An external evaluation of the effectiveness of the Souns-for-literarcy program in the Knysna and Plettenberg Bay areas
- Authors: Smith, Angelina
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Educational evaluation -- South Africa -- Western Cape Literacy programs -- South Africa -- Western Cape Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11157 , vital:26891
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Souns-for-Literacy program in selected Knysna and Plettenberg Bay pre-schools. This included investigating if there were significant benefits for its recipients and recommending improvements that could be made to the program, particularly in adapting it to fit the South African context. The program claims to build letter-sound associations. In response to evidence gained in the biannual surveys done by KET, it was decided that the program warranted a more formal evaluation. It was later agreed that the evaluation should i) critically examine claims about the effectiveness of the program; ii) analyse the relative value of factors contributing to its effectiveness, such as teachers, implementation practices and the program’s material and methodology, then iii) recommend improvements that cauld be made to the program. The evaluation should also identify insights gained in developing reading skills in pre-school children, specifically in South Africa’s multicultural and multilingual contexts. The total number of schools investigated was 25 (21 pre-schools and 4 primary schools for follow-up purposes). The data collection was primarily through i) interviews with program personnel (mentors, facilitators, teachers and volunteers), ii) observations of the children interacting with the equipment of the program as well as iii) individual, informal and age-appropriate testing of letter-sound association knowledge at the end of the academic year. The findings revealed that: i) the program’s materials and methodology showed ‘highly significant’ benefits to most of its beneficiaries; ii) KET’s support system (including mentors, facilitators and volunteers) was particularly valuable in contributing to the program’s effectiveness; iii) certain adaptations to the sequence of symbol presentation for each language would benefit the children’s word-building capacity; iv)the emergent literacy skill of learning letter-sound knowledge should gain more focus during this pre-school stage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Smith, Angelina
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Educational evaluation -- South Africa -- Western Cape Literacy programs -- South Africa -- Western Cape Early childhood education -- South Africa -- Western Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11157 , vital:26891
- Description: The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of the Souns-for-Literacy program in selected Knysna and Plettenberg Bay pre-schools. This included investigating if there were significant benefits for its recipients and recommending improvements that could be made to the program, particularly in adapting it to fit the South African context. The program claims to build letter-sound associations. In response to evidence gained in the biannual surveys done by KET, it was decided that the program warranted a more formal evaluation. It was later agreed that the evaluation should i) critically examine claims about the effectiveness of the program; ii) analyse the relative value of factors contributing to its effectiveness, such as teachers, implementation practices and the program’s material and methodology, then iii) recommend improvements that cauld be made to the program. The evaluation should also identify insights gained in developing reading skills in pre-school children, specifically in South Africa’s multicultural and multilingual contexts. The total number of schools investigated was 25 (21 pre-schools and 4 primary schools for follow-up purposes). The data collection was primarily through i) interviews with program personnel (mentors, facilitators, teachers and volunteers), ii) observations of the children interacting with the equipment of the program as well as iii) individual, informal and age-appropriate testing of letter-sound association knowledge at the end of the academic year. The findings revealed that: i) the program’s materials and methodology showed ‘highly significant’ benefits to most of its beneficiaries; ii) KET’s support system (including mentors, facilitators and volunteers) was particularly valuable in contributing to the program’s effectiveness; iii) certain adaptations to the sequence of symbol presentation for each language would benefit the children’s word-building capacity; iv)the emergent literacy skill of learning letter-sound knowledge should gain more focus during this pre-school stage.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Conceptions of academics concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education
- Authors: Champion, Eunice Nomava
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Portfolios in education , Lecture method in teaching , College teaching , College teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021175
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the conceptions of academics at the NMMU concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education. The study was guided by the following research question: What are the conceptions of academics concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education? A case study, involving academics at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), was used to answer the research question. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was employed to collect data from an electronic questionnaire consisting of Likert-scale type of responses and open-ended questions, followed by two focus group interviews with academics that had prior experience in the development of a teaching portfolio. Forty-five academics responded to the questionnaire sent to all the academics at the NMMU, providing a broad perspective on the conceptions of NMMU academics regarding the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios. The two focus group interviews were conducted with six and eight academics respectively who was purposively chosen for their prior experience with the development of teaching portfolios. The aim of the focus group interviews were to elaborate on the data generated by the questionnaire. The quantitative data gathered by the questionnaire was statistically analysed, generating descriptive statistics of the Likert type response statements. The transcripts of the focus group interviews were thematically analysed. The conceptual framework that initially guided the formulation of the sub-research questions was amended to include the themes that emerged from the thematic analysis of the data, namely: the portfolio development process, the uses of and purposes for developing teaching portfolios, the attitudes of academics towards teaching portfolios, and the benefits gained from the development of teaching portfolios. The findings of the study revealed that of the participants find work overload and additional responsibilities as major constraints and collaboration among peers as the most helpful factor in the development of a teaching portfolio. The findings further revealed that the majority of the participants identified items to be included in a teaching portfolio that would enable them to use the portfolio in the development of their teaching. A mixture of attitudes towards teaching portfolios was identified. Some academics (in particular those who have prior experience in the development of portfolios) displayed a positive attitude towards teaching portfolios, while participants reported a negative attitude towards teaching portfolios by most of their colleagues (mostly those who have not developed a portfolio yet). The negative attitudes do seem to overpower the positive attitudes towards teaching portfolios. The challenge to the NMMU would therefore be to get academics to make use of the initiatives provided by the NMMU to assist them with the teaching portfolio development process. Four recommendations that may serve as guidelines to assist in the successful implementation of teaching portfolios at the NMMU were made, based on the findings of the study. Although the results of this study cannot be generalized to other higher education institutions, they do provide insights in the conception of the academics regarding the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios at the NMMU that can be of benefit to other higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Champion, Eunice Nomava
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Portfolios in education , Lecture method in teaching , College teaching , College teachers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9591 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021175
- Description: The purpose of this study was to explore the conceptions of academics at the NMMU concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education. The study was guided by the following research question: What are the conceptions of academics concerning the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios in higher education? A case study, involving academics at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU), was used to answer the research question. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods research design was employed to collect data from an electronic questionnaire consisting of Likert-scale type of responses and open-ended questions, followed by two focus group interviews with academics that had prior experience in the development of a teaching portfolio. Forty-five academics responded to the questionnaire sent to all the academics at the NMMU, providing a broad perspective on the conceptions of NMMU academics regarding the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios. The two focus group interviews were conducted with six and eight academics respectively who was purposively chosen for their prior experience with the development of teaching portfolios. The aim of the focus group interviews were to elaborate on the data generated by the questionnaire. The quantitative data gathered by the questionnaire was statistically analysed, generating descriptive statistics of the Likert type response statements. The transcripts of the focus group interviews were thematically analysed. The conceptual framework that initially guided the formulation of the sub-research questions was amended to include the themes that emerged from the thematic analysis of the data, namely: the portfolio development process, the uses of and purposes for developing teaching portfolios, the attitudes of academics towards teaching portfolios, and the benefits gained from the development of teaching portfolios. The findings of the study revealed that of the participants find work overload and additional responsibilities as major constraints and collaboration among peers as the most helpful factor in the development of a teaching portfolio. The findings further revealed that the majority of the participants identified items to be included in a teaching portfolio that would enable them to use the portfolio in the development of their teaching. A mixture of attitudes towards teaching portfolios was identified. Some academics (in particular those who have prior experience in the development of portfolios) displayed a positive attitude towards teaching portfolios, while participants reported a negative attitude towards teaching portfolios by most of their colleagues (mostly those who have not developed a portfolio yet). The negative attitudes do seem to overpower the positive attitudes towards teaching portfolios. The challenge to the NMMU would therefore be to get academics to make use of the initiatives provided by the NMMU to assist them with the teaching portfolio development process. Four recommendations that may serve as guidelines to assist in the successful implementation of teaching portfolios at the NMMU were made, based on the findings of the study. Although the results of this study cannot be generalized to other higher education institutions, they do provide insights in the conception of the academics regarding the nature and purpose of teaching portfolios at the NMMU that can be of benefit to other higher education institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Educating children presenting with autistic spectrum disorders: exploring parents' experiences
