The use of Van Hiele's theory to explore problems encountered in circle geometry: a grade 11 case study
- Authors: Siyepu, Sibawu Witness
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Geometry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa Mathematical ability -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004777
- Description: The research presented in this thesis is a case study located in the interpretive paradigm of qualitative research. The focus is on the use of van Hiele's theory to explore problems encountered in circle geometry by grade 11 learners and making some policy recommendations concerning the curriculum structure and teaching of the geometry at all grades. The interpretation is based to the learners' background in geometry i.e. their prior knowledge and experience of learning geometry. The study was carried out over a period of three years. The data collection process took a period of two months (April and May 2003) with a group of 21 grade 11 mathematics learners in a rural senior secondary school in the Eastern Cape. The researcher used document analysis, worksheets, participants' observation, van Hiele tests, a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The study showed that the structure of the South African geometry syllabus consists of a some what disorganized mixture of concepts. It is not sequential and hierarchical and it sequences concepts in a seemingly unrelated manner. The study revealed that the South African high school geometry curriculum is presented at a higher van Hiele level than what the learners can attain. The findings of the study showed that many of the grade 11 learners were under-prepared for the study of more sophisticated geometry concepts and proofs. Three categories of reasons could be ascribed to this: Firstly, there was insufficient preparation of learners during the primary and senior phases. Secondly the study indicated that there is overload of geometry at the high school level in the South African mathematics curriculum. Thirdly, the over-reliance on the traditional approach to teaching geometry, poor presentation of mathematical technical concepts and language problems, were identified as possible additional reasons for the poor learner understanding of geometry in general and circle geometry in particular. The study recommends that the structure of the South African geometry curriculum should be revisited and redesigned. Teachers should be empowered and developed to be more effective in teaching geometry through further studies in mathematics and in-service workshops. They should also be engaged in the process of implementing the van Hiele's theory in the teaching of geometry in their classrooms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Siyepu, Sibawu Witness
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Geometry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa Mathematics teachers -- Training of -- South Africa Mathematical ability -- Testing
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1871 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004777
- Description: The research presented in this thesis is a case study located in the interpretive paradigm of qualitative research. The focus is on the use of van Hiele's theory to explore problems encountered in circle geometry by grade 11 learners and making some policy recommendations concerning the curriculum structure and teaching of the geometry at all grades. The interpretation is based to the learners' background in geometry i.e. their prior knowledge and experience of learning geometry. The study was carried out over a period of three years. The data collection process took a period of two months (April and May 2003) with a group of 21 grade 11 mathematics learners in a rural senior secondary school in the Eastern Cape. The researcher used document analysis, worksheets, participants' observation, van Hiele tests, a questionnaire and semi-structured interviews to collect data. The study showed that the structure of the South African geometry syllabus consists of a some what disorganized mixture of concepts. It is not sequential and hierarchical and it sequences concepts in a seemingly unrelated manner. The study revealed that the South African high school geometry curriculum is presented at a higher van Hiele level than what the learners can attain. The findings of the study showed that many of the grade 11 learners were under-prepared for the study of more sophisticated geometry concepts and proofs. Three categories of reasons could be ascribed to this: Firstly, there was insufficient preparation of learners during the primary and senior phases. Secondly the study indicated that there is overload of geometry at the high school level in the South African mathematics curriculum. Thirdly, the over-reliance on the traditional approach to teaching geometry, poor presentation of mathematical technical concepts and language problems, were identified as possible additional reasons for the poor learner understanding of geometry in general and circle geometry in particular. The study recommends that the structure of the South African geometry curriculum should be revisited and redesigned. Teachers should be empowered and developed to be more effective in teaching geometry through further studies in mathematics and in-service workshops. They should also be engaged in the process of implementing the van Hiele's theory in the teaching of geometry in their classrooms.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Three perspectives on ukuthwasa: the view from traditional beliefs, western psychiatry and transpersonal psychology
- Authors: Booi, Beauty Ntombizanele
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Divination -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Social aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002445 , Healers -- South Africa , Divination -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Social aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Description: Among the Xhosas, the healing sickness called intwaso is interptreted as a call by the ancestors to become a healer. Transpersonalists also see these initiatory illnesses as spiritual crises, while according to the widely accepted Western psychiatric view, illness is purely perceived in physical and psychological terms. A case study was conducted where a single participant who has undergone the process of ukuthwasa and is functioning as a traditional healer was interviewed. A series of interviews were done where information was gathered about significant experiences related to ukuthwasa process. Tapes were transcribed and a case narrative was written and interpreted using the traditional Xhosa beliefs, the western psychiatric and the transpersonal psychology perspectives. Strengths and weaknesses of each perspective were then examined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Booi, Beauty Ntombizanele
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Divination -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Social aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002445 , Healers -- South Africa , Divination -- South Africa , Schizophrenia -- Social aspects , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs
- Description: Among the Xhosas, the healing sickness called intwaso is interptreted as a call by the ancestors to become a healer. Transpersonalists also see these initiatory illnesses as spiritual crises, while according to the widely accepted Western psychiatric view, illness is purely perceived in physical and psychological terms. A case study was conducted where a single participant who has undergone the process of ukuthwasa and is functioning as a traditional healer was interviewed. A series of interviews were done where information was gathered about significant experiences related to ukuthwasa process. Tapes were transcribed and a case narrative was written and interpreted using the traditional Xhosa beliefs, the western psychiatric and the transpersonal psychology perspectives. Strengths and weaknesses of each perspective were then examined.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Towards the development of a protocol for rearing juvenile rock lobster, Jasus lalandii
