Study of technology education instructional practices in grade nine classrooms a case study of three senior secondary schools in the King Williams Town district
- Authors: Ntshaba, Lulama Princess
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16177 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/486 , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , Technology -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The purpose of this study is to investigate teaching and learning practices in Grade nine Technology Education classrooms. However, this is to ensure the relationship between the existing Technology Education teaching and learning practices and the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) requirements. The study was conducted in three King William’s Town Senior Secondary schools. The research took the form of a qualitative interpretive case study focusing on a study sample of three Technology Education teacher participants. The qualitative methods used allowed the researcher to gather the data in order to describe and interpret teachers’ Technology Education instructional practices in Grade nine classrooms. The data was gathered by the observation of Technology Education lessons in the classrooms, through the interviews, as well as the examination of the learning area policy documents (mainly the lesson plans and the activities in the classrooms). In contrast to the past traditional curriculum, the outcomes-based RNCS proposes that teachers teach for understanding and concept development with emphasis on active learning, problem solving, reasoning and communicating technologically. To achieve the outcomes of the RNCS, teachers who are regarded as the “key contributors to the transformation of education in South Africa” need to be “qualified, competent, dedicated, caring and be able to fulfill the various roles outlined in the Norms and Standards for educators” (Department of Education, 2002a, p.9). vi It has been evident by the researcher that instructional practices are not aligned with curriculum expectations. The findings revealed two fundamental reasons for this, namely the teachers’ understanding of the RNCS is limited and teachers’ lack of confidence with regard to content knowledge for Technology Education teaching. Teacher competence relates to teachers having the content knowledge and the ability to use this knowledge pedagogically to ensure that the curriculum is thoroughly covered at all levels. It has been recommended in this study that teacher development needs to become a priority. It is vital, that programmes are developed to retrain Grade nine Technology Education teachers in-service.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Teacher's and principal's perceptions of the integrated quality management system (IQMS) in three Butterworth District schools
- Authors: Ntshewula, Nombulelo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Total quality management , Quality assurance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School principals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16197 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1007301 , Total quality management , Quality assurance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Employees -- Rating of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School principals -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Educational evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: The researcher’s interest in this study is in teachers’ perceptions and principals of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS). This study examines teachers’ understandings of this quality management and performance appraisal system, how teachers perceive the instrument used to manage and monitor their performance and the performance of their schools, and what lessons may be learnt regarding the implementation process of the IQMS. The investigation was carried out in three Butterworth District schools in the Eastern Cape. The researcher made use of qualitative methodology to obtain data from a sample of 3 principals, 9 teachers and 1 district official. Data were collected from these respondents by means of in-depth, semi-structured interviews and through document analysis. The study found that some of the teachers and principals felt that they did not understand the IQMS, and they complained that the system is fraught with many obstacles that need to be addressed in order to promote the effectiveness of teaching and learning. The participants also spoke of multiple factors that contribute negatively to this phenomenon, which include the fact that the teachers’ workload is increased by the IQMS, time constraints, inadequate training, vague and unfamiliar language, the financial incentive that is attached to the instrument, and the many structures in the implementation process. In addition, the system seems to encourage a bureaucratic style of management. Teachers and principals also suggested ways in which the IQMS could be structured by the Department of Education for greater efficiency in education.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Teachers’ perceptions of the mentoring of novice teachers in the King William’s Town District
- Authors: Dlani, Siyongwana Archibald
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mentoring in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , King William's Town (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16184 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006244 , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- In-service training -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mentoring in education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , King William's Town (South Africa)
- Description: The aim of the study was to investigate the teachers‟ perceptions of thementoring of novice teachers in the King William‟s Town District. Inorder to understand how the teachers viewed novice teacher mentoringthe study adopted a qualitative approach. Interviews anddocumentsanalysis were used as data collection instruments. The purpose of the study was to investigate the teachers‟ perceptions on mentoring of novice teachers in schools. The respondents provided their explanationsof mentoring and also said what they think is the importance of mentoring. The teachers also had to give their mentoring experiences at school and District levels. Two schools in the King William‟s Town District were purposivelyselected to form the context of the study. The respondents were 6 educators, three from a primary school and three from a high school. Principals of the two selected schools were also included asrespondents in the study. The results of the study revealed that mentoring was taking place informally in the schools through sharing ofthe teaching challenges. Mentoring was also taking place through theteachers mentoring each other as Subject and Phase teachers supervised by Heads of Department. Most teachers understoodmentoring as giving guidance and help.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Teachers’ perspectives of learners’ indiscipline on Grade 12 academic performance: a case of the Libode District
- Authors: Tuta, Thamsanqa Clifford