- Authors: McGrath, Wanita
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Autistic children -- Education , Autistic children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10265 , vital:26647
- Description: According to Pienaar and Raymond (2013, p.10) learners with disabilities have historically experienced the most serious exclusion from learning. The worldwide call for inclusive education prompted South Africa to develop the White Paper 6 (WP6) (2001, p.18) which clearly states that for Inclusive Education to be successfully implemented in South Africa, there has to be an acknowledgement that all children and youth can learn. The implementation of WP6 therefore not only benefits learners with special educational needs, but all South African learners by implementing "a more flexible system of education that focuses on removing barriers to learning and creating learning-friendly environments" (Pienaar and Raymond, 2013, pp. 10-11). However, a great disparity exists in what is proposed in official documents such as WP6 and what parents of children with barriers to learning actually experience within schools. This phenomenological study employed memory work, drawings and focus group discussions with four purposively selected parents to explore parents’ experiences of the education of their children who are on the Autistic Spectrum. Bronfenbrenner’s Eco-systemic perspective was used to make meaning of the data. The findings show that parents find the education of their autistic children as a stressful and isolating experience because of an unprepared education system. Despite the challenges, the participants also find their experiences to be a journey of personal growth and fulfilment. The study therefore recommends that schools should engage parents of autistic children more actively in order to make inclusion of such children effective. Teachers who are expected to practice inclusivity in schools should be adequately prepared to work with children presenting with ASD through a collaborative effort of the Department of Health and the Department of Education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: McGrath, Wanita
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Autistic children -- Education , Autistic children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/10265 , vital:26647
- Description: According to Pienaar and Raymond (2013, p.10) learners with disabilities have historically experienced the most serious exclusion from learning. The worldwide call for inclusive education prompted South Africa to develop the White Paper 6 (WP6) (2001, p.18) which clearly states that for Inclusive Education to be successfully implemented in South Africa, there has to be an acknowledgement that all children and youth can learn. The implementation of WP6 therefore not only benefits learners with special educational needs, but all South African learners by implementing "a more flexible system of education that focuses on removing barriers to learning and creating learning-friendly environments" (Pienaar and Raymond, 2013, pp. 10-11). However, a great disparity exists in what is proposed in official documents such as WP6 and what parents of children with barriers to learning actually experience within schools. This phenomenological study employed memory work, drawings and focus group discussions with four purposively selected parents to explore parents’ experiences of the education of their children who are on the Autistic Spectrum. Bronfenbrenner’s Eco-systemic perspective was used to make meaning of the data. The findings show that parents find the education of their autistic children as a stressful and isolating experience because of an unprepared education system. Despite the challenges, the participants also find their experiences to be a journey of personal growth and fulfilment. The study therefore recommends that schools should engage parents of autistic children more actively in order to make inclusion of such children effective. Teachers who are expected to practice inclusivity in schools should be adequately prepared to work with children presenting with ASD through a collaborative effort of the Department of Health and the Department of Education.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Enabling autism educators to identify and address challenges using participatory action research
- Authors: Kok, Mandie
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Autistic children -- Education -- South Africa , Learning disabled children -- Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7881 , vital:24318
- Description: Teachers in the field of autism education encounter multiple professional challenges in their roles as educators. Autism spectrum disorder presents with a broad range of symptoms, which places additional demands on the teacher expected to meet all the learners' needs. Insufficient teacher education and training, coupled with limited access to resources and a lack of support from the Department of Basic Education can lead to teachers feeling overwhelmed and powerless to adequately address work-related challenges. This study employed a participatory action research methodology and sought to identify challenges and develop solutions in the field of autism education. Furthermore, the goal of this study was to find ways of making use of existing resources to better meet the teachers' needs, as well as reconsidering the classroom environment in order to better meet the learners' needs. The cyclical nature of a participatory action research approach allowed the participants to renegotiate the research goals throughout the study. Data were generated through the use of open-ended group interviews, observation and written critical self-reflections. From the data, six themes emerged. First, the participants reported feeling empowered as a result of creating and sharing their personal reflections. Next, they identified the lack of support for teachers as a professional challenge. The participants also indicated that more flexible teaching strategies were required in the field of autism education. Another challenge was that teachers were uncertain of their legal rights within the field of ASD education. Poor communication between parents and teachers was identified as an important issue. Finally, it emerged that the classroom environment had a significant impact on the learners' behaviour. These findings led to the conclusion that teachers in the field of autism education should be supported and the challenges they face acknowledged and addressed by their employers as well as by the Department of Basic Education and the institutions responsible for educating and training new teachers. Finally, recommendations for possible solutions and further research were presented, based on the data generated during the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kok, Mandie
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Autistic children -- Education -- South Africa , Learning disabled children -- Education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/7881 , vital:24318
- Description: Teachers in the field of autism education encounter multiple professional challenges in their roles as educators. Autism spectrum disorder presents with a broad range of symptoms, which places additional demands on the teacher expected to meet all the learners' needs. Insufficient teacher education and training, coupled with limited access to resources and a lack of support from the Department of Basic Education can lead to teachers feeling overwhelmed and powerless to adequately address work-related challenges. This study employed a participatory action research methodology and sought to identify challenges and develop solutions in the field of autism education. Furthermore, the goal of this study was to find ways of making use of existing resources to better meet the teachers' needs, as well as reconsidering the classroom environment in order to better meet the learners' needs. The cyclical nature of a participatory action research approach allowed the participants to renegotiate the research goals throughout the study. Data were generated through the use of open-ended group interviews, observation and written critical self-reflections. From the data, six themes emerged. First, the participants reported feeling empowered as a result of creating and sharing their personal reflections. Next, they identified the lack of support for teachers as a professional challenge. The participants also indicated that more flexible teaching strategies were required in the field of autism education. Another challenge was that teachers were uncertain of their legal rights within the field of ASD education. Poor communication between parents and teachers was identified as an important issue. Finally, it emerged that the classroom environment had a significant impact on the learners' behaviour. These findings led to the conclusion that teachers in the field of autism education should be supported and the challenges they face acknowledged and addressed by their employers as well as by the Department of Basic Education and the institutions responsible for educating and training new teachers. Finally, recommendations for possible solutions and further research were presented, based on the data generated during the study.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Improving reading ability and academic performance through working memory training
- Authors: Mukheibir, Adrienne Jayne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Reading -- Ability testing , Short-term memory , Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4840 , vital:20716