- Authors: Esterhuizen, J. A
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Lobsters -- Growth , Lobster fisheries -- South Africa , Crustacea -- Growth , Crustacea -- South Africa , Jasus lalandii , Lobster culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005174 , Lobsters -- Growth , Lobster fisheries -- South Africa , Crustacea -- Growth , Crustacea -- South Africa , Jasus lalandii , Lobster culture
- Description: The diversification of current aquaculture practise in South Africa is crucial for the future development of the industry. The rock lobster, Jasus lalandii has been identified as a possible candidate species for shore based culture in systems similar to those used for abalone farming. Reduced Total Allowable Catch (TAC's) and an increased minimum legal size were implemented as management strategies to relieve fishing pressure on natural stocks of J. lalandii, and in turn led to increased market demand and a possible niche for farmed lobsters. High puerulus settlement along the Namibian coast, together with other favourable aquaculture attributes, indicate that the commercial grow out of wild harvested juveniles could be feasible. The aim of study was to investigate the feasibility of growing out rock lobsters in shore based systems in Namibia and South Africa. The experimental objectives of the project were to investigate the nutritional requirements, as well as the effect of stocking density and tank design on growth and survival of J. lalandii. The economic viability of shore based rock lobster farming was then evaluated based on the experimental results and typical capital requirements of an abalone farm in South Africa. Puerulus and early juvenile rock lobsters were collected in Luderitz, Namibia and transported to HIK Abalone Farm in Hermanus, South Africa where they were acclimated in black fibre glass tanks in a flow through system. The pueruli were stocked at 50, 75, 100 and 125/m² and early juveniles at 20, 30, 40 and 50/m² to test the effect of density on growth and survival. A comparative dietary study with both size classes was conducted using a mussel diet (Choromytilus meridionalis and Mytilus galloprovincialis), a commercial shrimp feed diet and a rotational diet comprising both mussels and shrimp feed. Tanks provided with "v-shaped" asbestos hides, PVC hides and no hides were compared to test the effect on growth rate and survival of pueruli. All treatments were conducted in triplicate. Temperatures were recorded twice daily while water quality parameters were tested every second week. The results indicate that density had a significant effect on growth and survival on post-pueruli. An initial stocking density of 75 post-pueruli/m² is regarded as optimal both in terms of the growth rate and biomass production per tank. No differences in growth and survival rates were attained in the early juvenile size class. This indicates that higher densities can be used to rear juvenile J. lalandii. No significant differences were obtained in growth rate when reared under different hide conditions although asbestos hides yielded significantly higher survival rates (93.3 %) compared to the tanks provided with PVC hides (74.04 %) and no hides (77.8 %, p≤0.05). As a result of the high survival rate observed in tanks provided with "V-shaped" asbestos hides, these tanks also yielded higher biomass production per tank (297.8 grams) compared to the tanks provided with PVC hides and no hides (261.09 and 260.5 grams respectively). In the diet trials, growth rates of post pueruli and juvenile lobsters fed the mussel and rotational (mussel and shrimp feed) diets did not differ significantly, however, growth rates of lobsters fed the shrimp feed only diet was significantly lower than both the mussel and rotational diets (p≤0.05). Lobsters fed the mussel diet yielded significantly higher survival rates compared to lobsters fed either the rotational diet or shrimp feed diet only. An imbalance in the fatty acid profile of the shrimp feed could have been a major contributing factor to the poor growth and survival in lobsters fed the shrimp feed only diet as the level of linoleic acid (LOA) was exceptionally high resulting in a high (n -6):(n-3) ratio (1.01) compared to the mussel and rotational diets (0.17 and 0.56 respectively). The low level of arachidonic acid (ARA) in the shrimp feed diet could be a further contributing factor explaning for the poor growth and survival of juvenile rock lobsters. An economic feasibility study was conducted at the end of the experimental phase by modelling a hypothetical shore based rock lobster farm. A projection of production costs and revenues was based on the typical costs of a shore based abalone farm and the current market prices for wild harvested J. lalandii. The economic viability was evaluated using benefit-cost ratios, payback period, internal rate of return and breakeven analysis. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the projected lobster growth and survival rates were the main biological factors influencing the economic feasibility of the hypothetical rock lobster farm. An assumed four year grow out period at a low stocking density yielded more lucrative internal rate of return (IRR), benefit-cost ratio, payback period and net present values (NPV) than a five year grow out period at a high density. The four year grow out scenario proved to be more robust to the fluctuating Rand/US$ exchange rate and could accommodate a lower lobster survival rate. Results presented in this study indicate that rock lobster farming is a marginal commercial prospect based on current production performance and costs. Further research to develop effective puerulus collection techniques as well as to make lobster grow out technology more cost effective is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Esterhuizen, J. A
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Lobsters -- Growth , Lobster fisheries -- South Africa , Crustacea -- Growth , Crustacea -- South Africa , Jasus lalandii , Lobster culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5328 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005174 , Lobsters -- Growth , Lobster fisheries -- South Africa , Crustacea -- Growth , Crustacea -- South Africa , Jasus lalandii , Lobster culture
- Description: The diversification of current aquaculture practise in South Africa is crucial for the future development of the industry. The rock lobster, Jasus lalandii has been identified as a possible candidate species for shore based culture in systems similar to those used for abalone farming. Reduced Total Allowable Catch (TAC's) and an increased minimum legal size were implemented as management strategies to relieve fishing pressure on natural stocks of J. lalandii, and in turn led to increased market demand and a possible niche for farmed lobsters. High puerulus settlement along the Namibian coast, together with other favourable aquaculture attributes, indicate that the commercial grow out of wild harvested juveniles could be feasible. The aim of study was to investigate the feasibility of growing out rock lobsters in shore based systems in Namibia and South Africa. The experimental objectives of the project were to investigate the nutritional requirements, as well as the effect of stocking density and tank design on growth and survival of J. lalandii. The economic viability of shore based rock lobster farming was then evaluated based on the experimental results and typical capital requirements of an abalone farm in South Africa. Puerulus and early juvenile rock lobsters were collected in Luderitz, Namibia and transported to HIK Abalone Farm in Hermanus, South Africa where they were acclimated in black fibre glass tanks in a flow through system. The pueruli were stocked at 50, 75, 100 and 125/m² and early juveniles at 20, 30, 40 and 50/m² to