D.Ed. / The past four decades will probably be remembered as revolutionary in South-Africa - years of unrest during which attempts were made to change and reform the system of education in South-Africa, particularly in the black and brown areas. The South-African education system did not respond to the demands and needs of the black and brown pupils. The education system was caught in the web of a political spider spun by the dictates of the apartheid system. The structure and organization of the education system, as well as the influence of political, social and economic factors promoted the development of a system which was primarily aimed at benifitting a minority group (the whites) of the population. The inequality, underlined by the system of apartheid led to the segregation of and rebellion against this system by black and brown pupils, their parents and teachers. The school has been the focus of political-ideological conflict and the black schools became an instrument for revolution. In the past few years and particularly since 1994 a new generation of pupils has emerged to claim equal education for all, where all pupils, regardless of race or colour are entitled to the same quality of education. After the first democratic election on 27 April 1994, South-Africa has chosen to follow a new road where equality for all people has become the most important focus. In the search for "freedom, equality and brotherhood" which promotes integration and non-racism in schools, it has become essential to examine and revise existing educational theory and practice. Creative solutions must be found and applied in order to create a climate of learning in the schools, in order that pupils, irrespective of their colour, heredity, language, religion, sosio-economic background or gender may find optimal benefit.

Thesis (M.A. (Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2022

Business is arguably the most powerful institution of our society and ever since the publication of the second King Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa (King II) in 2002, South African corporate companies have sharpened their focus on their commitment to the “Triple Bottom Line”, an expanded baseline for measuring a company’s performance which includes, in addition to the traditional financial yardstick, accounting of the impact of their activities on society and the environment. It is impossible for organisations to ignore the impact of social, ethical and environmental issues on their business. This research provides an overview of Corporate Social Investment initiatives in South Africa towards developing education. There is a demand for corporate companies to comply with both the King Report on Corporate Governance as well as Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment. Considering the poor state of education, both Government and the private sector are contributing financially to improve the socio-economic conditions of the country, specifically the state of education. Government’s contribution to public education remains its single largest investment, because it is the key to reducing poverty and accelerating long-term economic growth. However, very little impact can be measured as conditions are still very poor and problems still persist. There is no integrated, sustainable focused approach which can be effectively measured and evaluated. The purpose of this research is to investigate initiatives toward the development of education, the focus and the magnitude and effects of initiatives. Thereafter a more synergetic and integrated plan is presented and recommended to the corporate sector to assist in developing education. / MCom (Business Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Business is arguably the most powerful institution of our society and ever since the publication of the second King Report on Corporate Governance for South Africa (King II) in 2002, South African corporate companies have sharpened their focus on their commitment to the “Triple Bottom Line”, an expanded baseline for measuring a company’s performance which includes, in addition to the traditional financial yardstick, accounting of the impact of their activities on society and the environment. It is impossible for organisations to ignore the impact of social, ethical and environmental issues on their business. This research provides an overview of Corporate Social Investment initiatives in South Africa towards developing education. There is a demand for corporate companies to comply with both the King Report on Corporate Governance as well as Broad-based Black Economic Empowerment. Considering the poor state of education, both Government and the private sector are contributing financially to improve the socio-economic conditions of the country, specifically the state of education. Government’s contribution to public education remains its single largest investment, because it is the key to reducing poverty and accelerating long-term economic growth. However, very little impact can be measured as conditions are still very poor and problems still persist. There is no integrated, sustainable focused approach which can be effectively measured and evaluated. The purpose of this research is to investigate initiatives toward the development of education, the focus and the magnitude and effects of initiatives. Thereafter a more synergetic and integrated plan is presented and recommended to the corporate sector to assist in developing education. / MCom (Business Management), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013

