Magister Educationis - MEd / Two grade 11 classes of two high schools in Cape Town were taught some concepts of sound by means of indigenous musical instruments. The purpose was to find out the relative effects (or none) of two instructional strategies. Toulmin (1958)’s Argumentation Pattern, Ogunniyi (1997)’s Contiguity Argumentation Theory and Reiner et al. (2000)’s Substance Schema formed the theoretical framework. A pre-post-test quasi-experimental design was employed and data collated using questionnaires, a sound conceptual test, argumentation worksheets, and classroom observation schedules. One teacher taught the experimental group using dialogical argumentation while another teacher taught the comparative group using lecturedemonstration method, coupled with the use of ICTs for duration of four weeks. Data were analysed using a mixed (quantitative and qualitative) methods approach. The findings revealed that many the learners held some scientifically valid conceptions of sound prior to formal instruction. However, the learners also held many scientifically invalid conceptions in relation to the speed of sound in air, sound propagation, and sound produced by stringed instruments. The alternative conceptions of learners in the C group remained largely unchanged after instruction, while those of the E group changed appreciably, but not completely. The E group learners changed the alternative conceptions that were worked into structured argumentation activities better than those which were not. Also, the learners in both groups seemed to hold indigenous beliefs in relation to sound which did not seem to change after instruction. Most learners had a positive attitude towards the use of indigenous knowledge in the science class. No significant difference was found between male and female learners with respect to conceptual understanding of sound, indigenous beliefs, and interest in the integration of science and indigenous knowledge.

Magister Educationis - MEd / The study employed a quasi-experimental design to determine the effect of DAIM on learners’ conceptions of lightning. The experimental group was taught using DAIM while the control group was taught the same content using TLM. Data was collected using the Science Attitude Questionnaire (SAQ), Beliefs about Lightning Questionnaire (BALQ), Conceptions of Lightning Questionnaire (COLQ) and Science Achievement Test on Lightning (SATOL) which was used to determine learners’ overall performance on the topic of electrostatics. The data was analysed using both qualitative and quantitative methods. The findings of the study revealed that prior to the intervention (DAIM); the two groups of learners had both the scientific and the indigenous knowledge about lightning. A majority of the learners believed that lightning is caused by witches and traditional doctors. After being exposed to the DAIM most of the learners in the experimental group were found to have changed to the more scientific explanation of cause of lightning and protective measures against lightning. Few learners in the control were classified as possessing an equipollent worldview in terms of the CAT after the post tests. Some learners’ conceptions about lightning wavered between the scientific and traditional worldviews. The Science Attitude Questionnaire showed that both groups of learners had a positive attitude towards science. The findings also suggested that the inclusion of indigenous knowledge in science lessons promoted active participation from the learners, reinforced the learning of science because it promoted conceptual development and scientific literacy. The learners in the study also supported the integration of the scientific and the traditional worldviews about lightning. After the instruction, the learners in both groups seemed to still hold indigenous beliefs in relation to lightning. The post-test results showed that the DAIM group seemed to have been able to link the concept of lightning with electrostatics when they related lightning storms to electric discharge. The experimental group was found to be more elaborate in their explanations of the scientific nature of lightning than the control group which was not exposed to DAIM

Magister Educationis - MEd / This study investigated 1) the conceptions on capacitors held by a group teachers in the Western Cape; 2) the effect of a dialogical argumentation instructional model on the teachers’ conceptions on the capacitor; and 3) the teachers’ perceptions on the implementation of this instructional model. The theoretical framework of the study was based on Toulmin’s Argumentation Pattern (TAP) and Ogunniyi’s Contiguity Argumentation Theory (CAT). The objective was to retrain science teachers in their awareness and understanding of the Nature of Science and Indigenous Knowledge Systems thereby enhancing their ability and efficacy in integrating science and Indigenous Knowledge Systems. The study involved workshop activities that included the teachers’ Reflective Diary, interview sessions, and video-taped lesson observations. The study adopted a Case Study approach and the data was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. The findings of the study showed that: 1) the teachers held varying conceptions of the capacitor; 2) the teachers’ conceptions of the capacitor improved after being exposed to the Dialogical Argumentation Instructional Model and 3) the teachers were dominantly in favour of the Dialogical Argumentation Instruction Model as a teaching method to be introduced at schools. The implications of the findings for school science and pedagogy were highlighted for closer observation.

This text discusses final results from empirical studies, scientific articles and literature from the period 1990-2023, concerning teachers’ knowledge, students’ misconceptions and various teaching methods related to geometric objects. The results highlight challenges for both teachers and students in understanding and defining geometric shapes and figures. The work elucidates students in grade 4-6 difficulties and knowledge in identifying geometric objects in varied positions, as well as their understanding of the properties of geometric shapes and figures. The teacher’s understanding is crucial för imparting accurate information to students in instruction. Therefore, effective teaching methods such as practical activities, everyday connection and Van Hiele’s instructional model are suitable to apply in practice. This instructional model has been effective in students education and is therefore a good example for a teaching method.  In summary, the results are based on the abilities of teachers and students and their abilities can be enhanced by adapting teaching methods related to geometric objects, and how misconceptions are something that should be taken seriously and be prevented.

