Factors affecting grade 6 learners’ performance in mathematics in the East London Education District
- Authors: Kwateng, Jesse
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) Mathematics teachers Education, Primary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12837 , vital:39383
- Description: Mathematics is one of the most important subjects rooted in many fields of study but has also been one of the greatest challenges for learners in every country, most especially in the Republic of South Africa. There have been attempts to curb the challenges that have bedeviled the success of mathematics education by governments, the Department of Education and many other stakeholders who have not enjoyed positive results in mathematics in the district of East London. Therefore, this study examines factors affecting grade 6 learners’ performance in mathematics in selected schools within the East London education district. There were three hundred and fortyfive (345) grade 6 learners and 12 teachers drawn through a parallel mixed methods sampling. Stratified random sampling was used to select participants for the quantitative strand while purposive sampling was used for selecting 60 learners and 12 teachers for the qualitative strand. The researcher used the mixed method research approach. The instruments used in collecting data were structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to elicit information from grade 6 learners and teachers. Information gathered from the learners and teachers included: biographical information, factors affecting teaching and learning of mathematics and suggestions. The quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics of percentage from the responses of learners. The quantitative analysis was done by using excel 2010 to formulate data into percentages and qualitatively, voice recordings from the respondents semi-structured interviews were reduced through thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that some of the qualified mathematics educators preferred to work in another profession. Quality of teaching and learning were less effective due to overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching and learning resources, poor monitoring of educators, some of the learners were not adequately motivated and many others. For performance in mathematics to improve in the primary schools in East London Education District, the study made some recommendations from the findings to the stakeholders in education such as the Department of Education, principals, the government, educators and learners. These recommendations might virtually assist in finding lasting solutions to grade 6 learners with mathematics challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Factors affecting grade 6 learners’ performance in mathematics in the East London Education District
- Authors: Kwateng, Jesse
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Primary) Mathematics teachers Education, Primary
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/12837 , vital:39383
- Description: Mathematics is one of the most important subjects rooted in many fields of study but has also been one of the greatest challenges for learners in every country, most especially in the Republic of South Africa. There have been attempts to curb the challenges that have bedeviled the success of mathematics education by governments, the Department of Education and many other stakeholders who have not enjoyed positive results in mathematics in the district of East London. Therefore, this study examines factors affecting grade 6 learners’ performance in mathematics in selected schools within the East London education district. There were three hundred and fortyfive (345) grade 6 learners and 12 teachers drawn through a parallel mixed methods sampling. Stratified random sampling was used to select participants for the quantitative strand while purposive sampling was used for selecting 60 learners and 12 teachers for the qualitative strand. The researcher used the mixed method research approach. The instruments used in collecting data were structured questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to elicit information from grade 6 learners and teachers. Information gathered from the learners and teachers included: biographical information, factors affecting teaching and learning of mathematics and suggestions. The quantitative data were analyzed by using descriptive statistics of percentage from the responses of learners. The quantitative analysis was done by using excel 2010 to formulate data into percentages and qualitatively, voice recordings from the respondents semi-structured interviews were reduced through thematic analysis. The findings of the study revealed that some of the qualified mathematics educators preferred to work in another profession. Quality of teaching and learning were less effective due to overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching and learning resources, poor monitoring of educators, some of the learners were not adequately motivated and many others. For performance in mathematics to improve in the primary schools in East London Education District, the study made some recommendations from the findings to the stakeholders in education such as the Department of Education, principals, the government, educators and learners. These recommendations might virtually assist in finding lasting solutions to grade 6 learners with mathematics challenges.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2019
Women and volunteerism in environmental management : a case study of wildlife and environment society of South Africa (WESSA), East London, South Africa
- Authors: Nyamahono, James Donald
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Environmental management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15100 , vital:40175
- Description: The literature on community participation in development processes has established a high level of consensus around the fact that the sharing of the burdens and benefits of participation is devoid of equality or equity. While some have emphasised the imperative of participation, others have highlighted the inherent contradictions in the process, describing it as an avenue for manipulation and exploitation. Still some have questioned the usefulness of the broad-based grassroots participation. This study is located within this debate and focuses on female volunteers‘ involvement in coastal protection in East London, South Africa. A survey was carried out with 100 unemployed women volunteering under a major environmental protection non-governmental organisation in addition to key-informants within the study organisation. The female volunteers‘ motives and their overall perspectives on their participation as volunteers were uncovered using the Volunteer Function Inventory (VFI) questionnaire, while in-depth interviews were conducted with key officials of the study organisation to access their perspectives on why institutional stakeholders engage women as volunteers in environmental management. The findings revealed that voluntary environmental participation was driven by multiple, but contradictory, impulses. While the volunteers attached great importance to environmental management, hence, their involvement, factors such as age, educational background, employment status, income level, dependency, population group membership, social ties and other psycho-social dynamics played a role in their decision to work as volunteers. The data also revealed a crucial shared sentiment among the volunteers: they all felt people in the higher echelons of the organisation were unfairly ―profiting‖ from their unpaid labour. When these perspectives were analysed against the views of the officials of the study organisation, the contradictions of voluntary environmental participation became stark. The study concludes from the findings that in the crucial arena of environmental participation, participation is not the same thing as voluntary environmental participation, and voluntary environmental participation is not the same thing as voluntary environmental participation by women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
