The quality of education in especially the Further Education and Training phase (FET) is recognised as one of the most significant challenges facing the South African government. Low teacher morale, lack of parental involvement, learners' ignorance in taking responsibility for their own learning and other educational problems are all identified as contributing factors. This study was undertaken to investigate how critical thinking skills can contribute to promoting quality teaching and learning in secondary schools with specific reference to the FET phase. The study also sought to make recommendations that will assist teachers to integrate critical thinking skills into the teaching and learning experiences in the FET phase. The nature of quality teaching and learning, the nature of critical thinking skills and the correlation between the concepts to improve the quality of education were researched by means of a literature study. A quantitative research design followed, using questionnaires as research instrument. From the research conducted it was found that learners in the FET phase do not take responsibility for their learning and therefore many of these learners still do not perceive learning as important. However, effective learning could take place if learners are confident, independent, active participants and explore a variety of learning strategies. Teachers, on the other hand, should adopt particular forms of behaviour to foster certain types of learning. The ability to teach critical thinking skills to learners poses a great challenge as many teachers are not trained to do so. This has a great influence on the exposure of an integrated constructivist method of teaching and learning and therefore inflicts on the delivery of quality teaching and learning in the FET phase of secondary schools in South Africa. / MEd, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2011

The focus of this research study was the assessment of intrapreneurship within public Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges that were earmarked by govemment to spearhead the alleviation of skills shortages in South Africa. Managers within four colleges in the Free State province of South Africa were selected as the study. Establishing an intrapreneurial climate within public FET Colleges can play a significant role in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of services rendered, contributing to the long term sustainability of these institutions. Colleges face various challenges including a lack of intrapreneurial spirit and a fragmented approach regarding their visions, missions and strategic thrusts. The primary objective of the study was to assess the level of intrapreneurship within the four public FET Colleges and to make recommendations on how to improve the level of intrapreneurship within these institutions. A number of secondary objectives were set to support the attainment of the primary objective. A comprehensive literature study was conducted, which was followed by an empirical study. By means of self -assessment and supervisor assessment, perceptions of managers were tested in relation to entrepreneurial characteristics. Furthermore, relationships were determined between demographic variables and intrapreneurship constructs. Following upon a detailed analysis of data in chapter 4, it was concluded that managers regarded the current intrapreneurial climate at FET Colleges as being average. Based on the findings of the empirical study and the insight gained during the literature study, recommendations were made on the fostering of intrapreneurship within the colleges. A framework of practical guidelines and an action plan were compiled that could facilitate the process, thereby assisting public FET Colleges in South Africa to fulfill the vision of the National Department of Education of "...a modem and vibrant nationally co-ordinated FET college system that builds a foundation for lifelong learning and is responsive to the needs ofthe 21 st century". / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

The focus of this research study was the assessment of intrapreneurship within public Further Education and Training (FET) Colleges that were earmarked by govemment to spearhead the alleviation of skills shortages in South Africa. Managers within four colleges in the Free State province of South Africa were selected as the study. Establishing an intrapreneurial climate within public FET Colleges can play a significant role in improving the effectiveness and efficiency of services rendered, contributing to the long term sustainability of these institutions. Colleges face various challenges including a lack of intrapreneurial spirit and a fragmented approach regarding their visions, missions and strategic thrusts. The primary objective of the study was to assess the level of intrapreneurship within the four public FET Colleges and to make recommendations on how to improve the level of intrapreneurship within these institutions. A number of secondary objectives were set to support the attainment of the primary objective. A comprehensive literature study was conducted, which was followed by an empirical study. By means of self -assessment and supervisor assessment, perceptions of managers were tested in relation to entrepreneurial characteristics. Furthermore, relationships were determined between demographic variables and intrapreneurship constructs. Following upon a detailed analysis of data in chapter 4, it was concluded that managers regarded the current intrapreneurial climate at FET Colleges as being average. Based on the findings of the empirical study and the insight gained during the literature study, recommendations were made on the fostering of intrapreneurship within the colleges. A framework of practical guidelines and an action plan were compiled that could facilitate the process, thereby assisting public FET Colleges in South Africa to fulfill the vision of the National Department of Education of "...a modem and vibrant nationally co-ordinated FET college system that builds a foundation for lifelong learning and is responsive to the needs ofthe 21 st century". / Thesis (M.B.A.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2009.

