It has become a norm that most learners from rural areas drop out of the school system early, and become beneficiaries of the welfare system at an early age to establish factors that could be contri buting to the low academic performance among grade 12 learners. The study examined the role of the principal, SMT and teachers in contributing factors of poor performance in grade 12 learners in rural high schools. A qualitative investigation at three publ ic high schools in the Maleboho done. Data were collected by means of document analysis and in-- West Circuit was depth interviews. The study revealed that learners and teachers are managed by ineffective management and support by SMT, challenges with teachi ng and learning, lack of parental involvement, the new progression policy of the department and ineffective leadership by Head of Departments. Recommendations were made on how SMT and teachers might solve these problems in the future. iv / Polelo ye o e lego melomong ya batho ke gore ge o bona ngwana yo monnyane a boputse lesea, tseba gore o tswa dinagamagae fao tlala e ikepetsego ka medu Barutwana ba fao ba bona pelego e le lehumo la ka pejana la go ikhweletsa tshelete ya mmuso ya mphiwafela. Se se theosa seriti sa thuto, kudu seemo sa dipoelo tsa marematlou. Go rothisa dinala ga dihlogo tsa dikolo, dihlogo tsa dithutwana dikolong, le barutwana go bonala e le bona bahlodi ba mpherefere wow a dipoelo tsa go nyamisa tsa marematlou. Dinyakisiso tseo di tseneletsego ka ngalaba ye, di dirilwe dikolong tse tharo tseo di phagamego, tseo di abago thuto ya batho ka moka sedikothutong sa Maleboho Bosubela (MalebohoWest). Barutwana, barutisi le ditokomane di somisitswe go hwetsa dikarabo tsa maleba dinyakisison g tseo. Go hweditswe tseo di latelago. Barutwana le barutisi ba hlahlwa ke bafahlosi bao ba se nago bokgoni bjo bo tibilego thutong. Batswadi bao ba se nago maikemisetso thutong ya bana ba bona. Melawana ya thuto yeo e nyefisitswego, ya go fetisetsa barut ya ka pejana. wana mephatong Go hloka maitemogelo ga hlogo ya thuto ka mosomo wa gagwe. Ditshisinyo tseo di ka thusago go hlomola naga mootlwa mo thutong ya ban aba rena yeo e tsenetswego, di laeditswe ka botlalo. / Swi hundzukile ’ ntolovelo leswaku vadyondzi vo tala va le matiko xikaya va tsika xikolo eka malembe ya le hansi ya dyondzo, va hola mudende wa mfumo va ha ri vatsongo; lexi xi nga xin wana xa swivangelo swa mbuyelo wa le hansi wa vadyondzi va giredi ya khume mberhi. Tsalw a leri ri langutisile xiavo xa nhloko ya xikolo, vufambisi bya xikolo na vadyondzisi eka mbuyelo wa le hansi wa giredi ya khume mbirhi eka swikolo swa he henhla swa le matiko xikaya. Vukambisisi byi endliwile eka swikolo swa mfumo swi nharhu swa le henhla eka xifundzantsongo xa dyondzo xa Maleboho Vupeladyambu. Vuxokoxoko bya tsalwa leri byi kumiwile hi ku lavisisa ematsalweni ni ku burisana na vanhu vo karhi. Ku na mintlotlo yo tala hi tlhelo ra dyondzo, ku nga: vufambisi bya swikolo, vatswari a va khum beki hi tlhelo ra dyondzo ya vana va vona ’ ni polisi ya mapasiselo ya vadyondzi. Tsalwa leri ri humesile swibumabumelo leswi nga tirhisiwaku hi vufambisi bya swikolo nga tirhisiwaku hi vufambisi bya swikolo kun we ni vadyondzisi ku ololoxa mintlontlo ya dyo ndzo. / Educational Management and Leadership / M. Ed. (Education Management)

