Philosophiae Doctor - PhD / Social justice is embedded in the South African constitution and various policy documents as an important concept and vision for a democratic South Africa. Yet, twenty two years after democracy, South African society reflects the entrenched racial and class divisions of the past. The educational context mirrors the persistence of historical, political and social patterns of advantage and disadvantage. The position taken in this study is that social justice and social injustice are inextricably linked. This study is based on the premise that, in order to understand social justice, social injustice needs to be understood and articulated. This study was situated in a rural education district where past unequal spatial, educational and social stratifications persist. The study was conducted in four rural schools to explore twelve primary school teachers' onto-epistemological assumptions of the world and their interpretations and meanings of social justice and injustice. Three related lenses, social justice, spatial justice and epistemic injustice were used to theoretically frame the study. Teachers' life histories were explored using a grounded theory approach as methodology. A three phased reflective process was used to explore and deepen understandings of social justice. The findings suggest that the perpetuation of past injustices and inequalities are based on deeply held different racialised understandings of social justice and injustice, resulting in racially situated narratives of social justice and injustice. The present narratives of who should be taught by whom, where and what should be taught also contribute to the perpetuation of racially situated narratives and injustices. Through dialogue teachers were able to deepen their understandings of their own experience and gain insight into the experiences of the 'othe'. A further position taken in this study is that in social justice research the researcher is not neutral. This study explored the role of the social justice researcher and drew learnings of the socially just researcher as a reflexive and 'just listener'. The study makes recommendations for further socio-spatial-epistemic justice research and for its inclusion in pre-and in-service teacher courses as extensions of the development of a critical discourse on social justice in South African education.

This research reports on the factors that a sample of teachers in a rural Primary and Secondary School perceive as being influential on the initiation and implementation of a curricular innovation. The innovation herein is the creation of a Gifted and Talented Programme to cater for identified students in this school, an area of current interest amongst educators and researchers in New South Wales and Australia. A methodology is outlined for the collection and interpretation of data on the factors involved, that may be employed by coordinators and researchers interested in curricular provision for Gifted and Talented children. In this case study school, it was found that the factors were many and varied, that they differed in their supportive or inhibitive nature in the Primary and Secondary Schools. These findings provided a foundation for subsequent planning in the initiation stages of the implementation of this innovation. This research had important implications for this School that may be of interest for future research in other schools.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Language Education)) --University of Limpopo, 2018 / Despite the introduction of a number of educational policies and measures (for example, the Foundation for Learning Campaign, the National Reading Strategy (2008), Integrated National Literacy and Numeracy Strategy (INLNS) (Department of Basic Education, 2011), Certificate in Primary English Language Teaching (CiPELT)) in 2012-13 to increase the quality of education during and over twenty three years of democracy in South Africa, there are still problems with regard to reading levels of rural South African learners in the intermediate phase. The in/ability to read at grade level, still persist even after the introduction of teaching of English as a subject from Grade 1 in all schools as prescribed by CAPS. Available literature on reading in/abilities in South African schools concedes that the problem lies in the primary schools. The aim of this study was to investigate and determine an effective approach to teaching reading skills in the intermediate phase. I employed convergent parallel design as both the quantitative and qualitative strands were used concurrently and equally. The convergent parallel design is suitable for this study as it allows me to compare and contrast quantitative statistical results with qualitative findings for corroboration and validation purposes. The four main approaches which are; Phonemic awareness, Read-aloud, Shared Reading and Guided Group Reading were tested through the employment of an intervention administered to individual groups of grade 4 learners applying a particular approach for seven weeks. In the light of the aim of the study, it is clear from data presentation that Read-aloud approach yielded better results in terms of developing and promoting reading skills in the rural intermediate phase. Results of post-intervention comprehension test show that the Read-aloud group had remarkable improvement in terms of the number of learners who could read at an acceptable level. Teachers’ experiences about an effective approach were explored through the questionnaire and interviews; and their responses corroborated findings from learners’ post-intervention comprehension test. Nevertheless, Group Guided Reading should not be ignored as the group that was taught reading using this approach had significant improvement that was corroborated by teacher participants’ responses in both the questionnaire and interviews. Thus, in this study I argue that Read-aloud promote and develop reading skills in the rural intermediate phase.

