D.Ed. / The aim of this study was to investigate the potential contribution that personal leadership can make to the professional development of teachers. The problem under investigation was the shortcomings in terms of the negative and demotivated professional attitude and values that are evident among South African educators. The general finding was therefore that personal leadership is a particularly appropriate approach to enhance the pre-service and in-service training of teachers because it addresses the one aspect of professional development most neglected in training, namely personal and professional attitudes and values.

This study explored the students' perceptions of active learning strategies in the Child and Youth Care Programme at the Durban University of Technology (DUT), KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The key focus of the study was how the participants experienced independent study and in-class active learning strategies. Of interest, too were the participants' ideas of how the roles of their peers and educators could be improved to enhance the active learning process. Data was obtained from questionnaires and focus groups conducted with the third year students. The qualitative research design involved the collection and analysis of the data and a review of the findings in relation to current local and international literature. This research highlights the roles that peers and educators play in independent study and in-class active learning strategies. The findings indicated that students and educators play a number of roles. The roles of peers included enhancing understanding through explanation, providing alternative ways of understanding, increasing quantity of knowledge and providing support. The roles of the educator included providing guidance, feedback, structure, clarification and skills. Recommendations are made for future research as well as improvements of this active learning process within the Child and Youth Care programme. The recommendations for improvement within the programme include assessment of group learning, curriculum development, evaluation of pedagogy and infrastructural support for student learning. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.

Thesis (MNutr (Human Nutrition))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / INTRODUCTION: The study’s objective was to evaluate the South African Continuing Professional Development (CPD) system for dietitians, by determining their perceptions of the systems’ implementation and participation in CPD activities within the system, that was in place from 1 September 2001 until 1 April 2006. METHODS: The study was designed as an observational descriptive study. Three data gathering techniques were used, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative methods:- i) A national survey of dietitians was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire. The 40 item questionnaire comprised 3 sections, i.e. socio-demographics, the CPD system, and CPD activities. Content and face validity was conducted followed by pilot testing, prior to distribution via post and e-mail, to 1589 dietitians. ii) After the survey, 3 focus group discussions (FGD) were held with 19 Pretoria-based dietitians, to discuss issues that emerged from the questionnaire responses. iii) In-depth interviews were conducted with 6 CPD personnel representing the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA), CPD Committee and the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (ADSA) providing insights from an administrative and managerial perspective. RESULTS: A response rate of 20% was achieved for the national survey. More respondents found the ADSA and CPD office helpful, friendly, easy to contact and their CPD queries efficiently handled. However respondents and FGD participants stated that the HPCSA was difficult to contact and CPD queries were unresolved. Respondents called for simplified rules and guidelines to improve understanding of the system since they felt that CPD information/correspondence was lengthy and difficult to understand. The majority of respondents (54.5%; n=156) and most FGD participants did not find the CPD administration fee reasonable. Affordability of CPD activities was also a concern with 55.2% (n=164) stating that activities were expensive. A few FGD dietitians and 29.65% (n=88) of respondents did agree that there were both expensive and affordable activities to choose from. Statistically significant differences were found between the amounts of money spent on CPD across the various practice areas, qualifications and between provinces. Dietitians’ current CPD practices were mainly attendance at lectures and seminars, followed by conferences and then journal articles. If given a preference, however, respondents ranked conferences as their top preference followed by lectures. Journal clubs were rated third, ahead of journal reading. Barriers to CPD participation included cost, limited activities close by, obtaining leave from work, family obligations and internet access. Variety and usefulness of topics for presentations and articles were also criticised, as was the technical nature of questions. In the new system, the reduced annual CPD points requirement was appreciated, however 51.7% (n= 161) preferred not to keep their own CPD records. CONCLUSION: The study provided some insights into dietitians’ perceptions of the CPD system. Strengths of the current system were stated as improved knowledge, improved patient care and networking with colleagues. Issues identified for improvement include simpler CPD correspondence and reasonable fees. Additionally, ways should be sought to minimise barriers to participating in CPD. Addressing these issues will contribute to the provision of quality CPD within a system that is acceptable to its participants.

