A adaptação dos sistemas tradicionais de ensino presencial para o ambiente de ensino a distância introduz diversas mudanças na práxis escolar. Com a ausência do contato direto entre educador e educandos, surge a necessidade de utilização de artefatos tecnológicos que substituam a interação direta. O fórum de discussão é um desses artefatos tecnológicos. Ele possui a característica de ser um elemento catalisador da comunicação entre os envolvidos e pode ser um importante instrumento no processo educacional. Contudo, a natureza não estruturada das mensagens textuais de um fórum dificulta o seu uso como instrumento na avaliação individual do aluno. A análise e qualificação do conteúdo das mensagens armazenadas em um fórum representa um grande desafio para o instrutor. A ausência de uma estrutura formal de representação dos conceitos, crenças e idéias dos alunos poderia ser apontado como um dos elementos que contribuem para esse desafio. A proposta desta pesquisa é o desenvolvimento de um modelo que permita a estruturação e representação das mensagens de um fórum. Essa estruturação considera três aspectos da mensagem: i) os conceitos apresentados, ii) quem os apresentou e finalmente iii) quando esses conceitos foram apresentados. Para validar esse modelo, um programa de computador foi desenvolvido e testado em um fórum do ambiente virtual Moodle. O conceitos desenvolvidos para o Modelo de Estruturação e Representação das Mensagens do Fórum foram utilizados no desenvolvimento desse programa de computador. Por meio desse modelo de estruturação e representação das mensagens, um mapa ou guia é gerado. Esse mapa ou guia pode ser acessado pelo professor ou instrutor. Esse novo recurso desenvolvido, pode ser utilizado como uma ferramenta de apoio à análise ou avaliação do fórum do ambiente Moodle como um todo ou de cada participação individual do aluno. / The traditional learning practices adaptation to the distance learning introduces several changes in school practice. Since in distance learning the direct contact between educators and students does not exist, new technological artifacts become necessary in order to replace direct interaction. One of these artifacts is the discussion forum, which works as a catalyzer element of the communication between involved ones and can be an important tool in the educational process. Nevertheless, non-structured nature of text messages on a forum hampers its use as a tool in individual student assessment. Analysis and qualification of message contents stored on a forum represents an important challenge for instructors. The absence of a formal representation of concepts, ideas and beliefs from students could be designated as one of the factors that make this challenge even harder. This research proposes the development of a model that allows the messages on a forum can be structured and represented. This structuration considers three message aspects: i) presented concepts, ii) who has presented it, and iii) when concepts have been presented. As a means to validate this model, a computer program was developed and tested in a Moodle virtual environment forum. The concepts developed to the Structuration and Representation of the Forum Messages Model were used on this computer program development. Through the use of this model a map or guide is generated. This map or guide can be accessed by the professor or instructor. This new feature can be used as a support tool to analysis or evaluation of a Moodle forum environment.

