Thesis (MBA.) --University of Limpopo, 2006 / This study focused on finding out whether or not the grade nine learners in the Zebediela area displayed an entrepreneurial potential. The main purpose was that those learners with entrepreneurial potential would be considered for appropriate training so that at the end they would contribute positively towards the economic development and growth of the community, province and country. The population consisted of 2 693 learners from 35 secondary schools in the Zebediela area. The sample of 45 respondents (learners) from a total of 658 grade nine learners was drawn from nine secondary schools. The respondents filled in the General Enterprising Tendencies (GET) questionnaire each (to assess five elements such as the need for achievement, the need for autonomy, a creative tendency, moderate risk-taking , as well as drive and determination) and also took part in a group and structured interview. This study discovered that the respondents indeed showed the entrepreneurial potential and therefore, the strategies were recommended in the last chapter in order to nurture this potential.

This thesis looks at the learning and teaching of mathematics through the issue of economy. Here, economy is concerned with the personal time and effort given by a learner to achieve some desired learning. The study sets out to establish that the principle of economy informs the learning and teaching of mathematics, and to establish a list of principles which can assist an economic approach to the teaching of mathematics. The study is carried out within the Discipline of Noticing and is based on the development of theory from significant events building on the work carried out by Caleb Gattegno on the subordination of teaching to learning. An account ofthese events are given, followed by accounting for them, and linking the generality contained within these isolated events with everyday learning experiences. At times, the reader is asked to carry out simple tasks which assist in drawing their attention, through a personal experience, to the points being developed. The learning process which turns something newly met into something which can be done with little conscious attention, is analysed and called functionalisation. The analysis of this process produces the idea of practice through progress, where the learner's attention is placed in a task which requires the desired learning to be subordinated to it. Particular attention is given to the learning of young children before entering school, since this is impressive in terms of economy. This study identifies powers children use in their early learning, and how these link in with root notions in mathematics called mathematical essences. A list of principles of economy are developed which provide guide-lines for approaches to teaching to make use of children's powers and utilise mathematical essences. A computer program, GRID Algebra, is developed to demonstrate how the principles of economy can be incorporated into a resource.

Thesis (M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2016. / The purpose of this study was to examine learners’ mathematical word problem solving skills and strategies in Intermediate Phase. The study was prompted by Grade 6 learners’ poor performance in the cognitive area, non-routine mathematical word problems, as revealed in Annual National Assessment reports of 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014. The study followed action research collaborative method involving 26 Grade 6 learners and their mathematics educator. The school is a rural primary school categorised under quintile two. Problem solving theory by Polya (1957) guided the study in answering three research questions: What are the challenges faced by Grade 6 learners in solving word problems? What are Grade 6 learners’ strategies in solving word problems? How can learners’ problem solving skills and strategies focusing on word problems be improved? Data were collected in a routine structured process: pre-intervention phase, intervention phase and post-intervention phase. Analysis was made through the development of a system of categorisation of learners’ responses. The four principles of problem solving by Polya (1957) namely, the way learners understand the problem, how they devise the plan, how they carry out the plan and the manner in which they look back guided the analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the strategies introduced assisted learners in making sense of the word problems and finally proceeding towards an adequate solution. It was also found out that the learners lacked the ability to read with understanding; the problem being their lack of competence in the language of learning and teaching. The skills which learners also lacked when solving word problems were identified as arithmetic skills and reflective skills.

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The study focuses on the experiences of learners who live in child-headed households at Osizweni Township. Through a qualitative inquiry I sampled five households purposively. Data was collected using interviews and questionnaires. These categories emerged after data analysis: needs of learners, psychological experiences, relationships with social support systems and the role change from childhood to adulthood. The findings revealed that children experienced extreme financial constraints after the death of parents resulting in inadequate basic and educational needs. These children were traumatized and left emotionally vulnerable, living in fear and isolation constantly. Relatives did not offer any support to these children but support from the school, community and siblings was evident. These children made huge adjustments assuming parental responsibilities and this affected their academic performance. It is recommended that more study is required on the development of a Community Support Centre to educate learners and parents on how to support these children. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)