Thesis (Ed. D.)--Illinois State University, 2004. / Title from title page screen, viewed May 23, 2006. Dissertation Committee: Maureen E. Angell (chair), Sharon K. Litchfield, Mary M. O'Brian, W. Paul Vogt. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 171-181) and abstract. Also available in print.

Thesis (M.A. (Journalism)) - Rhodes University, 2007 / "Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirement for the degree of Master of Arts" - T.p.

Text in Afrikaans / Die probleem wat in hierdie studie aangespreek word, is die gebrek aan 'n didakties gefundeerde mediabenuttingstrategie vir afstandsonderwys. So 'n mediabenuttingstrategie behoort op 'n wetenskaplike ondersoek wat bestaande kennis en navorsing met 'n didaktiese besinning oor die moontlikhede en beperkinge van mediabenutting integreer, gebaseer te wees. Om hierdie probleem te oorkom word daar gepoog om 'n didakties verantwoorde grondslag vir die mediakundige ontwerp van mediabenutting in afstandsonderwys daar te stel waaruit 'n mediabenuttingstrategie vir afstandsonderwys saamgestel kan word wat ook binne die konteks van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika toegepas kan word. Daar word dus vanuit 'n didaktiese perspektief na mediabenutting in afstandsonderwys gekyk. Daar word gepoog om aan te dui dat mediabenutting (van die mees eenvoudige tot die mees ingewikkelde) voorafgegaan behoort te word deur didakties gefundeerde mediakundige ontwerp. Eerstens word 'n aantal basiese uitgangspunte ten opsigte van didaktiese fundering en mediabenutting geformuleer. Die belangrikste aspekte wat aangespreek word, is die didaktiese situasie en mediabenutting, enkele grondliggende didaktiese riglyne, leerervarings, leergeleenthede en leerstofverwerking. Hierdie aspekte word as die onderbou beskou waarop doeltreffende mediakundige ontwerp in afstandsonderwys gefundeer behoort te word. Daarna word daar teen die agtergrond van didaktiese ontwerpmodelle, kommunikatiewe beeldeienskappe en media-eienskappe aangetoon dat mediakundige ontwerp 'n integrale deel van didaktiese ontwerp behoort te wees. 'n Uitgebreide model vir die beplanning van doeltreffende mediabenutting word daargestel om benut te kan word as 'n kontrole-instrument vir die mediakundige ontwerp van doeltreffende didaktiese gesprekke. In hierdie verband word daar klem gelê daarop dat 'n verskeidenheid van kundighede (vakinhoudelik, didaktiese fundering, afstandsonderwys, mediakundige antwerp, praktiese en tegniese mediakundige aspekte, en so meer) nodig is om op 'n doeltreffende wyse sinvolle mediabenutting tydens didaktiese gesprekke te verseker. Enkele aspekte rakende afstandsonderwys in die algemeen word daarna vanuit 'n mediakundige perspektief ondersoek met verwysing na die kernaspekte wat in definisies en beskrywings van afstandsonderwys voorkom. Enkele aspekte, spesifiek ten opsigte van mediabenutting in afstandsonderwys, word bespreek en 'n aantal tendense uit die literatuur word geidentifiseer. 'n Moontlike scenario ten opsigte van mediabenutting in afstandsonderwys word voorgestel met spesiale verwysing na die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika. Die tersiere afstandsonderwyssituasie en mediabenuttingsmoontlikhede in afstandsonderwys word ook binne die konteks van die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika verbesonder. Hieruit word 'n didakties verantwoorde strategiese plan vir mediabenutting aan die Universiteit van Suid-Afrika gesintetiseer. Laastens word aandag geskenk aan 'n aantal verbandhoudende bevindings, gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings wat uit die studie voortvloei. Hierdie aspekte gee dan ook aanleiding tot aanbevelings vir toekomstige navorsing binne die veld van mediabenutting in afstandsonderwys. / The problem addressed in this study is the lack of a didactically based strategy for media utilisation in distance education. A strategy such as this should be based on a scientific investigation integrating existing knowledge and research with didactic reflection on the prospects for and limitations of media utilisation. To surmount this problem, an attempt is made to create a didactically responsible basis for media design for media utilisation in distance education. It is pointed out that media utilisation should be preceded by didactically based media design. First, a number of basic points of departure are formulated with regard to didactic grounding and media utilisation. The most important aspects that are addressed are basic didactic guidelines, learning experiences, opportunities for learning and the processing of the learning material. These aspects are regarded as the substructure on which effective media utilisation in distance education should be based. Next, against the background of didactic design models, communicative image characteristics and media characteristics, it is demonstrated that media design should be an integral part of didactic design. An expanded model for planning effective media utilisation is proposed. In this connection emphasis is placed on the need for a variety of skills in order to ensure effective and significant media utilisation during didactic discourse. Some aspects of distance education in general are then investigated from a media-related perspective, with reference to the central aspects that appear in definitions and descriptions of distance education. Some aspects that specifically relate to media utilisation in distance education are discussed and a number of trends in the literature are identified. A proposal is made regarding a possible scenario regarding media utilisation in distance education, with special reference to the University of South Africa. Tertiary distance education and the prospects for media utilisation in distance education are also highlighted within the context of the University of South Africa. Finally, attention is given to a number of related findings, conclusions and recommendations that emanate from the study. These aspects also lead to recommendations for future research within the field of media utilisation in distance education. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didaktiek)

