Recent international reports, for example TIMSS (2011 & 2015), point to serious challenges in South African learner performance in Mathematics and Science. Of greatest concern is that research findings (e.g. Graven, Venkat, Westaway and Tshesane 2013) suggest that many South African learners show signs of mathematical knowledge gaps in the lower grades. Hence, there is a need to address challenges of this nature very early in Foundation Phase. This study was undertaken with a view to contribute towards addressing mathematical challenges encountered by learners in Foundation Phase This empirical enquiry was undertaken under the auspices of the South African Numeracy Chair Project (SANCP) at Rhodes University whose mission is to develop sustainable ways of improving quality teaching and learning of Mathematics in South Africa. A relatively new SANCP programme called Pushing for Progression (PfP) run as part of the after-school Maths Clubs to develop the number sense and four Operations in learners was used to achieve the research aims of this study. Research participants were drawn from the Maths Clubs established by the researcher in a small rural town of Ottosdal in the North West Province of South Africa. This Study is grounded on the Vygotskian perspective and uses the interpretivist qualitative research method for data collection and analysis. Sampling was done opportunistically by enlisting participants (12 teachers and 117 learners) on the basis of their availability and willingness to participate. Pre- and post-assessment of learners’ proficiency on the four Basic Operations was conducted at the beginning and at the end of the research project, respectively. This was done to determine the impact of the project on learner performance. Data analysis was done thematically and through the comparison of learner results of the pre- and post-assessment. The findings point to the effectiveness of the PfP Programme in learner performance. This can be deduced from improved scores between pre- and post-assessment and the observations made by participant-teachers on their respective club learners’ mathematical proficiencies. Accordingly, based on the findings, this study recommends, inter alia, that since the PfP programme is still in its early stages, similar research be conducted elsewhere. Additionally, the Department of Basic Education could consider exploring the PfP programme as one of several other strategies to help improve learner proficiency in Mathematics.

M.Ed. / The research report in this study deals with the views of teachers on Planning, Organisation and Implementation of EE in the senior phase. The aim of the study was to investigate teachers' views on how EE could be integrated within existing learning Programe in the senior phase of Primary Schools.It also seeks to identify necessary support Programs, which may be, needed by senior phase teachers in introducing EE within the Curriculum. A random Sample of five (05) Primary Schools from the total of eleven (11) primaries within the Itsoseng Circuit in the Lichtenburg district participated in the study. Interview was used as a sole tool for data gathering from the participants viz: teachers and principals (Educators and site managers). The findings of the study indicate that the majority of teachers responsible for senior phase have knowledge on EE, but have insufficient in-depth knowledge on EE related issues. The sites managers and subject advisors have a mammoth task to perform, so that EE can be integrated within existing learning areas of the core curriculum, like other school subjects. The general impression captured is that Environmental Studies and EE are just one as the same. Based on the findings of the research, it is the recommended that site managers together with subject advisors should take the leading role in ensuring that EE related activities are well planned, organised and implemented in primary schools. The main implications of the findings are: There is a need for support programs for senior phase teachers in the circuit. There is a need for active involvement of all stakeholders for the successful implementation of EE in schools.

South Africa has experienced three significant curriculum reforms since 1994. The first of these replaced the ‘apartheid’ curriculum with C2005 based largely on Outcomes Based Education. In the second stage C2005 gave way to the National Curriculum Statements, a simplified version of C2005. Finally, the NCS was replaced with CAPS. This research study investigates the perceptions, attitudes and experiences of teachers implementing these curriculum changes. It focuses in particular on Foundation Phase in 2012, the year in which CAPS was implemented in that phase. It took the form of an interpretive case study, using qualitative data generating and analysis techniques. Principals and selected teachers of two primary schools in Grahamstown – an ex-Model C school and a performing ‘township’ school - were the respondents of the study. Data were generated chiefly through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews, supplemented by document analysis and observation. The findings revealed that the teachers in this study are frustrated and angry about the frequency of curriculum change in South Africa. Respondents are particularly critical of OBE and the NCS. While they welcome the need for a departure from ‘apartheid’ curricula, they feel the pedagogical underpinning of the NCS – with its emphasis on learner-centredness – disempowered them as teachers. Hence, they welcomed CAPS which seems to return to content – rather than skills and attitudes – and re-instates the teacher as the chief giver of knowledge and manager of learning.

