List of Titles

Foundation phase teachers’ understanding and implementation of differentiated pedagogical practices in teaching reading

Authors: Muroa, Johanna Makgati
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463713 , vital:76434
Description: Pre-1994, teacher education in South Africa was separated into mainstream and special education classes. Special education classes accommodated learners who were not coping with grade-level work. In 2001, Education White Paper Six advocated for inclusive education. This policy promotes differentiated pedagogical practices to accommodate learners’ needs and minimize barriers to learning. However, research has shown that teachers do not have the required content and pedagogical knowledge to teach according to diverse learners’ needs. One of the reasons given is that the teacher education system does not prepare teachers adequately to teach in classrooms with diverse learners. This qualitative case study is underpinned by an interpretivist orientation as it seeks to ascertain how teachers understand and implement differentiated pedagogical tools in their practice. The research asks the question: How do Foundation Phase teachers understand and implement differentiated pedagogical tools? Seventy-six teachers enrolled for in-service Bachelor of Education (Foundation Phase) completed a questionnaire and three Foundation Phase teachers were observed and interviewed. Data gathered was analyzed using the Theory of Practice Architectures. The study found that the teachers recognized the importance of accommodating the different learners’ learning needs, however, they struggled to implement differentiated pedagogical practices in the classroom. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Primary and Early Childhood Education, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

Promoting Grade 9 mathematics teachers’ TPACK development through planning algebra lessons that integrate technology in Oshakati education circuit

- Angula, Mechtilde

Authors: Angula, Mechtilde
Date: 2024-10-11
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/463669 , vital:76430
Description: The revised curriculum in Namibia highlights the integration of digital tools to help learners understand mathematics better. For this purpose, teachers need to possess Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) to utilize technology effectively. However, using technology by itself does not guarantee better learning rather, it requires an understanding of how to integrate technology in teaching mathematics. Therefore, this case study explored Grade 9 mathematics teachers’ TPACK development through planning algebra lessons that integrate technology. An interpretive paradigm, supported by a pragmatic paradigm, underpins the study, and a qualitative case study approach was employed. The study purposively engaged ten Grade 9 mathematics teachers from four schools in Namibia. Demographic questionnaires, Semi-structured interviews, Reflective journals, notes from discussions, focus group interviews and document analysis were used to gain teachers’ insights on TPACK development. The study was guided by two educational theories: Bernstein's Sociology of Education (1971) and Bloom's Taxonomy of the Cognitive Domain (1956). Also, Mishra and Koehler’s TPACK framework (2009) was used to analyze the data. The findings showed that mathematics teachers had a positive view of technology integration in mathematics lessons and TPACK development through technology-integrated lesson planning, but they lacked the knowledge for planning lessons that integrate technology. Taking part in the intervention improved the selected mathematics teachers' understanding of TPACK, making them more confident about using technology in their teaching. The study also found different strategies to help teachers incorporate technology into their lessons, along with having a strong grasp of the subject and effective teaching methods. Based on these findings, it is suggested that in-service mathematics teachers take part in interventions focused on integrating technology into lesson planning. These interventions should demonstrate how technology can improve mathematics education and how it fits with both content and teaching methods. It is also recommended that these interventions emphasize the importance of Bloom's Taxonomy in using technology for mathematics education. The study concludes by suggesting further research on how planned lessons can be implemented in actual mathematics classrooms. , Thesis (MEd) -- Faculty of Education, Secondary and Post-School Education, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-10-11

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The enemy release hypothesis and beyond: Lagarosiphon major invasion dynamics and management options for New Zealand using native natural enemies from South Africa

