geared towards looking for employment, as opposed to the students’ perceptions that the 21st higher education institutions should produce graduates who create employment. While industrial attachment has been adopted by the institutions, this study identified a myriad of challenges that call for vii improvement in the practice if students are to benefit from the industrial attachment endeavours. The study ends by proposing a model that embraces students’ voice and is deemed to produce agricultural technical and vocational education and training graduates who are employment creators. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-04

Rethinking our understanding of career decision making: the views of students at a selected South African TVET colleges on what influences their career decisions

  • Authors: Maluleke, Lucky
  • Date: 2022-04
  • Subjects: Career -- Decision making , Postsecondary education -- South Africa , Career development
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral thesis , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56044 , vital:54946
  • Description: In South Africa, technical and vocational education and training (TVET) has been identified as a potential solution to the triple challenge of inequality, poverty and unemployment. The 2013 White Paper for Post-School Education and Training: Building on Expanded, Effective and Integrated Post-School Education (DHET, 2013) identifies TVET colleges as an area of great expansion. Although such an expansion is important and necessary, it is unfortunate that in South Africa, research has paid little to no attention to what influences TVET college students' career decision making. Concerning this, the study reported in this dissertation aimed to investigate what influences the career decision making of TVET college students in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro, Eastern Cape, South Africa. This qualitative study, located within the subjectivist ontology and interpretivist epistemology, contributes to understanding what influences the career decision making of TVET college students in a developing context of South Africa. Drawing on qualitative (individual and group) interviews with students, it examined the career decisions of a small sample of students enrolled at one South African public TVET college in the Nelson Mandela Bay Metro. In so doing, the study brings four elements to the study of career decision making. Firstly, empirically, it brings a fresh and subjective perspective of what 'TVET' and 'career' means to TVET students. Secondly, it brings to the literature on TVET, an analysis of the Careership Theory that draws from the TVET college students' experiences. Thirdly, it brings to our understanding of career decision making, the role of structure and agency from a Bourdieusian2 perspective. Fourthly, it transcends the heavily critiqued Bourdieusian model to encompass the notion of capacity to aspire, borrowed from Arjun Appadurai, to better explain the role of culture in social action. Data were collected using individual and group interview methods, which were later transcribed and analysed thematically. The findings show that career decision making is dependent on the perceptions of the primary decision makers and other social agents that learners interacted with in the field. Career decision making is situated in the vast social inequalities and unequal power relations shaped by unequal access to cultural, economic and social capital. However, as much as social structures influence career decision making, the role of agency must not be underestimated. The findings further reveal that career decisions are located in the objective and social structures, and these are influenced by capital (cultural, economic and social). Furthermore, career decisions are influenced by the capacity of the individuals to choose, to know what to choose, as well as structural enablers like finance. In short, the findings reveal that inequalities matter, for example, socio-economic and gender disparities. , Thesis (DEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-04

The impact of leadership styles used by college heads on the functioning of TVET colleges in Limpopo

  • Authors: Peter, Bandile
  • Date: 2022-04
  • Subjects: Management -- College heads , Decision-making -- post-secondary Education -- Limpopo
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56091 , vital:55321
  • Description: This study sought to examine the impact of leadership styles used by college heads on the functioning of TVET colleges in Limpopo. The purpose of the study was to better understand the prevailing path-goal leadership styles among college heads, the development and communication of college’s goals, vision and mission, involvement of lecturers and students in decision-making processes, motivation of students and lecturers, and continuous monitoring in the TVET colleges. The key research question that this study was based on was: What is the impact of the leadership styles used by college heads on the functioning of Limpopo TVET colleges? A mixed methods approach was adopted with questionnaires, interviews, observations and document review as a means of data collection. College heads (campus managers and HODs), lecturers and students were participants in this study. The participants were purposefully selected in three of the seven TVET colleges in the Limpopo Province. The findings indicated that all the four path-goal leadership styles were prevalent in the college heads. However, there was poor communication of the colleges’ goals, vision and mission. The study further found that lecturers and students were not on many occasions involved in the decision-making processes. Poor monitoring by college heads was also discovered by the study. Moreover, the study uncovered that lecturers and students were not properly rewarded for good performance. The subsequent recommendations include, among others, that as in-service training, DHET should provide the opportunity for college heads to take guided leadership courses that promote path-goal leadership styles. DHET should also provide college heads with the opportunity to study and enhance their qualifications in the areas of educational management and leadership. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-04

The perception of school management teams and Teachers about their role to implement the national school nutrition programme in the Sisonke District in KwaZulu-Natal

