The South African Department of Basic Education and Department of Higher Education and Training (2011a) made a call for the development of mathematics knowledge and practice standards in the foundation phase to serve as guidelines for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in the different higher education institutions. The purpose of the study in hand was to develop draft knowledge and practice standards in the number domain for the preparation of foundation phase teachers (referred to as mathematics knowledge and practice standards). These standards have to be refined and improved in further studies and should in the end serve as knowledge and practice standards for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa. Through a conceptual qualitative research methodology the researcher purposefully collected documents and analysed them through content analysis. The data-gathering process took place in three phases. During the first phase, policy documents with regard to general standards for teacher preparation, written school curriculum documents and mathematical standards for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa, the United States of America, Australia and the Netherlands were gathered. The second phase involved the purposeful gathering of articles, research reports and teacher preparation textbooks with regard to the preparation of foundation phase teachers to teach the number domain. During the first and second phases of data gathering, the documents were analysed according to mathematical knowledge for teaching as described by Ball, Thames and Phelps (2008) and the first draft of mathematical knowledge and practice standards was compiled. During the third data-gathering phase, critical evaluation reports were gathered from experts in the field of mathematics education (including researchers at universities and practising foundation phase teachers). The critical evaluation includes gaps/shortcomings in the draft mathematics knowledge and practice standards, as well as comments with regard to the clarity, applicability and functionality of the document. The draft mathematics knowledge and practice standards (MKPSs) for the preparation of foundation phase teachers include: Standard 1: Common content knowledge – The foundation phase teacher has a clear understanding of the common content knowledge of the number domain. Standard 2: Specialised content knowledge – The foundation phase teacher has a clear understanding of the specialised content of the number domain. Standard 3: Knowledge at the mathematical horizon – The foundation phase teacher understands how mathematical themes in the number domain relate to other themes in the different foundation phase year groups and in other phases. Standard 4: Knowledge of content and teaching – The foundation phase teacher is able to plan lessons and knows how to teach the number domain. Standard 5: Knowledge of content and learners – The foundation phase teacher knows the foundation phase learners and knows how they learn the number domain. Standard 6: Knowledge of content and the curriculum – The foundation phase teacher understands the South African school curriculum, as well as international trends in the school curriculum concerning the number domain. Those experts in the field of mathematics education in the foundation phase who participated in the study all indicated that the mathematics knowledge and practice standards in the number domain have the potential to boost the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The purpose of this study is to investigate physics teachers’ (TPCK) and their learners’ achievement in electricity. A purposive sample of 42 Grade 11 physics teachers and 1423 learners participated in the study. An explanatory mixed method research design was employed in the study to collect data. A survey questionnaire (PTTPCKQ), consisting of six-point Likert scale questions, was answered by participating teachers. Similarly, their learners responded to a confirmatory questionnaire (LCPTTPCKQ). The learners also responded to the Electricity Learning Confirmatory Questionnaire (LELCQ) and wrote an achievement test called Learner Electricity Achievement Test (LEAT). The data collected was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively, it was found that a positive, statistically significant relationship existed between physics teachers’ experience and their learners’ achievement [Spearman’s rho (42) = .39, p = .011] as well as physics teachers’ TPCK and their qualifications [Spearman’s rho (42) = .33, p = .003]. There was