The study was carried out to: (1) determine the relationship between English and mathematical literacy scores at Grade 12 in Moloto Circuit, (2) understand and describe the learning difficulties experienced by learners when English language was used as a medium of instruction, and (3) suggest guidelines that could be used in teaching mathematical literacy. Regression and correlation analyses were carried out to determine the functional and strength of relationship between English language and mathematical literacy in the ten schools of Moloto Circuit. The views of the learners on the use of English language in the learning of mathematical literacy and the use of technical terms were sourced and analysed. The views of the educators about the use of English language as the medium of instruction were also analysed. A mixed approach methodology was used since both quantitative and qualitative methods were employed. The target population consisted of 305 learners who wrote the Grade 12 public examinations in 2016, 585 Grade 12 learners and 10 educators who completed questionnaires in January 2017. A census approach was carried out because everyone in Moloto Circuit doing Mathematical Literacy at Grade 12 level and their educators were studied. Grade 12 results for English and Mathematical Literacy for the 2016 academic year were collected and analysed. Questionnaires with closed and open-ended items were administered on Grade 12 learners and educators for the 2017 academic year in January 2017. Results in the ten schools showed that there was a positive relationship between performances in the two areas. In all cases the computed correlations were significant. This suggested that English influenced performance in Mathematical Literacy. This was supported by coefficients of determination calculations which ranged from 15% to 40%. Most responses indicated that learners found Mathematical Literacy difficult when English language was used as the medium of instruction. The learners preferred that Mathematical Literacy be taught in their mother tongue and that educators explain technical terms associated with mathematics. The educators said that learners had problems in Mathematical Literacy because of the use of English as the medium of instruction. They also said that learners found it difficult to relate Mathematical Literacy questions to real life situations and that the learners lacked adequate practice. The educators recommended the use of code-switching in their teaching in order to enhance understanding of Mathematical Literacy. / Mathematics Education / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

This study examined “problem solving skills in circle geometry concepts in Euclidean Geometry. This study was necessitated by learners’ inability to perform well with regards to Euclidean Geometry in general and Circle Geometry in particular. The use of naturalistic observation case study research (NOCSR) study was employed as the research design for the study. The intervention used for the study was the teaching of circle geometry with Polya problem solving instructional approach coupled with social constructivist instructional approach. A High School in the Northern Cape Province was used for the study. 61 mathematics learners (grade 11) in the school served as participants for the first year of the study, while 45 mathematics learners, also in grade 11, served as participants for the second year of the study. Data was collected for two consecutive years: 2018 and 2019. All learners who served as participants for the study did so willingly without been coerced in any way. Parental consent of all participants were also obtained. The following data were collected for each year of the research intervention: classroom teaching proceedings’ video recordings, photograph of learners class exercises (CE), field notes and the end-of-the- Intervention Test (EIT). Direct interpretations, categorical aggregation and a problem solving rubric were used for the analysis of data. Performance analysis and solution appraisal were also used to analyse some of the collected data. It emerged from the study that the research intervention evoked learners’ desire and interest to learn circle geometry. Also, the research intervention improved the study participants’ performance and problem solving skills in circle geometry concepts. Hence, it is recommended from this study that there is the need for South African schools to adopt the instructional approach for the intervention: Polya problem solving instructional approach coupled with social constructivist instructional approach, for the teaching and learning of Euclidean geometry concepts. / Mathematics Education / M. Sc. (Mathematics Education)

This dissertation focuses on the expulsion of learners from secondary schools in the Western Cape. Learners with behavioural and emotional problems are disruptive in class. They antagonise teachers and challenge the code of conduct of the school. Expelling learners has far reaching consequences for education and society. Although official expulsions have remained constant the number of "unofficial expulsions" appear to be increasing. Expulsion rates vary amongst schools, but those situated in middle-class areas request more expulsions than those situated in lower socio-economic areas. Substance abuse is by far the most dominant reason for expulsion followed by physical confrontation, verbal confrontation, theft, sexual assault and other behavioural problems. Whilst certain factors such as the socio-economic background, intake, catchment area and ethos of the school does influence expulsions, factors within the school i.e. the attitude of the principal towards certain policies and practices may unintentionally contribute to its increase. Finally, the dissertation provides guidelines and recommendations towards minimising expulsions. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

