Combination ecosystem green engineering and early life history processes to enhance the intertidal biodiversity in the Port of East London
- Authors: Mafanya, Sandisiwer
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Biotic communities -- South Africa -- East London , Perna -- Ecology --South Africa -- South Africa-- East London , Mexilhao mussel -- Ecology -- South Africa -- East London , Habitat (Ecology) -- Modification -- South Africa -- East London , Benthic animals -- Effect of habitat modification on -- South Africa -- East London , Harbors -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166376 , vital:41357
- Description: Marine coastal ecosystems are highly impacted by anthropogenic activities, including the development of, and practices within, harbours and/or ports. Artificial structures associated with harbours have a different chemical composition, texture and orientation than that of the natural benthic habitats they have replaced, and are therefore not generally favourable for the settlement and occurrence of indigenous species. Attempts are being made to identify what structures and materials can be used to aid in the rehabilitation of native species within harbours. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of utilising environmentally-friendly artificial structures (tiles) with varying complexity (crevices and ridges with different depths) with ecological engineers (the indigenous bivalve Perna perna), on the associated benthic biodiversity within an international port in South Africa (Port of East London). The objectives of the study were to test the effects of artificial habitat complexity and the presence of bivalves on 1) the growth, mortality and biomass of a selected model species of ecosystem engineer (P. perna), and 2) the associated intertidal biodiversity. Tiles seeded with bivalves (P. perna) were deployed at two sites in the Port of East London and monitored monthly over a period of 12 months (November 2016-October 2017) to assess survival, growth and associated biodiversity. Environmental variables were also measured every month. The results of the three-way repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that tile treatment (especially high complexity of 2.5 and 5 cm) had an effect on the diversity of mobile species, length, height and biomass of the bivalves used as model ecosystem engineer, indicating the potentials for protection from wave dislodgement and refuge provision. Treatment (especially flat tiles) also had an effect on sessile/sedentary species diversity, indicating the greater proportion of space provided by these non-complex tiles. In addition, month had an effect on the mortality, height and biomass of the bivalves. Mortality was highest in October 2017, while the growth in height and biomass of P. perna were largest in January and October 2017 respectively. The use of artificial tiles also had a positive effect on the survival, growth, and biomass of bivalves (especially the length, weight and dry weight in 2.5 cm and 5 cm complexity). Additionally, this research investigated patterns of settlement and recruitment of the local bivalve population (P. perna) in the Port of East London and adjacent natural coastline to understand the early life history temporal and spatial dynamics of this model ecosystem engineer species. Settlement and recruitment were assessed every month by deploying and replacing artificial collectors for a total period of 19 months (November 2016-May 2018). The results of the two-way ANOVAs indicated that month and site (port vs natural) had an effect on settlement and recruitment of bivalves. Settlement and recruitment of bivalves were highest in July 2017 (port) and March 2018 (natural rocky shore). This study has highlighted that the use of artificial concrete tiles with increased complexity, as well as the investigation of the early stages of mussel populations could be important to consider in a framework of rehabilitation of urban coastal environments such as the Port of East London. Ecological engineering (in terms of increased complexity and heterogeneity) has indeed the potentials to be incorporated in South African programmes aiming at improving natural biodiversity in coastal urban environments. Nonetheless, the spatio-temporal variability of early driver of mussel populations (settlement and recruitment) is also an important feature to be closely monitored if biodiversity in South African coastal armouring is to be enhanced effectively and in the long term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Mafanya, Sandisiwer
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Biotic communities -- South Africa -- East London , Perna -- Ecology --South Africa -- South Africa-- East London , Mexilhao mussel -- Ecology -- South Africa -- East London , Habitat (Ecology) -- Modification -- South Africa -- East London , Benthic animals -- Effect of habitat modification on -- South Africa -- East London , Harbors -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- East London
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/166376 , vital:41357