Text in Afrikaans / Die doel met hierdie studie was om didaktiese riglyne te formuleer waarvolgens die afstandsonderrig van ouditkunde, as deeldissipline in die opleiding van rekenmeesters en ouditeure, beplan, uitgevoer en deurlopend geevalueer kan word. Sodanige riglyne kan dien as rigtingwysers vir die verdere ontwikkeling van geskikte afstandsonderrigstrategiee. Ten aanvang is die leerinhoud van die ouditkunde vakgebied ontleed en afgebaken. Daarna is 'n didakties-gefundeerde onderrigmodel beskryf en op die ouditkunde vakinhoud, afstandsleerders en dosente toegepas. Hieruit is riglyne geformuleer wat gevolg kan word vir die wetenskaplike beplanning, uitvoering en evaluering van ouditkunde afstandsonderrig. Uit 'n evaluering van die huidige afstandsonderrigstrategiee vir ouditkunde aan Unisa het dit gebly~ dat sekere leemtes bestaan. Ten slotte is daar op grond van die didaktiese riglyne voorstelle gemaak om hierdie leemtes te oorbrug en is verskeie onderwerpe vir verdere navorsing ook geidentifiseer. / The aim of this study was to formulate didactic guidelines according to which the distance teaching of auditing, as part-discipline in the training of accountants and auditors, can be p 1 an ned, imp 1 emented and continually evaluated. These didactic guidelines can serve as guidelines for the further development of suitable distance education strategies. First, the auditing syllabus was analysed and delineated. Next, a didactically founded instructional model was described and applied to the subject matter of auditing, distance students and tutors. From this, guidelines were formulated which can be followed to scientifically plan, implement and evaluate the distance teaching of auditing. An evaluation of the existing distance teaching strategies for auditing at Unisa indicated that certain shortcomings exist. Finally, recommendations based upon the didactic guidelines were made to overcome the shortcomings. identified. / Auditing / M. Com. (Auditing)

<p>The study catered for empirical and metaphysical dimensions of science and IKS. The study employed a quasi-experimental design as well as a qualitative research design. Two cohorts of students from a fictitiously named &ldquo / Culture Secondary School&rdquo / have been used in this study. The list of instruments for data collection were as follows: Conceptions of Fermentation (COF) questionnaire which was used to elicit learners&rsquo / pre- and post-test conceptions of fermentation with special reference to traditional beer or &ldquo / Umqombothi&rdquo / , an Attitudes to Science (ATS) questionnaire which was used to find out the learners&rsquo / worldviews, a Science Achievement Test (SAT) which was used to assess the learners&rsquo / generalised knowledge of fermentation, a classroom observation schedule as well as a focus group interview schedule to gather additional qualitative data. All the instruments were in English with all technical and difficult terms in both English and isiXhosa (the learners&rsquo / home language). Both groups were exposed to Science/IKS-based lessons. The only difference between the two groups was that, the experimental group (E group) was exposed to a Dialogical Argumentation Teaching Model (DAIM) and the comparison group (C group) to a traditional teaching approach. The data gatherred were both analyzed in terms of qualitative and quantitative descriptions.</p>

<p>The study catered for empirical and metaphysical dimensions of science and IKS. The study employed a quasi-experimental design as well as a qualitative research design. Two cohorts of students from a fictitiously named &ldquo / Culture Secondary School&rdquo / have been used in this study. The list of instruments for data collection were as follows: Conceptions of Fermentation (COF) questionnaire which was used to elicit learners&rsquo / pre- and post-test conceptions of fermentation with special reference to traditional beer or &ldquo / Umqombothi&rdquo / , an Attitudes to Science (ATS) questionnaire which was used to find out the learners&rsquo / worldviews, a Science Achievement Test (SAT) which was used to assess the learners&rsquo / generalised knowledge of fermentation, a classroom observation schedule as well as a focus group interview schedule to gather additional qualitative data. All the instruments were in English with all technical and difficult terms in both English and isiXhosa (the learners&rsquo / home language). Both groups were exposed to Science/IKS-based lessons. The only difference between the two groups was that, the experimental group (E group) was exposed to a Dialogical Argumentation Teaching Model (DAIM) and the comparison group (C group) to a traditional teaching approach. The data gatherred were both analyzed in terms of qualitative and quantitative descriptions.</p>