Neuropsychologists are becoming increasingly aware that there is a complex interplay of cognitive, personality, and sociocultural factors that affect an individual's performance on neuropsychological tests. The current study investigated the effect of one aspect of the sociocultural environment, that is, quality of education, on performance on neuropsychological tests of executive function. The sample included 40 high school learners: Group A comprised learners with a high quality of education and Group B comprised learners with a low quality of education. Four tests of executive function were administered: the Verbal Fluency Test, the Design Fluency Test, the Stroop Test and the Wisconsin Card Sorting Test. Results indicated that quality of education significantly affected the participants' performance with Group A performing significantly better than Group B on all the tests of executive function. These findings have implications for the interpretation of neuropsychological test performance in cross-cultural research and practice. / Psychology / M.A. (Clinical Psychology)

Multicultural education has its goals and objectives focused to meet the needs of all learners from different cultural backgrounds. Our teaching strategies need to be flexible to accommodate suggestions to enhance optimal actualisation of the potential of all learners. One of the major problems that exist in multicultural schools is the presentation of low self-concepts by Zulu-speaking adolescents. A self-concept enhancement programme was considered as a possible technique to build positive self-concepts in these learners. Pre-test and post-test results indicate that the Self-Concept Enhancement Programme (SEP) may be one of the ways of building positive self-concept in Zuluspeaking adolescents in multicultural schools. / Educational Studies / M. Ed.(with specialisation in Guidance and Counseling)

This research investigated the extent to which the Inclusive Education policy (Education White Paper 6) has been implemented in primary schools in the Wakkerstroom Circuit in Mpumalanga province since its inception in 1997. The investigation took place during the period between March 2013 and July 2014. The people who participated in this study were primary school teachers, including four principals from the sampled primary schools; the representative from the district-based support team, Inclusive Education Department (curriculum implementer); and the circuit manager of the Wakkerstroom Circuit. Data was collected from teachers using a questionnaire, and structured interviews were used to collect data from the district-based support team representative and from the Circuit manager. Data from the questionnaire was analysed statistically, and data from structured interviews was analysed qualitatively. Results showed that the Inclusive Education policy was not implemented in primary schools in the Wakkerstroom Circuit as it was planned by the Department of Education and described in Education White Paper 6. Recommendations included the availability of an implementation guide for primary schools regarding Inclusive Education; involvement of stake holders in the implementation of Inclusive Education (parents and experts in different relevant fields); involvement of primary school teachers in planning the Inclusive Education policy; providing primary schools accommodating learners with special education needs with relevant resources; and training of in-service primary school teachers in Inclusive Education. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirement for the Masters Degree in Technology: Marketing, Durban University of Technology, 2011. / Abstract Over the past few years, higher education institutions (HEI’s) have experienced dramatic changes, in their structuring, funding and student numbers. The tertiary education sector in South Africa faces many new challenges, including, more recently, various mergers and the transformation of technikons into universities of technology. This transformation as not only brought about a change of status in these institutions, but also the mergers of intrinsically different institutions. The broadening of access to higher education under the present government policy has seen a growth in the number of international student applications to tertiary institutions. In an increasingly competitive market for international students, institutions need to provide an optimum service. International students’ perceptions of HEI’s facilities and services are becoming more important. It is apparent that there is a need to measure international students’ expectations and perceptions of service quality at the Durban University of Technology (DUT). The aim of this study was to investigate customer service quality at DUT. The objectives of this study were: to determine international students’ expectations of customer service at DUT; to evaluate international students’ perceptions of customer service at DUT; to identify any gaps between expectations and perceptions of customer service at DUT; and to identify customer service expectation and perception differences according to biographical variables. The instrument used to assess the international students’ expectations and perceptions of service quality was the SERVQUAL questionnaire, measuring expectations and perceptions according to the five quality dimensions. For the purposes of this study, a census was conducted. Hence, a survey was conducted among all international students enrolled in the 2010 academic year. One hundred and ninety two international students were surveyed using the SERVQUAL questionnaire. Data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques. Conclusions and recommendations were thereafter drawn from the literature and the findings of the study. The study shows that international students’ expectations of service quality exceeded their perceptions on the five service quality dimensions used in the SERVQUAL questionnaire. The smallest dimension gap score proved to be tangibles and reliability, both being equal, while the largest gap score of the study proved to be empathy followed by assurance and responsiveness. Therefore, it is recommended that DUT attend to these gaps and ensure that necessary strategies are implemented so that international students receive a high level of service quality in all areas of the service dimensions.