- Description: Marine coastal ecosystems are highly impacted by anthropogenic activities, including the development of, and practices within, harbours and/or ports. Artificial structures associated with harbours have a different chemical composition, texture and orientation than that of the natural benthic habitats they have replaced, and are therefore not generally favourable for the settlement and occurrence of indigenous species. Attempts are being made to identify what structures and materials can be used to aid in the rehabilitation of native species within harbours. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of utilising environmentally-friendly artificial structures (tiles) with varying complexity (crevices and ridges with different depths) with ecological engineers (the indigenous bivalve Perna perna), on the associated benthic biodiversity within an international port in South Africa (Port of East London). The objectives of the study were to test the effects of artificial habitat complexity and the presence of bivalves on 1) the growth, mortality and biomass of a selected model species of ecosystem engineer (P. perna), and 2) the associated intertidal biodiversity. Tiles seeded with bivalves (P. perna) were deployed at two sites in the Port of East London and monitored monthly over a period of 12 months (November 2016-October 2017) to assess survival, growth and associated biodiversity. Environmental variables were also measured every month. The results of the three-way repeated measures ANOVAs indicated that tile treatment (especially high complexity of 2.5 and 5 cm) had an effect on the diversity of mobile species, length, height and biomass of the bivalves used as model ecosystem engineer, indicating the potentials for protection from wave dislodgement and refuge provision. Treatment (especially flat tiles) also had an effect on sessile/sedentary species diversity, indicating the greater proportion of space provided by these non-complex tiles. In addition, month had an effect on the mortality, height and biomass of the bivalves. Mortality was highest in October 2017, while the growth in height and biomass of P. perna were largest in January and October 2017 respectively. The use of artificial tiles also had a positive effect on the survival, growth, and biomass of bivalves (especially the length, weight and dry weight in 2.5 cm and 5 cm complexity). Additionally, this research investigated patterns of settlement and recruitment of the local bivalve population (P. perna) in the Port of East London and adjacent natural coastline to understand the early life history temporal and spatial dynamics of this model ecosystem engineer species. Settlement and recruitment were assessed every month by deploying and replacing artificial collectors for a total period of 19 months (November 2016-May 2018). The results of the two-way ANOVAs indicated that month and site (port vs natural) had an effect on settlement and recruitment of bivalves. Settlement and recruitment of bivalves were highest in July 2017 (port) and March 2018 (natural rocky shore). This study has highlighted that the use of artificial concrete tiles with increased complexity, as well as the investigation of the early stages of mussel populations could be important to consider in a framework of rehabilitation of urban coastal environments such as the Port of East London. Ecological engineering (in terms of increased complexity and heterogeneity) has indeed the potentials to be incorporated in South African programmes aiming at improving natural biodiversity in coastal urban environments. Nonetheless, the spatio-temporal variability of early driver of mussel populations (settlement and recruitment) is also an important feature to be closely monitored if biodiversity in South African coastal armouring is to be enhanced effectively and in the long term.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Quantifying ecosystem restoration recovery and restoration practice following the biological control of invasive alien macrophytes in Southern Africa
- Authors: Motitsoe, Samuel Nkopane
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Salvinia molesta , Ceratophyllum demersum , Nymphaea mexicana , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Restoration monitoring (Ecology) -- South Africa , Biolotical invasions -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167519 , vital:41488
- Description: Invasive alien aquatic plants (IAAP) species are known to have deleterious effects on the freshwater ecosystems they invade. This includes both socio-economic and ecologically important ecosystem goods and services. Thus, IAAP species are declared a serious threat, second only to habitat modification for causing a loss of aquatic biodiversity. Three control methods have been widely applied to control IAAP species invasion globally; mechanical, chemical and biological control. Both mechanical and chemical control methods are considered short-term and expensive, whereas biological control methods are regarded an effective and long-term solution for IAAP species control at the landscape level. But, little is known of the ecological recovery following the biological control of IAAP species, with mechanical control known to have had mixed success and chemical control to have non-targeted effects on aquatic ecosystems, causing harm to wildlife and human well-being. Biological control practitioners measure the success of biological control based on: (1) the biological control agents’ establishment and the negative impacts they impose on the targeted weed; and (2) the weeds biomass reduction and an increase in native macrophytes