D.Ed. ( Educational Psychology) / The purpose of this study, and the planned contribution to research, is to design and develop a training module with the purpose of filling an existing gap in the field of the education of M.Ed. (Educational Psychology) students. Programme development has been applied in order to design and develop the training module in a formative and summative manner. The research paradigm of the study is of a qualitative nature. Qualitative research and the results thereof are expressed in words rather than in numbers. Methods of data collection that were used include questionnaires, observation and interviews. The data-analysis techniques of Miles and Huberman (1994) were used including data reduction, data display and conclusions. Interviews were transcribed and data-analysis was done by catagorising data into semantic units, presenting the results in the form of dendrograms. Questionnaires were integrated as a method of triangulation. A five-point scale was used to gauge students' perception of the training module. Sufficient provision was made for qualitative remarks by students. The framework for development of Thomas (1984), Rothman (1980) and Nel (1992), as well as the curricular requirements according to Kroger (1980) and Knowles (1984), was used in the development of this training programme.. This comprised. four phases, namely an analysis of the situation, followed by the design, development and evaluation of the course. The phases ran as follows: The analysis phase During the analysis phase, the current situation was analyzed regarding the training problem and the state of existing programmes. It was found that a need for training in bibliotherapy exists among educational psychologists. Educational psychologists receive no meaningful or adequate training with regard to bibliotherapy at any South African university ...

D.Ed. (Educational Psychology) / This study investigates the first year of education and training of students enrolled for. the M.Ed. degree in Educational Psychology with the view to describing and also explaining pertinent problems and processes of professional development, especially with regard to reflective practitioning and the role of experiential learning. The rationale for the investigation was involved from major policy documents which addresses the issue of knowledge and the novice practitioner in the dynamic and challenging milieu of reconstruction and development in South African education. The report of the study commences with a theory framework in which reflective practitioning, experiential learning and professional development are explicated. An important distinction in the literature review is the two main emphases in professional training, namely the normative professional curriculum and the dialectic professional curriculum. Both the theory of reflective practitioning and experiential learning are viewed as exponents of the dialectic curriculum in which contemporary theory of constructivism as view of learning is embedded. In this view a reflective practitioner is considered a lifelong self evaluative learner. In conjunction with the perspective of reflection in practice, experiential learning is viewed as potential knowledge. Rounding off the literature review, various models of reflective practitioning are included emphasising the role of the facilitator as guide and as leader. The theory framework is complemented by a chapter on the design of the field study, substantiating the choice of the format and methods of data collection and analyses with views from the body of knowledge on qualitative research. The field investigation is reported in the ensuing chapters presenting examples of data collection and analyses procedures.

M.Ed. (Tertiary and Adult Education) / The technical teacher often enters the teaching profession via industry. He/she comes to realise that, because he/she is professionally unqualified, the posibilities for the development of his/her career are extremely limited. since 1986 the College of Education of South Africa has made provision for these teachers by offering a course that enables them to gain admission to a Higher Diploma in Education. The study showed that the adult learner differs from the typical bridging course student. Among other things, the CESA bridging course student differs in respect of age and finality of vocational choice, and generally has no particular academic needs requiring academic support. The technical teacher as a bridging course student receives no academic support; neither is he/she offered any course to compensate for underachievement or educational deprivation. The connotation in the term bridging course leads to comparisons with traditional bridging courses, and a change of name for the existing course would be advisable. The bridging course covers the acquisition of additional techical qualifications, thus complying with the reguirements for admission to a Higher Diploma in Education (Technical) . The empirical investigation revealed that these teachers are to a large extent academically under-qualified, almost 74% of them have not been promoted at all, with only 8,2% being granted a single promotion to post level 2. From the research it appears that the bridging course student's course should be adapted in such a way that its completion will enable the teacher to complete both his/her technical and professional qualifications simultaneously. After the successful completion of the course a Teachers Diploma should be awarded.