- Baso, Nompumelelo Catherine

Authors: Baso, Nompumelelo Catherine
Date: 2024-04-05
Subjects: Enemy release hypothesis , Lagarosiphon major Biological control New Zealand , Hydrellia , Submerged aquatic vegetation , Invasion ecology
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/435627 , vital:73174 , DOI 10.21504/10962/435627
Description: Numerous scientific investigations have demonstrated the destructive impact that exotic species can have on ecosystem services beyond a specific threshold. There are many explanations for why introduced plants are likely to be more successful outside their native range. One such explanation is offered by the Enemy Release Hypothesis (ERH), which states that plants automatically become superior competitors outside of their natural range due to release from top-down stressors (herbivory, parasites, and diseases) that is evident in the absence of their natural enemies. The underlying assumption of the ERH is that natural enemies are important regulators of plant species populations, and that the pressures from these natural enemies are felt more readily by native species compared to alien plants. Consequently, in the absence of such pressures, the ERH assumes that exotic plants can allocate more resources towards growth and reproduction, while effectively maintaining accumulated biomass. Classical biological control has previously been cited as evidence for the enemy release hypothesis. Therefore, the overarching aim and theme of this thesis was to investigate the role of ERH on the invasiveness of Lagarosiphon major (Ridl.) Moss ex Wager (Hydrocharitaceae) in New Zealand. Firstly, a literature search and a meta-analysis was used to synthesize existing studies in order to test for general applicability of this hypothesis to aquatic plant invasions. Furthermore, an empirical investigation was conducted in order to directly quantify enemy release in L. major populations invaded areas of New Zealand. To achieve this, various plant parameters of this plant, overall macrophyte and invertebrate diversity were measured and compared between sites in the native range in South Africa and the invaded areas in New Zealand. Although the meta-analysis showed variable evidence for this hypothesis depending on various modulating factors such as study type, plant growth form and measured parameters, for L. major, there was strong evidence of enemy release. The biogeographical comparisons showed that L. major exhibited increased fitness in most of the invaded sites, marked by elevated biomass accumulation, significantly higher shoot production, and the displacement of native plant species. The observed fitness advantages were directly correlated to a decrease in herbivory diversity and pressure upon the plant's introduction to New Zealand. Unlike the native populations, which contend with the presence of at least four co-occurring herbivores, including specialist herbivores, the invaded range had a substantially lower herbivore diversity, with only Hygraula nitens Butler (Lepidoptera: Crambidae) syn. Nymphula nitens, significantly damaging L. major. These findings emphasize the importance of understanding invasion ecology and theories such as ERH in order to advance aquatic plant management and also present valuable insights for developing effective strategies to mitigate the impact of invasive alien species on aquatic ecosystems. Specifically, results from the empirical investigation provide evidence in support of the ERH and highlight the suitability of implementing biological control strategies to manage the L. major invasion in New Zealand. Previous studies have shown the suitability of two specialist herbivores, Hydrellia lagarosiphon Deeming (Diptera: Ephydridae), and Polypedilum tuburcinatum Andersen (Diptera: Chironomidae), as potential biological control agents. This control strategy presents a sustainable and ecologically responsible approach, promoting coexistence between exotic plants and native species rather than displacement through competitive exclusion. With the apparent dominance of L. major at various New Zealand localities, the subsequent objective of this thesis was to investigate the competitive interactions between L. major and another invasive Hydrocharitaceae, Egeria densa Planchon, as driven by herbivory. Combinations of two host specific Ephydrid flies, H. lagarosiphon and H. egeriae, were used at eight different factorial combination of planting densities. The analysis of plant parameters and the application of inverse linear models revealed that L. major often exhibits relatively higher fitness, especially in low monoculture treatments when the two insects were isolated. However, multiple inverse linear models revealed that actual competitive outcomes are dependent on factors such as initial plant density and herbivory regime, with competitive interactions generally being mild. Nevertheless, the presence of H. lagarosiphon resulted in facilitation of E. densa growth. Thus, even at lower densities, these insects still had an impact on the observed interactions, further emphasizing suitability as damaging biological control agents. Lastly, focusing on the abiotic component of L. major invasion, Species Distribution Models (SDMs) were employed to map potential suitable habitat for this species, as well as predict the consequences of climate change on this. Correlative and mechanistic modelling was also used to simulate suitable habitat for potential biological control agents, thus addressing the potential for mismatches between host plant distribution and insect suitable range. The Maximum Entropy Species Distribution Modelling (MaxEnt) algorithm revealed that more than 90% of all freshwater ecosystems in New Zealand are susceptible to L. major invasion, with suitability projected to expand further under future climate scenarios. Moreover, correlative modelling using this method suggests limited suitable habitat for both herbivores. However, degree-day modelling, which also takes into account the physiological requirements, showed that H. lagarosiphon has the potential to produce viable populations in several parts of New Zealand. Overall, this thesis explored the intricate web of biotic and abiotic factors influencing the success of L. major outside its native range. The results emphasize the potential impacts of climate change on the invasion potential and management strategies for L. major. The findings also advocate for the implementation of sustainable and ecologically sound management solutions, such as biological control, to manage this species. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Botany, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-05