  • Authors: Zulu, Xolani Wycliff
  • Date: 2022-04
  • Subjects: School management teams , nutrition -- Study and teaching -- KwaZulu-Natal
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral's theses , Thesis
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/56102 , vital:55420
  • Description: This study focused on the perception of School Management Teams and Teachers about their role to implement the national school nutrition programme in the Sisonke District in KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). The national school nutrition programme like any other projects in the country, faces some changes in the District which seem to interfere with the role of stakeholders in implementing the programme. This study explored the following research question with the set of secondary research questions: What are the perceptions of School Management Teams and Teachers in the Sisonke District of KwaZulu-Natal about their role in National School Nutrition Programme? • What perceptions do teachers and school managers have on the implementation of National School Nutrition Programme? • What challenges do Teachers and School Managers have to enhance the objectives of the National School Nutrition Programme? Both Teachers and School Managers were conveniently and purposively selected. For the generation of data, semi-structured interviews were used which were tape-recorded which were followed by transcription of data with interim analysis. Data was also generated through the use document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data, which was theoretically framed by Maslow’s theory of motivation, Hertzberg two-factor motivation theory, Lawler and Porter’s Expectancy theory of motivation and the Situational theory of Hersey and Blanchard through which, I lens the study and managed to explain the findings. The study findings revealed that most Teachers and School Managers perceived national school nutrition programme as an important programme in the context of Umzimkhulu as it isa deep rural area. Despite the positive perceptions of Teachers and School Managers about their role, the study findings further revealed that they are facing some challenges in the implementation of the programme. The findings have several implications for poverty alleviation in the Sisonke District, job creation and improved learner’s attendance, improved health conditions of learners. They also highlighted the weaknesses of the DBE official’s nutrition sub-directorate about role players of the programme. Both stakeholders in fulfilling their role, should take into consideration the constitutional rights of learners as some of them are in Maslow’s hierarchy of needs. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-04

Code of conduct for learners: A strategy for enhancing positive discipline in selected township schools in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

  • Authors: Zondo, Sindiswa Silindokuhle
  • Date: 2022-03
  • Subjects: School discipline
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21711 , vital:51744
  • Description: Dealing with misbehaving learners remains a significant challenge for teachers in South African schools. As the use of corporal punishment and other punitive measures to deal with misbehaving learners is now illegal, alternative positive disciplinary measures have been put in place. The prohibition of negative disciplinary measures has left teachers feeling powerless and frustrated, not knowing how to manage learner behaviour, despite the fact that they are the viable agents tasked with ensuring that positive disciplinary measures are implemented in schools. This study sought to examine how best a code of conduct for learners can be used to enhance positive discipline in schools. To that end, the study offers insights into how positive disciplinary measures may be used, in dealing with learner indiscipline. This is a qualitative study, underpinned by the interpretivist paradigm. The study employed a phenomenological design as a strategy for data collection, to examine how a code of conduct for learners can be used to enhance positive discipline in selected township schools. As this is a qualitative study concerned more with the depth than the breadth of information, the researcher deemed it necessary to focus on two schools, to obtain deep insight into the participants’ lived experiences. Two schools, in Pinetown in Durban, participated in the study. Interviews, observations and document reviews were used as data-collection instruments. In each school, interviews were conducted with the school principal, teacher representatives serving on the school governing board, disciplinary committee members, and members of the representative council for learners. Disciplinary hearings and disciplinary committee meetings were observed, and documents of relevance to the study were reviewed. The findings, as reported on here, revealed that the code of conduct is the most important strategy that schools can use to enhance positive discipline. Other strategies in enhancing positive discipline include the use of a research-based positive classroom management approach; positive reinforcement; integrating community support services; modelling good behaviour; parental involvement; preventive, supportive and corrective discipline; detention; communication (incorporating professionalism and cooperation); the creation of an environment conducive to teaching and learning; and the withdrawal or withholding of privileges. The findings further revealed that positive discipline is an alternative to negative disciplinary measures, such as corporal punishment in schools. Teachers are expected to comply with, and adhere to, disciplinary policies, and to assist learners in unlearning bad behaviours and developing the necessary life skills, values, and attitudes. The participants’ understanding of the use of a code of conduct for positive discipline successfully assisted them, as teachers, in dealing with misbehaving learners, and, in turn, in developing learners’ positive self-control and self-esteem, helping them to become responsible citizens, and courageous and respectful learners, not only in the school environment, but also as members of society at large. The research findings also revealed that many participants believed using a code of conduct (positive discipline) to enhance positive behaviour was a waste of time, and ineffective. As the findings indicate, learners were found to become impervious or immune to positive disciplinary measures put in place to assist them with behavioural problems. The findings also revealed that the ineffectiveness of such a code in enhancing positive discipline could be attributed to the fact that the teachers themselves were not, to a certain degree, fully trained with regard to positive disciplinary measures. A lack of parental support and teacher professionalism, the continued use of (the prohibited) corporal punishment, poor communication, a lack of stakeholder involvement in formulating codes of conduct, a lack of positive modelling and power struggles were found to impede the use of a code of conduct to enhance positive discipline in schools. Based on the research findings, the study recommends that schools ensure that there is a sufficiently detailed code of conduct to assist teachers in addressing learners’ bad behaviour. There should also be advocacy from the Department of Basic Education, for support programmes to be put in place to assist teachers with alternative ways of enhancing positive discipline in the classroom. Awareness of how teachers are to be upskilled as regards positive disciplinary strategies, active parental involvement, and increased support for teachers, are amongst the recommendations. Ultimately, the researcher concluded that the code of conduct was a strategy that schools can use to enhance positive discipline. To this end, teachers must adhere to that code (and other positive disciplinary measures), for positive discipline to flourish in schools. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-03

