The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe how novice students solved computer programming problems in a beginning college level computer science (CS) course with an introduction to object-oriented programming (OOP) and what knowledge they obtained about OOP and computer problem solving (CPS) as a result of their experiences. Additionally, this descriptive study attempted to characterize the instruction provided to students in a beginning CS course as well as students' CPS strategies. An introduction to computer science class at the college level was selected for the sample. One experienced instructor and four students participated in this study. Data were collected through classroom observations, interviews with the instructor and students, classroom documents and researcher's journals. The analysis of the results revealed a teacher-centered instruction focused on syntactical details with an emphasis on the imperative paradigm and an introduction to object-oriented aspects of the C++ language. Results revealed that to develop the solution code for the given problems, students consistently approached them without a comprehensive written plan/design. The process students typically used in developing a solution for the given computer problem involved: (1) problem understanding, (2) preliminary problem analysis, (3) reliance on examples and (4) trial-and-error. Students typically approached debugging syntax and logic errors by (1) following the compiler generated messages, (2) using trial-and-error, (3) performing a desk-check strategy and (4) using the VISUAL C++ debugger. This study identified the features of CPS and OOP learning that can be studied for identifying how students approach CPS and OOP processes in other object-oriented languages (such as JAVA) and how their CPS and OOP processes develop as compared to C++. Differences in programming performances were found among males and females. Males in this study were more comfortable with the mechanical-orientation of programming as compared with their female counterparts. Future research is needed in CPS and OOP to explore gender issues in learning OOP languages. This study identified potential student CPS and OOP learning processes and factors using a qualitative approach. Future research should investigate the factors effecting introductory CS problem solving using a quantitative methodology or perhaps a combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches. / Graduation date: 2003

In the mid-1980’s institutions of higher learning were coerced by the South African government to admit students from all races. As a result, these institutions were confronted with the need to identify preparedness for higher learning, especially amongst the ex-Department of Education and Training (DET) learners. Grade 12 results were not a sufficient predictor for ex-DET learners, and a review of current admission criteria became a necessity. This study aims to develop a suitable science entry-level test to be used as a component of an existing test battery. The test battery is used as an admission tool by the Port Elizabeth Technikon to further assess first year applicants who do not meet the normal entrance requirements for a science course. The only requirement for further assessment being Grade 12 physical science. The science entry-level test consists of a list of validated science skills and knowledge to be used to assess the skills and knowledge mastered at the time of test taking. On the basis of test scores, an assessment is made regarding the applicant’s preparedness for higher learning. This study holds the view that preparedness in students for higher learning in science can be measured by means of valid science competencies. In addition, knowledge of the level of preparedness of the applicant enables further educational support and guidance to be provided where necessary. Research which measures manifest academic ability rather than potential to learn is favoured since it is believed that the former generates psychometric evidence of that which was already mastered academically whilst the latter determines whether the student will be able to achieve under ideal conditions. The content covered by the proposed Science Competency Test was sanctioned by technikon lecturers of first year physics and chemistry courses. The content was taken from the examinable section of the Grade 11 and 12 physical science syllabi. This content is the most acceptable and fair knowledge-base a prospective science student can be expected to have mastered at school. The content was limited to those skills and knowledge believed by the lecturers to contribute to academic success in the first year. Items that tested this content were compiled and pilot tests were administered to Grade 12 physical science learners at various disadvantaged schools. The Science Competency Test was compiled from the pool of trial items after the performance of the items was statistically determined. This final Science Competency Test was completed by a sample of 179 first-time first year science students. The findings of the study were inconclusive as the Science Competency Test showed a moderate predictive ability for only one section of the sample. It further showed that the weighted matric score, WMS was not a significant predictor of future academic performance of the sample either. A discrepancy in performance amongst learners of different home languages and educational backgrounds was also noted.

