Bakalauro baigiamajame darbe nagrinėjamas Joniškio rajono savivaldybės administracijos Švietimo ir sporto skyriaus vaidmuo įgyvendinant švietimo reformas. Bakalauro baigiamojo darbo tyrimo tikslas - identifikuoti Švietimo skyriaus vaidmenį įgyvendinant švietimo reformas, remiantis Joniškio rajono Savivaldybės administracijos Švietimo ir sporto skyriaus atvejo analizė. Baigiamojo darbo teorinėje dalyje analizuojama švietimo reformos įgyvendinimo samprata vietos savivaldos lygmeniu, t.y. viešojo valdymo reformos samprata pokyčių valdymo kontekste, švietimo reformos samprata (sąsajos su kaitos procesais, inovacijomis, užsienio šalių reformų lyginamoji analizė), taip pat vietos savivaldos institucijų veikla reformų įgyvendinimo kontekste. Baigiamojo bakalauro darbo empirinėje dalyje tiriamas Švietimo skyriaus darbuotojų požiūris apie Švietimo reformų įgyvendinimą bei tai kokį vaidmenį reformų įgyvendinime atlieka Joniškio rajono administracijos Švietimo ir sporto skyrius. Taip pat tyrimo metu paaiškėjo ir darbuotojų nuomonė dėl galimų švietimo sistemos pokyčių, t.y. kokių lūkesčių darbuotojai turi būtent švietimo sistemai. Empirinėje dalyje pateikiama ir teisės aktų reglamentuojančių Švietimo skyriaus veiklą analizė (darbuotojų pareigybių aprašai, švietimo strategijos, nuostatai, švietimo gairės). Tyrimo metu nustatyta, kad švietimo skyriaus darbuotojai Švietimo skyriaus veiklą reformų įgyvendinimo procese vertina teigiamai ir mano, kad švietimo politikos įgyvendinimas vietos... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The role of Department of Education in implementing education reforms in Joniskis municipality administration is being analyzed in the final thesis. The research objectives of the Bachelor thesis is to identify the role of Department of Education in implementing education reforms, based on case study of the Department of Education and Sports of Joniskis municipality administration. In the theoretical part of the final thesis the concept of education reform implementation is being analyzed within the level of local self-government, that is the concept of public management reform within the context of change management, the concept of educational reform (the interface with the processes of change, innovations, comparative analysis of reforms of foreign countries), as well as the activities of local self-government within the context of reform implementation. In the empirical part of the final thesis the attitudes of the employees working at the Department of Education regarding the implementation of educational reform and what role is undertaken by the Department of Education and Sports of Joniskis municipality administration in the implementation of the reforms are being analyzed. Also the researched revealed what is the employees’ position on the possible changes in the education system, which is what expectations the employees have towards the education system. The empirical part also presents the analysis of legislation regulating the activities of the Department of... [to full text]

