Thesis / This research is mainly concerned with determining whether the existing evaluation methods/measurement instruments used in Business Management at Technikon SA, are still suitable, adequate and acceptable enough for continued use, or whether there is a need for the introduction of alternative methods. The first objective in this research was to determine what the exact role and function of evaluation in the education process is. On the basis of literature, it was determined that evaluation, and by implication measurement, is a crucial component of the education process and that no real teaching or learning can occur without it. Second, an attempt was made to determine what the nature and extent of the shortcomings of the existing measurement instruments were. Also on the basis of literature it was found that there are numerous and serious disadvantages in the existing measurement instruments. Third, the researcher also attempted to determine whether any other (alternative) measurement instruments, in addition to the existing ones, were available. It was discovered that there are a variety of alternative evaluation/measurement instruments available. Fourth, the measurement instruments used in Business Management were analysed and compared to the Business Management curriculum objectives to determine whether they were indeed suitable for the subject. It was found that, although a positive correlation seems to exist between the measurement instruments and the curriculum objectives, there were certain definite shortcomings in the existing measurement instruments in terms of the realization of some of the curriculum objectives. Fifth, focus group interviews were used as a research method to get an understanding of the views of TSA learners on the aspect of evaluation and the methods/instruments currently used. Most of the participants expressed a need for more practical types of measurement/evaluation. However, many participants felt the written examination should not be abolished entirely, but be used in conjunction with other more practical methods. The research concluded with a number of recommendations based on the findings in this research. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)

Throughput rates and student retention are a burning concern that all higher education institutions share, as student dropout rates remain high. Promoting student academic success has become imperative. This study is concerned with students who display innate resilience and overcome adversities in their personal lives, but fail to demonstrate resilience when it comes to being academically successful. The objective of this study was to explore: (1) the personal resilience in at-risk students who overcome adversities in their personal lives, but fail to demonstrate resilience when it comes to being academically successful and (2) how their personal resilience can be tapped into to promote academic success. A mixed methods approach was used, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. At-risk students at a particular higher education institution were identified using their study records. From these students a subgroup of resilient students were selected by means of a resilience questionnaire. This group completed a pre-interview questionnaire, resulting in 10 students being selected on the grounds of being information rich cases of the at-risk resilient student. Through the process of social constructivism and dialogue between the researcher and the participants, themes were identified and analysed using an inductive data analysis style. The data was finally linked to supportive literature. The primary finding was that the same protective factors that can assist a student in developing innate resilience, can also cause the student to be placed academically at- risk. The study further revealed, that if the environment in which students find themselves does not allow them to negotiate for resources, these students' innate resilience alone cannot assist them to overcome the challenges of higher education. The researcher concludes that higher education institutions in their attempts to retain and assist students should be encouraged to tap into students’ innate resilience to develop their academic resilience / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

Thesis / This research is mainly concerned with determining whether the existing evaluation methods/measurement instruments used in Business Management at Technikon SA, are still suitable, adequate and acceptable enough for continued use, or whether there is a need for the introduction of alternative methods. The first objective in this research was to determine what the exact role and function of evaluation in the education process is. On the basis of literature, it was determined that evaluation, and by implication measurement, is a crucial component of the education process and that no real teaching or learning can occur without it. Second, an attempt was made to determine what the nature and extent of the shortcomings of the existing measurement instruments were. Also on the basis of literature it was found that there are numerous and serious disadvantages in the existing measurement instruments. Third, the researcher also attempted to determine whether any other (alternative) measurement instruments, in addition to the existing ones, were available. It was discovered that there are a variety of alternative evaluation/measurement instruments available. Fourth, the measurement instruments used in Business Management were analysed and compared to the Business Management curriculum objectives to determine whether they were indeed suitable for the subject. It was found that, although a positive correlation seems to exist between the measurement instruments and the curriculum objectives, there were certain definite shortcomings in the existing measurement instruments in terms of the realization of some of the curriculum objectives. Fifth, focus group interviews were used as a research method to get an understanding of the views of TSA learners on the aspect of evaluation and the methods/instruments currently used. Most of the participants expressed a need for more practical types of measurement/evaluation. However, many participants felt the written examination should not be abolished entirely, but be used in conjunction with other more practical methods. The research concluded with a number of recommendations based on the findings in this research. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics)

Throughput rates and student retention are a burning concern that all higher education institutions share, as student dropout rates remain high. Promoting student academic success has become imperative. This study is concerned with students who display innate resilience and overcome adversities in their personal lives, but fail to demonstrate resilience when it comes to being academically successful. The objective of this study was to explore: (1) the personal resilience in at-risk students who overcome adversities in their personal lives, but fail to demonstrate resilience when it comes to being academically successful and (2) how their personal resilience can be tapped into to promote academic success. A mixed methods approach was used, employing both quantitative and qualitative methods. At-risk students at a particular higher education institution were identified using their study records. From these students a subgroup of resilient students were selected by means of a resilience questionnaire. This group completed a pre-interview questionnaire, resulting in 10 students being selected on the grounds of being information rich cases of the at-risk resilient student. Through the process of social constructivism and dialogue between the researcher and the participants, themes were identified and analysed using an inductive data analysis style. The data was finally linked to supportive literature. The primary finding was that the same protective factors that can assist a student in developing innate resilience, can also cause the student to be placed academically at- risk. The study further revealed, that if the environment in which students find themselves does not allow them to negotiate for resources, these students' innate resilience alone cannot assist them to overcome the challenges of higher education. The researcher concludes that higher education institutions in their attempts to retain and assist students should be encouraged to tap into students’ innate resilience to develop their academic resilience / Psychology / M. A. (Psychology)