The learning difficulties prevalent among mathematics students are widely documented. This case study explores the difficulties experienced by National Certificate (Vocational) Level 2 mathematics students at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) College in Gauteng in the learning of functions. The primary research question was: What conceptual and procedural knowledge difficulties do NC(V) L2 students experience when learning the concept of functions in mathematics? Qualitative data was generated from the students (n=17) through lesson observations, test responses and interviews. The convenient sample of students all belonged to one L2 mathematics class. The findings revealed that the students experience conceptual knowledge difficulties in terms of defining a function, identifying functions, translating between representations of functions, and interpreting the behaviour of a function. The findings also revealed procedural knowledge difficulties prevalent among the students. The errors that students committed in this regard included factorisation errors, structural errors, misapplication and modification of the rules. In general, the findings indicated that the students in this sample lack procedural knowledge and conceptual understanding of functions. The lesson observations revealed a prevalence of several misconceptions regarding functions among the students which were seemingly not recognised nor remedied by the teacher. The teacher’s instructional practices thus appeared to be among the possible sources of the difficulties that the students experience in the learning of functions. This finding was also confirmed by the students during the interviews. Shaky foundations from previous grades were also a factor. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / MEd / Unrestricted

Thesis (M.Dev. ( Planning and Management)) -- University of Limpopo, 2020 / Motivation has been said to be a major factor in determining student academic performance, and in this study the researcher aimed to investigate the effects of motivation on National Curriculum Vocational (NCV) students‟ academic performance at Capricorn TVET College. Due to the nature of the study the researcher used mixed research methods to collect data. The research findings revealed that motivation has an effect on students‟ academic performance such that lack of motivation has been identified as a major factor that contributes to poor academic performance among NCV students. Lack of lecturer motivation, inadequate Learning, Teaching and Support Materials (LTSM), lack of practical work were also identified as factors that can hinder NCV students‟ motivation. The results also revealed that positive college culture and positive student competition as well as giving of rewards or incentives to students are the most effective motivational strategies to enhance students‟ motivation and can assist in keeping students motivated. The study also determined that it would be beneficial if lecturers use those strategies to motivate students. Alternative sustainable motivational strategies are essential in order to keep students motivated and for them to be able to perform well academically.

Mathematics has always been a problem at schools, colleges and universities and to address this problem the South African government has introduced a new subject called Mathematical Literacy into schools and colleges. Since this subject places the emphasis on real-life contexts, there has been a special focus on its management at schools and colleges so that its implementation is done in an efficient way. This study therefore focuses on the experiences and interactions of managers of this new subject and how their leadership can improve performance in it. In addition to the literature review, an empirical investigation based on a qualitative approach and involving semi-structured interviews with managers of three public TVET colleges in the Western Cape was conducted to collect data. The other method used was the analysis of documents relevant to the study. The research found that managers of Mathematical Literacy have varying experiences in both their roles and the implementation of the subject. They also face varied challenges in relation to lecturers and students although there are also similarities regarding these at the different colleges in the study. The strategies of instructional leadership in intervention methods to improve performance in the subject which are encouraged by managers also differ, and some have better results than others. Various methods to empower lecturers are recommended. Recommendations are also made on what was found in this study, as are recommendations for further study. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)