This preliminary research study aimed to investigate, with the aid of the Science Laboratory Environment Inventory (SLEI), the actual and the preferred laboratory environments as perceived by 264 first, second and third year college Science and Biology students in Cape Town, South Africa. This investigation sought to answer the following main questions: * Are the English and the Afrikaans versions of the SLEI valid and reliable for use as perceptive instruments in a South African context? * What are the relationships between variables such as class membership, the year level of study, the type or level of the science subject studied, the particular lecturer concerned, home language and gender and the students' perceptions of their science laboratory classroom environments? * Do appreciable differences occur between the actual and the preferred environments as perceived by the students? * Are the findings of the present investigation consistent with the results of parallel investigations undertaken overseas? The data was collected by means of standard answer sheets, and analysed by comparison of the mean scores, standard deviations, discriminant validities and the alpha reliabilities of the various scales of SLEI. Bibliography: p. 130-141.

Thesis (MPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / Bibliography / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The changing higher education environment in South Africa has led to a greater emphasis being placed on research production at universities. Currently Stellenbosch University is one of only a handful of strongly research intensive universities in South Africa. The Faculty of Military Science at the South African Military Academy functions (operates) within a partnership agreement between the Department of Defence and Stellenbosch University. The aim of officer education at SAMA is to imbue young officers with a knowledge framework and the attributes of a broad liberal education. As a full Faculty of the University it is incumbent upon personnel in the Faculty to engage in knowledge production and associated scholarly pursuits. This is critical for several reasons: Firstly, for the required intellectual development of each scholar, secondly so as to ensure high quality teaching, and thirdly for funding purposes which are essential for the effective functioning of all faculties. Research is furthermore absolutely indispensable with regards to its contribution to the international and national scientific reach and reputation of the Faculty. To date the Faculty of Military Science has been the lowest performing faculty of Stellenbosch University every year by some considerable margin. The main research question of this study seeks to identify and interpret the reasons for this. In so doing both a bibliometric study and a more qualitative study of the environmental factors between 1990 and 2009 have been conducted. In closing the predominant factors which either drive or inhibit research are identified and possible interventions are suggested. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die veranderende hoër onderwys omgewing in Suid-Afrika het tot 'n groter klem op navorsing produksie by universiteite gelei. Die Universiteit van Stellenbosch is tans een van slegs 'n handvol sterk navorsingsgeoriënteerde universiteite in Suid-Afrika. Die Fakulteit van Krygskunde by die Suid-Afrikaanse Militêre Akademie funksioneer binne die raamwerk van 'n vennootskapsooreenkoms tussen die Departement van Verdediging en die Universiteit van Stellenbosch. Die doel van offisiersopvoeding by die SAMA is om jong offisiere met 'n kennis raamwerk en die eienskappe van 'n breë liberale opvoeding toe te rus. As 'n volle Fakulteit van die Universiteit is dit die plig van die fakulteitspersoneel om betrokke te raak in kennisproduksie en verwante wetenskaplike aktiwiteite. Dit is vir 'n paar redes van kritieke belang. Eerstens, is dit nodig vir die intellektuele ontwikkeling van elke akademikus, tweedens verseker dit hoë gehalte-onderrig, en derdens word dit vereis vir befondsingsdoeleindes vir die effektiewe funksionering van alle fakulteite. Navorsing is ook absoluut onontbeerlik vir die nasionale en internasionale wetenskaplike omvang en reputasie van die Fakulteit. Die Fakulteit Krygskunde was tot op hede die laagspresterende fakulteit van die Universiteit Stellenbosch en die agterstand vergroot elke jaar met 'n aansienlike marge. Die sleutel navorsingsvraag van hierdie studie poog om te redes hiervoor vas te stel en te verduidelik. Gevolglik is beide ‘n bibliometriese en ’n kwalitatiewe studie van die faktore wat kennisproduksie in die Fakulteit tussen 1990 en 2009 beinvloed het, gedoen. Ter afsluiting is die oorheersende faktore wat navorsingsbestuur inhibeer geïdentifiseer en moontlike intervensies is voorgestel.

Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation is aimed at describing gender difference in publication productivity among South African academic authors, and to develop an understanding of possible reasons for these differences. It is argued that the lack of empirical knowledge of publication productivity of academics in South Africa needs to be addressed, as scientific communication through publication is one of the most central social processes in science. Moreover, one form of scientific publication, the peer-reviewed article, has become the single most important aspect according to which academics in South Africa and abroad are rewarded. The focus on gender differences is motivated by the fact that women have been strengthening their representation in South African HEIs, but not their proportional contribution to our country’s output of accredited research articles. A review of the past four decades of empirical and theoretical work on the gender gap in publication productivity leads the author to identify three sets of factors that may account for its existence: gender-socialised differences between women and men, women’s greater family responsibilities, and gender-related deficits in the academic workplace. However, none of these sets of variables by themselves satisfactorily account for gender differences in publication productivity, and they should not be considered independent from each other. The literature review is followed by a review of methodological considerations that need to be taken into account when studying gender differences in publication productivity. Against this background, the advantages and limitations associated with the first empirical project of the dissertation - a secondary analysis of SA Knowledgebase, an existing bibliometric database - are identified. This analysis is aimed at quantifying gender differences in the publication productivity of South African academic authors; at controlling for relevant variables (race, age, highest qualification, rank, institutional affiliation and scientific domain); and at investigating gender differences in the tendency towards joint authorship. The results show that South African male authors publish almost twice as many articles in accredited journals than women authors do, but that the latter’s contribution to the total scientific publication output of South Africa has increased from 16 percent in 1990 to 24 percent in 2001. Part of the gender gap in publication productivity can be explained by women’s younger age, lower qualification level and lower rank as a gender group, but not by any tendency among women to co-author less than men do. This project was complemented by the analysis of primary data collected from the CVs of and qualitative interviews with sixteen highly productive South African academics. This second project contributes to the development of a more in-depth understanding of the way in which men and women’s publication productivity is differentially affected, in a predominantly male milieu and across the span of their careers, by their family responsibilities, non-research academic roles, and gender-socialisation. The dissertation concludes with an integration of the literature review with the main findings of the two projects, on the basis of which recommendations are made for future research, and proposals are made towards rendering the measurement of publication productivity more sensitive to the gender differences highlighted by the dissertation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie proefskrif het ten doel om genderverskille in publikasieproduktiwiteit van Suid-Afrikaanse akademiese outeurs te beskryf, en om ʼn begrip te ontwikkel van moontlike redes vir dié verskille. Daar word aangevoer dat ʼn gebrek aan empiriese kennis oor die publikasieproduktiwiteit van akademici in Suid-Afrika aangespreek behoort te word, aangesien wetenskaplike kommunikasie deur middel van publikasie een van die mees sentrale proses in die wetenskap is. Daarbenewens het een vorm van wetenskaplike publikasie, die eweknie-beoordeelde artikel, die enkele belangrikste aspek geword waarvolgens akademici in Suid-Afrika en oorsee beloon word. Die fokus op genderverskille word gemotiveer deur die feit dat vroue hul verteenwoordiging in Suid-Afrikaanse hoër-onderwysinstellings versterk het, maar nie hul proporsionele bydrae tot ons land se uitset van geakkrediteerde navorsings-artikels nie. ʼn Oorsig van die afgelope vier dekades se empiriese en teoretiese werk oor die gender-gaping in publikasieproduktiwiteit lei tot die identifisering van drie stelle faktore wat die bestaan daarvan sou kon verklaar: gender-gesosialiseerde verskille tussen vroue en mans, vroue se swaarder gesinsverantwoordelikheidslas, en gender-verbandhoudende tekortkominge in die akademiese werkplek. Opsigself verklaar geen enkele van hierdie stelle veranderlikes egter gender-verskille in publikasieproduktiwiteit op ʼn bevredigende wyse nie, en hulle behoort nie onafhanklik van mekaar beskou te word nie. Die literatuur-oorsig word gevolg deur ’n oorsig van metodologiese oorwegings wat in ag geneem behoort te word ter bestudering van gender-verskille in publikasieproduktiwiteit. Teen hierdie agtergrond word die voordele en beperkinge verbonde aan die eerste empiriese projek van die proefskrif – ʼn sekondêre ontleding van SA Knowledgebase, ’n bestaande bibliometriese databasis - geïdentifiseer. Hierdie ontleding van is daarop gemik om gender-verskille in die publikasieproduktiwiteit van Suid-Afrikaanse akademiese outeurs te kwantifiseer; om vir relevante veranderlikes te kontroleer (ras, ouderdom, hoogste kwalifikasie, rang, institusionele affiliasie en wetenskaplike domein); en om gender-verskille in mede-outeurskap te ondersoek. Die resultate toon dat Suid-Afrikaanse man-outeurs bykans twee maal soveel artikels in geakkrediteerde vaktydskrifte as vroue-outeurs publiseer, maar dat laasgenoemde se bydrae tot die totale wetenskaplike publikasie-uitset van Suid-Afrika vanaf 16 persent in 1990 tot 24 persent in 2001 toegeneem het. Deel van die gender-gaping in publikasieproduktiwiteit kan verklaar word aan die hand van vroue se jonger ouderdom, laer kwalifikasievlak, en laer rang as ʼn gender-groep, maar nie aan die hand van enige neiging by vroue om minder as mans met andere te publiseer nie. Hierdie projek is aangevul deur die ontleding van primêre data wat ingesamel is vanuit die CV’s van, en kwalitatiewe onderhoude met sestien hoogs-produktiewe Suid-Afrikaanse akademici. Hierdie tweede projek dra by tot die ontwikkeling van ’n meer in-diepte begrip van die wyse waarop mans en vroue se gesinsverantwoordelikhede, hul nie-navorsingsverbandhoudende akademiese rolle, en hul gendersosialisering in ’n oorwegend manlike milieu en oor die bestek van hul loopbane heen differensieel op hul publikasieproduktiwiteit inwerk. Die proefskrif sluit af met ’n integrasie van die literatuur-oorsig met die hoofbevindinge van die twee projekte, op grond waarvan aanbevelings vir toekomstige navorsing gemaak word, en voorstelle aan die hand gedoen word vir die meting van publikasieproduktiwiteit wat sensitief sou wees vir die genderverskille wat in hierdie proefskrif uitgelig is.