- Description: This dissertation is based on the results of a study that used a working memory (WM) adaptive computer programme known as Jungle Memory to determine whether training WM would have a positive impact on learners with reading difficulties, which would ultimately lead to an improvement in their overall academic performance. A pragmatic paradigm has been used, involving a mixed methodology that allowed for a postpositivistic as well as a constructive approach. The first section of the investigation involved the quantitative component, where specific variables (performance levels of the sample of learners) were determined. Thereafter, empirical measures were used to determine if these specific variables increased once the WM intervention programme had been completed. Concurrently, in the qualitative component, the sample group (namely the teachers working with these learners) provided qualitative information to verify if any changes in the participants were observed after the intervention. The participants included 30 boys who attend an ex Model C School in the Eastern Cape where I teach, all of whom had been identified as experiencing various reading difficulties and were receiving remedial assistance. The boys were placed into three groups according to specific criteria: Group A had all been diagnosed as having ADHD and were being treated pharmaceutically for the disorder; Group B all had significant ADHD symptoms but were not receiving any pharmaceutical assistance to alleviate these symptoms; and Group C displayed no significant ADHD symptoms. Five boys from each subgroup formed the Experimental group and the other five formed the Control group in each stratum. The participants' class-based teachers involved in the qualitative component of the study provided information-rich data regarding any notable progress made by each participant. Each participant took part in a battery of pre-assessment tests to determine their general level of academic performance. These assessments included the following well-known standardised tests in South Africa: the Young Group Reading Test, the Essi Reading Test, the Essi Spelling Test and the Vassi Mathematics Proficiency Test. The participants from all three Experimental Groups then took part in the eight week intervention programme, Jungle Memory, while the Control groups continued with their regular remedial programme. At the end of the eight weeks, all the participants were re-assessed using the same standardised tests.The findings from this study revealed that the participants from all three strata of the Experimental group showed significant improvements in the quantitative postassessment results and twelve of the fifteen also showed significant improvements in the comments made by the teachers in the qualitative component. The majority of the participants from the Control groups however, made very little progress in both components, and these small improvements were probably due to other variables such as maturity, incidental WM improvements through observing their peers, or familiarity with the tests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Mukheibir, Adrienne Jayne
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Reading -- Ability testing , Short-term memory , Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4840 , vital:20716
- Description: This dissertation is based on the results of a study that used a working memory (WM) adaptive computer programme known as Jungle Memory to determine whether training WM would have a positive impact on learners with reading difficulties, which would ultimately lead to an improvement in their overall academic performance. A pragmatic paradigm has been used, involving a mixed methodology that allowed for a postpositivistic as well as a constructive approach. The first section of the investigation involved the quantitative component, where specific variables (performance levels of the sample of learners) were determined. Thereafter, empirical measures were used to determine if these specific variables increased once the WM intervention programme had been completed. Concurrently, in the qualitative component, the sample group (namely the teachers working with these learners) provided qualitative information to verify if any changes in the participants were observed after the intervention. The participants included 30 boys who attend an ex Model C School in the Eastern Cape where I teach, all of whom had been identified as experiencing various reading difficulties and were receiving remedial assistance. The boys were placed into three groups according to specific criteria: Group A had all been diagnosed as having ADHD and were being treated pharmaceutically for the disorder; Group B all had significant ADHD symptoms but were not receiving any pharmaceutical assistance to alleviate these symptoms; and Group C displayed no significant ADHD symptoms. Five boys from each subgroup formed the Experimental group and the other five formed the Control group in each stratum. The participants' class-based teachers involved in the qualitative component of the study provided information-rich data regarding any notable progress made by each participant. Each participant took part in a battery of pre-assessment tests to determine their general level of academic performance. These assessments included the following well-known standardised tests in South Africa: the Young Group Reading Test, the Essi Reading Test, the Essi Spelling Test and the Vassi Mathematics Proficiency Test. The participants from all three Experimental Groups then took part in the eight week intervention programme, Jungle Memory, while the Control groups continued with their regular remedial programme. At the end of the eight weeks, all the participants were re-assessed using the same standardised tests.The findings from this study revealed that the participants from all three strata of the Experimental group showed significant improvements in the quantitative postassessment results and twelve of the fifteen also showed significant improvements in the comments made by the teachers in the qualitative component. The majority of the participants from the Control groups however, made very little progress in both components, and these small improvements were probably due to other variables such as maturity, incidental WM improvements through observing their peers, or familiarity with the tests.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Investigating the effects of using a science writing heuristic approach in first year mechanical engineering laboratory report writing at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Authors: Papu, Kholisa Zizipho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Technical writing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3011 , vital:20386
- Description: The extent to which writing can be used to promote learning from laboratory activities has received limited attention in engineering contexts in South Africa. In this study the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) approach and aspects of academic literacies approach were used to develop laboratory report writing among first year mechanical engineering students. The intervention utilised a modified report writing template for engineering practical sessions which focused on argumentation, conceptual understanding, critical thinking and language literacies. Quantitative and qualitative data were generated via pre-post-analysis of the modified practical report template, Cornell Critical Thinking Test, questionnaires, as well as focus group interviews with students; and individual interviews with staff, on their perceptions of the SWH. The sample (n=56 matched pairs) was divided into three groups through convenience sampling. Group 1 (n=15) utilised an online intervention, Group 2 (n=20) utilised a paper-based intervention and Group 3 (n=21) utilised a standard paper-based laboratory report template. Statistically significant differences with large effect sizes were obtained between group scores from pre- to post-tests in terms of argumentation and language. No differences between the pre-post-test changes in terms of group conceptual scores (n= 91) were found and there was a drop in scores from pre- to post-test in terms of critical thinking (n= 56). Overall, the data indicates that the SWH approach improved students‟ argumentation and language literacies with large effect sizes. Focus group interviews revealed that students believed that the SWH approach made them “think deeper” and that they preferred the intervention (SWH) over the traditional approach. The apparent unawareness of the academics concerned in terms of argument-based inquiry provides a possible answer for their use of assessment strategies focused only on concepts. Focus group interviews revealed that students believed that the SWH approach made them “think deeper” and that they preferred the intervention (SWH) over the traditional approach. The apparent unawareness of the academics concerned in terms of argument-based inquiry provides a possible answer for their use of assessment strategies focused only on concepts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Papu, Kholisa Zizipho
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Technical writing -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3011 , vital:20386
- Description: The extent to which writing can be used to promote learning from laboratory activities has received limited attention in engineering contexts in South Africa. In this study the Science Writing Heuristic (SWH) approach and aspects of academic literacies approach were used to develop laboratory report writing among first year mechanical engineering students. The intervention utilised a modified report writing template for engineering practical sessions which focused on argumentation, conceptual understanding, critical thinking and language literacies. Quantitative and qualitative data were generated via pre-post-analysis of the modified practical report template, Cornell Critical Thinking Test, questionnaires, as well as focus group interviews with students; and individual interviews with staff, on their perceptions of the SWH. The sample (n=56 matched pairs) was divided into three groups through convenience sampling. Group 1 (n=15) utilised an online intervention, Group 2 (n=20) utilised a paper-based intervention and Group 3 (n=21) utilised a standard paper-based laboratory report template. Statistically significant differences with large effect sizes were obtained between group scores from pre- to post-tests in terms of argumentation and language. No differences between the pre-post-test changes in terms of group conceptual scores (n= 91) were found and there was a drop in scores from pre- to post-test in terms of critical thinking (n= 56). Overall, the data indicates that the SWH approach improved students‟ argumentation and language literacies with large effect sizes. Focus group interviews revealed that students believed that the SWH approach made them “think deeper” and that they preferred the intervention (SWH) over the traditional approach. The apparent unawareness of the academics concerned in terms of argument-based inquiry provides a possible answer for their use of assessment strategies focused only on concepts. Focus group interviews revealed that students believed that the SWH approach made them “think deeper” and that they preferred the intervention (SWH) over the traditional approach. The apparent unawareness of the academics concerned in terms of argument-based inquiry provides a possible answer for their use of assessment strategies focused only on concepts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Investigating the reasons for the high failure rate in the subject mathematics as part of the national certificate (NCV) at Port Elizabeth College
- Authors: Dolley, Ziyaad
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9011 , vital:26456
