Magister Artium (Psychology) - MA(Psych) / The inclusive education system in South Africa is one that accepts children with many types of barriers to learning, whether these are physical, emotional or cognitive in nature. In 2001, the Department of Education published the White Paper 6 in order to address inclusive education in the South African context over a time frame of 20 years. It has been 15 years since the White Paper 6 was published, and many South African educators still face the same challenges as they did at the start of the Inclusive Education System. Managing children with barriers to learning comes with many challenges and uncertainties, and with the high prevalence of children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) globally, there is a strong need to understand what the condition entails and how to manage it effectively. A study like this is imperative in order to explore management strategies used by Grade 1 educators when working with learners presenting with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms in mainstream schools in the Western Cape. A further aim is to explore the support structures currently available to these educators as well as the support required by these educators. The study also aims to understand the challenges facing educators in these settings as there are limited research studies and literature available which focus on how to apply the inclusive education policies that exist in South Africa. The study used bio-ecological systems theory as a theoretical framework. A qualitative approach was used to conduct the study, including semi-structured individual interviews and data that was analysed by thematic analysis. A total of four local schools were included in the study, comprising of twelve interviews with Grade 1 educators from mainstream schools based in the Western Cape. The findings were as follows: many educators felt that they did not receive enough training on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, therefore lacking knowledge on how to apply management strategies to address this. Managing a diverse range of learners, lack of resources, lack of parental involvement, lack of assistance in the classroom, as well as distracted and disorganised children posed as challenges for educators working with learners presenting with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder symptoms. Some educators felt that class sizes were too big; helping non-English learners who displayed symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder to reach their full potential was challenging; and covering all the content in the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) was overwhelming for some as it does not always allow space for learners who learn differently in the classroom. Educators teaching in lower-income communities struggled with parental support and generally had fewer resources available to them. Not all of the participants received sufficient support from other professional health practitioners, principals, and support at various levels of the education system in the Western Cape and Department of Education.

Syftet med detta arbete är att få en kunskapsöversikt över hur högpresterande elever kan bli utmanade i matematikundervisningen främst i lågstadiet och hur arbetsmetoderna ser ut från lärarens perspektiv. I detta arbete vill vi få fram en slutsats om hur och varför lärare i svensk skola kan utmana högpresterande elever i lågstadieklass efter deras befintliga nivå. Informationssökningar baseras på vår frågeställning, för att kunna få fram en slutsats som är möjlig att applicera i dagens lågstadieklasser i matematik.  Resultaten visar att med hjälp av en differentierad undervisning i matematik kan elever oavsett vilken nivå de befinner sig på få chansen att utmanas och möjligheten att utveckla sina kunskaper. Genom andra resultat har det visat sig att lärarutbildningen runt om i världen har andra krav jämfört med här i Sverige.

The aim of the study is to investigate pupils’ attitudes to and experiences of reading aloud by the teacher in grade 1. The study answers questions about how the pupils perceive the reading aloud, what they think they learn from it, and what books they prefer the teacher to read from. The study was conducted with the aid of semi-structured interviews with eleven pupils, six girls and five boys. The study shows that the pupils have a great deal to say about reading aloud. They have a positive view of reading aloud and believe, among other things, that they learn new words, they learn the letters and the sounds of the letters during reading aloud, but what they single out most is the importance of being able to sit still and listen. Most pupils want books for reading aloud to be exciting, amusing, and related to their own interests. Moreover, they emphasize that reading aloud creates a sense of community and gives relaxation.

Syftet med denna empiriska studie är att undersöka lärares användning av boksamtal i förskoleklass och årskurs 1, samt om boksamtal kan bidra till språkutveckling. Tidigare forskning visar många fördelar med att främja elevers språkutveckling i de tidiga åldrarna. De får tillfälle att uttrycka sina egna tankar, samt träna upp sitt ordförråd. Lärarna påpekar att tiden eller resurserna inte räcker till för att ha renodlade boksamtal. Forskningen visar att det är viktigt att börja läsa tidigt i skolåldern för att förhindra svårigheter senare under skolgången. Studiens teoretiska ram grundar sig i Vygotskijs sociokulturella teori att lärande sker kollektivt och därigenom blir det ett socialt och kontinuerligt samspel med omgivningen. Vygotskijs teori har inspirerat lärare att vara mer aktiva under lektionerna och inneha en betydande roll för elevernas kunskapsutveckling. Insamlingen av datan genomfördes kvalitativt genom personliga intervjuer med lärare som arbetar på lågstadiet. Intervjuerna analyserades och gemensamma nämnare mellan dem identifierades. Därefter diskuterades intervjuerna i förhållande till den tidigare forskningen. Uppsatsen visar betydelsen på hur viktigt det är att använda sig av att boksamtal tidigt i skolåldern, för att gynna elevernas språkutveckling. De tydligaste resultaten av studien är att alla lärare använder sig av en form av boksamtal varje dag genom den dagliga högläsningen. Studien visar att den dagliga högläsningen och boksamtalen har positiva effekter på läsförståelse och språkutveckling. Elevernas förmåga att förstå förbättras genom diskussioner som inträffar under boksamtalen. En annan viktig faktor som upptäcktes är att boksamtal gynnar elevernas ordförråd och den språkliga förmågan.

