Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Purpose of the Research: To obtain more comprehensive data on the perceptions of strengths and weaknesses in Medical Microbiological Pathology training against the background of rapidly changing pathology services. Methods: On-line surveys were conducted of potential employers and recent graduates of Medical Microbiology and Clinical Pathology. Results: There were 15 employer respondents and 19 newly trained pathologist respondents out of the 88 pathologists that were identified to participate in the study. From the employers’ standpoint, the majority expressed overall satisfaction with newly trained pathologists. Specific areas of deficiency were Administration, Management and Research. In addition, almost a half of employers agreed that the same amount of guidance and support for newly trained pathologists is needed now than was required a decade ago. Newly trained pathologists did not appear to be inappropriately overconfident in their abilities. In selecting new pathologists, employers perceived ability to work in a team, academic knowledge and interpersonal skills as the most important applicant characteristics. When newly trained pathologists were asked why they thought they were offered their position, the responses were very varied, ranging from academic background to contractual obligations. Conclusion: We believe that with this study some insights were obtained into the perceived strengths and weaknesses of newly trained pathologists entering Microbiology Pathology Services and that the results of the study can be used as input for further discussions and training of pathology registrars. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Doel van die Navorsing: Om meer omvattende data te bekom oor die tekortkominge en sterk punte in Mediese Mikrobiologiese Patologie opleiding in ag genome huidige vinnig veranderende patologie dienste. Metodes: Internet-gebasseerde vraeboë is gerig aan potensiële werkgewers van patoloeë asook nuut gekwalifiseerde graduanti van Mediese Mikrobiologie en Kliniese Patologie. Resultate: Van die 88 patoloeë wat uitgenooi is om deel te neem aan die studie het 15 werkgewers en 19 nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë deelgeneem. Die meerderheid van die werkgewers was oor die algemeen tevrede met nuwe aanstellings. Spesifieke areas waaraan meer aandag behoort te gee word, is Administrasie, Bestuur en Navorsing. Bykans die helfde van die werknemers het saamgestem dat nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë nou dieselfde hoeveelheid bystand en ondersteuning benodig as patoloeë ‘n dekade gelede. Dit wil voorkom asof die nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë nie oormatige selfvertroue in hulle eie vermoëns het nie. Werkgewers het die volgende eienskappe as die belangrikste ge-ag as hulle nuwe patologeë aanstel: vermoë om in ‘n span te werk, akademiese kennis en interpersoonlike vaardighede. Toe nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë gevra is hoekom hulle dink hulle is aangestel was die antwoorde baie uiteenlopend en het gewissel van akademiese prestasie tot kontrakturele verpligtinge. Gevolgstrekking: Ons glo dat met die resultate van hierdie studie ons beter insigte bekom het oor die tekortkominge en sterk punte van nuut gekwalifiseerde patoloeë wat Mikrobiologiese Patologie Dienste betree. Hopelik sal hierdie studie ‘n bydrae kan maak tot die toekomstige beplanning van nagraadse patologie opleiding.

Thesis (DTech (Business)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010 / The aim of the research is to determine the predictive relationship between mental alertness, personality traits, psychomotor ability and learner performance, in the selection of clothing industry learners. A concurrent validity study is described in which 213 learners were given an assessment battery and assessed on their learning performance and work performance. The psychometric assessment battery measured the domains of mental alertness, personality traits and psychomotor ability in a four-hour session. A combination of paper-and-pencil and practical sewing work assessments were used to assess learner performance. The domain learner performance comprised the assessment scores for the learnership’s theoretical and practical modules. The work performance domain was measured by supervisor appraised work-quality and work-quantity. The assessment domains were then examined for their potential to predict work performance. Linear multiple regression equations reported R2 = 0,3266 for work performance.

M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies) / The purpose of this research is to set a structure for the practical training of N-course apprentices. This research focuses on the practical training of apprentices in the telecommunications field. However it has become clear that this structure can be applied to other fields of practical training for apprentices as well. It is important for all training officials who deal with practical training in the technical field to keep pace with the latest development in competency-based training in the technological world. Modular practical training focuses on the ability of the apprentice to master specific skills as required in his field of training. The training program comprises a set of instruction modules with set objectives which can be obtained only if followed by carrying out specific actions. The important characteristic of modular training is that the apprentice is expected to master all the modules set for his particular field of occupation at his own pace according to his individual talents and abilities. The individual trainee is held responsible for succesfully mastering all practical objectives set to him. These modules are arranged progressively and progress is measured with definite performance criteria. A practical module is a complete instructional unit. It comprises aims, objectives, a pre-test, contents with resource material and a final criterium test.

