The Effects of Using English as A Language of Learning and Teaching on Learner Academic Performance in Senior Phase of Mthatha, Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Marange, Israel, Yeukai
- Date: 2023-00
- Subjects: teaching strategies
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/10878 , vital:75321
- Description: In-service teachers’ lack of adequate instructional approaches to effectively teach geometric concepts and poor learner performance in geometry were the major rationale for this study. The preparedness of in-service mathematics teachers cannot be overlooked. The aim of this study was to develop in-service mathematics teachers’ skills for integrating GeoGebra in the teaching of geometry in a multiple case study of secondary schools in Oliver Reginald Tambo Inland district. The researcher employed ICTs in education, GeoGebra as a learning object, and in-service teachers as conceptual framework that undergirded the study. For the theoretical framework, this study utilised the Technological Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK), Constructivist Learning Theory, and the Teaching Change Frame (TCF). This study focused on the technological components of the TPACK framework, such as Technological Knowledge (TK), Technological Content Knowledge (TCK), Technological Pedagogical Knowledge (TPK) and TPACK. The researcher found that constructivism is consistent with the TPACK framework. The implementation of the TPACK was guided and assessed using the Teaching Change Frame. Regarding the methodology, the study followed the pragmatic paradigm and utilised mixed method research following the concurrent triangulation design. Due to the nature of the study, the quantitative method in this study had dominance over the qualitative method. The study was conducted in schools situated in OR Tambo Inland district in Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. Purposive sampling method was adopted to sample twelve schools, in the ratio of seven urban to five rural schools. The sample consisted of 29 secondary mathematics in-service teachers, 20 from urban schools and nine from rural schools. The TPACK questionnaire, training lesson evaluation form, observation schedule checklist and interview were used to collect data. Reliability and validity were ensured through Cronbach’s Alpha reliability test and a pilot study, whereas data trustworthiness was ensured through qualitative measures including member checking. Findings revealed that the intervention to integrate GeoGebra in geometry teaching impacted positively on in-service teachers with a highly statistically significant and a gain of medium to large effect size on pre- and post-intervention. Thus, the positive impact of using GeoGebra in geometry teaching resulted in significant differences before and after the training of in-service teachers. The findings obtained from the training showed that in-service mathematics teachers developed skills of integrating GeoGebra software in their teaching of geometry. After the training, participants felt that integrating GeoGebra in geometry teaching afforded mathematics teachers the opportunity to use learner-centred approaches, teach geometry with confidence, maintain learners’ attention and alertness in class, and improve learners’ performance. Further, findings obtained from observing participants demonstrating their experience in integrating GeoGebra showed that, not only did in-service teachers’ confidence of using GeoGebra improve significantly, but also their ability to use GeoGebra to set geometry questions. The researcher also observed that integrating GeoGebra when teaching geometry had positive effects on teachers’ understanding of geometric concepts. The findings showed significant difference in participants’ confidence in delivering lessons that can combine technology (T), geometry content (C), and pedagogical (P) knowledge. As a contribution, recent literature has been added to the existing body of knowledge in teacher education related to technology integration studies. Among them is the invention of a new teacher training model called Technology Integration Model for Teaching and Learning. Establishing a GeoGebra institute in teacher training institutions, and engaging Department of Basic Education (DBE) or provincial or district curriculum specialists to train mathematics teachers to integrate GeoGebra were recommended for policy and practice. For further research, the study recommends following-up on trained in-service teachers to track their adoption of GeoGebra in geometry teaching, learner’s performance in geometry, and their perceptions of being taught geometry using GeoGebra. , Thesis (D.Ed) -- Faculty of Education Sciences, 2023
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- Date Issued: 2023-00
An analysis of orthographic errors in isiXhosa texts: a case of grade 11 isiXhosa home language (l1) in the Western Cape
- Authors: Titi, Nonzolo
- Date: 2021-05
- Subjects: Language and languages -- Orthography and spelling
- Language: English
- Type: Doctoral theses , text
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/22210 , vital:51998
- Description: This case study reveals that the written language of a group of Grade 11 isiXhosa first language (L1) learners presents errors which seem to have serious implications for their linguistic competence, performance in their learning, language development and language conservation. These errors include different regular language components, such as grammar, spelling, word division, punctuation, vocabulary, capitalization, syntax and semantics. Additional to these errors are the newly discovered categories of anomalies, such as new lexical items, incomplete words, incorrect word construction, inter-categorical range, multiple deviations and writing inconsistencies. The writing of these learners not only reflects various orthographic errors and inconsistency in their usage of isiXhosa, which translates into language deficiency, but also implies gaps within the education system and its policies, as well as inefficient isiXhosa curriculum design as some of the factors contributing to the existence of these errors. Possible causes of these errors include educational causes; lack of orthographic knowledge and limited reading, socio-cultural causes; interference of other languages and the influence of the media, and attitudinal causes; lack of respect and contempt for the language and lack of learner interest in the language. Adopting a combined mixed method with a predominantly qualitative approach, this study examines errors presented in the writings of Grade 11 isiXhosa L1 learners with a view to establishing the nature and scope of these errors. The key objectives of this study were investigated by means of scientific papers both published and publishable as book chapters, books, dissertations, education policies, online publications and journal articles - both international and accredited journals. Drawing on various conceptual and analytical frameworks (Hymes 1972; Corder 1981), the study scrutinizes the contents and presents observations of the elements and themes that emanate from the eighteen (18) learners’ isiXhosa essays and seven (7) voice-recorded isiXhosa teachers and subject advisers’ interviews which were used as data. Findings reveal that learners struggle to master some language aspects, with their usage reflecting serious deviations from the standard orthography. These findings have serious implications for language teaching and learning as these errors tend to affect the learners’ linguistic competence and performance, language development, as well as language conservation. Also, serious violations of the standard orthographic rules are noticeable; and this observation raises concerns about the fate and sustainability of the language. It is recommended that interventions and strategies be applied in respect of the teaching and learning of isiXhosa in order to maintain its standard orthography, to preserve the language, improve the learning and teaching of the language, maintain communicative competence and facilitate appropriate application of the language in a learning context, especially in speaking and writing. , Thesis (PhD) -- Faculty of Social Sciences and Humanities, 2021
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- Date Issued: 2021-05