The author examined the effect of personality traits and the buffering effect of social support on psychological well-being of primary school teachers in inclusive education in Hong Kong. A sample of 200 Chinese teachers was surveyed. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that neuroticism was highly correlated with and accounted for depression, anxiety, and burnout in our sample. Family support was found to have significant main effect on depression (R² = 48%, ΔR² = 3%), and anxiety (R² = 63%, ΔR² = 2%) when the main effects of neuroticism were partialled out. Significant moderating effect of family support on the relationship between neuroticism and depression was found. To further investigate the effect of marital status on this buffering model, hierarchical regression analysis was conducted with teachers who were married and those who were single, respectively. The analyses revealed significant main effects of neuroticism regardless of teachers’ marital status. Significant main effect of family support and interaction Neuroticism x Family Support were only found for married teachers. These findings have implications that family support was an important factor in mitigating psychological distress particularly for teachers who were married and reported high level of neuroticism. Interventions of enhancing family support and school support were discussed. / published_or_final_version / Educational Psychology / Master / Master of Social Sciences

This study aims to find research relating to the use of children’s literature to promote vocabulary development in young children, particularly English language learners in Sweden. The main questions address how (methods) children’s literature can be used and why (reasons) children’s literature is often recommended for the teaching of vocabulary to young learners. The study also aims to explore reasons against the use of children’s literature in vocabulary teaching found in previous research. A systematic literature review was carried out, including results from five empirical studies. The studies involved native speakers, second language learners and foreign language learners from various backgrounds. The results suggest that while research has shown children’s literature to be a good tool to use with young learners, careful lesson planning needs to be carried out. Direct instruction and scaffolding using pictures, technology and gestures is recommended. Hence, the teacher plays an important part for the vocabulary development using children’s literature in the classroom.

Στην παρούσα εργασία αναλύεται ο σχεδιασμός 10 διδακτικών σεναρίων για τους μαθητές των τάξεων Γ΄- Δ΄ και Ε΄-ΣΤ΄ του δημοτικού σχολείου στο μάθημα της νεοελληνικής γλώσσας. Αφού επιλέχτηκαν πέντε κοινές θεματικές (ο τόπος μου, το περιβάλλον, πολιτισμός, φιλία, βιβλία-βιβλιοθήκες) για όλες τις παραπάνω τάξεις, δημιουργήθηκε ένα διδακτικό σενάριο για τις τάξεις Γ΄- Δ΄ και ένα άλλο για τις τάξεις Ε΄-ΣΤ΄, με διαφορετικούς διδακτικούς στόχους. Δίνεται στον κάθε δάσκαλο- που επιθυμεί να τα εφαρμόσει- η δυνατότητα προσαρμογής ανάλογα με το δυναμικό των μαθητών του, τα διαθέσιμα μέσα τεχνολογίας και τις σχολικές συνθήκες. / At the present essay it is presented the design of 10 language- based scenarios for the students of the classes C΄-D΄ and E΄-St΄ of the Greek primary school. After being selected five common subjects (my locality, the environment, civilization, friendship, books-libraries- bookcases) for all of the above classes, it was designed one learning scenario for the classes C΄-D΄ and another one for the classes E΄-St΄, with different educational goals. It is given to every teacher -that wants to implement them- the ability to personalize and adjust them to his students, to the computer equipment that afford and to the school circumstances.

No description available.