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Indiscipline -- Learners Academic performance -- Grade twelve -- Learners School discipline -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Classroom management -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/889 , vital:30007
- Description: Evidence of the effects of indiscipline on the academic performance of grade 12 learners has been mixed. This study examined how indiscipline in the forms of disruptive, aggressive behaviour, alcohol and drug abuse affected levels of academic performance in a case study of public Senior Secondary Schools of the Libode Education District, Eastern Cape Province in the Republic of South Africa. A total of 25 teachers from two selected schools in the Libode District (10 men and 15 women) were randomly assigned to participate in both the quantitative and qualitative interview surveys conducted by the researcher. The study relied substantially on teacher ratings. The data were collected using interviews which were synthesized, analysed, presented and discussed within a specified time frame. The results adequately reflected on the three research questions of the study which were: To what extent do learners‘ aggressive and violent behaviour impede academic performance? Does imbibing alcohol and drugs influence learners‘ academic performance? To what extent does learners‘ disruptive behaviour affect their academic performance? It has been clearly indicated that disruptive, aggressive behaviour and alcohol and drug abuse have a negative impact on academic performance. The factors (disruptive, aggressive behaviour, alcohol and drug abuse) used in the analysis were identified as the main challenges to the educational development and academic achievement among learners; they pose a serious threat and have negative effects on students, teachers, the school environment and society. They originate from the same sources, however; these are mainly family background, society, cultural values, beliefs, technology, peer pressure and classroom management strategies employed by educators. Findings were discussed in the context of the main and sub research questions and recommendations were made.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Teaching strategies in Grade 11 multilingual Life Sciences classrooms: a case of two schools in East London District
- Authors: Jekwa, Noxolo
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effective teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16169 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/488 , Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Effective teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It is important to find strategies to assist learners who are taught in English especially as learners show different levels of English proficiency. English is taught as an Additional Language in many South African schools. Code switching is a well documented and researched strategy that teachers use in multilingual classrooms where the language of teaching and learning is not the learners’ home language. The study is concerned with and seeks to investigate the teaching strategies that Life Science teachers use in multilingual classes in addition to code switching. A case study of two Grade 11 Life Science teachers was conducted. The study adopts classroom observations and face-to-face interviews as qualitative data – gathering methods. The findings of this study, among other issues, reveal that in addition to code switching teachers use a variety of teaching strategies that include the use of textbooks, preparing notes for students, etc. Evidence available further suggests that the choice of teaching strategies is examination oriented rather than based on an understanding of current thinking on the ways of learning Life Sciences.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The effect of an agency-based HIV/AIDS education programme on the knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students at WSU
- Authors: Wopula, Luvuyo David
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: HIV/AIDS -- Educational programme -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18451 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007757
- Description: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of an agency-based HIV/AIDS Education programme on knowledge and attitudes of undergraduate students at the Walter Sisulu University (WSU) in South Africa. Participants were divided into experimental and control groups. A questionnaire was designed, validated and used to assess knowledge and attitudes of students towards HIV/AIDS who went through the HIV/AIDS education programme (HAEP) and those who did not. The questions were derived and based on basic HIV/AIDS information as part of the 'Alternative National Curriculum on Responsibility' (AANCHOR) programme used by first year WSU staff which was used in the United States of America. The study findings indicate that knowledge and attitudes of the students improved after the intervention. After the intervention, the t-test showed that students‟ attitudes on HIV/AIDS were found to be significant (p=0.045) when comparing the pre- experimental and intervention groups. However, the study also found that some participants displayed ignorance on the knowledge of HIV/AIDS and its effects. For example, some students believe that mosquitoes can spread HIV/AIDS. On the basis of findings the researcher recommends that all first year students should be expose to WSU HAEP because it is a necessity for empowerment with social, self- dependent skills (against HIV/AIDS) and self efficacy. Key words: HIV/AIDS, knowledge, attitudes, Education programme, students.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The experiences of the development support group DSG in the integrated quality management system IQMS in Butterworth District, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Ndandani- Msindwana, Judith Nonkululeko
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work capacity evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16173 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/467 , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Work capacity evaluation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: This study investigated the experiences of the Development Support Group (DGS) when implementing the IQMS (Integrated Quality Management System) in Butterworth District of the Eastern Cape. The aim of the study was to explore the experiences of the DSG when implementing the IQMS in an attempt to determine whether the DSG can cope with the task of being part of evaluation in education, and how the negative experiences could be improved. In order to get the experiences of the DSG when implementing the IQMS, the researcher embarked on this phenomenological study. Data were collected by means of one-on-one semi-structured interviews and the perusal of the IQMS document, Resolution 8 of 2003. Responses from the participants were tape-recorded and eventually transcribed, analyzed and interpreted. The main feature revealed by the study is gross lack of confidence, feeling of insecurity and ambivalence on the part of the DSG. On the basis of the findings, recommendations that will assist the DSG (and other IQMS implementers) to improve IQMS implementation, have been made. This study also serves as the voice of the DSG for they have also made suggestions to improve on the negative experiences they have highlighted. The conclusions arrived at in this study are specific to the DSG of the sampled schools. The conclusions reflect and explain the challenges faced by the DSG in Butterworth district. But the findings give a reflective explanatory depth to the experiences the DSG when implementing the IQMS.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The implementation of inclusion policy for learners with special education needs: a case study of four primary schools in the Grahamstown District