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Developing a community of practice to promote the use of biological control in the integrated management of Prosopis in South Africa

- Van Staden, Gretha

Authors: Van Staden, Gretha
Date: 2024-04-04
Subjects: Uncatalogued
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/434998 , vital:73122
Description: Prosopis spp. are non-native species present in the arid parts of southern Africa. These trees originated in the Americas and were first introduced as a source of fodder, shade, and wood, but have become invasive, negatively impacting local biodiversity, and disrupting the delivery of ecosystem services. Some species of Prosopis hybridise freely, complicating identification and subsequent control. The control of Prosopis in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa is still contentious, because of the perceived benefits to some landowners. The effectiveness of biological control agents to control the spread of Prosopis has been quantified, more damaging agents have been considered in recent years because of the continued increase in Prosopis density. Research into the establishment of a Community of Practice (CoP) to address the differences in perceptions regarding the control of Prosopis in the Northern Cape Province is considered an appropriate starting point to conceptualise the challenges to the successful integrated management of Prosopis. As farmers are the main stakeholders involved with Prosopis control, understanding the role of farmers and the functioning of farming enterprises in the Northern Cape is imperative for the development of both a CoP as well as the appropriate management of Prosopis. To foster engagement with as many stakeholders as possible, workshops dealing with biological control as part on an integrated approach to the control of Prosopis were held in towns in the Northern Cape Province: Groblershoop, Brandvlei, Kenhardt, Upington, Prieska and Williston. Some of the main concerns of the landusers include the host specificity of the released biocontrol agents, as well as increased transparency and communication. This is especially in regards to the research on present and future biological control agents that will possibly improve the perceptions of stakeholders. The mechanical harvesting and use of biomass as a control method was supported, especially where farmers were removing Prosopis from their properties, leaving large amounts of biomass in the veld. Continued research into Prosopis in the Northern Cape needs to consider the possibility of secondary invasions, especially in areas where native bush encroachment is already a concern. The impact of clearing in terms of natural grazing and animal improvement needs to be quantified, to conceptualise the importance of maintaining better veld quality versus using Prosopis for fodder. Biological control targeting not only the reproductive output of the trees, but also the standing biomass has support from the majority of the land users in the Northern Cape Province following these workshops and this study shows the importance of a socio-ecological approach to the control of landscape scale invasion. , Thesis (MSc) -- Faculty of Science, Zoology and Entomology, 2024
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Date Issued: 2024-04-04

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Cape Fold Ecoregion fish community ecology and responses to stressors

