A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Humanities, University of the Witwatersrand, in fulfilment of the requirements of the degree of Doctor of Philosophy Johannesburg, 2016 / This research explores the processes involved in designing and developing a compulsory course, New Literacies for Teachers, for first year Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) students at the Wits School of Education (WSoE). The need for academic literacy development has long been recognised in various ways in programme development at most universities around the world. This course takes a broader perspective on literacy and aims to develop students as fully literate subjects. The conceptualisation of the course is based on a sociocultural approach which sees literacy as a set of socially situated practices. The course development team began by identifying five literacy domains that are important for student teachers: academic literacies, research literacies, personal literacies, school literacies and multimodal and digital literacies. Initial curriculum design developed a course structure that would enable the course designers to pull these literacy domains through the curriculum as threads for the year, thus implementing socio-cultural theory in practice. The main research question is “What processes enabled and/or constrained the design, implementation and redesign of a New Literacies for Teachers course for first year B.Ed. students?” The sub questions specifically identify the processes of curriculum design, interdisciplinary design and group collaboration. The data consists of tape recordings and transcriptions of all the course meetings during the processes of curriculum design, materials development (2009), implementation and redesign (2010). This data was analysed in two ways. The processes of curriculum design, interdisciplinary design, implementation and redesign were analysed using thematic content analysis. The process of group collaboration was analysed using a sociolinguistic approach that focussed on the dynamics of the groups and a discourse analysis of patterns of interaction. The findings provide insight into the course design and redesign processes, selection of content, framing, sequencing, pacing, the conditions of implementation and the dynamics that affected group participation and interaction. During implementation several problems emerged: logistical constraints, curriculum overload, lack of systematic development of academic literacy, problems with interdisciplinary design and lack of systematic assessment and constructive alignment (Biggs, 2003). These problems were addressed in the redesign. Whilst a key purpose of the course was to design an “integrated curriculum” (Bernstein, 1996, 2000) in which students could apply what they had learned in New Literacies for Teachers to their own studies and in their own teaching, the initial attempt at interdisciplinary design in the first semester proved to be quite difficult to achieve. One of the main findings in the analysis is that knowledge about socio-cultural theories are the privileged funds of knowledge in this course, and the lack of these funds of knowledge on the part of course designers from other disciplines and tutors on the course proved to be critical. Although the initial attempts at interdisciplinary design were a failure, the course designers found an alternative way of working with literacy across the curriculum in the second semester that introduced students to the way literacy works in the subjects they were preparing to teach. The conclusion summarises the findings about literacies for teachers; curriculum design and development; and group collaboration. Key words: socio-cultural theory of literacy, literacy domains, literacy practices, literacy across the curriculum, curriculum design, materials development, implementation, redesign, group dynamics, group interactions, teacher education

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The purpose of the study was to develop a resource allocation model that would apply mathematical techniques to the restrictions and priorities imposed bar educators in order to produce feasible alternatives for large classes in higher education.`Because the simplex method of linear programming has been widely and successfully used in business applications, the method was chosen to solve the linear programming program formulated by the model. Components were chosen for the model to reflect the allocation of institutional resources to classes. Faculty, staff, supplies and equipment were chosen as cost items. The interaction of such resources was reflected in the size and number of student sections. Equations were developed which showed limitations on such factors and/or interrelationships. Since cost is not the only consideration in educational decisions, an objective function waswritten which reflected priority weights assigned to each factor.The simplex algorithm was applied to the restrictions and priorities imposed by educators in order to produce feasible alternatives. The instructional cost of each alternative was calculated. The number of faculty in each of the ranks and the size and number of sections were given. Such numerical results, coupled with applicable intangible factors which were not readily quantifiable, provided information to educational administrators for more defensible resource allocation decisions.Historical data were obtained from the English, General and Experimental Psychology, and Biology Departments of Ball State University for the purpose of testing the initial model. After modification, the model was applied to experimental data provided by the English Department, Ball State University. Keeping other data constant, the instructional cost of faculty assignments with varying faculty rank mixes was calculated. The model clearly showed that such variations changed the instructional costs for the course.Planning for classes with large enrollments may present administrative problems both in attaining goals and objectives for a course and in utilizing available resources most efficiently. Following are recommendations for utilization of the model.l. The administrator may wish to compare the instructional cost of various faculty rank mixes. Experimental tests in the English department showed a high cost for upper ranks of faculty. However, because of tenure and other considerations most departments, irrespective of the cost, will continue to employ many such people.2. The model should be utilized by administrators for analyzing alternate class sizes, combinations of large lectures and small discussion groups, and variations in instructional methodology. Alternate assignments of faculty workload may change both the distribution of faculty ranks and the instructional costs.3. A primary strength of the model is for use in budget planning. Prorating salaries, enrollments, workload, and miscellaneous costs will give the cost of teaching a course for a year. Alternately, the costs for each term or semester may be calculated and totals computed for the year to derive more defensible resource allocations.4. During testing of the model very close constraints were found to limit the flexibility of the model with respect to the alternatives which could be generated. The administrator should give the model as much freedom as possible in order to obtain a useful variety of alternatives.