Investigam-se os perfis de interação de crianças, em processo de alfabetização cursando o ensino fundamental I, com o intuito de gerar subsídios para que professores tenham uma visão mais ampla sobre como esses perfis contribuem na condução de atividades de aprendizagem, de natureza colaborativa, dentro da dinâmica escolar. O trabalho consistiu em um estudo de caso de cunho exploratório, sendo a pesquisa predominantemente qualitativa, de caráter interpretativo, com algum tratamento quantitativo. A fundamentação teórica foi estruturada com base em diferentes visões da aprendizagem, na sociometria e também em testes psicológicos de habilidades sociais. Participaram da pesquisa dezesseis crianças matriculadas no terceiro ano e uma professora pedagoga regente da turma. Todos os sujeitos foram submetidos a um teste de estimativa de habilidades sociais denominado SMHSC. Após ampliação da escala de estimativas de habilidades, os indivíduos foram divididos em quatro grupos de acordo com os perfis identificados. Cada grupo participou de uma atividade colaborativa presente em um artefato digital denominado Mesa TOQ, onde foram coletados os dados que serviram de base para a pesquisa. A análise dos elementos de informação foi realizada inicialmente com base no mapeamento de estímulos e reações emitidos pelos sujeitos, sendo posteriormente realizada uma análise específica somente dos estímulos disparadores de interlocuções. Como principal resultado desta análise, foi proposto um Modelo de Perfis Interativos para Atividades Colaborativas composto por dois eixos – omissão/interação e colaboração/egocentrismo – e oito categorias de perfis interativos. Os principais resultados da pesquisa mostram que, para uma análise mais aprofundada de perfis interativos em crianças, os professores devem levar em consideração não somente resultados de testes de estimativa, mas também análises de situações reais. O estudo mostrou que é possível identificar perfis de interação em grupos de crianças, e que este conhecimento possibilita a definição de estratégias para a composição de grupos de alunos para a realização de atividades colaborativas. O trabalho apresentou como principais contribuições um conjunto de categorias de estímulos para auxiliar professores a compreender melhor como alunos interagem e reagem a estímulos dentro de uma atividade em grupo e também um Modelo de Perfis Interativos para Atividades Colaborativas, apresentado como um plano de representação de perfis de interação. Ambas as contribuições são específicas deste estudo, podendo ser ampliadas para outras situações, a condição de serem feitas as considerações e adequações necessárias, possibilitando que a seleção de alunos para atividades em grupo torne-se um ato mais planejado potencializando os benefícios de atividades colaborativas no ambiente escolar. / This research study investigated interactive profiles in children enrolled in elementary school. The main objective of this project was to generate aids so teachers could have a wider view of how those profiles affect the conduction of collaborative activities in the school environment. The research consisted on an exploratory case study, predominantly qualitative with some quantitative interpretation of data. The literature review was structured based on different views of how people learn, the sociometry and also in psychological tests of social skills. Sixteen children and a teacher took part on this research study. All children were enrolled in the third grade of a public elementary school. All subjects were submitted to a psychological social skills test called SMHSC. The Socially Unskilled Reactions scale of the test was amplified and the subjects were placed into four different groups according to their suggested profiles. Each group participated in a collaborative activity integrated on a digital artifact call TOQ Interactive Table, where the data that supported this research was extracted. The analysis of these facts was initially done through the mapping of stimuli and reactions generated by the subjects and transformed, later on, into a specific analysis of stimuli that had triggered interlocutions. As the main product of this analysis a Model of Interactive Profiles for Collaborative Activities was proposed being structured by two main axis - omission/interaction and collaboration/egocentrism - and eight categories of interactive profiles. The main results of the research show that, for a deeper analysis of interactive profiles in children, teachers should take into consideration not only test results but also the evaluation of real situations. The study showed that it is possible to identify interactive profiles in groups of children, and that this knowledge facilitates the definition of classroom strategies to form groups of students in collaborative activities. The research study presented as main contributions: a collection of stimuli categories that can help teachers to better understand how students interact and react to stimuli within a group activity and also a Model of Interactive Profiles for Collaborative Activities presented as a relative map of interactive profiles. Both contributions are specific for this study with the possibility of being amplified for other situations. This transforms the random selection of students for a given group activity into a planned conscious act, raising the benefits of collaborative activities into a new level.

