The understanding of geographical concepts and the development of skills requires the use of appropriate teaching strategies. Modern school syllabuses emphasize the development of concepts and skills which are basic to the understanding of geography. Geography provides practical learning opportunities which directly involve the learner. Techniques which directly involve the learner are perceived to be the most valuable. Fieldwork, which embraces a wide range of innovative teaching strategies, is the one best suited to give first-hand experience to the pupils. This study investigates the potential of fieldwork to promote conceptual understanding in geography with special reference to pupils in rural schools. Extensive literature on fieldwork in geographical education was analysed. Surveys of geography teachers and pupils in senior secondary schools were conducted to assess their attitudes towards geography and the use of learner-centred approaches with special reference to fieldwork. The role of fieldwork to promote conceptual understanding was evaluated by exposing two groups of pupils to different field activities. This revealed that fieldwork promotes understanding, stimulates interest and builds up confidence even when first introduced at senior secondary level.

The purpose of the study was to collect and collate information pertaining to common misconceptions of components of the concept of chemical equilibrium amongst a sample of Transkeian matriculants. 'Equilibrium' is a fundamental concept in physics and chemistry and 'chemical equilibrium' is an important chemistry topic in both the higher grade and standard grade South African matriculation physical science syllabuses. In recent years, South African teachers have identified chemical equilibrium as the most difficult section of the matric physical science syllabus for both teachers and pupils. It has been shown that teachers themselves lack understanding of the basic concepts underlying chemical equilibrium. Constructivist learning theories arise out of research in cognitive psychology. These theories conceive of cognitive development as the assimilation and accommodation of new ideas into extant, dynamic cognitive structures. An inference from the theories is that a study of the preconceptions and/or misconceptions held by pupils before they are exposed to instruction would enable teachers to avoid generating or reinforcing misconceptions. Hence teachers could also take deliberate steps to eradicate those already existing. The sample consisted of 112 Transkeian matriculants from four government senior secondary schools in the Southern Transkei. All were taking physical science. The test consisted of a 40 item multiple choice battery. Each question had three distracters and the options were randomized to avoid patterns and hence guessing. Questions dealing with closely associated concepts were grouped in the paper but no indication of this was given in the paper. The questions are analyzed singly. A brief introduction and outline of the theory on which the group of questions was based is given in each case. The analysis makes use of the frequency of choice of all options, discrimination indices, although they were generally low and item difficulties. The intent in each analysis is to identify the possible misconception(s) underlying wrong answers. Finally conclusions based on the discussion are drawn and recommendations for teaching and further research made.

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Educational Studies / D.Ed. (History of Education)

Research has been conducted in the genesis and development of formal education in the Eastern Moutse area within the context of formal education in South African schools. Various methods such as historical method, phenomenological method, metabletic method, comparative method, exemplaristic method, descriptive method and evaluation method have been followed whereby the development, over the years, of education in the area under review, was revealed. The authenticity of formal education as it evolved was evaluated by the use of Essence Structure Model (ESM). An attempt has been made to describe the education-essence-structure in its multifaceted complexity. These education-aim-essences have been used since time immemorial. It appeared that of all the essences, religiousness has the highest value. Other essences which are of equal status are: the ethical, the aesthetic, the economic, language and other essences of the ESM. In order for authentic education to take place, all the education aim structure essences must be accorded a rightful place in the education of a child towards adulthood. Throughout history, cultural groups have over and under-emphasised different essences in their efforts to educate the child towards adulthood. This effort was informed by a particular life-view or a philosophy oflife which was upheld by people of different cultural backgrounds. The need to restructure the curriculum in the Eastern Moutse area in such a way that it caters for a balanced recognition of all essences of the ESM has been discussed. Overemphasis of some essences at the expense of the others leads to an inauthentic way of existence. The aim of this research has been to conduct a historical survey and evaluation of formal education in the Eastern Moutse area as it evolved over the years from the missionary era until in the 1990s. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (History of Education)