D.Ed. (Adult Education) / A Programme for the professional development of Academic staff at Technikon SA. This research has been undertaken against the background of the contribution that the academic staff at Technikon SA can make in lowering the high drop-out rate of students, delivering high level manpower to the community and the effectiveness of this tertiary distance education institution. After an in-depth study of literature study it became evident that: It students dropping out in distance education is a complex matter and a great number of reasons exist why students do not successfully complete their studies: the responsibilities of lecturers have drastically in distance education; the professional role of distance education lecturers is undefined; professional development of Technikon SA academic staff is neglected; and lecturers have certain needs for professional development which must be identified and addressed. The problem addressed in this study has been to probe into the desirability and the nature of a programme for the professional development of Technikon SA lecturers. The objectives of this study are: It the literature exploration of the nature of and reasons for student drop-out and the professional role of distance education lecturers; the empirical identification and analysis of the developmental areas of Technikon SA lecturers; and to design a programme for the professional development of Technikon SA academic staff. The most important findings of this study are the following: Student drop-out rates can probably be reduced if the necessary student supporting structures are created and established within a distance education institution. Technikon SA as a tertiary distance education institution has developed rapidly over the past 14 years with the emphasis on scientific practice, co-operative education and training, technological practice and rendering of service to the community by delivering high level manpower. The professional role of Technikon SA lecturers comprises: teaching, research. community service and managerial tasks, For effective and efficient execution of these tasks, lecturers should have the necessary skills. There is a definite need for professional development amongst academic staff of distance education institutions which should be addressed by the institution. Empirical research. by means of a questionnaire. as to the importance and frequency of appearance of the tasks was launched amongst the full-time lecturers at Technikon SA and revealed that: lecturers regard teaching and managerial tasks as very important. while research and community service were regarded as not important: and more than 96% of programme for the staff in the form programmes. the group favours the design of a professional development of academic of shorter workshops and self study Findings of the empirical research together with the findings of the sources studied. result in the design of a programme for the professional development of academic staff. After taking various developmental conditions and possible restraining factors into consideration, the programme. based on the QDen systems approach, was developed in five phases. The most important conclusions drawn at the completion of this study are as follows: a definite need for the professional development of academic staff in distance education has been detected: job description of Technikon SA lecturers must be defined and outlined: Technikon SA must deliberately strive to create and establish a research cuIture: and a diplomatic approach towards professional development must be adopted in order to overcome resistance to change

Teachers' Centres are one of the means whereby teachers needs for in-service education and training (Inset) can be met. The professional basis of Teachers' Centres as providers of in-service education and training derives from the need of teachers to develop professionally throughout their careers. Aspects which need to be considered are the need for professional growth and the professional nature of teaching. The effective provision of in-service training requires a knowledge of effective in-service training practise and the barriers that could be encountered in presenting it. Central to any Inset for teachers would be the teachers' needs for such activity. Following on a general statement of teachers needs for Inset the role of the Teachers' Centre in meeting these needs will be examined. Teachers' Centres have specific advantages in meeting certain areas of need for Inset by teachers. A knowledge of the professional activities of teachers activity and methods of establishing the needs for Inset of teachers should promote the effective provision of these programmes. The teacher as an adult learner is important to effective Teachers' Centre operation and the nature of adult learning and variables which affect it will determine the Teachers' Centre reaction in providing Inset. Subject study group activity is very important in Teachers' Centres in the Cape Province and the principles involved in their operation together with practical considerations regarding their operation are important in the provision of Inset. The practical application of theory is illustrated by examples from the East London Teachers' Centre with an emphasis on organisation and the creation of a climate within the Centre for the existence of study groups. The presentation methods used in these study group activities are important and will vary according to the needs of the study group. The selection of methods together with the organisation of presentations and practical methods used in presentation will have an important effect on how they operate. Teachers' Centres have a role to play in promoting change and innovation in schools. The theories of promoting innovation and the roles of the change agent are important. Practical examples from the East London Teachers' Centre are provided. This research, thus, provides a theoretical study of the role of Teachers' Centres in meeting some of the inset needs of teachers as well as practical examples of such activities.