Code of conduct for learners: A strategy for enhancing positive discipline in selected township schools in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal

  • Authors: Zondo, Sindiswa Silindokuhle
  • Date: 2022-03
  • Subjects: School discipline
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21736 , vital:51747
  • Description: Ddeleting thos one delete 2 , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-03

Examining the realisation of the Multisectoral Early Childhood Development Policy short-term goals in the Eastern Cape Province, South Africa

  • Authors: Kula, Nonkqubela Carvie https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0770-919X
  • Date: 2022-03
  • Subjects: Early childhood education -- South Africa , Child development , Education, Preschool
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21646 , vital:51739
  • Description: This study was triggered by global concerns about poor early childhood development (ECD) policy implementation. A similar situation existed in South Africa in respect of the implementation of the National Integrated Early Childhood Development (NIECD) policy. This study was undertaken to examine the realisation of the short-term goals of the NIECD policy in the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. Through this study, the researcher hoped to propose an appropriate framework that can be adopted by the Eastern Cape provincial government to realise the short-term goals. A qualitative study was undertaken using the purposive sampling method to identify managers who are knowledgeable on ECD in the three lead departments (DSD, DOH, DBE) at provincial, district, and local levels. Twelve participants (N=12) were identified: three ECD directors from the provincial departments, three district ECD managers from each municipal district, namely, OR Tambo, Sarah Baartman and Buffalo City. Semi-structured interviews based on the study objectives were carried out on the ECD directors from the provincial departments. Three focus group interviews were carried out on the district ECD managers from each municipal district, also based on the study objectives. Each interview was transcribed verbatim by the researcher. Interviewees were coded to ensure confidentiality. The four study objectives were used as themes for data analysis. The findings of the study showed a poor understanding of the NIECD policy at the district level and a lack of a provincial multisectoral implementation strategy. Staff shortage, lack of multisectoral ECD coordination, fragmentation of ECD services, high numbers of unregistered ECD centres and inadequate ECD funding were the main barriers to policy implementation. The study recommends that the Eastern Cape provincial government uses systems theory to develop its provincial ECD implementation strategy. The framework of the ECD strategy should focus on the inputs, processes, outputs, and feedback process map. In this regard, inputs include human resources, infrastructure, funding, leadership and governance, data management, systems technology, and service delivery. Outputs, on the other hand, comprise service delivery (universally accessible ECD services, universal coverage of ECD services, parent participation, multisectoral ECD services and quality ECD services). Feedback indicates whether all infants, young children and their families are living in environments that are conducive to their optimal development or not. Should the implementation of the policy fail, corrections need to be made in the input or process stage or both stages. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-03

Parents and personnel’s partnership in early childhood education provisioning in the East London Education District

  • Authors: Mudziwapasi, Lilymore https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7978-8499
  • Date: 2022-02
  • Subjects: Education, Preschool -- Parent participation , Education, Preschool
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21700 , vital:51743
  • Description: Early childhood development is fundamental to human development and success in later life. Several stakeholders influence that development. Developmental policies are advocating for formal education provision at that early childhood age. Therefore, relationships and interactions of these stakeholders are of paramount importance in ensuring effective early childhood education provisioning – especially between parents and practitioners. Yet it has been reported that sharing of information concerning children’s educational development is not happening between parents and ECD practitioners. ECD centres are said to face many problems such as poor teaching and learning which may result in weak childhood educational development. Some of these challenges can be addressed through enhancing the partnership between parents and the ECD practitioners. The purpose of this study was therefore to explore the parents and practitioners’ partnership in early childhood education provisioning in ECD centres in the East London district. This study used the mixed method approach in the sampling, data collection and data analysis processes. The study focused on the partnership between parents and ECD practitioners, on how they work together, their views, how they communicate, on decision making and the strategies to enhance the partnership of parents and practitioners. Research questions in this study required both qualitative and quantitative data and analysis techniques. Quantitative data was collected from the ECD practitioners and principals by using questionnaires and qualitative data was collected through interviews with the parents. Quantitative data was analysed using SPSS and qualitative data was analysed using the thematic approach. The findings indicated that both parents and practitioners are working together in supporting learning and development. Parents are said to provide resources for use at the centre. Parents and practitioners are using different modes of communication for the learning and development of the children, including technology-based WhatsApp and emails. Practitioners are said to include parents in some decision making. The results indicated that even though some parents are working together with practitioners, while other parents are still showing ignorance and lack of knowledge on how they can partner for the educational development of the children. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-02

An evaluation of the mechanical, engineering and retails service and training authority staff development project at an Eastern Cape University

