The primary purpose of this study was to investigate primary school learners’ perceptions of educator absenteeism. This study, which was located at a government primary school in the suburb of Kloof in the Ethekweni region, KwaZulu –Natal, attempted to answer the following key research questions: What are primary school learners’ perceptions of educator absenteeism and, how do they perceive educator absenteeism to be impacting on their holistic development in the classroom. A qualitative case study within the interpretivist paradigm which this study uses, was regarded an appropriate methodology to provide narrative accounts of children’s opinions, understandings, attitudes and perceptions of their world. Two data collection instruments, namely the focus group interview and the closeended, were used. The questionnaire was used to enhance the representivity of the study by involving a larger sample of the target group. A pilot study of the focus group interview was done to evaluate the effectiveness and appropriateness of the research questions, and to enhance the validity of the research. The learners’ responses guided the compilation of the close-ended questionnaire. Focus group interviews were conducted with each of the four Grade Six classes in the school which formed the target population of this study, and the questionnaire was randomly issued to fifteen (15) learners from each of the four Grade Six classes giving a total of 60 learners. Using the thematic analysis; and frequency counts the data suggests that learners perceive that educator absenteeism impacts negatively on learner development in the classroom with regards to issues such as learner interest and motivation, learner behaviour, learner-educator relationships, educator support and encouragement and classroom climate. The findings in this study concurred with other research studies, both qualitative and quantitative, in which more specific aspects of educator absence were investigated. Based on the findings of this research, the following recommendations were made: firstly, that learners must be meaningfully and constructively occupied during the socalled “free periods”, when the regular classroom educator is absent; secondly, a pool of qualified substitute educators to be established, to fill in for absentee educators so that the teaching and learning process is not disrupted and thirdly, the department of education should revisit its absentee and leave policy so as to apply stricter measures concerning educator absence in an effort to make educators more accountable for their attendance. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2011.

This dissertation reports on a self-study in which I aim to better understand and improve my own practice as a Department of Education subject advisor, specifically in relation to preparing for the implementation of the Foundations for Learning (FFL) programme in the Foundation Phase (Grades R-3). FFL is a National response to persistent unacceptable low levels of literacy and numeracy in the Foundation Phase in South African schools. The programme is designed to focus attention on key activities that lead to effective literacy and numeracy development. Through memory work and critical reflection, I re-examine my lived experiences of learning and teaching in order to understand what impact these experiences have had on my practice as a teacher and a subject advisor. In addition, I work with a focus group of teacher participants to examine their experiences of learning and teaching as well as their current needs as Foundation Phase teachers in relation to the implementation of the Foundations for Learning programme. Through the self-study, I distinguish areas where I need to improve on my practice and also set out key strategies for change. Areas for improvement include closing the gap between policy and practice, conducting effective workshops, encouraging networking, enhancing communication and addressing specific barriers in rural schools. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2010.

The aim of this research is to understand the views of teachers regarding professionalism and leadership. As a researcher, I also wanted to investigate whether teachers were given opportunities to lead within a professional capacity in their schools and to examine the factors that promote the development of these teacher leaders as professionals as well as those factors that hinder such development. In view of the recent public servants strike in 2007 and 2010, teachers have been brought under the spotlight in a very negative manner. The teaching profession has been viewed with scrutiny ever since and most if not all teachers were being painted with the same brush of, lack of integrity and respect. The purpose of the study was to examine how teacher leaders performed leadership roles and also to establish whether such roles were within professional parameters or not. There was a need to understand how teacher leaders understood the term professionalism as well as to ascertain what factors promoted and hindered the development of teacher leaders as professionals. The study was conducted within a qualitative, interpretive paradigm and took the form of a case study of five educators, who were two Heads of Department and three post level one teachers’ in an urban primary school in KwaZulu-Natal. Data collection techniques included semi – structured individual interviews, a focus group interview, questionnaires and observation. Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings of the study revealed that although teachers were actively engaging in leadership roles, very little was done to develop these teachers as professionals. This study acknowledges that management members of schools play a crucial role in the development of teacher leaders as professionals by creating opportunities for this professional development. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2011.