I dagens skolor används digitala lärresurser flitigt i matematikundervisningen trots att det visats i studier att digitala lärresurser inte används på ett effektivt sätt. Syftet med denna studie är att sammanställa information om användningen av de digitala lärresurserna i matematikundervisningen i årskurs 1-6 kopplat till elevers lärande. Studien är en systematisk litteraturstudie där tidigare forskning kring ämnet undersöks. I resultatet framkommer tre huvudresultat. Det första huvudresultatet handlar om att elevernas motivation kan öka med hjälp av digitala lärresurser. Det andra huvudresultatet beskriver utvecklingen av olika förmågor som kan uppkomma med hjälp av digitala lärresurser. Det sista och tredje huvudresultatet handlar om negativa effekter som kan uppkomma av användningen av digitala lärresurser. Interaktionen mellan lärare och elev kan försämras när digitala spel används i undervisningen. Det tredje huvudresultatet ger en tydlig bild av lärares brister på kunskaper om digitala lärresurser vilket påverkar elevers lärande. En slutsats som vår studie landar i är att mer forskning om matematikundervisningen som grundar sig helt på användningen av digitala lärresurser behövs för att tydligare kunna se vad effekterna på lärandet blir / In today's schools digital learning resources are used diligently in mathematics, even though studies have shown that they are not used efficiently. The purpose of this study is to compile information regarding the use of digital learning resources in mathematics connected to pupils' learning in years 1-6. The study is a systematic literature study where previous research about the subject is investigated. Three main results are presented. One of the results is associated with the possibility of raising student motivation by the use of digital learning resources. Another result describes the development of different skills by the use of digital learning resources. The final result presents negative effects that may follow from the use of digital learning resources. The third main result gives a clear picture of teachers’ lack of knowledge regarding digital learning resources, which directly affects pupils’ learning. A conclusion drawn by this study is that more research regarding teaching of mathematics based solely on the use of digital learning resources is required to more clearly see the effects on pupils’ learning

Thesis (MAud (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy)--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / Over the past decade an increasing number of learners with cochlear implants have been placed in mainstream settings in South Africa (Müller & Wagenfeld, 2003). The aim of the present study was to describe possible factors that influence the initial grade 1 school placement as well as subsequent changes in placement of learners with cochlear implants. Data collection consisted of a retrospective record review of the children implanted at the Tygerberg Hospital-University of Stellenbosch Cochlear Implant Unit and a questionnaire aimed at assessing parental perceptions regarding the basis of grade 1 school placement for their children. The record review incorporated children implanted in 1988, the year of inception of the unit and included the most recently implanted children who have already started grade 1. Results of the 47 participants indicated that multiple factors influenced the selection of grade 1 school placement. Recommendations by professionals and parental preference were the most important determinants in the selection process. The mainstreamed learners were implanted at a much younger age than the learners placed in special school settings and therefore had a longer duration of implant use at the start of grade 1. Subsequent to grade 1 placement, the number of learners in mainstream placement, increased from 55% to 70%. The aspects identified in the study could be utilised when counselling parents during the school placement decision making process. Long term monitoring of the academic achievement of these learners needs to be an aim of future research.

