Literature describes different stances with respect to conceptual and procedural mathematical knowledge. The concept-driven versus skills-orientated perspectives have led to “math wars” between researchers, while some mathematics education specialists advocate that the five strands of mathematical proficiency should be seen as interconnected. Conceptual knowledge is the knowledge of concepts or principles, and procedural knowledge the knowledge of procedures. Both types of knowledge are critical components of mathematical proficiency. This study used a mixed methods design to analyse the relationship between conceptual and procedural knowledge. The qualitative content analysis investigated relations between procedural and conceptual knowledge within the solutions of 33 calculus items. The analysis included the number of procedural and conceptual steps needed to answer the item, item label and item classification into one of four knowledge classes based on the type and quality of knowledge. The items were included in a data collection instrument used for quantitative analysis. Rasch analysis was performed to measure item difficulty and person proficiency, and describe the underlying cognitive construct between items. The Rasch person–item map confirmed that items were not clustered together per class and that item difficulty was not linked to the number of procedural and/or conceptual steps needed to do the mathematics. Confirmatory factor analysis showed over-correlation between classes and that defined classes cannot be separated, confirming integration of procedural and conceptual cognitive processes. The relationship between procedural and conceptual knowledge within and between items is complex. Findings indicated that item solutions drew on both procedural and conceptual components that cannot be separated. Solutions could follow more than one approach and analyses could differ, since what is conceptual for one student could be procedural for another. Therefore, teaching strategies should navigate between concepts and procedures, methods and representations. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / PhD / Unrestricted

The lack of parental support and the use of English as the language of teaching and learning are two of the main factors that influence poor learner performance in South Africa. Although a significant amount of research has been conducted internationally, the need for research tailored for the South African context still exists. Therefore, the purpose of the current study was to contribute to knowledge about parental support concerning learner development of second language proficiency. An explanatory sequential design of mixed methods research, also known as two-phased model was used to guide the study. The first phase focused on the quantitative secondary data from Progress in International Reading Literacy Study 2006 (PIRLS 2006). The source of the secondary data was the results of the parent questionnaire, administered to South African parents of the Grade 4 learners (n = 16 073). The International Database (IDB) analyser software and Statistical Program for the Social Sciences (SPSS) were used for data analysis. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were computed. The quantitative results revealed that a significant percentage of parents (30%, SE =0.7) did not engage in literacy related activities with their children prior to Grade 1 compared to a low percentage (2%, SE = 1.21) of those who did the activities. However, a significantly higher percentage of parents (29%, SE = 0.65) did engage in literacy activities with their children in Grade 1, compared to 5% (SE =0.34) who never or almost never did the activities. A significantly higher percentage of parents (89%, SE = 0.67) agreed a lot with positive reading attitude statements compared to 2% (SE = 0.25) who disagreed a lot. The limited time spent by parents on reading and books at home were noted as a matter of concern. This concern was augmented by the low educational level and employment status of the parents. These results were used to inform the qualitative data collection in order to gain a deeper understanding of the experience of the parents. The second or qualitative phase of the study used convenience sampling to select participants, to gain an understanding of their experiences with regard to supporting the second language development of their children. The eight (8 participants) selected parents participated in two focus group meetings. Six themes emerged from thematic data analysis, namely: alternative parenting, parent-child activities, technology and Internet support, parental challenges, language usage and quality of education. The characteristics used for developing a conceptual framework for parental support on second language development were extracted from these aforementioned themes. The results revealed that parental support is a complex dynamic process that requires one to consider the interface of systems around the parent and the learner. Consequently, how this complexity requires a reconceptualisation of factors affecting parental support concerning second language development. The reconceptualisation can provide new avenues for theorising about parental support in second language learning context, particularly in multilingual and developmental countries. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Educational Psychology / PhD / Unrestricted

Intermedial, conceptual audio-visual audiovisual games built as a theater installation; tableaux vivants.