Thesis (MTech (Human Resource Management))--Cape Technikon, 1996. / Labour relations in South Africa is directly influenced by affirmative action in the work place, creating potential labour relations opportunities and threats within organisations. An investigation was done to ascertain the influence of affirmative action on labour relations. A comparative study of employer and trade union perceptions indicated a marked consensus between the two parties. The differences between the parties can be addressed by collective bargaining. A theoretical framework was developed, which demonstrated that worker participation and joint decision-making on affirmative action programmes should be regarded as essential for the success of these programmes. Shortcomings in current affirmative action programmes emanate from unilateral decision-making by management. A lack of legitimacy in affirmative action programmes results from non-consultation with trade unions. This has a detrimental effect on the credibility of affirmative action programmes and as a result no real employee development occurs. The labour relations climate is thus impaired. The research methodology included interviews (conducted with a number of academics, human resource managers and trade unionists) and postal questionnaires, which were completed by 231 managers (human resource and line managers) in both private and public organisations in the Western Cape.

M.Ed. / Globalisation is a worldwide phenomenon it poses enormous challenges in the new world of work of which schools are not exceptions. As a result of globalisation the world has become small, interconnected and interdependent. The researcher argues that the interconnectedness and interdependence of the world poses a number of immeasurable challenges for South African township schools today. Therefore, a new paradigm in viewing education is eminently important to improve the South African township schools. This study focuses on reconceptualising classroom-management practices using global education trends in South African township schools. Furthermore, it presents evidence and arguments that it is significant for township schools to contribute to the creation of learning communities by offering a sound body of knowledge that enhances learners capacity and high performance. A single case study was used to explore the concept of thinking globally and acting locally whilst rethinking classroom management in township schools. The study was conducted at J.E Malepe Secondary School situated in a township called Tsakane. Data was collected through focus-group interview, observation and document analysis. A qualitative research method was employed with 6 educators as respondents for the focusgroup interview. Lincoln and Guba's (1985) model of trustworthiness of qualitative research was employed for validity and reliability of the study. The analysis in this study was carried out according to the following framework: comparing units applicable to each category; integrating categories and their properties; delimiting the construction; and using an independent coder. The following themes emerged from the analysis: the influence of globalisation on education; traditional approach versus transformational approach to classroom management practices; learnercentredness; knowledge implementation; resistance to change; and life-long learning. Findings suggested that globalisation has significant implications in managing classrooms in South African township schools; and that global .education is a critical aspect in effective classroom management. In general, this study found it is imperative that all learners be equipped with requisite skills to survive in the global village.

D.Ed. (Education) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

D. Ed. (Multiculturalism and Education) / This research will look at specific problem areas specifically pertaining to life skills which hamper the disadvantaged pupil in his development in the formal and non-formal educational sector of the school. with these identified factors, I aim to develop an acceptable information base for staff who have no in-service training as to how to assist, handle and participate with the sudden influx of disadvantaged pupils. This study is therefore aimed at gaining information to assist the teacher as well as the pupil. Reasons for the non-performance and thus the high failure rate, will also be noted in this study. One of the aims is to use pupil feedback extensively for the required information. My final aim is to illicit future research in this direction, thus assisting all parties.

M.Ed. (Subject Didactics) / It is a well known fact that half the people of the world are completely illiterate and only about a third are functionally literate. Chapman and Czerniewska (1978:65) support this statement by saying the United states of America needs to be looked at. It is one of the world's most developed countries and yet more than two per cent of persons older than fourteen have not yet attained functional literacy. This factor illustrates the tremendous education work that still lies ahead of the school and other institutions of learning. South Africa, like many other countries of the world, suffers the same consequences in experiencing educational turmoil, "extending from the classroom to the work-place. One of the major reasons singled out was the implementation of the Bantu Education Act of 1953 (Act 47/1953). The ideology thereof being not to educate a Bantu on the same level as a white man. As a result there was no relationship in curriculum content pertaining to classroom and work-place. In view of this, Black education has become a centre of concern for most race groups in this country because of educational, social and economical repercussions. This factor is well demonstrated in the report of the main commission of the Human Sciences Research Council on the investigation into education (1981 :108). It has shown the need to provide an educational system which will enable all members of the different population groups to acquire the skills of basic literacy. This will pose a long term problem for the State, as far as its economy is concerned.