Thesis (MEdPsych)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the twenty years since Namibia declared independence many changes have taken place, especially in die educational system. One of these changes has been in pre-school education. Public pre-school institutions have been done away with. Only private institutions remain to attempt to furnish the demand in this field. Limited access to pre-school education has an impact on school-readiness as learners from different educational backgrounds start Grade 1 together. The primary purpose of this study is to collect the experiences of Grade 1 teachers, to analise those experiences and to describe them with reference to the diverse pre-school backgrounds of the learners. Grade 1 teachers interact with learners from three backgrounds: those with formal pre-school education; those with non-formal pre-school education; and those with no pre-school education. The Grade 1 teacher's experiences is the problem studied and it is done with reference to these forms of pre-school education. It focuses on the opinions of the teachers as formulated in their own words. A child's environment and early experiences, especially the level of education - or deprival thereof - has a marked effect on learning and development. Education in the early years of childhood can deliver an outstanding return on investment for a country. Phases of education should build on one another using syllabusses and working methods that work together. The logic is that a child should first be able to crawl before learning to walk and thus follow the right steps to the phonetics, spelling and writing required in Grade 1. The cost of neglecting some of the elementary steps will be borne by the Grade 1 teacher when he/she is forced to set time aside to repair the foundation that should have been in laid in the pre-school years. A qualitative research method was used to attain and analise the information in this study. Data was collected by studying relevant literature, using questionaires in interview situations and by conducting interviews with stakeholders. Data was analysed by doing content analysis of the transcripts from individual interviews and focus groups. The research takes the form of an interpretative epistemological construct as it focuses on the essence of the experiences of the Grade 1 teacher. It is an exploratory study that made use of a sample of the designated group. Contributing factors, such as government policy, the curriculum, training of teachers, language, poverty, school, parents and learners, reveal guidelines for improving the classroom experiences of Grade 1 teachers. This can be applied advantageously to the development of the educational sector. The study suggests that teachers and parents should collaborate more closely. It is further suggested that the curriculum be ammended to accommodate learners from diverse backgrounds leading to a more positive experience for Grade 1 teachers. The findings show that the experiences of Grade 1 teachers are not taken into account by many people, especially judging by the available literature. It is important to acknowledge what these teachers experience as well as the role it plays in their classrooms. Their experiences lead to certain reactions and changes. The point made by this study is that Grade 1 teachers display a definitive experience in their classrooms and that it has an effect on their learners. The point of departure is to let the Grade 1 teacher distinguish between the different groups of learners in the classroom and empower him/her to support each individual to ensure a positive experience. Not all teachers will have such a positive experience with a diverse group. Before the burden becomes too heavy alternative teaching methods should be employed. There is a shortage of research in this field and further study on the experiences of the Grade 1 teacher is needed to deepen the provision of support. Although this is a limited study, it can possibly encourage further research. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die twintig jaar sedert Namibië se onafhanklikheidswording het baie veranderinge in die land plaasgevind, veral in die onderwysstelsel. Een van die veranderinge was die afskaf van openbare voorskoolse instellings. Slegs die private sektor voorsien steeds in dié behoefte. Die beperkte toegang tot voorskoolse onderrig het egter 'n invloed op skoolgereedheid. Die leerders wat Graad 1 betree, kom uit verskillende onderrigsagtergronde. Die primêre doelwit van hierdie studie is om die ervaringe van Graad 1-onderwysers te ondersoek, te analiseer en te beskryf aan die hand van hierdie diverse voorskoolse agtergronde van die leerders. Die Graad 1-onderwyser het te doen met leerders uit drie agtergronde: dié met formele voorskoolse onderrig; dié met nie-formele voorskoolse onderrig; en dié met geen voorskoolse onderrig nie. Met verwysing na dié vorme van voorskoolse onderrig word die probleem van die Graad 1-onderwyser se ervaring in die klaskamer ondersoek. Dit fokus op die opinies van die Graad 1-onderwysers geformuleer in hul eie woorde. 'n Kind se omgewing en vroeë ervaringe, veral die vlak van opvoeding - of die ontneming daarvan - het 'n groot effek op 'n kind se leer en ontwikkeling. Opvoeding in die vroeë kinderjare is 'n belegging wat uitstaande resultate vir die land kan oplewer. Onderwysfases behoort op mekaar te volg met leerplanne en werkmetodes wat aanvullend saamwerk tot die kind se opvoeding. Die logika daaragter is dat 'n kind eers moet kruip voordat hy kan loop en net so behoort 'n kind die regte stappe te volg ten einde gereed te wees vir die klank-, spel- en skryfwerk wat in Graad 1 vereis word. Die afskeep van sekere elementêre stappe kan tot gevolg hê dat die Graad 1-onderwyser waardevolle tyd sal moet afstaan om die basis, wat gedurende die pre-primêre fase (of in die voorskoolse instelling) gelê moes word, dan nou in Graad 1 te lê. Dit beklemtoon die groot taak wat op die Graad 1-onderwyser se skouers rus. 'n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsontwerp is gebruik vir die verkryging en ontleding van inligting vir hierdie studie. Die data insamelingsmetodes sluit 'n literatuuroorsig, onderhoudsvraelyste en onderhoude met die betrokke rolspelers in. Data is geanaliseer met behulp van inhoud-analise van die transkripte uit die individuele en fokusgroep-onderhoude. Die navorsingstipe is 'n interpretatiewe epistemologiese konstruk omdat dit fokus op die essensie van die ervaringe van die Graad 1-onderwyser. Dit is 'n verkennende ondersoek en daar is gebruik gemaak van 'n doeldienende streekproefneming. Uit die aanleidende faktore soos regeringsbeleid, kurrikulum, opleiding van onderwysers, taal, armoede, skool, ouers en leerders kom daar riglyne na vore vir die verbetering van die ervaringe van die Graad 1-onderwyser in die klas. Dit kan met vrug aangewend word in die ontwikkeling van die onderwyssektor. Die studie maak die aanbeveling dat daar 'n nouer samewerking tussen onderwysers en ouers moet wees. Verder word voorgestel dat die kurrikulum aangepas word om diverse leerders te akkommodeer wat positiewe ervaringe vir die Graad 1-onderwyser tot gevolg sal hê. Die bevindinge toon aan dat die ervaringe van Graad 1-onderwysers in hul klaskamers nie deur baie mense in ag geneem word nie, veral as daar gekyk word na die literatuur. Dit is belangrik om te sien wat hul ervaar en watter rol dit speel in hul klaskamers. Hul ervaringe lei tot sekere reaksies en aanpassings wat hulle daagliks beleef. Die punt wat met hierdie studie gemaak word, is dat Graad 1-onderwysers 'n definitiewe ervaring in hul klaskamers openbaar wat só weer 'n uitwerking op die leerders het. Die uitgangspunt is om die Graad 1-onderwyser te laat onderskei tussen die verskillende groepe leerders in die klaskamer en sodoende in staat te stel om elkeen in die klas so te ondersteun vir 'n positiewe ervaring. Nie alle onderwysers gaan altyd met diverse leerders so 'n positiewe siening en ervaring hê nie. Voordat dit vir hul te veel raak moet alternatiewe benaderings en metodes gebruik word om leerders te onderrig. Ook wat hierdie aspek betref, is daar 'n tekort aan navorsing en is verdere ondersoeke oor die ervaringe van die Graad 1-onderwyser nodig, om sodoende die nodige ondersteuning te kan bied. Alhoewel hierdie 'n beperkte studie is, kan dit moontlike verdere navorsing aanmoedig.