- Authors: Shadaya, Girlie
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Education and state -- South Africa , Inclusive education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Special education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grahamstown (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16183 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006239 , Education and state -- South Africa , Inclusive education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Primary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Special education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Grahamstown (South Africa)
- Description: Inclusion is successful when all stakeholders in the education system accept the challenge to work together and to do their fair share of educating all children. Although the teacher has been placed at the heart of the system as a key person in shaping inclusion, the district office (Department of Education), schools, teachers and parents must engage in collaborative team-driven decision making that is focused on interventions designed to enhance social outcomes for learners. The aim of this study was to assess the implementation of the inclusion policy for learners with special education needs. This study made use a mixed method research approach which engaged both qualitative and quantitative research methodologies. A total of twenty primary school teachers filled a questionnaire that had three parts: (i) Teacher demographics, (ii) Instructional modifications and (iii) Teaching strategies. Interviews, documents and observations were also used to collect data. Data was analysed by statistical and non-statistical procedures. Results showed that the inclusion policy is being implemented in schools. However, there are challenges that are being faced. For one, teachers have not received adequate training with regards to inclusive education. Staff development workshops to try and address this challenge are minimal, there is not enough collaboration being demonstrated by the different stakeholders with regards to support and monitoring the implementation process. The study recommends that all teachers and other personnel in the school receive adequate training. Also, the need for support must be met. Further studies could consider attitudes to inclusive education and the relationship between learner success and teacher preparedness in inclusive educational models.
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- Date Issued: 2012
The role of the peer educators in enhancing social and emotional learning: a case of foursecondary schools in Fort Beaufort district
- Authors: Nyarayi Chinyama
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Peer teaching -- Education, Secondary -- South Africa- - Eastern Cape , Learning, Psychology of , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fort Beaufort (South Africa)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16193 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006257 , Schools -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Peer teaching -- Education, Secondary -- South Africa- - Eastern Cape , Learning, Psychology of , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teachers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education and state -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Fort Beaufort (South Africa)
- Description: The aim of this study was to explore how peer education is enhancing social-emotional learning in four secondary schools in Fort Beaufort Education District. An empirical investigation using the qualitative approach examined the situation of the peer education clubs at the four schools. Data was gathered using interviews, focus groups, observations and document analysis. The purpose of the study was to examine the role of peer education programmes in enhancing social and emotional learning in schools. In this research study specifically the qualitative research approach was used. The study also adopted a purposive sampling procedure which is acceptable for special sampling situations where the researcher applied her own experience to select cases which form part of the participants. Four schools were selected, four principals, four teachers who work with peer education clubs, four focus groups, one HIV/AIDS district coordinator, and one peer group trainer. It emerged from the analysis of the collected data that peer education clubs in Fort Beaufort have a number of challenges facing them, resulting in them making insignificant contributions towards the enhancing of social-emotional learning. The clubs’ efforts have resulted in little positive behavioural change among the youth. Among the challenges revealed are: lack of proper structures and support from school administrators, poor selection of peer educators, lack of time and facilities in which to carry out their work, lack of adequate training for both teachers and peer educators. Teacher interference was also cited regularly at all four schools, thereby defeating the whole idea of peer education. The study also revealed that peer educators in Fort Beaufort are not receiving adequate support from other stakeholders like, the police, the justice department and social welfare. Another critical observation made during the study was that peer education clubs are lacking clear standards of practice, rigour and sustainability, all which should be addressed in order to enhance social-emotional learning in schools. Data was analysed using a thematic content analysis. The analysis was carried out in a manner that related to the research questions and objectives in the study. A transcript was made from the respondents’ answers. Reflection and coding was done and data was categorised as an important learning tool in schools, and to recognise its contribution to social emotional learning. The study concluded that peer education clubs in schools, despite their huge potential to improve both behaviour and academic results, are not being given a conducive environment to operate in or the necessary support. This effectively means that learners with some behavioural problems and who have the potential to reform are also being denied the opportunity to lead better lives. The Department is advised to increase the number of both peer education trainers and trained peer educators. Furthermore the training period of peer educators should be increased from the current five days. There is need for the Department of Education to formalise peer education clubs in schools and craft laws that makes it mandatory for schools to provide the clubs with decent facilities like confidential rooms to conduct their activities. More so the study recommends that there is need to train all teachers in schools in social skills and not only LO teachers to ease supervisory burden on the LO teachers.