test the effect of density on growth and survival. A comparative dietary study with both size classes was conducted using a mussel diet (Choromytilus meridionalis and Mytilus galloprovincialis), a commercial shrimp feed diet and a rotational diet comprising both mussels and shrimp feed. Tanks provided with "v-shaped" asbestos hides, PVC hides and no hides were compared to test the effect on growth rate and survival of pueruli. All treatments were conducted in triplicate. Temperatures were recorded twice daily while water quality parameters were tested every second week. The results indicate that density had a significant effect on growth and survival on post-pueruli. An initial stocking density of 75 post-pueruli/m² is regarded as optimal both in terms of the growth rate and biomass production per tank. No differences in growth and survival rates were attained in the early juvenile size class. This indicates that higher densities can be used to rear juvenile J. lalandii. No significant differences were obtained in growth rate when reared under different hide conditions although asbestos hides yielded significantly higher survival rates (93.3 %) compared to the tanks provided with PVC hides (74.04 %) and no hides (77.8 %, p≤0.05). As a result of the high survival rate observed in tanks provided with "V-shaped" asbestos hides, these tanks also yielded higher biomass production per tank (297.8 grams) compared to the tanks provided with PVC hides and no hides (261.09 and 260.5 grams respectively). In the diet trials, growth rates of post pueruli and juvenile lobsters fed the mussel and rotational (mussel and shrimp feed) diets did not differ significantly, however, growth rates of lobsters fed the shrimp feed only diet was significantly lower than both the mussel and rotational diets (p≤0.05). Lobsters fed the mussel diet yielded significantly higher survival rates compared to lobsters fed either the rotational diet or shrimp feed diet only. An imbalance in the fatty acid profile of the shrimp feed could have been a major contributing factor to the poor growth and survival in lobsters fed the shrimp feed only diet as the level of linoleic acid (LOA) was exceptionally high resulting in a high (n -6):(n-3) ratio (1.01) compared to the mussel and rotational diets (0.17 and 0.56 respectively). The low level of arachidonic acid (ARA) in the shrimp feed diet could be a further contributing factor explaning for the poor growth and survival of juvenile rock lobsters. An economic feasibility study was conducted at the end of the experimental phase by modelling a hypothetical shore based rock lobster farm. A projection of production costs and revenues was based on the typical costs of a shore based abalone farm and the current market prices for wild harvested J. lalandii. The economic viability was evaluated using benefit-cost ratios, payback period, internal rate of return and breakeven analysis. Sensitivity analyses revealed that the projected lobster growth and survival rates were the main biological factors influencing the economic feasibility of the hypothetical rock lobster farm. An assumed four year grow out period at a low stocking density yielded more lucrative internal rate of return (IRR), benefit-cost ratio, payback period and net present values (NPV) than a five year grow out period at a high density. The four year grow out scenario proved to be more robust to the fluctuating Rand/US$ exchange rate and could accommodate a lower lobster survival rate. Results presented in this study indicate that rock lobster farming is a marginal commercial prospect based on current production performance and costs. Further research to develop effective puerulus collection techniques as well as to make lobster grow out technology more cost effective is required.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Towards the development of a protocol for the selection of probiotics in marine fish larviculture
- Authors: Vine, Niall Gordon
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Marine fishes -- Larvae Bacteria Fishes -- Microbiology Fish culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005175
- Description: Manipulation or control of the microbiological aquaculture environment has been identified as an important focus area for future hatchery development. Subsequently, alternatives to obtain control of the microbiological environment are being sought of which the field of probiotics appears highly promising. Probiotics are usually selected based on various in vitro characteristics, however, the methods used differ and are sometimes unsuccessful due to poor experimentation. The aim of this work is to contribute towards the development of a protocol for the in vitro screening of bacterial candidate probiotics for marine fish larviculture. To reduce the number of candidate probiotics to be tested in vivo, various in vitro experiments need to be conducted, each screening for a particular mode of action – antagonism towards pathogen through production of antimicrobial compounds, growth and attachment to fish intestinal mucus, and the production of other beneficial compounds such as vitamins, fatty-acids and digestive enzymes. A total of 108 bacteria species were isolated from the digestive tract of the adult common clownfish, Amphiprion percula to screen for potential probiotics to be used in clownfish larval rearing. The antagonistic compounds assay identified twelve isolates which showed antagonism towards two or more aquatic pathogens. This was followed by an in vitro test that involved growing the organisms in fish intestinal mucus and modeling their growth parameters. A ranking index (RI) was developed using the lag period (λ) and doubling time (td) of the organism, where (1over λ x td) x 100. Five candidate probionts (AP1-AP5) with varied growth parameters were used for further in vitro experiments. The attachment to mucus assay introduced a novel tool for quantifying competition for attachment sites between candidate probionts and pathogens on mucus. Candidate probiont Pseudoalteromonas AP5 reduced the attachment ability of Vibrio alginolyticus when added before the pathogen and partially out-competed the pathogen for attachment sites when added second. In vitro screening for the production of beneficial compounds tested the candidate probiotics’ ability to produce digestive enzymes - trypsin, lipase and alkaline phosphatase as well as carotenoids and vitamin C. Candidate probiont Pseudoalteromonas AP5 produced high levels of the enzymes (98.2, 34.1 and 91.3 mU product liberated.ml⁻¹, respectively) and contained carotenoids while Kocuria AP4 contained carotenoids but produced low quantities of enzymes (7.8, 0 and 59 mU product liberated.ml⁻¹, respectively). None of the candidate probiotics produced vitamin C. To eliminate potential pathogenic or toxic candidate probionts, Artemia nauplii were exposed to each candidate probiont and the percentage Artemia mortality after 24-hours was determined. Candidate probiont AP2 caused high mortality of Artemia nauplii (98.4%) and was excluded from further studies. Identification of candidate probionts AP3-AP5 was performed using 16S-rDNA molecular techniques and the bacteria were assigned the names Bacillus AP3, Kocuria AP4 and Pseudoalteromonas AP5, respectively. Two methods of larval probiont delivery were tested – attachment to Artemia, and in-water delivery. Attachment to Artemia was high for both Kocuria AP4 and Pseudoalteromonas AP5 (7.2 x10³ and 2.7x10⁴ bacteria.nauplius⁻¹, respectively) while the in-water viability experiment showed that Kocuria AP4 comprised 23.9% of the total culturable water microflora after 24 hours while Pseudoalteromonas AP5 contributed 100%. To validate the findings from the in vitro experiments, in vivo trials using clownfish larvae were performed. Of the four candidate probiotics tested, only Kocuria AP4 showed potential to increase larval survival. In vitro tests produced a better understanding of the possible mode of action and strategies of competition between bacteria, however, the number of criteria in which a candidate probiont is successful in vitro may not be the best predictor for its effectiveness in vivo. Commercial studies that reduce between-treatment variation are required to test predictions about the most suitable probiont or combinations thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Vine, Niall Gordon
