The purpose of this study is to describe the three most significant pedagogical ideas and their impact on the national curriculum from the concept of communication. As the school is a social learning community this study looks at some teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching with a communicative approach, and the obstacles they claim to meet. The educationist Kieran Egan argue that these three pedagogical ideas are incompatible and that a curriculum that compromises them is doomed to fail. He mean that a new coherent view on education is required and should be based on students’ understandings. The knowledge should be presented as it easiest can be comprehended during a person’s intellectual development. The study includes qualitative interviews with four teachers that teach students from 6 to 9 years old, and field observations in their classrooms. The main conlusions are that a communicative approach requires a suitable classroom design that enables co-operative learning. The teachers in the study pairs their students two and two or four and four to enable that a dialog occurs between the students, on the subject of the lesson. The classroom design also makes a statement of dissociation with traditional teaching if the teacher’s desk is placed in the back of the classroom, out of focus. As the national curriculum highlights the importance of communication all teachers in the study encourages their students to co-operative learning and communication, but find the noise difficult to handle. It’s their conclusion that smaller groups of students is highly desirable and possibly the only way to overcome the incompatibility that exists within the curriculum.

The performance of mathematics and physical science students are very low in South Africa. These students lack algebraic knowledge and skills in physics education. They tend to treat mathematics and science as separate entities; to them the two subjects are not related. Even the teachers seem not to realise the interrelationship of the two subjects, because according to the research, they perpetuate this attitude. A possible reason could be that they are unfamiliar with common objectives and applications. Knowledge of science is enhanced by the application of mathematics, but the role of mathematical knowledge and skills in the understanding of physical science is uncertain. Even in the new National Curriculum Statement (NCS) of South Africa the relationship between mathematics and physical science is not clearly indicated. Algebraic language is a main tool used in physics, but students still display a lack of understanding of mathematical concepts and problem solving skills. The study was aimed at identifying the mathematical knowledge and skills that would enable students to solve physics problems in grades 11 and 12. The aim was also to identify the specific problems experienced by students in applying these skills and knowledge in physics at grades 11 and 12 level. The empirical study was conducted amongst a group of 120 students in four schools in the Rustenburg Region, North- West Province, South Africa and 28 teachers of which 10 were from these schools and 18 were teachers participating in the Sediba project of the North-West University. The investigation was done by means of a self constructed test and questionnaires. The results indicate that the biggest problem lies with a lack of conceptual knowledge, especially with a basic understanding of proportional reasoning. Other problems were identified and possible remedies proposed. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The performance of mathematics and physical science students are very low in South Africa. These students lack algebraic knowledge and skills in physics education. They tend to treat mathematics and science as separate entities; to them the two subjects are not related. Even the teachers seem not to realise the interrelationship of the two subjects, because according to the research, they perpetuate this attitude. A possible reason could be that they are unfamiliar with common objectives and applications. Knowledge of science is enhanced by the application of mathematics, but the role of mathematical knowledge and skills in the understanding of physical science is uncertain. Even in the new National Curriculum Statement (NCS) of South Africa the relationship between mathematics and physical science is not clearly indicated. Algebraic language is a main tool used in physics, but students still display a lack of understanding of mathematical concepts and problem solving skills. The study was aimed at identifying the mathematical knowledge and skills that would enable students to solve physics problems in grades 11 and 12. The aim was also to identify the specific problems experienced by students in applying these skills and knowledge in physics at grades 11 and 12 level. The empirical study was conducted amongst a group of 120 students in four schools in the Rustenburg Region, North- West Province, South Africa and 28 teachers of which 10 were from these schools and 18 were teachers participating in the Sediba project of the North-West University. The investigation was done by means of a self constructed test and questionnaires. The results indicate that the biggest problem lies with a lack of conceptual knowledge, especially with a basic understanding of proportional reasoning. Other problems were identified and possible remedies proposed. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / This study is an extension of work previously performed by Linder et al. (1997). It sought to explore university Physics I tutors’ conceptualization of Physics I tutorials and their conceptualization on issues relating to observations and interactions during tutoring, through involvement in a reflective practicum. The study was premised on socio-cultural constructivism, co-operative learning, situated learning theory and reflective practice.The study developed over two phases. In phase one the reflective thinking processes of the tutors were explored. Upon reflection on the literature the research context was further developed which allowed a final exploration into the tutors’ conceptualisations of the Physics I tutoring context. During this final exploration, i.e. the second phase, tutors were exposed to an organized, longitudinal sensitisation session, i.e. tutor-training over a period of nine months. Tutors were introduced to co-operative learning and the various processes of reflective practices namely, follow-me, modelling and joint experimentation, reflection-inaction and reflection-on-action.Analysis of the data was carried out using the phenomenographic research perspective. Ananalysis of the categories of description was used to demonstrate the tutors’ ability to reflect,based on their conceptual understanding of and interactions during the physics tutoring. These categories favoured the development of extended criteria to enhance reflection amongst physics tutors. These extended criteria were then used as a basis to suggest a model to support reflection amongst Physics I tutors.