- Broom, Casey Jay

Authors: Broom, Casey Jay
Date: 2022-10-14
Subjects: Cyprinidae South Africa Western Cape , Freshwater fishes South Africa Western Cape , Cyprinidae Habitat South Africa Western Cape , Food chains (Ecology) , Restoration ecology South Africa Western Cape , Riparian restoration South Africa Western Cape
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/365644 , vital:65772 , DOI https://doi.org/10.21504/10962/365644
Description: Freshwater fishes are in global decline and fish as a group are the most imperilled of all vertebrates. Freshwater systems are among the most threatened globally, largely owing to their comparatively high species and habitat diversity while occupying a minute fraction of the Earth’s surface. In South Africa, invasion by non-native fishes has had a devastating effect on freshwater systems across the country. Numerous other stressors and anthropogenic impacts continue to impact these systems, including habitat degradation, water abstraction and global change effects. In general, South African freshwater systems are under-studied and there is a lack of baseline biological and ecological studies on many freshwater fish species. The Cape Fold Ecoregion (CFE) of South Africa is a particularly vulnerable region, with many range-restricted species and highly fragmented native fish ranges following high invasion rates. Within the CFE, the Olifants-Doring River System (ODRS) is of primary concern owing to the high endemism and imperilled status of its freshwater fish species. The Rondegat River in the ODRS is of notable conservation value, as it hosts populations of important endemic CFE species. This river is unique, being the site of the first alien fish eradication programme of its kind in South Africa. Thus the Rondegat River, and in particular its imperilled cyprinid assemblage, is used here as a case study of the responses and community dynamics of recovering freshwater fish species. The members of this cyprinid assemblage are Sedercypris calidus, Pseudobarbus phlegethon and Labeobarbus seeberi. Sedercypris calidus and L. seeberi are listed by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as “Near-Threatened”, while P. phlegethon is listed as “Endangered”. Understanding the dynamics and responses to understudied vulnerable fish communities in the wake of restoration efforts was the overarching goal of this thesis. The first chapter served as a review of current knowledge of the CFE, the Rondegat River, the myriad stressors that have impacted on or are projected to affect this region, and the freshwater fish species on which those stressors act. My first investigations served as an extension of the existing Rondegat River monitoring programme, making use of remote underwater video (RUV) data to assess relative abundance and habitat associations of the focal species (Chapter 2). A relatively limited spatial range of P. phlegethon was established, which was suggested to be a result of relatively highly specialised habitat requirements and sensitivity to disturbance. Sedercypris calidus was confirmed as a relatively more abundant and ubiquitous species across the length of the Rondegat River, sharing much of the lower and middle reaches with L. seeberi. I sought to use experimental trials of functional response, as a proxy for feeding performance, across representative temperatures and relevant prey types, in the spatially overlapping S. calidus and L. seeberi (Chapter 3). Labeobarbus seeberi generally outcompeted S. calidus across temperature treatments and prey types. The ecomorphology and diet of all three species were used to construct trophic profiles, which suggested that there was a high degree of feeding capacity overlap between L. seeberi and S. calidus, while P. phlegethon diverged from the other two species (Chapter 4). Gut content suggested that all three species overlapped broadly in diet. This indicated that the realised trophic niche of these species is similar, despite some morphological specialisation. I then used RUV data to investigate in-situ feeding behaviours, with the aim to disentangle the nuances of community dynamics and mechanisms of coexistence in the cyprinid assemblage (Chapter 5). I found that, despite the higher feeding performance of L. seeberi (Chapter 3) and its overlaps in diet and feeding capacity with S. calidus (Chapter 4), S. calidus is able to mitigate competitive pressures through foraging mode switching and exploitation of allochthonous food inputs. Evidence for further habitat and prey selectivity in Pseudobarbus phlegethon was gathered based on dependence on complex habitats and pool refugia for the majority of its feeding, supporting this species as a headwater specialist; alongside signals of its spatial and habitat use patterns (Chapter 2). While S. calidus and L. seeberi were found to be less habitat-specific than P. phlegethon, caution was noted in the potential for ongoing stressors, such as habitat destruction, loss of river connectivity and global change effects, to impact on the reproductive success of these two species. Stressors affecting the habitats and sensitive invertebrate taxa upon which all three species depend continue to threaten the Rondegat system, highlighting the need to maintain ecosystem integrity through conservation interventions. There remains significant scope to maintain restoration efforts in the Rondegat River and other river systems of the CFE, through direct conservation actions, enhanced community awareness, indigenous riparian vegetation restoration and involvement of local stakeholders in various conservation-centred activities. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Science, Ichthyology and Fisheries Science, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-10-14

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Protecting the right to identity against catfishing