- Description: Over the past years the FET Colleges sector has been plagued by high failure rates in mathematics and science as part of the National Curriculum (Vocational) course. This study sought to investigate the possible reasons for the high failure rates in NCV mathematics at Iqhayiya Campus of PE College. The purpose of the research was to elicit these possible reasons from students who currently are doing the NCV mathematics course at the Iqhayiya Campus. This study follows a mixed method design using both quantitative and qualitative results. Quantitative data were gathered by means of questionnaires submitted to students doing NCV mathematics at the Iqhayiya Campus. A Likert scale was used to evaluate the questionnaires. The qualitative data for this study was collected through researcher questions in focus group interviews. The study concludes with recommendations to the management of PE College, the Department of Higher Education and all relevant role players.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Dolley, Ziyaad
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/9011 , vital:26456
- Description: Over the past years the FET Colleges sector has been plagued by high failure rates in mathematics and science as part of the National Curriculum (Vocational) course. This study sought to investigate the possible reasons for the high failure rates in NCV mathematics at Iqhayiya Campus of PE College. The purpose of the research was to elicit these possible reasons from students who currently are doing the NCV mathematics course at the Iqhayiya Campus. This study follows a mixed method design using both quantitative and qualitative results. Quantitative data were gathered by means of questionnaires submitted to students doing NCV mathematics at the Iqhayiya Campus. A Likert scale was used to evaluate the questionnaires. The qualitative data for this study was collected through researcher questions in focus group interviews. The study concludes with recommendations to the management of PE College, the Department of Higher Education and all relevant role players.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Views of HIV and AIDS amongst rural secondary school youth: an exploratory study
- Daniels, Brendon Mara Laurence
- Authors: Daniels, Brendon Mara Laurence
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Study and teaching Communicable diseases -- Prevention High school students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11460 , vital:26928
- Description: The HIV and AIDS epidemic continues to affect communities worldwide particularly so in South Africa. Youth, also the so-called Coloured youth, continue to remain at risk of infection, in spite of having been exposed to information about HIV and AIDS. This study explores the views of Coloured secondary school youth in a rural town in the Eastern Cape, on HIV and AIDS. Fifteen secondary school learners, both boys and girls, from Grades 10 to 12 were purposively selected. This qualitative study, framed within an interpretivist paradigm, draws on a phenomenological methodology. The data was generated from using drawing and focus group interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The research adhered to ethical principles and trustworthiness was ensured. Constructivism and Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory were used to frame the study and to make meaning of the findings. In response to the primary research question, What views do Coloured youth attending a secondary school in a rural town have of HIV and AIDS?, five themes emerged, namely: individuals spread HIV, impoverished family life increases youth vulnerability to HIV, youth under pressure from peers knowingly engage in risky behaviour, misconceptions fuel the epidemic, and HIV and AIDS “captures the community in its net”. Drawing on the findings and in response to the secondary research question, What guidelines can be developed to assist educators to facilitate learners taking action against the spread of HIV and AIDS?, several guidelines were developed. They suggest that teachers should use participatory pedagogies to engage secondary school learners when teaching HIV and AIDS, build self-esteem in their learners, assist learners in dealing with peer pressure, engage learners in erasing misconceptions, and enable learners to break free from being “caught in the net” of HIV and AIDS. Collectively these guidelines could enable learners to take action in protecting themselves and their community against the spread of the HI virus. The study concludes that the views that Coloured secondary school learners from a rural town have about HIV and AIDS show their awareness of the realities of the epidemic affecting the individual, the family, the school and their community. They have constructed their views of HIV and AIDS in a way which shows their understanding of the complexities of the epidemic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Daniels, Brendon Mara Laurence
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Sexually transmitted diseases -- Study and teaching Communicable diseases -- Prevention High school students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/11460 , vital:26928
- Description: The HIV and AIDS epidemic continues to affect communities worldwide particularly so in South Africa. Youth, also the so-called Coloured youth, continue to remain at risk of infection, in spite of having been exposed to information about HIV and AIDS. This study explores the views of Coloured secondary school youth in a rural town in the Eastern Cape, on HIV and AIDS. Fifteen secondary school learners, both boys and girls, from Grades 10 to 12 were purposively selected. This qualitative study, framed within an interpretivist paradigm, draws on a phenomenological methodology. The data was generated from using drawing and focus group interviews and analysed using thematic analysis. The research adhered to ethical principles and trustworthiness was ensured. Constructivism and Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological systems theory were used to frame the study and to make meaning of the findings. In response to the primary research question, What views do Coloured youth attending a secondary school in a rural town have of HIV and AIDS?, five themes emerged, namely: individuals spread HIV, impoverished family life increases youth vulnerability to HIV, youth under pressure from peers knowingly engage in risky behaviour, misconceptions fuel the epidemic, and HIV and AIDS “captures the community in its net”. Drawing on the findings and in response to the secondary research question, What guidelines can be developed to assist educators to facilitate learners taking action against the spread of HIV and AIDS?, several guidelines were developed. They suggest that teachers should use participatory pedagogies to engage secondary school learners when teaching HIV and AIDS, build self-esteem in their learners, assist learners in dealing with peer pressure, engage learners in erasing misconceptions, and enable learners to break free from being “caught in the net” of HIV and AIDS. Collectively these guidelines could enable learners to take action in protecting themselves and their community against the spread of the HI virus. The study concludes that the views that Coloured secondary school learners from a rural town have about HIV and AIDS show their awareness of the realities of the epidemic affecting the individual, the family, the school and their community. They have constructed their views of HIV and AIDS in a way which shows their understanding of the complexities of the epidemic.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
A case study of the high student failure and dropout rates at FET college
- Authors: Cain, Rashida
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: College dropouts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and training services industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9439 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020998
- Description: The aim of this case study was to investigate the key factors contributing to the high failure and high dropout rates at a FET College. The FET College selected for the purpose of this study is situated in a city in the Eastern Cape. The Minister of Labour declared in 2006 that FET Colleges in South Africa have a central role to play in assisting youth in gaining skills, in order to realise the South African Government’s goal of halving poverty and unemployment by 2014. The South African Government spent R1.9 million on the recapitalisation of colleges in 2005 to improve the FET Sector. According to the Green Paper (DHET, 2012), the FET College sector is weak and the throughput rate of the 2007 NC (V) cohort nationally was 4 percent and the dropout rate between 13 percent and 25 percent. The average pass rate for the successful completion of NC (V) students at FET Colleges in the Eastern Cape was 12 percent for 2007. The research design selected for this study was an explanatory intrinsic case study of a qualitative nature, with the aim to provide a comprehensive depiction of the case. Data was gathered from various sources and at different stages at the particular college campus. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and document interrogations were employed to gather descriptive qualitative data. Demographic information on the students who had dropped out assisted in the profiling of students at risk of dropping out of college. The findings derived from the data showed that multiple factors caused the high student dropout and failure rates, prominent among which was a lack of finances, impacting on accommodation and transport, which in turn impacted on student attendance. A lack of motivation and commitment from students seemed to further contribute to the high student failure and dropout rates. In addition, the students’ perceptions and expectations of the FET College, the barriers to academic success and views about support services were explored. Finally, the present circumstances and plans of students who had dropped out were investigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Cain, Rashida
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: College dropouts -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , School failure -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and training services industry -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9439 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020998