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- Date Issued: 2012
Accessing learner support services in a distance education context at UNISA Adult Basic Education Department
- Authors: Arko-Achemfuor, Akwasi
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16199 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013382 , Distance education -- South Africa , Universities and colleges -- South Africa , Adult education -- South Africa , Educational innovations -- South Africa , Educational technology -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Description: This study investigated the access to learner support services by Unisa‟s ABET students in the Department of Adult Education in one of the rural provinces in South Africa. Specifically, a survey using questionnaire and focus group interview was carried out to determine the access gaps in to the learner support services by Unisa‟s adult students. A literature study preceded the empirical study to fully comprehend the theoretical and conceptual underpinnings of the role of learner support in bridging the transactional distance between students on the one hand and the institution on the other hand. In the empirical study phase, a questionnaire was administered to 150 ABET Students in one province in South Africa through the stratified sampling technique and one focus group interview comprising 10 students who access support services at one of the regional offices to assess the importance they attach to the support services that are offered at the regional centres and the extent to which they are able to access them. The focus group interview comprised questions on the students‟ understanding of learner support services and their experiences in accessing them. Moore‟s theory of transactional distance was used as the theoretical base for the study. Out of a total of the 150 questionnaires that were distributed, 117 were the usable representing 78.0% response rate. One of the conclusions drawn from this study is that, although Unisa has most of the learner support services in place but for various reasons, a lot of the students are not able to access the support services as expected as the needs gap for almost all the support services were high. The chi-square tests found significant differences (p is less than 0.05) between the students on the extent to which they are able to access the support services. An integrated learner support framework was suggested for Unisa and other distance providing institutions to address the access gaps adult students‟ encounter in their studies.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Achievement of ‘Assessment of Learning’ and ‘Assessment for Learning’ in Physical Science and Mathematics Continuous Assessment (Cass) practices in two East London District High Schools in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Cobbinah, Charles
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16201 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1013406 , Educational tests and measurements -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Mathematics -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Description: It has been argued that assessing learner performance is considered to be one of the most important things a teacher can do to promote learners’ learning. The Mathematics and Physical Science guidelines on assessment make a distinction between ‘assessment of learning’ and ‘assessment for learning’. Both processes are seen to be complementary aspects of continuous assessment (CASS) practices which constitute 25% of the final year learner’s mark in the National Senior Certificate. How teachers understand these processes and how they achieve them during their CASS practices were the focus of the study. This was a qualitative study in which two senior secondary schools in the East London District in the Eastern Cape participated. The respondents were four grade 12 Physical Science and Mathematics teachers and two heads of department (HoDs). Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. There were five main findings. First, it was found that CASS assessment practices were skewed towards fulfilling accountability requirements of the Department of Education. Teachers focused on the Programme of Assessment (PoA) tasks and ignored other forms of assessment. Second, it appeared the use of the term ‘informal’ in the Department policy documents with regard to ‘assessment for learning’ encouraged teachers to treat informal assessment tasks as unimportant, not to be marked and recorded. In some cases assessment tasks were used to ‘occupy’ learners when teachers did not feel like teaching, so that learners would not be idle and disruptive in class. Third, some teachers did not set their own assessment tasks; they took previous papers and did cut and paste. Such a practice seemed to preclude assessment tasks that are tailor-made for particular learners. This practice also may undermine the alignment of learning outcomes and assessment standards. Fourth, moderation of CASS tasks was sometimes ignored and in other times done not strictly according to guidelines. These findings cast doubt on the validity and reliability of CASS marks. Finally, in most assessment for learning tasks, learners were not given feedback by teachers. This appears to undermine one of the most fundamental uses of assessment, which is feedback on performance that guides learning. It can be concluded that the CASS assessment practices did not reflect a balance between ‘assessment of learning’ and ‘assessment for learning’. This state of affairs seemed to be encouraged by the fact that district departmental support systems were too technicist and appeared to encourage teachers to do assessment to fulfil accountability purposes rather than for learners’ learning. It is recommended that research on assessment practices based on probability sampling for which results can be generalised to the target population should be carried out. It is further recommended that courses on assessment should be run for teachers in order to renew and/or give them assessment skills that will enable them to achieve a balance between assessment for learning and assessment of learning.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Amakrwala experiences as learners in a Buffalo City secondary school: implications for school leadership and management
- Authors: Duka-Ntshweni, Nomonde
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs , Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rites and ceremonies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Identity (Psychology) , Leadership