A adaptação dos sistemas tradicionais de ensino presencial para o ambiente de ensino a distância introduz diversas mudanças na práxis escolar. Com a ausência do contato direto entre educador e educandos, surge a necessidade de utilização de artefatos tecnológicos que substituam a interação direta. O fórum de discussão é um desses artefatos tecnológicos. Ele possui a característica de ser um elemento catalisador da comunicação entre os envolvidos e pode ser um importante instrumento no processo educacional. Contudo, a natureza não estruturada das mensagens textuais de um fórum dificulta o seu uso como instrumento na avaliação individual do aluno. A análise e qualificação do conteúdo das mensagens armazenadas em um fórum representa um grande desafio para o instrutor. A ausência de uma estrutura formal de representação dos conceitos, crenças e idéias dos alunos poderia ser apontado como um dos elementos que contribuem para esse desafio. A proposta desta pesquisa é o desenvolvimento de um modelo que permita a estruturação e representação das mensagens de um fórum. Essa estruturação considera três aspectos da mensagem: i) os conceitos apresentados, ii) quem os apresentou e finalmente iii) quando esses conceitos foram apresentados. Para validar esse modelo, um programa de computador foi desenvolvido e testado em um fórum do ambiente virtual Moodle. O conceitos desenvolvidos para o Modelo de Estruturação e Representação das Mensagens do Fórum foram utilizados no desenvolvimento desse programa de computador. Por meio desse modelo de estruturação e representação das mensagens, um mapa ou guia é gerado. Esse mapa ou guia pode ser acessado pelo professor ou instrutor. Esse novo recurso desenvolvido, pode ser utilizado como uma ferramenta de apoio à análise ou avaliação do fórum do ambiente Moodle como um todo ou de cada participação individual do aluno. / The traditional learning practices adaptation to the distance learning introduces several changes in school practice. Since in distance learning the direct contact between educators and students does not exist, new technological artifacts become necessary in order to replace direct interaction. One of these artifacts is the discussion forum, which works as a catalyzer element of the communication between involved ones and can be an important tool in the educational process. Nevertheless, non-structured nature of text messages on a forum hampers its use as a tool in individual student assessment. Analysis and qualification of message contents stored on a forum represents an important challenge for instructors. The absence of a formal representation of concepts, ideas and beliefs from students could be designated as one of the factors that make this challenge even harder. This research proposes the development of a model that allows the messages on a forum can be structured and represented. This structuration considers three message aspects: i) presented concepts, ii) who has presented it, and iii) when concepts have been presented. As a means to validate this model, a computer program was developed and tested in a Moodle virtual environment forum. The concepts developed to the Structuration and Representation of the Forum Messages Model were used on this computer program development. Through the use of this model a map or guide is generated. This map or guide can be accessed by the professor or instructor. This new feature can be used as a support tool to analysis or evaluation of a Moodle forum environment.

The dynamics of the social interaction within the cooperative learning group are accepted and considered to be one of the aspects that will influence the individual learner's feelings regarding the group activity. The impact of the groupings on the quality and quantity of the observable learning within the class is considered. For this study the cooperative learning groupings were manipulated, considering aspects of the learner's social relationships uncovered with the use of a social questionnaire, which the learners completed. These details were summarised by means of a sociometric table and a sociogram. This study approaches the topic from two main perspectives. Primarily observation and naive sketches, from the learners, formed the source of the data and provided the initial perspective on the area of study. From the viewpoint provided in this information specific grouping paramaters were applied to later groups of learners, and a survey conducted. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Socio-Education)

This study was motivated by the lack of in-service training in cooperative learning and science process skills whereas both are emphasized in the new natural sciences curriculum. The aims of the study were to determine the influence of cooperative learning on the development of science process skills. Two classes were selected from two rural schools for inclusion as case studies of this research. These classes were taught using the Jigsaw and Group Investigation methods of cooperative learning respectively. Pre- and post-tests were administered on the two classes and the influence of these methods on learners' achievement on four process skills were determined. Mixed results were found with regard to the influence of the two cooperative learning methods on the development of learners' process skills of observation, controlling variables, graphing and experimenting. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

This study was motivated by the lack of in-service training in cooperative learning and science process skills whereas both are emphasized in the new natural sciences curriculum. The aims of the study were to determine the influence of cooperative learning on the development of science process skills. Two classes were selected from two rural schools for inclusion as case studies of this research. These classes were taught using the Jigsaw and Group Investigation methods of cooperative learning respectively. Pre- and post-tests were administered on the two classes and the influence of these methods on learners' achievement on four process skills were determined. Mixed results were found with regard to the influence of the two cooperative learning methods on the development of learners' process skills of observation, controlling variables, graphing and experimenting. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

This study deals with the problem relating to the prevalence of a lack of trust amongst members of today's society generally, and in particular between college lecturers and student teachers. The aim of the dissertation is to investigate the role of the lecturer in cultivating a relationship of trust with the student teacher, especially during teaching practice. The study reveals that the trust relationship manifests itself in various moments. Some characteristics of an effective supervising lecturer are also reflected upon. The major research consists of an empirical investigation into which characteristics of an effective supervising lecturer contribute most towards cultivating a relationship of trust with student teachers during teaching practice. A survey of colleges of education and schools in the former Transkei region participating in the empirical investigation is also conducted. The findings of the research indicate that the following categories need to be enhanced 'through training : personal, professional and guidance. / Education / M. Ed. (Philosophy of Education)