  • Authors: Masha, Anthony Nkambi
  • Date: 2022-00
  • Subjects: Evaluation and Training
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10691 , vital:75213
  • Description: Higher Education (HE) has undergone significant changes in recent decades, necessitating the adaptation of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to focus on teaching, supporting, and academically developing academic staff. In Africa, some HEIs have requested their staff to obtain certain postgraduate qualifications, as research achievements lead to academic promotion. The MerSETA Staff Development Project was established to train lecturers in the Engineering Department to upgrade their qualifications to the doctorate level and to increase their research skills. This study aimed to evaluate the project's success using project management methodology. A mixed methods approach was used, with a qualitative and quantitative phase. Data was collected through focus group interviews (FGIs) and closed-ended questionnaires. A purposive sampling technique was used in the qualitative phase, while census sampling was used in the quantitative phase. Qualitative data analysis was primarily inductive, with interpretive data analysis techniques (IPA) used to discuss findings with existing literature. Statistical techniques were used in the quantitative phase, with Structural Equation Modelling (SEM) tested. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the features and summaries of the study's sample or data set. Regression analysis was used to test the research hypotheses and establish the relationship between variables under investigation. The study employed appropriate Cronbach alpha formulae to determine a co-efficient above 0.70. The results of this study indicate that the MerSETA Project successfully developed its beneficiaries academically at Walter Sisulu University. However, there are limitations to the study, such as the cross-sectional study design, which cannot reflect changes in variables over time. Further research is required to study the relationships between variables over time using a longitudinal study design. The MerSETA Project demonstrated the importance of understanding project life cycles, knowledge areas, and monitoring and evaluation techniques in managing projects like the MerSETA Project. To enhance causality, further research is needed to study relationships between variables over time using a longitudinal study design. The MerSETA Project, a successful project, requires an understanding of the project life cycle, management knowledge areas, and monitoring and evaluation techniques. The study's findings concluded that the project was a success. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-00

Chalenges of implimenting South African school administration and management system at Junior Secondary Schools in circuit 16, OR Thambo Coastal District

  • Authors: Nkwanca, Loyiso Collis
  • Date: 2022-00
  • Subjects: Evaluation and Training
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10779 , vital:75220
  • Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges of implementing South African School Administration and Management System at Junior Secondary Schools in Circuit 16 in OR Tambo Coastal District. Literature review looked mainly at aspects of challenges resulting from policy issues guiding the implementation of SASAMS, challenge of ICT and SA-SAMS training, other challenges that influence implementation of SASAMS in circuit 16, OR Tambo District. The study was qualitative in nature and employed case study research design. Convenient sampling was used to select two junior secondary schools in Circuit 16 in Port St. Johns Circuit Management Centre (CMC) in OR Tambo Coastal Education District. The principal, one (1) educator, one (1) school clerk were purposively selected from each school and this made a total of six (6) participants. Face-to-face individual semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data about the views and opinions of the participants. Data were analysed using the interpretational analytical strategies. Themes were drawn from the responses of the participants. The major findings were: School personnel lack the ICT skills for them to be able to operate SASAMS for administration and management; there is a lack of connection network for the school personnel to provide data promptly to the Department of Education; school personnel had not received appropriate training on using SASAMS for administration and management; the use of SASAMS is not guided by clearly spelt out policies and guidelines in all the school that were visited; participants unanimously agreed that SASAMS could be a user-friendly system only if all personnel were to get thorough training; due to lack training and knowledge for other personnel, at times especially when school clerks are not at work submissions are not done promptly; the school personnel have no expertise when there is break down of computers or the system crushes, they have to travel long distances to try and find help; when it is time to enter marks for learners, it is impossible for teacher to connect at the same time, only about four laptops can connect at a time and the Department of Education delays to install the latest patch. It is recommended that: SASAMS be incorporated in Teacher Education programmes in Universities and training colleges; there should be enough ICT and SASAMS technicians on standby for any technical error that might occur in schools; school principals, teachers and administrative clerks need to be equipped with training in ICT and SASAMS; there is a need for Department of Basic Education to ensure that each school has Wi-Fi connection so that all computers in the school are connected to the main-server at the same time; the DBE should consider formulating guiding policies where, for example, schools are allowed to factor in a certain percentage in enrolment increase, as it creates a good foundation for data falsification by unscrupulous officials. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 2024
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  • Date Issued: 2022-00

Intergatind information and cominication technology into teaching and learning in selected Secondary Schools of OR Thambo Inland, Eastern Capee South Africa