The escalating figures of unemployment and poverty in South Africa are posing a threat to the nuclear family. The deteriorating conditions in the home environment, particularly regarding material provision, has led to an increase in disadvantaged home environments. The investigation in this study focused mainly on the self-concepts of adolescents from disadvantaged home environments. The aim of the research was to see how the home environment influences the self-concept of an adolescent in disadvantaged areas. The literature study showed that factors such as unemployment, poverty, low socio-economic background, single parenthood, absent parents, parents' level of literacy and parenting styles were associated with disadvantaged home environments. With regard to the self-concept the researcher probed the physical, emotional, social, academic and general self-concepts. An empirical investigation was undertaken regarding grade 9 and 11 learners in Hebron in the North West Province. A structured questionnaire was developed focusing on home environment and self-concept. By using Pearson's correlation, ANOVA and Tukey's t-test, findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between home environment and the self-concept. The adolescent's emotional self-concept is affected by religion, supervision at home (parent or guardian) and the number of siblings in the family. Moreover, girls had a better social self-concept than boys. On the whole the physical, academic, social and general self-concepts were not affected by religion, number of siblings in the family and different kinds of supervision. With regard to the physical self-concept it was found that it differed with age. Therefore, the educators who facilitate Life Orientation in the General Education and Training (GET) band and Life Skills in the Further Education and Training (FET) band should assist children who come from disadvantaged home environments by applying intervention strategies suggested by the researcher in this study to foster positive self-concepts in adolescents. Positive self-concepts are key factors for successful learning, general behavioural patterns and high participation in school activities. Upgrading of educators is also recommended so that they are fully equipped to assist a learner who is from a deprived home environment. / Educational Studies / D.Ed.(Psychology of Education))

This research was conducted to confirm and identify possible and intrinsic factors which may influence the academic achievement of senior secondary pupils in the rural Eastem Cape. The literature study indicates that factors such as parental involvement, motivation, the role of teachers and peers as well as learners' attribution of meaning, involvement, and experience have a direct influence on academic achievement. To confmn the influence of the above factors, the researcher conducted a structured interview with ten respondents, consisting of four pupils, their parents and two teachers. Questions to parents investigated their relationship with theii·children in terms of discipline, motivation as well as involvement in their education. Questions to pupils investigated their relationship with their parents, teachers, peers and self. Learners' level of self-actualization in terms of attribution of meaning, involvement, experience and self-concept was also examined. The research revealed that most of the parents are not adequately involved in their children s education, and the fmdings confirmed this as an extrinsic factor that influenced the learners achievement. The findings also indicated that teachers have somewhat lost sight of their role in promoting learners' potential, contributing to the high failure rate in the Eastern Cape rural schools. The fmdings further confirmed that the learners level of self­ actualization, in terms of attribution of meaning, involvement and experience influences academic achievement. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to improve the situation of education in the rural Eastern Cape. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

In 2014, Gauteng Education MEC announced the “Big Switch On” project in which he envisaged paperless classrooms in Gauteng schools over the next three years. He also said that this would see digital media such as iPads and other electronic Tablets replacing textbooks and stationery. He had a vision that the chalkboard would disappear and projectors would take their place. When the MEC for Education introduced the Big Switch On project, he emphasised the positive effects that paperless classrooms will have on the learners. Education authorities were concerned about and wanted to improve the quality of learning and teaching for disadvantaged learners. However, the MEC for Education failed to highlight the possible impact that paperless classrooms will have on educators. It is important that educators are given an opportunity to provide input with regard to the implementation of paperless classrooms. This study will focus on the perceived stress experienced by teachers in Gauteng, whose schools have been part of the Big Switch On project and have had to mandatorily include the use of digital tablets in their classrooms. This study sought to investigate the influence of digital media use in classrooms on teacher stress in Gauteng schools. It is important to conduct a contextual study that explores the perceived stress factors experienced by teachers in the Gauteng schools that were selected in the Big Switch On project. The research from other contexts can only provide general frameworks regarding the constructs involved. It cannot replace the research conducted specifically for the Big Switch On project. The purpose of this study is threefold. Firstly, the Big Switch On project has been introduced in 2015 in seven Gauteng schools, and was expanded to 375 schools in the following two years. For many schools, this is a first time, thereby rendering it a scarcely researched topic. The implications and effects of the project have yet to be considered. Secondly, it is often assumed that the use of digital tablets in the classroom makes teachers lives easier and reduces their workload. The research that will be undertaken will address this question scientifically to make reliable and valid conclusions that go beyond assumptions. Thirdly, related research has indicated barriers and challenges to the implementation of digital tablets in the classroom. The research will address these barriers and make recommendations regarding future implementation of digital tablets in the classroom. In this qualitative study, I chose a multi-site case study with purposeful, convenience sampling. Two secondary schools that were part of the Big Switch On project were selected. The classrooms in the schools had smartboards, the teachers were given laptops and learners were given tablets. Furthermore, a lot of money was spent on the upgrade of the infra-structure of the schools. These schools were chosen as sites to study the influence of digital media use in the classroom on teacher stress. I chose to interview all levels of teachers and principals, which would allow me to make comparisons as well as provide me with data from which I would be able to reflect on my own practices. I chose to gather data by means of semi-structured face to face interviews. The data revealed that teachers were not part of the decision-making process to introduce digital media in the classroom. Although teachers cited benefits, they felt that the challenges were frustrating with the implementation of digital media in the classroom. Teachers expressed that the initial workload increased but felt that it would decrease over time. Whilst teachers felt that the quality of teaching has improved, they indicated that the quality of learning has deteriorated because learners use the tablets for off-task behaviour. Teachers made recommendations that mirrored the recommendations from the literature and if these concerns are addressed, it would make the implementation of digital media in the classroom more effective and at the same time empower teachers. In order to address school effectiveness, one needs optimum levels of commitment and performance from teachers. Therefore, it is important to emphasize any notion affecting the performance capability of teachers and learners and to create stress free working conditions. It is with this in mind that the study was conducted. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management)