- Authors: Nyamahono, James Donald
- Date: 2017
- Subjects: Environmental management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , Sociology
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/15100 , vital:40175
- Description: The literature on community participation in development processes has established a high level of consensus around the fact that the sharing of the burdens and benefits of participation is devoid of equality or equity. While some have emphasised the imperative of participation, others have highlighted the inherent contradictions in the process, describing it as an avenue for manipulation and exploitation. Still some have questioned the usefulness of the broad-based grassroots participation. This study is located within this debate and focuses on female volunteers‘ involvement in coastal protection in East London, South Africa. A survey was carried out with 100 unemployed women volunteering under a major environmental protection non-governmental organisation in addition to key-informants within the study organisation. The female volunteers‘ motives and their overall perspectives on their participation as volunteers were uncovered using the Volunteer Function Inventory (VFI) questionnaire, while in-depth interviews were conducted with key officials of the study organisation to access their perspectives on why institutional stakeholders engage women as volunteers in environmental management. The findings revealed that voluntary environmental participation was driven by multiple, but contradictory, impulses. While the volunteers attached great importance to environmental management, hence, their involvement, factors such as age, educational background, employment status, income level, dependency, population group membership, social ties and other psycho-social dynamics played a role in their decision to work as volunteers. The data also revealed a crucial shared sentiment among the volunteers: they all felt people in the higher echelons of the organisation were unfairly ―profiting‖ from their unpaid labour. When these perspectives were analysed against the views of the officials of the study organisation, the contradictions of voluntary environmental participation became stark. The study concludes from the findings that in the crucial arena of environmental participation, participation is not the same thing as voluntary environmental participation, and voluntary environmental participation is not the same thing as voluntary environmental participation by women.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2017
The role of training and organizational support in strengthening GIS interns’ (‘incubants’) participation in workplace occupations: a case study of the Groen Sebenza internship project
- Authors: Madiba, Morakane
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1330 , vital:20047
- Description: The cases in this study are embedded within a multi-layered, nested case study design. An in-depth exploration of each case is provided with a view to understand the ways in which the internship training in the incubation model strengthens the learning, experience, knowledge, skills and interest of the university graduate interns/incubants to prepare them for full participation in their communities of practice in workplaces. The case study of Groen Sebenza internship project works across more than 40 partnering organisations. It is using incubation model for the first time in the biodiversity sector which is why its training needs to be investigated. To examine this question “In what way can training and the organizational support, of the incubation model strengthen the learning, experience, knowledge, skills and interest of interns/incubants to prepare them towards full participation in workplace roles and responsibilities in biodiversity occupations?” the research was undertaken in the context of university graduate incubants/interns in the Geographic Information System (GIS) field from three host-organizations; Limpopo Economic Development Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The participants of the study were purposefully selected. Data was collected twice (i.e. after the first seven months and then a follow-up interview was conducted after a further five months) during the first twelve months of the project in the form of interviews and observations. There was also ongoing data collected in the form of documents which focused on their participation in workplaces and training. Data was analysed using different layers of qualitative content analysis and examination of documents at different stages of the study. Through immersion with the data and literature insights were developed regarding the enablers and constraints of the training in the incubation model related to the GIS interns. These included:- 1. The twelve months period spent by the GIS incubants in the Groen Sebenza internship project was not enough to prepare them towards full participation in workplace roles and responsibilities in biodiversity occupations. 2. Internship training is not just a ‘passing insignificant episode of the lives of the incubants/newcomers’ [specifically those from disadvantaged communities] but is a ‘real source of hope’. 3. The investigated institutions (and their members) need to make a real effort to improve if they want to stay relevant and useful in the Groen Sebenza internship project. 4. The incubants and mentors need to make the process of reflexivity real and practical. 5. The 2.5 years incubation model has high potential to work if the institutions, the mentors and the mentees involved in GIS improve the challenges mentioned in the study. Drawing from the data and literature I have discussed and recommended a model which could assist in improving the internship programmes specifically for the university students who are from underprivileged communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Madiba, Morakane
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1330 , vital:20047