Innovative educators seek technologies to facilitate or enhance the learning experience while taking nothing away from the message of instruction. Simulations have been shown to meet this requirement. While simulations cannot replace the teacher or the message of instruction, they can provide a deeper and more cognitively engaging learning experience. Classroom use of simulations has been ongoing since the 1960's. However, substantive research on their efficacy remains limited. What research has been conducted indicates that simulations possess great potential as aids to instruction. The author of this dissertation pursued this question focusing on whether simulations contribute to instruction by facilitating transfer, improved motivation and increased engagement. This dissertation documents a study in which instructional simulations were used in undergraduate science courses to promote engagement, transfer and knowledge-seeking behavior. The study took place at Midwestern State University (MSU), a public university located in north-central Texas with a student population of approximately 5,500. The study ran during the fall 2006 and spring 2007 terms. Samples consisted of students enrolled in GNSC 1104 Life / Earth Science during the fall term and GNSC 1204 Physical Science during the spring term. Both courses were offered through the Department of Science and Mathematics at MSU. Both courses were taught by the same professor and are part of the core curriculum for undergraduates in the West College of Education at MSU. GNSC 1104 and GNSC 1204 yielded samples of n = 68 and n = 78 respectively. A simulation focusing on earthquakes was incorporated into the curriculum in GNSC 1104 while a simulation which presented concepts from wave propagation was included in GNSC 1204. Statistical results from this study were mixed. Nevertheless, studies of this type are warranted to gain a more complete understanding of how students are impacted by their interactions with simulations as well as the role simulations can play in the curriculum.