Thesis (MEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2005. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study was contextualised in the broad process of change and transformation in education in South Africa In this study I investigate how SWAP (Schools Water Project) as a resource could possibly enable teachers to use the local environment as a means of promoting environmental learning in their classes: a professional development process for teachers. The purpose of this study is to understand and give meaning to the processes of professional development that might be made possible through using SWAP as suggestion materials for teaching about water quality issues in a local water source close to schools. This process was framed in my research question, "could an in-service process using SWAP as learning support material enable professional development in teachers working at rivers in a local environment?" It is organised as a number of delimited or bounded case studies within an interpretive paradigm. In this study the bounded systems are primary schools represented by a selection of teachers from the participating schools. The research process involved a short period of training for teachers to familiarise themselves with the resource, a supported field trip to provide an opportunity for hands on application and follow-up support visits to assist teachers with field trips and implementation of SWAP activities in their classroom practice. Data was generated at various stages and suggests that materials are an important facet of professional development and the SWAP materials proved to be a useful tool in this regard as evidenced through the development of new skills, acquisition of new knowledge and new ways of teaching. Issues that emerged were that in-service processes need to be organised over long periods of time and support is needed at school level to ensure meaningful implementation of curriculum innovations. An important insight developed is that professional development processes in schools occur in complex systems and are thus influenced by many factors that either support or hinder the process. These factors need to be recognised as impacting factors and taken into account during such processes so that they can benefit the process maximally and not hinder initiatives. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie is globaal geraam binne die transformasie proses in onderwys in Suid Afrika, met die fokus op die nuutgevonde belangrikheid van omgewingsopvoeding in die hersiene Kurriulum 2005. Die studie fokus op hoe "n waterkwaliteitmoniteringstoetsstel (SWAP) moontlik kan bydra tot leerkragte se gebruik van die onmiddelike omgewing om omgewingsopvoeding in die klaskamer te bevorder; "n professionele ontwikkelingsproses vir leerkragte. Die doel van die studie is om die prosesse betrokke by die professionele ontwikkeling van leerkragte te verstaan, verklaar en daaraan betekenis te verleen. In die geval is die prosesse gekataliseer en ondersteun deur SWAP materiaal te gebruik om onderrig te gee oor waterkwaliteitknelpunte wat dalk bestaan rondom "n varswaterbron naby die skool. Hierdie proses word gestel in die navorsingsvraag: kan "n indiensopleidingsprogram wat SWAP as leerondersteuningsmateriaal aanwend bydra tot die professionele ontwikkeling van leerkragte om hulle onmiddelike omgewing as "n onderrigmiddel te gebruik? Verder, hoe verloop hierdie proses en wat verhinder of ondersteun die proses? Wat is die invloede op die leerkragte wat professionele ontwikkeling ondersteun of verhinder? Die navorsing is georganiseer in die vorm van 5 gevallestudies binne "n interpretivistiese navorsingsraamwerk. Die navorsingsproses het 'n kort werkswinkel vir leerkragte, "n uitstappie na hul naaste rivier waar hulle die toetse gedoen het en "n kritiese refleksie daarna, ingesluit. Die leerkragte is verder bygestaan deur opvolgbesoeke waar die fasiliteerder hul bygestaan het op uitstappies na die rivier en klasbesprekings. Data is gegenereer tydens verskeie stadiums van die proses en wys dat SWAP materiaal "n baie goeie ondersteuning was vir die ontwikkeling van nuwe vaardighede, die verkryging van nuwe kennis en die gebruik en ontwikkeling van nuwe strategiee in die klaskamer. Om sinvolle implementering van kurrikulum innovasies te verseker het ek gevind dat sulke professionele ontwikkelings projekte oor langer periodes geimplementeer moet word en dat gekonsentreerde ondersteuning by die skool nodig is om te verseker dat die indiensopleiding optimaalondersteun word. 'n Baie belangrike bevinding was dat die professionele ontwikkelingsproses plaas vind midde in die komplekse sisteem van 'n skool wat deur "n groot aantal faktore beinvloed word, beide ondersteunend of afbrekend. Hierdie faktore/invloede moet erken en in ag geneem word as beinvloedende faktore sodat die proses in leerkragte maksimaal kan gefasiliteer word.

D. Ed. (Adult and Higher Education) / The aim of this study was to investigate and formulate criteria for distance education programmes at residential South African universities. The objectives of the study included the following perspectives: * Definition and conceptualization: to define and conceptualize the relevant concepts regarding distance education programmes for residential South African universities; * A perspective for change: to discuss the challenges faced by South African universities, comprising certain external and internal determinants, in order to justify the reconsideration of present university education programmes; * A perspective on residential university education: to analyze the composition and format of residential university education programmes. * A perspective on distance education university programmes: to analyze the composition and format of distance education university programmes. * A comparative perspective: to compare typical residential and distance education university programmes. * A perspective on the criteria: to design criteria for distance education programmes at residential universities, which could be employed as recommendations for implementing such programmes.