Faculty of Education

Permanent URI for this community

https://hdl.handle.net/10530/3

Browse

Now showing 1 - 20 of 558

A mentoring model to enhance work integrated learning for B.ED Third year student teachers within the King Cetshwayo District
(2022) Buthelezi Thembinkosi Cuthbert
Mentoring of pre-service teachers during teaching practice has been characterised by many challenges, however, little is known about the availability of a model for effective mentoring of pre-service teachers in South African schools. The aim of this study was to develop a model to enhance the mentoring programme for B.Ed. third-year student teachers, within the King Cetshwayo District, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Data for the study was collected through interviews from twelve subject mentors who were purposively selected from twelve schools within the King Cetshwayo District and was analysed thematically. Results revealed that while there has been a noticeable interest among educators to mentor pre-service teachers who come for the teaching practice exercises, there seems to be a dearth of models or techniques to guide subject mentors on what to do when it comes to effective mentoring of pre-service teachers. School mentoring plays a significant role in the professional development of pre-service teachers, especially the teaching practice exercise which is geared towards exposing pre-service teachers to real life classroom teaching experience before they are eventually certified. Subject mentors rely mainly on their experiences and expertise to mentor pre-service teachers without following any mentoring model. Any communication breakdown between the university and the host schools’ subject mentors has a negative influence on the student-teachers. Based on the findings, a Six Grounding Model was developed. The study also recommends for universities with B.Ed. degree programmes to conduct adequate screening and pre-assessment of selected primary and secondary schools before mobilising pre-service teachers to such schools.
A strategy to scaffold principals as instructional leaders: a case of underperforming secondary schools at Amajuba district.
(University of Zululand, 2020) Nkosi, Mfanimpela Hendry
This study aims at scaffolding secondary school principals as instructional leaders, guided by specific objectives to understand the need for a strategy to scaffold them as instructional leaders; to explore strategies to support them as instructional leaders; to investigate existing strategies supporting them as instructional leaders; to anticipate the threats to emerging strategies; and to indicate what are the best practices. Framed within critical social theory (CST), with its agenda of emancipation, empowerment, liberation and social justice, it is informed by the qualitative research method, applying participatory action research (PAR) as an approach to addresses power sharing, emancipation and working with real challenges to bring about change in the community. Participants were able to work collaboratively in finding solutions to the challenges principals encounter, with data generated through focus group discussions and subjected to critical discourse analysis (CDA). The empirical analysis, interpretation of data and discussion, and the findings resulting from interventions were conducted using CDA. In the first part reflections are made through PAR, looking at the challenges faced by principals as caused by absence of a dedicated instructional leadership team. The second part identifies the components of the solutions as strategies to be used to counteract the challenges. In conclusion, the study argues that underperformance can be undone not by an individual but rather by working as a team having a collaborative relationship, with all stakeholders engaged and able to partake in decision-making and being involved collectively. It presents a strategy that can respond to challenges faced by principals of underperforming secondary schools.
Academic performance of Grade 12 learners in accounting in the Zululand District
(University of Zululand, 2018) Sikhombo, Zonke Nonhle
The aim of the study was to investigate reasons for the poor Academic performance of Grade 12 learners in accounting in the Zululand districts. The main aim was addressed by exploring literature to gather information on perspectives on Accounting teaching and the way these problems are approached globally. A qualitative approach was used to investigate factors that affect learner’s performance. Five schools were selected in the Zululand districts. Ten teachers were interviewed. The data were analysed and findings revealed that Grade 12 learners’ performance is inadequate. In order to make a quantum leap and to arrive at creative solutions to the challenges, participants were interviewed regarding the phenomenon. The findings reveal that teachers have inadequate necessary teaching skills and that the subject is sometimes taught by teachers who do not dispose of the necessary expertise in Accounting. Schools also lack resources and economic deficits hamper quality teaching in the rural areas. The main recommendations arising from this study suggest that the Department of Basic Education should also review the time allocated per period to extend the time spent on Accounting. The focus should be also on Grade 10 and 11 Accounting learners to lay the foundation for teaching and learning Accounting in Grade 12. Accounting teachers should be provided with stronger content workshops, at least twice per term.
Accountable parental involvement in primary school
(University of Zululand, 2003) Bhengu, T.B.; Urbani, G.; Vos, M.S.