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Marine fishes -- Larvae Bacteria Fishes -- Microbiology Fish culture
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , PhD
- Identifier: vital:5329 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005175
- Description: Manipulation or control of the microbiological aquaculture environment has been identified as an important focus area for future hatchery development. Subsequently, alternatives to obtain control of the microbiological environment are being sought of which the field of probiotics appears highly promising. Probiotics are usually selected based on various in vitro characteristics, however, the methods used differ and are sometimes unsuccessful due to poor experimentation. The aim of this work is to contribute towards the development of a protocol for the in vitro screening of bacterial candidate probiotics for marine fish larviculture. To reduce the number of candidate probiotics to be tested in vivo, various in vitro experiments need to be conducted, each screening for a particular mode of action – antagonism towards pathogen through production of antimicrobial compounds, growth and attachment to fish intestinal mucus, and the production of other beneficial compounds such as vitamins, fatty-acids and digestive enzymes. A total of 108 bacteria species were isolated from the digestive tract of the adult common clownfish, Amphiprion percula to screen for potential probiotics to be used in clownfish larval rearing. The antagonistic compounds assay identified twelve isolates which showed antagonism towards two or more aquatic pathogens. This was followed by an in vitro test that involved growing the organisms in fish intestinal mucus and modeling their growth parameters. A ranking index (RI) was developed using the lag period (λ) and doubling time (td) of the organism, where (1over λ x td) x 100. Five candidate probionts (AP1-AP5) with varied growth parameters were used for further in vitro experiments. The attachment to mucus assay introduced a novel tool for quantifying competition for attachment sites between candidate probionts and pathogens on mucus. Candidate probiont Pseudoalteromonas AP5 reduced the attachment ability of Vibrio alginolyticus when added before the pathogen and partially out-competed the pathogen for attachment sites when added second. In vitro screening for the production of beneficial compounds tested the candidate probiotics’ ability to produce digestive enzymes - trypsin, lipase and alkaline phosphatase as well as carotenoids and vitamin C. Candidate probiont Pseudoalteromonas AP5 produced high levels of the enzymes (98.2, 34.1 and 91.3 mU product liberated.ml⁻¹, respectively) and contained carotenoids while Kocuria AP4 contained carotenoids but produced low quantities of enzymes (7.8, 0 and 59 mU product liberated.ml⁻¹, respectively). None of the candidate probiotics produced vitamin C. To eliminate potential pathogenic or toxic candidate probionts, Artemia nauplii were exposed to each candidate probiont and the percentage Artemia mortality after 24-hours was determined. Candidate probiont AP2 caused high mortality of Artemia nauplii (98.4%) and was excluded from further studies. Identification of candidate probionts AP3-AP5 was performed using 16S-rDNA molecular techniques and the bacteria were assigned the names Bacillus AP3, Kocuria AP4 and Pseudoalteromonas AP5, respectively. Two methods of larval probiont delivery were tested – attachment to Artemia, and in-water delivery. Attachment to Artemia was high for both Kocuria AP4 and Pseudoalteromonas AP5 (7.2 x10³ and 2.7x10⁴ bacteria.nauplius⁻¹, respectively) while the in-water viability experiment showed that Kocuria AP4 comprised 23.9% of the total culturable water microflora after 24 hours while Pseudoalteromonas AP5 contributed 100%. To validate the findings from the in vitro experiments, in vivo trials using clownfish larvae were performed. Of the four candidate probiotics tested, only Kocuria AP4 showed potential to increase larval survival. In vitro tests produced a better understanding of the possible mode of action and strategies of competition between bacteria, however, the number of criteria in which a candidate probiont is successful in vitro may not be the best predictor for its effectiveness in vivo. Commercial studies that reduce between-treatment variation are required to test predictions about the most suitable probiont or combinations thereof.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Training needs for municipal employees: a case study of Makana Municipality
- Authors: Hamaamba, Tyson
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Municipal officials and employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Environmental education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Local officials and employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Municipal water supply -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Sanitation -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Environmental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Environmental management -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Livestock -- Management -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Fire departments -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007952
- Description: This study investigated the education and training needs for municipal employees in order to inform an education and training strategy that would address environmental management challenges in Makana local municipality in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape province. The research was conducted as a qualitative case study that made use of questionnaires, document analysis, focus group discussions and interviews as instruments for data generation. Samples of respondents were selected from Makana Municipality employees in top and middle management positions, professionals/technicians and workers, including elected councillors. The study was contextualised through establishing environmental management issues in Makana municipality; establishing organisational needs; development of a learner profile; and through a review of policies and recent trends in adult education. The study established that the Makana Municipality employees are most concerned with the following issues: sanitation; solid waste management; livestock management and fire management. These issues require primary environmental competences among all council employees (top and middle management, professionals and technicians, workers and councillors who work on part-time basis). The educational implications needed to respond to these issues also require an understanding of legislation. The study also established that technical education and training which includes planning, project management, and financial and budgeting competences are necessary amongst the management and professionals. These competences may enable them to develop capacity in environmental management. This study further established the need for social education which includes competences such as communication and social justice. These competences should be developed amongst members of the same group as they need to involve the community in management of the environment. This should enable the municipality to create job opportunities and help change negative attitudes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Hamaamba, Tyson