No description available.

This study investigates the use of co-operative learning in the teaching of mapwork to Geography students in tertiary education. Diverse methods of teaching Geography mapwork and also theories of learning that are relevant to the teaching of mapwork are discussed. Co-operative learning, and how it can be employed in the teaching of mapwork is fully explained. The study revealed that co-operative learning method can help students to achieve higher marks in mapwork. It is an instructional method that uses small groups of students working together to meet educational goals. The approach relies on interaction and interdependence and thus is especially suited to higher level conceptual tasks requiring problem-solving and decision-making. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

This study investigates the use of co-operative learning in the teaching of mapwork to Geography students in tertiary education. Diverse methods of teaching Geography mapwork and also theories of learning that are relevant to the teaching of mapwork are discussed. Co-operative learning, and how it can be employed in the teaching of mapwork is fully explained. The study revealed that co-operative learning method can help students to achieve higher marks in mapwork. It is an instructional method that uses small groups of students working together to meet educational goals. The approach relies on interaction and interdependence and thus is especially suited to higher level conceptual tasks requiring problem-solving and decision-making. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

Abstract The study aims to develop knowledge through Storytelling Dramas where teachers and students learn together. The ambition is to investigate if drama variation in teaching, can increase more students' motivation to learn and develop their writing skills concerning more content rich and imaginative lyrics. Theorists believe that learning occurs through interaction; that learning concerns relationships and that language and communication are fundamental elements. Interaction, motivation, curiosity and interest is needed for learning. With an action research approach through we have investigated how the content of the students' stories come to expression for dramatization in conversation and writing. The empirical material consists of log books, students 'written stories, group discussions, and focus group interviews. After that a qualitative analysis was made.The results are presented in two parts. Part 1: The dramatization of different perspectives and Part 2: Students' perspectives on writing qualities. During the analysis, we also discovered that our approach covers the entire Illeris educational triangle. We saw how Storytelling Dramas highlighted narratives content from different perspectives and to students' focus was on different qualitative levels. The conclusion is that Storytelling Dramas is a teaching method based on co-operative learning that provide different perspectives of learning objects, which helps broaden the teachers' and pupils' learning as to make visible the content of students' stories.  Keywords: action research, co-operative learning, , learning styles, writing skills and Storytelling Dramas. / Abstrakt: Studiens syfte är att utveckla kunskap genom Storytelling Dramas där pedagoger och elever lär tillsammans. Vår ambition med studien är att undersöka om vi genom drama som variation i undervisningen kan öka fler elevers motivation att lära och därmed utveckla deras skrivförmåga vad gäller att skriva mer innehållsrika och fantasifulla texter. Teoretiker menar att lärande sker genom samspel; att lärande har med relationer att göra och att språk och kommunikation är grundläggande element. Förutsättning för lärande är samspel, motivation, nyfikenhet och intresse.. Med aktionsforskning som ansats lät vi elevernas skrivna berättelser synliggöras genom dramatisering för att eleverna skulle få syn på det som ger kvalité i berättelseskrivningen och därmed ett bra innehåll. Efter våra aktioner gjordes en kvalitativ analys. Analysen av loggböcker, gruppsamtal samt elevernas skrivna berättelser, där vi undersökte hur innehållet i elevernas berättelser kom till utryck efter dramatisering i samtal och skrift, mynnade ut i två delar. Del 1: Dramatiseringens olika perspektiv och del 2: Elevernas perspektiv på skrivandets kvalitéer. Under analysarbetet upptäckte vi även att vårt arbetssätt täcker hela Illeris lärotriangel.  Vi såg hur Storytelling Dramas belyste berättelsers innehåll ur olika perspektiv och att elevernas fokus befann sig på olika kvalitativa nivåer. Den övergripande slutsatsen med vår studie är att Storytelling Dramas är en undervisningsmetod som bygger på samlärande som ger olika perspektiv av lärandets objekt, vilket bidrar till att bredda pedagogers och elevers lärande såsom att synliggöra innehållet i elevers berättelser. Nyckelord: aktionsforskning, samlärande, lärstilar, skrivutveckling och Storytelling Dramas.