Text in Afrikaans / Die doel met hierdie studie was om didaktiese riglyne te formuleer waarvolgens die afstandsonderrig van ouditkunde, as deeldissipline in die opleiding van rekenmeesters en ouditeure, beplan, uitgevoer en deurlopend geevalueer kan word. Sodanige riglyne kan dien as rigtingwysers vir die verdere ontwikkeling van geskikte afstandsonderrigstrategiee. Ten aanvang is die leerinhoud van die ouditkunde vakgebied ontleed en afgebaken. Daarna is 'n didakties-gefundeerde onderrigmodel beskryf en op die ouditkunde vakinhoud, afstandsleerders en dosente toegepas. Hieruit is riglyne geformuleer wat gevolg kan word vir die wetenskaplike beplanning, uitvoering en evaluering van ouditkunde afstandsonderrig. Uit 'n evaluering van die huidige afstandsonderrigstrategiee vir ouditkunde aan Unisa het dit gebly~ dat sekere leemtes bestaan. Ten slotte is daar op grond van die didaktiese riglyne voorstelle gemaak om hierdie leemtes te oorbrug en is verskeie onderwerpe vir verdere navorsing ook geidentifiseer. / The aim of this study was to formulate didactic guidelines according to which the distance teaching of auditing, as part-discipline in the training of accountants and auditors, can be p 1 an ned, imp 1 emented and continually evaluated. These didactic guidelines can serve as guidelines for the further development of suitable distance education strategies. First, the auditing syllabus was analysed and delineated. Next, a didactically founded instructional model was described and applied to the subject matter of auditing, distance students and tutors. From this, guidelines were formulated which can be followed to scientifically plan, implement and evaluate the distance teaching of auditing. An evaluation of the existing distance teaching strategies for auditing at Unisa indicated that certain shortcomings exist. Finally, recommendations based upon the didactic guidelines were made to overcome the shortcomings. identified. / Auditing / M. Com. (Auditing)

Magister Educationis - MEd (Mathematics and Science Education) / The study catered for empirical and metaphysical dimensions of science and IKS. The study employed a quasi-experimental design as well as a qualitative research design. Two cohorts of students from a fictitiously named Culture Secondary School have been used in this study. The list of instruments for data collection were as follows: Conceptions of Fermentation (COF) questionnaire which was used to elicit learnerss pre- and post-test conceptions of fermentation with special reference to traditional beer or Umqombothi an Attitudes to Science (ATS) questionnaire which was used to find out the learners' worldviews, a Science Achievement Test (SAT) which was used to assess the learners' generalised knowledge of fermentation, a classroom observation schedule as well as a focus group interview schedule to gather additional qualitative data. All the instruments were in English with all technical and difficult terms in both English and isiXhosa (the learners&rsquo; home language). Both groups were exposed to Science/IKS-based lessons. The only difference between the two groups was that, the experimental group (E group) was exposed to a Dialogical Argumentation Teaching Model (DAIM) and the comparison group (C group) to a traditional teaching approach. The data gathered were both analyzed in terms of qualitative and quantitative descriptions. / South Africa

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Students frequently leave first-year physical science classes with a dual set of physical laws in mind- the equations to be applied to qualitative problems and the entrenched set of concepts, many erroneous, to be applied to qualitative, descriptive, or explanatory problems. It is in this sense that the emphasis of this study is on ‘change’ rather than acquisition. Thus, a blend of theoretical framework was considered according to the aim of the study. Of immediate relevance in this regard within the “constructivist paradigm” are: Posner, Strike, Hewson and Gertzog’s (1982) conceptual change theory and the revised Bloom’s Taxonomy. Moreover, the very shift or restructuring of existing knowledge, concepts or schemata is what distinguishes conceptual change from other types of learning, and provides students with a more fruitful conceptual framework to solve problems, explain phenomena, and function in the world (Biemans & Simons, 1999; Davis, 2011). A quasi-experimental design was adopted to explore pre-service teachers’ conceptual and procedural difficulties in solving mathematical problems in physical science. Sixteen second and third year pre-service teachers in one of the historically black universities in the Western Cape, South Africa, participated in the study. Two inseparable concepts of basic mechanics, work-energy concepts were taught and used for data collection. Data were collected using questionnaires, Physical Science Achievement Test (PSAT), Multiple Reflective Questions (MRQ) and an interview. An explicit problem solving strategy (IDEAL strategy versus maths-in-science instructional model) was taught in the intervention sessions for duration of three weeks to the experimental group (E-group). IDEAL strategy placed emphasis on drill and practice heuristics that helped the pre-service teachers’ (E-group) understanding of problem-solving. Reinforcing heuristics of this IDEAL strategy include breaking a complex problem into sub-problems. Defining and representing problem (e.g. devising a plan-using Free-Body-Diagram) was part of the exploring possible strategies of the IDEAL. More details on IDEAL strategy are discussed in Chapter 3. The same work-energy concepts were taught to the control group (C-group) using lecture-demonstration method. A technique (i.e. revised taxonomy table for knowledge and cognitive process dimension) was used to categorize and analyse the level of difficulties for each item tested (e.g. D1 = minor difficulty, D2 = major difficulty, and D3 = atypical difficulty