The focus of this research was to establish how black primary school principals in some Port Elizabeth schools manage the problems of poverty, vandalism and non-payment of school fees. The aim of this research was to improve these burning issues at my own school, but also to assist other schools which are encountering similar problems with regard to these three issues. Qualitative research methods were used. Data was collected by studying relevant literature and conducting semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Composite case studies of the schools were compiled. Content analysis was used to analyse the data and recommendations for improvement were made. The results of the research indicate that since 1994, when democracy and equal human rights were declared, primary schools have actually been experiencing escalating problems in terms of poverty, vandalism and school fee payment. As the school system is closely intertwined with the socio-economic and political dimensions of society, these challenges can only be effectively addressed if all stakeholders in education collectively take up ownership of these problems and commit themselves to finding unique and effective solutions in the Port Elizabeth urban and rural areas.

In line with Montessori methodology, the Knysna Montessori School runs its programmes in an integrated and holistic manner. Learning programmes are based on a blend of various Montessori learning programmes and the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS). Classes are divided into three year-age groupings; and integrated learning programmes are in place within the pre-school, (including grade R), the grade 1 to 3 class, and the grade 4 to 6 class. However, the grade 7 to 9 Montessori class has been running in a more traditional and less integrated manner since its inception in 2004. That has motivated the undertaking of this study. The main aim of this qualitative study has been to determine how to best arrange the RNCS according to Montessori principles, that is to say, in a holistic and integrated manner, with the intention of presenting a learning programme for the grade 7 to 9 class. This aim was based on a constructivist philosophical foundation and addressed in conjunction with interpretivism and critical theory. The grounded theory research paradigm was followed. In this paradigm research findings are grounded in the data gathering and the analysis. Three methods of data collection were applied, namely a literature review, interviews and document analysis. A literature review was conducted to gain a better overview and understanding of the RNCS and Outcomes-Based Education (OBE). Furthermore, through the literature review, an in-depth understanding of the Montessori method of education, adolescent development and integrated and holistic education have been achieved. Interviews were conducted with staff from the Knysna Montessori School, with the purpose of gathering information on the Knysna Montessori School and its current application to the RNCS, from pre-school to grade 6. An availability and purposive sampling method was applied, in order to determine which staff members to interview. Finally, document analysis was done. The learning areas for the senior phase (grades 7 to 9) of the General Education and Training Band (GET) of the RNCS were coded and analysed in order to discover emergent themes within the RNCS and how these link with the Montessori curriculum arrangement for this age group. It became apparent that Montessori classrooms, both prior to and for the senior phase, are divided into three areas, namely language, mathematics and cultural studies. Based on this knowledge, as well as the documentary analysis, an integrated learning programme, grounded in the data analysis, was designed. It was found that the RNCS matches well with Montessori’s curriculum arrangement. Thus, this learning programme is in line with Montessori’s curriculum arrangement for the senior phase of the GET band. Such a curriculum arrangement integrates the learning outcomes and assessment standards from arts and culture, economic and management sciences, life orientation, natural sciences, social sciences and technology into different studies. These are globally referred to as cultural studies. However, specific attention was also given to moral education, self-expression through music, art and drama, entrepreneurship, career education and sport. The conclusion was reached that an integrated learning programme, based on Montessori principles and in line with the RNCS requirement, is possible for the Knysna Montessori School.