also a positive statistical relationship between physics teachers’ TPCK and learner achievement, yet this was not statistically significant. There were positive, statistically significant relationships between all the constructs of the physics teachers’ TPCK and their TPCK from the analysis of the PTTPCKQ. There were positive statistically significant relationships between all the constructs of the physics teachers’ TPCK and their TPCK, according to the analysis of the LCPTTPCKQ. Furthermore, comparing the learners’ responses on the LCTTPCKQ and their teachers’ responses on the PTTPCKQ, it was found that both learners and teachers provided similar responses for all the constructs of TPCK except TCK. Qualitative data analysis further revealed that the technologies used by these teachers were PhET Simulations, YouTube Videos, Power Point Presentations, Interactive White Boards, and Mindset Videos. Finally, between 12.9% and 5.2% of the learners reported that their teachers had neglected to teach some sections of the electricity in the curriculum. / Mathematical Sciences / Ph. D. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education)

學科教學知識（PCK）是上世紀80年代提出的一種與教師課堂實踐緊密聯繫的知識。回顧學科教學知識的研究文獻發現，較少有研究專門針對學科教學知識轉化為課堂教學行為的過程。本研究選取三位中學化學教師作為案例，詳細描述和分析了PCK如何向課堂教學進行轉化。根據PCK的兩大維度一是關於“教"，二是關於“內容"，研究選擇了某一特定教學主題（化學反應速率）以及探究式教學來具體化這兩大維度。這樣研究就是從具有特定教學主題和教學取向的角度去闡釋PCK的轉化過程。轉化研究從四個方面進行展開：一是教師對於探究的知識和信念，二是以探究為教學取向的PCK，三是教師的課堂實踐行為，四是PCK與教學行為之間的聯繫和差異，以及影響PCK向課堂實踐轉化的因素。 / 研究發現PCK向課堂實踐的轉化，可以從三個方面進行闡釋。首先從教師所理解的探究知識而言，教師對探究的理解程度會影響教學目標的制定、教學內容的選擇、教學策略和教學評價的實施以及學生知識這些PCK的主要成分，繼而影響探究教學的實施。教師對探究的理解最主要的困難體現在三個方面：一是缺乏使用證據進行解釋的意識；二是將探究等同於“預測"、“實驗室活動"；三是重視“做"科學多於“說"科學，學生較少獲得交流與解釋的機會。 / 其次PCK本身的程度影響課堂教學實踐的轉化。研究發現三位教師當中，有經驗教師的PCK各個知識成分比較均衡，知識成分之間能夠產生聯繫，PCK與教學行為之間的差異較小。新手教師的PCK發展處於不均衡狀態，其中教學目標和評價知識較為豐富，但是缺乏充分的教學策略知識來實現教學目標的轉變。PCK不僅僅是知識成分的綜合，它體現了教師將不同知識整合的能力，有經驗教師的整合能力明顯高於新手教師。此外，學生知識是變化最為劇烈的PCK知識成分，教師需要特別的提示或是刺激才能促進其在教學計劃中更多地考慮學生。 / 最後，教師面對探究教學的實施總體呈現一種複雜而矛盾的信念。這背後的影響因素主要來自五個方面：一是教學觀念，例如教師對學習“過程"和“結果"的價值判斷，通常“結果"定律影響探究教學的實施；二是自我效能感，自我效能感高的教師更能實現教學轉化；三是學生觀念，教師對學生的評價越是負面，越會阻礙教學轉化；四是同伴學習，擁有同儕支持的教師能夠獲得更多的教學資源以及自我效能感，如果有優秀教師的引領，這種自我效能感將更加得到強化；五是教科書、課程標準、考試等外在因素，通常“課程"和“考試"是教師認為最容易阻礙探究教學實施的兩大外部壓力。 / 基於以上發現，研究建議值得繼續關注的問題是：進一步確定PCK的評級方法和工具，幫助教師形成均衡發展的PCK；促進教師深入理解和反思探究的本質；為教師提供支持性的環境，包括穩定的培訓環境、增加教師之間學習的機會、支持教師對自我教學進行不斷的改進和跟新、鼓勵教師形成積極、正面、陽關的教學心態。研究對於教師專業發展和提高科學本質觀的認識這兩方面具有一定的理論和實踐貢獻。 / The notion of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) was proposed in the 1980s. PCK is closely related to teachers’ classroom practices, but a review of research on PCK revealed that few previous studies had focused on how PCK is transformed into classroom practice. Using three high school chemistry teachers in Beijing as cases, this study investigated the transformation process of PCK. They taught chemical reaction rate by using inquiry teaching and learning in their schools. Interviews and direct observations were used to collect data on the actual teaching and learning process in their classrooms. The research focused on four areas: teacher knowledge and beliefs about inquiry; the PCK for inquiry teaching; teacher behaviors in the classroom; and the transformation of PCK into classroom teaching as well as the factors affecting the transformation process. / It was found that the process of PCK transformation can be analyzed from three perspectives. First, teachers’ levels of understanding of inquiry affected their selection of learning objectives, content, teaching strategies, and assessment. Three major difficulties encountered by the three teachers were identified. Secondly, teachers’ levels of PCK influenced the transformation of PCK into classroom teaching. Experienced teachers were able to transform their PCK more easily than novice teachers. However, both experienced and novice teachers had to pay more attention to students’ needs when designing and implementing inquiry teaching. Thirdly, the three teachers held complex and conflicting beliefs about teaching and learning. The key factors affecting the transformation of PCK into classroom teaching included teacher self-efficacy, beliefs about student ability, peer support, textbooks, curriculum guides, and examinations. / These findings have important implications for teacher professional development and science teaching and learning in school. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / Detailed summary in vernacular field only. / 廖梁. / Thesis (Ph.D.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2012. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 331-350). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / Liao Liang. / 摘要 --- p.iii / Abstract --- p.v / 致謝 --- p.v / 目錄 --- p.ix / 圖表目錄 --- p.xii / Chapter 第一章 --- 引言 --- p.1 / Chapter 第一節 --- 研究背景 --- p.1 / Chapter 一、 --- 學科教學知識研究概述 --- p.1 / Chapter 二、 --- 課程改革與探究教學 --- p.3 / Chapter 第二節 --- 研究目的 --- p.6 / Chapter 一、 --- 內容主題+探究取向的PCK研究 --- p.6 / Chapter 二、 --- 教師的探究知識和信念 --- p.7 / Chapter 三、 --- PCK在課堂實踐中的轉化過程 --- p.8 / Chapter 第三節、 --- 研究問題 --- p.9 / Chapter 第二章 --- 文獻回顧 --- p.11 / Chapter 第一節 --- PCK的概念与成分 --- p.11 / Chapter 一、 --- 概念與內涵 --- p.11 / Chapter 二、 --- 知識成分 --- p.17 / Chapter 第二節、 --- 主題式PCK --- p.31 / Chapter 一、 --- 概述 --- p.31 / Chapter 二、 --- Van Driel的主題PCK研究----教師的化學平衡PCK及其發展 --- p.33 / Chapter 三、 --- De Jong等人的主題PCK研究---教師有關粒子模型的PCK --- p.34 / Chapter 四、 --- Drechsler&Van Driel的主題PCK研究 --- p.36 / Chapter 五、 --- 小結 --- p.37 / Chapter 第三節、 --- PCK的發展與課堂教學實踐 --- p.39 / Chapter 一、 --- Cochran的PCK發展觀---“動態建構與“均衡發展 --- p.39 / Chapter 二、 --- Nilsson的PCK發展觀---在反思中促進PCK的發展 --- p.41 / Chapter 三、 --- Park&Oliver的PCK發展觀---PCK產生於行動，指導於行動 --- p.42 / Chapter 四、 --- 小结 --- p.44 / Chapter 第四節、 --- 獲得、描述和評價教師PCK的方法 --- p.45 / Chapter 一、 --- 早期PCK研究方法（1986-1999） --- p.45 / Chapter 二、 --- 2000---至今的PCK研究 --- p.47 / Chapter 三、 --- 如何描述和呈現PCK --- p.49 / Chapter 四、 --- 小結 --- p.53 / Chapter 第五節、 --- 探究、探究教学与信念 --- p.54 / Chapter 一、 --- 什麼是探究 --- p.54 / Chapter 二、 --- 探究教學策略 --- p.60 / Chapter 三、 --- 探究信念 --- p.67 / Chapter 第六節、 --- 化學反應速率教學背景 --- p.70 / Chapter 一、 --- 化學反應速率的概念要點 --- p.70 / Chapter 二、 --- 學習化學反應速率常見的困難和錯誤概念 --- p.71 / Chapter 三、 --- 化學反應速率的教學策略 --- p.72 / Chapter 第三章 --- 研究方法 --- p.75 / Chapter 第一節、 --- 案例研究方法概述 --- p.75 / Chapter 第二節、 --- 資料收集 --- p.76 / Chapter 一、 --- 第一次田野調查設計與初步結果 --- p.76 / Chapter 二、 --- 第二次田野調查數據收集 --- p.81 / Chapter 第三節、 --- 資料分析 --- p.88 / Chapter 第四節、 --- 研究效度與研究倫理 --- p.91 / Chapter 第四章 --- 教師的探究知識與信念 --- p.93 / Chapter 第一節、 --- 教师的探究知識 --- p.94 / Chapter 一、 --- 內涵 --- p.94 / Chapter 二、 --- 過程 --- p.99 / Chapter 三、 --- 角色 --- p.103 / Chapter 四、 --- 價值 --- p.107 / Chapter 五、 --- 困難 --- p.113 / Chapter 第二節、 --- 教師對探究教學所持有的信念 --- p.117 / Chapter 一、 --- 認同亦或疏離 --- p.120 / Chapter 二、 --- 行动亦或观望 --- p.123 / Chapter 三、 --- 堅持亦或嘗試 --- p.126 / Chapter 四、 --- 融洽亦或矛盾 --- p.128 / Chapter 第三節、 --- 小結 --- p.132 / Chapter 第五章 --- 以探究為取向的學科教學知識分析 --- p.139 / Chapter 第一節、 --- 學科教學知識分析框架 --- p.139 / Chapter 第二節、 --- 理論先行，實驗輔助----喬老師的探究教學PCK --- p.146 / Chapter 第三節、 --- 在教中學，吐故納新----郎老師學科教學知識分析 --- p.169 / Chapter 第四節、 --- 適應困境，力圖改變----胡老師學科教學知識分析 --- p.182 / Chapter 第五節、 --- 小结 --- p.197 / Chapter 第六章 --- 課堂教學行為分析 --- p.203 / Chapter 第一節、 --- 探究課堂教學中的師生對話分析框架 --- p.204 / Chapter 第二節、 --- 喬老師的課堂教學行為分析 --- p.206 / Chapter 第三節、 --- 郎老師師生課堂對話分析 --- p.241 / Chapter 第四節、 --- 胡老師師生課堂對話分析 --- p.251 / Chapter 第五節、 --- 小結 --- p.262 / Chapter 第七章 --- 學科教學知識向課堂實踐轉化过程的討論 --- p.268 / Chapter 第一節、 --- 學科教學知識與課堂教學行為差異討論 --- p.268 / Chapter 一、 --- 教學目標與教學行為 --- p.268 / Chapter 二、 --- 教學內容與教學行為 --- p.274 / Chapter 三、 --- 教學策略與教學行為 --- p.276 / Chapter 四、 --- 教學評價與教學行為 --- p.282 / Chapter 五、 --- 小結 --- p.286 / Chapter 第二節、 --- 學科教學知識向教學行為轉化過程的特徵 --- p.287 / Chapter 一、 --- 喬老師的轉化特徵----深刻的認識，深刻的矛盾 --- p.288 / Chapter 二、 --- 郎老師教學知識的轉化特徵----知識與行動的高度一致 --- p.294 / Chapter 三、 --- 胡老師教學知識的轉化特徵----艱難融入教學環境，信念頑強 --- p.298 / Chapter 第三節、 --- 轉化的影響因素討論 --- p.302 / Chapter 一、 --- 探究知識對轉化的影響 --- p.302 / Chapter 二、 --- 信念對轉化的影響 --- p.307 / Chapter 三、 --- PCK對轉化的影響 --- p.312 / Chapter 第八章 --- 結論與總結 --- p.316 / Chapter 第一節、 --- 結論 --- p.316 / Chapter 第二節、 --- 研究貢獻 --- p.321 / Chapter 第三節、 --- 研究局限 --- p.325 / Chapter 第四節、 --- 有待深入關注的問題 --- p.327 / 參考文獻 --- p.331 / 中文部分 --- p.331 / 英文部分 --- p.333 / 附錄 --- p.351

Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK), uniquely possessed by teachers, is the expert knowledge of teaching particular subjects. While researchers have probed into the connotation of PCK from the aspects of various subjects, this study explores an area of subject teaching not yet developed in the investigation of teachers' PCK: the PCK of experienced teachers of Senior Secondary Chinese Language, particularly its connotation, foundation, and changes after the curriculum reform. / The reform of the Chinese Language Curriculum in Hong Kong has released learning materials to schools without specifying prescribed texts. Schools are required to accommodate a school-based curriculum in view of the school and its students. To design such a curriculum demands a higher level of teachers' PCK. This study, by citing how teachers managed teaching materials, adopted a qualitative approach to investigate teachers' PCK. Using case study method and via purposeful sampling, this