A research report submitted to the Faculty of Management, University of the Witwatersrand, in 25% fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Management (in the field of Public and Development Management) 2015. / The purpose of the study was to explore the township schools foundation phase teachers' experiences in the implementation of CAPS with regard to curriculum implementation and how their knowledge and experiences influence the implementation of the curriculum. The literature review provides insights into the current practices regarding CAPS in the foundation phase in South African primary schools comparatively throughout the world. A qualitative case study research was adopted for this study and semistructured interviews. The findings highlight that although teachers experienced challenges in implementing CAPS, they acknowledge the benefits of previous workshops. The article recommends that curriculum designers and the Department of Education need to urgently review CAPS. It has been emphasised that teachers need to be actively involved during the review process. Amongst all the requirements for curriculum implementation, teachers need to be constantly monitored and supported to ensure the quality of teaching and learning. / AC2016

The relationship that exists between the educator and the ]earners is very important. A positive relationship will contribute to the learners' feeling safe to explore their potentiaL A positive relationship will lead to educators feeling motivated towards teaching. Educators do, however, bring unfinished business to the classroom that affects their relationship with their learners. The learners also bring unfinished business to the classroom that affects their relationship with their educators. The resulting educatorlearner relationship is characterized by a contact making process of exclusion. 'I11is often leads to disciplinary problems and learners being referred to the school psychologist for counseling. The first research objective, therefore, was to develop a Gestalt program that wiiJ assist in creating a safe environment in which the learners and educators can share their feelings and emotions. The second objective was to establish a contact making process of inclusion between learners and educators in the foundation phase. After reviewing literature on the research problem. the researcher consulted experts on the subject. Thorough research was done on existing literature relating to the research problem. Using as a base the information gathered from consulting experts, the literature search and the preliminary exploratory studies, the researcher developed the program. The program was first pilot tested at school A. After completion of the pilot study, the program was tested under field conditions at school B. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis procedures were used to analyze the data. The results from both the pilot test and the field test indicated that the program increased the awareness of the educators who formed part of the experimental group. The awareness of the educators who formed part of the control group, who did not receive the intervention, stayed the same. The results of the research project allowed the researcher to continue developing a product for dissemination. The research study contributed to the development of a Gestalt program that assisted in creating a safe environment where the learners and educators could share their feelings and emotions. The program also contributed lo creating a contact making process of inclusion between educators and learners in the foundation phase. Finally the research study provided a program that can be used to assist professionals and other individuals in the fields of education, psychology or social work. / Social work / M. Diac.

In defining Inclusive Education, the Education White Paper 6 (South African Department of Education 2001:6) highlights a crucial factor: acknowledging and respecting, amongst other things, language differences in learners. In a developing country like South Africa, a myriad of languages exist. Despite the creation of language awareness by adopting a number of official languages, English appears to be the most common lingua franca – a language that is very often learnt as a second language and as a medium of instruction at schools. On the other hand, IsiZulu is a prominent first language for many South Africans. Emanating from the above, this study focused on IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners’ experiences of English as a second language in English medium schools. Additionally, this study examined the reasons for the parents of IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners choosing to enroll their children in English medium schools. A literature study on second language acquisition and the factors that impact on the English second language learner in the English medium schools was undertaken. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to obtain data from foundation phase educators, IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners, and the parents of IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners in four English medium primary schools in the Port Shepstone region. Individual interviews were conducted with learners and educators and a questionnaire was used as the main instrument for gathering data from parents. Qualitative data was subjected to analysis by means of an eclectic approach. Quantitative data analysis was done by means of tables, frequencies and graphs. This study found that IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners were happy to be enrolled in English medium schools. They interacted well with their peers and they coped well with conversational skills in the English language. However, educators emphasised that reading, writing, and comprehension appeared to be cognitively challenging to learners. Pronouns, pronunciation of words in English, grammar, and figurative language were seen to be problematic areas. This also contributed to speaking anxiety that was espoused by learners and educators. Reading anxiety was also seen to be prevalent. Educators believed that learners exhibited predominantly positive attitudes which indicated that they were motivated to learn. Although integrative motivation and instrumental motivation were seen to play a dual role in learners’ experiences, the parents’ views were strongly influenced by instrumental motivation. Despite the fact that integration as an acculturation process was seen to be dominant in the learners’ responses, educators believed that assimilation and separation were also apparent. Learners were adapting to the cultural contexts of the schools. However, maintaining of eye contact during conversations and lessons was seen to be preventing learners from being able to optimally benefit from the lessons. There were various reasons for the parents choosing to enroll their children in English medium schools. One of the prominent reasons advanced by parents was the fact that most of them (94,4%) enrolled their children in English medium schools because they wanted their children to speak English fluently. Evidently, the English language has impacted on all aspects of IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners’ lives. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Inclusive Education))