The aim of this study was to pursue an investigation into accountable parental involvement in primary schools From the literature study it became clear that there are many areas and possibilities for parents to become formally and informally involved in the schooling of their primary school children. Formal involvement of parents in school activities is based on juridical, historical and educational grounds. Juridically, legislation in South Africa stipulates that parents must be involved in the school at least at the level of governance. Parents exert a lot of influence on their child's cognitive development in the early years and thus the contact between home and school should be maintained, especially during the primary school years, if the child is to succeed in formal schooling. For the purpose of the empirical investigation a self-structured questionnaire, to be completed by primary school educators, was utilised. The completed questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics. In conclusion a summary was presented on the findings of the literature and empirical study and the following are some of the recommendations that were made: • Positive attitudes must be inculcated in parents to become actively involved in their children's formal schooling. • Educators and parents must be trained to offer parental involvement programmes. Further research should be conducted concerning the accountability of parents regarding their involvement in primary schools.
The adolescent and the use of Cannabis
(2007) Ncane, Pheheas Dayiloni.; Vos, M.S.
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of cannibas use on the adolescent's development. This was achieved by means of a literature study and an emprical investigation. The literature study found that the use of cannabis by the adolescent affects his physical, psychological (cognitive and affective), social and normative development.
Adolescents' perception of rape
(2004) Heeralal, Prem Jotham Heeralal; Urbani, G.; Van Der Merwe, A.
In order to study adolescents perception of rape, relevant literature pertaining to rape and adolescence as a stage in the development of an individual was reviewed. The literature review pertaining to rape deals mainly with the following aspects: > Rape in terms of the law. > Conditions in society that promote rape. > Reasons for raping. > Recognition of sexual abuse. > Reactions to rape. > Needs of the rape victim. > Types of rape. > Coping with rape. > The responsibility of parents towards rape victims. Literature on the following aspects of adolescence is also reviewed: > Developmental tasks of the adolescent. > Relations of adolescents. > Characteristics of adolescent sex offenders. The descriptive method of research was used to collect data with regard to adolescents' perception of rape. Grade eleven learners at selected schools in the Bergville District, Ladysmith Region of KwaZulu-Natal, completed an empirical survey comprising a structured questionnaire. The data that was collected was analysed using inferential statistics. From the information gathered the following are the most important findings of the research regarding adolescents' perception of rape: > Adolescents are aware that rape is unlawful. > Adolescents believe that effective law enforcement can curb rape. > Adolescents do not believe that a culture of violence contributes to rape. > Women are reluctant to report being raped. > Adolescents' perception is that rape victims have difficulty in coping with relationships with other people. > The study reveals that it is vital for rape victims to talk about the rape. > Adolescents perceive rape as a crime of aggression. > Adolescents do not want parents to support a child that has been raped. > Rape is an action that decreases the self-esteem of women. > They do not believe that there is any relationship between rape and family violence. > They are uncertain if there is a relationship between women abuse and rape within marriage. The study also reveals that there is a significant difference statistically between the responses of males and females regarding responses to question that deal with rape whereas there is no significant difference between the responses of males and females regarding questions based on adolescence as a developmental stage. Based on the findings, the study makes the following recommendations: > Adolescents must lobby support to ensure more effective law enforcement, speak out against rape and must not be put under pressure by peers to engage in sex. > Parents need to communicate more effectively with adolescents. > Law enforcement must be stepped up to curb rape. > Programs must be put in place to educate adolescents regarding rape.
African female students ‘experiences of introductory accounting modules at Unizulu
(University of Zululand, 2016) Tewari, Ankur Ratnam; Bayaga, A.; Mtose, X.
Accounting is a male dominated profession historically. Females underperform and are thus dissuaded from taking up this profession. It is hence the need of the hour to understand the educational psychology of female accounting students in higher education. The current study is an attempt to understand this phenomenon and to explore this academic underperformance at UNIZULU. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used to analyse the data. Primary data were collected from student surveys while secondary data were obtained from the Faculty of Commerce, Administration, and Law (FCAL). Both Likert scale and open-ended questionnaires were used to elicit responses of students. The underperformance of female students was tested with the other help of regression analysis using data supplied from FCAL. Of the various factors affecting underperformance of female students, the three stand-alone causes were: (1) poor command of English language, (2) poor command of Mathematics, and (3) lack of good female role models. In terms of experiences, most African female students felt that they were supported by the lecturers; lecturers were also motivators besides teachers; time management and discipline skills were needed to do well and pass the courses and the presence of female lectures provided impetus to work hard to African female students. On an average, female students underperformed by 1 to 6 percent, compared to male counterparts. The study suggests the following policy recommendations: 1.) A programme of mentorship or supplemental instruction (peer learning) is considered essential for improving subject-related and pervasive (communication and time management) skills of the students; 2.) Additional courses on English and Mathematics need to be added to improve these basic skills of the students; 3.) Enrolment of female students be increased in accounting as per the National Plan for Higher Education, South Africa (Ministry of Education, 2001); and, 4.) An increasing gender sensitive and empowerment role is to be played by the university.