- Description: The cases in this study are embedded within a multi-layered, nested case study design. An in-depth exploration of each case is provided with a view to understand the ways in which the internship training in the incubation model strengthens the learning, experience, knowledge, skills and interest of the university graduate interns/incubants to prepare them for full participation in their communities of practice in workplaces. The case study of Groen Sebenza internship project works across more than 40 partnering organisations. It is using incubation model for the first time in the biodiversity sector which is why its training needs to be investigated. To examine this question “In what way can training and the organizational support, of the incubation model strengthen the learning, experience, knowledge, skills and interest of interns/incubants to prepare them towards full participation in workplace roles and responsibilities in biodiversity occupations?” the research was undertaken in the context of university graduate incubants/interns in the Geographic Information System (GIS) field from three host-organizations; Limpopo Economic Development Environment and Tourism (LEDET), Environmental Systems Research Institute (ESRI) and South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI). The participants of the study were purposefully selected. Data was collected twice (i.e. after the first seven months and then a follow-up interview was conducted after a further five months) during the first twelve months of the project in the form of interviews and observations. There was also ongoing data collected in the form of documents which focused on their participation in workplaces and training. Data was analysed using different layers of qualitative content analysis and examination of documents at different stages of the study. Through immersion with the data and literature insights were developed regarding the enablers and constraints of the training in the incubation model related to the GIS interns. These included:- 1. The twelve months period spent by the GIS incubants in the Groen Sebenza internship project was not enough to prepare them towards full participation in workplace roles and responsibilities in biodiversity occupations. 2. Internship training is not just a ‘passing insignificant episode of the lives of the incubants/newcomers’ [specifically those from disadvantaged communities] but is a ‘real source of hope’. 3. The investigated institutions (and their members) need to make a real effort to improve if they want to stay relevant and useful in the Groen Sebenza internship project. 4. The incubants and mentors need to make the process of reflexivity real and practical. 5. The 2.5 years incubation model has high potential to work if the institutions, the mentors and the mentees involved in GIS improve the challenges mentioned in the study. Drawing from the data and literature I have discussed and recommended a model which could assist in improving the internship programmes specifically for the university students who are from underprivileged communities.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
A standardised protocol for roadkill detection and the determinants of roadkill in the greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, Limpopo Province, South Africa
- Authors: Collinson, Wendy Jane
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Roadkill -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site , Traffic safety and wildlife -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002056 , Roadkill -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site , Traffic safety and wildlife -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site
- Description: Despite evidence suggesting that road traffic is a major threat to biodiversity loss, very little is known about its actual impact on wildlife populations in South Africa. Globally, road density and traffic volumes are increasing, and although huge budgets are devoted to the construction and upgrading of roads, there is little or no allocation to mitigation measures for protecting fauna in most countries, particularly Africa. Further, no global standardised protocol exists for the rapid assessment of roadkill or the most economical and efficient approach for assessing roadkill rates. Using vehicle field trials, the reliability of detecting artificially deployed roadkill was assessed. Roadkill detection rates decreased significantly at speeds >50 km/h and were also significantly influenced by light conditions (i.e. detection success was greater when the sun was high) and the position of the roadkill on the road (i.e. smaller roadkill on verges were often missed). These results suggest that roadkill sampling was most effective between 1.5 hours after dawn and 1.5 hours before dusk and that driving at slower speeds (<50 km.h⁻ₑ) was required to detect roadkill. This protocol was implemented across three ecological seasons on a 100 km paved road and a 20 km unpaved road in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Driven daily over a 120-day period (three periods consisting each of 40 days), a total of 1,027 roadkill were recorded. These comprised 162 species from all terrestrial vertebrate groups with birds being the most commonly encountered roadkill (50% of all incidents). The high numbers of vertebrates identified as roadkill suggests that road traffic could have potentially unsustainable impacts on wildlife populations and hence the biodiversity of the area. Seventeen variables were identified as possible determinants of roadkill occurrence with season, rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, habitat type, grass height, grass density, fence type and vehicle type significantly influencing roadkill numbers. Significantly more roadkill were detected on the paved road (9.91/100km) than on the unpaved road (1.8/100km) probably because of greater traffic volumes and the increased speed that vehicles travelled on the paved road. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall in the preceding 24 hours also increased road mortality numbers as animals tended to become more active during these times. Interestingly, more roadkill was detected in open roadside habitats compared to dense roadside habitats on both the paved and unpaved roads and when grass on the roadside verge was of intermediate height. Open habitat possibly may provide a natural corridor for wildlife which ultimately end up on the road. Roadkill numbers increased when certain other physical barriers, such as cattle fences, were present, probably because these barriers were more penetrable than electric fencing. A series of mitigation measures are proposed to reduce the impacts of roads on wildlife in South Africa. These mitigation measures highlight the need to address the balance between the development of a country’s transport infrastructure and the conservation of its fauna. It is important that research on the impacts of roads becomes standardised to enable robust statistical comparisons which will provide a greater understanding of the potential threats to vertebrate biodiversity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Collinson, Wendy Jane
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Roadkill -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site , Traffic safety and wildlife -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5606 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002056 , Roadkill -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site , Traffic safety and wildlife -- South Africa -- Mapungubwe Site
