This study evaluated the ability of nursing home staff to implement communication strategies as a result of inservice education. Seventeen subjects, from two occupational groups (patient care aides, and rehabilitation staff), were observed twice each during routine interactions with the nursing home residents. The measurement tool consisted of 11 communication behaviours, which were scored according to degree of use. There were two categories of strategies: those that could be used in all situations, and those that were appropriate only for some situations. Results were mixed: the experimental group (N=5), who attended the inservice, showed an increase in the use of latter category of communication strategies, while the control group (N=12) decreased their use of the same strategies. In the former category of strategies, no difference was found between the experimental and control groups. The discussion focused on possible sources of confound, and recommendations for further research. / Medicine, Faculty of / Audiology and Speech Sciences, School of / Graduate

This study was motivated by the writer's observation that the provision of solved examples to students learning to devise computer algorithms did not assist and even seemed to hinder in the development of such skills. It was surmised that this might be due to a number of factors. The learner might be delayed in hiso.development of the heuristics necessary to create algorithms using self-generated mediators. He might be misled in his expectation of the difficulty of performing such tasks independently. He might display rigidity (an Einstellung effect) in his later use of the techniques demonstrated by previously provided examples. Grade nine students were assigned to two groups at random. Both groups were given a printed introduction to computer program writing in the BASIC language and were asked to solve two problems, an easy problem and a harder criterion problem. Before the problems were assigned one group was given a solved example which was very similar to the easy problem. The second group was given a short history of computers to read. A Chi-square- test was used to test each of the following hypotheses: 1. The first problem was easier than the second problem for all students. 2. The example helped the first group in doing the easy problem comparing the proportion of correct solutions to the easy problem in each group. 3. The second group had a higher proportion of correct solutions for the "hard" problem than the first group. k. The second group had a higher proportion of correct solutions for the "hard" problem than the first group when only those students who correctly solved the first problem were considered. The first, second, and fourth hypotheses were found to be significant beyond the .05 level. The conclusion was drawn that the use of examples to teach algorithm development on the computer is at least sometimes inadvisable in that examples may hinder transfer of training from easy problems to harder problems and do not increase the numbers who can independently solve a harder problem. (This assumes that the independent solution of harder problems is the only instructional goal.) At best the provision of such examples may be a waste of time, at worst it may be a distraction. It was felt that further research using a greater number and variety of examples, classified in some way, and using a variety of textual material is both warranted and desirable. It was also felt that a test instrument could he devised which would identify those students who would most benefit from a course in algorithm development on the computer. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

The research presented in this thesis is situated within an interpretivist paradigm. Within this paradigm, a qualitative case-study research approach was adopted. This seemed most appropriate in my research project since the main focus is on elicitation of prior knowledge and incorporation of such knowledge into 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' practical activities with a view to improving conceptual development. For the purposes of this research project, I designed an interactive teaching and learning unit in electrostatics as an attempt to put into practice a learner-centred approach. This approach, in my view, is in line with the new curriculum in South Africa. The emerging central theme of this thesis is the notion of active participation by learners during teaching and learning. This study was carried out over a period of two years and involved my grade 9 learners, who participated voluntarily. The research process documented in this thesis has been conceptualised into two phases. Phase one was concerned with the elicitation of learners' prior knowledge around lightning. In phase two, learners were engaged in 'hands-on' and 'minds-on' practical activities, and key concepts were identified to ensure conceptual development. The data was collected using a variety of data collection tools, namely: focus group interviews, follow-up whole-class semi-structured interviews, worksheets, videotaped lessons and photographs. The analysis of data revealed that learners come to class with prior knowledge concerning lightning. Within this prior knowledge it was found that there were both ‘scientific’ and ‘non-scientific’ concepts. The identification of key concepts during practical activities was found to be very useful in promoting learning. However, the incorporation of prior knowledge into practical activities posed a challenge and needs further research. iv This research study also highlights some insights into some of the complexities of elicitation and incorporation of learners' prior knowledge, and conceptual development in science classrooms. It also demonstrates the challenges and possibilities during teaching and learning as well as the realities of the demands of the new curriculum and OBE in South Africa, in particular, in historically disadvantaged schools