This thesis is focused on conceptual design of electric powered training aircraft, using certification guidelines CS-LSA. Designing process of geometrical and aerodynamic characteristics is primary based on statistics of certificated aircrafts in this particular category. The following calculation of performance stabilities and flight performances is based on knowledge of aerodynamic polar. The calculation of the polar is also part of this thesis. The last part of the thesis consists of construction design of the front part of fuselage and engine static structural analysis of engine mounts.

Thesis summarizes conceptual design of VUT 001 Marabu airplane modification to fulfill CS-22 regulation requirements. Aerodynamical optimalization of wing and horizontal tail geometry is solved. Aerodynamical characteristics, performance and stability is analysed and basic structural design of wing and horizontal tail is performed.

Master of Science

>Magister Scientiae - MSc / Crystalline basement aquifers are an important source of water supply in sub-Saharan Africa for various purposes. These aquifers are characterized by fractured rock networks which form pathways for groundwater recharge, flow, and discharge in subterranean groundwater areas. The fractured rock networks in these areas form fractured rock aquifers which in some cases are protected or reserved. In South Africa, various aquifers with these characteristics have been declared as subterranean groundwater control areas. The physical characteristics of these hydrogeological settings remains crucial in sustaining ecosystems and supporting socio-economic practices such as irrigation, among others. However, the role of fracture connectivity in crystalline basement aquifers remains poorly understood despite the well-established knowledge about the hydrogeological characteristics of such areas. / 2022

More than a hundred years ago, the world was affected by the infamous pandemic virus, the Spanish flu, which lasted from 1918 to 1920. During this period, the First World War broke out. In the spring of 2020, the world was affected by a new pandemic virus called the Coronavirus (COVID-19). For the people who lived during 1918–1920 and the present, each virus has had enormous repercussions on their own lives and safety. For each epidemic, it has meant the political and economic stability in the world has been exposed. The world from then and now differs immensely from each other. Today, there are alternative opportunities to replace the regular lessons with digital connection. This study will make a historical comparative study between the Spanish flu and the coronavirus. In this study, two magazines aimed at teachers will be selected for each pandemic. This is done to see how the schools were affected by each epidemic, what measures were taken against the infection and what difficulties arose with it.

Environmental arrangement alters the physical, social, or programmatic aspects of classrooms to increase task engagement, facilitate prosocial behaviors, and reduce or prevent the challenging behaviors of children and youth. Research shows specific arrangements can affect student engagement and deportment, but this literature is not well integrated theoretically or empirically with other effective behavior change tactics. This article proposes that some environmental arrangements may serve as setting events for child behavior change. Setting events and environmental arrangement were defined and critically outlined. A total of 43 physical environmental arrangement articles were reviewed as to the specific type of arrangement and research methodology. Several methodological problems (e.g., lack of measurement or control of antecedents, consequences, or environmental arrangements, manipulation of more than one environmental arrangement) precluded conclusions about the setting event function of environmental arrangements. Suggestions for future research on setting events and environmental arrangements are proposed.

The Adam and Eve myth has long captured the attention of Christian and non-Christian minds alike. Tropes of paradise, serpents, fruit, and fallenness appear in works such as Milton’s Paradise Lost, Shakespeare’s Hamlet, Golding’s Lord of the Flies, Emily Dickenson’s “Awake ye Muses Nine,” Walt Whitman’s “Great are the Myths” and Joyce Kilmer’s “The Snowman in the Yard.” Religious commentary on Adam and Eve is equally pervasive; most notably the theology of St. Augustine whose work may well be considered the most influential in Western Christianity. Even though a story as old as this one may not seem relevant in a first-world culture where newness is both expected and valued, the legacy of the Adam and Eve myth has not diminished. Linda Shearing writes, “Whether they realize it or not, Americans spend a great deal of time negotiating their world with Adam and Eve” (Schearing 3). To test Shearing’s assertion, this essay seeks to illuminate the ways in which Americans negotiate Adam, Eve, and Eden in political rhetoric and how assumptions of marriage, family, labor, sacrifice, fallenness, redemption and morality are used by political leaders as a persuasive appeal to encourage their audiences to join with them in recovering a state of purity and innocence.