- Description: Despite evidence suggesting that road traffic is a major threat to biodiversity loss, very little is known about its actual impact on wildlife populations in South Africa. Globally, road density and traffic volumes are increasing, and although huge budgets are devoted to the construction and upgrading of roads, there is little or no allocation to mitigation measures for protecting fauna in most countries, particularly Africa. Further, no global standardised protocol exists for the rapid assessment of roadkill or the most economical and efficient approach for assessing roadkill rates. Using vehicle field trials, the reliability of detecting artificially deployed roadkill was assessed. Roadkill detection rates decreased significantly at speeds >50 km/h and were also significantly influenced by light conditions (i.e. detection success was greater when the sun was high) and the position of the roadkill on the road (i.e. smaller roadkill on verges were often missed). These results suggest that roadkill sampling was most effective between 1.5 hours after dawn and 1.5 hours before dusk and that driving at slower speeds (<50 km.h⁻ₑ) was required to detect roadkill. This protocol was implemented across three ecological seasons on a 100 km paved road and a 20 km unpaved road in the Greater Mapungubwe Transfrontier Conservation Area, Limpopo Province, South Africa. Driven daily over a 120-day period (three periods consisting each of 40 days), a total of 1,027 roadkill were recorded. These comprised 162 species from all terrestrial vertebrate groups with birds being the most commonly encountered roadkill (50% of all incidents). The high numbers of vertebrates identified as roadkill suggests that road traffic could have potentially unsustainable impacts on wildlife populations and hence the biodiversity of the area. Seventeen variables were identified as possible determinants of roadkill occurrence with season, rainfall, minimum and maximum temperature, habitat type, grass height, grass density, fence type and vehicle type significantly influencing roadkill numbers. Significantly more roadkill were detected on the paved road (9.91/100km) than on the unpaved road (1.8/100km) probably because of greater traffic volumes and the increased speed that vehicles travelled on the paved road. Warmer temperatures and increased rainfall in the preceding 24 hours also increased road mortality numbers as animals tended to become more active during these times. Interestingly, more roadkill was detected in open roadside habitats compared to dense roadside habitats on both the paved and unpaved roads and when grass on the roadside verge was of intermediate height. Open habitat possibly may provide a natural corridor for wildlife which ultimately end up on the road. Roadkill numbers increased when certain other physical barriers, such as cattle fences, were present, probably because these barriers were more penetrable than electric fencing. A series of mitigation measures are proposed to reduce the impacts of roads on wildlife in South Africa. These mitigation measures highlight the need to address the balance between the development of a country’s transport infrastructure and the conservation of its fauna. It is important that research on the impacts of roads becomes standardised to enable robust statistical comparisons which will provide a greater understanding of the potential threats to vertebrate biodiversity
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
Investigating tools and techniques for improving software performance on multiprocessor computer systems
- Authors: Tristram, Waide Barrington
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006651 , Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Description: The availability of modern commodity multicore processors and multiprocessor computer systems has resulted in the widespread adoption of parallel computers in a variety of environments, ranging from the home to workstation and server environments in particular. Unfortunately, parallel programming is harder and requires more expertise than the traditional sequential programming model. The variety of tools and parallel programming models available to the programmer further complicates the issue. The primary goal of this research was to identify and describe a selection of parallel programming tools and techniques to aid novice parallel programmers in the process of developing efficient parallel C/C++ programs for the Linux platform. This was achieved by highlighting and describing the key concepts and hardware factors that affect parallel programming, providing a brief survey of commonly available software development tools and parallel programming models and libraries, and presenting structured approaches to software performance tuning and parallel programming. Finally, the performance of several parallel programming models and libraries was investigated, along with the programming effort required to implement solutions using the respective models. A quantitative research methodology was applied to the investigation of the performance and programming effort associated with the selected parallel programming models and libraries, which included automatic parallelisation by the compiler, Boost Threads, Cilk Plus, OpenMP, POSIX threads (Pthreads), and Threading Building Blocks (TBB). Additionally, the performance of the GNU C/C++ and Intel C/C++ compilers was examined. The results revealed that the choice of parallel programming model or library is dependent on the type of problem being solved and that there is no overall best choice for all classes of problem. However, the results also indicate that parallel programming models with higher levels of abstraction require less programming effort and provide similar performance compared to explicit threading models. The principle conclusion was that the problem analysis and parallel design are an important factor in the selection of the parallel programming model and tools, but that models with higher levels of abstractions, such as OpenMP and Threading Building Blocks, are favoured.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Tristram, Waide Barrington
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4655 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006651 , Multiprocessors , Multiprogramming (Electronic computers) , Parallel programming (Computer science) , Linux , Abstract data types (Computer science) , Threads (Computer programs) , Computer programming