species. Arguably, measures of biological control success have been subjective and variable across the globe. Although some field studies have demonstrated biological control success to have positive socio-economic returns, there is little literature on ecological benefits. Furthermore, there is limited understanding on ecosystem recovery and possible restoration efforts following the biological control IAAP species, as compared to alien weeds in terrestrial and riparian ecosystems. Thus, this thesis aimed to quantify the ecological recovery i.e. aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem processes and trophic interactions following the management of Salvinia molesta in freshwater ecosystems. The research employed a suite of Before-After Control-Impact mesocosm and field studies to investigate the response of aquatic microalgae, macroinvertebrates and their interactions (food web structure and function) during S. molesta infestation and after mechanical and biological control. The mesocosm experiment (Before invasion, During invasion & After control) showed that both aquatic microalgae and macroinvertebrate diversity indices were reliable biological indicators of S. molesta ecological impacts and recovery following control. The restored treatment (100% S. molesta cover + biological control agents), demonstrated complete aquatic microalgae and macroinvertebrate recovery following biological control, similar to the control treatment (open water), where the degraded/impacted treatment (100% S. molesta cover with no biological control agents) showed a drastic decline in aquatic biodiversity and a complete shift in aquatic biota assemblage structure. Thus, the biological control effort by Cyrtobagous salviniae, the biological control agent for S. molesta, assisted in the recovery of aquatic biota following successful biological control. The field study (four field sites, two sites controlled mechanically and two biologically) investigated water quality, aquatic biodiversity and community trophic interactions (aquatic food web) “before and after” S. molesta control. The study showed a drastic decline in aquatic biodiversity (with three sites showing no record of aquatic macroinvertebrates, thus no biotic interactions during infestation) and poor water quality due to the shade-effect (light barrier due to floating S. molesta mats on the water surface) during the “before” S. molesta control phase. However, following both mechanical and biological control (“after” S. molesta control phase), there was a significant shift in abiotic and biotic ecosystem characteristics as compared to the “before” S. molesta control phase. Thus, rapid ecosystem recovery was apparent as a result of aquatic microalgae and macroinvertebrates recolonisation. Sites showed a normal functioning ecosystem where improved water quality, increased biodiversity, productivity and trophic interactions, was indicative of the return of biologically and functionally important species which were lost during the “before” S. molesta phase. Although the clear water state showed positive outcomes at Westlake River, these were short lived when the system was dominated by a cosmopolitan submerged Ceratophyllum demersum, and later replaced by a floating-leaved emergent IAAP Nymphaea mexicana. Each state was responsible for a significant shift in both biotic and abiotic characteristics, affirming macrophyte abilities to influence aquatic environments structure and functions. Furthermore, this event showed a clear example of a secondary invasion. Thus, a holistic IAAP species management strategy is necessary to restore previously invaded ecosystems and prevent subsequent secondary invasion and ecosystem degradation. In conclusion, the S. molesta shade-effect like any other free-floating IAAP species, was identified as the main degrading factor and responsible for water quality reduction, loss of aquatic diversity and shift in aquatic biota assemblage structure. Following S. molesta removal (or shade-effect elimination), there was a positive response to aquatic ecosystem species abundance, richness, diversity and community structure. Therefore, in combination, aquatic biota recolonisation rate and increases in biological and functional diversity were instrumental in the recovery of ecosystem structure and functions, following the control of S. molesta. Echoing existing literature, this thesis recommends: (1) IAAP species management programmes (mechanical and/or biological control) should not only aim to control the weed but also focus on ecosystems recovery and possible restoration goals; (2) biological control should be used where appropriate to combat free-floating IAAP species in freshwater ecosystems, followed by active introduction of native macrophyte propagules since they are limited by anthropogenic activities; and (3) more freshwater case studies are needed to add to our understanding of IAAP species management and restoration effort incorporating long-term monitoring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
- Authors: Motitsoe, Samuel Nkopane
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Salvinia molesta , Ceratophyllum demersum , Nymphaea mexicana , Invasive plants -- Biological control -- South Africa , Aquatic weeds -- Biological control -- South Africa , Restoration monitoring (Ecology) -- South Africa , Biolotical invasions -- Environmental aspects
