A lot of changes have occurred in the Department of Education (DoE) since 1994. These changes require teachers to study, implement and assess learner outcomes while providing meaningful, engaged learning for a diverse learner population. To enable teachers to cope with changes in the education system, training and retraining of educators has become a major focus of the Department of Education (DoE). The Department of Education needs to ensure that training provided equips teachers with new knowledge and skills and thus enable them to provide education of high quality. Through the decentralization policy that characterises the new education dispensation in South Africa, School Management Teams (SMT) are required to see to it that training of teachers yields the desired results. To this end the School Management Team (SMT) should facilitate transfer of training among educators by providing ongoing support and coaching to trained educators. Ongoing coaching represents the concrete involvement of managers (principals) and supervisors (heads of department) in work–related transfer efforts. It appears, however, that SMTs are experiencing problems in facilitating transfer of training among educators in schools. These problems emanate from three key members of the training partnership, viz., managers, trainees and trainers. In general, problems seem to be related to trainee characteristics, work environmental factors, and training design and delivery. As a result, a research was undertaken to investigate the perceptions of SMTs about the seriousness of problems that they experience in facilitating transfer of training with the major aim of coming up with suggestion about how these problems can be eliminated. A cross–sectional empirical survey design using a questionnaire was used to collect data from 70 SMT members in 10 schools. The major findings from the research show that SMTs experience serious to very serious problems in the areas of providing time for professional development activities within the regular school day, giving incentives to educators for practicing skills learned in training, and providing resources that educators need to apply their newly gained skills. The major recommendation from this research concerns the training of SMTs in facilitating transfer of training prior to training of teachers. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The study entails the design of a public school in the Pretoria inner city that will serve the needs of a growing number of residents in the area. Influences that shaped the design include the school’s connection with the urban context, needs set by the current educational system and a commitment to sustainable development. A mutualistic relationship between school and city is created. The inner city serves as an energetic and sustaining growth medium for the school. The school becomes a beacon of education for the urban community. Architecture creates the opportunity for a positive flow of information and inspiration between school and city. Functions of the school and city blend. Boundaries between the two become blurred. Architecture becomes flexible. Urban or educational needs can lead to a re-shaping of the building’s function or internal organisation. A temporary stability is provided. Architecture makes the user aware of is or her place in the physical and social context of the environment, just as the user makes the architecture aware of its place. / Dissertation (MArch(Prof))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / Architecture / unrestricted

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / The aim was to establish factors related to learning motivation and learning attitude of learners in historically coloured schools. An eclectic approach was followed because theoretical views on motivation could not furnish a comprehensive theory. The definition emerging from this approach states that motivation is a process started within a person to create a state of need for satisfaction and happiness that can be reached by instigating and sustaining goal-directed activity. The link between learning and motivation, as well as related factors, was ascertained. Determinants of high and low levels of learning motivation were established. Programmes aimed at higher motivation levels were explored. Empirically it was proven that grade 9 learners in historically coloured schools leaned more towards an extrinsic orientation; grade 12's more intrinsic. An intervention programme is suggested. / Die doel was om vas te stel watter faktore hou verband met die leermotivering en leerhouding van leerders in histories bruin sekondere skole spesifiek. 'n Eklektiese benadering is gevolg omdat die teoretiese beskouings oor leerrnotivering nie 'n bevredigende allesomvattende teorie kon verskaf nie. Die werksdefinisie van motivering is 'n gevolg daarvan en lui as volg: motivering is die proses wat in die persoon aan die gang gesit word om 'n staat van behoefte na tevredenheid en geluk te skep wat bereik kan word deur doelgerigte aktiwiteit aan te stig en aan die gang te hou. Die verband tussen leer en motivering is bepaal asook die faktore wat verband hou met leermotivering. Bepalers van hoe en lae leermotiveringsvlakke is vasgestel en ingrypingsprogramme gemik op verhoogde motivering is ondersoek. Empiries is bewys dat die graad 9-leerders meer geneig is tot ekstrinsieke orienterings rakende leermotivering; graad 12-leerders meer intrinsiek. 'n lngrypingsprogram word voorgestel. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (met spesialisering in Voorligting)