- Description: The availability of modern commodity multicore processors and multiprocessor computer systems has resulted in the widespread adoption of parallel computers in a variety of environments, ranging from the home to workstation and server environments in particular. Unfortunately, parallel programming is harder and requires more expertise than the traditional sequential programming model. The variety of tools and parallel programming models available to the programmer further complicates the issue. The primary goal of this research was to identify and describe a selection of parallel programming tools and techniques to aid novice parallel programmers in the process of developing efficient parallel C/C++ programs for the Linux platform. This was achieved by highlighting and describing the key concepts and hardware factors that affect parallel programming, providing a brief survey of commonly available software development tools and parallel programming models and libraries, and presenting structured approaches to software performance tuning and parallel programming. Finally, the performance of several parallel programming models and libraries was investigated, along with the programming effort required to implement solutions using the respective models. A quantitative research methodology was applied to the investigation of the performance and programming effort associated with the selected parallel programming models and libraries, which included automatic parallelisation by the compiler, Boost Threads, Cilk Plus, OpenMP, POSIX threads (Pthreads), and Threading Building Blocks (TBB). Additionally, the performance of the GNU C/C++ and Intel C/C++ compilers was examined. The results revealed that the choice of parallel programming model or library is dependent on the type of problem being solved and that there is no overall best choice for all classes of problem. However, the results also indicate that parallel programming models with higher levels of abstraction require less programming effort and provide similar performance compared to explicit threading models. The principle conclusion was that the problem analysis and parallel design are an important factor in the selection of the parallel programming model and tools, but that models with higher levels of abstractions, such as OpenMP and Threading Building Blocks, are favoured.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The impact of HAART on sexuality and medicine taking behaviours among people living with HIV/AIDS in Grahamstown
- Authors: Chizanga, Tongai Aldridge
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Patient compliance -- South Africa -- Grahamstown AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Sexual behavior HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Sexual behavior Patient education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003228
- Description: Introduction: Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is critical for optimal therapeutic outcomes. A possible factor in adherence is the impact of HAART on sexual functioning. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used. A cohort of 14 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Grahamstown was identified. Two semi-structured interviews and two structured questionnaires were administered. In-depth interviews were conducted with two HIV counsellors in so as to obtain a different perspective on the topics. The theoretical framework used three health behaviour models: the Health Belief Model, Leventhal‘s Common-Sense Model of self regulation and the Transtheoretical model. Results: The participants were between 27 and 49 years old and had been on HAART for between 9 months and 10 years. Six participants were support staff members from Rhodes University and eight from the Raphael Centre – a local NGO which assists PLWHA.In most of the participants HAART was associated with increased libido and improved sexual functioning (sexual activity and sexual enjoyment). The use of alcohol increased risky sexual behaviour. Issues of adherence were seemingly not directly affected by the effects of HAART on sexuality. PLWHA, especially women, face challenges related to their sexuality, some of which are not directly related to their illness and treatment. The fear of transmitting drug resistant HIV or getting re-infected, stigma, disclosure issues,difficulties negotiating for safe sex among women, HAART-related lipodystrophic changes that affect one‘s sense of self and unmet reproductive needs are some of the problems that were reported. The men‘s dislike for condoms was overt and blatant. Discussion: Being diagnosed with HIV and reaching a point where treatment is requiredare life-changing events. Making decisions about one‘s life (including adherence to HAART, alcohol use and knowingly partaking in risky sexual encounters) become all the more significant in the context of AIDS. Intentional non-adherence is informed by the individual‘s assessment of the costs and benefits of taking treatment. Cultural influences,gendered power relations and misconceptions strongly influence sexual behaviours. Conclusion: The general lack of attention among health care providers concerning issues related to PLWHA‘s sexuality and reproductive issues needs to be addressed. Insights fromthe theoretical models should be integrated with empirical findings in designing adherence interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
- Authors: Chizanga, Tongai Aldridge
- Date: 2010
- Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown HIV infections -- Treatment -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Antiretroviral agents -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Patient compliance -- South Africa -- Grahamstown AIDS (Disease) -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown HIV infections -- Social aspects -- South Africa -- Grahamstown AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Sexual behavior HIV-positive persons -- South Africa -- Grahamstown -- Sexual behavior Patient education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MPharm
- Identifier: vital:3750 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003228
- Description: Introduction: Adherence to Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART) is critical for optimal therapeutic outcomes. A possible factor in adherence is the impact of HAART on sexual functioning. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used. A cohort of 14 people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) in Grahamstown was identified. Two semi-structured interviews and two structured questionnaires were administered. In-depth interviews were conducted with two HIV counsellors in so as to obtain a different perspective on the topics. The theoretical framework used three health behaviour models: the Health Belief Model, Leventhal‘s Common-Sense Model of self regulation and the Transtheoretical model. Results: The participants were between 27 and 49 years old and had been on HAART for between 9 months and 10 years. Six participants were support staff members from Rhodes University and eight from the Raphael Centre – a local NGO which assists PLWHA.In most of the participants HAART was associated with increased libido and improved sexual functioning (sexual activity and sexual enjoyment). The use of alcohol increased risky sexual behaviour. Issues of adherence were seemingly not directly affected by the effects of HAART on sexuality. PLWHA, especially women, face challenges related to their sexuality, some of which are not directly related to their illness and treatment. The fear of transmitting drug resistant HIV or getting re-infected, stigma, disclosure issues,difficulties negotiating for safe sex among women, HAART-related lipodystrophic changes that affect one‘s sense of self and unmet reproductive needs are some of the problems that were reported. The men‘s dislike for condoms was overt and blatant. Discussion: Being diagnosed with HIV and reaching a point where treatment is requiredare life-changing events. Making decisions about one‘s life (including adherence to HAART, alcohol use and knowingly partaking in risky sexual encounters) become all the more significant in the context of AIDS. Intentional non-adherence is informed by the individual‘s assessment of the costs and benefits of taking treatment. Cultural influences,gendered power relations and misconceptions strongly influence sexual behaviours. Conclusion: The general lack of attention among health care providers concerning issues related to PLWHA‘s sexuality and reproductive issues needs to be addressed. Insights fromthe theoretical models should be integrated with empirical findings in designing adherence interventions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2010
