Design of an LMS-mediated tutorial to support deep and effective engagement in the process of learning mathematics
- Authors: Kigundu, Stephen
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431565 , vital:72786 , DOI 10.21504/10962/431565
- Description: Many institutions of Higher Learning have adopted a variety of Learning Management Systems (LMS) as platforms for e-learning implementation. However, the design and nature of LMS technologies present challenges to the design of LMS-based activities that engage students in learning to do mathematics. There are no clear guidelines or strategies for designing LMS-based activities that engage students in complex mathematical processes. Hence, using technologies in mathematics education often replicates instructivist positions and practices. Conversely, using constructivist principles, modes of mathematical engagement, and e-learning tools to mediate learning provides an integrated framework to transform the use of an LMS as a platform for e-learning implementation and promote deep engagement in mathematical learning. The objective of this study was to explore mechanisms that could be useful for conceiving activities to support the learning of Mathematics using an LMS-mediated tutorial. The design, redesign and evaluation of the e-tutorial are reported upon. In preparation for the study, an LMS-based tutorial was designed and developed to be used as a test-bed to investigate how these e-learning tools could support learning to do mathematics. A Trigonometry module, consisting of course content in the form of resources and tasks to help the students to explore, practice and apply right triangle concepts, was used to investigate and derive design strategies. A mixed method research approach with a reflexive self-study research design was used. A group of first-year university student volunteers studying mathematics in the mechanical engineering department were used to test the tutorial. The students were asked to do a series of tasks using the e-learning environment during the Mathematics tutorial period. Data was collected using in-class observations, interviews, screen capture videos, student-written responses, and system-generated data. All students were encouraged to complete a learning journal detailing their experiences during the tutorial using an LMS-based tool. The students were given no training, but a tutor (researcher) was available to answer any questions they may have had. Contradiction analysis was used to evaluate the data, compare purpose and practice and judge whether the activity or tool was fitted for the intended purpose. Findings were in the form of transformations of the e-tutorial system as it was developed. Among the most noteworthy contributory modifications were changing from 1) “read first, then do” to “do first, read when necessary”, 2) “work on the computer” to “work on paper then capture on the computer”, 3) “physically separated work with computer-enabled social contact”, to "individual computer work in face-to-face social settings.” 4) “single-level of resource provision” to “multi-level, demand-driven resource provision” and 5) “self-regulated” learning process regulation to “computer-assisted” learning process regulation. The discussion of these findings indicated that to enable students’ deep and effective engagement in the process of learning fundamental trigonometry within an LMS-mediated tutorial, one needs to design the system with some activities that can create a demand for knowledge, encourage rough work and face-to-face social interaction, supported by multi-level, demand-driven resources, and computer-assisted learning-process regulation. Contributions to research by this study were in the form of 1) Design Principles for LMS-mediated tutorials, 2) Principles for an e-tutorial development methodology, and 3) The LMS-mediated tutorial system. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Childhood Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Field facilitation in open and distance learning in resource-constrained environments: a case of Mzuzu University, Malawi
- Authors: Kalima, Robert Chagwamtsoka
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/431554 , vital:72785 , DOI 10.21504/10962/431554
- Description: As part of the drive to enhance students’ learning experiences and success for students pursuing the B.Ed Science programme through distance education at Mzuzu University (Mzuni), the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) Steering Committee of Mzuni introduced the field facilitation strategy in 2014 to provide additional academic support to such students off campus. There have been questions, though, regarding the effectiveness of this strategy in terms of enhancement of student learning and success. This study, therefore, sought to examine the current field facilitation strategy in the B.Ed Science programme under the ODL mode of delivery, with a view to proposing improvements that would be made to the field facilitation strategy so that it enables enhanced learning and success in Science and Mathematics at Mzuni. Efforts to improve the current field facilitation strategy have been informed by an empirically based understanding of the shortfalls and strengths of the existing field facilitation strategy for ODL students in the B.Ed Science programme. To enhance students’ learning and success for ODL students in resource-constrained contexts such as Mzuni and similar contexts, the study adopted a qualitative case study design guided by tools from the second generation of the Cultural Historical Activity Theory. Qualitative data was obtained in two phases, a contextual profiling phase and a modified Change Laboratory Workshop phase. The modified Change Laboratory Workshops were conducted through the social media application ‘WhatsApp’ rather than in person as is usually done. Qualitative data in the contextual profiling phase was obtained from three categories of participants, namely, Science and Mathematics lecturers, Science and Mathematics field facilitators, and Science and Mathematics students. The contextual profiling phase included surveys, focus group interviews, individual interviews with lecturers at Mzuni and the field facilitators from the five satellite learning centres of Mzuni, and document analysis. The contextual profiling data acted as the mirror data for the next phase of data generation (Change Laboratory Workshop phase). The findings indicated that the support currently rendered by field facilitators to ODL Science and Mathematics students was inadequate and consisted of a shallow mode of instruction focusing on v traditional ways of teaching and learning. This meant that the field facilitators focused on lecturing as a pedagogical strategy for supporting the learning of Science and Mathematics. This was largely because the support offered to field facilitators by Mzuni was inadequate and did not empower them to generate their own strategies of conducting field facilitation innovatively and creatively, which would in turn empower the students to engage actively and reflectively in their own learning activities. This was due to structural, historical and cultural tensions that existed in the larger system (the university system). The implementation of the field facilitation strategy was challenged by such conflicts in the university structure which manifested themselves in the smaller activity system (the field