African learners' perception of vernacular language in disegregated schools
(2003) Luthuli, Thandazile Monica; Mkabela, N.Q.; Sibaya, P.T.
This study contributes to the debate which is still going on about African languages and the need for its recognition in desegregated schools. This study reveals the historical background of the indigenous African languages in South African Education and the international trends on languages in the few countries which have been selected on the literature review of the study. It is clear that vernacular language problem is not in South African desegregated schools only but even other countries internationally. They have the problem of their languages being dominated by other languages for example English. In Great Britain, English has been spread throughout the various islands to the extent that only a very small 'Celtic Fringe' remains to remind people of linguistic diversity that once existed. Today, an attempt is being made to stop decline of the Celtic languages. In France, they are also facing the problem of vernacular languages which are declining but in recent years the state has found it necessary to meliorate its French-only policy and recognize at last the existence of other languages. The study further reveals the importance of language to everybody especially African people who need recognition of their languages in the desegregated schools. The study also highlights the problems that are encountered by African learners who are in desegregated schools. The importance of language has been pointed out in order to highlight the role vernacular language plays to pass information from generation to generation. This is done through mother tongue communication which starts from childhood. It is important then, that our learners should know their vernacular languages so that we can not lose our identity and the value of our language by forgetting our roots which we gain from our vernacular languages. Problems which have been highlighted have proved that the learners will not cope well in these schools if their African languages are not considered, since the learner learns well through understanding the subject matter in his language first, before understanding it through the second language. The stress the African learners in desegregated schools usually experience is mostly the result of the language. Research data have proved that whereas African learners and their parents have appreciated the admission of African learners by the former Model C schools, they still value their own language, which is the mother tongue. They want their mother tongue to be taught by being considered as a language of learning. The analysis has indicated that the African learners would be happy for their mother tongue to be recognised. Since the Ex-Model C schools have mixed racial groups the recommendations given provide suggestion of African languages being taught to all racial groups. Different methods to help the educators in multiracial classrooms have been given including guidelines and principles for multilingualism and approaches to multilingualism. Therefore the results of this investigation might be the positive ones as the recommendations given have a variety of methods which might assist the educators and learners.
An Afrocentric model of understanding substance abuse among high school learners in King Cetshwayo District.
(University of Zululand, 2019) Nzama, Muzi Vitalis; Hlongwane, M.M.; Kutame, A.P.
This study explored substance abuse among high school learners in King Cetshwayo district. The main concern, on which this study was based, was on the rise in substance abuse by high school learners and the risk behaviours associated with it in spite of all endeavours being made against substance abuse by various non-governmental organisations and the government. Owing to the fact that all these endeavours did not seem to show expected results, the researcher felt that there was a need to look at substance abuse from an Afrocentric perspective. This study was motivated among others, by Afrocentric theory of Asante which emphasises the African identity from the perspective of African people as centred, located, oriented, and grounded and stresses the dire need for African people to be re-located historically, economically, socially, politically, educationally and philosophically. It was again also based on Bowen family systems theory, which is about the emotional functioning of the human species. This study adopted a mixed method approach making use of both qualitative and quantitative methods. Questionnaires were utilised for quantitative data collection and interviews were utilised to gather qualitative data from primary respondents (learners), parents and educators. The findings of the study revealed that the main substances of abuse by learners in King Cetshwayo district were cigarettes at 83%; alcohol at 64% and dagga at 27%. It was found that 77% of the learners were found to be influenced by friends or peers to abuse substances. The findings also revealed that learners were involved in substance abuse because of stress caused by parent-child relationships and stigmatisation both by parents and educators who failed to support them. It was also revealed that the family structure plays a role in substance abuse since 30% of the learners stay with their mothers only. The lack of role models in the community was one of the causes for learners’ abuse of substances. It was recommended that parent-child relationships be strengthened and that parents should teach their children about substance abuse and be role models to their children. Parents should again educate their children about African values and morals before they commence with schooling. Educators should also be skilled on how to reverse moral regeneration by focussing on Afrocentric norms and values to be emulated by learners. An Afrocentric model of understanding substance abuse should be adopted. This model is based on the idea that if people who are concerned with the development of a child, can be embedded with African morals and values and be empowered with the necessary skills, they can be in a better position to assist learners to fight against substance abuse.