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/167519 , vital:41488
- Description: Invasive alien aquatic plants (IAAP) species are known to have deleterious effects on the freshwater ecosystems they invade. This includes both socio-economic and ecologically important ecosystem goods and services. Thus, IAAP species are declared a serious threat, second only to habitat modification for causing a loss of aquatic biodiversity. Three control methods have been widely applied to control IAAP species invasion globally; mechanical, chemical and biological control. Both mechanical and chemical control methods are considered short-term and expensive, whereas biological control methods are regarded an effective and long-term solution for IAAP species control at the landscape level. But, little is known of the ecological recovery following the biological control of IAAP species, with mechanical control known to have had mixed success and chemical control to have non-targeted effects on aquatic ecosystems, causing harm to wildlife and human well-being. Biological control practitioners measure the success of biological control based on: (1) the biological control agents’ establishment and the negative impacts they impose on the targeted weed; and (2) the weeds biomass reduction and an increase in native macrophytes species. Arguably, measures of biological control success have been subjective and variable across the globe. Although some field studies have demonstrated biological control success to have positive socio-economic returns, there is little literature on ecological benefits. Furthermore, there is limited understanding on ecosystem recovery and possible restoration efforts following the biological control IAAP species, as compared to alien weeds in terrestrial and riparian ecosystems. Thus, this thesis aimed to quantify the ecological recovery i.e. aquatic biodiversity, ecosystem processes and trophic interactions following the management of Salvinia molesta in freshwater ecosystems. The research employed a suite of Before-After Control-Impact mesocosm and field studies to investigate the response of aquatic microalgae, macroinvertebrates and their interactions (food web structure and function) during S. molesta infestation and after mechanical and biological control. The mesocosm experiment (Before invasion, During invasion & After control) showed that both aquatic microalgae and macroinvertebrate diversity indices were reliable biological indicators of S. molesta ecological impacts and recovery following control. The restored treatment (100% S. molesta cover + biological control agents), demonstrated complete aquatic microalgae and macroinvertebrate recovery following biological control, similar to the control treatment (open water), where the degraded/impacted treatment (100% S. molesta cover with no biological control agents) showed a drastic decline in aquatic biodiversity and a complete shift in aquatic biota assemblage structure. Thus, the biological control effort by Cyrtobagous salviniae, the biological control agent for S. molesta, assisted in the recovery of aquatic biota following successful biological control. The field study (four field sites, two sites controlled mechanically and two biologically) investigated water quality, aquatic biodiversity and community trophic interactions (aquatic food web) “before and after” S. molesta control. The study showed a drastic decline in aquatic biodiversity (with three sites showing no record of aquatic macroinvertebrates, thus no biotic interactions during infestation) and poor water quality due to the shade-effect (light barrier due to floating S. molesta mats on the water surface) during the “before” S. molesta control phase. However, following both mechanical and biological control (“after” S. molesta control phase), there was a significant shift in abiotic and biotic ecosystem characteristics as compared to the “before” S. molesta control phase. Thus, rapid ecosystem recovery was apparent as a result of aquatic microalgae and macroinvertebrates recolonisation. Sites showed a normal functioning ecosystem where improved water quality, increased biodiversity, productivity and trophic interactions, was indicative of the return of biologically and functionally important species which were lost during the “before” S. molesta phase. Although the clear water state showed positive outcomes at Westlake River, these were short lived when the system was dominated by a cosmopolitan submerged Ceratophyllum demersum, and later replaced by a floating-leaved emergent IAAP Nymphaea mexicana. Each state was responsible for a significant shift in both biotic and abiotic characteristics, affirming macrophyte abilities to influence aquatic environments structure and functions. Furthermore, this event showed a clear example of a secondary invasion. Thus, a holistic IAAP species management strategy is necessary to restore previously invaded ecosystems and prevent subsequent secondary invasion and ecosystem degradation. In conclusion, the S. molesta shade-effect like any other free-floating IAAP species, was identified as the main degrading factor and responsible for water quality reduction, loss of aquatic diversity and shift in aquatic biota assemblage structure. Following S. molesta removal (or shade-effect elimination), there was a positive response to aquatic ecosystem species abundance, richness, diversity