D.Litt.et Phil. (Information Science) / Schools of library and information science, like all professional schools, are tied to the profession they prepare their students for. They must balance the needs and demands of the profession they serve and the needs and demands of the educational institution they form part of. In South Africa and elsewhere, there is a perceived gap between the product the library schools deliver and the needs of the library and information profession. The technikons in South Africa are relative newcomers to the training and education of librarians and information workers. Their task is seen mainly as the training of paraprofessional library workers, since it is the aim of technikons to provide relevant, vocational education and training through co-operation with the relevant industries/professions. The qualification structure of technikons makes provision for different levels of undergraduate qualifications in the form of national certificates, national higher certificates, diplomas and since 1994, technikon degrees. The conventional qualification structure used for library and information science training, does not however make provision for certificate qualifications - technikons at this stage offer only the National Diploma: Library and Information Practice. There is presently no possibility for technikon diplomates to upgrade their paraprofessional qualification to professional level. The education and training of librarians and information workers through the medium of distance education is well established in South Africa. The distance education institutions use the same qualification structure as the residential institutions, despite the fact that qualifying through parttime distance education takes much longer. Distance learners therefore could benefit from interim qualifications like certificates, since it could serve as indication to their employers that they are making progress with their studies. There are indications from the library and information science profession that there is a need for more undergraduate levels of qualifications because of the different needs of the different communities in South Africa, especially those of the disadvantaged communities. The qualification structure for library and information science education at Technikon SA, which teaches through the medium of distance education, can however not be changed without consulting the library and information profession. The aim of this study is to determine whether the profession would accept a changed qualification structure. To determine this, the Delphi method is used. The Delphi method is a technique that makes use of the opinions of experts for forecasting future events. The Delphi study is supported by a literature study which serves to put the research into context by ...

The following dissertation focuses on a case study that uses critical theory, social learning theory, identity theory, liberal feminine theory, and motivation theory to conduct a narrative describing the lived experience of females and their performance in two highly selective private university, where students can cross-register between school, while majoring in science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). Through the use of narratives, the research attempts to shed additional light on the informal and formal science learning experiences that motivates young females to major in STEM in order to help increase the number of women entering STEM careers and retaining women in STEM majors. In the addition to the narratives, surveys were performed to encompass a larger audience while looking for themes and phenomena which explore what captivates and motivates young females’ interests in science and continues to nurture and facilitate their growth throughout high school and college, and propel them into a major in STEM in college. The purpose of this study was to uncover the lived experiences of junior and senior undergraduate female science majors during their formal and informal education, their science motivation to learn science, their science identities, and any experiences in gender inequity they may have encountered. The findings have implications for young women deciding on future careers and majors through early exposure and guidance, understanding and recognizing what gender discrimination, and the positive effects of mentorships.

Since the close of WWII, higher education has been central to the growth of U.S. science, but the role of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs)has been under-explored within this narrative. The nation s 105 HBCUs constitute less than one percent of the U.S. higher education community, but consistently have served as a major conduit for the production of African Americans in the sciences, technology, mathematics and engineering. National Science Foundation data reflect an average 29 percent share for the period 1994-2001. The output is even more striking when examined by degrees awarded in disciplinary clusters 50 percent in the agricultural sciences, 45 percent in the physical sciences and mathematics, and 42 percent in the biological sciences. This research explores the role of HBCUs in educating African Americans in science from the boosterism period shortly following World War II, through affirmative action legislation of the 1960s and 1970s, and concluding with current federal policies. A particular analysis is undertaken of Spelman College, a private liberal arts college founded by New England missionaries in the South during the late 19th century as a seminary for former slave women and girls. Spelman presents a unique case to analyze the particularistic characteristics of race, gender and institutional setting within the context of a so-called normative structure of science. Over a 25-year period, Spelman was able to rise beyond the structural limitations of its position as a Black college, a women's college, and a southern college to become one of the single most productive undergraduate institution for African American women earning the baccalaureate degree in science. What new perspectives might the Spelman story specifically and the history of HBCUs generally offer about the history of U.S. science, the notion that careers be open to talent, and current public policy discourse regarding efforts to increase the participation of under-represented racial minorities and women in science, engineering and mathematics? My thesis is that it is the politics of particularlism, not an ideal of universalism, that has fundamentally determined who participates in science and has had a significant impact on HBCUs. Despite these constraints, the contributions that these institutions have made to the U.S. scientific workforce have been enormous.

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