Over the past several decades there has been an emphasis on educational research pertaining to learners’ performance in Mathematics and on finding methods to improve learner performance in this subject. In South Africa, Grade 12 learners’ results in Mathematics from 2010 to 2013 were unsatisfactory as shown in DBE, 2013a. The teachers are challenged to find new teaching methods that will make the subject more interesting and appealing to the learners (Oliver & Makar, 2010 in Goos, 2010). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using computers in the teaching and learning of Mathematics with special reference to the topic of linear functions in order to improve learner performance. The literature reviewed shows that the use of computers not only improves the learners’ performance but also changes their attitude towards Mathematics (Bester & Brand, 2013). The quantitative research approach was used to gather the data, namely the quasi- experimental, non-equivalent control group pre-test-post-test design. Two intact classes formed part of the research study, that is an experimental group (n=50) and control group (n=50). The experimental group learnt the concept of linear function using GeoGebra software. The control group learnt the same concept through the traditional pen and paper method. The data were analysed using the SPSS on ANOVA. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental group (μ=70.5) and the control group (μ=47.5). From the results it was evident that the use of computers had a positive effect on learners understanding of linear functions as reflected in their performance and on their attitude towards Mathematics, as seen in the questionnaire responses. / Mathematics Education / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

The purpose of this study was to investigate the functioning of the SGB's in public primary schools. For this purpose, the researcher collected data from both past and recent literature and three public primary schools in the Ekurhuleni South district in Gauteng regarding how effectively SGB's are functioning. Observations of the proceedings were undertaken during SGB several meetings. Unstructured interviews, with a small purposive sample of informants, supplemented the data obtained from the observations. All the data collected in this way were analysed, discussed and synthesised. The major findings of this study are: The efforts made by the DoE to provide training; this was regarded as inadequate to address the complex problems experienced by SGB's. It is therefore recommended that the DoE should provide more intensified SGB developmental training programmes for SGB's and that further research be undertaken regarding the effectiveness of SGB's in public primary schools in South Africa. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Education Management)

Reading is currently a great concern in South Africa with most learners reading below their grade level. In order to remedy this problemthe Department of Education (DoE) has launched a number of campaigns to ensure learners are continuously monitored and evaluated. The purpose of this study is to explore how Grade 4 teachers support learners with word recognition problems in an inclusive classroom. Grade 4 is a transitional grade from mother tongue to English as the medium of instruction in most of Gauteng schools. This shift creates a challenging factor when teaching reading. Although the teachers’ in this investigation were professionally trained not all were trained on how to teach reading and such components as word recognition and lack of strategies raised a major concern. The DoE (2005:67) also stressed that in applying teaching methods teachers should bear in mind that there is no single classroom in which all learners will be exactly the same or learn in the same way and same pace. Hence, teachers need to be creative when dealing with word recognition problems in order to be able to accommodate different learners in an inclusive classroom. In addressing the challenges faced this study uses Bronfenbrenners ecological system theory and qualitative research design to examine how teachers support learners with word recognition problem. The interview questions were firstly piloted with one of the neighbouring Grade 4 teacher. After the pilot study six Grade 4 teachers from four different primary schools were interviewed and observed and their documents were also analysed. The analysis used Creswell’s method and the finding highlighted factors which affect Grade 4 teachers when supporting learners with word recognition. The factors include the following: understanding the Grade 4 learner, curriculum changes in Grade 4, teacher training in the teaching of reading, teaching reading in Grade 4, addressing word recognition in Grade 4, insufficient district support, lack of parental involvement, lack of enough resources and time allocation and lesson plans. Based on the findings, recommendations were made on how to support Grade 4 learners with word recognition problems. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

South African learners continue to perform poorly in high school Circle Geometry. Lack of learner confidence and motivation in Mathematics may be the contributing factors to the low success rate in Circle Geometry. These factors, coupled with Conventional Teaching Instructions (CTI), may have contributed to the significant reduction in the number of learners enrolled for Mathematics, and provided a rationale for the study that explored a possible alternative teaching pedagogy to motivate and eventually improve learner performance in Circle Geometry. The study aimed to investigate the comparative effects of Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) and CTI on the performance and motivation of Grade 11 learners in the topic of Circle Geometry. The population of the study consisted of Grade 11 Mathematics learners from 65 secondary schools in the Ekurhuleni North District of Gauteng province in South Africa. Using convenience sampling techniques two schools with n=136 Grade 11 Mathematics learners and two teachers participated in the study. One school formed the experimental group (n=71) and the other school formed the control group (n=65). The study followed a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group approach consisting of pre-and post-test measures. Intact classes participated in the study as it was not possible to randomly select participants for the study. Both groups wrote a standardised achievement pre-test to ascertain their performance status at the beginning of the study. CAI was implemented in the experimental school while CTI was implemented in the control school. A similar post-test was administered on both groups to measure the comparative effects of each teaching method on the performance of learners. A questionnaire was also administered to both groups to measure the motivation of learners. A purposive sample (n=12) was selected from both groups to participate in semi-structured interviews to account for the results of the test and the questionnaire. A socio-constructivist theory framed the study. Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyse data. The results of this investigation indicated that the use of the computer software, GeoGebra, in the teaching and learning of Circle Geometry improved the performance and motivation of Grade 11 learners. / Mathematics Education / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