Alleviation of conceptual difficulties in grade 12 mechanics by addressing the challenges emanating from alternative conceptions
(University of Zululand, 2012) Mchunu, Stephan Paraffin; Imenda, S.N.
This study sought to determine the conceptual difficulties experienced by grade 12 physical science learners with regard to mechanics. It also sought to identify the most prevalent alternative conceptions among grade 12 physical science learners in the area of mechanics, and develop interventions to alleviate the identified conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions. In this regard, the study compared the effectiveness of a traditional lecture, outcomes-based education (OBE) and blended instructional approaches in alleviating or overcoming the identified conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions concerning mechanics. The aspects of Mechanics dealt with in this study were: work and energy, motion on the inclined surfaces, projectile motion, force concept, static objects and Newton’s Third Law of Motion. In addressing the above research problem, the study developed and presented a theoretical and conceptual framework derived from the review of relevant literature, in line with the research questions of the study. The conceptual framework developed was based on the constructivist views of learning. A total of one hundred and forty (140) grade 12 physical science learners from Empangeni Education District were involved in this study. The study followed the quasi-experimental non-equivalent comparison-group research design. Though quantitative in design, the study also used qualitative research methods. Thus, both quantitative and qualitative data were collected. From the quantitative data, the findings showed highly statistically significant gains between pre- and post-test scores of OBE and blended approaches in particular. The average normalised gain score concept was also used determine the most effective instructional approach. Convenience sampling was used to select participating schools. A Test in Basic Mechanics (TBM) was designed to assess the learners’ understanding of the most basic concepts in mechanics. The TBM was administered both as a pre- and post-test to the three groups (traditional, OBE and blended groups) to determine the level of experience, knowledge, pre-existing alternative conceptions, level of understanding of basic concepts and principles on mechanics topics identified at the start of the investigation. As a pre-test, the TBM was also used to identify the specific conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions in mechanics. The identification of the conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions after the pre-test was followed by three instructional interventions (the traditional, OBE and the blended approach). The three interventions addressed the same mechanics topics mentioned above. These interventions were then followed by post-tests to ascertain the effectiveness of the interventions in addressing the identified conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions, as well as any conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions which were resistant to change even after the interventions. The results revealed that the learners experienced conceptual difficulties with regard to (a) resolving the components of the weight; (b) work concept; (c) work-energy theorem application; (d) kinetic energy concept; and (e) principle of conservation of mechanical energy application. Regarding the most prevalent alternative conceptions in mechanics, learners held eight alternative conceptions related to kinematical and dynamical concepts. Alternative conceptions held by the learners in mechanics concerned the following: (a) the acceleration and velocity of projectile motion; (b) weight/mass of an object as related to Newton’s Third Law of motion; (c) force concept; (d) objects in motion; (e) static objects; (f) Newton’s Third Law of motion; (g) acceleration of projectiles; and (h) active force. The average normalised gains for the traditional, OBE and blended instructional approaches were (g) = 0,20; (g) = 0,30; and (g) = 0,60, respectively. This confirmed the statistical analysis computed using One Way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA), that the blended instructional approach was the most effective instructional approach in alleviating the conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions in mechanics. Qualitative data showed that most of the pre-existing conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions appeared to have been alleviated, although not completely overcome by the interventions. There were statistically significant differences that were found among the traditional, OBE and blended instructional interventions. It is therefore noted that the blended instructional approach to teaching and learning can have a significant contribution to overcoming conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions in mechanics, and the improvement of efficiency of learning. The study concluded that conceptual difficulties and alternative conceptions in mechanics could best be alleviated using the blended approach to teaching and learning. A number of recommendations were also made. Some alternative conceptions were resistant to change in the face of the traditional lecture based teaching. This meant that a more powerful teaching technique had to be devised. Thus, physical science educators should be encouraged to use the blended approach to teaching and learning in order to accommodate all learners in a class. Blended teaching and learning is mixing of different teaching and learning environments – mainly manifested in combining face-to-face instruction with the computer mediated-instruction. In one class of learners there are different learner characteristics. Learners learn in different ways like learning through lecture (telling), discussion, problem solving, practical work, discovering, experimenting, using pictures and diagrams, videos and demonstrations.