Motopomo: the historical-theoretical background to contemporary graphic design practices
- Authors: Economou, Inge
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Graphic arts , Graphic arts -- 20th century , Modernism (Art)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/179 , Graphic arts , Graphic arts -- 20th century , Modernism (Art)
- Description: This study proposes to illustrate that the twentieth century passage from modernity to postmodernity, with its induction of socio-cultural development and attitudinal change, exists as a fundamental means of informing the character of contemporary graphic design practice1. Today, in contrast to the intentions of this study, many appraisals of graphic design work would seem to place too much emphasis on the analyses and evaluation of the stylistic character of creative practices and not enough on the theoretical, historical and attitudinal issues surrounding them. As such, this study attempts to reveal the meaning and moreover the relevance of philosophical, social, cultural and critical theory for contemporary, postmodern graphic design practices. This is done in order to provide graphic designers with a reflective awareness of the structure of the cultural context within which they work, and takes into account twentieth century cultural theory and twentieth century, western graphic design practice, within the framework of the passage from modernity to postmodernity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Economou, Inge
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Graphic arts , Graphic arts -- 20th century , Modernism (Art)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10764 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/179 , Graphic arts , Graphic arts -- 20th century , Modernism (Art)
- Description: This study proposes to illustrate that the twentieth century passage from modernity to postmodernity, with its induction of socio-cultural development and attitudinal change, exists as a fundamental means of informing the character of contemporary graphic design practice1. Today, in contrast to the intentions of this study, many appraisals of graphic design work would seem to place too much emphasis on the analyses and evaluation of the stylistic character of creative practices and not enough on the theoretical, historical and attitudinal issues surrounding them. As such, this study attempts to reveal the meaning and moreover the relevance of philosophical, social, cultural and critical theory for contemporary, postmodern graphic design practices. This is done in order to provide graphic designers with a reflective awareness of the structure of the cultural context within which they work, and takes into account twentieth century cultural theory and twentieth century, western graphic design practice, within the framework of the passage from modernity to postmodernity.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
A critical examination of the policy and practice of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa regarding the readmission of ministers who have resigned or who have been discontinued as a result of divorce
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Ockert
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:21093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6356
- Description: The scope and purpose of this research is the examination of the theology and practice of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in matters relating to marriage, divorce and remarriage in ministry. The theology of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa is based on its understanding of the scriptural injunctions on these matters and the Wesleyan tradition. These are examined in some detail as is the one paper in existence produced by the church on the subject. This is the report by a committee appointed by the Conference of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, convened by Dr Donald Cragg; M.A. (OX ON) D.Phil. (OXON). This document is referred to in this thesis as The Cragg Document. Section One of this thesis deals with research into the theology of the church. The practice of the church is examined using the recently completed study by the writer of the decided cases of the church in all disciplinary matters dealt with by Conference from 1957 to 1997. These were compiled from the existing record of Conference proceedings kept in the Methodist Connexional Office in Durban. This case precedent is included in a larger work also recently completed by the writer, namely A Handbook/or Disciplinary Committees. This book is in the process of being published by the church. Section two of this work deals with research into the practice of the church. The conclusions drawn at the end of this paper include a possible model for ministry to ministers and their families in the area of marriage and family enrichment and pastoral assistance to families in crisis. This thesis includes qualitative research into the aforesaid practice and procedure of the church in these matters and it is submitted that the conclusions drawn and the model posed in the concluding chapters can be of value to the church as it seeks to deal of the problem of an increasing number of ministers suffering the breakup of their homes and going through the trauma of divorce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
- Authors: Van Niekerk, Ockert
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:21093 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/6356