  • Authors: Fumba, Ntombentle Nomahlanga
  • Date: 2022-00
  • Subjects: Technology education
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10434 , vital:75179
  • Description: This study aimed to determine the readiness of secondary schools, in the OR Tambo Inland region of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa, in integrating the Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) into their everyday teaching and learning. Most secondary schools in this region seem to lack ICT infrastructure and teachers seem to be unable to integrate technology into the everyday learning and teaching due to the lack of technology resources and other challenges. It has come to light that when secondary school learners reach tertiary institutions, their level of understanding when it comes to ICT activities differ immensely. This great difference in knowledge and skill makes it difficult for the lecturers to interact with them because some learners are computer literate, and some are not. The researcher believes that if all schools practice the use of ICT at secondary level that will bring all learners to the same level of knowledge, skill and understanding and that promotes uniformity across similar grades of learners. A qualitative research approach was chosen for this study by following an exploratory research design. The qualitative research method was chosen to gain an in-depth understanding of human behavior, experience, attitudes, intention, and motivations, based on interpretations, to find out the way people think and feel. The design used for this research enabled to get a better understanding of the existing problem. Data were collected through an interview guide and was analyzed via a thematic data analysis. A purposive sampling technique was used with a sample size of 30 participants that consisted of 27 teachers and three principals. The results show that some schools have already started integrating ICT into their teaching and learning but not across all learning areas. Teachers and principals have a degree of willingness to with ICT integration and are even willing to go for training to attain the necessary ICT skills. Findings show that in order to fill the gap in ICT integration with teaching and learning, curriculum adjustments and teacher motivation are necessary, and it is also evident use of ICT is becoming more popular in the education sector and that it can be attested by the higher education institutions which also benefited a lot during the lockdown period of the coronavirus outbreak. The study recommended that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) should ensure that schools are using ICT in their classroom and there should be ongoing teachers’ professional development to encourage the teachers to use ICT to teach their subjects. The study concluded that O.R. Tambo Inland participants are willing to include ICTs in their regular classroom instruction as long as they have the necessary expertise, technical support, a well-structured curriculum, and resources that are fully functional. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-00

Strategies to improve implementation of curriculum and assessment policy statement (CAPS) in Secondary Schools in Eastern Cape Province

  • Authors: Mafilika, Zamikhaya
  • Date: 2022-00
  • Language: English
  • Type: Masters theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10676 , vital:75212
  • Description: The study was conducted in one education district of the Eastern Cape Province. The study aimed to explore the challenges experienced by teachers and learners concerning the implementation of CAPS in secondary schools of the Eastern Cape Province. The study reviewed to improve the implementation of CAPS in secondary schools. The cognitive constructivist theory was used in this study. The study adopted a qualitative research approach through which a case study design was chosen. In-depth individual interviews were conducted to attain rich and accurate data from ten teachers, five principals, five heads of departments and five learners who participated in this study: from five secondary schools of Chris Hani West district. A total of nine themes became observable in this study through the analysis of the interviews. One of the key findings was that the Department of Basic Education did not involve teachers when changing the curriculum. The study concludes that issues such as learner-teacher ratio, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient resources, promotion and progression policy, syllabus coverage, lack of teachers with inclusive education, lack of parental involvement in learners’ work and Language of Learning and Teaching hinder the quality of teaching and learning processes. It was suggested that the Department of Basic Education, parents, principals and learners should collaborate to address the hindrances to effective teaching and learning. , Thesis (Masters) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2022-00

Assessing the implementation of environmental education school policy in Buffalo City Metro Education District South Africa

  • Authors: Damoah, Benjamin
  • Date: 2021-12
  • Subjects: Environmental education , Environmental policy -- South Africa , Education and state -- South Africa
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/21602 , vital:51703
  • Description: Environmental Education (EE) is essential for addressing environmental challenges.The advantages of EE are undeniable; it might be used to address specific environmental concerns and their implications, as well as to modify behaviours that lead to environmental catastrophes.EE strengthens people's resilience to climaterelated hazards. Global environmental issues have heightened interest in educational policy outcomes and their implications for economic growth and social citizenship. It is worth noting that an effective EE policy has a significant influence on the development of learners' environmental literacy. This study assessed the implementation of environmental education school policy in the Buffalo City Metro Education District, South Africa. This study adopted the pragmatism paradigm of Mixed Method Research(MMR). Concurrent triangulation, which is a design that employs a single data collection technique in which quantitative and qualitative data gathering and analysis are carried out independently yet concurrently, was used for this study. The target population of this study involved 60,412 teachers, 1,770,289 learners in 5205 public schools, and 1 Pro-EE civil society organisation in the Eastern Cape province. This was narrowed down to over 268 public and independent schools, teachers, and principals within the enclave of the Buffalo Metropolitan education district. The study adopted stratified purposeful and simple random probability sampling. In this technique, the sampling frame of the study was divided into strata or groups (principals, teachers, learners, and CSOs) and a sample was purposefully selected from each stratum (Migiro & Magangi, 2011). The stratified purposeful random sampling techniques draw data from 10 principals, 175 teachers, 1500 learners, and 1 CSO. Structured questionnaire; Implementation of EE Policy Questionnaire (IEEPQ) whose reliability co-efficient value using Cronbach Alpha was 0.74, semi-structured interview and documents were the instruments used to collect data for this study. The data were analysed using descriptive statistics of percentage, mean, and standard deviation for the quantitative data while the thematic approach of sorting, coding, transcribing, and categorization was used for the qualitative data. The study revealed the following. When asked whether teachers had studied environmental education in tertiary institutions as part of their professional training, the majority of the teachers'respondents, 108, representing 61.7percent, disagreed with this view. On the flip side, a handful of teachers 67, (38.3percent) agreed with the view of having had some sort of EE knowledge during their professional training as teachers. With regards to the view that learners learn environmental issues through other subjects, most of the learner respondents, 1316 representing 87.7percent, agreed with this view. On the contrary, a minority of the respondents 184 (12,3percent) had a dissenting opinion. This indicates that most learners in school learn about environmental concerns through other traditional subjects. The study established that EE content is manifest in teachers' and learners' textbooks, teaching methods, and co-curricular activities. However, the study identified lapses in how teachers and learners integrate EE into their day-to-day practices. Therefore, the implementation of the EE policy seems to be an exercise in futility. The absence of a policy guideline document has made teachers and school administrators incapacitated in the implementation of EE school policy. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2022
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  • Date Issued: 2021-12