The Directorate of Adult Education and Training of the national Department of Education views Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) not merely as literacy, but as the general conceptual foundation towards lifelong learning and development. This includes knowledge, skills, and attitudes which are needed for social, economic and political participation and transformation. These skills will assist learners in becoming more active participants in their communities, their workplaces and contribute towards the development of South Africa. This study aims to examine whether ABET programmes prepare learners to acquire the language which is needed to achieve this objective. It falls within one of the eight learning areas defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), namely the language, literacy and communication learning area. In order to research the effectiveness of learning within this area, it is important to analyse the interaction which takes place within a classroom; the type of questions both educators and learners ask; the type of errors learners make in the classroom; and how the educators treat these errors. What is also of paramount importance is whether the language skills learnt in the classroom are transferred to outside the classroom. To examme this, various authors' views on classroom interaction; questions; errors; treatment of errors; and evaluating the effectiveness of learning are presented. Instruments were designed to analyse these aspects within an ABET programme, and include: • the framework used to undertake the classroom interaction analysis, • the instrument used to explore the type of questions educators and learners ask in the classroom, • how an error analysis is used to identify typical learners' errors which occur frequently, • the methodology used to uncover how educators treat their learners' errors, and • the various stakeholders' questionnaires which were used to ascertain the effectiveness of learning at an ABET Centre. The research findings are presented and interpreted in order to provide recommendations for the development of language learning and teaching within the ABET field. The findings also gave rise to recommendations for classroom practices for ABET educators, and particularly the need for educator training and development. Recommendations for curriculum designers of ABET materials are also presented. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Philosophy of Education)

This study deals with the problem relating to the prevalence of a lack of trust amongst members of today's society generally, and in particular between college lecturers and student teachers. The aim of the dissertation is to investigate the role of the lecturer in cultivating a relationship of trust with the student teacher, especially during teaching practice. The study reveals that the trust relationship manifests itself in various moments. Some characteristics of an effective supervising lecturer are also reflected upon. The major research consists of an empirical investigation into which characteristics of an effective supervising lecturer contribute most towards cultivating a relationship of trust with student teachers during teaching practice. A survey of colleges of education and schools in the former Transkei region participating in the empirical investigation is also conducted. The findings of the research indicate that the following categories need to be enhanced 'through training : personal, professional and guidance. / Education / M. Ed. (Philosophy of Education)

The Directorate of Adult Education and Training of the national Department of Education views Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) not merely as literacy, but as the general conceptual foundation towards lifelong learning and development. This includes knowledge, skills, and attitudes which are needed for social, economic and political participation and transformation. These skills will assist learners in becoming more active participants in their communities, their workplaces and contribute towards the development of South Africa. This study aims to examine whether ABET programmes prepare learners to acquire the language which is needed to achieve this objective. It falls within one of the eight learning areas defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF), namely the language, literacy and communication learning area. In order to research the effectiveness of learning within this area, it is important to analyse the interaction which takes place within a classroom; the type of questions both educators and learners ask; the type of errors learners make in the classroom; and how the educators treat these errors. What is also of paramount importance is whether the language skills learnt in the classroom are transferred to outside the classroom. To examme this, various authors' views on classroom interaction; questions; errors; treatment of errors; and evaluating the effectiveness of learning are presented. Instruments were designed to analyse these aspects within an ABET programme, and include: • the framework used to undertake the classroom interaction analysis, • the instrument used to explore the type of questions educators and learners ask in the classroom, • how an error analysis is used to identify typical learners' errors which occur frequently, • the methodology used to uncover how educators treat their learners' errors, and • the various stakeholders' questionnaires which were used to ascertain the effectiveness of learning at an ABET Centre. The research findings are presented and interpreted in order to provide recommendations for the development of language learning and teaching within the ABET field. The findings also gave rise to recommendations for classroom practices for ABET educators, and particularly the need for educator training and development. Recommendations for curriculum designers of ABET materials are also presented. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Philosophy of Education)