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / The aim was to establish factors related to learning motivation and learning attitude of learners in historically coloured schools. An eclectic approach was followed because theoretical views on motivation could not furnish a comprehensive theory. The definition emerging from this approach states that motivation is a process started within a person to create a state of need for satisfaction and happiness that can be reached by instigating and sustaining goal-directed activity. The link between learning and motivation, as well as related factors, was ascertained. Determinants of high and low levels of learning motivation were established. Programmes aimed at higher motivation levels were explored. Empirically it was proven that grade 9 learners in historically coloured schools leaned more towards an extrinsic orientation; grade 12's more intrinsic. An intervention programme is suggested. / Die doel was om vas te stel watter faktore hou verband met die leermotivering en leerhouding van leerders in histories bruin sekondere skole spesifiek. 'n Eklektiese benadering is gevolg omdat die teoretiese beskouings oor leerrnotivering nie 'n bevredigende allesomvattende teorie kon verskaf nie. Die werksdefinisie van motivering is 'n gevolg daarvan en lui as volg: motivering is die proses wat in die persoon aan die gang gesit word om 'n staat van behoefte na tevredenheid en geluk te skep wat bereik kan word deur doelgerigte aktiwiteit aan te stig en aan die gang te hou. Die verband tussen leer en motivering is bepaal asook die faktore wat verband hou met leermotivering. Bepalers van hoe en lae leermotiveringsvlakke is vasgestel en ingrypingsprogramme gemik op verhoogde motivering is ondersoek. Empiries is bewys dat die graad 9-leerders meer geneig is tot ekstrinsieke orienterings rakende leermotivering; graad 12-leerders meer intrinsiek. 'n lngrypingsprogram word voorgestel. / Teacher Education / M. Ed. (met spesialisering in Voorligting)

Afrikaans text / Met hierdie studie is beoog om leerders se persepsies van skool vas te stel en om riglyne vir ouers daar te stel om leerders met negatiewe persepsies van skool te hanteer. Daar is beoog om hierdie riglyne deur middel van praktiese modelle en werksvelle te implementeer sodat ouers begrip vir kinders se persepsies kan verkry en dat konflik opgelos kan word deur middel van positiewe kommunikasie. In die literatuurstudie word ondersoek ingestel na persepsievorming en die oorsake vir die vorming van negatiewe persepsies van skool. ‘n Persepsie word gevorm deurdat betekenis aan ‘n ervaring, op grond van die persoon se verwysingsraamwerk gegee word. Interne- sowel as eksterne faktore speel ‘n rol wanneer persepsies gevorm word. Eksterne faktore behels die verhouding met rolspelers soos: die ouers, die skool en onderwysers, die portuurgroep en die leerder se verhouding met homself. Interne faktore wat in hierdie studie ondersoek is, behels: lokus van kontrole, motivering, emosionele probleme, kognitiewe probleme en gedragsprobleme.Die navorsingsprobleem is verken met behulp van ‘n loodsondersoek as ‘n voortoets en diagnostiese vraelys wat deur die navorsingsgroep van 50 leerders voltooi is. Onderhoude is met vyf leerders gevoer oor hulle ervaringe en behoeftes met betrekking tot hulle persepsies van skool. Bevindinge dui aan dat ongeveer ‘n vyfde van die skool se leerders oor ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool beskik. In die vraelys is leerders se persepsies ten opsigte van verskeie rolspelers vasgestel. Daar bestaan behoefte by leerders dat ouers betrokke en ondersteunend sal wees en dat ouers begrip vir hulle persepsies sal toon. Deur middel van praktiese diagramme en werksvelle is begrip en positiewe kommunikasie tussen ouer en kind bewerkstellig. In Hoofstuk 6 word praktiese riglyne aan ouers gegee oor hoe om sy kind, met ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool, te hanteer. Op hierdie wyse is gepoog dat leerders positiewe ervaringe sal geniet; ‘n positiewe verwysingsraamwerk sal vorm en sodoende positiewe persepsies van skool sal vorm. ‘n Bydrae is ten opsigte van ouerleiding gelewer. Ouers word toegerus om ‘n kind met negatiewe persepsies van skool met begrip te hanteer. / The aim of this study was to determine learners’ perceptions of school and to provide guidelines for parents to deal with negative perceptions of school. These guidelines were implemented using practical models as well as work sheets. These were specifically aimed at enhancing parents’ understanding of the negative perceptions and resolving conflict through positive communication. In the literary study, the constitution of perceptions as well as the causes of the constitution of negative perceptions was investigated. A perception is established when a person gives meaning to an experience based on that person’s frame of reference. Internal and external factors play a part when perceptions are constituted. External factors in this study entail the relationship with parents, school and teachers, peer group and the learner's relationship with himself. Internal factors referred to in this study are locus of control, motivation, emotional problems, cognitive problems and behavioural problems. vii The research problem was explored using a pilot investigation as pre-test. A diagnostic questionnaire was also completed by 50 learners. Five learners were interviewed about their experiences and needs specifically in relation to their perceptions of school. Findings show that approximately one fifth of the learners of the school have negative perceptions of school. In the questionnaire, the learners’ perceptions with respect to a variety of role players were determined. There is a definite need for parents to be involved and supportive. Learners also need them to show understanding for their perceptions. Positive communication and understanding between parents and learners were established through practical diagrams and work sheets. In Chapter 6 practical guidelines are given to equip parents to understand how to handle the child with negative perceptions. The aim of this was to encourage learners to enjoy positive experiences, to form a positive frame of reference and therefore develop positive perceptions of school. A contribution towards parental guidance was made. Parents are left equipped to deal with a child with negative perceptions of school. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)