Thesis (MEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since 2001 an inclusive approach is being followed in education in South Africa. According to this approach all learners must be taught in one education system and according to the same curriculum, namely the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 9 (Schools). To ensure that this outcomes-based curriculum is relevant and effective in the teaching of learners with a severe intellectual disability, it is important to evaluate the curriculum and to adapt it if necessary. Learners with a severe intellectual disability form a distinctive educational community marked by their high need for continuous support, specific educational strategies and appropriate learning content. In the past, these learners received their education outside the mainstream of education according to an own, appropriate curriculum. However, since 2004 they have been required to receive their education according to the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 9 (Schools). The aim of this research was to establish the effectiveness and relevance of the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 9 (Schools) in the education of learners with a severe intellectual disability. A mixed-method research design, which included a literature survey, an empirical, as well as focus group interviews, was applied. By means of the literature survey, the demands were determined that are made on the curriculum by learners with a severe intellectual disability, their parents, the community, and the work community. The demands that educators make on the curriculum were determined by means of an empirical survey. This survey revealed that outcomes-based education is not generally implemented in the 21 schools included in this study. These findings formed the basis on which curriculum evaluation criteria were developed and according to which the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 9 (Schools) was evaluated. By applying these criteria it was established that in some instances the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 9 (Schools) does not comply with the demands of the determinants. The deduction could however be made that the National Curriculum Statement Grades R to 9 (Schools) has sufficient adaptable built-in features to be effective and relevant for learners with a severe intellectual disability. Recommendations were made on how best to make the necessary adaptations. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In Suid-Afrika word sedert 2001 'n meer inklusiewe benadering tot onderrig gevolg. Hiervolgens moet alle leerders binne een onderwysstelsel volgens een kurrikulum, naamlik die Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring Graad R tot 9 (Skole), onderrig word. Ten einde te verseker dat hierdie uitkomsgebaseerde kurrikulum relevant en doeltreffend is in die onderrig van leerders met verstandelik erg-gestremdheid is dit noodsaaklik om die kurrikulum te evalueer en dienooreenkomstig die bevindinge aan te pas, indien nodig. Leerders met verstandelik erg-gestremdheid vorm vanweë hul intellektuele vermoëns 'n duidelik herkenbare onderwysgemeenskap wat gekenmerk word deur hul behoefte aan deurlopende ondersteuning, spesifieke onderrigstrategieë en toepaslike leerinhoude. In die verlede het hul onderrig buite die hoofstroomonderwys geskied aan die hand van 'n eie, toepaslike kurrikulum, maar sedert 2004 moet hul onderrig ook volgens die Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring Graad R tot 9 (Skole) geskied. Die doel van hierdie navorsing was om die doeltreffendheid en relevansie van die Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring Graad R tot 9 (Skole) vir leerders met verstandelik erg-gestremdheid te bepaal. 'n Gemengde-navorsingsmetode-ontwerp wat 'n literatuuroorsig, 'n meningsopname asook fokusgroep-onderhoude ingesluit het, is gevolg. By wyse van die literatuurondersoek is die eise bepaal wat leerders met verstandelik erg-gestremdheid, hul ouers, die gemeenskap, en die werkgemeenskap aan die kurrikulum vir leerders met verstandelik erg-gestremdheid stel. Die eise wat opvoeders stel is deur middel van 'n empiriese ondersoek bepaal en dui aan dat uitkomsgebaseerde onderrig nie algemeen aangewend word in die 21 skole in die ondersoek nie. Aan die hand van hierdie bevindinge is kurrikulumevalueringskriteria ontwikkel waarmee die Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring Graad R tot 9 (Skole) geëvalueer is. By die toepassing van die kriteria is gevind dat die Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring Graad R tot 9 (Skole) in sekere opsigte nie behoorlik aan die eise van die determinante voldoen nie. Die gevolgtrekking is gemaak dat die Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring Graad R tot 9 (Skole) egter genoeg aanpasbaarheidselemente het om doeltreffend en relevant te wees vir leerders met verstandelik erggestremdheid. Aanbevelings is gedoen oor hoe die aanpassings gemaak kan word.

