This study investigated the implementation of inclusive education in three schools of Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape Province, in accordance with the principles set out in Education White Paper 6: Special Needs Education—Building an inclusive education and training system. The qualitative method was used in this study, and data collection strategies were based on interviews and observations. The study established the following challenges that hampered the implementation of inclusive education in the three schools: • Lack of training or workshops for both principals and educators on inclusive education, which led to a lack of knowledge about the topic and ways to support learners experiencing barriers to learning in their schools. • Lack of access to the White Paper 6 document. These challenges can remedied by proactive assistance from the Eastern Cape Department of Education and the Mthatha District of Education authorities. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Assessment, as an integral part of teaching and learning, gained unprecedented prominence in the curriculum in South Africa post 1994. When the new curriculum was introduced, it was assumed that teachers would effortlessly adapt their teaching and assessment practices, and swiftly implement the curriculum. Fourteen years after the inception of the new curriculum, majority of teachers are still grappling with issues of assessment. Previously, there was an exclusive bias towards summative assessment, which is mainly learning product–orientated and less or no focus on the other assessment typologies such as diagnostic and formative assessment, which are learning process–orientated. Of these typologies, diagnostic assessment is not being used maximally to enhance mathematics learning and inform the nature of the interventions to attend to learners’ needs. The study focused on diagnostic assessment by investigating the impact of a particular model, GIST model, on the learning barriers and learner achievement in mathematics among the grade 9 learners. The investigation of the impact of the GIST model was done through the experimental design in four schools with class sizes of d > 40. Data were collected quantitatively through Study Orientation Questionnaire (SOM) and Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) as well as qualitatively through interviews, observations and document analysis. The t–test and the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that the GIST model improved the learner achievement practically significantly (d = 0.79). However, the GIST model could not mitigate the learning barriers and improve correlations between SOM and MAT. The study, however, does find grounds to conclude that the latter findings can be attributed to teachers’ lacking understanding and implementation of diagnostic assessment, in particular the GIST components. Hence, certain recommendations are posed with regard to the applicable training of teachers in order to empower them to effectively utilize diagnostic assessment and to guide learners in overcoming learning barriers in mathematics. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Mathematics Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Assessment, as an integral part of teaching and learning, gained unprecedented prominence in the curriculum in South Africa post 1994. When the new curriculum was introduced, it was assumed that teachers would effortlessly adapt their teaching and assessment practices, and swiftly implement the curriculum. Fourteen years after the inception of the new curriculum, majority of teachers are still grappling with issues of assessment. Previously, there was an exclusive bias towards summative assessment, which is mainly learning product–orientated and less or no focus on the other assessment typologies such as diagnostic and formative assessment, which are learning process–orientated. Of these typologies, diagnostic assessment is not being used maximally to enhance mathematics learning and inform the nature of the interventions to attend to learners’ needs. The study focused on diagnostic assessment by investigating the impact of a particular model, GIST model, on the learning barriers and learner achievement in mathematics among the grade 9 learners. The investigation of the impact of the GIST model was done through the experimental design in four schools with class sizes of d > 40. Data were collected quantitatively through Study Orientation Questionnaire (SOM) and Mathematics Achievement Test (MAT) as well as qualitatively through interviews, observations and document analysis. The t–test and the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that the GIST model improved the learner achievement practically significantly (d = 0.79). However, the GIST model could not mitigate the learning barriers and improve correlations between SOM and MAT. The study, however, does find grounds to conclude that the latter findings can be attributed to teachers’ lacking understanding and implementation of diagnostic assessment, in particular the GIST components. Hence, certain recommendations are posed with regard to the applicable training of teachers in order to empower them to effectively utilize diagnostic assessment and to guide learners in overcoming learning barriers in mathematics. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Mathematics Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The study identifies the challenges in the implementation of Inclusive Education in the Umgungundlovu District of Education and establishes the possible solutions. The basis for this investigation is the Education White Paper 6, Special Needs Education: Building an Inclusive Education and Training System (Department of Education, 2001). The study was conducted in the Umgungundlovu District of Education in the area of Pietermaritzburg. A qualitative research method was used. Data collection strategies that were used are structured interviews, observation and a questionnaire. The study reveals the following challenges that hamper theimplementation;Negative attitudes of some educators and parents towards inclusion, lack of Skills Development Programmes for educators, minimal involvement of parents as well as lack of infrastructural development. These challenges could be dealt with by appointing a Manager within the District to ensure that advocacy on Inclusive Education, training of educators and infrastructural improvement in all schools are done. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Inclusive Education)

This study investigated the implementation of inclusive education in three schools of Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape Province, in accordance with the principles set out in Education White Paper 6: Special Needs Education—Building an inclusive education and training system. The qualitative method was used in this study, and data collection strategies were based on interviews and observations. The study established the following challenges that hampered the implementation of inclusive education in the three schools: • Lack of training or workshops for both principals and educators on inclusive education, which led to a lack of knowledge about the topic and ways to support learners experiencing barriers to learning in their schools. • Lack of access to the White Paper 6 document. These challenges can remedied by proactive assistance from the Eastern Cape Department of Education and the Mthatha District of Education authorities. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

This research investigated the need of Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy in the Eastern Cape for support through specially designed parent guidance programmes. The research problem that was investigated was: Do Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy need guidance programmes, and what guidelines can be given pertaining to such programmes? The aim was to determine whether Xhosa parents needed guidance programmes and if so, to provide guidelines that addressed this need. A literature study was done and thereafter a survey was conducted using a questionnaire with closed items to collect data from 180 Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy living in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape's former Transkei. They were sampled by using a non-random (purposive) sampling method. One hundred and two (102) parents (out of the total of 180) answered the questions in the questionnaires and returned them by mail. The same types of questions were used to interview 54 parents. The data was analyzed by a statistical analyst by Microsoft Excel spread sheets. Data was presented in the form of tables and pie charts and the researcher interpreted the outcomes in the light of the literature and her own indigenous knowledge of the Xhosa community. The implications of findings for all Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy are that they lack knowledge of issues such as cerebral palsy, inclusive education and how to deal with their children with cerebral palsy. Relationships within the family and the community are affected because of the children's cerebral palsy. Moreover, Xhosa parent guidance programmes are not available in the Eastern Cape or in other provinces in South Africa. As a result, guidelines are provided which may be used for constructing Xhosa parent guidance programmes. / Educaional Studies / (D.Ed. ( Education Management))

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Die doel van hierdie studie was om te bepaat of 'n hulpverleningsprogram die laerskoolleerder wat taalhindemisse ervaar kan help om sy probleme op 'n kreatiewe wyse te benader. 