A culturally responsive strategy for teaching sexual concepts in rural Xhosa secondary schools

  • Authors: Simayi, Ayanda
  • Date: 2021-11
  • Subjects: Sex instruction for children , Sex instruction for youth , Rural schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctorate's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/58519 , vital:59660
  • Description: While research shows that the recognition and integration of indigenous knowledge (IK) is an important issue for developing culturally responsive strategies when teaching and learning science to, and by, indigenous people, little has been said about cultural taboos of a sexual nature and their effects on teaching and learning. This study investigated issues of taboo language use when teaching topics of a sexual nature during high school Biology classes. It also investigated the effects of a teacher development intervention based on Ogunniyi’s Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CATPD) towards culturally responsive teaching strategies. Four phases in one cycle of a Critical Participatory Action Learning and Action Research (CPALAR) design were used in schools located in deep rural villages with a sample of Life Science Grade 12 teachers. Initially, 30 teachers answered a semi-structured questionnaire aimed at identifying cultural restrictions that could impede the teaching of sexual concepts (Stage 1). Stages 2-4 included seven participants of both gender. Data were generated from two sets of drawings with descriptions and audio recorded focus group discussions. The teaching of a collectively developed Indigenised Teaching Strategy lesson by a group-selected ‘modelteacher’ was video-recorded and analysed. Written participant evaluation is presented in a flow chart. Data analysis was done by manual thematic data analysis and by using Atlas ti. 8. The use of multiple data collection strategies contributed to the trustworthiness and credibility of the study. The few existing studies on cultural taboos report avoidance of using the vernacular for biological terminology and promote the exclusive use of standard, terms in English. In contrast, Xhosa IK-based sexual euphemisms derived from elderly, unlearned Xhosa women were successfully used for teaching sexual concepts. The teachers reported their findings through the cultural lens of Xhosa people. Cognitive change from the suppressed level in the CAT hierarchy to a more harmonious equipollent level of understanding was brought about using Bakhtin’s theory of heteroglossia and the indigenist cognitive perspective of Contiguity Argumentation Theory. This cognitive shift enabled verbalisation of the culturally avoided taboo sexual concepts. The transition in thinking symbolised transformation in terms of critical pedagogy. The claim is made that using Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CAT) and Bakhtin’s explanations of heteroglossia provides an effective professional intervention in a deeply culturally determined Xhosa community. While not generalisable, the effect of this strategy should be of value when considering teacher development in indigenous communities and disciplines. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-11

Effect of environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on secondary school learners in environmental education knowledge, attitudes and practices in Nigeria

  • Authors: Olagbaju, Oluwaseun Olaitan
  • Date: 2021-09
  • Subjects: Environmental education , Education, Secondary
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20284 , vital:45647
  • Description: The depletion of the environment compelled researchers to investigate Environmental Education issues, the methods of imparting knowledge and the creation of awareness about environmental problems. However, youths have knowledge of environmental concepts but lack the skills, intentions, and action competence to exhibit positive environmentally responsible behaviour. There is, therefore, a need for a change in human behaviour to overcome current environmental problems. This study determines the effect of an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners in environmental education. It also explores the moderating effects of gender and school location. The study adopted a pre-test, post-test, control group and quasi-experimental design. A multi-stage sampling technique was employed. Eight (8) coeducational secondary schools in Ibadan, Nigeria, were selected based on environmental challenges in their immediate environment. There were four (4) schools from Ibadan city (urban area of Ibadan) and four (4) from Ibadan less city (rural area of Ibadan). Seven hypotheses were tested at a 0.05 level of significance. Five research instruments were used for this study. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used in testing the seven formulated hypotheses. Estimated Marginal mean analysis was used to determine the source of significant effect of treatment. A significant interaction effect was described using a graphical representation. All hypotheses were tested at P< .05 level of significance. The result reveals that there was a significant main effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on Junior Secondary School learners’ environmental knowledge (F(1,715) = 40.62, p < 0.05, Partial , 2 .054). There was also significant main effect of treatment (environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme on junior secondary school students’ environmental attitude. (F(1,715) = 32.36, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.043). The effect of treatment (Environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme) on students’ environmental practices was statistically significant, F(1,715) = 17.02, p < 0.05. partial 2 = 0.023). The findings shows that there was a significant main effect of school location (Urban and Rural) on Junior Secondary School students’ environmental knowledge (F(1,716) = 71.62 p< 0.05. partial 2 =0.091). There was no significant main effect of gender (male / female) F(1,715) =0.27, p> 0.05, partial 2 = 0.000. The findings further shows that there was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental attitude, (F(1,175) =39.21, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.052) Shows that there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental attitude F(1,715) =2.1, p> 0.05. partial 2 =0.003 There was significant main effect of school location on students’ environmental practices, F(1,715) = 17.02, p< 0.05 partial 2 = 0.019 but there was no significant main effect of gender on students’ environmental practices, (F(1,715) = 1.17, p> 0.05. partial 2 = 0.002). Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers should use an environmental responsible behaviour intervention programme in teaching environmental concepts in the classroom. To support this, group/teamwork should be encouraged amongst students. Students should be allowed to construct knowledge in order to bring about their active participation with a view to making learning realistic and effective and to enable the exhibition of environmentally friendly behaviour. , Thesis (PhD)(Education)-- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-09