- Description: The aim of this case study was to investigate the key factors contributing to the high failure and high dropout rates at a FET College. The FET College selected for the purpose of this study is situated in a city in the Eastern Cape. The Minister of Labour declared in 2006 that FET Colleges in South Africa have a central role to play in assisting youth in gaining skills, in order to realise the South African Government’s goal of halving poverty and unemployment by 2014. The South African Government spent R1.9 million on the recapitalisation of colleges in 2005 to improve the FET Sector. According to the Green Paper (DHET, 2012), the FET College sector is weak and the throughput rate of the 2007 NC (V) cohort nationally was 4 percent and the dropout rate between 13 percent and 25 percent. The average pass rate for the successful completion of NC (V) students at FET Colleges in the Eastern Cape was 12 percent for 2007. The research design selected for this study was an explanatory intrinsic case study of a qualitative nature, with the aim to provide a comprehensive depiction of the case. Data was gathered from various sources and at different stages at the particular college campus. Questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and document interrogations were employed to gather descriptive qualitative data. Demographic information on the students who had dropped out assisted in the profiling of students at risk of dropping out of college. The findings derived from the data showed that multiple factors caused the high student dropout and failure rates, prominent among which was a lack of finances, impacting on accommodation and transport, which in turn impacted on student attendance. A lack of motivation and commitment from students seemed to further contribute to the high student failure and dropout rates. In addition, the students’ perceptions and expectations of the FET College, the barriers to academic success and views about support services were explored. Finally, the present circumstances and plans of students who had dropped out were investigated.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
A case study on the role of excel as a teaching and learning tool in influencing learners' interpretation of functions
- Authors: Zakumba, Lwazi Xolisile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Microsoft Excel (Computer file) , Computer-assisted instruction , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018756
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the role Excel could play in influencing Mathematics and Mathematical literacy learners’ interpretation of functions and their attitude towards Mathematics. I used a Mathematical Graphical Diagnostic (MGD) test, an attitude questionnaire, a reflective questionnaire and semi-structured interviews as instruments. The MGD test and the attitude questionnaire were given to 72 volunteer grade 11 learners at a former Model C school in Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape. This group included 50 pure Mathematics learners and 22 Mathematical literacy learners. From this group, a smaller group of 10 learners further took part in the rest of the study were they went through an intervention were Excel was used as a teaching tool, covering concepts concerning functions. This group included 6 pure Mathematics and 4 Mathematical literacy learners. The 10 learners then re-wrote the MDG test and refilled the attitude questionnaire after the intervention. A reflective questionnaire was administered to the 10 learners after the intervention, with 5 learners from the 10 undergoing interviews in order to meet the objectives of the study. The administration of the MDG test and attitude questionnaire, interviews and reflective questionnaire enabled me to explore the relationship between learner performance and their attitude towards Mathematics as a subject, as well as the comparing the attitudes and performances between pure Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy learners. The study followed a qualitative research design, with an element of quantitative research. The qualitative data yielded findings that revealed the effectiveness of using Excel in teaching functions while the quantitative data revealed the difference in attitude and ability between pure Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy leaners. The findings of the study revealed that Excel played a major role in improving pure Mathematics learners’ results but not those of the Mathematical Literacy learners. The study also showed that technology does not necessarily impact on learners’ attitudes positively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Zakumba, Lwazi Xolisile
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Microsoft Excel (Computer file) , Computer-assisted instruction , Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9455 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1018756
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the role Excel could play in influencing Mathematics and Mathematical literacy learners’ interpretation of functions and their attitude towards Mathematics. I used a Mathematical Graphical Diagnostic (MGD) test, an attitude questionnaire, a reflective questionnaire and semi-structured interviews as instruments. The MGD test and the attitude questionnaire were given to 72 volunteer grade 11 learners at a former Model C school in Port Elizabeth, in the Eastern Cape. This group included 50 pure Mathematics learners and 22 Mathematical literacy learners. From this group, a smaller group of 10 learners further took part in the rest of the study were they went through an intervention were Excel was used as a teaching tool, covering concepts concerning functions. This group included 6 pure Mathematics and 4 Mathematical literacy learners. The 10 learners then re-wrote the MDG test and refilled the attitude questionnaire after the intervention. A reflective questionnaire was administered to the 10 learners after the intervention, with 5 learners from the 10 undergoing interviews in order to meet the objectives of the study. The administration of the MDG test and attitude questionnaire, interviews and reflective questionnaire enabled me to explore the relationship between learner performance and their attitude towards Mathematics as a subject, as well as the comparing the attitudes and performances between pure Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy learners. The study followed a qualitative research design, with an element of quantitative research. The qualitative data yielded findings that revealed the effectiveness of using Excel in teaching functions while the quantitative data revealed the difference in attitude and ability between pure Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy leaners. The findings of the study revealed that Excel played a major role in improving pure Mathematics learners’ results but not those of the Mathematical Literacy learners. The study also showed that technology does not necessarily impact on learners’ attitudes positively.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Empowering educators to deal with challenging behaviour at high schools in poor socio-economic areas
- Authors: Forbes, Carine Madge Sybil
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: School discipline , High school teachers -- Economic conditions , High school teachers -- Social conditions , Children -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9462 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020258
- Description: Inclusive education and the abolishment of corporal punishment by the National Department of Education have a profound influence on the behaviour of the learners in the classroom. Behaviour displayed by learners challenges the authority of educators and stand in direct contrast to a peaceful classroom setting which is a key element of the learning process. Educators found themselves at a loss, not knowing how to retain order and discipline while valuable teaching time is lost. The aim of this study is to identify and determine how educators can be empowered to deal with challenging behaviour in their high school classrooms. A qualitative study was conducted for this purpose, in four high schools which is situated in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. To obtain the necessary data different data-collection techniques were used, namely questionnaires and interviews. Learners, educators and parents were participants in the study. The findings suggested that most educators do not have the skills and/or knowledge to cope with challenging behaviour displayed by learners in the classroom. Conditions where educators are unable to control the behaviour of learners undoubtedly leads to the degradation of teaching and learning, so the need to address the problem was real. The concluding chapter recommends strategies of dealing with challenging behaviour through classroom management, educator skills as well as disciplinary strategies. An environment that is conducive for teaching and learning will be created by such strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Empowering educators to deal with challenging behaviour at high schools in poor socio-economic areas
- Authors: Forbes, Carine Madge Sybil
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: School discipline , High school teachers -- Economic conditions , High school teachers -- Social conditions , Children -- Conduct of life
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9462 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020258
- Description: Inclusive education and the abolishment of corporal punishment by the National Department of Education have a profound influence on the behaviour of the learners in the classroom. Behaviour displayed by learners challenges the authority of educators and stand in direct contrast to a peaceful classroom setting which is a key element of the learning process. Educators found themselves at a loss, not knowing how to retain order and discipline while valuable teaching time is lost. The aim of this study is to identify and determine how educators can be empowered to deal with challenging behaviour in their high school classrooms. A qualitative study was conducted for this purpose, in four high schools which is situated in the Northern Areas of Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. To obtain the necessary data different data-collection techniques were used, namely questionnaires and interviews. Learners, educators and parents were participants in the study. The findings suggested that most educators do not have the skills and/or knowledge to cope with challenging behaviour displayed by learners in the classroom. Conditions where educators are unable to control the behaviour of learners undoubtedly leads to the degradation of teaching and learning, so the need to address the problem was real. The concluding chapter recommends strategies of dealing with challenging behaviour through classroom management, educator skills as well as disciplinary strategies. An environment that is conducive for teaching and learning will be created by such strategies.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Exploring a story-based learning design in a grade 4 science and technology classroom
- Authors: Kemp, Hermione
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Classroom environment , Classroom learning centers , Student teaching , Classroom management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9467 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021017
- Description: Stories are a vehicle through which experiences and events are communicated amongst people. Stories have the potential to influence people’s understandings and beliefs, and essentially, promote a societal and cultural change. Grounded in literature pointing to the value of narrative in supporting learning and the need to explore new modes of communicating science, this study explores the potential of narrative in science education. The aim was to explore the use of a Story-Based Learning Design in a Grade 4 Science and Technology classroom. Using a qualitative case study research design the researcher took on the role of participant-observer. Data were collected through observations, learner verbal and written descriptions of a final product and teacher reflective interviews. The findings of this study illustrate the value of stories, as learning tools, in science education. In this regard pertinent conclusions were derived, namely, that stories attract learners and have the potential to be used as a vehicle for learning scientific concepts and the target vocabulary, that stories enable learners to make meaning of abstract concepts and relate it to their world and finally that the use of the imagination assists learners to visualise concepts making learning relevant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Kemp, Hermione