study identified six Senior Secondary Chinese Language teachers as research subjects. Two of them came from two schools which developed their own teaching materials, while the other four belonged to two other schools which employed textbooks. / The result revealed that the PCK possessed by these Senior Secondary Chinese Language teachers comprised five dimensions of knowledge: the knowledge of the purpose of subject teaching, the knowledge of student learning, the knowledge of curriculum content, organization and teaching materials, the knowledge of instructional strategies and representations, as well as subject knowledge. After the curriculum reform, the changes in the teachers' PCK were reflected mainly from their knowledge of student learning, knowledge of curriculum content, structure and teaching materials, and knowledge of instructional strategies and representations. Some teachers put more emphasis on developing students' language ability, demonstrating a change in their knowledge of the goal of subject teaching. Subject knowledge of the teachers, which was important to them when handling teaching materials, remained the same before and after the reform. The PCK of the teachers in this case study came from: teacher education and training programmes, practice and reflection, collaboration and study, the experience of curriculum development, collaborative lesson preparation, peer observation, internal and external professional exchanges, resource sharing, etc. / This study has three significant findings. First, among all the knowledge of teachers, PCK is independent. It is the expert knowledge of teaching particular subjects, as well as an integrated expression of various knowledge dimensions during subject teaching. Secondly, subject knowledge is one of the dimensions of teachers' PCK during subject teaching. It integrates with other knowledge dimensions to realize effects. Thirdly, the knowledge dimension of instructional strategies and representations of PCK has different scopes of application. "Strategies" refers to all kinds of pre-lesson instructional design, as well as the general instruction method during actual teaching. "Representations" refers to that during subject teaching, according to specific subject content and by adopting targeting approach, teachers modify the pedagogical content so as to make it more comprehensible to students. / 周健. / Advisers: Hin-Wah Wong; Ping-Kwan Fok. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 72-04, Section: A, page: . / Thesis (doctoral)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2010. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 394-411). / Electronic reproduction. Hong Kong : Chinese University of Hong Kong, [2012] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Electronic reproduction. Ann Arbor, MI : ProQuest Information and Learning Company, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / Zhou Jian.

The South African Department of Basic Education and Department of Higher Education and Training (2011a) made a call for the development of mathematics knowledge and practice standards in the foundation phase to serve as guidelines for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in the different higher education institutions. The purpose of the study in hand was to develop draft knowledge and practice standards in the number domain for the preparation of foundation phase teachers (referred to as mathematics knowledge and practice standards). These standards have to be refined and improved in further studies and should in the end serve as knowledge and practice standards for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa. Through a conceptual qualitative research methodology the researcher purposefully collected documents and analysed them through content analysis. The data-gathering process took place in three phases. During the first phase, policy documents with regard to general standards for teacher preparation, written school curriculum documents and mathematical standards for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa, the United States of America, Australia and the Netherlands were gathered. The second phase involved the purposeful gathering of articles, research reports and teacher preparation textbooks with regard to the preparation of foundation phase teachers to teach the number domain. During the first and second phases of data gathering, the documents were analysed according to mathematical knowledge for teaching as described by Ball, Thames and Phelps (2008) and the first draft of mathematical knowledge and