The School Governing Bodies conceptualization of ulwaluko in school-based policies: Towards a deconstructed educational leadership and management framework

  • Authors: Gqeba, Nokuzola Gloria https://orcid.org/ 0000-0002-9009-2150
  • Date: 2021-07
  • Subjects: Initiation rites
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20057 , vital:45104
  • Description: Ulwaluko (male initiation), one of the African traditions, which serves as transitional rite of passage from boyhood, has evolved over time, through the colonial era, apartheid regime and the current dispensation (Ntsebeza, 2004). Evidence indicates that within the South African context, the majority of candidates of Ulwaluko are males of school-going age. Ulwaluko is said to be a school where initiates are taught, yet there is no link between ulwaluko and formal schooling. Therefore, the study examines the extent to which School Governing Bodies (SGBs) conceptualize ulwaluko in the school-based policies. The study used theoretical lenses of Hall’s ‘Third Space’ or hybridity, as well as Decoloniality, qualitative approach, and a Case Study Design. For this study, two high schools were purposely sampled, with a total of twelve participants that included Principals, SGB Chairpersons, and SGB Educator Representatives, Representatives of Learners and Ordinary SGB members. In-depth interviews and document reviews were employed as research instruments. The findings of the study suggest that even though ulwaluko seemed to affect the management of the two schools, it was not explicitly addressed in their policies. Ulwaluko is reluctantly and cautiously addressed informally. Lastly, the schools were reportedly reluctant to open debates on how ulwaluko could be accommodated for fear of “contaminating” school protocols with the African culture, which they thought did not belong in schools. The study makes various suggestions to build a strong relationship between ulwaluko and formal school practices. One of the main recommendations is the integration of ulwaluko into the mainstream education system through school governance and school-based policy. The study also proposes a deconstructed leadership and management framework that places African cultural practices such as Ulwaluko into the mainstream of management and curriculum. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-07

Examining trainee teacher preparation for inclusive education in Zimbambwe

  • Authors: Chikwaka, Miriam
  • Date: 2021-06
  • Subjects: Inclusive education , Teaching , Education--Zimbabwe--History
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20046 , vital:45091
  • Description: The research examined trainee teachers’ preparation for inclusive education in two teacher training colleges in Zimbabwe. Concerns are being raised that teacher preparation programmes are not adequately preparing trainee teachers for a holistic practice-based inclusive education. There is no agreement on the meaning of the concept of inclusive education. While some teacher educators resort to the traditional special needs education, others have adopted a paradigm shift to holistic inclusive education. The teacher education curriculum has not been aligned to teacher preparation for inclusive education. Trainee teachers go for teaching practice up to certification as qualified teachers without having acquired the skills and competencies for handling classrooms of learners with diverse educational needs. The study adopted pragmatism as the research paradigm, mixed-methods approach and QUAN-QUAL sequential explanatory triangulation of research designs; data collection instruments, data analysis and presentation of results were adopted. The researcher used stratified random sampling for quantitative data collection; and purposive, convenience, and snowball sampling for qualitative data collection. The total sample size was 210 trainee teachers and 20 teacher educators. Research instruments pilot-tested semi-structured questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, and documentary analysis. The internal consistency and validity of the instruments was checked using Cronbach’s alpha test and coefficients above 0.8 were obtained showing that the instruments were reliable and trustworthy. The results were that trainee teachers were inadequately prepared for inclusive educational practice. Teacher educators do not have the adequate subject and pedagogical content knowledge to prepare trainee teachers for inclusive education. Both teacher educators and their trainee teachers do not understand holistic practice-based inclusive education. The challenges in preparing trainee teachers for inclusive education include ignorance of inclusive education legislation, non-inclusive teacher education curriculum, and teacher educators’ lack of inclusive teacher preparation competencies, and shortage of financial and inclusive education material resources. Strategies to improve the quality of teacher preparation for inclusive education practices include policy and teacher education curriculum reforms, teacher educator empowerment, funding, and infrastructure development. The success of inclusive education largely depends on the collaboration between intellectuals, academia industry, governments and the community at large. The keywords are teacher preparation, inclusive education, teacher educator, and trainee teacher. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-06