Thesis (MTech (Quality))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2014. / Academic Development Programmes at higher education institutions in South Africa were implemented and funded in 2004 by the Department of Higher Education and Training as an initiative to address the low throughput rate and low graduation output. An example of the Academic Development Programmes is the Extended Curriculum Programme (ECP) where the length of the mainstream course is extended by six months to one year to allow for additional assistance in individual subjects and the offering of courses/programmes to assist students with basic life skills in adapting to tertiary education. The objective of this research was to look at whether ECP’s were effective in improving throughput rates and graduation output and whether there were quality management practices in place to gauge the effectiveness of ECP’s. The ECP in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at a university of technology was used as a sample. Academic histories of the ECP and Mainstream students of the 2007 cohort were analysed to draw comparisons on the throughput rate, graduation output and continuation to postgraduate studies of the two programmes.

Quality Education for college students, which aims at overcoming the problems made by specialization education in the globalization of higher education and the fierce competition of comprehensive national power, has been carried out at universities in Mainland China since mid-1990s. The general education curricula at some universities are similar to American ones. This study focuses on teachers' understanding of general education curriculum, their practical general education curriculum design model and the influential factors in their course planning. / The research constructs a descriptive model for general education course design, finds out that curriculum orientation acts as the key influential factor of teachers' general education course planning, reflects the characteristics of general education course planning, works as the orientation of teachers' course design. Furthermore, the findings show that the background, interests and needs of college students should be taken into account in general education curriculum design. At the same time, the teachers' decision-making in general education courses can be analyzed from two-dimensions---"endemic and exotic, individual and policy". / The researcher adopted qualitative research method, took one comprehensive university as a case study to explore the teachers' general education course designs. Based on document analysis, classroom observation and interviews, six teachers unique in their course design have been selected as research subjects. The study gives a deep description of their understanding of curriculum elements such as curriculum objectives, selection and organization of learning experiences, assessment and evaluation; constructs the general education course design model; and explores the reasons for the general education course design from the macro, organizational, and micro levels. / The study explores the curriculum orientation of teachers in the field of college curriculum. The findings will develop college curriculum theories, deepen the understanding of the concept of curriculum orientation, provide plenty of practical experiences for teachers who give general education courses, and give suggestions for future college general education curriculum program improvement. / 徐慧璇. / Advisers: Hin-Wah Wong; Ping-Kwan Fok. / Source: Dissertation Abstracts International, Volume: 69-08, Section: A, page: 3022. / Thesis (doctoral)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 510-527). / 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, [200-] System requirements: Adobe Acrobat Reader. Available via World Wide Web. / Abstracts in Chinese and English. / School code: 1307. / Xu Huixuan.