This study seeks to investigate the extent to which novice Foundation Phase (FP) teachers who are former Post-Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) students, perceive the programme as adequate for preparing them to become Foundation Phase teachers. Traditionally, the PGCE programme focuses on Senior and Further Education and Training (FET) teachers and it is clear what disciplinary knowledge these students bring from their undergraduate degrees. The disciplinary content knowledge that FP students bring to the PGCE is less clear. Students with at least one major (third year level) subject and two subjects at first year level, from the subject areas like Languages, Psychology and Sociology, are accepted into the PGCE FP programme. The PGCE focuses primarily on developing teaching skills. This study also seeks to determine in what ways the undergraduate degree was of help in preparing them to become Foundation Phase teachers. Individual interviews were conducted with six participants, who were practicing teachers, from a group of thirty six students who completed the PGCE in 2008/2009. The study is underpinned by Grossman's theory about teacher knowledge and teaching. Five of the participants who were teaching in rural schools perceived the programme to be adequate. They said that they acquired knowledge of psychological, sociological and linguistic foundations of reading and writing; process and instruction; and that they gained knowledge on how to plan for and use a wide range of curriculum materials. However one teacher, who was teaching at an urban school, indicated that the programme was not very useful in preparing her for Foundation Phase teaching. Rather, she perceived the knowledge she gained at the school where she taught after completing the PGCE as being relevant. She cited that she received support mainly from her mentor teacher who was her Head of Department. These findings seem to suggest that novice teachers learn more in well-resourced schools where there is good support and mentoring, whereas in poorly resourced schools that lack instructional mentoring, teachers tend to rely more on what they learn in formal programmes like the PGCE. / Theses (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

This study explores Foundation Phase (FP) teachers’ experiences of the implementation of the Foundations for Learning (FFL) (South Africa Government Gazette, No 30990 2008) in the Literacy Learning Programme (LLP) (2008). FFL is the new curriculum policy for FP that consists of Numeracy and Literacy Learning programmes. This policy was introduced to address the challenges teachers had with the previous curriculum policy, Outcome-Based Education (OBE) and the National Curriculum Statement (NCS). The aim of this study is to find out how FP teachers experience the implementation of the FFL. This is a qualitative study located within the interpretive paradigm. Informants were purposively selected from two primary schools located in a rural and a township area in KwaZulu-Natal. Eight FP teachers teaching grades R-3 participated in two focus group interviews. To generate data from these informants, semi-structured interviews, observations and documentary analyses were used as instruments. Findings reveal that teachers had to make changes to their teaching approach as a result of the implementation of the FFL and they experienced feelings of being swamped by all the changes that seemed to be too much to understand. Teachers reported difficulties in understanding and accepting new processes, procedures and expectations associated with educational changes. It is clear that it is impossible to successfully implement change in an education system if serious investments are not made in the professional development of teachers (Hargreaves, 2003). Without sufficient, training, guidance and mentoring in the implementation of the FFL in the LLP, teachers feel de-motivated and anxious as they do not understand the FFL document and thus feel threatened by the way they taught in the past. Teachers fail to understand the requirements set out in the FFL document because the prescriptions are too vague. The study recommends a closer relationship with the Department of Education (DoE) for guidance, regular monitoring, mentoring, workshops and training to be conducted by the DoE. In addition, experienced and perhaps competent FP educators, lecturers and non-governmental organizations, e.g. Read Educational Trust could assist in the implementing strategies to ensure effective implementation of the FFL campaign in the LLP. The implications of the findings from this research should be useful to educators, curriculum development specialists, textbook writers and teacher trainers to gain a better understanding of the needs, understandings, challenges and opportunities teachers experience in the implementation of the FFL in the LLP. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2011.