Thesis (MMus) -- Stellenbosch University, 2002. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In 1999, two certificate courses were introduced at the Department of Music of the University of Stellenbosch, namely the BMus Foundation Programme (preparatory) and the Introductory Programme in Music. The BMus Foundation Programme aims to reach students who intend doing the BMus Programme but do not meet the required standard for the BMus Programme at the time of enrolment. On the successful completion of the BMus Foundation Programme, these students can then be promoted to the BMus Programme. The Introductory Programme in Music concentrates on students who have had little or no prior formal theoretical or practical training in music. These students aim to obtain, an understanding of the fundamentals off'music within the minimum period of one academic year. The Introductory Programme in Music is dual-functional: Students can terminate their studies on completion of the course or 11 Students who wish to continue their studies in music can enrol for the BMus Foundation Programme on completion of the Introductory Programme in Music. The Introductory Programme in Music. consists of the following modules: Music Skills 171, Choir Singing 179 and Practical Music Studies: Preparatory 17l. The Practical Music Studies: Preparatory 171 module concentrates on teaching students the basic practical skills required to play an instrument. The student decides which instrument he/she wants to study. This thesis focuses on piano and electronic keyboard instruction for Practical Music Studies: Preparatory 171. The course will be referred to as Practical Piano Study 171 throughout the thesis. At the completion of the Introductory Programme in Music, students need to have reached a Grade 3-4 (UNISA) level for Practical Piano Study 171. In this thesis, the present syllabus implemented for Practical Piano Study 171, is critically investigated. This investigation includes the following: the forms of tuition offered, that is, group and individual tuition, the curriculum material that is used and the curriculum itself Furthermore, the psychological, physiological and mental make-up of the student enrolling for this course in general will be discussed. In this instance, the umbrella term "adult" is used. Attention is also given to teaching aids that can assist in piano and electronic keyboard instruction. A demonstration video is included with the thesis in order to illustrate its potential as a teaching aid. Suggestions based on the conclusions drawn from this research are given for the improvement of Practical Piano Study 171. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Departement Musiek van die Universiteit van Stellenbosch het gedurende 1999 twee sertifikaat kursusse ingewy, naamlik die BMus Basisprogram (Voorbereidend) asook die Inleidende Program in Musiek. Die BMus Basisprogram beoog om uit te reik na studente wat die BMus Program wil volg, maar wat nie tydens inskrywing aan die vereiste standaard van die BMus Program voldoen nie. Na die suksesvolle voltooiing van die BMus Basisprogram, kan hierdie studente tot die BMus Program bevorder word. Die Inleidende Program in Musiek konsentreer op studente wat min of geen teoretiese of praktiese opleiding in musiek ontvang het nie. Hierdie studente se doelwit is om 'n begrip van die grondbeginsels van musiek binne die minimale tydperk van een akademiese jaar te bekom. Die Inleidende Program in Musiek het 'n tweeledige funksie: Die student kan die kursus teen die einde van die akademiese jaar voltooi of 11 Studente wat na voltooiing van die Inleidende Program in Musiek graag met hul studies in musiek wil voortgaan, kan vir die BMus Basisprogram inskryf Die Inleidende Program III Musiek bestaan uit die volgende modules: Musiekvaardighede 171, Koorsang 179 en Praktiese Musiekstudie: Voorbereidend 171. Laasgenoemde kursus konsentreer daarop om studente die basisse praktiese vaardighede wat vir die bespeling van 'n musiekinstrument vereis word, aan te leer. Die student besluit watter instrument hy/sy wil bestudeer. Hierdie tesis fokus op klavier- en elektroniese klawerbordonderrig vir Praktiese Musiekstudie: Voorbereidend 171. In hierdie tesis sal deurgaans daarna verwys word as Praktiese Klavierstudie 171. Teen voltooiing van die Inleidende Program in Musiek behoort studente reeds 'n Graad 3 - 4 (UNISA) vlak in Praktiese Klavierstudie 171 te bereik het. Die huidige leerplan wat vir Praktiese Klavierstudie 171 geïmplimenteer is, word in hierdie tesis krities ondersoek. Dié ondersoek die volgende: die wyses waarop onderrig aangebied word, dit wil sê, groep- en individuele onderrig, die kurrikulêre inhoud wat gebruik word, sowel as die kurrikulum. Verder word die algemene psigiese, fisiese en verstandelike aspekte van die student wat vir hierdie kursus inskryf, bespreek. In hierdie instansie word die alomvattende term ''volwassene'' gebruik. Aandag word ook geskenk aan die onderrighulpmiddels wat tot klavier- en elektroniese klawerbord-onderrig kan bydra. 'n Demonstrasievideo word by hierdie tesis ingesluit om die potensiaal daarvan as 'n hulpmiddel te illustreer. Wenke ter bevordering van die Praktiese Klavierstudie 171 kursus wat op die gevolgtrekkinge van hierdie ondersoek gebaseer is, word ter afronding aan die hand gedoen.