- Ndyulo, Lisa Neliswa Latima

Authors: Ndyulo, Lisa Neliswa Latima
Date: 2022-04-06
Subjects: Catfishing South Africa , False personation Law and legislation South Africa , Torts South Africa , Mass media and publicity South Africa , Social media Law and legislation South Africa , Identity theft Law and legislation South Africa
Language: English
Type: Academic theses , Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/290767 , vital:56782
Description: Catfishing is a form of impersonation occurring on social media that interferes with a person’s right to identity. It involves creating a fake profile online using another person’s images. The facets of the right to identity are image, name, and likeness, among others. Catfishing affects a person’s right to identity and human dignity. Hence, the thesis aims to determine whether the right to identity adequately protects individuals against catfishing. This thesis is a desktop analysis considering the South African legal framework related to the right to identity, including the common law, the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996, and legislation. The thesis is also a comparative analysis assessing the adequacy of addressing catfishing through the right to identity. The study evaluates the right to identity’s adequacy by juxtaposing the South African legal framework with California and Oklahoma’s common law and statutory interventions. The study reveals that the right to identity protects South African social networking website users against catfishing. Like the common law right of privacy in California and Oklahoma, a person infringes the right to identity when they use another person’s identity facets to portray them in a false light, and like the statutory right of publicity in California and Oklahoma, a person infringes identity when they appropriate facets of another person’s identity for commercial gain. The infringement of the right to identity entitles a person to legal remedies, including a claim for damages, among other things. The thesis also considers principles of conflict of laws to determine the operative law in an instance where a victim resides in South Africa and the perpetrator resides in the US, or vice versa. The study recommends that developing the common law to recognise that identity can be infringed by mere appropriation not linked to a commercial purpose would be beneficial for addressing catfishing adequately in South Africa. Legal development contributes to the constitutional imperative to align the common law with society’s shifting needs and address novel legal issues, such as catfishing. , Thesis (LLM) -- Faculty of Law, Law, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-04-06

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Ifuthe leelwimi kwimpumelelo yabafundi bebanga leshumi elinambini kwizifundo zejiyografi(sezelizwe) kwizikolo ezibini ezichongiweyo kwisithili saseMonti

- Gcaki, Nomnqakati

Authors: Gcaki, Nomnqakati
Date: 2022-04
Subjects: Port Elizabeth (South Africa) , Eastern Cape (South Africa) , South Africa
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/55342 , vital:51915
Description: Isahluko sokuqala sixoxa ngengxaki yophando esi siseko kolu phando, nemibuzo yophando kunye neenjongo zokuba isifundo esikhoyo sifuna ukufezekisa ntoni. Ngokunxulumene nengxaki ephandwayo, esi sahluko sigxile kuphononongo loncwadi ukuze kuhlolwe ubudlelwane phakathi kolwimi lokufundisa kunye nempumelelo yabafundi kwiBanga le-12 kwisifundo seJiyografi. Ukuhlolwa koncwadi kuthathwe kwimigaqo-nkqubo yokufundisa kunye neethiyori zophuhliso lokuqonda nenkcubeko. Inkqubo yeethiyori ezikhethiweyo zisetyenziselwa ukwenza ingqiqo yokuba ulwimi lokufundisa luba nefuthe njani ekufundiseni nasekukhuleni kwengqondo nokuqiqa komfundi. Ngophononongo loncwadi, umphandi unqwenela ukufumanisa ubunzima abahlangabezana nabo abafundi ekufundeni iJiyografi ngolwimi lwesiNgesi kwiBanga leshumi elinesibini. Olu phando luza kuphonononga nzulu ifuthe leelwimi kwimpumelelo yabafundi kwisifundo seJiyografi kubafundi besigaba seshumi elinambini kujoliswe kwindlela abaphumelela ngayo kwiimviwo zokuphela konyaka.Olu phando luza kujongwa kwizikolo ezibini kwiphondo leMpuma Koloni kwisithili saseMonti phakathi kweminyaka wama-2016 ukuya kuma-2018.Ngokophando esele lwenziwe, abafundi abalwimi lwabo lwasekhaya lusisiXhosa kufanele ukuba bafundiswa ngolwimi lwabo abazikhethele lona ukutsho oko isiXhosa kwaye bavavanywe kwangalo. Oku akunjalo njengoko amaphepha abo ovavanyo engolwimi lwesiNgesi, lwimi olo olufika lubabeke phantsi konxinzelelo olukhulu olubenza bangabinakho ukuzithemba nokuziva bekhululekile xa bephendula imibuzo emagumbini okufundela. Umphandi olu luvo uluseka ngengxelo ayifumene kumaxwebhu eSebe lezeMfundo (2018 NSC Chief Markers Report) yesifundo seJiyografi iphepha lokuqala. , Thesis (MA) -- Faculty of Humanities, School of Language, Media and Communication, 2022
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Date Issued: 2022-04