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Classroom environment , Classroom learning centers , Student teaching , Classroom management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9467 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021017
- Description: Stories are a vehicle through which experiences and events are communicated amongst people. Stories have the potential to influence people’s understandings and beliefs, and essentially, promote a societal and cultural change. Grounded in literature pointing to the value of narrative in supporting learning and the need to explore new modes of communicating science, this study explores the potential of narrative in science education. The aim was to explore the use of a Story-Based Learning Design in a Grade 4 Science and Technology classroom. Using a qualitative case study research design the researcher took on the role of participant-observer. Data were collected through observations, learner verbal and written descriptions of a final product and teacher reflective interviews. The findings of this study illustrate the value of stories, as learning tools, in science education. In this regard pertinent conclusions were derived, namely, that stories attract learners and have the potential to be used as a vehicle for learning scientific concepts and the target vocabulary, that stories enable learners to make meaning of abstract concepts and relate it to their world and finally that the use of the imagination assists learners to visualise concepts making learning relevant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Exploring a story-based learning design in a grade 4 science and technology classroom
- Authors: Kemp, Hermione
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Classroom environment , Classroon learning centers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020083
- Description: Stories are a vehicle through which experiences and events are communicated amongst people. Stories have the potential to influence people’s understandings and beliefs, and essentially, promote a societal and cultural change. Grounded in literature pointing to the value of narrative in supporting learning and the need to explore new modes of communicating science, this study explores the potential of narrative in science education. The aim was to explore the use of a Story-Based Learning Design in a Grade 4 Science and Technology classroom. Using a qualitative case study research design the researcher took on the role of participant-observer. Data were collected through observations, learner verbal and written descriptions of a final product and teacher reflective interviews. The findings of this study illustrate the value of stories, as learning tools, in science education. In this regard pertinent conclusions were derived, namely, that stories attract learners and have the potential to be used as a vehicle for learning scientific concepts and the target vocabulary, that stories enable learners to make meaning of abstract concepts and relate it to their world and finally that the use of the imagination assists learners to visualise concepts making learning relevant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Kemp, Hermione
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Classroom environment , Classroon learning centers
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9458 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020083
- Description: Stories are a vehicle through which experiences and events are communicated amongst people. Stories have the potential to influence people’s understandings and beliefs, and essentially, promote a societal and cultural change. Grounded in literature pointing to the value of narrative in supporting learning and the need to explore new modes of communicating science, this study explores the potential of narrative in science education. The aim was to explore the use of a Story-Based Learning Design in a Grade 4 Science and Technology classroom. Using a qualitative case study research design the researcher took on the role of participant-observer. Data were collected through observations, learner verbal and written descriptions of a final product and teacher reflective interviews. The findings of this study illustrate the value of stories, as learning tools, in science education. In this regard pertinent conclusions were derived, namely, that stories attract learners and have the potential to be used as a vehicle for learning scientific concepts and the target vocabulary, that stories enable learners to make meaning of abstract concepts and relate it to their world and finally that the use of the imagination assists learners to visualise concepts making learning relevant.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
High school teachers' experiences of dealing with learners made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS
- Tame-Gwaxula, Sindiswa Ruby, De Lange, Naydene
- Authors: Tame-Gwaxula, Sindiswa Ruby , De Lange, Naydene
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Educational counseling , High school teachers , HIV-positive persons -- Care , Communicable diseases in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2959 , vital:20377
- Description: The HIV and AIDS pandemic have become not only a health concern but educational and social concern as well. According to Beyers and Hay (2011, p. 99) many school-going children are not only affected by HIV but a large number of adolescents are also either HIV positive or have AIDS. Other researchers argue that education should act as a vaccine against new HIV infections (Kendall and O’Gara, 2007, p. 6). This argument comes with the expectation that all teachers are willing and ready to work with learners made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS; without considering the lived realities of the teachers in relation to HIV and AIDS. While many teachers make a difference in the lives of affected and infected learners through the way in which they deal with the learners concerned, some may not take up the challenge to assist the learners, while others might unknowingly and unintentionally do harm. This study, therefore, aimed at exploring high school teachers’ experiences of working with learners made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS in order to generate guidelines to assist teachers to effectively deal with vulnerable learners in their classrooms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Tame-Gwaxula, Sindiswa Ruby , De Lange, Naydene
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Educational counseling , High school teachers , HIV-positive persons -- Care , Communicable diseases in children
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/2959 , vital:20377
- Description: The HIV and AIDS pandemic have become not only a health concern but educational and social concern as well. According to Beyers and Hay (2011, p. 99) many school-going children are not only affected by HIV but a large number of adolescents are also either HIV positive or have AIDS. Other researchers argue that education should act as a vaccine against new HIV infections (Kendall and O’Gara, 2007, p. 6). This argument comes with the expectation that all teachers are willing and ready to work with learners made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS; without considering the lived realities of the teachers in relation to HIV and AIDS. While many teachers make a difference in the lives of affected and infected learners through the way in which they deal with the learners concerned, some may not take up the challenge to assist the learners, while others might unknowingly and unintentionally do harm. This study, therefore, aimed at exploring high school teachers’ experiences of working with learners made vulnerable by HIV and AIDS in order to generate guidelines to assist teachers to effectively deal with vulnerable learners in their classrooms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Investigating strategies to improve reading levels of learners in an Eastern Cape community
- Poswa-Nolisi, Julia Nomahlubi
- Authors: Poswa-Nolisi, Julia Nomahlubi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Literacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Developmental reading -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4496 , vital:20608
- Description: Literacy does not develop in a vacuum. Reading is taught and learnt within a social context. The school and teachers are a central part of this context, Pretorius and Machet (2003). The purpose of this study was to investigate the strategies to improve reading in an Eastern Cape community. To realise this aim, I first looked for strategies that are currently used by teachers. Then I focussed on additional strategies that could be of use in improving reading levels. This study observed the practices and accessed perceptions of teachers in two primary schools regarding literacy accomplishments in order to come up with relevant strategies to improve reading levels. My study is a qualitative case study focussed on Foundation and Intermediate Phase literacy. The two schools used in this study have different language policies. The one uses English as the language of learning and teaching and the other school uses isiXhosa. The home language of most of the learners in both schools is isiXhosa. I observed and interviewed teachers to get deeper understanding of the problem in the two schools. The Four Resources Model of Freebody and Luke (1990) proved to be a strategy that could be used to support the development of reading from the early years and on into the high school years. This model was found to articulate well with the official school literacy curriculum. In-school reading strategies could be well supplemented by assisting learners to engage with the four roles of Code Breaker, Text Participant, Text User and Text Analyst. In my investigation I found out that there is a problem in our schools in both home and additional language contexts. There is a great need for both in-school and out-of-school strategies to improve the situation. An Asset Mapping strategy revealed the range of existing and potential strategies available to a particular Eastern Cape community to raise reading levels and thereby improve learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Poswa-Nolisi, Julia Nomahlubi
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Literacy -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Developmental reading -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/4496 , vital:20608
