No description available.

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.

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.

The integration of faith and learning has been an important topic of discussion in regard to the identity of Christian schools and their reason to exist. Christian educators and researchers, however, have provided minimal help to teachers with the task of its practical implementation. Christian school teachers, therefore, talk about the importance of the integration of faith and learning while they often fail to practice it in their daily classroom teaching. In this regard, this dissertation examined Christian elementary school teachers in order to evaluate their proficiency level to integrate faith and learning in their teaching. It also presented the factors that influence teachers when achieving biblical integration. For the purposes of this study, ACSI elementary school teachers in Southeast region and Mid-America region were included. The survey instrument, which was originally developed by Raquel Bouvet de Korniejczuk in her dissertation in 1994 were utilized with a minor revision. The data were analyzed to determine teachers' implementation level of the integration of faith and learning. A t-test was conducted in order to examine if there is any difference in teachers' implementation level according to their educational background or demographic factors. This study also identified the most difficult subject teachers considered when they tried to integrate a biblical worldview and considered the teachers management concerns related to the biblical integration. Finally, a multiple linear regression was run to find out the influential factors on teachers' implementation level of the integration of faith and learning. The study concluded that ACSI elementary school teachers ranked high in regard to the implementation of the integration of faith and learning. They, however, still need to work on changing their teaching techniques, involving students' opinion, and working together with colleagues. Teachers who took classes in theology, participated in training on the biblical integration, and spent more time to prepare for integrating their faith into their daily teaching tended to reach higher levels of implementation. Keywords: Christian elementary school teachers, Christian school education, integration of faith and learning

Thesis (M.A.)--California State University Channel Islands, 2007. / Submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Masters of Arts in Education. Title from PDF t.p. (viewed September 2, 2008).

Thesis (M. Ed.)--University of Hong Kong, 2007. / Includes bibliographical references (leaf 73-74)

Thesis (Ph. D.)--Auburn University. / Abstract. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (p. 550-570).

Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 288-293). Also available on the Internet.

Thesis (Ed. D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 2004. / Typescript. Vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 68-71). Also available on the Internet.