The purpose of this study was to design components that should be included in a framework for the use of a classroom interaction approach as a strategy in teaching English as First Additional Language to enhance learners’ communicative competence in the primary schools. The previous research advocates that classroom interaction activities can provide opportunities for the facilitation of the additional language, as they encourage meaningful interaction in the target language and active learner participation. Moreover, a classroom interaction approach helps learners to construct their own learning while expressing themselves in the additional language. In the English First Additional Language (EFAL) settings, where it is an ongoing challenge to provide learners with practical learning and interactive learning opportunities, interaction activities such as discussion, storytelling, role-play, reading aloud and debate are seen as promising strategies, though there is superficial implementation of some of these activities in the Intermediate Phase EFAL classrooms. This multiple case study investigated the nature and scope of classroom interaction in teaching EFAL to enhance learners’ communicative competence. The study explored the teachers’ understanding of classroom interaction, teachers and learners’ beliefs and attitudes and the strategies used by the teachers in teaching EFAL in the classrooms. The research was undertaken at two public primary schools, but the focus was on the Intermediate Phase at Ekurhuleni North District of Gauteng Province. It was found that most of the teachers understood the classroom interaction approach but it was not implemented in some EFAL classrooms as teachers still use the teacher-centred method while learners remain passive receivers. The study recommends that EFAL teachers should be trained to implement the classroom interaction using the interactive activities in additional language and create a conducive teaching and learning environment that permits the learners’ participation; the schools should have a parental involvement policy as a means of encouraging parents to be involved in their children’s learning; policy makers should include debate as an interactive activity in the CAPS document teaching plans in order for the teachers to fully implement it; and parents should be trained on how to assist with homework tasks and take responsibility for their children’s learning. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

The problem of indiscipline in schools has attracted the growing attention of researchers in South Africa and the world at large. Learner indiscipline has been variously reflected in behaviours which range from serious ones such as drug abuse, assault, theft, rape and murder, to minor ones such as truancy; all of which negatively affect teaching and learning. While there is agreement on the need to address the problem, there is a great deal of contestation around what strategies and practices are appropriate to instil discipline in schools. Within this debate many countries, including South Africa, have decided to move away from punitive approaches such as corporal punishment and replace them with what is called Alternatives to Corporal Punishment (ATCP). The main aim of this study was to interrogate the consistency that prevails between disciplinary practices and principles of alternatives to corporal punishment and the implications of this for school leadership. A mixed method design was used. The study was conducted in two phases: the first was a survey during which trends in disciplinary practices were established; the second was a multiple case study where in-depth interviews were conducted in five primary schools across different contexts which included farm, suburban, township, rural and informal settlement locations. This study has seven main findings. First, it was found that primary schools in the Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality experienced minor offenses which clustered around levels 1 and 2 of the ATCP classification. Second, although statistically there was a weak negative correlation (r = - 0.11) between location and behaviour which is not significant (p >. 05) or (p = .46), qualitative evidence suggests a relationship between context and disciplinary offences. Third, principals’ roles in instilling discipline were focused mainly on reactive administrative and management functions rather than on giving leadership designed to inspire alternative ways of behaving. Fourth, principals’ and teachers’ belief in the use of alternatives to corporal punishment revealed ambivalence and lack of understanding. Fifth, measures to instil discipline, even though they were said to be based on alternatives to corporal punishment, placed heavy emphasis on inflicting pain and relied on extrinsic control. Sixth, two disciplinary measures designed to inflict pain were found to be weakly associated, but significantly (p < 0.05) with violent behaviour, lending credence to view that in using certain practices to instil discipline there are socialisation consequences. Finally, the use of some measures recommended by alternatives to corporal punishment yielded some unintended socialisation consequences. The study concludes that there was lack of consistency between disciplinary practices in Buffalo City Metropolitan Municipality primary schools and the principles of Alternatives to Corporal Punishment. The findings suggest that it is difficult to achieve the consistency without a school leadership which understands that the alternatives call for a paradigm shift in measures to instil discipline. For improving discipline in schools, it is recommended that school principals and stakeholders must focus on measures that are meant to cultivate a new school culture guided by values of self-discipline in order to minimise the need for extrinsic punitive control. For further research, a follow up study based on a probability sample, which should include secondary schools, could be undertaken in order that results can be generalised.

