>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Die grondgedagte vir hierdie studie spruit voort uit die verantwoordelikheid van die verpleegdosente om die vermoëns van studentverpleegkundiges tot selfgerigte studie te ontwikkel. Selfgerigte studie vereis onder andere, die vermoë om inligting te kan vind, te verwerk, en toe te pas in die praktyk. Hierdie vaardighede is essensiële voorvereistes vir onafhanklike professionele praktisering. Die ontwikkeling van die genoemde vaardighede impliseer 'n multi-dimensionele benadering wat die student in totaliteit aanspreek. Voorts vereis dit nougesette betrokkenheid van die student by sy/ haar studies. Laasgenoemde veronderstel, onder andere, egter dat studente oor sekere essensiële vaardighede, in verband met leer en studie, beskik. Uit die literatuur blyk dit duidelik dat sekondêre onderwys, oor die algemeen, studente nie voldoende voorberei vir tersiêre onderwys nie. Deur middel van hierdie studie wou die navorser dus antwoorde probeer vind op die vraag of studenteverpleegkundiges behoeftes ervaar aan leiding met betrekking tot spesifiek geïdentifiseer studievaardighede, die leiding wat verskaf word en of daar leemtes bestaan in die leiding wat studente reeds ontvang. Nadat die studieterrein afgebaken is, is verskillende terme en begrippe, grondliggend tot die studie, omskryf en in perspektief gestel. Hoofstuk twee is gewyaan 'n bespreking van die konsepte leer, -probleme en studie binne die perspektief van hierdie studie, asook verbandhoudend relevante begrippe. Aandag is in die daaropvolgende twee hoofstukke geskenk aan, onderskeidelik, spesifieke stud ievaardighede verbandhoudend tot die versameling van inligting en studievaardighede verbandhoudend tot die benutting van inligting.