and community structure. Therefore, in combination, aquatic biota recolonisation rate and increases in biological and functional diversity were instrumental in the recovery of ecosystem structure and functions, following the control of S. molesta. Echoing existing literature, this thesis recommends: (1) IAAP species management programmes (mechanical and/or biological control) should not only aim to control the weed but also focus on ecosystems recovery and possible restoration goals; (2) biological control should be used where appropriate to combat free-floating IAAP species in freshwater ecosystems, followed by active introduction of native macrophyte propagules since they are limited by anthropogenic activities; and (3) more freshwater case studies are needed to add to our understanding of IAAP species management and restoration effort incorporating long-term monitoring.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
A baseline survey of channel geomorphology with particular reference to the effects of sediment characteristics on ecosystem health in the Tsitsa River, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Huchzermeyer, Nicholaus Heinrich
- Authors: Huchzermeyer, Nicholaus Heinrich
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fluvial geomorphology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stream health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , River sediments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Watershed management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dams -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tsitsa River (South Africa) , Ntabelanga Dam (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58056 , vital:27040
- Description: Fluvial systems are dynamic systems in which variables in a catchment and river channel affect the morphology of river reaches. South African rivers are increasingly being exposed to stresses from a combination of factors, one of the most prevalent being the impacts of damming rivers which result in varying downstream sediment fluxes and flow regimes. The sediment load combined with flow characteristics for respective river channels provides the physical habitat for aquatic ecosystems. The damming of the Tsitsa River, through the construction of the Ntabelanga Dam, will change the overall downstream geomorphology. This creates an opportunity for research in the preconstruction window. The current condition of the Tsitsa River was monitored by completing a baseline survey of the channel geomorphology with specific reference to the influence of sediment on river habitats and ecosystem health. Five sites were established in variable reaches of the Tsitsa River, with Site 1 located above the proposed Ntabelanga Dam inundation and Sites 2-5 below the proposed dam wall. Each site included a range of features that can be monitored for their response to the dam. Physical variables, water quality and biota were monitored seasonally to note changes in habitat quality. A baseline survey of the present geomorphology and associated instream habitats of the selected reaches was set up by conducting cross-sectional surveys of channel topography, water slope surveys, discharge measurements and visual and quantitative assessments of substrate. Level loggers were installed at each site to collect continuous data on variations in depth and temperature. Monitoring surveys, in terms of fine sediment accumulation, were conducted to characterise dynamic habitat arrangements and macroinvertebrate community composition. A taxa related physical habitat score for the Tsitsa River was created. The relationship between water quality, physical and ecological characteristics of the Tsitsa River will aid further research in the area as well as create a better understanding of the influence of sediment on river habitats and ecosystem health. Monitoring sites can be used to monitor the impact of catchment-wide rehabilitation on river health prior to the dam being built. After dam construction, the top site above the dam inundation can still be used as a point to monitor the impact of catchment rehabilitation on ecosystem health in terms of fine sediment accumulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Huchzermeyer, Nicholaus Heinrich
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: Fluvial geomorphology -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Stream health -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , River sediments -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Watershed management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Dams -- Environmental aspects -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Tsitsa River (South Africa) , Ntabelanga Dam (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: text , Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/58056 , vital:27040