The modern computerised era in which we live means that all areas of society are subjected to information technology. Children are increasingly exposed to and have access to computers, which necessarily have an influence on their education and development. Seeing that children are the most receptive group when it comes to exposure to new technology, this may have enriching effects on computer literacy, which is often considered part of general literacy. With regards to literacy, reading is one of the skills which pose a high challenge. It is also a key skill that opens the world of information, as most information is received through reading. Any reading stimulation via electronic or printed media that encourages learners to read is considered to improve reading ability, reading speed, reading comprehension and phonetic awareness. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a correlation between early computer exposure and experience (both computer access and use) and reading ability of grade 1 learners. In this study a one shot cross-sectional survey design was used. Schools with grade 1 learners in the Umvoti district of Kwa Zulu Natal were selected to participate in the study - stratified sampling was used. The grade 1 classes were selected on the basis of random sampling. The selected classes (N=4; 85 learners) participated 'intact' in the study. The data was analysed using descriptive as well as inferential statistics (e.g. MANCOVA). / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The modern computerised era in which we live means that all areas of society are subjected to information technology. Children are increasingly exposed to and have access to computers, which necessarily have an influence on their education and development. Seeing that children are the most receptive group when it comes to exposure to new technology, this may have enriching effects on computer literacy, which is often considered part of general literacy. With regards to literacy, reading is one of the skills which pose a high challenge. It is also a key skill that opens the world of information, as most information is received through reading. Any reading stimulation via electronic or printed media that encourages learners to read is considered to improve reading ability, reading speed, reading comprehension and phonetic awareness. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a correlation between early computer exposure and experience (both computer access and use) and reading ability of grade 1 learners. In this study a one shot cross-sectional survey design was used. Schools with grade 1 learners in the Umvoti district of Kwa Zulu Natal were selected to participate in the study - stratified sampling was used. The grade 1 classes were selected on the basis of random sampling. The selected classes (N=4; 85 learners) participated 'intact' in the study. The data was analysed using descriptive as well as inferential statistics (e.g. MANCOVA). / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

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