Die erkenning van verskille tussen alle leerders en die strewe om te bou op die ooreenkomste is die grondslag waarop inklusiewe onderwys berus. Verder word daar altyd in ag geneem dat alle leerders op die een of ander tydstip ondersteuning benodig om volle waarde uit onderwys te put. Die onderwysstelsel in die inklusiewe bestel is reeds besig met aanpassings om hierdie ondersteuning aan te spreek, soos dat spesiale skole as hulpbronne dien vir ander hoofstroomskole in hul omgewing. Die skep van voldiensskole is ook ’n aanpassing aan die stelsel. Suid-Afrika beweeg na ’n meer inklusiewe onderwysstelsel, terwyl leerders terselfdertyd ook tussen verskillende stelsels beweeg, naamlik die hoofstroomonderwysstelsel wat merendeels inklusief is in soverre dit lae en matige vlakke van leerderondersteuning betref, en die spesiale onderwysstelsel wat voorsiening maak vir hoër vlakke van leerderondersteuning. Sommige leerders bevind hulle dus in ’n oorgang tussen stelsels. Derhalwe het ek die teoretiese raamwerke van die oorgangsteorie en die liminaliteitsteorie gebruik om die oorgang van leerders van een stelsel na ’n ander stelsel te ondersoek. Oorgang word beskryf volgens die rigting waarin die oorgang beweeg – horisontaal tussen spesifieke omgewings in dieselfde tydperk, en vertikaal tussen verskillende omgewings en oor ’n tydperk. Die oorgang van leerders van ’n hoofstroomklas na ’n klas vir leerders met spesiale onderwysbehoeftes (LSOB-klas) in ’n spesifieke voldiensskool is ’n horisontale beweging, aangesien dit in dieselfde omgewing (dieselfde skool) geskied en dit geskied in dieselfde tydperk waartydens hulle portuurgroep in die hoofstroomklas bly. Leerders met leerhindernisse in so ’n voldiensskool word, as gevolg van die graad van hulle hindernisse, onder sekere voorwaardes by sekere skole na ’n LSOB-klas in hulle skool verskuif. Hierdie klasse dien as ’n tussentydse maatreël totdat leerders weer in ’n hoofstroomklas teruggeplaas kan word. Die vraag hoe leerders die oorgang na sulke klasse ervaar, is in hierdie navorsing ondersoek. Die navorsing is gedoen by ’n voldiensskool in Potchefstroom in die Noordwesprovinsie, wat as gevolg van die graad van sommige leerders se leerhindernisse drie LSOB-klasse het. Onderhoude is gevoer met nege huidige en nege vorige onderwysers van nege geselekteerde deelnemers wat leerders in die LSOB-klasse (drie deelnemers uit elke klas) in die voldiensskool was. Onderhoude is ook met die ouers van die nege deelnemers gevoer. Drie fokusgroeponderhoude is met elke LSOB-klas se geselekteerde leerders gevoer. Alle onderhoude is getranskribeer, gekodeer en ontleed deur middel van tematiese analise. Die bevindings van die empiriese studie is verdeel in intrapersoonlike en interpersoonlike faktore. Hierdie faktore is verder in verskillende temas verdeel. Die intrapersoonlike faktore het die volgende temas ingesluit: Emosionele ontwikkeling; groepsdruk; selfbeeld en selfvertroue; gevoel van verlies; ’n oorgang wat traumaties, senutergend, verwarrend en vol spanning en angs was en aggressie ontlok het; vlak van sekuriteit; en vermoë om sy of haar man te staan in moeilike situasies. Die interpersoonlike faktore het die volgende ingesluit: Sosiale vaardighede, verlies van vriende, verlies van sosiale status, en die gevoel dat die oorgang na ’n LSOB-klas net tydelik is. Hierdie studie het ’n belangrike bydrae gelewer tot die bestaande kennisbasis betreffende die verskuiwing van leerders na LSOB-klasse en die aspekte wat ’n invloed het op hierdie oorgang. / MEd (Learner Support), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

Die erkenning van verskille tussen alle leerders en die strewe om te bou op die ooreenkomste is die grondslag waarop inklusiewe onderwys berus. Verder word daar altyd in ag geneem dat alle leerders op die een of ander tydstip ondersteuning benodig om volle waarde uit onderwys te put. Die onderwysstelsel in die inklusiewe bestel is reeds besig met aanpassings om hierdie ondersteuning aan te spreek, soos dat spesiale skole as hulpbronne dien vir ander hoofstroomskole in hul omgewing. Die skep van voldiensskole is ook ’n aanpassing aan die stelsel. Suid-Afrika beweeg na ’n meer inklusiewe onderwysstelsel, terwyl leerders terselfdertyd ook tussen verskillende stelsels beweeg, naamlik die hoofstroomonderwysstelsel wat merendeels inklusief is in soverre dit lae en matige vlakke van leerderondersteuning betref, en die spesiale onderwysstelsel wat voorsiening maak vir hoër vlakke van leerderondersteuning. Sommige leerders bevind hulle dus in ’n oorgang tussen stelsels. Derhalwe het ek die teoretiese raamwerke van die oorgangsteorie en die liminaliteitsteorie gebruik om die oorgang van leerders van een stelsel na ’n ander stelsel te ondersoek. Oorgang word beskryf volgens die rigting waarin die oorgang beweeg – horisontaal tussen spesifieke omgewings in dieselfde tydperk, en vertikaal tussen verskillende omgewings en oor ’n tydperk. Die oorgang van leerders van ’n hoofstroomklas na ’n klas vir leerders met spesiale onderwysbehoeftes (LSOB-klas) in ’n spesifieke voldiensskool is ’n horisontale beweging, aangesien dit in dieselfde omgewing (dieselfde skool) geskied en dit geskied in dieselfde tydperk waartydens hulle portuurgroep in die hoofstroomklas bly. Leerders met leerhindernisse in so ’n voldiensskool word, as gevolg van die graad van hulle hindernisse, onder sekere voorwaardes by