Metakognitiewe strategieë en wiskundetaal speel ’n kritiese rol in onderwysers se onderrigstrategieë en die verbetering van hulle wiskunde-onderrigstyl. Die waarskynlikheid bestaan dat wanneer ʼn onderwyser se metakognisie ontwikkel word, sy of haar onderrig ook sal verbeter (Jing & Yang, 2008, p. 1). Metakognisie fasiliteer die onderrig en leer van wiskundekennis (Gourgey, 2001, p. 18), en taal is die instrument wat in ʼn onderwyskonteks die kommunikasie vir die aanleer, verstaan en ontwikkeling van wiskundekonsepte en -prosesse fasiliteer (Jamison, 2000). ʼn Empiriese kwalitatiewe ondersoek – om te bepaal wat Graad 1-onderwysers se persepsies van metakognisie en wiskundetaal tydens die onderrig en leer van wiskunde is – is in hierdie studie uitgevoer. Die ondersoek het op vyf Graad 1-onderwysers gefokus. ʼn Gerieflikheidsteekproef is gebruik om die groepie onderwysers (wat vir die navorser toeganklik was) uit te nooi om aan die studie deel te neem. Video-opnames is gemaak van ʼn fokusgroeponderhoud, sowel as van ʼn wiskundeles en twee individuele onderhoude. Al die onderwysers het aan die fokusgroeponderhoud deelgeneem. Een van die onderwysers (Deelnemer B) het ingestem dat ʼn video-opname van haar wiskundeles gemaak kon word. ʼn Individuele onderhoud is voor en na die video-opname met deelnemer B gevoer om ʼn beter en meer diepgaande begrip van haar persepsies oor wiskundeonderrig te verkry. Die video-opnames van die fokusgroeponderhoud, wiskundeles en individuele onderhoude is verbatim getranskribeer, waarna a priori kodes uit die literatuurstudie gekies is. Die kodes is in temas en kategorieë gegroepeer. Data is ontleed, en gevolgtrekkings geformuleer. Resultate is daarna geïnterpreteer en aanbevelings gemaak. Ten spyte van die beperkte veralgemenings wat op grond van die resultate moontlik is, kom die navorser nogtans tot die slotsom dat graad 1-onderwysers se persepsies oor metakognisie en wiskundetaal in die onderrig en leer in wiskunde in graad 1-klasse belangrik is en groot gewig dra. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Metakognitiewe strategieë en wiskundetaal speel ’n kritiese rol in onderwysers se onderrigstrategieë en die verbetering van hulle wiskunde-onderrigstyl. Die waarskynlikheid bestaan dat wanneer ʼn onderwyser se metakognisie ontwikkel word, sy of haar onderrig ook sal verbeter (Jing & Yang, 2008, p. 1). Metakognisie fasiliteer die onderrig en leer van wiskundekennis (Gourgey, 2001, p. 18), en taal is die instrument wat in ʼn onderwyskonteks die kommunikasie vir die aanleer, verstaan en ontwikkeling van wiskundekonsepte en -prosesse fasiliteer (Jamison, 2000). ʼn Empiriese kwalitatiewe ondersoek – om te bepaal wat Graad 1-onderwysers se persepsies van metakognisie en wiskundetaal tydens die onderrig en leer van wiskunde is – is in hierdie studie uitgevoer. Die ondersoek het op vyf Graad 1-onderwysers gefokus. ʼn Gerieflikheidsteekproef is gebruik om die groepie onderwysers (wat vir die navorser toeganklik was) uit te nooi om aan die studie deel te neem. Video-opnames is gemaak van ʼn fokusgroeponderhoud, sowel as van ʼn wiskundeles en twee individuele onderhoude. Al die onderwysers het aan die fokusgroeponderhoud deelgeneem. Een van die onderwysers (Deelnemer B) het ingestem dat ʼn video-opname van haar wiskundeles gemaak kon word. ʼn Individuele onderhoud is voor en na die video-opname met deelnemer B gevoer om ʼn beter en meer diepgaande begrip van haar persepsies oor wiskundeonderrig te verkry. Die video-opnames van die fokusgroeponderhoud, wiskundeles en individuele onderhoude is verbatim getranskribeer, waarna a priori kodes uit die literatuurstudie gekies is. Die kodes is in temas en kategorieë gegroepeer. Data is ontleed, en gevolgtrekkings geformuleer. Resultate is daarna geïnterpreteer en aanbevelings gemaak. Ten spyte van die beperkte veralgemenings wat op grond van die resultate moontlik is, kom die navorser nogtans tot die slotsom dat graad 1-onderwysers se persepsies oor metakognisie en wiskundetaal in die onderrig en leer in wiskunde in graad 1-klasse belangrik is en groot gewig dra. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

This study is an in-depth description of the application of Cognitive Control Therapy (CCT) in regard to an adolescent with Down syndrome. The literature review revealed a dearth of knowledge on the cognitive development and functioning of adolescents with Down syndrome. The interpretivist research paradigm was used as a philosophical basis for the qualitative case study that created an opportunity for close observation and critical reflection. The primary method of enquiry consisted of interliking therapeutic sessions during which CCT was applied as an intervention technique. The data generated through this process were verified in terms of recent literature, interviews and observations. The data analysis served to highlight the interactive relationship between such aspects as the adolescent’s genetic predisposition, as well as physical and psychological factors which to a large extent, influence the cognitive functioning and development, and therefore also the learning ability of the adolescent with Down syndrome. The findings show that the application of CCT resulted in an improvement (although limited) in the adolescent’s metacognitive abilities and distractibility and that there was a measure of transference in regard to the social and emotional domains. In conclusion, it appears that CCT was an effective intervention strategy for this adolescent because it accommodated his specific learning style. / Dissertation (MEd (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

