Doctorat en philosophie et lettres / info:eu-repo/semantics/nonPublished

The perceptions of both students and teachers are vital to improve performance and to ensure a positive teaching and learning climate at a college. This study examines the perceptions of staff at three recently merged campuses and students regarding student performance. The research focuses specifically on the performance of students registered for the Small Business Management N3 and NSC (National Senior Certificate) curriculum. A combination of quantitative and qualitative research methods was employed to investigate the desired result. Staff teaching the subject (Small Business Management) were given semi-structured interviews, while students who are currently studying the subject were given questionnaires to complete. Data was collected and analysed. This study reveals amongst other findings that management in FET institutions needs to take cognisance of the perceptions of staff and students regarding the improvement of student performance. Opinions, attitudes, insights and recommendations expressed concerning student performance can help institutions improve their culture of teaching and learning.

There is a need to understand the relationship between, the traditional 16-week versus an 8-week, and college-level mathematics success rates. This study applied chi-square (χ2) and analysis of variance to compare and contrast which course length of time, 8-weeks or 16-weeks, for college algebra resulted in a higher proportion of students successfully completing the course. In addition, success rates among ethnicities, gender, and age groups were also examined. The population sample for this study was 231 students enrolled in college algebra from fall 2004 through fall 2007. Data was analyzed on four sections of the traditional 16-week courses and four sections of 8-week courses. Success was defined as earning a grade of A, B, or C in the course. The study found that overall there was no significant difference in success rates for the 8-week and 16-week college algebra courses. However, significant differences were found in success rates among Asian, Pacific Islander students enrolled in the 8-week and 16-week courses. No significant differences in success rates were found for White, Non-Hispanic; African-American, and Hispanic, Mexican American students. There was a significant difference in the number of A's, B's, C's, D's and F's among White, Non-Hispanic students, but there was no difference in A's, B's, C's, D's or F's for African-American; Hispanic, Mexican American and Asian, Pacific Islander. When considering success rates among genders, no difference was found in success rates for males or females who were enrolled in the 8-week and 16-week college algebra courses. There were a significant greater number of students in the age group (23-30) who were successful in the 16-week college algebra course than in the 8-week college algebra course. However, no differences in success rates were found in the age groups (18-22) and (31-40).

The education of all students is important in the school system, however, all students learn differently and are at different levels. One strategy that is used to cope with this issue is differentiated instruction. Di fferentiated instruction is when you teach to the individual student's needs by pre-assessing and determining those needs. If the student already know the information you need to move onto something more challenging for them. Often these gifted students already know the information, since they do come into each grade knowing 50% of the curricula, but quite often they are taught it again.

DEd (Curriculum Studies) / College students in Zimbabwe were facing many challenges in adopting proper dietary patterns which promote learning. This study sought to establish the impact of Socio-Economic factors and dietary patterns in particular on the academic performance of college students in Zimbabwe. The study established challenges that were faced by college students in making choices of dietary patterns that promote learning. Factors that influence choice of dietary patterns for college students were established in this study. The case study was Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic College in Zimbabwe with a population of 206 students and a sample of 102 participants was purposively selected. A mixed-methods research, using quantitative and qualitative approaches was employed and questionnaires, interviews, observation and document analysis were used to collect data. Findings are presented from both questionnaire and interview data in combination, with interview data playing the role of supplementing quantitative findings and probing detailed information. Quantitative data was analysed using the IBM SPSS Version 23.0 while qualitative data was coded into themes and synthesised into quantitative data to support or refute quantitative data. Research indicates that diet quality and overall health status of college students are among the prominent factors which contribute to poor student academic performance worldwide. The experiences and perceptions held by the college students and cooks were investigated. The main study findings showed that if students follow proper dietary patterns they may perform well in their studies since relationship between nutrition and academic work lies on the notion that a healthy body is able to maintain a healthy mind, which suggests that certain risk factors for a physically ill-health are also risk factors for cognitive impairment. This study made recommendations for dietary patterns that promote learning in academic domains. It also developed a model valuable for dietary patterns. / `

This study was motivated by concerns within the medical education community regarding the psychometric soundness of current assessment methodologies. More specifically, there is reason to seriously question the reliablity and/or validity of these methodologies in assessing the intellectual skills upon which medical competence is based.