Early childhood development has a lifelong impact on the future of each human being. However, all South Africans do not have equal access to the same quality ECD opportunities and services. As a means to advance knowledge in this regard, this study explores parents' perceptions regarding early childhood development (ECD) and their involvement therein, particularly within the Langkloof farming communities. Furthermore, the objective is to formulate guidelines, which can be applied to promote parents‘ involvement in ECD at home and at the ECD partial care facility the children are enrolled at. For this reason an interpretive, descriptive research design was utilised as methodology, which enables the determination of practical applicability. The data for this study was gathered by means of five focus groups, consisting of not more than eight participants per group. Participants were sampled though a purposeful sampling strategy to ensure that the most informative participants were selected for the study. Gathered data were transcribed and analysed on the basis of the basic qualitative analysis process, incorporating the thematic analysis strategy. The findings of this study indicate that parents have a pertinent understanding of ECD and parental involvement in relation to existing literature on ECD. Participants‘ perceptions complement existing ECD-related literature, indicating that parental involvement in ECD includes a home-centred as well as a facility-centred approach. Participants made reference to their concerns and satisfactions with the ECD services that they are currently receiving. They furthermore made reference to the challenges that prohibit them from optimal parental involvement in the ECD of their children, both at home, as well as at the ECD partial care facilities their children are enrolled at. Participants made suggestions on how they could be supported to address their concerns and challenges in both home-centred and facility-centred approaches in order to enhance parental involvement in their community. In general findings suggest that parents have the skills and are aware of their rights and responsibilities with regard to ECD parental involvement. However, if their insights were to be additionally buttressed in particular ways, their children‘s development in the early years could be enhanced. Based on the findings therefore, this study recommends that governmental departments focus on determining the actual requirements of parents, based on their unique understanding of their circumstances and beliefs by means of practice-based research in less fortunate communities. Furthermore it is recommended that government departments, other role players involved in community-based ECD service delivery and farm owners should play a developmental, empowering and supportive role to assist parents to improve in respect of home-centred, as well as facility-centred parental involvement in ECD. In general the findings of this study therefore suggest that support services to parental involvement in ECD must be individualised based on research and theory and the requirements of parents and children in a specific context. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Early childhood development has a lifelong impact on the future of each human being. However, all South Africans do not have equal access to the same quality ECD opportunities and services. As a means to advance knowledge in this regard, this study explores parents' perceptions regarding early childhood development (ECD) and their involvement therein, particularly within the Langkloof farming communities. Furthermore, the objective is to formulate guidelines, which can be applied to promote parents‘ involvement in ECD at home and at the ECD partial care facility the children are enrolled at. For this reason an interpretive, descriptive research design was utilised as methodology, which enables the determination of practical applicability. The data for this study was gathered by means of five focus groups, consisting of not more than eight participants per group. Participants were sampled though a purposeful sampling strategy to ensure that the most informative participants were selected for the study. Gathered data were transcribed and analysed on the basis of the basic qualitative analysis process, incorporating the thematic analysis strategy. The findings of this study indicate that parents have a pertinent understanding of ECD and parental involvement in relation to existing literature on ECD. Participants‘ perceptions complement existing ECD-related literature, indicating that parental involvement in ECD includes a home-centred as well as a facility-centred approach. Participants made reference to their concerns and satisfactions with the ECD services that they are currently receiving. They furthermore made reference to the challenges that prohibit them from optimal parental involvement in the ECD of their children, both at home, as well as at the ECD partial care facilities their children are enrolled at. Participants made suggestions on how they could be supported to address their concerns and challenges in both home-centred and facility-centred approaches in order to enhance parental involvement in their community. In general findings suggest that parents have the skills and are aware of their rights and responsibilities with regard to ECD parental involvement. However, if their insights were to be additionally buttressed in particular ways, their children‘s development in the early years could be enhanced. Based on the findings therefore, this study recommends that governmental departments focus on determining the actual requirements of parents, based on their unique understanding of their circumstances and beliefs by means of practice-based research in less fortunate communities. Furthermore it is recommended that government departments, other role players involved in community-based ECD service delivery and farm owners should play a developmental, empowering and supportive role to assist parents to improve in respect of home-centred, as well as facility-centred parental involvement in ECD. In general the findings of this study therefore suggest that support services to parental involvement in ECD must be individualised based on research and theory and the requirements of parents and children in a specific context. / Thesis (MSW)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