sekere skole na ’n LSOB-klas in hulle skool verskuif. Hierdie klasse dien as ’n tussentydse maatreël totdat leerders weer in ’n hoofstroomklas teruggeplaas kan word. Die vraag hoe leerders die oorgang na sulke klasse ervaar, is in hierdie navorsing ondersoek. Die navorsing is gedoen by ’n voldiensskool in Potchefstroom in die Noordwesprovinsie, wat as gevolg van die graad van sommige leerders se leerhindernisse drie LSOB-klasse het. Onderhoude is gevoer met nege huidige en nege vorige onderwysers van nege geselekteerde deelnemers wat leerders in die LSOB-klasse (drie deelnemers uit elke klas) in die voldiensskool was. Onderhoude is ook met die ouers van die nege deelnemers gevoer. Drie fokusgroeponderhoude is met elke LSOB-klas se geselekteerde leerders gevoer. Alle onderhoude is getranskribeer, gekodeer en ontleed deur middel van tematiese analise. Die bevindings van die empiriese studie is verdeel in intrapersoonlike en interpersoonlike faktore. Hierdie faktore is verder in verskillende temas verdeel. Die intrapersoonlike faktore het die volgende temas ingesluit: Emosionele ontwikkeling; groepsdruk; selfbeeld en selfvertroue; gevoel van verlies; ’n oorgang wat traumaties, senutergend, verwarrend en vol spanning en angs was en aggressie ontlok het; vlak van sekuriteit; en vermoë om sy of haar man te staan in moeilike situasies. Die interpersoonlike faktore het die volgende ingesluit: Sosiale vaardighede, verlies van vriende, verlies van sosiale status, en die gevoel dat die oorgang na ’n LSOB-klas net tydelik is. Hierdie studie het ’n belangrike bydrae gelewer tot die bestaande kennisbasis betreffende die verskuiwing van leerders na LSOB-klasse en die aspekte wat ’n invloed het op hierdie oorgang. / MEd (Learner Support), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The aim of this study was to develop guidelines for the support of newly qualified nurses to ease their transition from student to professional practitioners in Lesotho; based on an exploration and description of the newly qualified nurses’ first hand experience of their transition from student to professional practitioners in a public hospital in Lesotho. The rationale behind the study was the researcher’s perception of an attitude change observed in the newly qualified professional practitioners. An explorative, descriptive, contextual, qualitative research design was chosen. The sample included all newly qualified professional nurses who worked in a public hospital in Lesotho for a period of one year or less. Data collection took place by means of semi–structured individual interviews with ten (10) participants and a focus group interview with eight (8) of the original participants. Content analysis of the data in the qualitative tradition was independently done by two coders who identified four (4) themes and ten (10) sub–themes. The first theme was described as reality shock, including the sub–themes emotional reactions and limited resources. The second theme, competence, includes the sub–themes of knowledge, skills and attitude. A third theme describes the participants experience of the support from management, colleagues, the Ministry of Health and Social welfare, nursing educational institutions and the community. The fourth theme describes the participants’ vision for the future. Each of the themes was discussed together with relevant data obtained from literature and reduced to a conclusive statement which served as basis for the formulation of guidelines to ease the transition from student to professional practitioner in Lesotho. The research report concluded with the researcher’s evaluation of the study and recommendations for nursing education, nursing management and further research. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The aim of this study was to develop guidelines for the support of newly qualified nurses to ease their transition from student to professional practitioners in Lesotho; based on an exploration and description of the newly qualified nurses’ first hand experience of their transition from student to professional practitioners in a public hospital in Lesotho. The rationale behind the study was the researcher’s perception of an attitude change observed in the newly qualified professional practitioners. An explorative, descriptive, contextual, qualitative research design was chosen. The sample included all newly qualified professional nurses who worked in a public hospital in Lesotho for a period of one year or less. Data collection took place by means of semi–structured individual interviews with ten (10) participants and a focus group interview with eight (8) of the original participants. Content analysis of the data in the qualitative tradition was independently done by two coders who identified four (4) themes and ten (10) sub–themes. The first theme was described as reality shock, including the sub–themes emotional reactions and limited resources. The second theme, competence, includes the sub–themes of knowledge, skills and attitude. A third theme describes the participants experience of the support from management, colleagues, the Ministry of Health and Social welfare, nursing educational institutions and the community. The fourth theme describes the participants’ vision for the future. Each of the themes was discussed together with relevant data obtained from literature and reduced to a conclusive statement