Magister Artium - MA (Child and Family Studies) / The Management of children, younger than twelve years of age, who pose a risk to other children, remains complex and confusing. When their behaviour includes sexual aggression towards other children, ignorance about how to manage them becomes even more challenging. Society has an expectation that any sexual aggressor should be punished, however, when the aggressor is younger than ten years old, different responses are necessary. The aim of this current study was to explore the management of learners with sexual behaviour problems, within the primary school setting. The main question underpinning this study was: How are children, aged five-to-nine-years, with sexual behaviour problems, managed by social workers and educators? A qualitative methodology, with focus group discussions and semi-structured interviews were used to conduct this study. Educators from primary schools, as well as social workers from the Western Cape Education Department, were purposively selected to form the sample for this study. Focus group discussions were conducted with the educators, while semi-structured interviews were conducted with the social workers.

The main objective of the research was to explore how teachers use formative assessment to enhance the teaching of reading comprehension to Grade 3 siSwatispeaking learners. While the research also sought to determine whether teachers’ practice of formative assessment supported learners’ comprehension of written text, it did not attempt to measure the learners’ achievements. The research was prompted by the low reading performance levels of South African Grade 3 learners, including Grade 3 learners in Mpumalanga. The study was qualitative in nature and was a case study of seven teachers from four primary schools. The paradigmatic position of the study was interpretive. Data was collected through individual semi-structured interviews, lesson observations and analysis of learners’ workbooks. Interviews were taped and transcribed. Data from the three sources was analyzed and reported in an integrated way through themes. The study developed a conceptual framework from the literature review. Various theories and concepts were identified, namely Vygotsky’s theory of learning and socio-cultural perspective (1978), Engeström’s activity system model (1987) and the formative assessment process (Harlen, 2000; Ruiz-Primo, 2011; Birenbaum, Kimron, Shilton & Shahaf-Barzilay, 2009). It was clear that effective use of formative assessment for reading comprehension requires collaboration between teachers and learners. Teachers should involve learners in the five phases of formative assessment of reading comprehension. The conceptual framework also implies that teachers should have pedagogical knowledge of the teaching of reading comprehension. Findings of this study revealed that participating teachers lacked knowledge of formative assessment; consequently they did not plan to use formative assessment to support the teaching of reading comprehension. Teachers did not communicate clear learning objectives and assessment criteria to the learners. As a result, learners did not know what they should achieve in a lesson and did not know how they should achieve it. Teachers did not develop learning activities that supported learners’ comprehension of the written text. Teachers often used literal and closed questions to assess reading comprehension. Teachers did not provide constructive feedback based on the learning objectives, and they did not comment on weaknesses and strengths with regard to the learning objectives. Teachers did not encourage learners to assess their own work or that of their peers. Therefore learners did not develop skills in assessing their own work; they relied on the teacher’s assessment. Furthermore, this study found that teachers were not trained in the teaching and formative assessment of reading comprehension. They did not have a variety of materials to teach reading to siSwati-speaking learners. Some schools did not receive the workbooks from the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and had to make do with copies from the DBE workbook on a daily basis. Recommendations ensuing from this research are that the Department of Basic Education and the Mpumalanga Department of Education should equip Foundation Phase teachers with knowledge of and skills in formative assessment applicable to the teaching of reading comprehension. In addition, the Mpumalanga Department of Education should provide a variety of reading material for siSwati-speaking learners to support the teaching and learning of reading comprehension. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / gm2014 / Early Childhood Education / unrestricted

The focus of this study is on foundation phase and early childhood teachers’ professional identity formation. This study is about six beginning teachers in their first year of teaching early mathematics, science and technology (MST) in different schools and grade levels. Early childhood settings and primary schools in South Africa have a diverse learner body that increasingly demands of beginning early childhood and foundation phase teachers to continually strive to adapt their teaching and young children’s learning to the different learning environments for effective implementation of the curriculum. A learning identity framework was used to generate and analyse data. The learning identity framework is premised on the assumption that identity and learning are closely linked and that both are influenced by factors internal and external to the individual. Specifically, the study sought to answer the research question of how beginning first year early childhood and foundation phase teachers form, sustain or change their professional teacher identity in the teaching of mathematics, science and technology (MST) in the early years and in different school settings. The study used a phenomenological approach and case study method to explain the professional teacher identity formation process and to illuminate what factors influence this process. The study researched how teacher identities can be narratively constructed on the basis of the lived experiences of the six teachers in different school contexts. Data was generated from different sources for the purpose of triangulation which included visual and written narratives, observations and interviews (open and semi-structured). The analysis and results were based on categories of descriptions of themes. The findings indicate that identity formation is an ongoing process of integration of teachers’ personal and professional histories and initial teacher education and training, alongside issues of school culture and institutional (in-school) support. Those key factors emerge as strong determinants of the kinds and the relative stability or otherwise of professional identities which the six teachers develop in the first year of MST teaching, and thus the kind of reform minded teachers they become. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / unrestricted