- Description: Literacy does not develop in a vacuum. Reading is taught and learnt within a social context. The school and teachers are a central part of this context, Pretorius and Machet (2003). The purpose of this study was to investigate the strategies to improve reading in an Eastern Cape community. To realise this aim, I first looked for strategies that are currently used by teachers. Then I focussed on additional strategies that could be of use in improving reading levels. This study observed the practices and accessed perceptions of teachers in two primary schools regarding literacy accomplishments in order to come up with relevant strategies to improve reading levels. My study is a qualitative case study focussed on Foundation and Intermediate Phase literacy. The two schools used in this study have different language policies. The one uses English as the language of learning and teaching and the other school uses isiXhosa. The home language of most of the learners in both schools is isiXhosa. I observed and interviewed teachers to get deeper understanding of the problem in the two schools. The Four Resources Model of Freebody and Luke (1990) proved to be a strategy that could be used to support the development of reading from the early years and on into the high school years. This model was found to articulate well with the official school literacy curriculum. In-school reading strategies could be well supplemented by assisting learners to engage with the four roles of Code Breaker, Text Participant, Text User and Text Analyst. In my investigation I found out that there is a problem in our schools in both home and additional language contexts. There is a great need for both in-school and out-of-school strategies to improve the situation. An Asset Mapping strategy revealed the range of existing and potential strategies available to a particular Eastern Cape community to raise reading levels and thereby improve learning.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Lessons learnt from teachers during the first two years of the implemetation of a new foundation phase science curriculum
- Authors: Plaatjies, Randall
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Early childhood teachers -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Education, Elementary -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3052 , vital:20391
- Description: Foundation Phase (FP) teachers’ reluctance to teach science might stem from their weak science backgrounds that has resulted in their limited science content knowledge and their congruent science misconceptions and low self-efficacy with respect to science (Boyer, 2010; Luera, Moyer, & Everett, 2005). This study was guided by the following research question: What lessons, if any, can be learnt from a representative sample of FP teachers from six rural schools in the Libode Mega District with respect to the implementation of the Natural Sciences aspect of a new curriculum? The sample comprised 18 black, female, isiXhosa speaking teachers that represented six schools in the Libode Mega District (Libode, Ntlaza and Lusikisiki). A mixed-methods approach was used to collect qualitative and descriptive quantitative data using two structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews in the form of focus groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Plaatjies, Randall
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Early childhood teachers -- South Africa , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa , Education, Elementary -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3052 , vital:20391
- Description: Foundation Phase (FP) teachers’ reluctance to teach science might stem from their weak science backgrounds that has resulted in their limited science content knowledge and their congruent science misconceptions and low self-efficacy with respect to science (Boyer, 2010; Luera, Moyer, & Everett, 2005). This study was guided by the following research question: What lessons, if any, can be learnt from a representative sample of FP teachers from six rural schools in the Libode Mega District with respect to the implementation of the Natural Sciences aspect of a new curriculum? The sample comprised 18 black, female, isiXhosa speaking teachers that represented six schools in the Libode Mega District (Libode, Ntlaza and Lusikisiki). A mixed-methods approach was used to collect qualitative and descriptive quantitative data using two structured questionnaires and semi-structured interviews in the form of focus groups.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
National Diploma (Engineering : Electrical) extended programme students' perceptions of the benefits of academic development initiatives at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University
- Authors: Greef, Samantha
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Admission , Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Education, Higher -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3305 , vital:20422
- Description: During the last two decades, political change in South Africa has resulted in significant changes to higher education (HE) admission policies. Increased admission into South African universities has meant an increase in student diversity and different levels of preparedness of the students negotiating their way through their academic studies. Academic success of students remains a focus and one way of addressing this has been the introduction of various extended programmes at South African universities. Extended programmes have various academic development initiatives embedded in the coursework. These are designed to assist the academic progress of students. However, student success remains elusive as so many factors may impact. The purpose of this study therefore, was to investigate the perceptions of the National Diploma (Engineering: Electrical) Extended Programme students with regard to the benefits of the academic development initiatives offered by the NMMU, in order to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences as Extended Programme students. An exploratory sequential research design was employed, consisting of two phases of data collection, following each other successively (Creswell, 2012). The first phase of the data collection involved both quantitative and qualitative data. This was followed by a consecutive collection of qualitative data with the aim to enhance the themes that emerged from the first phase of this study. This mixed-methods research design facilitated the gathering of rich data to answer the research questions. The results indicated that these students perceived the academic development initiatives they received as positive and beneficial to their development. In addition, they felt adequately prepared for the mainstream curriculum; acquired and applied many skills relative to their field; and considered themselves to be at an advantage when comparing themselves to their mainstream counterparts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Greef, Samantha
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Universities and colleges -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth -- Admission , Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth , Education, Higher -- Curricula -- South Africa -- Port Elizabeth
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/3305 , vital:20422
- Description: During the last two decades, political change in South Africa has resulted in significant changes to higher education (HE) admission policies. Increased admission into South African universities has meant an increase in student diversity and different levels of preparedness of the students negotiating their way through their academic studies. Academic success of students remains a focus and one way of addressing this has been the introduction of various extended programmes at South African universities. Extended programmes have various academic development initiatives embedded in the coursework. These are designed to assist the academic progress of students. However, student success remains elusive as so many factors may impact. The purpose of this study therefore, was to investigate the perceptions of the National Diploma (Engineering: Electrical) Extended Programme students with regard to the benefits of the academic development initiatives offered by the NMMU, in order to gain a deeper understanding of their experiences as Extended Programme students. An exploratory sequential research design was employed, consisting of two phases of data collection, following each other successively (Creswell, 2012). The first phase of the data collection involved both quantitative and qualitative data. This was followed by a consecutive collection of qualitative data with the aim to enhance the themes that emerged from the first phase of this study. This mixed-methods research design facilitated the gathering of rich data to answer the research questions. The results indicated that these students perceived the academic development initiatives they received as positive and beneficial to their development. In addition, they felt adequately prepared for the mainstream curriculum; acquired and applied many skills relative to their field; and considered themselves to be at an advantage when comparing themselves to their mainstream counterparts.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Teacher conversations : what happens when teachers talk
- Authors: Klitsie, Clara
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Communication in education , Interaction analysis in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9457 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020081
- Description: Teaching has a primary focus on engagement with students, but paradoxically, it can be experienced as lonely, private work, in classrooms behind closed doors, with an accompanying sense of deep disconnection from peers. When six experienced teachers sought to counteract this isolation, they formed a group which embarked on a shared journey of reflection and conversation, with the purpose of increasing selfknowledge, clarifying a sense of self as teacher, extending understanding of the selfhood of other teachers, and exposing the deeper sources of meaning underlying the vocation of teacher. This study sought to describe the information, opinions and beliefs which were exchanged among participants within the group and to describe the dynamics within the group. Furthermore, it sought to identify and describe the self-perceived impact of the experience of such a group, on the vocational vitality of each of the participants. Within an interpretivist epistemology a qualitative phenomenological research approach was adopted for the study. Data were obtained from two sources, consisting of transcripts of conversations from the meetings of a collaborative reflective group and from semi-structured individual interviews with group participants. These were analysed using an inductive approach with the aid of qualitative data analysis software: Atlas ti®. Findings from the study show that a high level of trust and a sense of safety were created through the use of guiding principles for meetings. Content chosen for reflective conversations and the general experience of meetings was perceived as providing a rare opportunity for participants to discover their selfhood as teachers. They reported that this understanding was further broadened by exposure to the selfhood of other teachers. Furthermore, members of the talk group reported that participation had resulted in a lowering of their sense of professional isolation and a renewal of vitality in their teaching. It is hoped that the findings from the study will inform an understanding of the experience of dialogue in a reflective, peer group where teachers focus on exploring together “who they are” as teachers. It provides valuable insights of the personal and professional transformations which can take place for teachers participating in conversations which focus on their inner landscape. Furthermore, the study has the potential to inform South African teacher professional development programmes with approaches which focus on teacher vocational renewal and vitality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Klitsie, Clara