The purpose of this study was to determine how learner support has been implemented in rural, historically coloured, Afrikaans primary schools in a part of the Northern Cape, in particular with regard to what teachers, education administrators, parents and learners understand about learner support, the participants' understanding of learner support compared to the White Paper 6, to what extent schools agree and disagree in their implementation of learner support, and the indicators for realistic learner support in this context. This study made use of the conceptual framework of Transformative Inclusive Education. A qualitative research approach was followed. In this study the research design known as Appreciative Inquiry was used. Findings indicated that learner support is indeed implemented in this specific context. It is also clear that the participants have a good understanding of learner support which corresponds well with the policy position, namely that learner support entails academic support but also other developmental activities which all in the end benefit learners’ scholastic achievement. The schools agree in large part in their implementation of learner support and differ only where contextual differences dictate. The indicators for realistic learner support in this context include professional commitment, mutual dedication to each other by the school and the community, countering the potential negative effects of geographical isolation and building strong networks with external partners. / Thesis (MEd (Learner Support))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

The purpose of this study was to determine how learner support has been implemented in rural, historically coloured, Afrikaans primary schools in a part of the Northern Cape, in particular with regard to what teachers, education administrators, parents and learners understand about learner support, the participants' understanding of learner support compared to the White Paper 6, to what extent schools agree and disagree in their implementation of learner support, and the indicators for realistic learner support in this context. This study made use of the conceptual framework of Transformative Inclusive Education. A qualitative research approach was followed. In this study the research design known as Appreciative Inquiry was used. Findings indicated that learner support is indeed implemented in this specific context. It is also clear that the participants have a good understanding of learner support which corresponds well with the policy position, namely that learner support entails academic support but also other developmental activities which all in the end benefit learners’ scholastic achievement. The schools agree in large part in their implementation of learner support and differ only where contextual differences dictate. The indicators for realistic learner support in this context include professional commitment, mutual dedication to each other by the school and the community, countering the potential negative effects of geographical isolation and building strong networks with external partners. / Thesis (MEd (Learner Support))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

MEDEM / Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Management

This investigation is carried out with the desire to create a framework for digital learning tools in the region of Guanajuato, Mexico aimed towards primary schools in rural parts of the area. The framework is meant to be an aid in the implementation of technological equipments, especially tablets, and shed light on the most important aspects to take into consideration when designing and creating applications for those. In order to gather data, interviews and user tests were carried out with primary school students as well as with principals and teachers of primary schools in the mentioned area. The results show that clear feedback, intuitive graphics and appropriate levels of difficulty is of importance, as well as adaptability to users. No preference was noted regarding motions or amount of text. Norman’s design principles were additionally confirmed to be one of the vital parts to take into consideration. The challenges that come into the picture when implementing digital tools into classrooms seem to circulate around socio-economic aspects and insufficient resources such as wifi, power supply and personnel. However, these challenges may be worth taking upon, as implementing EdTech can benefit both students and teachers in many aspects and establish learning more in line with the trends in society where technology is on a constant rise. / Denna utredning genomförs med strävan att skapa ett ramverk för digitala lärverktyg i regionen Guanajuato, Mexico riktat mot grundskolor på landsbygden i området. Ramverket är tänkt att vara ett hjälpmedel vid implementering av teknisk utrustning, särskilt surfplattor, och belysa de viktigaste aspekterna att ta hänsyn till när man designar och skapar applikationer för dessa. För att samla in data har intervjuer och användartest genomförts med såväl grundskoleelever som med rektorer och lärare på grundskolor inom nämnda området. Resultaten visar att tydlig feedback, intuitiv grafik och svårighetsgrad är av betydelse, liksom anpassning till användaren. Ingen preferens noterades beträffande rörelser eller mängden text. Normans designprinciper bekräftades dessutom att vara en av de viktiga delarna att ta hänsyn till. De utmaningar som kommer in i bilden när man implementerar digitala verktyg i klassrummet verkar cirkulera kring socioekonomiska aspekter och otillräckliga resurser såsom wifi, strömförsörjning och personal. Men dessa utmaningar kan vara värda att ta sig an eftersom en inkorporering av EdTech kan gynna både elever och lärare i många aspekter och etablera lärande mer i linje med trenderna i samhället där tekniken är på ständig uppgång.