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16191 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006252 , School management and organization -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Xhosa (African people) -- Social life and customs , Initiation rites -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Rites and ceremonies -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Education, Secondary -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Identity (Psychology) , Leadership
- Description: ‘Ulwaluko’ (the male initiation custom) has been practised for generations by many cultures in South Africa and in Africa as a whole. AmaXhosa are amongst the population groups in South Africa within whom this custom has survived pre colonially and through the colonial and apartheid eras up to the current democracy. While this custom was reserved for older, mature and senior boys in the past, there is evidence that nowadays immature and junior boys as young as 12 years are taken to the initiation school. This study sought to understand how these newly graduated initiated men (amakrwala) cope with their multifaceted identities, as learners in a secondary school and as adults in the community. The study also seeks to explore a leadership style that can be sensitive to the needs of ‘amakrwala’ at school. This is a qualitative study which used interpretivism as the research paradigm. Phenomenology is the research design and phenomenological interviews were used as the data gathering tools. The findings reveal that there are tensions that exist between modernity and tradition in socialising amakrwala. The school represents the modern space and the home and community are the traditional spaces. In the formal school environment there is minimal or no recognition of the new identity of the ‘amakrwala’. At school ‘amakrwala’ are seen as learners. Their identity and status remain unchanged from what they were before they went to the initiation school. However, in the community and at home, they are elevated from a childhood to an adult status and their identities are thus re-shaped.
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- Date Issued: 2013
An assessment of the implementation of peer academic support programmes at higher education institutions in South Africa: a case study of one university
- Authors: Tangwe, Magdaline Nji
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Peer teaching -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16203 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1016084 , Peer teaching -- South Africa , Education, Higher -- South Africa
- Description: The purpose of the study was to assess the implementation of peer academic support programmes which are Language and Writing Advancement and Supplemental Instruction programmes in one University in South Africa. The study adopted a qualitative approach that used face-to-face interviews, focus group interviews and document analysis to collect data. Purposive sampling was used to select those who participated in the study. The participants were two coordinators of the programmes, ten facilitators working in the programmes for in-depth interviews and ten students who have been receiving services from the programmes for two focus group discussions. The study revealed that there was a general trend whereby peer facilitators of the programmes were recruited and trained. However, it was found that some facilitators abandoned the position immediately after the training which made it difficult for coordinators and Human Resource Staff (HR) to start the process of recruitment and retraining. In this regard, Teaching and Learning Centre, (TLC) and HR simply appointed other untrained facilitators to replace those who had deserted the positions. Also, some facilitators were unable to attend some of the regular trainings because of clashes with their classes. All these have a negative impact on the implementation of the programmes. The results also reveal that some of the facilitators were frustrated with students’ poor attendance in the sessions, and even those who attended their sessions, did not participate much in the discussions. It was found that most lecturers and students did not know the differences between supplemental instruction (SI) and tutorials. Neither did lecturers encourage their students to seek help from the TLC services. Reviewing of assignments from different disciplines by TLC facilitators was another burning issue that came up. Some facilitators reviewed assignments from different disciplines, because the disciplines were not represented and this is because they want to claim for more hours, which affects the quality of the programmes. The findings also show that some students did not like to take their assignment to the TLC for review because facilitators make unnecessary and harsh comments. On the contrary, some students acknowledged that they were fine with the way facilitators review assignments because it involves one-on-one consultation, and they always pass the assignments reviewed by PASS facilitators. The study also revealed that the coordinators monitored and evaluated facilitators through observation and the checking of attendance registers. Coordinators ware also monitored by senior colleagues of the department such as the manager of the TLC. Furthermore TLC has instituted a mentorship programme whereby senior facilitators mentor newly recruited facilitators. However not every facilitator had a mentor. The study also exposed the fact that the TLC venue was usually closed during examination periods to allow facilitators to prepare for their examinations. The findings show that some departments were not represented by facilitators and to remedy this situation, it is recommended that all departments be represented and lecturers encourage the students to get help from TLC. Most facilitators were undergraduate students, but they needed to be replaced by post graduates who did not have course work that will clash with PASS activities. The strategies used by facilitators were fairly good but more should be done to encourage students to participate in sessions. Finally, the monitoring and support mechanisms put in place were very functional but the TLC should make sure every facilitator is being monitored especially concerning the review of assignments. The significance of the findings of this study cannot be overemphasised. The strengths and challenges regarding the implementation of these programmes at this particular university have been revealed. Through the recommendations, it is hoped that the institution and the TLC would effect some changes in the implementation of these peer academic support programmes in order to better serve the students so as to achieve satisfactory throughput and retention rates.