Cette recherche qualitative, conduite dans un cadre épistémologique socioconstructiviste, a pour objectif d’explorer la construction des identités professionnelles de jeunes professeurs des écoles issus des immigrations. Les données de l’enquête ont été recueillies à l’aide d’entretiens semi-directifs auprès d’une population de 20 professeurs des écoles de la région Aquitaine âgés de 30 à 35 ans (10 issus des immigrations – 10 d’ « origine française »). Une analyse de contenu thématique du verbatim des entretiens a ensuite été réalisée. Des comparaisons entre les 2 groupes ont mis au jour des points communs et des différences au niveau : de l’éducation familiale reçue, des valeurs, du rapport à la religion, du choix du métier (désirabilité relative), des représentations et postures professionnelles. L’analyse du discours des enseignants issus des immigrations a révélé l’apport primordial des relations interpersonnelles dans la construction de leur Soi professionnel : c’est dans les interactions et dialogues avec les autrui significatifs de leurs contextes de vie (notamment familial et scolaire) que ces sujets se sont orientés, ont élaboré et concrétisé leur projet professionnel. Si en tant que descendants de parents immigrants, ils ont à relever des défis spécifiques (se construire dans une identité biculturelle, faire face à la discrimination, etc.), la diversité de leurs parcours d’intégration psychosociale et de leurs processus de personnalisation se manifeste par la construction d’identités professionnelles plurielles. Celles-ci se traduisent notamment par 2 manières d’être au métier : s’investir d’une mission professionnelle interculturelle en jouant un rôle de médiateur auprès d’élèves issus de familles défavorisées et/ou immigrées ; ne mettre en œuvre aucune pratique volontariste. / This study, conducted from a socioconstructivist framework, used qualitative methodology to explore the construction of minority teachers’ professional identity. Data collection consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 primary school teachers aged from 30 to 35 years old (10 descendants of immigrants – 10 of French origin). The verbatim was analyzed using content analysis methodology. Comparisons between the 2 groups have shown differences and similarities in their: familial education, values, relationship to religion, career choice, professional representations. The analysis of minority teachers’ interviews has revealed the primordial contributions of interpersonal relationships in the construction of their professional Self (with significant others from family and school contexts, in particular). As descendants of immigrants they have faced specific challenges (face racism and discrimination, build an ethnic identity, etc.), the diversity of their psychosocial integration paths occurs in the construction of contrasted professional identities. Some of them are motivated by a desire of social justice, the goal of creating a bridge between mainstream culture and minority cultures becoming a career mission. Others, don’t do anything in particular for disadvantaged pupils or for those belonging to ethnic minorities.

The purpose of the Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE) (School Leadership) is to empower school principals to develop the skills, knowledge and values needed to lead and manage successful schools. The study sought to achieve three objectives. Firstly, to find out if the school principals were able to use the learning from the ACE (School Leadership) programme in establishing the Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Secondly, to find out if the school principals have succeeded in establishing and sustaining PLCs in their schools. Thirdly, to find out the extent to which school principals are succeeding in transforming their schools through PLCs. The theoretical framework used in the study were Leadership Development Theory and PLCs drawing from the Community of Practice (CoP). The study was located in the interpretive paradigm using the qualitative approach. A case study methodology was employed. Semi-structured interviews, focus group interviews and document analysis were the data production techniques. I sampled three primary schools led by school principals who successfully completed the ACE (School Leadership) programme between 2007 and 2009 in the Ilembe District of KwaZulu-Natal based on convenience. The school principals of each of the three primary schools were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. In sampling teacher participants, five teachers were sampled in each of the three schools. Two senior teachers from the foundation phase, two senior teachers from the intermediate phase and one senior teacher from the senior phase were selected. I also reviewed staff minutes for the period starting from January 2012 to June 2013. The data generated was thematically analysed. The study found that two school principals were able to establish PLCs in their schools and sustain them. The study also found that PLCs had massive impact in transforming the school. I conclude that the establishment of PLCs in schools promotes learning together and sharing of ideas and teaching techniques, among the teachers supported by school principal. / M. Ed. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban 2013.

This study explored the lived experiences of a selected group of women principals in Umgungundlovu district. In South Africa women constitute the majority of the teaching force and yet school principals are predominantly men. Literature showed a number of barriers that prevent women from being in leadership positions. These barriers included social-cultural factors, societal expectations as well as women’s perceptions of themselves potentially being in positions of leadership. An attempt was made to investigate how women principals’ lived experiences could shed light on the reasons for their under-representation in positions of educational leadership. A qualitative phenomenological study was used to generate data guided by two research questions. The data was collected from three women school principals in the Umgungundlovu district and they were interviewed in their natural settings in this case, their schools. The findings of the study revealed that women principals encounter many challenges as they begin their careers as principals as a consequence of resistance from the staff, as well as in their efforts to balance their home and work lives. In order to cope with these demands, the women had to network to make sure they have a support system; collaborating with both staff and learners also assisted in meeting the requirements of their positions. In leading their schools they utilised a caring approach to the staff and the needs of the learners. Their major achievement was being able to work as team. In understanding the lived experiences of these women primary school principals of the UMgungundlovu District, six themes emerged. These themes are: first experiences as initially challenging; work and home conflicting demands; networking as a way of dealing with challenges; the need for spirituality as a way of coping with these challenges; mothering and collaboration as a way of leading. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2012.