This study reports on an exploration of one group’s experience of making the transition from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred computer-rich classroom. The learners’ experiences are investigated in the light of the premises of learner-centred learning as they are defined by the American Psychological Association. The researcher seeks to identify the factors that would make the transition to a more learner-centred learning environment easier for learners and provides some factors that teachers need to consider if they wish successfully to transform their classrooms to a learner-centred learning environment. A case study examines the reactions of one group of learners to the transition. Learners were required to complete three types of projects. These projects were on different levels of learner-centeredness. The data was collected in three main ways: from participant observation, interviews and focus-group discussions, and from an analysis of the assessment results on the projects. The study concluded that learners had to learn how to cope and perform well in a learner-centred class environment, and that the matriculation examination at the end of the year undermines the effectiveness of learning in a learner-centred learning environment. / Dissertation (MEd(Computer-integrated Education))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted

Examensarbetets fokus är hur små barn mellan ett till tre år interagerar och samlär tillsammans i svensk förskola. Det övergripande syftet var att undersöka hur de yngsta förskolebarnens samspel, samlärande, kommunikation samt kamratrelationer gestaltas i lek och vardagliga situationer på förskolan. Detta för att öka kunskapen om de yngsta barnens sociala värld tillsammans med andra barn och vuxna i förskolan. En kvalitativ undersökning genomfördes på en småbarnsavdelning med 16 barn, där 7 var flickor och 9 var pojkar. 14 av de 16 barnen var även nyinskolade på avdelningen. Videoobservationer och fältanteckningar under en veckas tid användes för datainsamlingen. Videomaterialet bestod av totalt 90 minuter film i både inomhus- och utomhusmiljö. Teoretiskt vilar studien på ett sociokulturellt perspektiv, i vilket barn framstår som sociala aktörer där samspel och lärande sker utifrån interaktion och deltagande i sociala sammanhang. Resultatet stöder också detta perspektiv där de allra yngsta barnen på förskolan verkar har en inneboende vilja att interagera tillsammans med andra barn. I mötet med de andra barnen använder barnen framförallt en icke verbal kommunikation där kropp, gestaltning och mimik är de aktiva redskapen för förståelse för varandra. Barnen visade genom sitt sociala samspel att de verkar ha förmåga att imitera varandra, ta varandras perspektiv, hjälpa varandra, frambringa konflikter med varandra, skapa kontakt med varandra samt lära av och med varandra. Resultatet tycks även visa hur de yngsta förskolebarnens gemenskap uttrycks av glädje för varandra och hur de ständigt verkar vilja vara i en mänsklig samvaro för att bygga relationer till varandra.