D.Ed. (Psychology) / To adhere to present day demands, leadership in the primary as well as in the secondary schools requires a specific form of education and training to enable our youth to cope with these requirements. Educational authorities - especially school authorities- are therefore compelled to address the matter of training, identification and utilization of leaders in a different way. Leadership development should also therefore be part of the educational programme and not an accessory or fractional component thereof. Leaders should undergo training in such a way that leadership potential can be nurtured and exploited to the utmost. These goals could in particular be achieved if the theories in regard to systems, as well as specific approaches in regard to teaching and learning, are taken into account. For the above mentioned reasons this research was centred around the construction of a model for leadership development in the primary school. The specific aim of the model is to ensure that as many pupils as possible - if not all - will be involved in a long term leadership training programme. The reward for such a venture in the short term is directly linked to what a schools benefits can be in a number of ways ranging from assista?ce of teachers to the enhancement of the school's managerial structure. In the long term, of course, the ultimate benefit lies in the fact that our future leaders are secured on all levels of society. A theory generational approach was used in the design and description of the model for leadership development in the primary school. The methodology of Chinn & Jacobs (1987) was combined with that of Dickoff, James & Wiedenbach (1968) as well as that of Mouton & Marais (1992) in this process. The following steps were included in this combined approach a) The identification, definition and classification of concepts central to the model. Concepts were identified by utilizing two different methods a literature survey of the systems theory - a dictionary and literature survey of the concepts concerned ; The definition of concepts proceeded according to Wandelt's three-step method (In: Wandelt & Stewart, 1975), after which concepts were classified by means of the survey list of Dickoff, James & Wiedenbach (1968) b) The identification of the assumptions upon which the model is based c) The clarification of the aim and parameters of the model d) The formulation of relationship statements between concepts e) A description of the structure and processes inherent to the model. The description of the structure and process of the model was followed by an evaluation of the model by experts in their field. That was followed by the formulation of certain guidelines and conclusions concerning the model as well as the indication of specific shortcomings or limitations of the research. The research was concluded with recommendations referring to various aspects in connection with the field of study. 'The result of the study is a model for developing leadership in the primary school by involving all the pupils in the school on a continuous basis within the existing academic programme. It is possible to achieve the goals that have been set in the model, especially if all the teachers who are involved in the programme are well informed and motivated in regard to the ~rocess of leadership development within the framework of this model.

Thesis (M.A. (English Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2015. / This study explores reading comprehension in rural and urban schools. The study was conducted against the background that it takes five to seven years for second language (L2) learners to become proficient in the English language. Generally, learners in rural schools use the mother tongue as the language of schooling. English is introduced only as a medium of instruction at Grade Four, although this is not often implemented or applied. By contrast, in urban schools the medium of instruction is English from as early as Grade R. As a result of this discrepancy in practice, learners in urban and rural schools have different experiences. This study was conducted to gain more insight into the reading comprehension and reading preferences of learners in both rural and urban schools, especially since there is a mismatch between the language policy on paper and the language realities on the ground. Descriptive statistics and analysis of variance was used to measure differences, determine mean scores and analyse tendencies of preferences. The total mean score for reading comprehension obtained by learners from Grade Four Rural (GFR) was 1.48, whereas the mean score for Grade Four Urban (GFU) was 1.92. From these scores, it is evident that the learners from GFR gave comparatively more wrong answers than their counterparts from GFU. Similarly, the results from the Grade Seven learners showed that there was a significant difference in mean scores (or performance) between Grade Seven Rural (GSR) and Grade Seven Urban (GSU) since the mean score for GSR was 1.37, while that for GSU was 2.24. The English language was preferred by the majority of the learners. The results of the study show that learners lack adequate proficiency in English second language to enable them to use it solely and effectively as a medium of instruction and learning. In addition, a low reading comprehension performance was noted, with the majority of the participants scoring below 50%. Recommendations are provided to improve the reading comprehension and performance of the learners.