practice standards was compiled. During the third data-gathering phase, critical evaluation reports were gathered from experts in the field of mathematics education (including researchers at universities and practising foundation phase teachers). The critical evaluation includes gaps/shortcomings in the draft mathematics knowledge and practice standards, as well as comments with regard to the clarity, applicability and functionality of the document. The draft mathematics knowledge and practice standards (MKPSs) for the preparation of foundation phase teachers include: Standard 1: Common content knowledge – The foundation phase teacher has a clear understanding of the common content knowledge of the number domain. Standard 2: Specialised content knowledge – The foundation phase teacher has a clear understanding of the specialised content of the number domain. Standard 3: Knowledge at the mathematical horizon – The foundation phase teacher understands how mathematical themes in the number domain relate to other themes in the different foundation phase year groups and in other phases. Standard 4: Knowledge of content and teaching – The foundation phase teacher is able to plan lessons and knows how to teach the number domain. Standard 5: Knowledge of content and learners – The foundation phase teacher knows the foundation phase learners and knows how they learn the number domain. Standard 6: Knowledge of content and the curriculum – The foundation phase teacher understands the South African school curriculum, as well as international trends in the school curriculum concerning the number domain. Those experts in the field of mathematics education in the foundation phase who participated in the study all indicated that the mathematics knowledge and practice standards in the number domain have the potential to boost the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

The aim of this study has been to investigate, through the narratives of ex-perienced teachers, insights and strategies in the teaching of history in upper secondary school. Based on a flexible grounded theory, life history and theories of pedagogical content knowledge, seven experienced history teachers have been interviewed about their conceptions of history teaching. Development of insights into history teaching and the formation of knowledge can be described as involving both a refinement of practice and more revolutionary turning points. These insights emphasize that good knowledge of the subject is central for legitimacy and creativity. History teaching in Sweden is described as increasingly international and contem-porary, and focussed on students’ learning from various points of view. Varied teaching is stressed with the teacher in centre and also being able to take the role of arranger. Of importance is also the handling of teaching in history as a foundation course as well as an advanced or specialized course. Influences from other subjects have had a diverse impact at the same time as personal interests and experiences, as well as external influences, have been important for the development of strategies. History teachers’ teaching strategies may be described in terms of 1) multiperspectivity, where different points of view and interpretations of history are central; 2) narrative history, where through both major and minor stories, a chronological structure and animation of the subject of history are strived after; 3) social scientific history, which uses history to explain contemporary society through making comparisons and seeking general patterns; and 4) an eclectic strategy, which strives after varieties of an individualised teaching of history by allowing students to make their ways into history in diverse ways. The experienced history teachers’ narratives make evident how the subject of history can be transformed, they demonstrate different conceivable ways of teaching history and reveal its complexity. The teachers’ narratives show how, through their strategies in interaction with their insights in history teaching, they have created an overview and structure in the complex reality of teaching history. The teachers’ insights and strategies constitute a practice based contribution to a more experience informed practice and research on the teaching of history.