Leadership experiences of six female deans in South African universities

  • Authors: Mankayi, Mandisa https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6732-8559
  • Date: 2021-06
  • Subjects: Women in higher education , Educational leadership
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/26197 , vital:64957
  • Description: The leadership of universities should be aware of and acknowledge the needs of female academics in order to facilitate the creation of an atmosphere that is welcoming to women. Currently, the needs of female academics are not being met by universities. In this study, the experiences of women from the Eastern Cape Province who have held positions as faculty deans in South African universities are investigated from the perspective of leadership. The interpretive paradigm was utilised throughout this qualitative research project. As a means of gathering information for the study, an interview guide with a structured format was combined with personal diaries. The questioning during the interview itself was unstructured because it was determined by the responses received from the people being interviewed. Interviews were conducted with six female deans from three different universities, using a technique called convenience sampling. After finishing the interview using an audio recorder, the recording was transcribed, and a technique called thematic analysis was applied to it. Because the study used theoretical lenses, the standpoint theory and feminist empiricism were both used in its analysis. According to the findings, despite the fact that South Africa has taken steps to ensure that men and women have equal opportunities and that legislation such as the Employment Act has been passed, women continue to face obstacles when trying to occupy higher leadership positions. Even though the study was not explicit in terms of the support they get from their colleagues, they mentioned the lack of support from their male counterparts. They experienced some major challenges as a result of the interaction between their leadership roles and the roles they held in their organisations. The participants suggested the underlying masculine conceptualization of leadership in their day-to-day interactions, such as working after hours and extensive travel, both of which were in conflict with their roles as mothers. According to the suggestions that have been made, the execution of the leadership roles and responsibilities shouldn't just be seen from a man's point of view. The performance of these roles ought to take into account gender sensitivity at every stage. Since things have not really moved in the direction that was anticipated, the government of South Africa ought to move more quickly to implement the equality law. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-06

Grade 3 teachers’ strategies for developing learners’ reading comprehension skills in bilingual classrooms in Idutywa Education District

  • Authors: Mzendana, Tembela Rosemary
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Reading (Primary) , Reading comprehension
  • Language: English
  • Type: Master's theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/20119 , vital:45281
  • Description: Learners’ low literacy achievements with regard to reading and writing in early schooling in South Africa remain a concern, particularly in the Foundation Phase. With regard to reading, amongst other things, Foundation Phase learners have been found to be “barking” at the text. That is an indication that they are struggling with achieving and grasping the main goal and purpose of reading, which is comprehension. In this dissertation, I explore the reading strategies teachers utilise in their grade 3 classrooms when teaching IsiXhosa and English. Participants for this study were grade 3 teachers from 2 different public schools in Idutywa District and grade 3 learners from 2 different public schools in Idutywa district. This qualitative study thus sought to investigate Grade 3 teachers’ strategies for developing learners’ reading comprehension skills in bilingual classrooms in two schools in the Idutywa Education District. Data was generated through semi-structured interviews. Amongst other issues, findings of the study revealed the following: participants reported valuing reading as an important skill that learners need to acquire academic success. Teachers demonstrated some understanding of how reading lessons are sequenced and paced. This study, thus, recommends that if learners are to acquire bilingual reading comprehension skills, both target languages should be valued and teachers be equipped on how to use these languages as resources in the classroom. , Thesis (MEd.) -- University of Fort Hare, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04

Integrating Indigenous Ugandan social ethics into an education foundations curriculum: teacher educator’s perspectives

  • Authors: Nampijja, Florence Kirabo
  • Date: 2021-04
  • Subjects: Indigenous peoples – Education--Africa , Decolonization Africa-Uganda , Curriculum change
  • Language: English
  • Type: Doctoral theses , text
  • Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/53552 , vital:45436
  • Description: The research claims that curriculum in Uganda is too westernized to the extent that indigenous Ugandan social ethics which informed pre- colonial curriculum have been totally neglected. Consequently, there are many learned but few socially educated persons in the country. Findings highlighted that teacher educators supported the integration of relevant indigenous knowledges into curriculum because indigenous knowledge is directly linked to the environment within which Ugandan students live, studies and operates after studies. They also believed that IUSEs provides a bedrock for professional conduct to flourish and thus, must be treated as an important component of the curriculum. However, though participants acknowledged the advantages of integrating IUSE into curriculum, they identified a number of obstacles to the integration of IUSEs. For instance: lack of consensus of IUSEs among the fifty-six tribes in Uganda; lack of support by the civil service deployment policy. Some confessed to the lack of adequate knowledge about IUSEs; the feeling of cognitive imperialism that is still possessed by some teacher educators and others. Among the strategies to be used for successful integration, teacher educators highlighted the need for collaborative efforts among all stakeholders, adopting the use of local languages as a medium of instruction and others. Data also revealed that the EFC currently aims at professional mentorship and giving employable skills to the students. The Such a situation manifests itself in the degeneration of ethical values by many Ugandans. This study examined teacher educators’ perspectives on integrating IUSEs in an Education Foundations curriculum (EFC). I used the decolonization theory, anti-colonial theory and indigenous knowledge discursive framework as lenses that framed the study. The findings from the study have implications for formulation of an education philosophy that is anchored in a national philosophy should be designed to guide curriculum designers in Uganda. The study further recommended that NCHE should compel all universities to integrate IUSEs into curriculum treating IUSEs as part of the minimum standards that must be satisfied before program accreditation. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, 2021
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  • Date Issued: 2021-04
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