<p><font size="3"> <p>The aim of this research was to investigate the use of social media (SM) in improving the quantity and quality of passes in computer programming in South Africa&rsquo / s Further Education and Training (FET) colleges. The study addresses the high learner failure rates in computer programming at National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) level 3. A preliminary investigation identified that increased lecturer contact time with the students could positively affect the quantity and quality of passes in computer programming. The social medium of Facebook (FB) was studied to assess whether it could enhance contact time with students.</p> <p>In investigating factors affecting computer programming passes at the College of Cape Town, the study identified how SM technologies can assist in increasing contact time for students outside normal college time. Four groups on FB were created to allow learners to ask questions, interact with the lecturer and peers on the subject. A mixed approach was employed using qualitative and quantitative data. Test scores for previous years (2011) were compared to current (2012) test scores for the NCV 3 learners. Statistical functions calculated the average passes and total number of passes. Furthermore, a total of thirty questionnaires were used to check the learners&rsquo / perceptions toward the use of SM outside the class to enhance performance..</p> <p>More lecturer contact time on FB for one student group scored better in terms of the quantity and quality of passes. The groups using FB (with more practice time or more technical contact time) produced results which were far better than in previous years (2010 and 2011). The fourth group using FB for more peer interaction also did fairly well with an increase at the end of the year (2012) of 35% pass in programming at level 3 - up from 30% in 2011. It is the researcher&rsquo / s view that, once internet access is evenly spread, it has the potential to increase performance in subjects like computer programming. A further look at the certification of level 4 learners for programming subjects indicated an improvement could be possible by the introduction of SM at level 3 - where much of the bottleneck lies.</p> <p>As this research was limited to a single FET college it cannot be generalised. Further research spread across various FET colleges countrywide will serve to confirm these findings and determine new insights into the whole process of using SM to improve passes in computer programming at NCV level 3.. The practical recommendation is that FB should be used for this stated purpose. In respect of academic recommendations, the researcher intends to implement the same study with learners at level two and level four.</p> </font></p>

<p><font size="3"> <p>The aim of this research was to investigate the use of social media (SM) in improving the quantity and quality of passes in computer programming in South Africa&rsquo / s Further Education and Training (FET) colleges. The study addresses the high learner failure rates in computer programming at National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) level 3. A preliminary investigation identified that increased lecturer contact time with the students could positively affect the quantity and quality of passes in computer programming. The social medium of Facebook (FB) was studied to assess whether it could enhance contact time with students.</p> <p>In investigating factors affecting computer programming passes at the College of Cape Town, the study identified how SM technologies can assist in increasing contact time for students outside normal college time. Four groups on FB were created to allow learners to ask questions, interact with the lecturer and peers on the subject. A mixed approach was employed using qualitative and quantitative data. Test scores for previous years (2011) were compared to current (2012) test scores for the NCV 3 learners. Statistical functions calculated the average passes and total number of passes. Furthermore, a total of thirty questionnaires were used to check the learners&rsquo / perceptions toward the use of SM outside the class to enhance performance..</p> <p>More lecturer contact time on FB for one student group scored better in terms of the quantity and quality of passes. The groups using FB (with more practice time or more technical contact time) produced results which were far better than in previous years (2010 and 2011). The fourth group using FB for more peer interaction also did fairly well with an increase at the end of the year (2012) of 35% pass in programming at level 3 - up from 30% in 2011. It is the researcher&rsquo / s view that, once internet access is evenly spread, it has the potential to increase performance in subjects like computer programming. A further look at the certification of level 4 learners for programming subjects indicated an improvement could be possible by the introduction of SM at level 3 - where much of the bottleneck lies.</p> <p>As this research was limited to a single FET college it cannot be generalised. Further research spread across various FET colleges countrywide will serve to confirm these findings and determine new insights into the whole process of using SM to improve passes in computer programming at NCV level 3.. The practical recommendation is that FB should be used for this stated purpose. In respect of academic recommendations, the researcher intends to implement the same study with learners at level two and level four.</p> </font></p>