Most black rural schools in South Africa are beset with discipline and relationship problems attributed to the way children interpret and exercise their rights. Children's misconceptions of rights impede the operation of educational institutions. A literature study investigated the implications of children's rights on their relationships and behaviour. A qualitative investigation of the socio-educative implications of children's rights was conducted in two rural secondary schools in Mpumalanga. Data gathering was done through participant observation, in-depth interviews with two principals and a tribal chief, and focus group interviews with two groups of teachers, parents and learners. Data were analysed, discussed and synthesised. The major findings emerged: limited understanding of rights and concomitant responsibilities and misconceptions of rights leading to the subversion of authority and morality. Recommendations include that rights-education be introduced in schools to improve children's understanding ofrights and to address negative social behaviour. Educators need to be empowered to handle human rights issues within socio-educational institutions. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Socio-Education)

This dissertation focuses on the expulsion of learners from secondary schools in the Western Cape. Learners with behavioural and emotional problems are disruptive in class. They antagonise teachers and challenge the code of conduct of the school. Expelling learners has far reaching consequences for education and society. Although official expulsions have remained constant the number of "unofficial expulsions" appear to be increasing. Expulsion rates vary amongst schools, but those situated in middle-class areas request more expulsions than those situated in lower socio-economic areas. Substance abuse is by far the most dominant reason for expulsion followed by physical confrontation, verbal confrontation, theft, sexual assault and other behavioural problems. Whilst certain factors such as the socio-economic background, intake, catchment area and ethos of the school does influence expulsions, factors within the school i.e. the attitude of the principal towards certain policies and practices may unintentionally contribute to its increase. Finally, the dissertation provides guidelines and recommendations towards minimising expulsions. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

The escalating figures of unemployment and poverty in South Africa are posing a threat to the nuclear family. The deteriorating conditions in the home environment, particularly regarding material provision, has led to an increase in disadvantaged home environments. The investigation in this study focused mainly on the self-concepts of adolescents from disadvantaged home environments. The aim of the research was to see how the home environment influences the self-concept of an adolescent in disadvantaged areas. The literature study showed that factors such as unemployment, poverty, low socio-economic background, single parenthood, absent parents, parents' level of literacy and parenting styles were associated with disadvantaged home environments. With regard to the self-concept the researcher probed the physical, emotional, social, academic and general self-concepts. An empirical investigation was undertaken regarding grade 9 and 11 learners in Hebron in the North West Province. A structured questionnaire was developed focusing on home environment and self-concept. By using Pearson's correlation, ANOVA and Tukey's t-test, findings indicated that there is a significant relationship between home environment and the self-concept. The adolescent's emotional self-concept is affected by religion, supervision at home (parent or guardian) and the number of siblings in the family. Moreover, girls had a better social self-concept than boys. On the whole the physical, academic, social and general self-concepts were not affected by religion, number of siblings in the family and different kinds of supervision. With regard to the physical self-concept it was found that it differed with age. Therefore, the educators who facilitate Life Orientation in the General Education and Training (GET) band and Life Skills in the Further Education and Training (FET) band should assist children who come from disadvantaged home environments by applying intervention strategies suggested by the researcher in this study to foster positive self-concepts in adolescents. Positive self-concepts are key factors for successful learning, general behavioural patterns and high participation in school activities. Upgrading of educators is also recommended so that they are fully equipped to assist a learner who is from a deprived home environment. / Educational Studies / D.Ed.(Psychology of Education))