Some learners in South Africa perform poorly in school, especially in Mathematics. In 2010 the Department of Basic Education announced their concern regarding the pass rate. The National Education Department circulated a report in 2008 on some Grade 3 and Grade 6 learners who took part in a research project and only achieved level one and two in literacy (vocabulary), as well as numeracy (Mathematics). Several factors contribute to this shocking situation, such as the absence of the use of meta-cognitive strategies, number strategies, as well as language strategies. The prime goal of this study was to investigate the use of meta-cognitive strategies and Mathematical vocabulary during problem solving by Grade 7 learners. Three primary schools were invited to participate in the qualitative investigation. From these schools three top achievers (one per school) and three under-achievers (one per school) were invited to participate in the quantitative investigation. The study includes the results of the quantitative aspects of the investigation. Learners had to answer questions about predictions, achievements, control, as well as evaluation during the quantitative investigation. During this process, most of the learners predicted that they would do well and evaluated that they did well, but their marks for the questions about their achievements and control were in fact different. It is important to inform Mathematics teachers and learners about meta-cognitive strategies and Mathematical vocabulary, and the influence it can have on the learners’ achievements, as well as the positive effect during the learning of Mathematics. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

As a result of the interactive nature of modern programming languages the perception has developed that proper planning of a solution, reasoned action during the process of problem solving and evaluation of the solution have become less important during computer programming. Learn often rely on the programming language to help them solve a problem, without themselves planning the solution beforehand and then using a computer language to implement the solution. This approach usually leads to using bad programming techniques, resulting in unstructured programmes or rendering the learner unable to solve the problem. The importance of continuous reflection by learners while doing a programming activity has been advocated for quite some time... / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Some learners in South Africa perform poorly in school, especially in Mathematics. In 2010 the Department of Basic Education announced their concern regarding the pass rate. The National Education Department circulated a report in 2008 on some Grade 3 and Grade 6 learners who took part in a research project and only achieved level one and two in literacy (vocabulary), as well as numeracy (Mathematics). Several factors contribute to this shocking situation, such as the absence of the use of meta-cognitive strategies, number strategies, as well as language strategies. The prime goal of this study was to investigate the use of meta-cognitive strategies and Mathematical vocabulary during problem solving by Grade 7 learners. Three primary schools were invited to participate in the qualitative investigation. From these schools three top achievers (one per school) and three under-achievers (one per school) were invited to participate in the quantitative investigation. The study includes the results of the quantitative aspects of the investigation. Learners had to answer questions about predictions, achievements, control, as well as evaluation during the quantitative investigation. During this process, most of the learners predicted that they would do well and evaluated that they did well, but their marks for the questions about their achievements and control were in fact different. It is important to inform Mathematics teachers and learners about meta-cognitive strategies and Mathematical vocabulary, and the influence it can have on the learners’ achievements, as well as the positive effect during the learning of Mathematics. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

As a result of the interactive nature of modern programming languages the perception has developed that proper planning of a solution, reasoned action during the process of problem solving and evaluation of the solution have become less important during computer programming. Learn often rely on the programming language to help them solve a problem, without themselves planning the solution beforehand and then using a computer language to implement the solution. This approach usually leads to using bad programming techniques, resulting in unstructured programmes or rendering the learner unable to solve the problem. The importance of continuous reflection by learners while doing a programming activity has been advocated for quite some time... / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