South African schools have educators that are faced with numerous challenges in managing their day-to-day classroom activities in general. This challenge is further made worse when it comes to managing classrooms with learners experiencing barriers to learning. The study investigated the suitability of different classroom management styles by educators in accommodating the needs of diverse learners experiencing barriers to learning. The study used a qualitative approach in which data was collected through the use of interviews, focus group discussions, lesson observations as well as literature review. The data analysis and findings revealed that many educators possess qualifications to teach and manage classrooms in regular or mainstream schools and not in special schools. With time these educators end up having to cope with managing learners experiencing barriers to learning through in-service training and professional development. The study established that there is no single classroom management strategy that should be used to manage learners experiencing barriers to learning. Educators should adapt their classroom management and teaching methods to accommodate the needs of learners experiencing barriers to learning. The study recommended that the government and the Department of Basic Education should train more educators in special education to enhance efficiency in managing learners with barriers to learning. Support structures and mechanisms should also be put in place to assist educators with different challenges that they face in the classroom on a daily basis. The study also recommended that all stakeholders in education like the government, SGBs, DoE, educators, Principals, parents, religious leaders and the community should come together to help manage lack of discipline among learners as well as giving all the necessary support to help manage learners experiencing barriers to learning. / Educational Management and Leadership / M. Ed. (Education Management)

The aim of this study was to investigate the management strategies conducive to establishing constructive discipline for optimal learning. The study represented a case study conducted in a primary school in the Empangeni district of KwaZulu-Natal. An in-depth literature study was followed by an empirical investigation based on a qualitative research design employing focus group and individual interviews. The research findings revealed that optimal learning is achieved through effective classroom management practices promoting constructive discipline. A classroom environment in which constructive discipline prevails includes the organisation of the physical environment in a functional way, the consideration of instructional strategies such as teachers being well-prepared for the lesson, as well as class routines and procedures being well communicated. Based on the findings of the empirical investigation, and concurring with the findings from literature, recommendations were made regarding classroom management strategies for constructive discipline in order to arrange for optimal learning. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Afrikaans text / Die afname in dissipline en dissipline handhawing in skole is 'n omvangryke probleem. Die fokus van hierdie studie is om die aard en omvang van dissiplinêre probleme te ondersoek om sodoende riglyne daar te stel om konstruktiewe dissipline in klaskamers te vestig as 'n sleutel taak van die onderwyser. In hierdie studie maak die navorser gebruik van die gekombineerde benaderingsmetode, naamlik die kwalitatiewe-kwantitatiewe navorsingsmetode. Vraelyste (kwantitatief) en onderhoude (kwalitatief) is as data insamelingstegnieke gebruik om vas te stel wat die aard, omvang en moontlike oplossings is, vir die navorsingsprobleem. Die navorsingstudie is gedoen deur 106 onderwysers in die intermediêre- en senior fase van ses laerskole van die Noordweste van Pretoria te betrek. Daar is ook onderhoude gevoer met ses senior onderwysers wat in beheer was van hul skole se dissiplinêre stelsels. Die navorsingstudie het bevind dat onderwysers, leerders en ouers bydraend is tot dissiplinêre probleme in klaskamers. Positiewe strategieë sluit in kommunikasie en toepassing van klasreëls. Uit die bevindinge van die navorsing is daar ongetwyfeld 'n sterk behoefte aan leiding vir onderwysers om dissiplinêre probleme aan te spreek. Onderwysers moet bemagtig word om konstruktiewe dissipline te ontwikkel, te bevorder en te handhaaf. / The decline in discipline and discipline enforcement in schools is a massive problem. The focus of this study is to examine the nature and extent of discipline problems in order to set guidelines to establish constructive discipline in the classroom as a key task of the teacher. In this study, the researcher makes use of the combined approach method, namely the qualitative - quantitative research methodology. Questionnaires (quantitative) and interviews (qualitative) were used as data collection techniques to determine the nature, extent and The research study was conducted by involving 106 teachers in the intermediate and senior phase of six primary schools of the North West of Pretoria. There were also interviews with six senior teachers who were in charge of their schools' disciplinary systems. The research study found that teachers, pupils and parents are contributing factors to discipline problems in classrooms. Positive strategies include communication and application of rules. From the findings of the research there is undoubtedly a strong need for guidance for teachers to address disciplinary problems. Teachers should be empowered to develop positive, promote, and maintain constructive discipline in the classroom. possible solutions of the research problem. / Educational Management and Leadership / M. Ed. (Education Management)