which served as basis for the formulation of guidelines to ease the transition from student to professional practitioner in Lesotho. The research report concluded with the researcher’s evaluation of the study and recommendations for nursing education, nursing management and further research. / Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The aim of this study is to determine the security relevance of farm attacks in South Africa. This is based on the propositions that indications exist that farm attacks in the RSA reflect more than common criminality; that the combating of farm attacks requires specific measures; and that farm attacks in other African states, as well as prior to 1994 in some instances also in South Africa, had demonstrated specific political motives. In the search for the underlying causes behind the incidence of farm attacks, aspects such as the occurence of farm attacks elsewhere in Africa; the political history of the RSA; the dynamics associated with an increase in crime during political transition; land reform; and the extent of farm attacks in the RSA, were analysed. The occurence of farm attacks seems not to be unique to South Africa, as attacks of this nature also occurred in other African states such as Kenya and Zimbabwe. As could have been expected from international experience, crime increased substantially in South Africa during a period of radical political transition. Farm attacks, which inherently manifest as violent crimes, also increased, especially during the period between 1997 and 2001. Developments during South Africa’s political past led to a situation in which a substantial part of the population lost not only their political rights, but also their land. As a result, land reform is high on the agenda of those who feel deprived, as well as that of the government. The findings reached by commissions of enquiry and research into the causes of farm attacks reveal that crime is the single most important motive for farm attacks. Other motives were identified in single cases, but no common sinister motive or any specific organisation instigating farm attacks could be established. Although the level of trust between the farming community and government has in some cases suffered considerable harm, both parties are bound to the combating of farm attacks, including participation in the implementation of combined strategies such as the Rural Safety Plan. The occurrence of farm attacks is clearly a significant security issue. Although it is not yet considered as posing an immediate direct threat to national security, it has already been recognized that farm attacks could negatively impact on food security. The possibility of this phenomenon developing into a full-fledged national security issue, can thus not be excluded. / Dissertation (M (Security Studies))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Political Sciences / unrestricted

Basic mathematical competency seems to be lacking for engineering students starting their studies in this field. Students generally find the cognitive transition from secondary to tertiary mathematics challenging which in turn negatively influences their academic achievement in mathematics. The cognitive challenge is the transition from the application of mathematics to familiar questions to applying mathematical principles to varying practical application and problem solving. Mathematics provides the foundation for the cognitive toolset required for the development of skills required for analysing engineering systems and processes. It is therefore important to assess mathematical and cognitive competency and ability at the time of admission to a tertiary institution in order to identify and address gaps. This research demonstrates that first-year engineering students need to have a specific level of mathematical competency and cognitive ability to use mathematics within the context of engineering studies. This research attempts to connect the mathematic competency of first year engineering students to their academic results for subjects in the first year curriculum that rely heavily on mathematical competency. To satisfy the research question, the study firstly looks at relevant literature to identify the mathematical competency levels as well as the operational specification. Secondly, development theories and taxonomies were analysed to gain insight into the development processes associated with learning, cognitive development and the gap between cognitive competencies in transition from secondary to tertiary education. Further, cognitive competencies were identified that are essential for successful completion of first year engineering modules. Through synthesis of the different theories and taxonomies a framework was identified. This framework was used to analyse secondary data in order to measure mathematical and cognitive levels. Thirdly, the theoretical investigation was followed by a three-phase empirical study. A mixed quantative-qualitative (QUAN-qual) approached was followed. Phase 1 uses the assessment framework to measure first year students‟ mathematical competency at the inception of their studies as well as at the completion of their first semester. The mathematical competency at inception was measured with their Grade 12 mathematics marks and with relevant analysis of their initial bridging assessments, on a question by question