Mini-dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF EDUCATION in the Department of Educational Management at the University of Zululand, 2010. / The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of development appraisal system and views of educators on the new model. Relevant literature was reviewed in order to determine the nature of development appraisal and to determine educator’s views on appraisals in developing countries. The subject of this study was 100 primary educators from primary and secondary schools in Bhekuzulu circuit in Vryheid district. The empirical investigation that was conducted revealed that a variety of appraisal models emphasized, amongst others that have been identified, teacher development as the main purpose of an appraisal. A positive attitude towards the implementation of appraisals and effectiveness in doing so realized the essence of goals of appraisal. The study revealed that appraisal can bring about renewal of classroom teaching, improve relationships with learners, and induce openness and sharing of ideas and problems. The empirical investigation revealed that most respondents have been appraised and that they realized the importance of this model. The following major findings emerged from the empirical investigation: Most educators had been appraised and that they realized the importance of developmental appraisal. In South Africa, development appraisal represented the paradigm shift away from traditional appraisal system. Development appraisals emphasise quality of education and assist in monitoring school objectives.

Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements of the degree of Master of Education in the Department of Educational Planning and Administration, University of Zululand, 2002. / This research examined the role of performance based teacher appraisal and development in the educator's professional growth and improvement of education. The study made use of questionnaires to establish the perceptions of educators towards performance based teacher appraisal and development. The findings established that post level one educators and school management teams which were sampled have different views and perceptions on performance based teacher appraisal. Most post level one educators perceive the developmental appraisal system (DAS) as evaluative. They believe it exposes their weaknesses and does not lead to their development and promotion. They believe that developmental appraisal does not have a positive impact on their teaching. They also feel that developmental appraisal system (DAS) is not a factor in the improvement of education because it is only targeting them as educators. As yet, they do not see DAS as contributing to their growth. School management teams on the other hand perceive that performance based teacher appraisal plays a vital role in the educator's professional growth, the improvement of education and the development of schools as efficient and effective learning organisations. The school management teams believe that developmental appraisal is desirable if schools are to provide learners with quality education which will ensure that schools achieve excellence. On the basis of views and opinions of respondents, the study concluded that performance based teacher appraisal and development is desirable for education and growth of schools as effective and efficient teaching and learning institutions. However, there is need to assist educators to realise that DAS is important for their growth. More important, the process of the implementation of DAS, it is concluded, needs to promote educator development.

Thesis (M. Dev.) -- University of Limpopo, 2016 / This study aims to give insights into the nature and extent of professional teacher development by the department of education through class visits, and subsequently its impact on professional teacher development in the white hazy circuit in Mpumalanga province. This study further examines measures and recommendations to be put in place which can help to improve the programme (class visits), also the effectiveness of this programme in professional teacher development. The study further highlights key issues regarding class visits with regard to professional teacher development. The study further highlights strategies that can be put in place to enhancing class visits as a programme for professional teacher development. The study further highlights key recommendations to be put in place to enhance class visits as professional teacher development programme. KEY WORDS Professional Teacher Development; Development Appraisal System; Integrated Quality Management Systems; development support group; Continuing Professional Teacher Development.

The study sought to investigate the role of Heads of Departments (HoDs) in the teaching of mathematics in primary schools of the Eastern Cape Province in the OR Tambo Inland District using a qualitative approach and a case study design in particular. Data was collected using both semi-structured and focus group interviews with eight purposively selected heads of departments in the district in six schools. Data was analysed using Colaizzi’s method of data analysis from which three themes emerged. The first one was that the current performance management system interfered with the roles and responsibilities of the HoDs in schools in their daily activities and in the organisation of their work. Second, the barriers in achieving learners’ good performance in mathematics interfered with the HoDs’ responsibilities to achieve good learner performance in the subject. Third, a weak support system and inadequate resources interfered with the learners’ performance in the subject. The results here indicate that HoDs for mathematics experience various obstacles, which affect subject teachers’ implementation to yield positive results, ultimately leading to poor teaching and learning of the subject. These include the admission of learners without the necessary foundations in mathematics which was viewed as an obstacle to learner performance. The study further suggested that the HoDs of mathematics should be capacitated on use of teaching aids, management and administration to improve learner performance in the subject. / Educational Management and Leadership / M. Ed. (Education Management)