Alternatives to corporal punishment in maintaining discipline in rural primary schools
(University of Zululand, 2019) Sekhwama, Avhashoni Molly; Kutame, A.P.; Dube, M.C.
The abolishment of corporal punishment has left many teachers with high stress on how to deal with undisciplined learners. Teachers in both public and independent rural primary schools find it difficult to maintain discipline resulting in the number of criminal activities and ill-discipline of learners. In South Africa, the department does not seem to be assisting educators in dealing with abusive and disruptive learners. The aim of this study was to investigate the application of alternatives to corporal punishment for maintaining discipline in rural primary schools. Both qualitative and quantitative research approaches were used to collect data. The results of this study indicate that alternatives to corporal punishment are effectively applied in primary schools and are effective. However, some do not encourage those alternatives, they think these result in misconduct. Some educators suggest that learners need to be punished corporally in order to maintain discipline in them, which is why the majority of teachers are still practicing corporal punishment. They think it is effective in maintaining discipline. All schools using alternative methods have reported positive response to their methods in dealing with misbehaviour of learners in classroom and outdoors. It can be concluded that teachers are still applying corporal punishment in maintaining discipline and therefore need training in dealing with disruptive learners in maintaining discipline in schools as corporal punishment is lawfully banned in schools.
Analysing the school context for factors that promote or impede resilience among middle adolescent learners
(2007) Buthelezi, Nontobeko Precious Angela; Sibaya, P.T.
This study was concerned with analysing the school context for factors that promote or impede resilience among middle adolescent learners. The study aimed to find out if black high school learners perceive themselves as resilient or non-resilient: It also investigated the aspects perceived by learners as retarding or enhancing resilience within the school context and to identify qualities of the school that enhance or impede resilience in learners. Four schools within the Pinetown district in KwaZulu Natal were chosen as a sample. Random sampling procedure was used to ensure that any of the schools falling within the four wards of Pinetown district had the same probability of being selected. All grade 10 learners, mostly those falling within the ages of 15 to 20 were asked to participate in data collection. The self-evaluation instrument that was used to collect data about whether learners perceived themselves as resilient was specifically designed to measure this variable. This instrument was designed at the University of Pretoria as part of a research project aimed at making a comparative study of middle adolescent perception of resilience (ranked high or low). The research instrument was statistically proven to have demonstrated content validity and construct validity. This instrument has statistically demonstrated its reliability in terms of internal consistency. The questionnaire had to be translated into isiZulu as most learners were first language Zulu speakers. Learners first had to undergo a self-evaluation process to test how resilient they perceived themselves to be. The second aspect of the questionnaire was to rate, in order of importance, those factors within the school environment that they perceived either enhanced or impeded resilience. A 5-point Likert-type scale Was used with a series of levels of degree expressing positive or negative response to the questionnaire. The researcher used at least 3-5 items in the instrument measured similar idea. All items were interspaced to avoid predictability of questions. The learners indicated the extent to which they agreed or disagreed with each statement. No numbers were given as learners might have mistaken them as values that are used for grading learners. Learners had to express their own views on Structured open-ended questions in order for the researcher to better understand the use of resilience. Data collected was integrated and analysed collectively to give a comprehensive understanding of resilience. The majority of learners rated themselves as resilient despite the many difficulties faced in their environment. They also affirmed all the resilience promoting factors as important to their life at school. The main characteristic of a good school highlighted by black South African adolescents in this study, was an appreciative, caring and supportive environment where respect for self and others prevails. Good schools in this study provided opportunities for learners to engage in a variety of extra-curricular activities and the resources needed by the learners were made available. The adolescents in this study appreciated a well organised school where rules and regulations were consistently followed. A good physical environment was seen also as conducive to teaching and learning. Educators who offered relevant information and empowered learners to deal with the challenges of life were viewed as great assets according to the findings of this study
The analysis of anti-racist perspectives and policies of the new education dispensation in South Africa
(1998) Shezi, Nomusa Hottentia; Luthuli, P.C.; Khubisa, N.M.