Thesis (M Distance Ed)--University of South Australia, 1994

Studiens syfte är att undersöka barnskötares och blivande psykoterapeuters perspektiv på lärande i spänningsfältet mellan formell utbildning och informellt lärande i praktiken. För detta syfte ska barnskötare som utbildar sig till förskollärare och blivande psykoterapeuter undersökas. De fyra forskningsfrågorna är följande; (1) Hur värderar och upplever barnskötare och blivande psykoterapeuter relationen mellan formell utbildning och informellt lärande i praktiken? (2) Hur värderar och upplever barnskötare och blivande psykoterapeuter att deras lärande förändrats över tid? (3) Hur värderar barnskötare och blivande psykoterapeuter sitt lärande i relation till olika personer omkring dem? (4) Vilka skillnader och gemensamma drag finns det mellan barnskötare och blivande psykoterapeuter? Studiens empiriska insamling grundas på en enkätundersökning och urvalet omfattar totalt 11 barnskötare från Stockholms universitet och 43 blivande psykoterapeuter vid Stockholms universitet samt Uppsala universitet. Studien analyseras genom Ellströms teori om kognitivt- och kontextuellt perspektiv på lärande, anpassnings- och utvecklingsinriktat lärande samt Bertells teori om lärande på första- och andrahands arenan. Studieprocessen visar att det finns mycket lite tidigare forskning angående de undersökta professionerna och deras lärande under vidareutbildning, därför är studien ett viktigt bidrag till kunskapsfältet. Den data som agerar grund för analyserna i studien är insamlade genom en webbenkät. Mätningarna utförs via programvaran PSPP. Ur studiens resultat framgår det att de två professionerna var likartade i sin inställning som behandlade relationen mellan formell utbildning och informellt lärande i praktiken. Det går även att utläsa att respondenternas inställning indikerar på att de nu närmar sig eller befinner sig i det utvecklingsinriktat lärande, vilket har behandlats i förändring av lärande över tid. Samt att studiens resultat indikerar på att respondenternas lärande i relation med andra varierar beroende på profession och relation. Den största skillnaden mellan professionerna i studien visar sig när de ska värdera i vilken utsträckning de diskuterar nya kunskaper de lärt sig med sin chef. Gemensamma drag går att se i att de gärna diskuterar nya kunskaper de lärt sig med sina kurskamrater. Studien resulterar i slutsatser med hänsyn till semiformella relationer. Där kurskamraternas roll i respondenternas lärande ifrågasätt och visas i ett annan dimension. Detta med hjälp av en relativt ny teoretisk utgångpunkt. / The purpose of this study is to investigate the nurse and intended psychotherapists perspective on learning in the field between formal learning and informal learning in practice. For this purpose, the nurses that educate further to preschool teachers and intended psychotherapists is examined. The four research questions are as follows; (1) How does the nurses and the intended psychotherapists valuate and experience the relation between formal education and informal learning in practice? (2) How does the nurses and the prospective psychotherapists valuate and experience that their learning changes over time? (3) How does the nurses and the prospective psychotherapists valuate their learning in relation to different persons around them? What differences and common attribute is there between a nurse and a prospective psychotherapist? The empirical collection of the study is based on a survey and the selection covers in total 11 nurses from Stockholm university and 43 intended psychotherapists at Stockholm university and Uppsala university. The study is analyzed through Ellströms theory about cognitive- and contextual perspective on learning, adaptions- and development-minded learning and Bertells theory about learning at the first- and secondhand arena. The study process shows that there are less research made earlier about the investigated professions and their learning during further education, therefore the study is an important contribution to the field of knowledge. The data that the analyzes is founded on in the study is gathered through a web survey. Measures are executed through the software PSPP. It is clear that from the result of the study that the two professions where similar in its positions that treated the relations between formal education and informal learning in practice. It is also possible to interpret that the attitude of the respondents indicates that they are approaching or found themselves in the development-minded learning, which have been addressed in the change of learning over time. Furthermore the result of the study indicates that the respondents learning in relation to others varieties depending on profession and relation. The biggest difference between professions in the study shows when they are to assess in what extent they discuss new knowledge they have learned with their manager. Common features to be seen is that they willingly discuss the new knowledge they learned with their classmates. The study leads to conclusions in respect to semiformal relations. Where the classmates role in the respondents learning is questioned and shown in a another dimension. This with the help of a relative new theoretically point of view.

The research focused on public policy implementation, unintended consequences of government action and policy mess, using the particular example of West Lothian College's Private Finance Initiative procured Livingstone campus as a case study. A public policy change led to the college becoming financially insecure, undermined the college's business case and the the college's ability to meet its contractual and financial obligations. If left unresolved, the college would have run out of money, defaulted on the contract and threatened the very existence of the institution. The college estate was taken into public ownership as the result of a negotiated settlement with the private sector owners of the campus. The importance of the research lay in adding to the body of knowledge around public policy implementation theory, which is not well researched or understood in the context of further education. The research design led to an in-depth interpretive, instrumental, single case study that explored, described and explained public policy implementation from the perspective of participants in a public policy network. The techniques of semi-structured interviews and documentary analysis were used. Using a policy networks approach, the research identified: how policy gets modified; how unintended consequences arose; how the unintended consequences resulted in policy mess; what policy learning took place as a result of policy mess; what policy change occurred as a result of policy mess; my role as an interested researcher and agent of change in the situation. In the West Lothian College case it was found that an ensemble of public policy had been at play rather than simply one policy. This ensemble of top-down policies comprised the UK-wide private finance initiative and two Scotland-wide further education funding policies. The research was timely as the literature suggests that policy networks are increasingly identified as an important governance mechanism in the areas of public policy implementation and new public management. The findings show that in respect of the West Lothian College case, networks have reconfigured relationship between government and other actors. They have also linked previously separate central, vertical, policy makers with an array of horizontal policy implementation actors.