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- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation into causes of the underachievement of Junior Secondary School learners within Ngqamakhwe District of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Nogqala, Lillian Pindiwe
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Learners -- Performance -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18461 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1008255
- Description: The study investigated the underachievement of Junior Secondary School learners within Ngqamakhwe district in the Eastern Cape Province. The research was conducted from the seven selected junior secondary schools in the Ngqamakhwe sub-district. The primary respondents of the study were one hundred and five (105) learners, forty two (42) educators and seven (7) school principals. Questionnaires were used to collect data. Three different questionnaires were designed, one for learners, one for educators and one for school principals. School schedules were also used to assess the extent of underachievement. The study utilised a quantitative research for the analysis of the data. The analysis was done using SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences, version 19). The study revealed a number of factors responsible for underachievement amongst the learners. These factors were grouped into school and home environments. With the home environmental factors the level of education of parents and whether the parents buy reading material were more significant. With the school environment the age and grade of a learner were significant. Responses from principals and educators were regarded as factors underlying the underachievement and in particular the lack of resources both at home and at school. School principals of the seven schools revealed that there were no libraries, science laboratories, computers or clerks in their schools. Poverty emerged as one of the causes of underachievement. The influence of these may be statistically weak but are nonetheless present. A few other factors were noted to have statistically weak influences on the academic underachievement of learners. These included factors like gender, the parents’ employment status, the availability of a person to assist with homework, the frequency of parents visiting schools, whether television is available at home and whether the children are bored or not.From the findings the following recommendations were made:Creation of jobs by the government; Adult Basic Education must be encouraged in the rural areas; Employment of more educators; Appointment of clerks in every school; Building enough classrooms; Building libraries; Building of science laboratories; Review of teaching methods by educators.
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- Date Issued: 2013
An investigation on the stakeholders' perceptions of the involvement of the governing bodies in the appointment of teachers in the Libode District of the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Mabunu, Sipho Christian
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teachers -- Recruiting -- School governing body -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18457 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1008042
- Description: Decentralization of governance is one of the many reforms that has been undertaken by the Department of Education in the Republic of South Africa since the attainment of democracy in 1994. The concept of decentralisation originates from the belief that the state alone cannot control schools, but should share its power with other stakeholders, particularly those closer to the school, on a partnership basis (Marishane, 1999:78). The South African Schools Act (SASA) No 84 of 1996 mandates the establishment of democratic structures of school governance in all schools (RSA, 1996a, section 16). According to the South African Schools Act No 84 of 1996, School Governing Bodies have been mandated to be responsible for the recommendation of teachers for appointment through interviews. This study was conducted in the Libode District in the Eastern Cape. Libode is composed of rural villages which are characterised by poverty, a high rate of unemployment and illiteracy. Many schools in the Libode district of education are experiencing problems emanating from the recruitment of teachers carried out by the SGBs. Interviews conducted by the SGBs are more often than not nullified and the selection and interview processes have to be repeated. They (SGBs) fail to defend their recommendations with valid facts when challenged by union representatives or by candidates themselves. The major concern of this study is to investigate the stakeholders' perceptions of the involvement of school governing bodies in the appointment of teachers in Libode district. A qualitative approach was employed for this research study. Purposive sampling was used for sampling the schools from which interviewees were selected. There were 14 respondents in the sample. Three (3) school principals , three teachers, three (3) teacher candidates, one SADTU teacher, one NAPTOSA teacher, two (2) SGB parents from the parent component and two (2) circuit managers were interviewed. The case study research design was employed to explore the perceptions of the stakeholders regarding teacher appointments. This research employed three data collection techniques, namely semi-structured interviews, documents analysis and observations. The main findings of this study reveal that the involvement, or participation, of the SGBs (parent components) in the recruitment of teachers is the source of conflict and disputes. The SGBs lack capacity, capacity to draft criteria for shortlisting qualified teachers, and capacity to conduct interviews properly and fairly. Findings suggest that problems still exist around SGBs' knowledge of Policies and Acts that enshrine procedures pertaining to teacher recruitment. In conclusion, from the findings, it appears premature for the system to mandate this professional function of teacher recruitment to the office of the SGBs.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Case study of the experiences of former street children as learners: implications for teaching and learning
- Authors: Boyana, Nokwenzeka