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Municipal officials and employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Environmental education -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Local officials and employees -- Training of -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Municipal water supply -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Sanitation -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Environmental health -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Environmental management -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Livestock -- Management -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Refuse and refuse disposal -- South Africa -- Grahamstown Fire departments -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1943 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1007952
- Description: This study investigated the education and training needs for municipal employees in order to inform an education and training strategy that would address environmental management challenges in Makana local municipality in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape province. The research was conducted as a qualitative case study that made use of questionnaires, document analysis, focus group discussions and interviews as instruments for data generation. Samples of respondents were selected from Makana Municipality employees in top and middle management positions, professionals/technicians and workers, including elected councillors. The study was contextualised through establishing environmental management issues in Makana municipality; establishing organisational needs; development of a learner profile; and through a review of policies and recent trends in adult education. The study established that the Makana Municipality employees are most concerned with the following issues: sanitation; solid waste management; livestock management and fire management. These issues require primary environmental competences among all council employees (top and middle management, professionals and technicians, workers and councillors who work on part-time basis). The educational implications needed to respond to these issues also require an understanding of legislation. The study also established that technical education and training which includes planning, project management, and financial and budgeting competences are necessary amongst the management and professionals. These competences may enable them to develop capacity in environmental management. This study further established the need for social education which includes competences such as communication and social justice. These competences should be developed amongst members of the same group as they need to involve the community in management of the environment. This should enable the municipality to create job opportunities and help change negative attitudes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Understanding editorial independence and public accountability issues in public broadcasting service: a study of the editorial policies at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC)
- Authors: Jjuuko, Denis Charles
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: South African Broadcasting Corporation , South African Broadcasting Corporation -- Law and legislation , Broadcasting -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Broadcasting policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3437 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002891 , South African Broadcasting Corporation , South African Broadcasting Corporation -- Law and legislation , Broadcasting -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Broadcasting policy -- South Africa
- Description: The concepts of editorial independence and public accountability are necessary in public broadcasting service as they help make a distinction between a public service broadcaster, a government and a commercial service broadcaster. This is because public service broadcasters are tasked with the responsibility of serving the interests of the general public. To do this, the above mentioned concepts have to be in place. This study examines these issues (editorial independence and public accountability) with reference to a case study of the editorial policies of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Using public broadcasting theory, policy theory and qualitative research methods, the study examines the genesis of these editorial policies in 2003/2004 and how they provide the SABC with a means of balancing the tensions of editorial independence and public accountability. In analysing the SABC’s editorial policies, the study deals only with those policies whose principles are directly related to editorial independence and public accountability. Although some of these policies are found to be in line with public broadcasting service trends, others are found lacking. Various recommendations are made. The case study demonstrates the importance of an integrated and elaborated policy perspective in setting out how a public service broadcaster can manage editorial independence and public accountability. It also highlights the importance of using international ‘role models’ in ways that are appropriately adapted for the specific country concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Jjuuko, Denis Charles
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: South African Broadcasting Corporation , South African Broadcasting Corporation -- Law and legislation , Broadcasting -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Broadcasting policy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3437 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002891 , South African Broadcasting Corporation , South African Broadcasting Corporation -- Law and legislation , Broadcasting -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Mass media -- Social aspects -- South Africa , Broadcasting policy -- South Africa
- Description: The concepts of editorial independence and public accountability are necessary in public broadcasting service as they help make a distinction between a public service broadcaster, a government and a commercial service broadcaster. This is because public service broadcasters are tasked with the responsibility of serving the interests of the general public. To do this, the above mentioned concepts have to be in place. This study examines these issues (editorial independence and public accountability) with reference to a case study of the editorial policies of the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC). Using public broadcasting theory, policy theory and qualitative research methods, the study examines the genesis of these editorial policies in 2003/2004 and how they provide the SABC with a means of balancing the tensions of editorial independence and public accountability. In analysing the SABC’s editorial policies, the study deals only with those policies whose principles are directly related to editorial independence and public accountability. Although some of these policies are found to be in line with public broadcasting service trends, others are found lacking. Various recommendations are made. The case study demonstrates the importance of an integrated and elaborated policy perspective in setting out how a public service broadcaster can manage editorial independence and public accountability. It also highlights the importance of using international ‘role models’ in ways that are appropriately adapted for the specific country concerned.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Using aspects of game theory for enhanced stakeholder participation perspectives in integrated water resource management: a Kat River Valley case study
- Authors: Mbatha, Cyril
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Water resources development -- Case studies , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Economic development -- Case studies , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Game theory
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002705 , Water resources development -- Case studies , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Economic development -- Case studies , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Game theory