- Description: Fluvial systems are dynamic systems in which variables in a catchment and river channel affect the morphology of river reaches. South African rivers are increasingly being exposed to stresses from a combination of factors, one of the most prevalent being the impacts of damming rivers which result in varying downstream sediment fluxes and flow regimes. The sediment load combined with flow characteristics for respective river channels provides the physical habitat for aquatic ecosystems. The damming of the Tsitsa River, through the construction of the Ntabelanga Dam, will change the overall downstream geomorphology. This creates an opportunity for research in the preconstruction window. The current condition of the Tsitsa River was monitored by completing a baseline survey of the channel geomorphology with specific reference to the influence of sediment on river habitats and ecosystem health. Five sites were established in variable reaches of the Tsitsa River, with Site 1 located above the proposed Ntabelanga Dam inundation and Sites 2-5 below the proposed dam wall. Each site included a range of features that can be monitored for their response to the dam. Physical variables, water quality and biota were monitored seasonally to note changes in habitat quality. A baseline survey of the present geomorphology and associated instream habitats of the selected reaches was set up by conducting cross-sectional surveys of channel topography, water slope surveys, discharge measurements and visual and quantitative assessments of substrate. Level loggers were installed at each site to collect continuous data on variations in depth and temperature. Monitoring surveys, in terms of fine sediment accumulation, were conducted to characterise dynamic habitat arrangements and macroinvertebrate community composition. A taxa related physical habitat score for the Tsitsa River was created. The relationship between water quality, physical and ecological characteristics of the Tsitsa River will aid further research in the area as well as create a better understanding of the influence of sediment on river habitats and ecosystem health. Monitoring sites can be used to monitor the impact of catchment-wide rehabilitation on river health prior to the dam being built. After dam construction, the top site above the dam inundation can still be used as a point to monitor the impact of catchment rehabilitation on ecosystem health in terms of fine sediment accumulation.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Extending functionality and knowledge transfer of the Water Quality Systems Assessment Model
- Slaughter, Andrew R, Gwapedza, David, Mantel, Sukhmani K, Hughes, Denis A, Griffin, Neil J
- Authors: Slaughter, Andrew R , Gwapedza, David , Mantel, Sukhmani K , Hughes, Denis A , Griffin, Neil J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , report
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/438115 , vital:73436 , ISBN 978-0-6392-0059-0 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2448_final.pdf
- Description: This report has been generated by the Water Research Commission (WRC) funded project Developing Climate Change Adaptation Measures and Decision-Support System for Selected South African Water Boards (Project No. K5/2018).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Slaughter, Andrew R , Gwapedza, David , Mantel, Sukhmani K , Hughes, Denis A , Griffin, Neil J
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , report
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/438115 , vital:73436 , ISBN 978-0-6392-0059-0 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2448_final.pdf
- Description: This report has been generated by the Water Research Commission (WRC) funded project Developing Climate Change Adaptation Measures and Decision-Support System for Selected South African Water Boards (Project No. K5/2018).
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
Teaching disciplinary discourse and implementing language-across-the-curriculum at tertiary level problems and prospects
- Authors: Caldwell, Candice Anne
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: Rhodes University. Dept. of Psychology , Compensatory education -- South Africa , College students -- Study and teaching , College teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa , Discourse analysis , Language arts -- Correlation with content subjects , Learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002622
- Description: The premise of this thesis is that "learning", particularly in terms of students and universities, is capable of being seen as a specific and developed culture. This study is a contribution to the ethnography of that learning, the ultimate aim being to produce a descriptive theory of learning as a cultural system. This research was conducted within the context of the recent proposals made by the South African Commission on Higher Education. The proposals relevant to this study were, broadly, increased access to higher education and national funding for academic staff development programmes. There are, however, serious obstacles in the way of realising the aims of the higher education system outlined by the NCHE. Given the limited time and resources available for higher education development, it is imperative that the major flaws and obstacles in the system be identified and addressed as soon as possible. In view of this need, it was the concern of this study to conduct research which would assist in the designing of staff development programmes for academics teaching in English-medium tertiary institutions, like Rhodes University, where more than half the intake of first-year students already speaks English as a second, or other, language. Founded on the social constructionist view of knowledge, the aim of the study was to identify the needs of academic staff as well as the possible obstacles to the implementation of a "Language Across the Curriculum" policy. A genre-centred, ethnographic approach was used to access a disciplinary discourse community (the Psychology Department) in order to describe the practices of the community as well as to analyse the community's orders of discourse, particularly those which occurred at points of contact between lecturers and first-year students. It is argued that staff development programmes should promote the use of collaborative learning, which implies a reframing of the roles of both academic staff and students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