M.Comm. / Recent studies into the strategic management field indicate that there is a lack of knowledge on strategy implementation. The lack of comprehensive implementation frameworks is particularly raised by a number of scholars. Strategy implementation is one aspect of strategic management. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the implementation of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) of the Mpumalanga Department of Education. The research problem in this report refers to the achievement of the quality objectives of the IQMS. This report aims to explore whether the IQMS objectives are met. It also investigates the effective implementation of the IQMS. This study aims to identify gaps, if any, in the implementation process of the IQMS. Definitions of strategic management and the strategic management process are explored in this report. Strategy implementation levers as described by the McKinsey 7-S Framework are discussed. The role of Total Quality Management and the Balanced Scorecard in successful strategy implementation is shortly mentioned. This study reflects on the perceptions of a sample of the “implementers” of the IQMS. Data is collected by means of a questionnaire that is structured around the implementation levers. It highlights positive/negative aspects/perceptions of the system and the current implementation thereof. The sample consists of a mixture of principals, educators and administrative staff from the various schools in the Nkangala district as well as officials in the provincial office. With respect to the strategy for implementation, respondents seem uncertain. The study indicates that there is uncertainty regarding the organisational structures and its effectiveness in achieving the IQMS goal of support and development of educators. There is also uncertainty regarding the systems available for strategy implementation. It appears that there is uncertainty regarding systems and how it manages to identify specific needs of educators regarding support and development. Educators appear to be uncertain regarding the shared values in the organisation and this can indicate a problem regarding effective communication of the common values and objectives of the IQMS. A shortage of qualified officials and the large learner-to-educator ratios in schools are identified as staff issues in this study. Training and feedback regarding the implementation of IQMS is also a problem. There is uncertainty amongst principals and heads of departments with respect to skills. The respondents indicate an uncertain perception as to whether the IQMS is able to identify specific needs regarding support and development, which is one of the objectives of the IQMS. Recommendations include a review of the actual IQMS and widespread participation is encouraged. Regular communication about and training on how to implement the actual IQMS is necessary. Regular feedback on the implementation process is needed.

No abstract available Copyright / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2009. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted

This study focuses on the extent to which the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) Professional Development (PD) orientation programme for Intermediate Phase educators achieved its intended outcomes. The study was conducted with 17 Intermediate Phase educators who attended the NCS PD orientation programme, which was presented by the Department of Education officials. This orientation programme was aimed at ensuring that Intermediate Phase educators are equipped with the necessary knowledge, skills and attitudes to implement the NCS effectively. The participants in this study are all Intermediate Phase educators in Mpumalanga Province, Nkangala Region. The researcher used both quantitative and qualitative methods in gathering data. Questionnaires, interviews and documentary analysis were used as data streams. The study revealed that the NCS PD orientation programme achieved its intended outcomes but the majority of teachers are still struggling to implement the NCS in line with the requirements of the NCS policy. The research also revealed that the support these educators obtain from the district subject advisors result in these educators developing a dependency syndrome and therefore compromising their professional roles as designers of learning programmes and constructors of knowledge (constructivist approach to teaching and learning). Copyright / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted

Magister Commercii (Industrial Psychology) - MCom(IPS) / Generally high employee commitment is a major characteristic of world class organisations (Lesabe & Nkosi, 2007). There is empirical evidence that the strength of organisational commitment helps predict employees' turnover intentions (Arnolds & Boshoff, 2004; Boshoff & Arnolds, 1995; Boshoff, Van Wyk, Hoole & Owen, 2002). There are a plethora of factors that may influence organisational commitment (Broadfield & Edwards, 1998) and stress has been postulated to be one such factor which is purported to be associated with organisational commitment and withdrawal behaviour (Nieumann, 1993). Job stress has become a concern to stakeholders of education including critics of education as well as teachers, the provincial administration, parents and governing bodies. Every year fewer tertiary students enroll for training in education, which exacerbates an already crippled teaching staff component within the Eastern Cape. Adding to the shortage of teachers is the rapid exodus of teachers, which is starts to happen from the time that they graduate, as they are often made lucrative offers by international recruitment agencies (Samodien, 2008). Samodien (2008) reports that the actions of international recruitment agencies, in an attempt to draw away new teaching graduates include lucrative financial offers, recruitment campaigns at university campuses, posted letters and e-mail, presentations on campus, guaranteed work, long term teaching contracts, tax-free salaries, a 13th cheque, fully-furnished rent-free accommodation, assistance in processing visa's, opening foreign bank accounts in host countries, and return tickets to South Africa Swartz (2008), the Head of Education in the Eastern Cape responded to the above report on the exodus by stating that teachers have always left the profession for "greener pastures", describing the exodus of teachers as "normal", that the international trend of open employment facilitates the poaching of teachers and that the problem is not unique to South Africa. However, of concern to him was the exodus of teachers trained in the fields of Mathematics, Science, and the Languages, and the smaller number of young people enrolling for teaching. He maintains that the Eastern Cape province has sufficient teachers to fill the existing vacant positions and that with projected growth levels, the province should be able to meet the need for teachers in the future.