The under-representation of women in positions of leadership in primary schools is common in many developing countries, raising issues of equity, social justice and sustainable development. Studies on gender and leadership have revealed that a number of barriers existed for women seeking positions of educational leadership. This includes social-cultural factors, the expectations of the society, as well as women’s perceptions of themselves, and of leadership. This study was concerned with the representation of women in leadership positions in Kenya’s rural primary schools. In particular, it explored the educational leadership experiences of women working in schools in the rural areas within Kajiado County. It sought strategies to enhance the participation of women in leadership roles in rural primary schools. The data were primarily gathered by means of qualitative methods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with fifteen female head teachers drawn from public primary schools. Unstructured observation was done during visits to the schools, and during the interviews, field-notes were taken. The women gave rich descriptions of the various aspects of their work-lives within the context of sharing the challenges and strengths experienced in their careers. Secondary data were gathered by means of research, where the researcher reviewed the existing literature on women and leadership. The data that were collected were analyzed, categorized, synthesized and interpreted. The findings were presented in rich descriptions, which also included anecdotes from the participants. The key findings revealed administrative challenges, which included the grievances of the parents, limited resources, issues with accountability, time-management and the handling of difficult teachers. Personal challenges included wavering self-confidence, problems with trying to balance work and social lives, as well as home-work conflicts. The findings revealed the participants’ inadequate preparation for their leadership roles, and society’s initial skepticism on women’s school leadership. The study also revealed women’s reluctance to take up leadership positions, as was evidenced by their reluctance in applying for the positions.The study found that the participation of women in primary school leadership positions could be enhanced by means of attractive remuneration, effective mentoring, positive role-models, programmes for the preparation for leadership, and the assurance of limited geographical movement on promotion. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Rural primary schools have got an immense role to play regarding the educational foundation for the subsequent phases of schooling. In ensuring that an extremely solid foundation is laid. the creation and maintenance of a positive culture of teaching and learning becomes extremely very important in this category of schools. It is the primary task of the primary school principal to ensure that quality teaching and learning is taking place in her/his school. I Iowever, in ensuring that a positive culture of teaching and learning becomes a reality in their schools, principals cannot work in isolation but, in collaboration with other potential stakeholders. A variety of factors like good management on the part of principals to good commitment and involvement on the part of other stakeholders like educators, learners, parents. community, business people and the government. lead to teaching and learning of a very high and acceptable standard. The purpose of this research project was to investigate how principals of rural primary schools create and maintain a culture of teaching and learning. The outcomes of this investigation could assist rural primary school principals in their attempts towards ensuring a positive culture of teaching and learning. The outcomes could also assist other stakeholders as to how best can they assist rural primary school principals in making schools centers for a positive culture of teaching and learning. The methodology of research for this investigation is quantitative. The questionnaire was used as a tool for empirical data collection. This research project has revealed several mechanisms that arc utilized by rural primary school principals in creating and maintain a culture ofteaching and learning. It also emerged from thi s study that in creating and maintaining COLT in schools, rural primary school principals encounter some problems that need the undivided attention of every education stakeholder. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Rural primary schools have got an immense role to play regarding the educational foundation for the subsequent phases of schooling. In ensuring that an extremely solid foundation is laid. the creation and maintenance of a positive culture of teaching and learning becomes extremely very important in this category of schools. It is the primary task of the primary school principal to ensure that quality teaching and learning is taking place in her/his school. I Iowever, in ensuring that a positive culture of teaching and learning becomes a reality in their schools, principals cannot work in isolation but, in collaboration with other potential stakeholders. A variety of factors like good management on the part of principals to good commitment and involvement on the part of other stakeholders like educators, learners, parents. community, business people and the government. lead to teaching and learning of a very high and acceptable standard. The purpose of this research project was to investigate how principals of rural primary schools create and maintain a culture of teaching and learning. The outcomes of this investigation could assist rural primary school principals in their attempts towards ensuring a positive culture of teaching and learning. The outcomes could also assist other stakeholders as to how best can they assist rural primary school principals in making schools centers for a positive culture of teaching and learning. The methodology of research for this investigation is quantitative. The questionnaire was used as a tool for empirical data collection. This research project has revealed several mechanisms that arc utilized by rural primary school principals in creating and maintain a culture ofteaching and learning. It also emerged from thi s study that in creating and maintaining COLT in schools, rural primary school principals encounter some problems that need the undivided attention of every education stakeholder. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)