This study aimed at exploring the Life Orientation (LO) teachers’ knowledge and teaching of study skills in high schools, Ekudibeng cluster, Gauteng East. The Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) is the most recent curriculum policy (Department of Basic Education [DBE], 2012) and serves as an action plan to 2030 for the South African education system in order to address some of the origins of underperformance in South African schools (Nicolson, 2013). Life Orientation (LO) can be described as a learning area within the educational context that promotes the holistic development of a child. The educational context refers to all processes at school level involved in training children’s minds and abilities so that they can acquire knowledge and develop skills to succeed in life. Life Orientation integrates subjects, such as life skills, career guidance, health education, physical education, human rights studies and religious education (Pillay, 2012). According to the Life Orientation 2011 CAPS document, Life Orientation teachers are expected to teach study skills to learners starting from grade 10 – 12 (Further Education and Training (FET) Phase (DBE, 2011). Learning or study skills carry over into other areas of life and beyond school. Study skills are therefore critical tools that ensure that learner achievement leads to success. Furthermore, effective study skills need effective interaction between teachers and learners (Gettinger, & Seibert, 2002). The teacher is a social agent and should make study skills accessible through the process of teaching in the classroom. This implies that the teacher is a central tool for equipping the learners with the necessary study skills which can aid in the unlocking of their future potential (Sasikala, 2012). As such, it was considered important to explore the knowledge and skills for teaching LO as well as the challenges faced and their needs for further development. Three schools in Ekudibeng cluster, Gauteng East were purposefully selected for this purpose on the basis of their results in the previous year’ matric exit examinations. Qualitative case studies of the Further Education and Training LO teachers’ experiences at each of these schools were undertaken utilising semi-structured interviews as a data collection tool. The data were analysed via qualitative content analysis techniques. The findings of this study emphasise the need for a focus on study skills teaching and teacher proficiency in the high school education system. The South African Education System role-players need to take LO seriously and have teachers qualified to teach LO, and to meet their needs through study skills training workshops. Comprehensive continuous improvement in learner performance requires a constant determination of trained LO teachers, qualified for the subject and properly equipped with relevant knowledge to cascade it to learners and cooperative community members, where parents are involved/hands on in shaping their children’s’ future. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

The study’s purpose was to explore the components of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) for teaching quadratic function in Grade 10 mathematics classrooms in Mogalakwena district, Limpopo. The study was mainly guided by Shulman’s PCK and it was categorised as content knowledge, knowledge of the curriculum, knowledge of learners and knowledge of teaching strategies. The researcher employed a qualitative case study research design to explore the teaching of three purposefully selected Grade 10 mathematics teachers regarding their knowledge of quadratic function, strategies employed to teach quadratic function and knowledge of Grade 10 mathematics learners in quadratic function. In this study the researcher argued that PCK strands are interwoven, and in order to teach mathematical concepts, such as quadratic function, effectively teachers should employ components of PCK to complement one another. Data were gathered by lesson observation and interviews. Findings revealed that concepts of quadratic function are inefficiently addressed in Grade 10 due to teachers’ lack or inadequacy in some aspects of PCK. Therefore, there is need to develop mathematics teachers’ PCK in the Mogalakwena district to enhance their teaching of Grade 10 quadratic function. / Mathematics Education / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