The educational changes that have been taking place in South Africa have seen the emergence of the new curriculum, the NCS, 2002 Policy. The process of implementing the new curriculum has created several challenges that ultimately had an impact on the performance of the public schools learners in the Limpopo Department of Education, particularly in Vhembe District. The new curriculum with its new pedagogical approach, a particular way of teaching methodology, the OBE focuses on the achievement of the outcomes. That on its own suggested the need for drastic changes in the teaching approach that educators have to apply. <p0> It is through this need for change that the Department of Basic Education suggested the training and development framework that provide capacity building of educators. The curriculum advisors were identified as trainers of the educators towards the effective implementation of the new curriculum. This move was needed to build a workforce that is capable, skilled, productive and committed to provide quality education to the South African public. However, the training and development that was provided did not take place without some challenges. The challenges identified were from both the perspectives of educators and the department. The analysis of all the problems that the study has identified and critically evaluated is a testimony that training and development alone cannot be the only solution to the challenges identified in measuring educator performance on curriculum delivery. As a result, overemphasis of training and development may overshadow other responsibilities that the Limpopo Department of education should take, such as the effective provision of resources. It is against this background that the study proposed an inclusive and balanced training and development framework. This is a conceptualised training and development framework that takes note of all the inputs that both the educators and the department make towards the effective achievement of the desired outputs after these inputs shall have been processed. For good management and administration to be achieved by the Limpopo Department of Education, it depends on a well-structured strategic plan that has been informed by the vision and mission of the department which in this study is the achievement of quality education. This approach will then mean the effective application of the basic values and principles that govern public administration in order to achieve good governance. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / School of Public Management and Administration (SPMA) / unrestricted

Magister Educationis - MEd / This study1 which followed immediately after a sub-dissertation entitled "An investigation into the problems and pitfalls inherent in the teaching and learning of Xhosa in the .Senior Secondary schools of Transkei" and which was part of the re~earcher's Bachelor of Education academic study programme, was designed to probe deeper into the problems discoverd earlier in the study mentioned above, and to further investigate the root causes of the high rate of failure in Xhosa which has become a source of worry to the Transkei Education Department today. To gather all the data needed during investigation, use of questions and intervi•ews was made. Questionnaires were sent to Std 10 pupils, Std 10 teachers, Std 10 External Examiners and libraries. Files of the Xhosa Subject Commit.tee, the Xhosa Action Committee, the Nguni and Sesotho Language Board and the Transkei Examinations Board were consulted with a view to extracting information that would reveal records pertaining to high failure rate in Xhosa. After observing for several years, as a teacher and examiner of Xhosa language, the performance of Std 10 pupils writing Xhosa, the researcher came tot.he conclusion that there was indeed high failure rate in Xhosa. The period 1981 to 1985 became the focus of his attention because it was the worst in the history of the Transkei Std 10 results in Xhosa. Records of the Transkei Examinations Board reflected that the mean average during that period was only 46'l. (See· Table 1.1). The poor results also became the source of worry to the Department of Education which took steps to remedy the situation by forming a special Committee known as the Xhosa Action Committee which was given the task of devising ways and means of improving the Std 10 Xhosa results as from 1985. The Department further sent out circulars to all schools in Transkei threatening to take disciplinary measures against Std 10 Xhosa teachers whose candidates had failed to .secure less than 50% aggregate in the external examinations.

Magister Educationis - MEd / The aim of this study is to investigate ·and outline the importance and significance of Arabic in the South African context. The study investigates inter alia the part played by the early Muslim settlers, political exiles and the pioneers who made possible the preservation of Islamic faith and culture. This study demonstrates that the period from 1652 to date had been a period of considerable development, expansion and _enlightenment of Arabic. The study revealed inter alia that only Indian schools under the Department of Indian Affairs (now Department of Education and Culture) offered Arabic which fully satisfied the Muslim Community's demands. 1975 marks the beginning of Arabic as a language in Indian secondary schools. The Muslim pupil is given the basic grounding in the understanding of both the Quran and the Hadith. Some suggestions regarding aspects of an effective didactic approach concludes this presentation.