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Street children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , School children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Learning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:16188 , http://hdl.handle.net/10353/d1006248 , Street children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Case studies , School children -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Learning -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Description: In this study the main focus is on the experiences of former street children as learners. The main emphasis of this study is the manner in which such experiences influence these children’s learning towards constructing new identities. By examining the experiences of former street children in a school environment, namely a teaching and learning environment, this study will contribute towards the literature by providing focused and relevant information pertaining to the way former street children experience learning. By focusing on these particular learners from the street, the study attempts to explore and build an insightful knowledge in terms of understanding how former street children perceive learning in relation to their present personal and past life on the streets. Through this study the researcher will hopefully be able to determine how former street children feel, experience and relate to teaching and learning within a school context. Data collection for this study included the researcher’s observations and face-to-face unstructured in-depth phenomenological interviews with learners who are formerly from the streets. Among others, the study found that these particular learners have low self- esteem, a low opinion of themselves, and lack of self- confidence. The study also revealed that some of these learners are struggling academically and would appreciate it if academic was parallel with vocational skills so as to equip them for the world of work. It also transpired that learners who have relationships with those who have not been to the streets changed their lives for the better by learning from their peers but those who have relationships with other former street children at this school continue to engage in deviant behaviour, for many schooling has helped them to reclaim their childhood identity.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of inclusive education in the Eastern Cape: a survey study in the Ngcobo District
- Authors: Hlatini-Mphomane, Nyameka Winnifred
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Evaluation , Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18441 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007258
- Description: This study investigated challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of inclusive education in the Eastern Cape. It was a Survey Study carried out in Ngcobo District. School principals of randomly-sampled mainstream schools and special schools participated in this research project. The key research question that the study sought to answer was: What are the challenges encountered by schools in the implementation of Inclusive Education in the Ngcobo District of the Eastern Cape Province? The following were the sub-research questions: (a). How does the lack of specialized or in-service, trained human resource personnel challenge or hinder the implementation of Inclusive Education? (b). How is the implementation of Inclusive Education affected by available infra-structure? (c). How do the attitudes of stake holders such as learners, educators (ILST) and parents (SGB) affect the implementation of inclusive education? The findings of the study revealed that: There is a gross shortage of educators qualified in inclusive education or related streams, and in some schools none at all. Institution Level Support Teams (ILSTs) in some schools have not been established and some of those that are established are not functional. Needed specialists such as psychologists and occupational therapists are not available in special schools. Workshops or in-service training for educators generally are held for to ILSTs only instead of all educators and SMTs. School buildings and toilets have not been adapted for when inclusion is to be implemented and there are no specific, funded departmental projects to rectify this. Assistive devices for learners experiencing barriers to teaching, learning and development are rarely found. There are no clear departmental budgets to ensure the policy is implemented in ordinary schools. Negative attitudes of some parents, teachers and learners toward inclusion still exist. The following recommendations were made for consideration in order to facilitate the smooth implementation of Inclusive Education in the schools. There should be adequate provision of human resource training and development Educators have to further their studies in Inclusive Education. There should be provision of a specific budget for buildings. Maintenance funds ought to be used to renovate school buildings so as to be Inclusive Education friendly. Advocacy and awareness programmes for different stakeholders should be conducted.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Challenges in the implementation of technology learning area in the senior phase in some Mthatha schools
- Authors: Nokwali, Mlandeli Philbert
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Computer-assisted instruction
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/245 , vital:26589
- Description: Technology education is an important factor in every learner’s education. It contributes to the intellectual and practical development of the learners to enable them to cope with the challenges of a technological society. The main purpose of the study was to investigate the extent to which the learning and teaching of technology were implemented in schools in the Mthatha District. The main research question was: What are the challenges for the implementation of technology learning area in the Senior Phase? Research sub questions were: What support does the Department of Education give to educators?; To what extent have the objectives of implementing the technology learning area been achieved?; and, What suggestions do educators have to improve implementation of technology education? There were 20 Junior Secondary Schools involved in the study. There were two groups of samples: (a) the educators’ sample and (b) the learners’ sample. The educators’ sample: The sample size was 20 educators consisting of those who were teaching technology in either all the Senior Phase grades (Grade 7, 8 and 9) or at least in one of the grades in the senior phase in his/her school. On the researcher’s request, the Principal of each school nominated an educator and hence there was one educator in the educators’ sample from each of the 20 schools. The learners’ sample: The sample size was 40 learners consisting of at least two