facilitation activity system) which is the focus of this study. Thematically, such conflicts included students’ attributes, institutional policies, institutional pedagogy and the material and digital divide which Mzuni has not harnessed to support field facilitation. The study further established that institutional sensitivity to the conflicts raised above would result in an improved field facilitation strategy as the conflicts at the higher level (university level) have an impact on what happens in the smaller systems, for example the ODL in general and the field facilitation activity system in particular. The improved field facilitation strategy was supposed to recognise ODL students as students in transit from the traditional face-to-face learning context to the novel ODL learning context. As such, the transitional period of study from secondary school to university, particularly to year one, required an intensive field facilitation support strategy, and thus greater institutional support for both field facilitators and students for enhanced learning experiences and success that would eventually result in improved students’ retention and throughput. The findings of this study will therefore inform all those involved in ODL, particularly those in resource-constrained contexts, to be conscious when implementing ODL innovations. Serious consideration of the contexts in which the innovations are to be implemented is critical. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Childhood Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
Stimulating continuous professional development and teacher leadership in a rural Namibian school: a participatory action research
- Authors: Mario, Kangende Mebin
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424075 , vital:72121
- Description: Namibia values democratic and quality education. One way to improve quality education is by allowing teachers autonomy and offering continuous professional development (CPD) to teachers. Historically, the CPD programmes on offer in Namibia were centralised and generic, using a ‘one-size-fits-all’ approach offered as mini workshops to train teachers. In 2012, a decentralised method of school-based CPD program was initiated in schools, to give opportunities to schools to identify, plan, implement and evaluate their own professional needs. However, a recent study indicated that these initiatives have failed due to poor leadership, a lack of training and support as well as limited knowledge of principals in running CPD initiatives. Against this backdrop, my study aimed at engaging in a participatory action research process with teachers and SMT members in a rural combined school in the Kavango West region to stimulate the failed school-based CPD program and develop teacher leadership. My study therefore aligned with the international recommendations that school-based CPD be built around the notions of distributed leadership and teacher leadership (Smulyan, 2016; Hunzicker, 2018). The three-step model of change and action research developed by Kurt Lewin served as the underpinning theory for this study. The study was situated within a critical paradigm and driven by the question: “Does the involvement in participatory action research process stimulate a school-based CPD programme and develop teacher leadership?” The study involved two phases. The contextual profiling stage generated data through the analysis of documents, focus group interviews, and observation. Phase 2 engaged the participant in participatory action research to stimulate school-based CPD and develop teacher leadership. Thematic analysis supported by both inductive and deductive methods was used to analyse the data. The findings from phase one indicated that CPD was interpreted differently by the participants and confirmed that there was no CPD program in the school. Using Grant's (2017) model of teacher leadership, the findings further revealed that although teacher leadership was practised in all four zones, it was strongest in the classroom and initiated through delegated practices. Using Angelle and Dehart (2010), constraining forces included negative teachers’ attitudes, limited knowledge, skills, and confidence as well as a school culture of distrust. Phase 2 revealed that participatory action research can be a useful stimulus for school-based CPD. A tangible output from the PAR sessions was a template for the internal policy for school-based continuous teacher development. In addition, the findings from the sessions indicated the significance of supportive leadership to ensure the efficacy of school-based CPD and teacher leadership. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Childhood Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13
The mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge that Namibian senior primary teachers draw on to develop their learners’ computational estimation
- Authors: Shigwedha, Emilia Ndilimeke
- Date: 2023-10-13
- Subjects: Uncatalogued
- Language: English
- Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/424108 , vital:72124
- Description: Computational estimation is important in the development of learners’ number sense. It is through the process of finding an approximate (but satisfactory) that learners can check the reasonableness of their answers to calculations, develop an understanding of place value and by implication the four number operations. It is the role of teachers to develop the computational estimation skills of learners. To do this, teachers need to have a sound knowledge of computational estimation, its value and how to teach it. This study thus seeks to explore and understand Namibian senior primary teachers’ mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge to develop their learners’ computation estimation knowledge. The research is guided by the following question: What mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge do senior primary mathematics teachers draw on to develop their learners’ computational estimation skills? The research is a qualitative interpretivist case study. Eight senior primary teachers of Mathematics from the Ohangwena region in Namibia participated in the study. Data was generated through questionnaires, a focus group interview and lesson observations. The Mathematics Knowledge for Teaching (Ball et al., 2008) and the Knowledge Quartet (Rowland, 2005) frameworks were used as both analytic and explanatory tools for the study. Key findings from the research are that teachers have knowledge of and use a variety of strategies for estimation, however, they only use the ‘rounding off’ strategy when teaching learners computational estimation. The teachers appear to teach computational estimation by first focusing on place value before moving on to ‘rounding off’ to the nearest 10s, 100s, 1000s and so forth. My research recommends that the National Institute of Educational Development together with the Ministry of Education, Art and Culture in Namibia, provide teachers with professional development opportunities on how to develop learners’ computational estimation. Such professional development will further develop teachers’ mathematical and pedagogical content knowledge. Furthermore, the Namibian syllabus should include a variety of strategies for computational estimation. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Childhood Education, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-10-13