D.Ed. / The research has been done under the leadership of the Rand Afrikaans University with the co-operation of the National Training Board. Apprentice training in South Africa developed from the traditional journeyman route to a more advanced competent modular based training system. The existing competent modular based training for apprentices consists of on the job training, institutional training, offered by an accredited training centre and theoretical training away from the work environment, offered at a Technical College. The existing apprentice training scheme is controlled by legislation (Act No 56 of 1981). The research has been undertaken to determine whether the existing apprentice training scheme complies with the developing needs of the industry and the individual learner. A literature study about the development of the apprentice training system in South Africa is compiled. The study includes an examination of vocational education and training systems of eight different countries. The literature study is compiled to create an holistic picture concerning vocational education and training, focusing on the training of apprentices. Other countries' vocational education and training models are also evaluated to see what South Africa can learn from other countries and to incorporate the transferable strengths to the alternative routes for artisan training developed by this research. With the aid of scientifically designed questionnaires and interviews, the existing apprentice training scheme is examined. The existing training scheme is evaluated against the following criteria: an integrated approach to education and training; effective human resources development according to the technological and manpower, as well as the individual needs; access to artisan training and flexibility of training scheme; recognition of prior learning; career guidance of learners; mobility between industries, employers and institutions, that the training scheme provide; The results of the questionnaires and interviews have shown that the existing apprentice training scheme is outdated and needs to adapt to comply with new challenges for developing competent tradesmen and -women in South Africa. This study addresses the problem surrounding the existing artisan training scheme by developing alternative routes for artisan training. As the results of artisan training should be outcome based. The first step of designing the alternative routes is to formulate the skills and knowledge needed to be a competent artisan. The alternative routes for artisan training is then designed to develop and enhance the skills as formulated.

M.Ed. (Educational Management) / As a result of the accelerated industrialization which is taking place, organised industry as well as the educational authorities involved, became more aware of the need to have schools where pupils/students could receive technical oriented education (Department of Education and Training, 1981:4). Scientific and technical literacy is increasingly necessary in our society, but the number of pupils who graduate from high school with only the most rudimentary notions of science and technology portends trouble in the decades ahead. This has several implications, inter alia: People in a wide range of non-scientific and nonengineering occupations and professions must have a greater understanding of technology than ever before. Yet, the educational system does not always provide such an understanding. Pupils who take no more mathematics and science after their ninth year in school have effectively eliminated the possibility of science or engineering as a career. The pool from which the future engineering personnel can be drawn is therefore in danger of becoming smaller. Education is t.he route by which upward mobility has been achieved by disadvantaged groups. Increased emphasis must be given to aiding those who have been excluded from careers in science and engineering...

M.Ed. (Education) / Ever since its inception, the technical college has had the task of providing vocational education. In fact, it would not be incorrect to say that the provision of vocational education to the broad mass of the South African population has always been the raison d'etre of the technical college. The call for our education system to become more relevant and more oriented towards the world of work is becoming increasingly persistent. Consequently the contribution of the technical college towards relevant vocational education has recently been intensively researched in an attempt to establish the following: * its role in the provision of vocational education, and * whether it is in fact equipped to perform this very challenging function, taking into account the economic realities and manpower requirements of South Africa. It has been established beyond any doubt that an educational system which places the emphasis on teaching technical and vocational skills, from the primary to the secondary and tertiary levels, that would lead to meaningful employment, needs to be devised. Various investigations have been carried out, as overseas and different vocational education Urgent attention is being given to vocational. Towards this end locally as well systems studied. Education within the wide education family and all the vocational education experts of the various departments, in conjunction with commerce and industry and other interested parties, are at present fully involved in the joint planning and/or renewal of vocational education in the RSA. The concept of partnership, which has obtained a new meaning in education, has been a logical outcome of all these investigations, simposia, conferences and talks. Apart from the natural partnership of education, which include the organised teaching profession and the parent community, a new and powerful partnership is developing which includes the private as well as the public sector. A study· into the role and function of all the parties in this partnership has established that each partner has a particular place, role and function to fulfil in order to achieve a common goal, namely the provision of a relevantly trained manpower for South Africa. This study has made it abundantly clear that the contribution of each partner towards education and training is of vital importance and that not one of them can afford it any longer to remain uninvolved in vocational education which has become a national priority. The study has furthermore identified the technical college as a very significant partner in this partnership, along with the schools, the technikon, the university and the various training boards.