The image of a school is mechanism that defines a certain school amongst other schools in the vicinity, as well as the country. The image model developed in this study, can be used as a management tool through which the school can evaluate all the different facets contributing to the image of a school, and identify positive and negative factors requiring action plans for maintenance or development. Transvalia High School has been one of the top 100 schools in South-Africa since 2009. The evaluation done by Perry (2009) does, however, only focus on the academic side of the school and not on the other factors as defined by Howard (1998:15) that contributes to the image of a school. The question thus is how the image of Transvalia presents itself, and what could possibly be done to enhance it and strengthen its position between the top 100 schools in South-Africa. It was decided to research die possible factors as identified by the literature study, that supports the image of the school and the measure of their impact. Through prioritization of the factors, management actions were derived to enhance the image of the school. Research was done through a quantitative questionnaire with a sample size of 450 students, parents and teachers randomly selected from each class in the school. The design of the questionnaire stemmed from the literature study done. The results from the questionnaires were used to: • test the validity, reliability and comparative fit of the questionnaire; and • identify critical, development and maintenance areas of the image of the school. Only 345 valid questionnaires could be used in the study. Additional comments from the questionnaires were divided into positive and negative areas, with several main focus points. The qualitative data were then sorted into these focus areas and quantified. The results of the questionnaire as a measuring instrument showed beyond doubt, that the questionnaire was sufficiently valid and reliable to measure the image of a school. A structural equation model was developed through factor analysis and the statistical department of the North-West University to determine the exact influence of each of the pillars onto the image as well as onto each other. The following results were obtained: • Only 79% of the environment contributes to the image of the school where the environment consists of the parents, the Department of Education and the school governing body; • The school culture consists of the history of the school, the climate within the school, recognition, appearance, discipline, safety and religion. Only 82% of the school culture contributes to the image. • Approximately 85% of Product Catalogue supports the image. The Product Catalogue is supported by academics, sport, leadership and tertiary alignment. • Lastly, the image is supported by 84% of delivery mechanisms that consists of the principal, teachers, infrastructure and technology of the school. From the study and the conclusions drawn, the following recommendations were made: • Parent involvement in supporting their children with homework and with sport and fundraising activities, is insufficient and requires development; • The selection of teachers, especially in the lower grades, has to have stricter requirements in line with subject needs; • Safety at school and in particular evacuation plans, requires attention and drills; • Discipline application between the teacher core has to be standardized and focused on reducing smoking students, intensified; • The perception of an imbalance between sport and academics requires proper information distribution; • Formal leadership courses have to be introduced in to the product catalogue; • Performance appraisal for teachers through a Balanced Scorecard and individual development plans have to be introduced; and • A visible marketing plan utilising the various media available have to be developed. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

The image of a school is mechanism that defines a certain school amongst other schools in the vicinity, as well as the country. The image model developed in this study, can be used as a management tool through which the school can evaluate all the different facets contributing to the image of a school, and identify positive and negative factors requiring action plans for maintenance or development. Transvalia High School has been one of the top 100 schools in South-Africa since 2009. The evaluation done by Perry (2009) does, however, only focus on the academic side of the school and not on the other factors as defined by Howard (1998:15) that contributes to the image of a school. The question thus is how the image of Transvalia presents itself, and what could possibly be done to enhance it and strengthen its position between the top 100 schools in South-Africa. It was decided to research die possible factors as identified by the literature study, that supports the image of the school and the measure of their impact. Through prioritization of the factors, management actions were derived to enhance the image of the school. Research was done through a quantitative questionnaire