Student assessment and feedback is not new to open and distance learning (ODL) but there is a paucity of empirical evidence as to its effectiveness in improving the performance of students and institutions. The objective of this study was to identify key aspects required to optimise feedback in ODL. In various studies, feedback has been heralded for its key role in the improvement of student learning. However, there are on-going expressions of uncertainty about whether assessment feedback is indeed delivering this potential, particularly in ODL mode. Against this backdrop of uncertainty and circumspection, this study offers a critical reflection on assessment feedback with particular focus on ODL. This case study was undertaken using semi-structured interviews with the students, which were conducted to explore and extrapolate their experiences and views on feedback. Focus group interviews with tutors were also conducted to provide an in-depth understanding of participants’ experiences and perceptions. Document analysis was used to make informed recommendations. The study recommends that creating an effective assessment programme, developing criteria, guides, exemplars and models; discussing and refining them and communicating them to students and their staff — will have a positive impact on the workload for staff with coordinating responsibilities. It is recommended that a student charter be devised to lay out student expectations alongside the expectations of an ODL institution. Such a student charter will ensure that both tutors and students know what is expected of them during the feedback giving and receiving process. My findings offer a deeper understanding of the assessment of code disciplines which require a specialist gaze for the judgement of student work, and the pressures experienced in this type of assessment in an ODL context. It is envisaged that the research findings will assist ODL practitioners with decisions related to assessment and feedback. There are clear implications for staff in ODL institutions to encourage changes in feedback culture. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum and Instructional Studies)

The National Curriculum Statement (NCS) Grades 10 to 12 (Schools), implemented from 2006, led to changes in promotion requirements and assessment practices. The investigation aimed at acquiring information about the extent to which the differences in the promotion requirements and assessment practices contributed to the high retention rate of learners in the FET Band. An explanatory mixed method strategy was followed to obtain reliable and valid results in this research. Quantitative research consisted of questionnaires and a survey to investigate OBE, assessment practices, the Grade 12 examinations and the impact of changes in promotion requirements since 2006. Qualitative research consisted of an interview with an official from the National Department of Education that contributed to a better understanding of policy changes. Based on the findings of the research, recommendations were constructed to improve assessment practices and to provide scientific data on the consequences of policy changes on the promotion of learners. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Educational Management)

Existing scales were modified and factor-analysed through "prepilof' and pilot studies for exploring relations between academic motivation, achievement, and cognitive factors such as locus of control (LOC), attributions, perceived self-determination and ability. Distinct, conceptually meaningful factors emerged. Thirty-seven hypotheses were tested on Unisa students. Among notable findings were: • Internal LOC related to academic motivation, but treating LOC as a set of distinct factors rather than a bipolar dimension offered more insights (e.g. "Impotence" rather than other external LOC factors related negatively to · achievement). • Little was gained from categorising attributions according to Weiner's dimensions. • Intrinsic motivation and "identified regulation" related positively to motivation. • Students' (especially unsuccessful students') expectations of success and perceptions of their ability were over-estimated. • Different factors related to motivation and achievement in different cultural groups. • Although motivation and achievement are usually positively related, this did not apply to disadvantaged groups. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology)