- Description: South Africa is a water poor region and yet, like in many other developing countries, water resources are a valuable production input in socially important industries such as agriculture and mining (Nieuwoudt et al., 2004:162-182). With a mean annual rainfall and runoff of 502mm and 42mm (420m³ per hectare per annum) respectively, Briers and Powell (1993:1) speculate that water shortages will limit South Africa’s economic development in the twenty-first century. In response to the challenges of water resource scarcity and socio-economic inequalities, in 1997 the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), following international trends, formulated a National Water Policy (NWP) based on Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) principles (Palmer et al., 2003). The main objectives of the NWP (1997) are to protect national water resources from degradation, provide economically disadvantaged communities with access to water resources and promote economic development, through the devolution of water management responsibilities to locally established water institutions (NWP, 1997). The pursuit of these objectives requires a thorough investigation of biophysical, sociopolitical and economic characteristics of the demarcated water areas. For such an investigation to provide accurate and locally relevant results, broad stakeholder participation is of paramount importance. The thesis discusses economic measures required in pursuing enhanced stakeholder participation levels at local levels. A socio-economic survey investigation describing major participation trends against reported property rights and Willingness to Pay values was conducted in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape province. From the investigation, observed participation trends driven by economic interests were identified and used in recommendations proposed for the policy implementation process. Using game theoretic arguments as guidelines in soliciting cooperative behaviour in the use and consumption of common resources (Ostrom, 1990), the thesis proposes the introduction of water related public works projects as employment creating vehicles for individuals and communities targeted for economic empowerment and participation in the water policy. However, for sustainable stakeholder participation levels, it is argued that the employment positions created through the projects need to be designed in a manner that would encourage an evolution of long-term relationships between stakeholders and the water management institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Mbatha, Cyril
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Water resources development -- Case studies , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Economic development -- Case studies , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Game theory
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:971 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002705 , Water resources development -- Case studies , Water-supply -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley -- Management , Economic development -- Case studies , Water-supply -- Government policy -- South Africa , Economic development -- South Africa -- Kat River Valley , Game theory
- Description: South Africa is a water poor region and yet, like in many other developing countries, water resources are a valuable production input in socially important industries such as agriculture and mining (Nieuwoudt et al., 2004:162-182). With a mean annual rainfall and runoff of 502mm and 42mm (420m³ per hectare per annum) respectively, Briers and Powell (1993:1) speculate that water shortages will limit South Africa’s economic development in the twenty-first century. In response to the challenges of water resource scarcity and socio-economic inequalities, in 1997 the South African Department of Water Affairs and Forestry (DWAF), following international trends, formulated a National Water Policy (NWP) based on Integrated Water Resource Management (IWRM) principles (Palmer et al., 2003). The main objectives of the NWP (1997) are to protect national water resources from degradation, provide economically disadvantaged communities with access to water resources and promote economic development, through the devolution of water management responsibilities to locally established water institutions (NWP, 1997). The pursuit of these objectives requires a thorough investigation of biophysical, sociopolitical and economic characteristics of the demarcated water areas. For such an investigation to provide accurate and locally relevant results, broad stakeholder participation is of paramount importance. The thesis discusses economic measures required in pursuing enhanced stakeholder participation levels at local levels. A socio-economic survey investigation describing major participation trends against reported property rights and Willingness to Pay values was conducted in the Kat River Valley, Eastern Cape province. From the investigation, observed participation trends driven by economic interests were identified and used in recommendations proposed for the policy implementation process. Using game theoretic arguments as guidelines in soliciting cooperative behaviour in the use and consumption of common resources (Ostrom, 1990), the thesis proposes the introduction of water related public works projects as employment creating vehicles for individuals and communities targeted for economic empowerment and participation in the water policy. However, for sustainable stakeholder participation levels, it is argued that the employment positions created through the projects need to be designed in a manner that would encourage an evolution of long-term relationships between stakeholders and the water management institutions.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Virtuous living towards an African theology of wisdom in the context of the African renaissance
- Nkesiga, Reverend Solomon Basabose
- Authors: Nkesiga, Reverend Solomon Basabose
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Wisdom -- Religious aspects , Ethics -- Africa -- Religious aspects , Black theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8414 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/454 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011900 , Wisdom -- Religious aspects , Ethics -- Africa -- Religious aspects , Black theology
- Description: The structure of this study is a complex inter-relationship of a variety of sources in a theological work, namely, personal experience, African social and politico-economic context, philosophical reflection, wisdom traditions and Christian theology. These sources form a coherent inter-relationship which is foundational for an African theology of wisdom. The introduction gives an overview of my moral and theological formation. This is intended to provide a perspective through which the issue of moral orientation in African context has been approached. It is therefore entitled: Moral formation and the shaping of a theological mind. The first chapter answers the question: Why is Africa in need of a wisdom theology that addresses the issue of moral regeneration? This question is posed in the broader context of the current African Renaissance debates. The links between the Italian (European) and African Renaissance indicate that moral regeneration is a crucial part of the socio-political, intellectual and economic re-birth of Africa. This “socio-historical” source gives the context and urgency of a wisdom theology. It is therefore entitled: A contextual analysis: The European and African Renaissance. The second chapter re-asserts the rise of virtue ethics as an alternative ethical theory to the predominant deontological and utilitarian traditions. This is achieved through analysing Alisdair MacIntyre’s earlier work, After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory (1981), set in the context of Iris Murdoch and Elizabeth Anscombe, the modern initiators of a virtue ethic. This “philosophical” source gives the theoretical framework that addresses the question of moral formation. It is therefore entitled: A philosophical analysis: The rise of virtue ethics as alternative ethical theory. The third chapter is devoted to two related “wisdom” themes: Firstly, the seven traditional virtues are briefly described highlighting the virtue of wisdom as foundational. Secondly, the idea of wisdom is further developed via three wisdom traditions, namely: wisdom in the Hellenistic, Judeo-Christian and African traditions. This “sapiential” source gives this African theology of wisdom its most important building blocks. This chapter is therefore entitled: A sapiential analysis: Wisdom as foundation for virtue ethics in Africa. The last chapter brings the previous sources together under a specific theological perspective. It draws on aspects of recent African theologians’ work, notably: Kwame Gyekye and Benezet Bujo who engage with and bring together Western and African theological traditions. I answer a pertinent question, “What does such a ‘theological’ perspective entail?” I draw on Scripture and its Trinitarian tradition to demonstrate how African wisdom, reinforced by the framework of virtue theory, and developed in the context of present-day Africa by an African student of theology, has the potential to contribute to the moral transformation of Africa. This more overt “theological” source is the distinctive Christian enterprise of an African wisdom theology. The chapter title is aligned with the overall title of this study: A theological analysis: Toward an African virtue ethics? To this end, this study achieves its attempt to construct an inter-related framework from which an African theology of wisdom may emerge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Nkesiga, Reverend Solomon Basabose
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Wisdom -- Religious aspects , Ethics -- Africa -- Religious aspects , Black theology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , DPhil
- Identifier: vital:8414 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/454 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1011900 , Wisdom -- Religious aspects , Ethics -- Africa -- Religious aspects , Black theology
- Description: The structure of this study is a complex inter-relationship of a variety of sources in a theological work, namely, personal experience, African social and politico-economic context, philosophical reflection, wisdom traditions and Christian theology. These sources form a coherent inter-relationship which is foundational for an African theology of wisdom. The introduction gives an overview of my moral and theological formation. This is intended to provide a perspective through which the issue of moral orientation in African context has been approached. It is therefore entitled: Moral formation and the shaping of a theological mind. The first chapter answers the question: Why is Africa in need of a wisdom theology that addresses the issue of moral regeneration? This question is posed in the broader context of the current African Renaissance debates. The links between the Italian (European) and African Renaissance indicate that moral regeneration is a crucial part of the socio-political, intellectual and economic re-birth of Africa. This “socio-historical” source gives the context and urgency of a wisdom theology. It is therefore entitled: A contextual analysis: The European and African Renaissance. The second chapter re-asserts the rise of virtue ethics as an alternative ethical theory to the predominant deontological and utilitarian traditions. This is achieved through analysing Alisdair MacIntyre’s earlier work, After Virtue: A Study in Moral Theory (1981), set in the context of Iris Murdoch and Elizabeth Anscombe, the modern initiators of a virtue ethic. This “philosophical” source gives the theoretical framework that addresses the question of moral formation. It is therefore entitled: A philosophical analysis: The rise of virtue ethics as alternative ethical theory. The third chapter is devoted to two related “wisdom” themes: Firstly, the seven traditional virtues are briefly described highlighting the virtue of wisdom as foundational. Secondly, the idea of wisdom is further developed via three wisdom traditions, namely: wisdom in the Hellenistic, Judeo-Christian and African traditions. This “sapiential” source gives this African theology of wisdom its most important building blocks. This chapter is therefore entitled: A sapiential analysis: Wisdom as foundation for virtue ethics in Africa. The last chapter brings the previous sources together under a specific theological perspective. It draws on aspects of recent African theologians’ work, notably: Kwame Gyekye and Benezet Bujo who engage with and bring together Western and African theological traditions. I answer a pertinent question, “What does such a ‘theological’ perspective entail?” I draw on Scripture and its Trinitarian tradition to demonstrate how African wisdom, reinforced by the framework of virtue theory, and developed in the context of present-day Africa by an African student of theology, has the potential to contribute to the moral transformation of Africa. This more overt “theological” source is the distinctive Christian enterprise of an African wisdom theology. The chapter title is aligned with the overall title of this study: A theological analysis: Toward an African virtue ethics? To this end, this study achieves its attempt to construct an inter-related framework from which an African theology of wisdom may emerge.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Web usage mining of organisational web sites
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Craig Peter
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Web usage mining -- South Africa , Internet users -- South Africa , Information visualization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/399 , Web usage mining -- South Africa , Internet users -- South Africa , Information visualization
- Description: Web Usage Mining (WUM) can be used to determine whether the information architecture of a web site is structured correctly. Existing WUM tools however, do not indicate which web usage mining algorithms are used or provide effective graphical visualisations of the results obtained. WUM techniques can be used to determine typical navigation patterns of the users of organisational web sites. An organisational web site can be described as a site which has a high level of content. The Computer Science & Information Systems (CS&IS) web site at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) is an example of such a web site. The process of combining WUM and information visualisation techniques in order to discover useful information about web usage patterns is called visual web mining. The goal of this research is to discuss the development of a WUM model and a prototype, called WebPatterns, which allows the user to effectively visualise web usage patterns of an organisational web site. This will facilitate determining whether the information architecture of the CS&IS web site is structured correctly. The WUM algorithms used in WebPatterns are association rule mining and sequence analysis. The purpose of association rule mining is to discover relationships between different web pages within a web site. Sequence analysis is used to determine the longest time ordered paths that satisfy a user specified minimum frequency. A radial tree layout is used in WebPatterns to visualise the static structure of the organisational web site. The structure of the web site is laid out radially, with the home page in the middle and other pages positioned in circles at various levels around it. Colour and other visual cues are used to show the results of the WUM algorithms. User testing was used to determine the effectiveness and usefulness of WebPatterns for visualising web usage patterns. The results of the user testing clearly show that the participants were highly satisfied with the visual design and information provided by WebPatterns. All the participants also indicated that they would like to use WebPatterns in the future. Analysis of the web usage patterns presented by WebPatterns was used to determine that the information architecture of the CS&IS web site can be restructured to better facilitate information retrieval. Changes to the CS&IS web site web were suggested, included placing embedded hyperlinks on the home page to the frequently accessed sections of the web site.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Oosthuizen, Craig Peter