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2015 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Introduction: In the last two decades there has been an increase in the numbers of visually impaired students accessing universities in South Africa. However, very few studies have documented the experiences of these students. Through the lens of a phenomenological understanding of disability, this study thus aimed to capture the lived experiences of visual impairment, as recounted by participants from two universities in the Western Cape, South Africa. Methods: Data were collected and analysed according to the principles of the interpretative phenomenological approach. I conducted semi-structured, in-depth individual interviews with 23 participants, and 13 students participated in focus group sessions. Results: The analysis yielded important findings. First, participants described the challenges related to the transition from school, namely: orientating themselves to the new physical environment; making new friends; and deciding whether they wanted to disclose impairment. This transition was sometimes closely tied to introspection and a new sense of self. Mainstream versus special schooling experiences seemed to shape this transition and their experiences in higher education to a degree. Second, participants discussed complex social interactions with nondisabled peers, in which the latter reportedly offered help, and avoided or stared at participants, leaving them feeling “not seen”. In response, visually impaired students often denied impairment and concealed their emotional pain. Third, within the learning environment, the participants were sometimes confronted with unwilling lecturers, a lack of communication amongst important role-players, late course material and/or headaches and muscle tension from the effort of reading with limited sight. The students recounted that they commonly self-advocated and took the responsibility upon themselves to get special accommodations. There were also many positive accounts of supportive lecturers and disability units who did more than was required of them. Discussion: Overall, these findings showed that the experiences of students did not seem to differ according to the institution they attended. Their visual category and/or secondary schooling seemed to have played a more significant role where their experiences differed. The findings also revealed that, in addition to the typical demands of university studies, the participants also took a lot of responsibility upon themselves to manage their studies and their physical and social environment. Participants seemed resilient and innovative, yet the effort sometimes drained their energy and left them frustrated. Despite valuable steps towards inclusion, these visually impaired students were still not fully included on tertiary campuses. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Inleiding: Die aantal visiueel gestremde studente in Suid-Afrikaanse universiteite het oor die afgelope twee dekades toegeneem. Die ervarings van hierdie studente is egter deur baie min studies gedokumenteer. Die studie het dus gepoog om, deur middel van 'n fenomenologiese begrip van gestremdheid, die deurleefde ervarings van visiuele gestremdheid, soos vertel deur deelnemers van twee universiteite in die Wes-Kaap, Suid-Afrika, vas te lê. Metodes: Die insameling en analise van data is uitgevoer volgens die beginsels van die intertavistiess fenomenologiese benadering. Ek het semi-gestruktureerde, in-diepte, individuele onderhoude met 23 deelnemers gevoer en 13 studente het aan fokusgroep sessies deelgeneem. Resultate: Die analise het tot belangrike bevindinge aanleiding gegee. Die deelnemers het eerstens die oorgang vanaf skool en die verbandhoudende uitdagings beskryf, naamlik, om hulself te orienteer tot die nuwe fisiese omgewing, om nuwe vriendskappe te smee en om te besluit of hulle hul gestremdheid bekend wou maak. Hierdie oorgang het soms nou saamgehang met self-ondersoek en „n nuwe begrip van hulself. Dit blyk ook dat hoofstroom of spesiale onderwys tot „n mate die oorgang en algehele ervarings op universiteit gevorm het. Tweedens, het die deelnemers komplekse sosiale interaksie met nie-gestremde eweknieë bespreek. Volgens die deelnemers, word hul dikwels deur nie-gestremde studente aangestaar, vermy of gehelp, wat eersgenoemdd dikwels “onsigbaar” laat voel het. In reaksie hierop het die visiueel gestremde studente dikwels hul gestremdheid, asook hul emosionele pyn, ontken en verbloem. Derdens, was deelnemers soms gekonfronteer met onwillige dosente, kommunikasiegapings tussen kern rolspelers, laat kursusmateriaal en/of hoofpyne en spierspanning weens die inspanning van lees met beperkte visie. Die studente het vertel dat hulle oor die algemeen self-voorspraak doen en die verantwoordelikheid op hulself neem om spesiale aanpassings te verkry. Daar was ook heelwat positiewe kommentaar aangaande ondersteunende dosente en gestremdseenhede wat dikwels meer gedoen het as wat van hulle vereis was. Bespreking: In die algeheel gesien, blyk dit nie dat die ervarings van studente verskil na gelang van tersiêre instansie nie. Dit wil voorkom dat visuele kategorie en/of sekondêre onderrig „n groter rol in die verskille tussen studente gespeel het. Die bevindings dui ook daarop dat, afgesien van die tipiese vereistes van tersiëre studies, die deelnemers baie van die verantwoordelikheid moes dra om hul studies en die sosiale en fisiese omgewing te bestuur. Alhoewel deelnemers veerkragtig en innoverend blyk te wees, het die inspanning hulle dikwels gedreineer en gefrustreerd gelaat. Ten spyte van waardevolle vordering ten opsigte van insluiting, was hierdie visueel gestremde studente steeds nie ten volle ingesluit op tersiëre kampusse nie.