The aim of this action research was to investigate how auditory perceptual deficits affect reading in learners with disabilities. The sub-questions were: What auditory perceptual deficits learners’ experience? How do educators assist learners with auditory perceptual deficits? What instructional strategies and classroom management can educators apply to assist learners with auditory perceptual skills? The data collections comprised of an informal oral assessment, observation and anecdotal notes with fifteen participants with barriers to learning, from the English first year class, within a special needs educational setting. Data analysis and validity were supported by triangulation through informal assessment, observation, my critical friend and my own critical reflection. The support of phonologic, memory, and cohesion skills, auditory skills were the reading educational construct and strategies used as intervention in order to identify the efficacy of said interventions. Both bottom-up and top-down support strategies were used in relation to the participants’ individualised educational needs. The research results and discussion included methods to improve reading and listening skills in the classroom environment. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

A positive learning environment is more important if students are considered to perform better in their schoolwork. The school environment the students attend mostly influences their performance. The school that each student attends sets its own pillars that promote students’ positive learning. This research study looks thoroughly at the schools climate, and socio-economic background of students. Most public schools have insufficient funds to run their day-to-day activities. One of the disturbing factor to promote learning environment is the class sizes are too big. The more funds a school receives, the better it performs because the school invests more in its resources. The teachers’ experience also contributes to students’ performance. Usually, the students who attend a school where more teachers have pastoral care tend to perform better. The research intended to investigate the causes and consequences of a school’s setting in promoting a positive learning environment and further discussed the benefit of positive learning environment in schools. The students’ success in their learning progress is determined by a positive learning and teaching environment. Generally, if there is a caring environment in the school set up, then that leads to the students obtaining good envisaged outcomes. The schools help the students achieve the good results, or alternatively, they could make the students fail. The students perform better in a positive learning environment that also is tantamount to personal student/teacher relationships. The findings of this study encourage the researcher to come up with new strategies that can be used to uplift the performance of students. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Curriculum and Instructional Studies)

The purpose of this study is to investigate how positive discipline of Grade 9 boys should be managed at a selected public fee paying school in KwaZulu-Natal and to determine how learner behaviour would improve through educators acting as mentors. Furthermore, how educators could assist in implementing positive discipline management strategies to help in improving learner behaviour, and which positive discipline management strategies have been successful. This study could be regarded as primarily descriptive and exploratory in nature, incorporating the basic characteristics associated with quantitative research. As such, it was predominantly deductive and positivistic in nature. This study highlighted the importance of effective management systems that would assist the educator in the classroom. Several theories regarding learner management were explained and the literature review focused on the need for positive discipline strategies to be employed in the classroom, which would ultimately make for better relationships between the educator and the learner. The study found that it is essential that the SGB, principal and senior management all get behind and support a managing behaviour mentor system as it has the potential to create a pleasurable work environment resulting in a reduction in the number of disciplinary matters for both the educator and the learner. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Afrikaans text / Die afname in dissipline en dissipline handhawing in skole is 'n omvangryke probleem. Die fokus van hierdie studie is om die aard en omvang van dissiplinêre probleme te ondersoek om sodoende riglyne daar te stel om konstruktiewe dissipline in klaskamers te vestig as 'n sleutel taak van die onderwyser. In hierdie studie maak die navorser gebruik van die gekombineerde benaderingsmetode, naamlik die kwalitatiewe-kwantitatiewe navorsingsmetode. Vraelyste (kwantitatief) en onderhoude (kwalitatief) is as data insamelingstegnieke gebruik om vas te stel wat die aard, omvang en moontlike oplossings is, vir die navorsingsprobleem. Die navorsingstudie is gedoen deur 106 onderwysers in die intermediêre- en senior fase van ses laerskole van die Noordweste van Pretoria te betrek. Daar is ook onderhoude gevoer met ses senior onderwysers wat in beheer was van hul skole se dissiplinêre stelsels. Die navorsingstudie het bevind dat onderwysers, leerders en ouers bydraend is tot dissiplinêre probleme in klaskamers. Positiewe strategieë sluit in kommunikasie en toepassing van klasreëls. Uit die bevindinge van die navorsing is daar ongetwyfeld 'n sterk behoefte aan leiding vir onderwysers om dissiplinêre probleme aan te spreek. Onderwysers moet bemagtig word om konstruktiewe