The researcher sought to investigate the antiracist approach in education which has been adopted by the Government of National Unity (GNU). The changes that have taken place in education since 1994 inform this research. The study therefore purports to reveal some of these changes as they relate to anti-racism. In the early 1990s the open school system was incepted. Historical White schools were open to other racial groups particularly Africans. That was an antiracist approach which confronted institutional racism. The researcher established a view that African education was fraught with crisis as emanating from unequal educational opportunities between Africans and Whites in particular. In this. study the researcher has tried to document various aspects of inequality in education. These aspects resulted to the movement of African learners to traditional White schools. White learners were not attracted into traditional African schools. This study attempted to emphasise the importance of anti-racist education in creating equal educational opportunities between Africans and their White counterparts. The researcher decided to state her problem in a question form like this: Does anti-racist education in South Africa have any role to play in eliminating inequalities that characterise the South African education system? The aims of the study included investigating: strategies employed by the GNU in implementing equal education. The role of educators in restoring the culture of learning in African schools. These aims necessitated the utilisation of literature review, interview and empirical survey as research tools. This study revealed that African schools are underdeveloped as compared to historical White schools. The findings also pointed out that some Whites still adhere to the idea of White superiority and African inferiority. This master-servant attitude also became the major focal point of the discussion of anti-racist education. Among some recommendations that the researcher made, the following can be cited: The provision of African schools with additional resources in order to bring equity which would yield equal educational opportunities. The compensatory programme should be launched to change personal views of inferiority held by culturally deprived, disadvantaged learners to enable them to compete in the new cultural and socio-economic demands. There should be racial awareness programmes in order to inculcate common values of respect, tolerance and acceptance across racial groups.
Analysis of matlab instruction on rural-based pre-service teachers' spatial-visualisation skills and problem solving in vector calculus.
(University of Zululand, 2019) Amevor, Godfred; Bayaga, A.; Bossé, M.
Studies from interdisciplinary have noted positive correlation between spatial-visualization skills and mathematical problem solving. However, majority of these studies that interrogated this shared link between spatial-visualization and problem solving were carried in the urban settings only few interrogated rural settings. Also, studies have identified family social economic status (SES) which mainly described one’s geographical settlement to be one of the major effects on cognitive development. Thus, research finding from cognitive discipline revealed that students from poor SES background are less advantagous to cognitive activities (e.g., problem solving) compare to their counterpart. However, one of research achievements is providing evidence-based that cognitive skills can be enhanced through computer technology and spatial activities hence, the integration of several graphical tools such as: MATLAB, GeoGebra, and many other computer environments in mathematics education. These graphical tools are believed to enhance students’ conceptual and procedural knowledge in problem solving in mathematics areas such as: Euclidean geometry, multivariate calculus, and trigonometry which require more spatial skills in their problem solving. However, little has been researched on vector calculus even though vector calculus by its definition is accompanied by spatial reasoning. Students find it easy to evaluate a given vector integral using analytical techniques for integrations but struggle to visualize and transform it from one coordinate system to another. Objectives Based on the background, the current research employed the theoretical frameworks of Duval semiotic representation and the visual-analyser (VA) proposed by Zazkis et al., to analyse MATLAB instruction on rural-based pre-service teachers' spatial-visualisation skills and problem solving in vector calculus. The examination was guided by the analysis of the dynamic software MATLAB instruction on Spatial-Visualization, problem solving, and achievement in Vector Calculus. The three objectives were to 1) Analyse how rural-based v pre-service teachers apply their spatial-visualisation skills in problem solving in vector calculus. 2) To investigate the degree to which rural-based pre-service teachers’ spatial-visualisation skills correlate with their vector calculus achievement and 3) To assess how a dynamic software environment such as MATLAB influences rural-based pre-service teachers’ spatial-visualisation skills.
An analysis of the educational role of single parents
(1999) Mpofana, Gladys Phumzile.; Khubisa, N.M.