M.Ed. / The White Paper on the provision of education in the RSA (1983: 3) has made proposals for a new policy framework on issues of ownership, governance, finance and legal categories of schooling. On launching the White Paper (1993) on Education Provision, Prof. Sibusiso Bhengu (Minister of Education) (Learning Press No 7:712/03/1993:49) said that S.A. has never had a truly national system of education and training and does not have one yet. He added that the White Paper describes the process of transformation in education and training so that a system serving all our people, democracy and the RDP can come into existence. According to the ANC Discussion Document (1994:50) the upgrading of the teacher's quality will improve their competence. The country needs a dynamic system with a clear mission and sufficient scope to perform it. The ANC Discussion Document (1994: 50)states that teacher preparation and development would be the cutting-edge of educational

Research asserts that learner performance in South African schools is in a state of crisis. While many more learners’ post-1994 in South Africa have physical access to education, very few have epistemological access. The quality of the education learners receive is polarised along socio economic lines. This crisis has its roots in the legacy of colonialism and apartheid, and as such, there is a need to transform the education system to ensure equal opportunity for all learners, and ultimately economic growth and security for the country. One of the explanations offered for the crisis in learner performance is the poor teacher education system. However, there is a paucity of research in teacher education generally in South Africa, and specifically in relation to pre-service teachers. Furthermore, little attention has been given to how initial teacher education could contribute to the promotion of a social justice agenda with the intention of transforming the South African schooling system. This research seeks to understand how the expectations, scaffolding and assessment of preservice teachers’ teaching practices can be utilised to promote social justice during the Teaching Practice (TP) component of initial teacher education. In answering the research question, I analyse data and literature to identify a set of key valued functionings of quality praxis that preservice teachers ought to be provided the capability to realise, at the level of achieved functioning. This is a qualitative case study located in the interpretive paradigm. The case under study is: quality teaching practices of pre-service teachers. This case is bound by context (initial teacher education in South Africa) and setting (the pre-service teacher in the classroom). Two South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) were selected through purposive sampling and their respective Teaching Practice (TP) documentation was analysed. Focus group interviews were conducted with five lecturers involved in TP at one of the HEIs. The theoretical framework of the study used to guide the analysis of the data was underpinned by a social justice perspective on quality education. Given that a social justice perspective does not have analytic tools, I view quality pre-service teachers’ teaching practices as praxis and utilise the capability approach as a mechanism for identification and description of valued functionings and capabilities that contribute to quality praxis. There are four significant findings in my research. Firstly, there is consistency with regards to the valued functionings and capabilities across the TP documentation of the two participating HEIs. In other words, the conceptions of a capable pre-service teacher are similar. Secondly, if social justice goals are to be realised, greater clarity of the valued functionings needs to be evident in the TP documentation. Thirdly, the valued functionings can be categorised into those that are foundational and those that promote a social justice agenda. Finally, in promoting a social justice agenda, there are functionings that ought to be valued by the HEIs that are seemingly not currently valued.

M.Ed. (Tertiary and Adult Education) / The technical teacher often enters the teaching profession via industry. He/she comes to realise that, because he/she is professionally unqualified, the posibilities for the development of his/her career are extremely limited. since 1986 the College of Education of South Africa has made provision for these teachers by offering a course that enables them to gain admission to a Higher Diploma in Education. The study showed that the adult learner differs from the typical bridging course student. Among other things, the CESA bridging course student differs in respect of age and finality of vocational choice, and generally has no particular academic needs requiring academic support. The technical teacher as a bridging course student receives no academic support; neither is he/she offered any course to compensate for underachievement or educational deprivation. The connotation in the term bridging course leads to comparisons with traditional bridging courses, and a change of name for the existing course would be advisable. The bridging course covers the acquisition of additional techical qualifications, thus complying with the reguirements for admission to a Higher Diploma in Education (Technical) . The empirical investigation revealed that these teachers are to a large extent academically under-qualified, almost 74% of them have not been promoted at all, with only 8,2% being granted a single promotion to post level 2. From the research it appears that the bridging course student's course should be adapted in such a way that its completion will enable the teacher to complete both his/her technical and professional qualifications simultaneously. After the successful completion of the course a Teachers Diploma should be awarded.