Thesis (D. Phil. (Humanities)) -- Central University of Technology, Free State, 2013 / The purpose of this study was to assess the science teaching efficacy of the Physical Science teachers in the secondary schools of the Free State province of the Republic of South Africa. Quantitative and qualitative methods were employed to gather data for this study. It was aimed at determining the effect of the demographic factors and the teachers’ level of preparedness regarding content knowledge and assessment skills on science teaching efficacy. The sample consisted of 190 Physical Science teachers. Two instruments were used to collect data: (1) A self-constructed questionnaire with the Science Teaching Efficacy Belief Instrument for in-service teachers (STEBI-A) modified for this study, and (2) Semi-structured interviews. Teachers’ biographical data and level of preparedness to teach Science were assessed against the two sub-scales of Personal Science Teaching Efficacy (PSTE) and Science Teaching Outcome Expectancy (STOE). Analysis of data was by basic statistics, descriptive statistics and inferential statistics using SPSS 20.0. Qualitative data were transcribed and categorised into emerging themes. Analysis of the self-efficacy survey indicated highly positive self-efficacy beliefs expressed by most of the practising secondary school teachers in regards to Science teaching. Teachers believe in their own teaching abilities (Personal Science Teaching Efficacy beliefs) and they believe learners’ learning can be influenced by effective teaching (Science Teaching Outcome Expectancy beliefs). In addition, analyses of data on the respondents’ level of preparedness to teach Science indicated a high level of self-rated Science knowledge, with higher confidence levels in Physics than in Chemistry among in-service secondary teachers. MANOVA analysis indicated that teachers’ gender, teaching experience, professional and academic qualifications, Chemistry and Physics content knowledge, frequency of practical work, and confidence in conducting experiments played a significant role in the collective dependent variables, while the grades teachers taught, their age and learner assessments did not. Analysis further indicated that secondary school teachers with a B.Sc (Ed) degree had significantly stronger STOE than teachers with any other professional qualifications. vi There was a significant difference between males and females in the STOE sub-scale scores (F=6.139; p=0.014) with males scoring higher than females; but no significant difference between males and females in the PSTE sub-scale scores (F=5.925; p=0.667). Moreover, teachers with at most five years and at least 16 years of teaching experience had significantly higher PSTE scores than teachers with different years of teaching experience. Furthermore, analyses of the level of preparedness in conducting practical work indicated that respondents were more confident to conduct Physics experiments than Chemistry experiments. In-service secondary Science teachers believed that assessment is an important and integral aspect of teaching and learning, hence they utilised a variety of assessment modes in their classroom. It is recommended that further study should include a test in content knowledge, so that teachers can be assessed to confirm their confidence in content knowledge, rather than allowing them to rate themselves without an actual test. Moreover, qualitative studies may be conducted to support teachers’ self-report measures, such as classroom observations, in order to gain in-depth data about teachers’ efficacy beliefs. If more research is conducted on the self-efficacy beliefs of in-service Science teachers at secondary school level, the curriculum of teacher training programmes could be developed and structured further, there could be more understanding on what pre-service teachers face - this will help to understand how to motivate teachers to teach Science.

The study investigated the nature and quality of in-service education and training programmes organized for Further Education and Training (FET) mathematics teachers in the Greater Taung Area. The researcher is of the contention that more could be done to improve the process and the effectiveness of in-service training in the area. An extensive literature study provides a theoretical foundation and exposes some critical issues for effective in-service training programmes. The qualitative approach is used in the case study. The data were analysed through inductive analysis. The major research findings are that there are no formal processes of identifying the needs of mathematics teachers and further, teachers are not monitored and supervised after in-service sessions. It is recommended that the needs of teachers be identified by the school before inset. For effective monitoring and supervision of mathematics teachers after inset, it is recommended that each cluster within the Area Project Office (APO) should have a subject specialist for mathematics. / EDUCATIONAL STUDIES / MED (MATHS EDUC)