The fallibility of human judgment in the making of decisions requires the use of tests to enhance decision-making processes. Although testing is surrounded with issues of bias and fairness, it remains the best means of facilitating decisions over more subjective alternatives. As a country in transition, all facets of South African society are being transformed. The changes taking place within the tertiary education system to redress the legacy of Apartheid, coincide with an international trend of transforming higher education. One important area that is being transformed relates to university entrance requirements and admissions procedures. In South Africa, these were traditionally based on matriculation performance, which has been found to be a more variable predictor of academic success for historically disadvantaged students. Alternative or revised admissions procedures have been implemented at universities throughout the country, in conjunction with academic development programmes. However, it is argued in this dissertation that a paradigm shift is necessary to conceptualise admissions and placement assessment in a developmentally oriented way. Furthermore, it is motivated that it is important to keep abreast of advances in theory, such as item response theory (IRT) and technology, such as computerized adaptive testing (CAT), in test development to enhance the effectiveness of selecting and placing learners in tertiary programmes. This study focuses on investigating the use of the Accuplacer Computerized Placement Tests (CPTs), an adaptive test battery that was developed in the USA, to facilitate unbiased and fair admissions, placement and development decisions in the transforming South African context. The battery has been implemented at a university in the Eastern Cape and its usefulness was investigated for 193 participants, divided into two groups of degree programmes, depending on whether or not admission to the degree required mathematics as a matriculation subject. Mathematics based degree programme learners (n = 125) wrote three and non-mathematics based degree programme learners (n = 68) wrote two tests of the Accuplacer test battery. Correlations were computed between the Accuplacer scores and matriculation performance, and between the Accuplacer scores, matriculation performance and academic results. All yielded significant positive relationships excepting for the one subtest of the Accuplacer with academic performance for the non-mathematics based degree group. Multiple correlations for both groups indicated that the Accuplacer scores and matriculation results contribute unique information about academic performance. Cluster analysis for both groups yielded three underlying patterns of performance in the data sets. An attempt was made to validate the cluster groups internally through a MANOVA and single-factor ANOVAs. It was found that Accuplacer subtests and matriculation results do discriminate to an extent among clusters of learners in both groups of degree programmes investigated. Clusters were described in terms of demographic information and it was determined that the factors of culture and home language and how they relate to cluster group membership need further investigation. The main suggestion flowing from these findings is that an attempt be made to confirm the results with a larger sample size and for different cultural and language groups.

M.Ed. (Media Science) / Aim of the study: To explore the theories, principles, new models and strategies of teaching and learning in order to provide an alternative to the traditional way of teaching and learning. To develop a multimedia programme in which individual learning is enhanced, using a Guided Self-study programme, being a combination of the Keller Plan and the Postlethwait system. 1.4 Method of investigation An exploration of literature as regards the use of particular media in individual learning. Studying media that will be used in drawing up an alternative programme in individual learning, utilizing a picture, a tape and study guide, bearing the models of learning in Chapter 2 in mind. 1.5 Structure of the study In the first chapter literature will be reviewed to gain an overview of the situation in Black education. Probable causes of the high failure rate in English will be examined through reports by examiners of English Second Language Higher Grade (1990a) and Motau (1990). Standard 7, 8 and 9 results will be studied to recognize the trend in performance especially in English literature, as this will be used in developing individualized programmes later in this study (see Appendix A and B). Bearing this knowledge in mind, the principles of learning by Mursell (1954) and Romiszowski's new model of learning will be examined in the light of the aims of teaching English, which emphasize the acquisition of certain skills and the use of the senses in teaching and learning (Compare paragraph 1.2.3). Romiszowski's model revives this awareness. Various learner-centred approaches will be highlighted in the second chapter (compare paragraph 2.5). The third chapter will concentrate on media. It should, however, be observed that media which have been thoroughly dealt with by other researchers in other studies will merely be alluded to. The author of this study acknowledges the views of previous researchers and would like to use only media that are affordable, and can easily be manipulated and duplicated. The fourth chapter will focus on a synthesis of the script and recommendations for further research. In Appendix A a multimedia programme for standard 9 is described. Appendix B contains a proposal for a multimedia programme for teaching English literature to standard 10. An attempt will be made to include Pottas's steps in drawing up a study guide, Romiszowski's new model (compare paragraph 1.3.5) and also skills, hierarchical frameworks and feedback models (compare paragraph 2.3). In this study the emphasis will be on individual learning. It will be endeavoured to use media and approaches by which individual learning is enhanced and which will motivate the learner to study independently.