The study on "an analysis of the educational role of single parents" was aimed at: * investigating the role of single parenthood in education. * investigating the educational role of single parents in and out of school. * establishing problems encountered by single parents in performing their educational role. * establishing the effects of single parenthood on the academic performance of children. * deterroining the extent to which single parents can be helped to improve their parenting skills. The above are some of the aims of this study which are stated in Chapter one. The method of investigation was described and major concepts were clarified in Chapter one. Chapter two discussed the family in relation to socialization and education. It also discussed the functions of the family and the family rektionships. Chapter three dealt with the impact that living in a single parent family had on the academic performance of children. Chapter four dealt with single parents' involvement in education. Chapter five dealt with the research technique, analysis, evaluation and interpretation of data gathered by means of questionnaires. Chapter six focused on the further statement of the programme of study, findings and conclusions, suggestions and recommendations. This study bas revealed that single parents are unable to adequately participate in their children's education mainly due to time and resource constraints. Issues related to child upbringing for lone parenting were a matter of concern. A plethora of pressures and challenges caused conflict and stress for single parents. Some of the recommendations are that schools should help single parents and their children by:- * encouraging single parents to organise their own single parents' groups at school through which parents can create their own support network, receive practical single parenting advice and share child care duties. * educating the public on the importance of accepting single parents. * organising single parents' family support and children's support groups on school's premises and linking these support groups with comrminity agencies that help single parent families in crises. * organising parenting education courses through Parent Teacher Association (PTA's) which offer child care, car pools or other transportation assistance, and a sliding fee or scholarship and fund for low-income single parents. * frequently reviewing children's progress with single parents through the telephone or in-person conferences. * providing single parents with the school's year plan so that parents can make prior arrangements with employers to attend some of the school's important activities/events. * opening therapy and counseling centres for single parents. * updating those single parents who are unable to attend parents meetings by making minutes for meetings available for them. * educating single parents on strategies of coping with stress and resolving conflict. The researcher hopes that future research suggested in chapter six will help reveal some of the important issues on single parenthood.
An analysis of the educator's authority in Black Secondary Schools
(1990) Mlondo, Nomusa Mavis; Luthuli, P.C.
The aim of this study was to investigate how educators exercise their authority over Black Secondary school pupils. A teacher is an authority by virtue of his being a source of knowledge and his expertise in communicating this knowledge to the pupils. It is on the basis of this knowledgeability that he takes charge of the experiences of the pupil. He becomes morally obligated to control pupils' expenditure of energy. The depth of the teachers knowledgeability of the learning content was tested by variables like academic qualifications, supplementary reading, frequency and encouragement of pupil questions, and extent of use of short answer items. All these variables yielded negative responses. The epistemic stand of most teachers' authority appeared not to be firmly grounded. Successful dissemination of knowledge was tested by, among other variables, quality of feedback, rate of pupil absenteeism and testing techniques. Responses showed a lack of follow-up to measure the grasp of the learning content. Execution of moral authority was measured by inter alia, probing the application and enforcement of school rules, forms of punishment, attitude towards establishing a rationale for values behind rules and punishment. Findings showed a trend of authoritarianism.
An analysis of the extent and effects of politics on KwaZulu-Natal secondary schools
(2001) Xulu, Victor Sibusiso; Shezi, N.H.
This study sought to determine; "the extent and effects of politics on KwaZutu-Natal Secondary Schools". The study was influenced by the fact that politics is inescapable so are the consequences of politics. As an introduction the History of Politics and Education in South Africa was reviewed. It was determined how politics affected South African education in general. Literature also revealed that KwaZulu-Natal was affected by party politics. The study then explored the political effects on Culture of Learning and Teaching Services (COLTS); Provisioning; School Governance and Morale (discipline and confidence) of educators and learners. The study found that there is a considerable extent and a number of political effects that had a negative impact on a number of KZN-Secondary Schools. The most significant effects were: low morale among educators and learners; poor provisioning and distribution of resources; poor staffing; below average school governance; absence of the culture of learning and teaching. The study showed that the educators had been exposed to terrible political violence, intimidation and interference in their schools. The study found out that there is considerable dissatisfaction in that stakeholders fail to resolve political problem of the secondary schools. The findings of the study suggest that politics especially party politics affected KZN-Secondary School environments. Secondary Schools for Africans had been the target for political influence. They need the most conducive, disciplined learning and teaching environments; free of political interference in order to produce envisaged excellent academic results. The most aspects of the recommendations were aimed at addressing the effects of politics in KZN-Secondary Schools' Education - the underlying purpose of this study. Relevant stakeholders need to attend to these political effects in an unbiased attitude, for enjoyment in and culture of learning and teaching to be fully resuscitated.
An analysis of the nature and function of the education policies at colleges of education in the National States in South Africa
(1992) Ndlala, Mangena William; Nxumalo, O.E.H.M.