dissipline te ontwikkel, te bevorder en te handhaaf. / The decline in discipline and discipline enforcement in schools is a massive problem. The focus of this study is to examine the nature and extent of discipline problems in order to set guidelines to establish constructive discipline in the classroom as a key task of the teacher. In this study, the researcher makes use of the combined approach method, namely the qualitative - quantitative research methodology. Questionnaires (quantitative) and interviews (qualitative) were used as data collection techniques to determine the nature, extent and The research study was conducted by involving 106 teachers in the intermediate and senior phase of six primary schools of the North West of Pretoria. There were also interviews with six senior teachers who were in charge of their schools' disciplinary systems. The research study found that teachers, pupils and parents are contributing factors to discipline problems in classrooms. Positive strategies include communication and application of rules. From the findings of the research there is undoubtedly a strong need for guidance for teachers to address disciplinary problems. Teachers should be empowered to develop positive, promote, and maintain constructive discipline in the classroom. possible solutions of the research problem. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Afrikaans text, with English and Xhosa summaries / Baie leerders in voorheen benadeelde skole kom uit enkelouerhuise, waar ouers lang ure werk en dikwels ongeletterd is. Dit lei daartoe dat die oorgrote meerderheid leerders in 'n ongestruktureerde omgewing en in huise grootword sonder duidelike dissiplinêre grense. Dissiplinêre grense behels die daarstelling van duidelike perke wat aan kinders wys wat hulle mag doen en wat hulle nie mag doen nie. Alle kinders het grense nodig om optimaal te groei en te leer. As kinders weet wat die gevolge daarvan is om buite die grense te beweeg, sal hulle probeer voldoen aan verwagtinge. Aan die anderkant sal 'n gebrek aan grense baie dissiplinêre probleme veroorsaak, aangesien leerders nie tuis selfdissipline aanleer nie. Daarbenewens word hulle dikwels grootgemaak in omgewings waar hulle blootgestel word aan dwelms, geweld, misdaad en bendes. Hulle verwerf nie die kennis van watter soort gedrag tuis of in hul gemeenskappe moreel en sosiaal aanvaarbaar is nie. Die gebrek aan dissipline en selfdissipline tuis lei tot dissiplinêre probleme in die klaskamer, veral by leerders in voorheen benadeelde skole. Die onderrig van goeie dissipline, wat tot selfdissipline lei, berus op opvoeders se skouers in die skoolkonteks. Dus word die rol van skole en opvoeders uiters belangrik, hoewel dit na 'n onoorkomelike probleem klink. As alle belanghebbendes 'n rol kan speel om leerders te help om optimaal te ontwikkel, sal dit ook help met dissiplinêre probleme. / Many learners in previously disadvantaged schools come from single parent homes, where parents work long hours and often are illiterate. This leads to the fact that the vast majority of learners grow up in an unstructured environment and in homes without clear disciplinary boundaries. Disciplinary boundaries involve establishing clear limits that show children what they are allowed to do and what they are not allowed to do. All children need boundaries to grow and learn optimally. When children know what the consequences are for stepping out of bounds, they will be more compliant. A lack of boundaries on the other hand causes many disciplinary problems, as learners do not learn self-discipline at home. In addition, they are often raised in environments where they are exposed to drugs, violence, crime and gangs. They do not acquire the knowledge of which types of behaviour are morally and socially acceptable at home or in their communities. The lack of discipline and self discipline at home leads to disciplinary problems in the classroom, especially with learners in previously disadvantaged schools. The teaching of good discipline, leading to self discipline rests on educators’ shoulders in the school context. Thus, the role of schools and educators become extremely important, although it sounds like an insurmountable problem. If all stakeholders could play a role to assist learners to develop optimally, it will also help with disciplinary problems. / Uninzi lwabafundi abaphuma kwizikolo ebezihlelelekile ngaphambili bavela kumakhaya anomzali omnye, apho abazali besebenza iiyure ezinde kwaye kunjalo bengafundanga. Ngoko uninzi lwabafundi lukhulela kwindawo engenasiseko someleleyo nakumakhaya angenamiqathanga icacileyo yokuziphatha. Imida yokoluleka kokuziphatha ibandakanya ukumiselwa kwemida ecacileyo ebonisa abantwana izinto abavunyelweyo ukuzenza nezinto abangavunyelwanga ukuba bazenze. Bonke abantwan bafuna ukubekelwa imiqathanga ukuze bakhule ngokugqibeleleyo. Xa abantwana bezazi iziphumo zokutyeshela imiqathanga ebekiweyo baya kuthobela nangakumbi. Ukongeza, basoloko bekhulela kwindawo apho bedibana neziyobisi, ubundlobongela, ulwaphulo-mthetho namamaqela emigulukudu. Ngoko ke, abalufumani ulwazi ngeentlobo zokuziphatha ezivumelekileyo ekhaya okanye ekuhlaleni. Ukungabikho kwenqeqesho nokuzihlonipha ekhaya kukhokelela kwiingxaki zokuziphatha egumbini lokufundela, ingakumbi abafundi abakwizikolo ebezihlelelekile. Ukufundisa indlela efanelekileyo yokuziphatha, ekhokelela ekuziphatheni kakuhle, ngumthwalo wootitshala esikolweni.Yiloo nto indima yezikolo nootitshala iba yeyona ibaluleke kakhulu, ngaphandle kwale ngxaki ikhangeleka ingenakuphela. Ukongeza, ukuba bonke ababandakanyekayo banokudlala indima ekuncedeni abafundi ukuba bakhule ngokugqibeleleyo, kunganceda ekusombululeni iingxaki zokuziphatha. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Opvoedkundige Sielkunde)