- Authors: Caldwell, Candice Anne
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: Rhodes University. Dept. of Psychology , Compensatory education -- South Africa , College students -- Study and teaching , College teachers -- Training of -- South Africa , Curriculum evaluation -- South Africa , Discourse analysis , Language arts -- Correlation with content subjects , Learning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002622
- Description: The premise of this thesis is that "learning", particularly in terms of students and universities, is capable of being seen as a specific and developed culture. This study is a contribution to the ethnography of that learning, the ultimate aim being to produce a descriptive theory of learning as a cultural system. This research was conducted within the context of the recent proposals made by the South African Commission on Higher Education. The proposals relevant to this study were, broadly, increased access to higher education and national funding for academic staff development programmes. There are, however, serious obstacles in the way of realising the aims of the higher education system outlined by the NCHE. Given the limited time and resources available for higher education development, it is imperative that the major flaws and obstacles in the system be identified and addressed as soon as possible. In view of this need, it was the concern of this study to conduct research which would assist in the designing of staff development programmes for academics teaching in English-medium tertiary institutions, like Rhodes University, where more than half the intake of first-year students already speaks English as a second, or other, language. Founded on the social constructionist view of knowledge, the aim of the study was to identify the needs of academic staff as well as the possible obstacles to the implementation of a "Language Across the Curriculum" policy. A genre-centred, ethnographic approach was used to access a disciplinary discourse community (the Psychology Department) in order to describe the practices of the community as well as to analyse the community's orders of discourse, particularly those which occurred at points of contact between lecturers and first-year students. It is argued that staff development programmes should promote the use of collaborative learning, which implies a reframing of the roles of both academic staff and students.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1997
Die invloed van die spraakbenadering van onderwys vir dowe kinders op die maatskaplike funksionering van die dowe
- Authors: Heyns, Mimi
- Date: 1982
- Subjects: Deaf children -- Education -- South Africa , Deaf -- Means of communication , Deaf children -- Language , Deaf children -- Family relationships , Deafness -- Social aspects , Deafness -- Psychological aspects , Sociolinguistics , Sign language acquisition , Deaf -- Government policy -- South Africa , Deaf -- Social conditions -- South Africa , Self-perception , Identity (Psychology)
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3284 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006881 , Deaf children -- Education -- South Africa , Deaf -- Means of communication , Deaf children -- Language , Deaf children -- Family relationships , Deafness -- Social aspects , Deafness -- Psychological aspects , Sociolinguistics , Sign language acquisition , Deaf -- Government policy -- South Africa , Deaf -- Social conditions -- South Africa , Self-perception , Identity (Psychology)
- Description: From Introduction: Gehoor speel 'n belangrike rol in die leerproses, in aanpassing by die omgewing asook in aanpassing by sosiale omstandighede. Gehoorverlies plaas die individu in 'n situasie van vereensaming, veroorsaak deur 'n beperktheid in kommunikasievermoë. (Roux, 1979:1) Dr Roux, Direkteur van Gesondheidsdienste van die Departement van Gesondheid, Welsyn en Pensioene, het tydens die Goue Jubileum-Kongres van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Raad vir Dowes daarop gewys dat gehoorverlies vandag meer Amerikaners affekteer as hartsiektes, kanker, blindheid, tuberkulose, veneriese siektes, sklerose en niersiektes tesame. (Roux, 1979:1) In Suid-Afrika word beraam dat 0,06% van aIle babas totaal doof gebore word en dat die aantal persone met ernstige gehoorprobleme, volgens die skatting van die Departement van Gesondheid, Welsyn en Pensioene, 65 000 beloop. Hierdie getal sluit Swartes uit. (Roux, 1979:1) ... Die probleem van doofheid is kompleks en soms so ingewikkeld dat dit te betwyfel is of die horende individu die omvang daarvan begryp en insig in die situasie van die dowe kan ontwikkel. Empatie met die dowe en begrip vir sy leefwêreld is vir die horende persoon problematies. 'n Wêreld sonder klank is moeilik om te visualiseer en 'n wêreld sonder taal lê buite die begripsvermoë van die horende. Daar bestaan op velerlei gebiede verwarring ten opsigte van die dowe. Die horende persoon besef gewoonlik dat daar 'n eiesoortige wêreld van ervaring en denke vir die dowe is anders as die van die horende, maar begrip vir die omvang van die andersheid van die dowe ontbreek.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982