basis. In addition, their first semester exams questions were analysed using the same approach as above. Phase 2 comprises the measurement of the relationship between the mathematical competency of first year enigineering students at admission and their achievement levels in selected first year subjects that required mathematical competency. Phase 3 includes the guidelines derived from the gaps and shortcomings identified. These gaps were identified in order to inform appropriate study support to first year students and to assists academic personnel with setting appropriate and dependable admission standards. The analysis of mathematical competency creates quality data that gives a clearer picture than a simple comparison of admission scores and first semester marks. The empirical study contributes to a better understanding of the problems associated with the transition from secondary to tertiary learning environments. From the study it was derived that study inception information of the students correlated only with their academic results on questions that tested mathematical and programming application. The inception information was not a predictor of mathematical achievement and results for both the lowest and highest mathematical competency levels. Futher study in this field is required to create frameworks for the measurements of both low and high levels of mathematical competency. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014

Basic mathematical competency seems to be lacking for engineering students starting their studies in this field. Students generally find the cognitive transition from secondary to tertiary mathematics challenging which in turn negatively influences their academic achievement in mathematics. The cognitive challenge is the transition from the application of mathematics to familiar questions to applying mathematical principles to varying practical application and problem solving. Mathematics provides the foundation for the cognitive toolset required for the development of skills required for analysing engineering systems and processes. It is therefore important to assess mathematical and cognitive competency and ability at the time of admission to a tertiary institution in order to identify and address gaps. This research demonstrates that first-year engineering students need to have a specific level of mathematical competency and cognitive ability to use mathematics within the context of engineering studies. This research attempts to connect the mathematic competency of first year engineering students to their academic results for subjects in the first year curriculum that rely heavily on mathematical competency. To satisfy the research question, the study firstly looks at relevant literature to identify the mathematical competency levels as well as the operational specification. Secondly, development theories and taxonomies were analysed to gain insight into the development processes associated with learning, cognitive development and the gap between cognitive competencies in transition from secondary to tertiary education. Further, cognitive competencies were identified that are essential for successful completion of first year engineering modules. Through synthesis of the different theories and taxonomies a framework was identified. This framework was used to analyse secondary data in order to measure mathematical and cognitive levels. Thirdly, the theoretical investigation was followed by a three-phase empirical study. A mixed quantative-qualitative (QUAN-qual) approached was followed. Phase 1 uses the assessment framework to measure first year students‟ mathematical competency at the inception of their studies as well as at the completion of their first semester. The mathematical competency at inception was measured with their Grade 12 mathematics marks and with relevant analysis of their initial bridging assessments, on a question by question basis. In addition, their first semester exams questions were analysed using the same approach as above. Phase 2 comprises the measurement of the relationship between the mathematical competency of first year enigineering students at admission and their achievement levels in selected first year subjects that required mathematical competency. Phase 3 includes the guidelines derived from the gaps and shortcomings identified. These gaps were identified in order to inform appropriate study support to first year students and to assists academic personnel with setting appropriate and dependable admission standards. The analysis of mathematical competency creates quality data that gives a clearer picture than a simple comparison of admission scores and first semester marks. The empirical study contributes to a better understanding of the problems associated with the transition from secondary to tertiary learning environments. From the study it was derived that study inception information of the students correlated only with their academic results on questions that tested mathematical and programming application. The inception information was not a predictor of mathematical achievement and results for both the lowest and highest mathematical competency levels. Futher study in this field is required to create frameworks for the measurements of both low and high levels of mathematical competency. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014