This study is offered as a potential contribution to the struggle for Indigenous reclamation, revitalization and renewal of knowledge systems, cultures, lands and resources. It acknowledges that Canadian Indigenous history does not begin with the arrival of the Europeans. Neither does their future depend exclusively on Western worldviews. Rather, the study argues, the future depends on the convergence of Indigenous worldviews, encapsulated through orality in their languages and knowledges, with imported Western worldviews and knowledges encapsulated through literality. Using qualitative ethnographic, sociolinguistic and phenomenological research approaches, this study focuses on some primary questions: Firstly, can locating the discourse between Indigenous and Western knowledge systems in an abstract, neutral and voluntary `ethical space' between them contribute to identification of their complementary diversities? Secondly, can the convergence of these knowledge systems in creative interconnections in research, development and teaching enable each system to preserve its own integrity? Thirdly, can a portable (collaborative, multi-venue) institutional model for Indigenous tertiary education be developed? This model will be capable of being locally-customised. It will be intended for local development by Indigenous communities wishing to add a community-based delivery mode interconnected with others to the delivery of tertiary education to their citizens. To address these questions, findings from literature on Indigenous knowledges globally and literature on Indigenous tertiary education in North America is converged with field research findings. Findings from the literature and field research are converged to describe how the imposition of Western worldviews has contributed to a systemic erosion of Indigenous worldviews, languages, knowledges and practises. However, interviewees do not advocate `either-or' choices. They are clear that `both-and' solutions, under community jurisdiction, hold the greatest promise for stimulating the resurgent forces that can play a lead role in reclaiming, renewing and revitalizing Indigenous responsibility for Indigenous peoples, resources, economies, communities and governance. They are just as clear that the reclamation, renewal and revitalization of Indigenous knowledges through tertiary education can lead the way in Indigenous governance, community, social, health, justice, and economic development. Data illustrate that conventional/mainstream tertiary institutions often argue for the inclusion of Indigenous program content managed by Indigenous people. They argue that this will assure that a few incremental reforms may turn the institutions into instruments that serve Indigenous peoples and communities effectively. This study shows that such arguments ignore Indigenous contexts and Indigenous teaching/learning processes while continuing to embrace the Western development paradigm. It also calls for a complementary Indigenous Multiversity that, while pluralist and open to all knowledges, is rooted in Indigenous thought and knowledge. It can be the basis for reaching out to and interfacing with other peoples and their knowledges. This study sees the `ethical space' in an Indigenous Multiversity as an optimal location for confronting and reaching out to all knowledges and worldviews while resolving content/context/teaching-learning process issues. Starting in one community, the Multiversity could finally be made up of a consortium. The consortium could unite interdependent Indigenous community-based tertiary institutions. The institutions could be partnered with conventional/mainstream professional and technical institutions and colleges. Such partnerships could assure that, in addition to having access to local and other Indigenous languages, values, knowledges and worldviews, students may be able to access Western languages, values, knowledges and worldviews. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (Comparative Education)

Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The Faculty of Medicine at the University of Stellenbosch has implemented an extensively revised undergraduate medical curriculum. Exit outcomes, that have been entitled the Profile of the Stellenbosch Doctor, have been formulated for the programme. The revised curriculum is presented in three phases. Phase I involves the study of non-clinical subjects under the guidance of the Faculties of Natural Sciences and Economic & Management Sciences. Phase II involves the study of subjects that lay the groundwork for the third phase. Phase III involves the study of pre-clinical and clinical subjects in an integrated fashion. The intended outcomes of phases II and III were elaborated by the formulation of specific learning outcomes. Determining whether the specific outcomes formulated for each module are achieved will be one aspect of quality assurance in the revised curriculum. This could be done by investigating the relationship between assessment and the specific outcomes. If, however, specific outcomes for the various modules are not congruent with the exit outcomes for the programme, then student assessment will be invalid as regards the programme outcomes. This study therefore entailed a formative evaluation of part of phase II of the revised curriculum. The aims of the study were, firstly, to determine the degree of congruence between the specific outcomes formulated for phase II and the exit outcomes for the programme and, secondly, to explore why the observed degree of congruence exists. The research strategy employed was a case study. The research techniques used were a document analysis and two questionnaire surveys. The study found that most specific outcomes formulated for phase II of the curriculum are congruent with one or more exit outcomes for the programme. However, few of the exit outcomes are addressed to any great extent by specific outcomes. This raises the concern that assessment of students based on the specific outcomes as presently formulated might not demonstrate development of students towards achievement of the exit outcomes. There are indications that this lack of congruence could be due to i) a large number of competing demands on lecturers' time; ii) lecturers not wanting to spend time doing work prioritised by others as important; iii) perceptions that work related to the revised curriculum is being forced on staff without necessarily consulting them; iv) a lack of reward for good teaching; v) the perception that the strategies adopted for the revised curriculum will not necessarily benefit students. Recommendations are made as to how these findings could be confirmed and strategies developed that could be utilised to ensure a greater degree of congruence between the specific and exit outcomes in future. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Fakulteit Geneeskunde van die Universiteit Stellenbosch het 'n omvangryke hersiening van hul voorgraadse geneeskundige kurrikulum geïmplementeer. Uitgangsuitkomste, getiteld die Profiel van die Stellenbosch Dokter, is vir die program geformuleer. Die hersiene kurrikulum word in drie fases aangebied. Fase I behels die studie van nie-kliniese vakke onder leiding van die Fakulteite van Natuurwetenskappe en Ekonomiese- & Bestuurswetenskappe. Fase II behels die studie van vakke wat die grondwerk lê vir die derde fase. Fase III behels die studie van prekliniese en kliniese vakke op 'n geïntegreerde wyse. Die beoogde uitkomste van fases II en III is uitgespel deur die formulering van spesifieke leeruitkomste. Die bepaling van of die spesifieke uitkomste wat vir elke module geformuleer is, bereik word, sal een aspek uitmaak van gehalteversekering in die hersiene kurrikulum. Dit sou gedoen kon word deur die verwantskap tussen assessering en die spesifieke uitkomste te ondersoek. Indien die spesifieke uitkomste vir die verskeie modules egter nie met die uitgangsuitkomste vir die program kongruent is nie, dan sal studentassessering ongeldig wees wat betref die uitkomste van die program. Hierdie studie het dus 'n formatiewe evaluering van deel van fase II van die hersiene kurrikulum behels. Die doelstellings van die studie was om, eerstens, die graad van kongruensie tussen die spesifieke uitkomste wat vir fase II geformuleer is en die uitgangsuitkomste vir die program te bepaal en, tweedens, om ondersoek in te stel na waarom die waargenome graad van kongruensie bestaan. Die navorsingsstrategie wat gebruik is, is 'n gevallestudie. Die navorsingstegnieke wat gebruik is, is 'n dokument analise en twee vraelys ondersoeke. Die studie het vasgestel dat die meeste spesifieke uitkomste vir fase II van die kurrikulum geformuleer wel met een of meer uitgangsuitkomste kongruent was. Min van die uitgangsuitkomste is egter in enige groot mate deur spesifieke uitkomste aangespreek. Die wek besorgdheid dat assessering van studente gebaseer op spesifieke uitkomste soos dit tans daar uitsien, nie noodwendig die ontwikkeling van studente in die rigting van bereiking van die uitgangsuitkomste sal demonstreer nie. Daar is aanduidings dat hierdie gebrek aan kongruensie die gevolg mag wees van: i) 'n groot aantal kompeterende eise op dosente se tyd; ii) dat dosente nie tyd wil wy aan werk wat deur ander as belangrik bepaal is nie; iii) persepsies dat werk wat met die hersiene kurrikulum verband hou op personeel afgedwing word sonder om hulle te raadpleeg; iv) 'n gebrek aan beloning vir goeie onderrig; v) die persepsie dat strategieë wat gebruik word vir die hersiene kurrikulum nie noodwendig tot voordeel van studente sal strek nie. Aanbevelings word aan die hand gedoen oor hoe hierdie bevindinge bevestig kan word en hoe strategieë ontwikkel kan word wat benut sal kan word om in die toekoms 'n groter mate van kongruensie tussen spesifieke en uitgangsuitkomste te verseker.

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This research project examines whether the new 4-year curriculum is for local student development in the future and internationalization is the primary espouse of the reform. 8 in-depth interviews were conducted in five local universities. Student development is framed from a multi-functional mindset in which students get exposed to all kinds of possibilities, expand their intellectual thinking and capabilities as well as become self-reflective. There are changes in student demographics, workplace environment, social convergence and intercultural tolerance. The urge of graduates with global mindset, higher-order thinking and multiple skill sets is geographically indivisible. In elaborating on the findings, internationalization is one of the factors leading to student all-roundedness, the centrality of the curriculum reform. Realizing that there was learning experience re-conceptualization, participants evaluated the reform tended to be structural and administrative. There is little spared time for university teachers’ inspirations on students inside or even outside classrooms. But governmental and institutional foci are still put on more research than teaching in which participants were disheartened. A structural change could help little. In a long run, a revolution on the university teaching to wholly facilitate student development is vitally essential. To inspire students to be self-reflective and have sustainable growth, university teaching staff needs time for inspiring works and interdisciplinary co-operations. Too many research and administrative burdens hinders teaching practices, even though teachers are passionate. It is time for the government, UGC, universities and individual professors to put all small pieces together and make the current reform in a more holistic way. / published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

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