Please read the abstract in the section 00front of this document / Thesis (DMus)--University of Pretoria, 2007. / Music / unrestricted

Diabetes is a illness many people have heard of and think they understand, yet many diabetic learners go unrecognised and unnoticed. The research question of the study was to determine the developmental and learning needs and the assets of the learner with type I diabetes in the foundation phase. The study had the following aims concerning learners with type I diabetes in the foundation phase: • To identify the developmental and learning needs and the assets of these learners • To provide knowledge about and understanding of these learners • To rally friends, family, the school, teachers and the community to become external and internal asset builders in the development of these learners. The ecological perspective was viewed as an appropriate framework for conceptualising this study. The needs and asset-based approach was included in the theoretical framework to gain a holistic view of these learners. This was a qualitative ethnographic study using case studies. The research was based on the interpretative paradigm. After an in-depth literature survey, data were collected in four phases in questionnaires, followed by semi-structured interviews held with a non-random sample of three learners with type I diabetes drawn from different cultures, their parents and teachers. The semi-structured interviews were recorded and transcribed and the data coded and analysed inductively. A narrative approach was used for interpreting the data. The relationship between the participants and their ecology was investigated to determine the factors in the learners’ environment. The learners’ developmental and learning needs and the assets inherent in each unique participant were identified. / Dissertation (MPhil (Education for Community Development))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted

This study investigated the implementability of the French La main à la pâte (LAMAP) inquiry-based science education (IBSE) programme in the South African context. An interpretative, qualitative multiple-case study design was utilised to elicit the voices of both young children-as-scientists engaged in scientific inquiry and student teachers who facilitated science education following the LAMAP approach. The conceptual framework integrated contemporary perspectives on childhood, theory theory and constructivist theory concepts and IBSE. Three conveniently sampled schools in an urban setting were purposively selected as cases, with 70 Grade 1 to Grade 3 children and three student teachers as participants. The findings of the study indicate that the children engaged in IBSE as natural scientists, displaying the cognitive capacity to think, act and learn like real scientists in the context of their classrooms. Engaging in science within a community of scientists, and being physically and mentally active in the knowledge construction process furthermore shaped children’s sense of agency and identity as scientists. The findings furthermore indicate that implementing IBSE contributed to shaping student teachers’ professional identity as science teachers for young children. As young scientists-in-waiting children are, however, dependent on researchers, higher education institutions concerned with teacher training, decision-makers and the broader education community to mobilise and sustain their potential for being and becoming scientists. The findings of the study resulted in a framework proposing guidelines on multi-levels for IBSE implementation in the South African Foundation Phase classroom context. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / The National Research Foundation Sabbatical Grant for Doctoral Studies / The University of Pretoria Vice-Chancellor's Academic Grant Programme / Educational Psychology / PhD / Unrestricted

A plethora of studies in South Africa have examined the reading success of Grade 3 in the Foundation Phase in African Schools, but have investigated teachers’ perspectives on the methods used for reading instruction in Grade 1 of rural schools. This study is qualitative in nature and examined First Grade teachers’ methods used in teaching beginning reading in Setswana using different approaches: the Traditional method, Sentence method, Breakthrough to Setswana Programme and Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) approach. The researcher collected data from 8 Foundation Phase Schools in Bojanala District of Brits that are under the Department of Education (DOE). The sample was drawn from four Foundations Phase Schools from February to April and June to August 2011; four teachers were observed and interviewed on the teaching of beginning reading. In order to establish how the research was approached, observations, interviews and documents analysis were used as instruments. For purposes of this dissertation, the researcher also analyzed these four schools in detail in order to provide the context that informed reasons for teachers’ perspectives. The findings indicated that teachers felt differently about the use of different and same methods in teaching beginning reading. However, teachers did not always utilize their observations to improve teaching. Teachers’ beliefs about when to introduce children to the reading of extended texts differed depending on their assumptions on learning to read. Their perspectives were affected by their own knowledge of reading, the programs, methods, and the expectations of circuit and district administrators. Limited resources and space within the programs also affected their teaching of reading. All teachers in the study expressed the need for adequate training and in-service workshops that take into account the context in which they worked. This study, recommends more collaboration between teachers and local circuit and district administrators when, planning and delivering teaching approaches and workshops. Teachers and local administrators need to keep abreast with new developments in the fields of language and literacy development in order to effectively challenge and critique new approaches. Finally, they should also be supported in doing investigation on teaching and learning in their classrooms. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)