This study is intended as a contribution and upliftment to pedagogy in South- African Intermediate Phase Classrooms. The thrust of this dissertation revolves around attempts to unravel, intermediate phase educators’ perceptions and knowledge of co-operative learning, and to ascertain, to what extent co-operative learning enhances learning, in intermediate phase classrooms. Through a process of simple random sampling, three intermediate phase educators were selected as a sample for this research. An observation schedule was used to ascertain whether co-operative learning was being practised in the intermediate phase classrooms. Through my observation and discussion thereafter with the educators, it was clear that co-operative learning was not being used as a teaching strategy in the intermediate phase classrooms. Furthermore, these three educators, indicated to me that they were not knowledgeable on co-operative learning and were not exposed to this pedagogy at all. I presented a workshop on co-operative learning, to these educators. Thereafter, they practised this type of pedagogy in their classrooms for three weeks, after which they were interviewed. This sought to provide an insight into intermediate phase educators’ perceptions and knowledge of cooperative learning, as well as to see the extent to which co-operative learning enhances learning. This dissertation encapsulates the findings of the study conducted with educators, with regards to co-operative learning. Findings of the study, indicated that intermediate phase educators, perceived co-operative learning as a significant pedagogy that will enhance the culture of learning and teaching in the intermediate phase class. Furthermore, they indicated that cooperative learning assists intermediate phase learners to achieve a range of academic, as well as social outcomes. Conclusions and recommendations, emanating from the study, list the significance of the use of co-operative learning in intermediate phase classrooms. According to Johnson and Johnson (1994) “ The ability of all students to learn to work co-operatively with others is the keystone to building and maintaining stable marriages, families, careers and friendships ”. Education is the forefront of any nation. It is therefore incumbent on educationists to ensure that schools promote the culture of teaching and learning, in pedagogical styles, that develops the learner holistically and prepares him for society at large. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.

Tyrimo objektas: Vaikų patiriamos baimes. Tyrimo tikslas: Išsiaiškinti trečių - ketvirtų klasių mokinių dažniausiai patiriamas baimes. Tyrimo uždaviniai: 1. Išsiaiškinti kokias baimes dažniausiai patiria vaikai. 2. Palyginti trečių – ketvirtų klasių mokinių patiriamas baimes pagal lytį. 3. Palyginti trečiokų ir ketvirtokų dažniausiai patiriamas baimes. Hipotezė: ketvirtos klasės vaikai dažniau patiria baimes susijusias su kitais žmonėmis nei trečiokai. Tyrimo metodika: trečios ir ketvirtos klasės mokinių patiriamas baimes tirti buvo naudojama A. Zacharovo (adaptuota Lietuvoje Zambacevičienės, 2006) klausimynas apie baimes. Tyrimo imtis: 157 respondentų: 81 – 3 klasės ir 76 – 4 klasės mokinių. Išvados: 1. Gauti tyrimo rezultatai parodė, kad vaikai dažniausiai patiria tokias baimes: bijo likti vienas namuose, baubų, griaustinio, uragano, mirti, pasiklysti miške, kraujo, gydytojų skiepų, gyvūnų (naminių), žvėrių (laukinių), ugnies, gaisro, negerų vaikų, kurio nors žmogaus, kuris galėtų nuskriausti. 2. Paaiškėjo, jog trečiokių mergaičių baimės dažniau susijusios su gyvūnais, mitiniais personažais, o ketvirtokių – su žmonėmis, nelaimėmis, gamtos reiškiniais (p<0,05). Analogiški skirtumai rasti palyginus ir trečios bei ketvirtos klasės berniukų atsakymus apie patiriamas baimes (p<0,05). Paaiškėjo, kad ketvirtokai palyginus su trečiokais (tiek mergaitės tiek berniukai) žymiai dažniau nurodė, kad „bijau mirti“ (p<0,05). 3. Trečios klasės mokinių patiriamos baimės: likti vienas... [toliau žr. visą tekstą] / The object of the analysis: fears experienced by children. The aim of the thesis: to determine fears commonly experienced by the third-fourth grade students. Objectives of the analysis: 1. To determine what fears are usually experienced by children. 2. To compare fears experienced by the third-fourth grade students in accordance to gender. 3. To compare fears experienced by the third-fourth grade students. Hypothesis: the fourth grade students experience fears associated with other people more often than the third grade students. Keywords: primary school pupil, fears, anxiety, experienced. Methods of analysis: to analyse fears experienced by the third-fourth grade students A. Zacharov’s questionnaire on fears (adapted in Lithuania by Zambacevičienė, 2006) was used. The survey sample: 157 respondents: 81 third grade and 76 fourth grade students. Conclusions: 1. The obtained results showed that children usually experience the following fears: fear of staying home alone, fear of bugaboos, thunder, storm, dying, getting lost in the woods, blood, medical vaccinations, animals (domestic), wild animals, fire, mean children, a particular person whou could hurt them. 2. It was determined that fears of female third grade students are more often associated with animals, mythical characters, and those of female fourth grade students – with people, accidents, natural phenomena (p<0.05). Similar differences were found when comparing the answers of male third and fourth grade students... [to full text]