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Web usage mining -- South Africa , Internet users -- South Africa , Information visualization
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:9595 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/399 , Web usage mining -- South Africa , Internet users -- South Africa , Information visualization
- Description: Web Usage Mining (WUM) can be used to determine whether the information architecture of a web site is structured correctly. Existing WUM tools however, do not indicate which web usage mining algorithms are used or provide effective graphical visualisations of the results obtained. WUM techniques can be used to determine typical navigation patterns of the users of organisational web sites. An organisational web site can be described as a site which has a high level of content. The Computer Science & Information Systems (CS&IS) web site at the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) is an example of such a web site. The process of combining WUM and information visualisation techniques in order to discover useful information about web usage patterns is called visual web mining. The goal of this research is to discuss the development of a WUM model and a prototype, called WebPatterns, which allows the user to effectively visualise web usage patterns of an organisational web site. This will facilitate determining whether the information architecture of the CS&IS web site is structured correctly. The WUM algorithms used in WebPatterns are association rule mining and sequence analysis. The purpose of association rule mining is to discover relationships between different web pages within a web site. Sequence analysis is used to determine the longest time ordered paths that satisfy a user specified minimum frequency. A radial tree layout is used in WebPatterns to visualise the static structure of the organisational web site. The structure of the web site is laid out radially, with the home page in the middle and other pages positioned in circles at various levels around it. Colour and other visual cues are used to show the results of the WUM algorithms. User testing was used to determine the effectiveness and usefulness of WebPatterns for visualising web usage patterns. The results of the user testing clearly show that the participants were highly satisfied with the visual design and information provided by WebPatterns. All the participants also indicated that they would like to use WebPatterns in the future. Analysis of the web usage patterns presented by WebPatterns was used to determine that the information architecture of the CS&IS web site can be restructured to better facilitate information retrieval. Changes to the CS&IS web site web were suggested, included placing embedded hyperlinks on the home page to the frequently accessed sections of the web site.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
Writing, identity, and change : a narrative case study of the use of journals to promote reflexivity within a Drama Studies curriculum
- Authors: Sutherland, Alexandra
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Drama -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa Drama in education Scholarly publishing Academic writing Reflection (Philosophy) Playwriting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004384
- Description: The study adopts a case study examination of three student reflective joumals written about class and field based applied Drama experiences over one year. The journals were written as part of a curriculum outcome to develop reflective practice, for one Drama Honours paper (Educational Drama and Theatre) at Rhodes University Drama Department, South Africa. Based on a narrative inquiry approach, the study documents the changes in identity, discourse, and representation of self and other, which emerge through the journal writing process. The research analyses how identities are constructed through reflective writing practices, and how these identities might relate to the arguments for the development of reflexivity. The development of reflexivity is seen as integral to contemporary educational policies associated with lifelong learning, and the skills required of graduates in South Africa's emerging democracy. These policies centre on means of preparing students for a world characterised by change and instability, or what Barnett (2000) has termed a "supercomplex world". The research findings suggest that journal writing within a Drama Studies curriculum, allows students to construct subjectivities which support Barnett's claim that "the main pedagogical task in a university is not that of the transmission of knowledge but of promoting forms of human being appropriate to the conditions of supercomplexity" (Barnett, 2000b: 164). In addition, the development of different writing genres within a Drama Studies curriculum allows students to develop disciplinarily relevant ways of discussing and researching artistic processes and products. A reflective journal is a potential site for students to interrogate and construct emerging identities which enable them to negotiate diversity, thus preparing them for their lives beyond the university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005
- Authors: Sutherland, Alexandra
- Date: 2005
- Subjects: Drama -- Study and teaching (Higher) -- South Africa Drama in education Scholarly publishing Academic writing Reflection (Philosophy) Playwriting
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1845 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004384
- Description: The study adopts a case study examination of three student reflective joumals written about class and field based applied Drama experiences over one year. The journals were written as part of a curriculum outcome to develop reflective practice, for one Drama Honours paper (Educational Drama and Theatre) at Rhodes University Drama Department, South Africa. Based on a narrative inquiry approach, the study documents the changes in identity, discourse, and representation of self and other, which emerge through the journal writing process. The research analyses how identities are constructed through reflective writing practices, and how these identities might relate to the arguments for the development of reflexivity. The development of reflexivity is seen as integral to contemporary educational policies associated with lifelong learning, and the skills required of graduates in South Africa's emerging democracy. These policies centre on means of preparing students for a world characterised by change and instability, or what Barnett (2000) has termed a "supercomplex world". The research findings suggest that journal writing within a Drama Studies curriculum, allows students to construct subjectivities which support Barnett's claim that "the main pedagogical task in a university is not that of the transmission of knowledge but of promoting forms of human being appropriate to the conditions of supercomplexity" (Barnett, 2000b: 164). In addition, the development of different writing genres within a Drama Studies curriculum allows students to develop disciplinarily relevant ways of discussing and researching artistic processes and products. A reflective journal is a potential site for students to interrogate and construct emerging identities which enable them to negotiate diversity, thus preparing them for their lives beyond the university.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2005