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An interpretative phenomenological analysis of mothers’ experiences raising an autistic child

- Hewson, Aimee Jessica

Authors: Hewson, Aimee Jessica
Date: 2021-10-29
Subjects: Autism spectrum disorders South Africa , Autism spectrum disorders in children South Africa , Mothers of children with disabilities South Africa , Phenomenological psychology , Qualitative research , Interpretative phenomenological analysis
Language: English
Type: Master's theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/190725 , vital:45022
Description: There has been an increasing research focus on Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and the experiences of those affected by autism. Previous research has demonstrated that mothers experience difficulties in all spheres related to their autistic child. Mothers were focused on exclusively in this study as previous research found that it is mostly mothers who take on the primary caring role for their children. As a result, this research aimed to explore the perceptions and experience of six South African mothers raising their ASD child. This research used a qualitative research approach and an interpretative phenomenological analysis methodology. Two semi-structured interviews were held with each participant, with interviews being audio recorded. After analysis, five themes were found, namely: (1) learning their child has a condition or diagnosis, (2) learning and sharing about ASD, (3) the mothering experience, (4) interventions and cost and (5) supportive resources. Careful anonymisation choices were made in this research to ensure the anonymity of participants as best as possible, due to the recruitment through a gatekeeper organisation and snowball sampling. The main findings of this study were that mothers experienced difficulties and challenges as they navigated the medical world in search of a diagnosis for their child. Mothers also reported following their intuition when it came to their children’s care, interventions, and schooling. The passage of time was a significant issue to mothers, as they described several delays and waiting periods. Mothers also described their concerns regarding their children’s future and the fact that their child would be dependent on them and would not be able to form autonomous mature relationships with others. They also reported various thoughts on disclosing their child’s diagnosis to their children. This research, therefore, added to and expanded upon South African literature on the experiences of mothers raising their ASD child. Concurring with previous research, this project found that mothers experience many challenges in the raising of their ASD child. , Thesis (MSocSci) -- Faculty of Humanities, Psychology, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-10-29

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Human capital in the context of high levels of inequality in South Africa

- Friderichs, Tamaryn Jean

Authors: Friderichs, Tamaryn Jean
Date: 2021-10-29
Subjects: Human capital South Africa , Income distribution South Africa , Labor market South Africa , Latent variables , Confirmatory factor analysis , Education Economic aspects South Africa
Language: English
Type: Doctoral theses , text
Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/192672 , vital:45248 , 10.21504/10962/192672
Description: Piketty’s (2014) book titled “Capital in the Twenty-First Century” sparked widespread interest in global inequality, the distinction between wealth and income inequality and the economic, social and political processes accounting for changes in economic inequality over time. Piketty’s (2014) study controversially stated that widening economic inequality is the normal state of affairs in capitalist societies. The return from capital/wealth (terms used interchangeably) will almost always outpace the returns from labour. In contrast with Piketty’s (2014) thesis that the returns on non-human capital drive growing income inequality, economists such as Leibbrandt et al. (2012), Van der Berg (2014) and Hundenborn et al. (2016) have found that the labour market and human capital (HC) are the primary sources of income inequality. The research problem for this study stems from these contrasting views. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Commerce, Economics and Economic History, 2021
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Date Issued: 2021-10-29

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