This small-scale study explored teachers’ conceptions of caring within teaching in the Foundation Phase at a combined school outside the greater Durban area. The school serviced children from the nearby squatter camps and surrounding working class community. In this study, I wanted to know how conceptions of caring were made by Foundation Phase teachers’ within the context of their work experiences. Their meaning making and their practice was important to consider. A qualitative approach was suitable for this study. The data for the study was obtained by semi-structured interviews and focus group interviews. The findings show that Foundation Phase teachers have multiple conceptions of caring within teaching. This is influenced by the context they teach in and the frames of references they use. It was evident that teachers were using frames of reference from child development in vulnerable situations, teaching and learning with lack of strong support (from the home and education department) and the futuristic image of the child in order to shape caring within teaching. Teachers position themselves as caring teachers who do culturally situated practice through forming relationships with the children. As such, they identify characteristics that are supportive and responsive to the needs of young children. Their conceptions in relation to pedagogy are supportive of the idea that they need to connect with their learners and create an inclusive environment. This, however, is challenged by circumstances which limits the type of caring that is made possible. A demanding curriculum and large class numbers are limiting the possibilities for caring acts within teaching in the Foundation Phase. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2010.

This qualitative interpretative study used a case study approach to explore the depth of insight foundation phase educators in a public primary school in KwaZulu-Natal had about learners’ educational resilience, especially those from disadvantaged socioeconomic backgrounds. The study design was underpinned by a theoretical framework that integrated concepts of Ecological and Resiliency Theory and was aimed at answering two research questions; • Do foundation phase educators recognize and understand educational resilience? • Do foundation phase educators enhance educational resilience in learners they consider to be ‘at-risk’ of academic failure? A purposive sample of three Grade 3 educators completed qualitative open-ended questionnaires before participating in a focus group discussion on educational resilience. Reliability and validity was ensured through triangulation of data collection methods; member checking of data verified its accuracy. Classroom observations yielded information about educator instructional style; demographic details and language literacy results of six educator-identified resilient and non-resilient learners provided corroborative data. Findings were analyzed and collated into common themes which revealed that foundation phase educators’ insight about resilience was superficial. Educators were able to identify non-resilient learners but failed to be responsive in their teaching methods. Lack of parental support was considered by educators to be a significant factor in the difference in resilience between learners who experienced the same socioeconomic disadvantage. Educators acknowledged their lack of formal training in the concept of educational resilience. The study concluded that the need for foundation phase educators to deepen their insight level about educational resilience does exist and recommends that pre-and in-service resilience education is included in the professional development of foundation phase educators in South Africa. Limitations of the study were noted. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal,Durban, 2010.