Bibliography: pages 123-132. / The dissertation reports on a study of the classroom practice of four Grade One teachers who teach in multilingual classrooms. The report seeks to provide a descriptive analysis of what these teachers say and do as they teach their pupils a concept of print. Increasing numbers of teachers in South African schools find themselves teaching linguistically diverse groups of pupils. While these teachers are most often unable to speak or understand the home languages of all of the pupils in their classes, they are faced with the task of teaching pupils to read in a language which may not be equally familiar to all of them. The reading lessons of four teachers in four schools were observed over a period of six months as they taught Grade One pupils to read. Instruments in the form of observation schedules, questionnaires, miscue analysis schedules and a schedule of indicators were designed to collect information on both the teachers' practice and pupil outcomes. A Vygotskian theory of teaching and learning is used to interrogate the data. The study shows that there are differences in the ways that these teachers demonstrate an understanding of print to their pupils as well as in the ways in which the teachers mediate a concept of print. The study further shows that the teachers' understanding of the task of teaching children to read and their understanding of teaching and learning has significant pedagogical implications for the ways in which they develop pupils' concept of print. The study concludes that the teachers' demonstrations of the way in which print works have a greater impact on their pupils developing a concept of print than their own inability to speak and understand the home languages of all of the pupils in their classes.

Submitted in fulfillment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Education in the Department of Educational Psychology in the Faculty of Education at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2006. / The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of substance abuse by senior primary school learners on their development This was achieved via a literature study and an empirical study. In the light of the findings certain recommendations which can assist educators, principals, parents and the Department of Education to plan and take action in order to combat drug abuse and addiction amongst senior primary school learners, were formulated. Schools have always had and will always have significant influence on learners' lives and must therefore be the focus of any effective implementation of arresting strategies. The senior primary school community has in the past and to a certain extent in the present not treated the increasing use of drugs as a priority. This could possibly be because of the many types of legitimate drugs that are available, and which are said to cure, prevent or slow down-diseases and enable people to lead longer, healthier and happier lives. Antibiotics have improved the treatment of infections and vaccines have prevented the spread of diseases such as measles, while analgesics have lessened or eliminated pain. However, it should be the harmful and illegal drugs that parents and the community should be made aware of. Illegal and harmful drugs infiltrate all levels of society, asking no name, title or gender. They come in many names and forms and they will negatively impact on health, sanity, families and finally people's lives. The literature study found that substance abuse affected the physical, psychological (cognitive and affective), social and normative development of the senior primary school learner. For the purpose of the empirical investigation, a self-structured questionnaire for educators was utilized. The data obtained from the completed questionnaires was processed and analyzed by means of descriptive statistics. The findings

The policy of Inclusive Education (IE) in White Paper 6 (2001) acknowledges that all children can learn with support. The aim of this study is to explore the experiences of Learning Support Teachers (LSTs) in supporting Foundation Phase teachers in implementing Inclusive Education (IE) in Gauteng Province, South Africa. A lack of support for teachers and learners in IE has dominated current discussions on education. According to the Department of Education (DoE, 2000:28), the establishment of an IE system in schools would require appropriate district as well as institution level support services, and more than just accepting learners with different learning needs in mainstream classrooms. Many teachers have not had the benefit of being trained to teach learners who experience barriers to learning, hence most find it difficult. Although specialist teachers in the form of Learning Support Teachers (LSTs) have been employed in the Foundation Phase to fill that gap and assist classroom teachers, the learners are not receiving the assistance hoped for. Based on an assumption that the failings may largely be systemic, this study therefore uses Bronfenbrenner’s ecological systems theory and a qualitative research design to examine the implementation of IE in selected schools, with seven LSTs being interviewed and observed, while documents pertaining to the support rendered were analysed. Seven principals and seven classroom teachers were also interviewed. The analysis employed Creswell’s method and the findings highlighted factors affecting the implementation of IE. The factors include inadequate district support, socio-cultural issues, classroom and management factors, lack of resources and inadequate collaboration between the stakeholders. The study makes recommendations and suggests further areas of research. / Teacher Education / D. Ed. (Inclusive Education)