Over the past several decades there has been an emphasis on educational research pertaining to learners’ performance in Mathematics and on finding methods to improve learner performance in this subject. In South Africa, Grade 12 learners’ results in Mathematics from 2010 to 2013 were unsatisfactory as shown in DBE, 2013a. The teachers are challenged to find new teaching methods that will make the subject more interesting and appealing to the learners (Oliver & Makar, 2010 in Goos, 2010). The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of using computers in the teaching and learning of Mathematics with special reference to the topic of linear functions in order to improve learner performance. The literature reviewed shows that the use of computers not only improves the learners’ performance but also changes their attitude towards Mathematics (Bester & Brand, 2013). The quantitative research approach was used to gather the data, namely the quasi- experimental, non-equivalent control group pre-test-post-test design. Two intact classes formed part of the research study, that is an experimental group (n=50) and control group (n=50). The experimental group learnt the concept of linear function using GeoGebra software. The control group learnt the same concept through the traditional pen and paper method. The data were analysed using the SPSS on ANOVA. The results indicated that there was a significant difference between the mean scores of the experimental group (μ=70.5) and the control group (μ=47.5). From the results it was evident that the use of computers had a positive effect on learners understanding of linear functions as reflected in their performance and on their attitude towards Mathematics, as seen in the questionnaire responses. / Mathematics Education / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

This research investigates the vision of excellence in secondary schools leadership in Ekurhuleni East District (Gauteng East District) and the existence of a vision of excellence in schools. A literature study investigated models of leadership related to vision of excellence and aspects of vision of excellence in school leadership. An empirical investigation used both a quantitative and qualitative research design to collect data from a purposefully selected and stratified sample of participants and secondary schools in the Ekurhuleni East District (Gauteng East Education District). A questionnaire and focus group interviews were used to gather data from the respondents. Data were analysed and interpreted using quantitative and qualitative approach. The findings of both the literature study and the empirical research on the above-mentioned vision of excellence in secondary schools leadership in Ekurhuleni East District revealed that there is a lack of support from school leadership and the School Management Team (SMT) in realising a vision of excellence in secondary schools leadership. The main challenges that were identified by qualitative method were the lack of support by both the district office and school management or school leadership. The realisation of the vision of excellence is dependent on how the information is managed and disseminated by the school leadership, principals and SMTs. It appears that the realisation of the vision of excellence would enhance the level of understanding of new developments in the education system including the curriculum change and technological advancement. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

The purpose of this study was to develop a laboratory based Comprehensive Care, Management and Treatment of HIV and AIDS (CCMT) programme status reporting system using a methodological research study design. Quantitative data was collected using a request form and qualitative data was collected using structured questionnaires. For the study 1190 eligible CD4 samples were received, of which 1004 (84%) had a valid CCMT programme status. Overall 32% of the CD4 samples had a pre-ART status (n=383) and 52% had an ART status (n=621). The remaining 16% of CD4 samples (n=186) did not have a valid CCMT programme status. A pre-ART register was generated and assessed using a structured questionnaire. Based on the study findings a recommendation has been made to adopt the two-tick design for all NHLS request forms where programmatic data is collected. Additionally the CCMT programme status reporting system is recommended for rollout to other health districts / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health with specialisation in Medical Informatics)

The purpose of this study was to develop a laboratory based Comprehensive Care, Management and Treatment of HIV and AIDS (CCMT) programme status reporting system using a methodological research study design. Quantitative data was collected using a request form and qualitative data was collected using structured questionnaires. For the study 1190 eligible CD4 samples were received, of which 1004 (84%) had a valid CCMT programme status. Overall 32% of the CD4 samples had a pre-ART status (n=383) and 52% had an ART status (n=621). The remaining 16% of CD4 samples (n=186) did not have a valid CCMT programme status. A pre-ART register was generated and assessed using a structured questionnaire. Based on the study findings a recommendation has been made to adopt the two-tick design for all NHLS request forms where programmatic data is collected. Additionally the CCMT programme status reporting system is recommended for rollout to other health districts / Health Studies / M.A. (Public Health with specialisation in Medical Informatics)

The study aimed to explore and describe factors which impacted on the satisfaction of patients using the curative component of primary health care in the Ekurhuleni Metropolitan area. A qualitative, explorative and contextual design was followed in this study. Focus group interviews were used to collect data from clients, nurse clinicians and community health committee members. Findings indicated that there was lack of facilities, resources and supplies, lack of safety and security measures, negative attitudes of nurse clinicians, lack of community involvement and lack of clinic management involvement. Suggestions were made by the groups on how to improve the curative primary health care service and intervention strategies were identified from the suggestions made. The implementation of these strategies will help with the improvement of the service delivery at the clinic for primary health care. / Health Studies / (M.A. (Health Studies)

A qualitative research design that is explorative, descriptive and contextual in nature was employed in order to understand and describe the factors that predispose children to be in conflict with the law and to develop guidelines to support these children. The data-collection techniques were individual semi-structured interviews and field notes. The sample consisted of eight (8) children who volunteered to be interviewed. The theme that emerged during data collection and analysis was the factors that predispose children to break the law. Five categories were identified in this theme, namely * Personal factors * Family factors * Community factors * Police service factors and * Education factors It is recommended that all the institutions involved in the provision and maintenance of the child's mental health be involved in the implementation of the guidelines. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)