with a sample size of 450 students, parents and teachers randomly selected from each class in the school. The design of the questionnaire stemmed from the literature study done. The results from the questionnaires were used to: • test the validity, reliability and comparative fit of the questionnaire; and • identify critical, development and maintenance areas of the image of the school. Only 345 valid questionnaires could be used in the study. Additional comments from the questionnaires were divided into positive and negative areas, with several main focus points. The qualitative data were then sorted into these focus areas and quantified. The results of the questionnaire as a measuring instrument showed beyond doubt, that the questionnaire was sufficiently valid and reliable to measure the image of a school. A structural equation model was developed through factor analysis and the statistical department of the North-West University to determine the exact influence of each of the pillars onto the image as well as onto each other. The following results were obtained: • Only 79% of the environment contributes to the image of the school where the environment consists of the parents, the Department of Education and the school governing body; • The school culture consists of the history of the school, the climate within the school, recognition, appearance, discipline, safety and religion. Only 82% of the school culture contributes to the image. • Approximately 85% of Product Catalogue supports the image. The Product Catalogue is supported by academics, sport, leadership and tertiary alignment. • Lastly, the image is supported by 84% of delivery mechanisms that consists of the principal, teachers, infrastructure and technology of the school. From the study and the conclusions drawn, the following recommendations were made: • Parent involvement in supporting their children with homework and with sport and fundraising activities, is insufficient and requires development; • The selection of teachers, especially in the lower grades, has to have stricter requirements in line with subject needs; • Safety at school and in particular evacuation plans, requires attention and drills; • Discipline application between the teacher core has to be standardized and focused on reducing smoking students, intensified; • The perception of an imbalance between sport and academics requires proper information distribution; • Formal leadership courses have to be introduced in to the product catalogue; • Performance appraisal for teachers through a Balanced Scorecard and individual development plans have to be introduced; and • A visible marketing plan utilising the various media available have to be developed. / Thesis (MBA)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

Afrikaans text / Met hierdie studie is beoog om leerders se persepsies van skool vas te stel en om riglyne vir ouers daar te stel om leerders met negatiewe persepsies van skool te hanteer. Daar is beoog om hierdie riglyne deur middel van praktiese modelle en werksvelle te implementeer sodat ouers begrip vir kinders se persepsies kan verkry en dat konflik opgelos kan word deur middel van positiewe kommunikasie. In die literatuurstudie word ondersoek ingestel na persepsievorming en die oorsake vir die vorming van negatiewe persepsies van skool. ‘n Persepsie word gevorm deurdat betekenis aan ‘n ervaring, op grond van die persoon se verwysingsraamwerk gegee word. Interne- sowel as eksterne faktore speel ‘n rol wanneer persepsies gevorm word. Eksterne faktore behels die verhouding met rolspelers soos: die ouers, die skool en onderwysers, die portuurgroep en die leerder se verhouding met homself. Interne faktore wat in hierdie studie ondersoek is, behels: lokus van kontrole, motivering, emosionele probleme, kognitiewe probleme en gedragsprobleme.Die navorsingsprobleem is verken met behulp van ‘n loodsondersoek as ‘n voortoets en diagnostiese vraelys wat deur die navorsingsgroep van 50 leerders voltooi is. Onderhoude is met vyf leerders gevoer oor hulle ervaringe en behoeftes met betrekking tot hulle persepsies van skool. Bevindinge dui aan dat ongeveer ‘n vyfde van die skool se leerders oor ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool beskik. In die vraelys is leerders se persepsies ten opsigte van verskeie rolspelers vasgestel. Daar bestaan behoefte by leerders dat ouers betrokke en ondersteunend sal wees en dat ouers begrip vir hulle persepsies sal toon. Deur middel van praktiese diagramme en werksvelle is begrip en positiewe kommunikasie tussen ouer en kind bewerkstellig. In Hoofstuk 6 word praktiese riglyne aan ouers gegee oor hoe om sy kind, met ‘n negatiewe persepsie van skool, te hanteer. Op hierdie wyse is gepoog dat leerders positiewe ervaringe sal geniet; ‘n positiewe verwysingsraamwerk sal vorm en sodoende positiewe persepsies van skool sal vorm. ‘n Bydrae is ten opsigte van ouerleiding gelewer. Ouers word toegerus om ‘n kind met negatiewe persepsies van skool met begrip te hanteer. / The aim of this study was to determine learners’ perceptions of school and to provide guidelines for parents to deal with negative perceptions of school. These guidelines were implemented using practical models as well as work sheets. These were specifically aimed at enhancing parents’ understanding of the negative perceptions and resolving conflict through positive communication. In the literary study, the constitution of perceptions as well as the causes of the constitution of negative perceptions was investigated. A perception is established when a person gives meaning to an experience based on that person’s frame of reference. Internal and external factors play a part when perceptions are constituted. External factors