The purpose of this study was to investigate how the educational policies formulated by the Department of Education and Training as well as the Departments cf Education and Culture, influence the functioning of the colleges of education in the National States in South Africa. It was also to determine the extent to which policies, evolved within the colleges themselves, are-af-feeted—by—interventions from the various Departments and political movements. Methods of research included, among others, interviews of college rectors, lecturers and students, serving teachers and some educators attached to the Departments of Education and Culture. This researcher intended to establish how these people perceive the influence and impact of these policies on the selected sample of Colleges of Education in the National States. The literature review revealed that policy serves as a guide and a source of reference in any given venture, involving a choice amongst a wide range of alterntives; and that it provides a reasonable guarantee that there will be consistency and continuity in the decisions that are made. This investigation demonstrated, however, that there is a stigma attached to policies formulated by the Education Departments in the National States. This is due to the negative perception that the National States are illegitimate administrative structures created to perpertuate apartheid policies. The policies which are formulated by the Department of Education and Training are also challenged by the students in particular, and lecturers in general, who argue that these policies are oppressive and therefore unacceptable. The negative perception held by students and lecturers on the current educational policies manifests itself in the emerging college culture of violence which is characterised by the rejection of current authority structures. Students seem to rely on coercion and intimidation as means of problem solving instead of the use of negotiation tactics. College policies therefore do not always serve as guides and thus cannot guarantee any consistency and continuity in the decisions that are made. In this way education policies do not empower the college authorities to be fully in charge of their institutions. Emerging from these findings are the following recommendations: * that education policy makers should consider various options which will encourage a wider spectrum of consultation and involvement of interest groups, including Thompson's model of policy development and redefinition cycle (in Monahan, 1982), Muschkat1 s (1986) morphological model and those of Saran and Kogan. that policy makers formulate policies which are based en the rule of law and on the principles of justice and fairness. It is hoped that this research will be a source of reference for further research in policy studies undertaken -especially— for postgraduate studies. It will also serve as a useful source material for educational policies in South Africa, especially with regard to colleges of education.
Anxiety associated with the use of technology among teachers in Lesotho
(University of Zululand, 2016) Tlaba, David Tlaba; Sibaya, P.T. and Sibaya, D.C.
The purpose of this study is to investigate anxiety associated with the use of technology among teachers in Lesotho. The sample consists of 100 high school teachers from various schools located in the Maseru district. To meet the objectives, a questionnaire was designed, which collected data on teachers’ anxieties towards technology in relation to demographic variables. The findings of the study suggest that the educators do differ in their anxiety levels in relation to technology, and that there is no correlation between age and anxiety. The relationship between the variable of gender and anxiety is revealed. Furthermore, teaching experience is found to have a significant effect on anxiety, while nationality is found to have no effect on anxiety.
Application of geogebra on euclidean geometry in rural high schools - Grade 11 learners
(University of Zululand, 2015) Mthethwa, M.Z.; Bayaga, A.
This research aims to establish the level of students’ cognitive skills using GeoGebra, and investigates whether GeoGebra as a technological tool helps in improving poor performance in respect of Euclidean geometry or geometry of the circle. Students’ interests, in learning about circle geometry in mathematics, are also being tested. GeoGebra is an innovative, dynamic mathematics software which integrates algebra, geometry and calculus to aid students during the learning process. The specific sample in this research consists of 112 Grade 11 secondary school learners within the UMkhanyakude district, Hlabisa circuit, under the Empembeni and Ezibayeni wards. During this research, GeoGebra and the concept of circle geometry were introduced to students. Afterwards, students had to answer several geometry of the circle questions, entailing key theorems as prescribed by the National Mathematics pacesetter for Grade 11 and Grade 12. As students answered the above questions, they solved problems and conducted discussions among themselves. At the end, students were individually required to answer questionnaires which consisted of 15 closed items relating to views on GeoGebra and its impact on Euclidean geometry and mathematics, as well as three open-ended questions which asked learners about their reflections on the application of GeoGebra. The above methods provided a strong base to explore whether GeoGebra as a tool helps students in the learning process. The results showed that students endorsed the use of GeoGebra as a technological tool in the teaching of Euclidean geometry. Some students even suggested that GeoGebra be used in other mathematical topics. Students overall enjoyed the use of GeoGebra, finding it user-friendly and a highly significant learning motivator.

Browse

Browsing Faculty of Education by Title

Results Per Page

Sort Options