- Description: The scope and purpose of this research is the examination of the theology and practice of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa in matters relating to marriage, divorce and remarriage in ministry. The theology of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa is based on its understanding of the scriptural injunctions on these matters and the Wesleyan tradition. These are examined in some detail as is the one paper in existence produced by the church on the subject. This is the report by a committee appointed by the Conference of the Methodist Church of Southern Africa, convened by Dr Donald Cragg; M.A. (OX ON) D.Phil. (OXON). This document is referred to in this thesis as The Cragg Document. Section One of this thesis deals with research into the theology of the church. The practice of the church is examined using the recently completed study by the writer of the decided cases of the church in all disciplinary matters dealt with by Conference from 1957 to 1997. These were compiled from the existing record of Conference proceedings kept in the Methodist Connexional Office in Durban. This case precedent is included in a larger work also recently completed by the writer, namely A Handbook/or Disciplinary Committees. This book is in the process of being published by the church. Section two of this work deals with research into the practice of the church. The conclusions drawn at the end of this paper include a possible model for ministry to ministers and their families in the area of marriage and family enrichment and pastoral assistance to families in crisis. This thesis includes qualitative research into the aforesaid practice and procedure of the church in these matters and it is submitted that the conclusions drawn and the model posed in the concluding chapters can be of value to the church as it seeks to deal of the problem of an increasing number of ministers suffering the breakup of their homes and going through the trauma of divorce.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1999
A rock in the seething chasm : Thomas Keating's understanding of the human person and of spirituality as a basis for contemporary pastoral counselling
- Authors: Burton, Rodney Lawrence
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Pastoral counselling Psychology and religion Psychology and religion Spirituality -- Christianity Spiritual life -- Christianity Keating, Thomas -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009960
- Description: Contemporary pastoral counselling has many unresolved problems associated with its practice, causing frustration for both counsellors and counsellees. This thesis suggests that such problems are related to the fact that pastoral counselling is overshadowed by the dominant schools of psychology, to the detriment of its spirituality. Furthermore, by attending to both its "values" and its "aims", contemporary pastoral counselling is shown to lack a distinctive theoretical base. This thesis proposes that pastoral counselling is, in fact, the reparative dimension of spiritual direction. Referring to such counselling as " therapeutic spiritual direction" best expresses this concept. Some of the ways in which this redefinition of pastoral counselling may alleviate problems which are currently experienced, particularly by counsellors, are highlighted. A spirituality appropriate to this discipline is outlined. Both Keating's life in general, and eight anthropological models used in conjunction with his teaching on Centering Prayer, are examined to provide a theological foundation for therapeutic spiritual direction. Utilising a conflation of Keating's models, supplemented by insights from his spirituality, individuals are located within an evolutionary-developmental context, within which the reality of sin is acknowledged. Attention is given, in a holistic fashion, to the physical, emotional, and spiritual faculties, and to relationships with both the world at large, and God in particular. Real and potential problems in emotional and spiritual formation are explained with reference to four "energy centres". Therapeutic spiritual direction is characterised by the environment within which it is conducted, and SLX identifiable stages through which it passes. Based on Keating's models, an Instrument is developed to facilitate such counselling, particularly in its diagnostic phases. Use of the means of grace and traditionally Christian disciplines and forms of ministry are emphasised for healing, and a spectrum of suggested treatment modalities is generated. The place of other health-care disciplines and social-care agencies is recognised, and discriminating co-operation and dialogue with them and with other faith traditions is encouraged This thesis has profound significance for the way in which pastoral counselling should be practised. In the light of these insights, some implications for the training of counsellors and for ministry in South Africa are noted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
- Authors: Burton, Rodney Lawrence
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: Pastoral counselling Psychology and religion Psychology and religion Spirituality -- Christianity Spiritual life -- Christianity Keating, Thomas -- Criticism and interpretation
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTh
- Identifier: vital:1246 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1009960
- Description: Contemporary pastoral counselling has many unresolved problems associated with its practice, causing frustration for both counsellors and counsellees. This thesis suggests that such problems are related to the fact that pastoral counselling is overshadowed by the dominant schools of psychology, to the detriment of its spirituality. Furthermore, by attending to both its "values" and its "aims", contemporary pastoral counselling is shown to lack a distinctive theoretical base. This thesis proposes that pastoral counselling is, in fact, the reparative dimension of spiritual direction. Referring to such counselling as " therapeutic spiritual direction" best expresses this concept. Some of the ways in which this redefinition of pastoral counselling may alleviate problems which are currently experienced, particularly by counsellors, are highlighted. A spirituality appropriate to this discipline is outlined. Both Keating's life in general, and eight anthropological models used in conjunction with his teaching on Centering Prayer, are examined to provide a theological foundation for therapeutic spiritual direction. Utilising a conflation of Keating's models, supplemented by insights from his spirituality, individuals are located within an evolutionary-developmental context, within which the reality of sin is acknowledged. Attention is given, in a holistic fashion, to the physical, emotional, and spiritual faculties, and to relationships with both the world at large, and God in particular. Real and potential problems in emotional and spiritual formation are explained with reference to four "energy centres". Therapeutic spiritual direction is characterised by the environment within which it is conducted, and SLX identifiable stages through which it passes. Based on Keating's models, an Instrument is developed to facilitate such counselling, particularly in its diagnostic phases. Use of the means of grace and traditionally Christian disciplines and forms of ministry are emphasised for healing, and a spectrum of suggested treatment modalities is generated. The place of other health-care disciplines and social-care agencies is recognised, and discriminating co-operation and dialogue with them and with other faith traditions is encouraged This thesis has profound significance for the way in which pastoral counselling should be practised. In the light of these insights, some implications for the training of counsellors and for ministry in South Africa are noted.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1998
