MEDCS / Department of Curriculum Studies and Education Management

Department of Curriculum Studies and Education Management / MEd

MEd / Department of Education Management

MPH / Department of Public Health / See the attached abstract below

DEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / Performance of learners in Chemistry in South Africa has been below the international average. This study intended to investigate the management of high school learners’ academic performance in Chemistry as a component of Physical Science. The study employed mixed designs which are qualitative and quantitative. The population of this study comprised learners who were doing Physical Science, Physical Science teachers and school principals. The principals as participants were purposively sampled whereas teachers and learners were stratified random sampled. Data were collected through questionnaires which were distributed to learners and teachers, while school principals were orally interviewed. Data obtained from questionnaires were analysed using SPSS software. Qualitative data were analysed through identification of themes, development of codes and sub-themes. The improvement of teaching and learning will have a positive impact on the academic performance of high school learners in Chemistry. The findings showed that there are factors which affect the management of high school learners like (school location, inadequate physical resources, attitude and anxiety) contribute to the performance of learners in Chemistry. The findings also showed that factors influencing the academic performance of learners in Chemistry like (effective teaching, In-service Training of Chemistry teachers and Chemistry syllabus and content) contribute to the performance of learners in Chemistry. This study will give new insight to curriculum developers and implementers, and researchers regarding emerging issues on performance and influence the Ministry of Basic Education on policy formulation. Improved Chemistry performance will give learners opportunities to pursue science related courses in higher institutions of learning and middle level colleges.

DEd (Educational Management) / Department of Educational Management / This study focuses on safety and security in public schools. School violence is a sad reality encountered by whoever takes up the responsibility for the safety of learners and teachers. Both teachers and learners have the right to feel safe and secure at school. The aim of the study was to investigate how school management teams and school governing bodies take reasonable measures to ensure the safety and security of learners at schools. A mixed-methods research design was used in this study. The quantitative data, collected through questionnaires, were analysed through Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 23, while the qualitative data, gathered through semi-structured interviews, were thematically analysed. The study revealed that successful school leaders have the potential to tremendously reduce safety and security challenges when necessary support is provided. Establishing partnerships with other sectors not only manage and improve the learners' behaviour and lessen learning difficulties but also create a more supportive climate within the school, home and society. Unavailability of school psychologists and/or social workers who would join forces with teachers, parents, and other professionals to create safe and supportive learning environments increase the manifestations of school safety and security challenges.

MPH / Department of Public Health / See the attached abstract below

MGS / Institute for Gender and Youth Studies / Most people view bullying as a childhood challenge which children outgrow with age. However, bullies grow up and even go to universities where they continue with their bullying tactics; harassing their fellow students. The development of technology has allowed bullying to be taken to adulthood through cyber-bullying. Technology has become a big part of young people’s lives and it plays an increasingly important role in their day-to-day activities. However, it has also become a platform for young people to intimidate and harass each other. Cyber-bullying has become a huge problem for university students, which can cause long term effects to victims. It involves sending hurtful, threatening or embarrassing messages to one another. Cyber-bullying causes problems such as depression, anxiety, suicide, poor school attendance and performance for the victims of such an act. Both males and females take part in cyber-bullying. Avenues for cyber-bullying by students include emails, blogs, text messages, and social network sites such as Facebook, My Space, Whatsapp, Instagram and twitter among others. The main aim of this study was to probe cyber-bullying experiences of both male and female first year students at the University of Venda. Qualitative research approach was used. Snowball sampling, a subtype of non-probability sampling was used to select the respondents for the study. Semi-structured interviews were used as the data collecting tool. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Confidentiality, anonymity, voluntary participation and informed consent were among the ethical considerations that were followed. The study found that cyber-bullying is prevalent at the University of Venda and it socially, academically, psychologically and physically affects students. More female students were found to be victims of cyber-bullying when compared to male students. In view of the magnitude of cyber-bullying among university students; there is a need for urgent action by the University of Venda management to come up with / NRF

MPH / Department of Public Health / Introduction: Students in universities are exposed to various stressors which affect them to progress in their studies. The sources of stress are varied and ranging from challenges resulting from family background and history, the present circumstances and the uncertain future. Purpose: The purpose of the study was to explore factors that contribute to stress among students at a selected university in rural South Africa. Method: This research employed a qualitative descriptive approach using an explorative design to explore the factors contributing to stress among students at a selected university in South Africa. The study utilised convenience sampling to select participants who met the criteria of inclusion and in-depth interviews were used to collect data. Informed consent, confidentiality, anonymity, privacy and protect participants from being harmed were observed in the study. Data was analysed using Tesch method. Results: The following themes were derived from data analysis: Personal, relationship environmental, academic factors. Recommendations: Students specific health promotion programmes should be introduced to raise awareness about stress and management of it. Conclusions: The study concludes that students experience high levels of stress during their studies therefore it is important for the university health authorities to introduce stress management programs for students. / NRF

MEd (Curriculum Studies) / Department of Curriculum Studies / The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges prevalent in teaching mapwork in Geography at Grade 12. The researcher adopted the mixed-methods research design which, combines elements of the qualitative and quantitative approaches. The researcher used an interview schedule and questionnaires to collect data. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling were used to select participants for the study. The population comprised of Heads of Departments of Geography, Geography teachers and Grade 12 learners. The Qualitative sample consisted of 5 Heads of Departments of Geography and 5 Geography teachers. The Questionnaires were administered on 150 learners. The researcher analysed the qualitative data thematically. The Quantitative data was analysed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings showed that the dearth of learner-teacher support materials and overcrowded classrooms are the major set back on teaching Geography mapwork at Grade 12. The study recommended that the Department of Basic Education should provide schools with enough learner-support materials and construct enough classrooms at schools, so that there is a conducive teaching-learning environment. / NRF