This study investigated misconceptions in Algebra of students enrolled for a N2 Engineering certificate at a Further Education and Training College. The study aimed to investigate these students’ misconceptions relating to Algebra which prohibited them to successfully complete their artisanship. The purpose of the research was to determine (i) the nature of these misconceptions, and (ii) the value of screencasts as a technology-enhanced learning (TEL) tool to improve instruction. The research gap that the researcher addressed related to the Mathematics misconceptions that the N2 students had, and whether these misconceptions could be adequately addressed by screencasts. The study method used was a case study design and methodology while simultaneously collecting quantitative and qualitative data. The findings encompassed the determining of main Mathematics misconceptions, producing screencasts, and assessing the screencasts with the intended target group. The study followed a four-phase strategy of testing, interviewing and analysing, and reflection based on qualitative and quantitative research strategies. During the quantitative research the research participants completed a biographical questionnaire, as well as a customised diagnostic Algebra test. The study sample comprised two groups from different trimesters at a rural FET college in the Northern Cape in Kathu, South Africa. The total population of full-time N2 Engineering students related to 113 participants. The diagnostic test comprised twelve questions from the three main Algebra concepts relating to: (i) exponents, (ii) equations, and (iii) factorisation. The same customised diagnostic test confirmed the misconceptions within the same group. Six questions from the customised diagnostic test identified the central misconceptions. The researcher consequently designed, developed, implemented and evaluated screencasts with the intended student population according to the design principles identified during the study. The six questions formed the basis of a second diagnostic test, which was used in phase three with interviews of ten research participants as part of phase 4 of the evaluation of the screencasts. At the end of the second trimester students were ask to complete a questionnaire regarding their use and perceptions of the screencasts—23 participants completed this voluntary questionnaire. At the end of the trimester ten participants were asked to explain their method of calculations during a walk-through evaluation while answering Algebra problems. The results indicated a number of misconception categories: (i) The main reason for misconceptions relating to equations was the participants’ inadequate understandings of the basic concepts of multiply methods used in equations; (ii) Index laws seemed to be the biggest misconception where participants demonstrated insufficient understanding of the laws; and (iii) The participants did not comprehend the basic concepts of factorisation—they could not identify which method to use while factorising. The qualitative findings indicate that the participants found the screencasts valuable when they prepared for tests and examinations, as well as when they did not understanding a basic Mathematics concept. Access to technology in rural areas remains an obstacle to integrate technology learning tools on a large scale at the FET College. / MEd (Curriculum Development), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

This study investigated misconceptions in Algebra of students enrolled for a N2 Engineering certificate at a Further Education and Training College. The study aimed to investigate these students’ misconceptions relating to Algebra which prohibited them to successfully complete their artisanship. The purpose of the research was to determine (i) the nature of these misconceptions, and (ii) the value of screencasts as a technology-enhanced learning (TEL) tool to improve instruction. The research gap that the researcher addressed related to the Mathematics misconceptions that the N2 students had, and whether these misconceptions could be adequately addressed by screencasts. The study method used was a case study design and methodology while simultaneously collecting quantitative and qualitative data. The findings encompassed the determining of main Mathematics misconceptions, producing screencasts, and assessing the screencasts with the intended target group. The study followed a four-phase strategy of testing, interviewing and analysing, and reflection based on qualitative and quantitative research strategies. During the quantitative research the research participants completed a biographical questionnaire, as well as a customised diagnostic Algebra test. The study sample comprised two groups from different trimesters at a rural FET college in the Northern Cape in Kathu, South Africa. The total population of full-time N2 Engineering students related to 113 participants. The diagnostic test comprised twelve questions from the three main Algebra concepts relating to: (i) exponents, (ii) equations, and (iii) factorisation. The same customised diagnostic test confirmed the misconceptions within the same group. Six questions from the customised diagnostic test identified the central misconceptions. The researcher consequently designed, developed, implemented and evaluated screencasts with the intended student population according to the design principles identified during the study. The six questions formed the basis of a second diagnostic test, which was used in phase three with interviews of ten research participants as part of phase 4 of the evaluation of the screencasts. At the end of the second trimester students were ask to complete a questionnaire regarding their use and perceptions of the screencasts—23 participants completed this voluntary questionnaire. At the end of the trimester ten participants were asked to explain their method of calculations during a walk-through evaluation while answering Algebra problems. The results indicated a number of misconception categories: (i) The main reason for misconceptions relating to equations was the participants’ inadequate understandings of the basic concepts of multiply methods used in equations; (ii) Index laws seemed to be the biggest misconception where participants demonstrated insufficient understanding of the laws; and (iii) The participants did not comprehend the basic concepts of factorisation—they could not identify which method to use while factorising. The qualitative findings indicate that the participants found the screencasts valuable when they prepared for tests and examinations, as well as when they did not understanding a basic Mathematics concept. Access to technology in rural areas remains an obstacle to integrate technology learning tools on a large scale at the FET College. / MEd (Curriculum Development), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015