'n Algemene oorsig van leerhindemisse wat laerskoolleerders ervaar, is gegee. lndien 'n leerder taalhindernisse ervaar, sal dit 'n direkte invloed op sy ander skoolvakke ook he omdat taal vir die leeraksie benodig word. Die kreatiwiteitsbegrip is ook van naderby beskou. Kreatiwiteit kan as die skep van iets wat oorspronklik, maar ook bruikbaar is, gedefinieer word. Dit sluit egter ook die Ie van ongewone verbande tussen twee of meer sake of voorwerpe in. Die program wat ontwikkel is, het as onderbou die teorie oor taalintelligensie van Howard Gardner, 'n opvoedkundige sielkundige aan Harvard Universiteit. Gardner meen dit is deur 'n kreatiewe ingesteldheid, multisensoriese tegnieke en gepaste leerstyle rnoontlik om taalintelligensie teverbeter. Hy is van mening dat taalintelligensie nie iets is wat op 'n bepaalde tydstip gemeet kan word en onveranderd bly nie. Soos met alle intellektuele vermoens, kan taalvaardighede ook uitgebrei en ontwikkel word. Beproefde remedierende tegnieke, wat reeds deur die navorser in die praktyk met welslae uitgetoets is, is op 'n vars, nuwe manier .in die hulpverleningsprogram gebruik. Die hulpverleningsprogram het op die verbetering van perseptuele, mondelinge stelwerk-,lees- en spellingvaardighede gefokus. Dit het gedurende die empiriese studie duidelik geword dat leerders wat op 'n bepaalde leergebied nie na wense presteer nie, dikwels 'n "sielkundige blokkasie" ten opsigte van daardie leerareas ontwikkel. Hulle assosieer Jaasgenoemde in die meeste gevalle met leeronvermoe en leermislukking. Die enigste manier om hierdie gevoel van leermagteloosheid aan te spreek, is om die problematiese leerareas met 'n minder ernstige akademiese aanslag, waarin die pret-element sterk aanwesig is, te benader. Wanneer die leeraksie as 'n aangename ondervindingervaar word, kan leerders hulle leervrese aanspreek en meer waagmoedig begin optree. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the success of an innovative support programme aimed at assisting primary school learners with language barriers to overcome these. An overview was given of learning barriers primary school learners may experience. A learner with a language barrier will find that the other learning areas are negatively influenced because language is essential for learning. The concept of creativity, defined as the creation of something original, yet useful, was adhered to. It included the idea that creativity allows for the connecting of unrelated issues or objects. The theories of Howard Gardner, an educational psychologist at Harvard University, concerning language intelligence, supported this study. According to Gardner it is possible to improve language intelligence through creative awareness, multi-sensory techniques and appropriate learning styles. Gardner postulates that language, as in the case of other intellectual abilities, can be developed and expanded. Remedial techniques successfully used by the researcher in practice, have been presented in this support programme in a novel and innovative form. The creative support programme compiled for this thesis focused on the 1 improvement of perceptual, oral, reading and spelling skills. The need for a more informal support approach was evident in the empirical research of this study. Learners sometimes develop a "psychological block" when experiencing repeated difficulties in a specific learning area. Such learners associate these difficulties with failures and the inability to learn. In order to overcome the experience of learning dispair, the feelings of anxiety associated with the problem learning area, have to be replaced with a less rigid approach in which play encourages feelings of enjoyment and ease. When learning becomes a pleasant experience, learners start overcoming their fears and become risk takers. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)

The purpose of the study was to investigate teachers’ perceptions of parental involvement in children’s education in the rural Mawa and Molototsi circuits in the Mopani district, Limpopo Province. Three-hundred-and-thirty (330) teachers participated in this research survey. The results indicated that the common perception amongst teachers was that parental involvement had positive benefits for both learner performance and social behaviour. The study also revealed that schools used involvement initiatives and strategies to a lesser extent than expected. Primary schools reported higher rates of parental involvement than secondary schools, which suggested that parents of primary school children were likelier to involve themselves in school governance than those of secondary school children. The extent to which the school used media to promote parental involvement was found to be small and moderate. The respondents also perceived certain social and economic barriers as moderate to large impediments to parental involvement. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

This research investigated the need of Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy in the Eastern Cape for support through specially designed parent guidance programmes. The research problem that was investigated was: Do Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy need guidance programmes, and what guidelines can be given pertaining to such programmes? The aim was to determine whether Xhosa parents needed guidance programmes and if so, to provide guidelines that addressed this need. A literature study was done and thereafter a survey was conducted using a questionnaire with closed items to collect data from 180 Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy living in the rural areas of the Eastern Cape's former Transkei. They were sampled by using a non-random (purposive) sampling method. One hundred