Magister Commercii (Infomation Management) / The aim of this research was to investigate the use of social media (SM) in improving the quantity and quality of passes in computer programming in South Africa’s Further Education and Training (FET) colleges. The study addresses the high learner failure rates in computer programming at National Certificate (Vocational) (NCV) level 3. A preliminary investigation identified that increased lecturer contact time with the students could positively affect the quantity and quality of passes in computer programming. The social medium of Facebook (FB) was studied to assess whether it could enhance contact time with students. In investigating factors affecting computer programming passes at the College of Cape Town, the study identified how SM technologies can assist in increasing contact time for students outside normal college time. Four groups on FB were created to allow learners to ask questions, interact with the lecturer and peers on the subject. A mixed approach was employed using qualitative and quantitative data. Test scores for previous years (2011) were compared to current (2012) test scores for the NCV 3 learners. Statistical functions calculated the average passes and total number of passes. Furthermore, a total of thirty questionnaires were used to check the learners’ perceptions toward the use of SM outside the class to enhance performance.. More lecturer contact time on FB for one student group scored better in terms of the quantity and quality of passes. The groups using FB (with more practice time or more technical contact time) produced results which were far better than in previous years (2010 and 2011). The fourth group using FB for more peer interaction also did fairly well with an increase at the end of the year (2012) of 35% pass in programming at level 3 - up from 30% in 2011. It is the researcher’s view that, once internet access is evenly spread, it has the potential to increase performance in subjects like computer programming. A further look at the certification of level 4 learners for programming subjects indicated an improvement could be possible by the introduction of SM at level 3 - where much of the bottleneck lies. As this research was limited to a single FET college it cannot be generalised. Further research spread across various FET colleges countrywide will serve to confirm these findings and determine new insights into the whole process of using SM to improve passes in computer programming at NCV level 3.. The practical recommendation is that FB should be used for this stated purpose. In respect of academic recommendations, the researcher intends to implement the same study with learners at level two and level four.

Magister Artium (Social Work) - MA(SW) / The Further Education and Training Colleges Sector is a new phenomenon and attract students from school who are unprepared for the rigours of further education and training. This could have a direct impact on retention and throughput of first-year students in the sector. Against this backdrop student retention and success or throughput is a critical topic for further education and training in the public FET Colleges. The goal of this research was to explore and describe the challenges of retention and throughput from the perceptions and experiences of successful first-year students based on the assumption that lessons can be learned from this. The objectives were to explore and describe successful first-year students’ perceptions and experiences of retention and throughput a selected FET college; make recommendations to the management of the FET college sector; and to describe the role of social work to increase retention. An explorative, descriptive and contextual research design was adopted for the purpose of the study. It was conducted at Northlink FET College, Protea campus in Bellville, Cape Town. The population encompasses academic inclusion criteria for homogeneity and included all successful first-year students who met the minimum pass requirements for all their subjects in the national examination results of November 2007 and the supplementary examination results of February 2008. Non-probability purposive sampling was used to select the sample of 21 participants. Focus group interviews were facilitated by a semi-structured interview guide. The interviews were conducted in English and Afrikaans to accommodate the diversity of the participants. The data analysis and verification were done according to the framework recommended by Cresswell (1998). The findings of the study revealed that the following factors are strong predictors for student retention and success: Environmental influences within the college contribute to successful throughput and retention. These include financial aid, student support and developmental services, monitoring student progress, study programs and safety of the college. Public internet, library and transport services were experienced as important essentials which contributed significantly to the retention and success of the participants. The participants experienced the lack of an internet and library service, and study facility at the campus a major challenge to overcome. Student support in the form of group support or peer help, study groups, student counselling and referral for rehabilitation services were key determinants or predictors for the retention and throughput of the participants. The importance of trusting relationships also featured as key factors in the form of family and role models contributing to the success and persistence of the participants. Relationships in the academic environment with the academic staff and their communication styles of practicing such as flexible communication channels and democratic authoritarian relationship building contributed significantly to the receptiveness of learning and the success and persistence of the participants.Key factors with regards to the significant strengths of the participants which have contributed to their retention and throughput highlighted by the findings of the study included self-efficacy with its underpinning developmental intrinsic aspects self-discipline,self-esteem, independent decision-making, locus of control and acquiring essentials skills to adapt to student life. These attributes are strong predictors of student success and retention as have emerged from the findings of the study. Personal challenges such as hard times, drug abuse, learning disabilities, health problems and single parenting were indicated by the participants as strong predictors to rise above these adversities by persisting and succeed to enjoy a good quality life. The participants’ perception of education and employment were inter-linked toward an outcome for economic benefit and also perceived as a strong predictor for retention and throughput. Other factors indicated by the participants that have contributed to their retention and throughput, are neighbourhood and socio-economic background. The findings of this research study are generally in line with most of the studies conducted at community colleges internationally, and with some of the studies conducted at institutions of Higher Education in South Africa.