The purpose of the study was to find out more about verbal and visual aspects of teaching art and learning to draw in the classroom. It was to determine what influence language has on visual processes in drawing and to examine effects of talking and verbal thinking on the acquisition of drawing skills of pre-adolescent students in grade seven. The study consisted of a 10-week drawing course for four classes of grade seven students in an elementary school in Vancouver, British Columbia. Instruction was the same for all classes except that in two of the classes students were permitted to talk to each other while drawing and in two classes students were instructed not to talk while drawing. Data were collected and observations recorded using scores on drawing tests, student evaluations, drawing surveys and teacher logs. Although scores on drawing tests showed little difference between the two groups, consistent observations indicated that students did not talk and draw at the same time. Students who talked stopped drawing, completed fewer drawings, made less frequent reference to the model and followed fewer directions. When comparing the work of the two groups, teacher attitude toward the talking group reflected more dissatisfaction because of the higher incidence of incomplete work and the necessity of having to raise the voice in order to be heard. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

The increased focus on the implementation of scientifically research-based instruction as an outcome of No Child Left Behind ("Understanding NCLB," 2007) has resulted in the widespread use of scripted reading curricula (Dewitz, Leahy, Jones, and Sullivan, 2010), which typically represents Eurocentric and middle class forms of discourse, knowledge, language, culture, and historical interpretations as academic knowledge (Howard, 2010; Delpit, 2012). In an era where the number of culturally and linguistically diverse students is increasing rapidly (Ginsberg, 2007), it is essential to consider that educational practices relying entirely on prefabricated content may require modification because, as recognized in the funds of knowledge theoretical framework (Veléz-Ibañez, 1988), all students bring a wealth of knowledge to the classroom that should be acknowledged, respected, valued and incorporated into instruction (Gonzalez, Moll, & Amanti, 2005). However, even if teachers are granted the time and permission to modify scripted content in order to build bridges between the prescribed lessons and students' lived experiences, doing so is not easily accomplished when the lives of educators are disconnected from their students (Baeder, 2010). This study investigated the behaviors and ideas teachers have developed as ways to connect with their culturally and linguistically diverse students and their families. Additionally, the study explored how teachers who implement scripted curricula describe the experience of creating culturally responsive lessons intended to specifically connect with their culturally and linguistically diverse students and to connect with students' funds of knowledge. This multiple case study describes how five teachers who implement scripted curricula reported their experiences of creating culturally responsive lessons for particular focal students. Findings are presented in individual case narratives followed by a cross-case synthesis. Findings suggest that teachers were able to carry out culturally responsive instructional practices while implementing scripted curricula; however, participants' CARE lessons did not represent Gay's (2010) ethnic and cultural diversity in curriculum content component of culturally responsive instruction. Additionally, findings indicate that building relationships with culturally and linguistically diverse students was key to adjusting instruction to suit their learning styles. The implications of these findings are discussed in recommendations for in-service teacher professional development and future research.

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The purpose of this study was to investigate the praxis (theory and practice) of oral language by student teachers during their practicum. Specifically, this study identified and described the factors which 13 British Columbia student teachers perceived of as affecting the establishment of an orally interactive environment within their practicum classroom. Through the analysis of dialogue journals, interviews, and questionnaires, 24 factors in 5 categories were identified and described that affect the development of orally interactive teaching. The factors were grouped into categories of knowledge, position, expectations, structures, and assumptions. This study concludes that the identification of factors affecting orality in the practicum can assist teacher education programs and teachers to more effectively address the potential of orality as a medium for negotiation and meaning making in the classroom.