Most teachers want to create classrooms that promote the achievement of learners’ full potential. Learners’ behaviour, however, often disrupts the teaching and learning. Instead, the fact that those teachers have to spend so much time sorting out disruptive behaviour makes the classroom a place filled with tension and unpleasantness. Various studies have shown that children’s troublesome behaviour shows no sign of decreasing and teaching has become more complex and more demanding than ever. Although the teacher brings an enormous amount of expertise to the classroom, this is not enough to ensure that effective teaching and learning will take place. Various, ongoing changes in society and education require teachers to add new understandings about learners’ behaviour and the complexities thereof in the classroom. Teachers are thus required to devise practices and techniques to manage their classrooms to promote teaching and learning. Teachers have to employ methods and techniques to ensure that they create a classroom that is conducive to teaching and learning. Some researchers have suggested that teachers become ‘classroom researchers’ to look at their own practice and then evaluate means and ways to improve on it. Teachers are required to become ‘reflective practitioners’ to improve their classroom management skills through reflection and self evaluation. Teachers are also required to teach with influence and care. The classroom context and the relationship between teachers and learners are cited as particularly important in shaping the way that the teacher manages the classroom to achieve teaching and learning. I have adapted a particular approach to my classroom management that is very specific. This approach focuses on group work, social learning and guided interaction between learners. My method however is not perfect and thus I have set out to review other classroom management approaches with the aim of improving my own practice. To achieve this I have looked at the way in which three of my colleagues manage their classrooms and I have aimed to employ some of their tactics in my personal classroom management. The research was approached using three research questions as a basis. These were as follows: 1. What methods do teachers use to manage their classrooms? 2. What do teachers perceive as effective classroom management? 3. How can the environment be adapted to achieve effective classroom management? To explore these critical questions, the case study approach was adopted. The participants were observed in their classrooms and interviews were conducted to get a holistic picture of the classroom management approaches used by the selected participants. The participants in this study displayed diverse backgrounds, classroom management approaches and personalities. The study revealed that these teachers employed various methods in their classroom management. Group work, reciting of rhymes, arranging the classroom in certain ways, maintaining good human relations and keeping learners gainfully occupied were some of the methods that the participants in the study have employed to achieve effective classroom management. These teachers perceived effective classroom management very differently. Some saw it as a way of getting learners involved in the lesson to minimise distraction, while others had a somewhat idealistic view on this issue. The study also revealed that the teachers involved had reorganised their classrooms, divided their classes into manageable smaller groups and even flooded their learners with work to change the environment to achieve effective classroom management. The findings of this study can be of value in discussion to seek solutions or alternatives to address effective classroom management in schools that experience concerns on this vital issue. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2009.

This small-scale study sought to investigate “Teacher experiences and practices of Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) at a primary school in KwaZulu-Natal”. This qualitative study gathered data through the case study approach guided by the following key questions: 1. What are the teachers’ understanding of how IQMS evaluation process works? 2. What are the teachers’ perceptions of the shortcomings of the IQMS? 3. How do teachers perceive the support that they may have received or not received as a result of IQMS interventions? The study entailed interviewing the principal of a school, deputy principal, three heads of department and four level one educators; providing and administering questionnaires to ten level one educators; and doing documents analysis. The findings of the study revealed that the teachers understand the purpose of the IQMS policy but this policy is challenged when coming to its implementation. It emerged from the findings that one factor contributing to the unfairness of the system, was the tendency to give high scores on educator’s performance when the performance is not up to the standard. Level one educators argue that the system allows educators to appoint their friends to act as DSG members, and that in their minds, this presents some flaws which undermine good intentions of the policy. It was also fond that the National Department of Education made assumption that the educators have skills to evaluate themselves and that all educators are honest and trustworthy people and this in their view, contributes to ineffective implementation of the IQMS policy. The teachers feel that they needed training on self- iv evaluation prior to the implementation of this policy. The issue of the lack of physical resources in schools was also raised. These physical resources need to be used in the classroom during the teacher evaluation in class and during the professional development of educators in order to assist them to grasp the new concepts easily. It also emerged from the findings that the Teacher Unions who represented the educators during the initial stages of the introduction of the IQMS policy, did not express all the teachers’ concerns regarding the policy and as a result the educators still do not have the ownership of the policy. In the light of what has been said above, I recommended that the National Department of Education must review this policy and change some of its aspects where the teachers have concerns, for example, an expert in the subject/learning area in which the teacher is evaluated, must be appointed and serve in the DSG instead of a friend appointed by the teacher. This will eliminate the awarding of undeservedly high marks and dishonesty. The expert may be appointed within the school or from a neighbouring school or district office. I further recommended that the educators need to be trained in a workshop on how to do self-evaluation or self-reflection in preparation for their appraisal. These are the important skills that the teachers need to acquire so that they will be honest to themselves and effectively determine their real strengths and areas of development. Another recommendation is that the Department of Education must equip all the schools with support materials to facilitate learning at all levels. The professional growth of educators must be supported by the physical resources or learning materials. On the whole the IQMS policy needs to be reviewed and revised by the National Department of Education. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2010.