learners from each of the 20 schools. On the researcher’s request each educator in the educators’ sample nominated two learners from the senior phase. The instrument which was made to collect data was a researcher-designed questionnaire. The researcher personally visited each school involved in the study and gave the questionnaires to the two learners and one educator from that particular school to complete them independently within five days. The researcher personally re-visited each school on a day after the agreed-upon 5-day period but only after confirming over the phone that the questionnaires were indeed completed. The data were analyzed manually. The results obtained revealed that the implementation of the technology learning area is challenged by a number of problems. Those which were specifically identified were: lack of resources especially the rural schools; lack of people who are knowledgeable on Outcomes-based education (OBE) or the OBE modes of learning & teaching technology and its assessment methods, ineffectiveness arising out of large and overcrowded classes, challenges originating from or as a consequence of redeployment and the rationalization of educators and the lack of human resource to assist in the implementation of technology. The study showed the need for the provision of supportive service and continuous contact with educators to offer advice and assistance in order to improve the quality of technology teaching and learning in schools. The professional knowledge and skills of subject advisors as well as educators needed to be extended, refreshed and updated.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Exploring learning and teaching support given by principals to Grade R teachers in Mqanduli Area in the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Pantshwa, Zimasa Prudence
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Teaching and Learning support -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18438 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007197
- Description: The study was conducted in the Mthatha District, Mqanduli area, and it sought to enquire about the role of junior secondary school principals in supporting Grade R teachers in order to make teaching and learning in the Grade R classes effective. The researcher has noticed with concern the poor conditions of Grade R classes in the schools and felt a need for proper support. She felt the principal could champion the concept of support better, in his capacity as a manager in the school. Studies in Early Childhood Development have been done, and they pertained to all aspects of child development, parental support etc., but studies that view support from a managerial perspective in Mthatha District are scarce. Under quantitative research design, a survey research method was employed to collect a large portion of the data. A questionnaire consisting of closed and open ended questions was used in order to collect data from the Grade R teachers. Open ended questions were used in order to get a broader view and perceptions. Comprehensive sampling was used in this study because the whole population fell into the sample. All ethical considerations were observes and after receipt of permission to conduct research in the schools, a questionnaire was distributed personally to all the schools in the sample. Data was analyzed by means of the SPSS. Some of the findings identified in the study pertained to: the need for material support including good infrastructure, poor communication between principal and Grade R teacher, scarce meetings specifically for Grade R. The individual findings, together with the implications were discussed in relation to the research questions. The researcher recommended that technical support should be attended to and the principal must communicate frequently with the Grade R teacher. Financial limitations and negative attitudes from some principals were the major limitations the researcher encountered.
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- Date Issued: 2013
Factors causing the decline in English proficiency among learners based on a perception of teachers in the junior secondary schools of the Qumbu Education District
- Authors: Makena, Bulelwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: English proficiency -- Learners-- Teachers opinion -- Eastern Cape -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , M Ed
- Identifier: vital:18435 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007178
- Description: The purpose of this study was to find out whether factors such as the learners’ learning styles, their cultural backgrounds, instructional approaches and strategies used by teachers and the lack of exposure to relevant resources had an influence on the declining English proficiency among learners. The researcher is currently an English teacher in one of the schools in the Qumbu Education District. The researcher expressed concern about the learners’ declining performance in aspects of English language like reading, writing and speaking. The idea of carrying out this study became necessary as English is a compulsory first additional language for most of the schools. Most of the subjects offered in South African schools are taught in English; moreover, English is an internationally-recognized medium of communication. One therefore, has to master the use of English to a certain extent so as to be a successful scholar. The sample consisted of 20 English senior phase teachers who were randomly selected from 13 schools in various circuits around the Qumbu Education District. Data was collected through the use of questionnaires which focused specifically on the learners’ learning styles, their cultural backgrounds, instructional approaches and strategies used by teachers, and also the lack of exposure to relevant literature. These questionnaires were administered by the researcher in person. The data were analyzed and interpreted statistically and also presented through tables and discussions. The findings of this study revealed that the geographical locations of the selected schools for the research study, limited exposure to English-related resources, workload of English teachers, teaching and learning approaches, and knowledge acquisition strategies employed by teachers and learners contribute to the decline in English proficiency among the learners. If these could be attended to effectively, English proficiency could improve among learners. In conclusion, recommendations have been made both for action and possible further research.
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- Date Issued: 2013