in this study entail the relationship with parents, school and teachers, peer group and the learner's relationship with himself. Internal factors referred to in this study are locus of control, motivation, emotional problems, cognitive problems and behavioural problems. vii The research problem was explored using a pilot investigation as pre-test. A diagnostic questionnaire was also completed by 50 learners. Five learners were interviewed about their experiences and needs specifically in relation to their perceptions of school. Findings show that approximately one fifth of the learners of the school have negative perceptions of school. In the questionnaire, the learners’ perceptions with respect to a variety of role players were determined. There is a definite need for parents to be involved and supportive. Learners also need them to show understanding for their perceptions. Positive communication and understanding between parents and learners were established through practical diagrams and work sheets. In Chapter 6 practical guidelines are given to equip parents to understand how to handle the child with negative perceptions. The aim of this was to encourage learners to enjoy positive experiences, to form a positive frame of reference and therefore develop positive perceptions of school. A contribution towards parental guidance was made. Parents are left equipped to deal with a child with negative perceptions of school. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Sielkundige Opvoedkunde)

This research project focused on the influence of animal-assisted play therapy on the self-esteem of adolescents with special needs. The goal of this study was to ascertain whether principles of animal-assisted play therapy from the gestalt approach would enhance the self-esteem of adolescents with special needs. In order to achieve this goal, the following objectives were set out: to create a theoretical knowledge base through a literature study and consultation with experts, to conduct an empirical study in order to obtain qualitative and quantitative data and to formulate conclusions and recommendations with regard to the use of animal-assisted play therapy with adolescents with special needs. A combination of the quantitative and qualitative approaches was utilized, and applied research was done, as the focus was on practical solutions that is suitable for practice. A research hypothesis was posed, namely: If animal-assisted therapy from the gestalt approach is used with adolescents with special needs, their self-esteem will be enhanced. Two adolescents were selected as respondents through purposive sampling as sub-type of non-probability sampling. An empirical study was conducted through the use of questionnaires and interviewing as data-collection methods. The quantitative data was gathered through the use of self-constructed questionnaires and the Psychosocial Functioning Inventory for High School Children (PFI – HIGH – C) from Perspective College. The researcher utilized the A-B-A research design to conduct a pre-test and a post-test. Qualitative data was gathered through interviewing using the combined animal-assisted and gestalt play therapy techniques Empirical data was gathered and indicated improvement in the self-esteem of both the respondents who were exposed to the play therapy techniques. The research has thus shown that the use of animal-assisted play therapy does enhance the self-esteem of adolescents with special needs, and has benefits for future practice. The hypothesis of the study is thus proven to be true. / Dissertation (MSD (Play Therapy))--University of Pretoria, 2005. / Social Work and Criminology / Unrestricted

The main objective of every school should be to provide quality teaching and learning. To be able to achieve these goals, a school needs adequate resources. Quality educators are vital in this regard. According to Clarke (2009) in “School Management&Leadership”, Graham Hall of the Wits School of Education estimates that South Africa needs to recruit at least 20 000 teachers a year. This number merely serves to replace those teachers who leave the system annually. Since local training institutions deliver only 7 500 qualified teachers every year, it means that there is an annual shortfall of 12 500 (Clarke, 2009). The challenge of teacher shortages needs to be addressed urgently. One option may be to give aspirant teachers the opportunity to do in-service training, also known as school-based educator training or an internship. However, this creates new challenges –one of which is that different role players need to take responsibility for this method of teacher training. The involvement of the school is obvious, because it plays host to these students. Many schools reacted positively to the request made by the Department of Education to assist with educator training. This unfortunately resulted in such schools burdening their already overworked workforce with even more responsibility. Furthermore, although a school may be willing to contribute to teacher training by accommodating and assisting student teachers, it cannot be assumed that its management will act responsibly and accountably. Only limited guidelines, regulations and prescriptions for managing the student training programme exist at this stage. This means that every school acts in good faith and hopes that it will hit the target. The limited nature of these regulations also allows for the school-based educator training programme to be easily mismanaged or even misused. A more streamlined, uniform system is needed, without limiting the creativity of schools. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2012. / Education Management and Policy Studies / unrestricted