M.Ed. (Media Studies) / Curricular media use can be considered as the utilisation of media by a subject-teacher. This implies the selection and integration of media in the tuition study procedure in order to form an integral part of the total teaching-learning procedure. The problem identified in this study is that no research has been done on the Witwatersrand to establish the position of curricular media use in primary schools in the senior primary phase. The objective of this study is to attempt to establish the position of curricular media in the senior primary school phase on the Witwatersrand. This study will essentially be undertaken on the basis of literature and empirical research. In chapter one the context in which the study will be done is set, after which the problem and purpose of the study will be mentioned. In chapter two a study of the literature is undertaken with the focus on curricular media use in the senior primary school phase. Chapter three devotes attention to an exposition of the method of the empirical investigation, the use of this research instrument and the interpretation of the data obtained from the questionnaire. In chapter four a resume is given of the findings in an attempt to consolidate and a few recommendations regarding curricular media use are made. Within the context of the set target and on the grounds of the findings in chapter two and three, the following conclusions are made: It would appear that the position of and attitude towards curricular media use are reasonably positive. Not all of the respondents received tuition in curricular media use during their training as teachers and this is a field that calls for improvement. In-service training is given at schools but not on a regular basis. Teachers are not fully informed on curricular media use and media selection and they are aware of the features of the various educational media but their choice of media in the implementation of curricular media use contradicts their replies. Lack of funds is an important factor. Most of the schools do not have a budget for each subject for curricular media. There is a need for guidelines for the implementation of curricular media use in the senior primary school phase. The following recommendations are made: Primary schools need guidelines on how curricular media use can be implemented. In-service training must be given on a quarterly basis. In-service training must include curricular media use, media selection and media features make provision for this. Teacher training must also Funds must be made available by management for the purchase of curricular media. Further research can be done to establish guidelines for the implementation of curricular media use in the different subjects in the senior primary phase. A comparative study can be done to establish the difference (s) between scholars receiving education through curricular media use and those who do not. Herewith the research into the status of curricular media use in the senior primary school phase within the context of the set aim is provisionally completed.

M.Ed. (Psychology Of Education) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

This study aimed to investigate the role played by the Teachers’ Resource Centre (TRC) in Namibia in helping schools to provide quality education. The TRC concept began in Britain in the 1960s, where it was introduced as a means of supporting the professional development of teachers and giving them access to a range of educational resources. From the 1970s, the concept was promoted further afield as an effective strategy for dealing with teachers’ needs. TRCs emerged in Namibia in the 1980s under the auspices of the then Department of Education of the South African government. By 1989, only four TRCs were in existence, namely, Katutura, Tsumeb, Otjiwarongo and Rundu, plus one in the whites-only training college in Windhoek. In September 1991, the Ministry of Education and Culture (MEC) in Namibia produced a five-year plan that led to the diversification of the TRC network in Namibia. Yet, despite the now widespread existence of TRCs, little is known of whether and to what extent their services are helping teachers to provide quality education. This constitutes a gap in the literature that this study hopes in part to fill. The study was conducted using a case study approach in three schools in the Kavango region of Namibia. It made use of questionnaires, interviews, focus group discussions and data analysis to gather and interpret data. The study’s finding is that TRCs are indeed beneficial to schools in their vicinity, despite their current limited capacities. However, TRCs should be better able to redress the poor quality of education in many schools due to a lack of resources, de-motivated teachers and other factors. This study therefore recommends that enough funds be made available for the TRCs to acquire the resources they need adequately to support quality educational processes. Furthermore, the study found that it is imperative for individuals in TRCs and schools to learn how to facilitate relevant transformation in their organisations’ efficiency and effectiveness. Thus the study recommends a transformational leadership approach as most appropriate for managing learning and bringing about successful change in these organisations. The significance of this research is that it sheds some light on the effectiveness of TRCs as a strategy for supporting teachers in the delivery of quality teaching. It also suggests potential areas in which stakeholders might usefully cooperate in their endeavours to realise quality education.

The twofold purpose of this study was to ground a model of Lens Meaning in the literature of the Fine Arts and Social Sciences and to use that term as a referent in evaluating three Media Studies curricula. Lens Meaning is a term derived from a variety of sources, particularly Peirce (1955), whose semiotic theory described three systems of signs used as terms on one axis of a matrix or model by which Lens Meaning can be described. These terms are: "index", "icon", and "symbol". DeLauretis' (1984) expanded understanding of another system of signs described by Peirce, interpretants, is the foundation for the three terms on the other axis of the matrix. Those terms, which describe interpretation or response, are: "emotional", "energetic", and "habit changing". These, and other terms identified in the literature, provided a conceptual model that might be applied to the analysis and evaluation of programs of Media Studies, and similar documents. Three Media Studies programs were selected for study: from Western Australia, Ontario, and Scotland. Application of the model permitted conclusions to be drawn on the extent to which current issues of an ideological and sociopolitical nature were addressed by these programs. It was concluded that the model achieved the purposes required of it and that it may be of further utility for educators. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

The goal of this project is to create a piece of educational software that most anyone can use without prior instruction. The intended audience is secondary level students and up. The content of the software is in the form of a data bank on vertebrates and invertebrates of the Caribbean ocean.