and two (102) parents (out of the total of 180) answered the questions in the questionnaires and returned them by mail. The same types of questions were used to interview 54 parents. The data was analyzed by a statistical analyst by Microsoft Excel spread sheets. Data was presented in the form of tables and pie charts and the researcher interpreted the outcomes in the light of the literature and her own indigenous knowledge of the Xhosa community. The implications of findings for all Xhosa parents with children with cerebral palsy are that they lack knowledge of issues such as cerebral palsy, inclusive education and how to deal with their children with cerebral palsy. Relationships within the family and the community are affected because of the children's cerebral palsy. Moreover, Xhosa parent guidance programmes are not available in the Eastern Cape or in other provinces in South Africa. As a result, guidelines are provided which may be used for constructing Xhosa parent guidance programmes. / Educaional Studies / (D.Ed. ( Education Management))

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / Die doel van hierdie studie was om te bepaat of 'n hulpverleningsprogram die laerskoolleerder wat taalhindemisse ervaar kan help om sy probleme op 'n kreatiewe wyse te benader. 'n Algemene oorsig van leerhindemisse wat laerskoolleerders ervaar, is gegee. lndien 'n leerder taalhindernisse ervaar, sal dit 'n direkte invloed op sy ander skoolvakke ook he omdat taal vir die leeraksie benodig word. Die kreatiwiteitsbegrip is ook van naderby beskou. Kreatiwiteit kan as die skep van iets wat oorspronklik, maar ook bruikbaar is, gedefinieer word. Dit sluit egter ook die Ie van ongewone verbande tussen twee of meer sake of voorwerpe in. Die program wat ontwikkel is, het as onderbou die teorie oor taalintelligensie van Howard Gardner, 'n opvoedkundige sielkundige aan Harvard Universiteit. Gardner meen dit is deur 'n kreatiewe ingesteldheid, multisensoriese tegnieke en gepaste leerstyle rnoontlik om taalintelligensie teverbeter. Hy is van mening dat taalintelligensie nie iets is wat op 'n bepaalde tydstip gemeet kan word en onveranderd bly nie. Soos met alle intellektuele vermoens, kan taalvaardighede ook uitgebrei en ontwikkel word. Beproefde remedierende tegnieke, wat reeds deur die navorser in die praktyk met welslae uitgetoets is, is op 'n vars, nuwe manier .in die hulpverleningsprogram gebruik. Die hulpverleningsprogram het op die verbetering van perseptuele, mondelinge stelwerk-,lees- en spellingvaardighede gefokus. Dit het gedurende die empiriese studie duidelik geword dat leerders wat op 'n bepaalde leergebied nie na wense presteer nie, dikwels 'n "sielkundige blokkasie" ten opsigte van daardie leerareas ontwikkel. Hulle assosieer Jaasgenoemde in die meeste gevalle met leeronvermoe en leermislukking. Die enigste manier om hierdie gevoel van leermagteloosheid aan te spreek, is om die problematiese leerareas met 'n minder ernstige akademiese aanslag, waarin die pret-element sterk aanwesig is, te benader. Wanneer die leeraksie as 'n aangename ondervindingervaar word, kan leerders hulle leervrese aanspreek en meer waagmoedig begin optree. / The purpose of this study was to investigate the success of an innovative support programme aimed at assisting primary school learners with language barriers to overcome these. An overview was given of learning barriers primary school learners may experience. A learner with a language barrier will find that the other learning areas are negatively influenced because language is essential for learning. The concept of creativity, defined as the creation of something original, yet useful, was adhered to. It included the idea that creativity allows for the connecting of unrelated issues or objects. The theories of Howard Gardner, an educational psychologist at Harvard University, concerning language intelligence, supported this study. According to Gardner it is possible to improve language intelligence through creative awareness, multi-sensory techniques and appropriate learning styles. Gardner postulates that language, as in the case of other intellectual abilities, can be developed and expanded. Remedial techniques successfully used by the researcher in practice, have been presented in this support programme in a novel and innovative form. The creative support programme compiled for this thesis focused on the 1 improvement of perceptual, oral, reading and spelling skills. The need for a more informal support approach was evident in the empirical research of this study. Learners sometimes develop a "psychological block" when experiencing repeated difficulties in a specific learning area. Such learners associate these difficulties with failures and the inability to learn. In order to overcome the experience of learning dispair, the feelings of anxiety associated with the problem learning area, have to be replaced with a less rigid approach in which play encourages feelings of enjoyment and ease. When learning becomes a pleasant experience, learners start overcoming their fears and become risk takers. / Psychology of Education / D. Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)