Over many years the practice or art of teaching Mathematics posed itself as, not only being different from the practice of teaching any other subject, but to have many challenges and opportunities that ask for exploration and understanding. Just after independence in 1990, Namibia has embarked upon a reform process for the entire education system. Many changes were brought about to create a uniform, equal system for all. However, many challenges still remain to be addressed. Mathematics education remains one of the key areas where Namibian teachers can contribute towards the improvement of the subject. Unsatisfactory results, under-qualified teachers, and a negative disposition towards Mathematics are some of the challenges. These challenges are not unique to Namibia. Across the globe psychologists, philosophers and educators continue to engage in debates and research projects in search of answers and solutions for the improvement of Mathematics education. Despite encountering numerous obstacles, many teachers are dedicated and achieve outstanding results with their learners. This thesis reports on a research project that focused on the Mathematics teaching practice of two teachers whose experiences can make a positive contribution to the improvement of Mathematics teaching in Namibia. Furthermore, this case study investigated and attempted to understand the Mathematics teaching practices of two proficient teachers who each claimed to have a specific and unique approach to teaching Mathematics. The one claimed to be mainly procedural in her Mathematics teaching, while the other one claimed to teach mainly in a conceptual manner. Both achieve very good results with their classes and attribute their own teaching orientations to a process of several experiences they went through as students and in their careers. The study revealed that both claims are substantiated and that each teacher was consistent in her claimed approach. Many challenges and constraints were encountered by both teachers, but in their unique and specific ways each teacher’s chosen teaching approach supported them to overcome these. It was evident from the findings that each teacher’s practice came about as an evolutionary process over an extended period of time. As many challenges and limitations are universal, it is believed that in sharing experiences, teachers can benefit from each other by improving their practice. It was clearly stated by both participants that the re-thinking of and reflecting on their own practices provided them with new insights and motivation. Peer support and sharing of practices contribute positively towards the improvement of the teachers’ classroom practices.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the praxis (theory and practice) of oral language by student teachers during their practicum. Specifically, this study identified and described the factors which 13 British Columbia student teachers perceived of as affecting the establishment of an orally interactive environment within their practicum classroom. Through the analysis of dialogue journals, interviews, and questionnaires, 24 factors in 5 categories were identified and described that affect the development of orally interactive teaching. The factors were grouped into categories of knowledge, position, expectations, structures, and assumptions. This study concludes that the identification of factors affecting orality in the practicum can assist teacher education programs and teachers to more effectively address the potential of orality as a medium for negotiation and meaning making in the classroom. / Education, Faculty of / Curriculum and Pedagogy (EDCP), Department of / Graduate

The purpose of the research reported in this thesis was exploratory: to identify prominent features beyond, but related to the processes of science teaching; defined as the context of science teaching. A preliminary study indicated a lack of consensus among teachers in reporting aspects of their context. After further consideration of theoretical issue, case studies using participant observation were carries out on science teachers in three Scottish secondary schools. Nearly five hundred hours were spent observing and interviewing science personnel. General descriptions of the three schools and their proximal environments indicated salient issues for teachers resulting from actions of senior school staff, pupil grouping, limited contact with non-science teachers, and inputs from outside the schools. An analysis of ways that science teachers worked together and the activities of technicians and promoted science teachers provided insights into the nature of science departments. They were used as part of the communicative and administrative framework in the schools, but science teaching itself was sub-contracted. Although there was some mutual support there was little collaboration on teaching tasks except where this was imposed. An important function of departments was to provide a supportive framework for logistic purposes. A description of day-to-day activities of science teachers revealed contextual features that impinged on lessons and lesson preparation. Two themes were posited as a way of generalizing about contextual effects: 'control' and 'uncertainty'. It was proposed that these phenomena pervaded all facets of the context and that they provided useful concepts for understanding teachers' patterns of thinking and action. Three orientations of the teachers in the case study schools were described: 'doing-a-basic-job', 'individualism' and 'presentism' and relationships were suggested between these orientations and experienced controls and uncertainties.