The recognition of prior learning (RPL) is an assessment process through which experience gained outside academic contexts is recognised. The purpose of the research was to determine the influence the learner profile has on RPL assessment. To realise the purpose, the learner profile was described and consequently learning outcomes formulated for a portfolio workshop. The method which the study followed was a qualitative interpretative approach. The research comprised a literature study about adult learning theories that served as a theoretical framework for the study, as well as an overview of RPL assessment, followed by an empirical study. The empirical research component followed a multiple data collection method. The personal life stories of the research participants were analysed in order to compile a learner profile. The role the workshop played was determined from a learner perspective by means of an open questionnaire for participants. It included a collection of workshop photographs. Finally, the reflection of a group of RPL learners about their personal learning experiences was analysed. The research found that the learner profile included distinctive personal traits, such as motivation, task orientation, a sense of responsibility and an orientation towards the future. The nature of the learner profile as well as of informal learning gained within diverse learning contexts require directed preparation for assessment. The learners regarded the portfolio workshop as a sustainable learning process and as a transformational learning experience. The role the workshop played was multidimensional, as it served as preparation for compiling the portfolio. It also empowered and prepared the learner on a personal level for the context of tertiary education. Based on the research findings, the recommendations for an RPL approach should include the following: Firstly, the learner‟s voice should be afforded recognition. Secondly, preparation for assessment is essential. Thirdly, the preparation should follow an approach of assessment as a sustainable learning process. Finally, the learning outcomes for the portfolio workshop make a contribution to support the learners in bridging the learning contexts of informal learning and academic learning. The research makes a valuable contribution, as the empirical research shows that the holistic learner profile guides the approach to assessment. The mission of RPL to bring about transformation will only become a reality if a learner-centred approach recognises and empowers the learner on a personal and academic level. / Die Erkenning van Vorige Leer (EVL) is 'n assesseringsproses waardeur ervaring wat buite akademiese kontekste verwerf is, erken word. Die doel met die navorsing was om die invloed van die leerderprofiel op EVL-assessering te bepaal. Om die doel te bereik, is die leerderprofiel beskryf en voortvloeiend daaruit leeruitkomste vir 'n portefeuljewerkswinkel saamgestel. Die metode wat die studie gevolg het, was 'n kwalitatiewe interpretiewe benadering. Die navorsing bestaan uit 'n literatuurstudie oor volwasse leerteorieë wat as teoretiese raamwerk vir die studie gedien het, asook 'n oorsig oor EVL-assessering, gevolg deur 'n empiriese studie. Die empiriese navorsingskomponent het 'n meervoudige dataversamelingsmetode gevolg. Die navorsingsdeelnemers se persoonlike lewensverhale is geanaliseer om sodoende 'n leerderprofiel saam te stel. Die rol van die werkswinkel is vanuit 'n leerdersperspektief bepaal deur middel van 'n ope-vraelys aan deelnemers, wat 'n versameling werkswinkel-foto's ingesluit het. Laastens is die reflektering van 'n groepie EVL-leerders oor hulle persoonlike leerervaringe ge-analiseer. Die navorsing het bevind dat die leerderprofiel onderskeidende persoonlike kenmerke, soos motivering, taakgerigtheid, 'n verantwoodelikheidsin en 'n toekomsgerigtheid insluit. Die aard van die leerderprofiel, asook die aard van informele leer verwerf binne diverse leerkontekste vereis gerigte voorbereiding tot assessering. Die leerders het die portefeuljewerkswinkel as 'n volhoubare leerproses en as transformasionele leerervaring beskou. Die rol van die werkswinkel is meervoudig, aangesien dit dien as voorbereiding tot die saamstel van die portefeulje, asook die leerder op persoonlike vlak bemagtig en voorberei vir die konteks van tersiêre onderrig. Die aanbevelings tot 'n EVL-benadering behoort, op grond van die navorsingsbevindinge, die volgende in te sluit. Eerstens moet erkenning aan die stem van die leerder gegee word, tweedens is voorbereiding tot assessering noodsaaklik en derdens behoort die voorbereiding 'n benadering van assessering as 'n volhoubare leerposes te volg. Laastens lewer die leeruitkomste vir die portefeuljewerkswinkel 'n praktykgerigte bydrae om die leerder te ondersteun om die leerkontekste van informele leer en akademiese leer te oorbrug. Die navorsing lewer 'n waardevolle bydrae aangesien die empiriese navorsing toon dat die holistiese leerderprofiel die benadering tot assessering rig. Die missie van EVL om transformasie te weeg te bring, sal slegs 'n realiteit word indien 'n leerdergesentreerde benadering die leerder op persoonlike en op akademiese vlak erken en bemagtig. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)