Outdoor education as a cultural construct comprises outdoor activities, personal and social development, and environmental education. However, the learning process within the Chinese educational system is mainly based on traditional models of teaching. As a relatively new and progressive teaching method, outdoor education tries to find and consolidate its place within the existing educational system. Thus, the aim of the current research is to investigate Chinese primary school teachers' perceptions and experience in outdoor education. Specifically, ten Chinese primary school teachers reported their views and experiences about outdoor education. The current research uses qualitative approach methodology, which specifically is thematic analysis of data extracted from semi-structured interviews with those ten Chinese primary school teachers. From the thematic analysis of the data four themes emerged to report the participants' opinions. The participants revealed their basic knowledge and perceptions about outdoor education and presented examples including some characteristics of outdoor education. However, they emphasized outdoor activities more than other characteristics and tend to consider outdoor education as environmental education, without other essential aims, theories and practices that defined this multidimensional approach. Besides, although Chinese education is still based on traditional teaching and learning approach, the participants showed the willingness to enrich their classes in various ways. The outdoor activities in their classes were mainly combined observation and participation. The participants also revealed that the places they chose were mainly schoolyard and other places out of the classroom but still within the school. Moreover, Chinese primary school teachers acknowledged several benefits of practicing outdoor education such as stimulating multi-senses to help experience, improving social relation and both mental and physical health, promoting educational knowledge and attitude, developing creativity and imagination, and increasing interest and participation. Additionally, the participants reported several barriers that suppress their willingness of practicing outdoor education, such as restricted time, limited place, large population, lack of financial support, air pollution situation, weather factor, insufficient pedagogical training, lack of preparation, teachers' attitude and preference. It is highlighted by the participants that air pollution situation and large population are two essential factors that prevent them applying outdoor education. The above findings contribute to the current limited scientific knowledge concerning the practice of outdoor education in the context of China. Thus, further qualitative research is a prerequisite so that the results of the current research can be testified and be further discussed.

Cette recherche qualitative, conduite dans un cadre épistémologique socioconstructiviste, a pour objectif d’explorer la construction des identités professionnelles de jeunes professeurs des écoles issus des immigrations. Les données de l’enquête ont été recueillies à l’aide d’entretiens semi-directifs auprès d’une population de 20 professeurs des écoles de la région Aquitaine âgés de 30 à 35 ans (10 issus des immigrations – 10 d’ « origine française »). Une analyse de contenu thématique du verbatim des entretiens a ensuite été réalisée. Des comparaisons entre les 2 groupes ont mis au jour des points communs et des différences au niveau : de l’éducation familiale reçue, des valeurs, du rapport à la religion, du choix du métier (désirabilité relative), des représentations et postures professionnelles. L’analyse du discours des enseignants issus des immigrations a révélé l’apport primordial des relations interpersonnelles dans la construction de leur Soi professionnel : c’est dans les interactions et dialogues avec les autrui significatifs de leurs contextes de vie (notamment familial et scolaire) que ces sujets se sont orientés, ont élaboré et concrétisé leur projet professionnel. Si en tant que descendants de parents immigrants, ils ont à relever des défis spécifiques (se construire dans une identité biculturelle, faire face à la discrimination, etc.), la diversité de leurs parcours d’intégration psychosociale et de leurs processus de personnalisation se manifeste par la construction d’identités professionnelles plurielles. Celles-ci se traduisent notamment par 2 manières d’être au métier : s’investir d’une mission professionnelle interculturelle en jouant un rôle de médiateur auprès d’élèves issus de familles défavorisées et/ou immigrées ; ne mettre en œuvre aucune pratique volontariste. / This study, conducted from a socioconstructivist framework, used qualitative methodology to explore the construction of minority teachers’ professional identity. Data collection consisted of in-depth semi-structured interviews with 20 primary school teachers aged from 30 to 35 years old (10 descendants of immigrants – 10 of French origin). The verbatim was analyzed using content analysis methodology. Comparisons between the 2 groups have shown differences and similarities in their: familial education, values, relationship to religion, career choice, professional representations. The analysis of minority teachers’ interviews has revealed the primordial contributions of interpersonal relationships in the construction of their professional Self (with significant others from family and school contexts, in particular). As descendants of immigrants they have faced specific challenges (face racism and discrimination, build an ethnic identity, etc.), the diversity of their psychosocial integration paths occurs in the construction of contrasted professional identities. Some of them are motivated by a desire of social justice, the goal of creating a bridge between mainstream culture and minority cultures becoming a career mission. Others, don’t do anything in particular for disadvantaged pupils or for those belonging to ethnic minorities.