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Communication in education , Interaction analysis in education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9457 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020081
- Description: Teaching has a primary focus on engagement with students, but paradoxically, it can be experienced as lonely, private work, in classrooms behind closed doors, with an accompanying sense of deep disconnection from peers. When six experienced teachers sought to counteract this isolation, they formed a group which embarked on a shared journey of reflection and conversation, with the purpose of increasing selfknowledge, clarifying a sense of self as teacher, extending understanding of the selfhood of other teachers, and exposing the deeper sources of meaning underlying the vocation of teacher. This study sought to describe the information, opinions and beliefs which were exchanged among participants within the group and to describe the dynamics within the group. Furthermore, it sought to identify and describe the self-perceived impact of the experience of such a group, on the vocational vitality of each of the participants. Within an interpretivist epistemology a qualitative phenomenological research approach was adopted for the study. Data were obtained from two sources, consisting of transcripts of conversations from the meetings of a collaborative reflective group and from semi-structured individual interviews with group participants. These were analysed using an inductive approach with the aid of qualitative data analysis software: Atlas ti®. Findings from the study show that a high level of trust and a sense of safety were created through the use of guiding principles for meetings. Content chosen for reflective conversations and the general experience of meetings was perceived as providing a rare opportunity for participants to discover their selfhood as teachers. They reported that this understanding was further broadened by exposure to the selfhood of other teachers. Furthermore, members of the talk group reported that participation had resulted in a lowering of their sense of professional isolation and a renewal of vitality in their teaching. It is hoped that the findings from the study will inform an understanding of the experience of dialogue in a reflective, peer group where teachers focus on exploring together “who they are” as teachers. It provides valuable insights of the personal and professional transformations which can take place for teachers participating in conversations which focus on their inner landscape. Furthermore, the study has the potential to inform South African teacher professional development programmes with approaches which focus on teacher vocational renewal and vitality.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
Teacher conversations: what happens when teachers talk
- Authors: Klitsie, Clara
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Communication in education , Interaction analysis in education , Teachers -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021080
- Description: Teaching has a primary focus on engagement with students, but paradoxically, it can be experienced as lonely, private work, in classrooms behind closed doors, with an accompanying sense of deep disconnection from peers. When six experienced teachers sought to counteract this isolation, they formed a group which embarked on a shared journey of reflection and conversation, with the purpose of increasing selfknowledge, clarifying a sense of self as teacher, extending understanding of the selfhood of other teachers, and exposing the deeper sources of meaning underlying the vocation of teacher. This study sought to describe the information, opinions and beliefs which were exchanged among participants within the group and to describe the dynamics within the group. Furthermore, it sought to identify and describe the self-perceived impact of the experience of such a group, on the vocational vitality of each of the participants. Within an interpretivist epistemology a qualitative phenomenological research approach was adopted for the study. Data were obtained from two sources, consisting of transcripts of conversations from the meetings of a collaborative reflective group and from semi-structured individual interviews with group participants. These were analysed using an inductive approach with the aid of qualitative data analysis software: Atlas ti®. Findings from the study show that a high level of trust and a sense of safety were created through the use of guiding principles for meetings. Content chosen for reflective conversations and the general experience of meetings was perceived as providing a rare opportunity for participants to discover their selfhood as teachers. They reported that this understanding was further broadened by exposure to the selfhood of other teachers. Furthermore, members of the talk group reported that participation had resulted in a lowering of their sense of professional isolation and a renewal of vitality in their teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Klitsie, Clara
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Communication in education , Interaction analysis in education , Teachers -- Training of
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9589 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1021080
- Description: Teaching has a primary focus on engagement with students, but paradoxically, it can be experienced as lonely, private work, in classrooms behind closed doors, with an accompanying sense of deep disconnection from peers. When six experienced teachers sought to counteract this isolation, they formed a group which embarked on a shared journey of reflection and conversation, with the purpose of increasing selfknowledge, clarifying a sense of self as teacher, extending understanding of the selfhood of other teachers, and exposing the deeper sources of meaning underlying the vocation of teacher. This study sought to describe the information, opinions and beliefs which were exchanged among participants within the group and to describe the dynamics within the group. Furthermore, it sought to identify and describe the self-perceived impact of the experience of such a group, on the vocational vitality of each of the participants. Within an interpretivist epistemology a qualitative phenomenological research approach was adopted for the study. Data were obtained from two sources, consisting of transcripts of conversations from the meetings of a collaborative reflective group and from semi-structured individual interviews with group participants. These were analysed using an inductive approach with the aid of qualitative data analysis software: Atlas ti®. Findings from the study show that a high level of trust and a sense of safety were created through the use of guiding principles for meetings. Content chosen for reflective conversations and the general experience of meetings was perceived as providing a rare opportunity for participants to discover their selfhood as teachers. They reported that this understanding was further broadened by exposure to the selfhood of other teachers. Furthermore, members of the talk group reported that participation had resulted in a lowering of their sense of professional isolation and a renewal of vitality in their teaching.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
The influence of the extended family on the social and moral development of the child in the single parent family
- Terblanche, Malise Georgette
- Authors: Terblanche, Malise Georgette
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Moral education , Children of single parents , Single-parent families , Extended families
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9586 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020987
- Description: The single-parent family can no longer be viewed as a non-traditional family type. As more single-parent families become prevalent in our society, interest in this family type has increased. Research associated with single-parent families often focus on the pathology associated with single-parent families. It is apparent that single-parent households, whether headed by a mother or father often have more to deal with than the traditional two-parent family. However, as a single-parent herself, the researcher also knows that this family type has much to offer. This research is undertaken in an exploratory and interpretive manner to illuminate the influence which the extended family have on the social and moral development of the child in the single-parent family. The researcher, just like Monama (2007:iv) before her, wishes to elevate the view of single-parents from the stereotypical victims to responsible archetypes. As this research is undertaken with the eco-systemic perspective of Bronfenbrenner as theoretical orientation, it therefore focuses on the systems in which the child is nested and more specifically the extended family as part of the child’s microsystem. This research aims to be beneficial to single-parents, families, members of community organizations, educators and other allied professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014
- Authors: Terblanche, Malise Georgette
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Moral education , Children of single parents , Single-parent families , Extended families
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9586 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1020987
- Description: The single-parent family can no longer be viewed as a non-traditional family type. As more single-parent families become prevalent in our society, interest in this family type has increased. Research associated with single-parent families often focus on the pathology associated with single-parent families. It is apparent that single-parent households, whether headed by a mother or father often have more to deal with than the traditional two-parent family. However, as a single-parent herself, the researcher also knows that this family type has much to offer. This research is undertaken in an exploratory and interpretive manner to illuminate the influence which the extended family have on the social and moral development of the child in the single-parent family. The researcher, just like Monama (2007:iv) before her, wishes to elevate the view of single-parents from the stereotypical victims to responsible archetypes. As this research is undertaken with the eco-systemic perspective of Bronfenbrenner as theoretical orientation, it therefore focuses on the systems in which the child is nested and more specifically the extended family as part of the child’s microsystem. This research aims to be beneficial to single-parents, families, members of community organizations, educators and other allied professionals.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2014