The "Big E": the English (first language) endorsement on the teacher's bilingualism certificate: an investigation into the background to and origin of this requirement, an evaluation of past and current examining practices and standards and criteria, a needs assessment, and suggestions and recommendations for sound practice
- Authors: Spingies, Conrad
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa Teachers -- Selection and appointment Teachers -- Language Teachers -- Certification -- South Africa Bilingualism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1427 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003308
- Description: South African education authorities demand of teachers a high degree of competency in both official languages. In the Cape Province in particular, teachers are not considered eligible for promotion posts unless they possess the so-called Higher Bilingualism Certificate, signifying their command of both official languages at "First Language" level. In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of schools nowadays are single-medium institutions; this requirement may strike the objective observer as an anomaly. An attempt was made, therefore, first of all to investigate the historical background to this requirement. The "language question", a problematic feature of South African education since the beginning of the nineteenth.century, was not resolved when legislators chose "bilingualism and language equality" for the Union of South Africa in 1910. The available evidence suggests, however, that bilingualism was actively pursued as an educational ideal at least until the end of the 1940s, and for this reason education authorities placed a high premium on teachers who were "fully bilingual". Nowadays the typical (White) school is a single-medium institution where the second language is rarely if ever heard outside the classroom where it is taught as a subject. The present policy, to demand a high degree of proficiency in both official languages of teachers occupying promotion posts at such a school, may then be described not only as an anomaly, but as an anachronism. A further problem is the fact that the various educational institutions (specifically teachers' colleges and universities) that set examinations leading to the Higher Bilingualism Certificate rarely communicate with one another, and are therefore unable to agree on uniform standards and criteria, or to ensure that such standards are maintained. That this is indeed the case, was confirmed by examination of "Big E" test papers set at three teachers' colleges, two Colleges for Continued Training, and four universities in the Cape Province. In an attempt to establish what assistance and support might be needed by a "second language" user of English in order for him to improve to the point where he resembled a "first language" user of English in his "terminal language behaviour", a comparison (by means of error analysis) of the responses of two groups (an Ll and an L2 group) to the same test paper was undertaken. The available evidence suggests that L2 users may need to be helped to acquire a more extensive vocabulary, but, above all, that they need to improve their ability to handle two crucially important aspects of usage: idiom and grammar. The final chapter attempts to establish pedagogic and linguistic bases for a course intended for "Big E" candidates, and makes recommendations with regard to (i) the content and the form of the course, and (ii) sound examination practice. The concluding thoughts offer the view that such a course could remain useful even in a future South Africa where the emphasis may shift from a demand for teachers who are "fully bilingual" to teachers who have a good command of English.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
- Authors: Spingies, Conrad
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa Teachers -- Selection and appointment Teachers -- Language Teachers -- Certification -- South Africa Bilingualism -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1427 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003308
- Description: South African education authorities demand of teachers a high degree of competency in both official languages. In the Cape Province in particular, teachers are not considered eligible for promotion posts unless they possess the so-called Higher Bilingualism Certificate, signifying their command of both official languages at "First Language" level. In view of the fact that the overwhelming majority of schools nowadays are single-medium institutions; this requirement may strike the objective observer as an anomaly. An attempt was made, therefore, first of all to investigate the historical background to this requirement. The "language question", a problematic feature of South African education since the beginning of the nineteenth.century, was not resolved when legislators chose "bilingualism and language equality" for the Union of South Africa in 1910. The available evidence suggests, however, that bilingualism was actively pursued as an educational ideal at least until the end of the 1940s, and for this reason education authorities placed a high premium on teachers who were "fully bilingual". Nowadays the typical (White) school is a single-medium institution where the second language is rarely if ever heard outside the classroom where it is taught as a subject. The present policy, to demand a high degree of proficiency in both official languages of teachers occupying promotion posts at such a school, may then be described not only as an anomaly, but as an anachronism. A further problem is the fact that the various educational institutions (specifically teachers' colleges and universities) that set examinations leading to the Higher Bilingualism Certificate rarely communicate with one another, and are therefore unable to agree on uniform standards and criteria, or to ensure that such standards are maintained. That this is indeed the case, was confirmed by examination of "Big E" test papers set at three teachers' colleges, two Colleges for Continued Training, and four universities in the Cape Province. In an attempt to establish what assistance and support might be needed by a "second language" user of English in order for him to improve to the point where he resembled a "first language" user of English in his "terminal language behaviour", a comparison (by means of error analysis) of the responses of two groups (an Ll and an L2 group) to the same test paper was undertaken. The available evidence suggests that L2 users may need to be helped to acquire a more extensive vocabulary, but, above all, that they need to improve their ability to handle two crucially important aspects of usage: idiom and grammar. The final chapter attempts to establish pedagogic and linguistic bases for a course intended for "Big E" candidates, and makes recommendations with regard to (i) the content and the form of the course, and (ii) sound examination practice. The concluding thoughts offer the view that such a course could remain useful even in a future South Africa where the emphasis may shift from a demand for teachers who are "fully bilingual" to teachers who have a good command of English.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
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