- Authors: Heyns, Mimi
- Date: 1982
- Subjects: Deaf children -- Education -- South Africa , Deaf -- Means of communication , Deaf children -- Language , Deaf children -- Family relationships , Deafness -- Social aspects , Deafness -- Psychological aspects , Sociolinguistics , Sign language acquisition , Deaf -- Government policy -- South Africa , Deaf -- Social conditions -- South Africa , Self-perception , Identity (Psychology)
- Language: Afrikaans
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3284 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006881 , Deaf children -- Education -- South Africa , Deaf -- Means of communication , Deaf children -- Language , Deaf children -- Family relationships , Deafness -- Social aspects , Deafness -- Psychological aspects , Sociolinguistics , Sign language acquisition , Deaf -- Government policy -- South Africa , Deaf -- Social conditions -- South Africa , Self-perception , Identity (Psychology)
- Description: From Introduction: Gehoor speel 'n belangrike rol in die leerproses, in aanpassing by die omgewing asook in aanpassing by sosiale omstandighede. Gehoorverlies plaas die individu in 'n situasie van vereensaming, veroorsaak deur 'n beperktheid in kommunikasievermoë. (Roux, 1979:1) Dr Roux, Direkteur van Gesondheidsdienste van die Departement van Gesondheid, Welsyn en Pensioene, het tydens die Goue Jubileum-Kongres van die Suid-Afrikaanse Nasionale Raad vir Dowes daarop gewys dat gehoorverlies vandag meer Amerikaners affekteer as hartsiektes, kanker, blindheid, tuberkulose, veneriese siektes, sklerose en niersiektes tesame. (Roux, 1979:1) In Suid-Afrika word beraam dat 0,06% van aIle babas totaal doof gebore word en dat die aantal persone met ernstige gehoorprobleme, volgens die skatting van die Departement van Gesondheid, Welsyn en Pensioene, 65 000 beloop. Hierdie getal sluit Swartes uit. (Roux, 1979:1) ... Die probleem van doofheid is kompleks en soms so ingewikkeld dat dit te betwyfel is of die horende individu die omvang daarvan begryp en insig in die situasie van die dowe kan ontwikkel. Empatie met die dowe en begrip vir sy leefwêreld is vir die horende persoon problematies. 'n Wêreld sonder klank is moeilik om te visualiseer en 'n wêreld sonder taal lê buite die begripsvermoë van die horende. Daar bestaan op velerlei gebiede verwarring ten opsigte van die dowe. Die horende persoon besef gewoonlik dat daar 'n eiesoortige wêreld van ervaring en denke vir die dowe is anders as die van die horende, maar begrip vir die omvang van die andersheid van die dowe ontbreek.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1982
An account and explanation of the increased role played by women in the modern Olympic games 1896-1972
- Authors: Handley, Bridget Mary
- Date: 1976
- Subjects: Olympics -- History , Sports for women -- History , Women Olympic athletes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5150 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012149 , Olympics -- History , Sports for women -- History , Women Olympic athletes
- Description: This thesis is concerned with the participation of women and girls in the Olympic Games. In these days of women's liberation it seemed appropriate to try to put together the knowledge available about women competitors and their participation in the Olympics. I have tried to set out an overall view with some historical background and then an account leading up to the initial and continuing participation of women in the Games and showing the reasons for the slow beginning and the gradual increase in numbers of competitors and sports. I have also tried to evaluate some well known myths and misconceptions concerning participation and made an attempt with the use of research data to disprove many of these.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1976
- Authors: Handley, Bridget Mary
- Date: 1976
- Subjects: Olympics -- History , Sports for women -- History , Women Olympic athletes
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:5150 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1012149 , Olympics -- History , Sports for women -- History , Women Olympic athletes
- Description: This thesis is concerned with the participation of women and girls in the Olympic Games. In these days of women's liberation it seemed appropriate to try to put together the knowledge available about women competitors and their participation in the Olympics. I have tried to set out an overall view with some historical background and then an account leading up to the initial and continuing participation of women in the Games and showing the reasons for the slow beginning and the gradual increase in numbers of competitors and sports. I have also tried to evaluate some well known myths and misconceptions concerning participation and made an attempt with the use of research data to disprove many of these.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1976
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