There is scant research concerning youth development programmes specifically from Adler's (1968) Individual Psychology perspective. Current programmes seem to be void of critical issues that are important in the local context because of their having a strong bias towards the Western perspective. Thus, the present research project sought firstly to assist the Previously Disadvantaged Youth (PDY) to develop constructive lifestyles characterised by self-mastery, encouragement, creativity and social interest. Secondly, it aimed to obtain specific local African input that would help expand the current Personal Life Planning Programme (PLPP) to one that addresses the unique needs and circumstances confronting South African PDYs today. Finally, it attempted to test the validity, scope and merit of Adler's theoretical assertion, within the context of the previously disadvantaged communities in South Africa, that all humans are engaged in a lifelong striving for superiority to overcome perpetual feelings of inferiority and life tasks. The latter objectives were addressed through the implementation of the PLPP. The study, as well as the related PLPP, is strongly founded on Adler's Individual Psychology (Adler, 1968; Ansbacher & Ansbacher 1956; Corsini & Wedding, 2005; Meyer et al., 2003; Prochaska & Narcross cited in Osborn, 2001). The relevant data were collected from a sample of matriculants from the PDY population living in a black township near Pretoria. The information was collected by means of the PLPP workbook; semi structured interviews, as well as, audiovisual equipment. A combination of a "Pre-structured Case Outline" and the related "Sequential Analysis" (Miles & Huberman, 1994, p. 85) was adopted, with the researcher undertaking the entire data management process. In addition to confirming the applicability of Adler's theory within the PDY context, the findings suggest that the research objectives were significantly met, i.e. the participants reported and displayed marked lifestyle improvements along with specific life skills development needs related to their deprivation. / Psychology / D. Litt. et Phil. (Psychology)

There are a myriad of factors that influence the teaching and assessment of English as a foreign language in Israel. One such factor is the change in perception of how the mind collects and processes information. The transition from behaviorist theories of learning to constructivist and cognitivist theories has resulted in a new concept of learning that recognises the pivotal role of the learner in the learning process. Another instrumental factor is the creation of standards in education that are intended to raise the level of academic achievement and provide equitable educational opportunities for all learners. Both of these factors have impacted the study of English as a foreign language. Countries around the world have assumed monumental changes in the way they approach foreign language study. Following the examples of foreign countries Israel has recently implemented a standards-based curriculum that supports alternative assessment. Since this is a relatively new concept, the principles underlying standards and assessment are unfamiliar to many EFL teachers. Novice teachers, as well as experienced teachers, are experiencing difficulty incorporating standards and alternative assessment into their lessons. In the light of the above it was clear that a need existed to investigate how English foreign language teachers relate to assessment and to examine the extent to which they implement alternative assessment in their teaching. The aim of the study is to explore teachers' understanding of alternative assessment and find out how teachers incorporate alternative assessment in their EFL classes. Against this background, an empirical investigation was undertaken. It comprised a textual analysis of ten assessment packages and two focus group interviews. The research produced a wealth of descriptive data that illuminated the subject. The findings magnified the disparity between the theory behind alternative assessment and actual practice. It was apparent that the assessment activities which EFL teachers employed, were not in sync with the principles that were being promoted by the new curriculum for EFL teaching and assessment in Israeli schools. The study discusses the results of the investigation, suggests the implications and presents recommendations. / Educational Studies / D.Ed. (Didactics)

Submitted by Johnny Rodrigues (johnnyrodrigues@ufcg.edu.br) on 2018-05-03T20:09:00Z No. of bitstreams: 1 LESANDRO PONCIANO DOS SANTOS - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGCC 2015..pdf: 4083903 bytes, checksum: d3e795a6363845dac05f1dd6ff0cf964 (MD5) / Made available in DSpace on 2018-05-03T20:09:00Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 LESANDRO PONCIANO DOS SANTOS - DISSERTAÇÃO PPGCC 2015..pdf: 4083903 bytes, checksum: d3e795a6363845dac05f1dd6ff0cf964 (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-11-23 / Capes / Computação por humanos (human computation) é um modelo de computação que se baseia na coordenação de seres humanos para resolver problemas para os quais o sistema cognitivo humano é mais rápido ou preciso que os atuais sistemas computacionais baseados em processadores digitais. Em sistemas de computação por humanos, ao invés de máquinas, os processadores que realizam as computações são seres humanos. Usar adequadamente o poder cognitivo provido por tais seres humanos é fundamental para o sucesso desse tipo de sistema. Entretanto, pouco se sabe sobre as características de oferta de poder cognitivo e de como o sistema pode utilizar essa oferta de forma otimizada. Este estudo visa avançar esse conhecimento. Como referencial teórico-conceitual, propõe-se uma articulação de teorias e conceitos sobre computação por humanos, engajamento, credibilidade e otimização de desempenho Considerando essa articulação, são propostas métricas para analisar a oferta de poder cognitivo em termos do engajamento e da credibilidade dos participantes. Como estudo de caso de estratégia de otimização de desempenho, propõe-se um algoritmo de replicação de tarefas que visa melhorar o uso do poder cognitivo levando em conta informações de credibilidade dos participantes. Por meio de análise de distribuições, correlações, regressões, classificação e agrupamento, os comportamentos de engajamento e credibilidade são caracterizados usando dados de seis sistemas reais. Entre os resultados obtidos, destacam-se diversos padrões comportamentais identificados na caracterização. Há duas classes de engajamento de participantes: os transientes, que atuam no sistema em apenas um dia e não retornam, e os regulares, que apresentam um engajamento mais duradouro. Os regulares são a minoria, mas são os mais importantes por agregarem maior tempo de computação ao sistema. Eles também não são homogêneos; subdividem-se em cinco grandes perfis,que podem ser rotulados como: empenhados, espasmódicos, persistentes, duradouros e moderados. A credibilidade dos participantes, por sua vez, pode ser medida usando várias métricas baseadas no nível de concordância entre eles. Tal credibilidade está negativamente correlacionada com a dificuldade das tarefas. Por fim, simulações do algoritmo de replicação proposto mostram que ele melhora o uso do poder cognitivo provido pelos participantes e permite tratar diversos compromissos entre diferentes requisitos de qualidade de serviço. / Human computation is a computing approach that draws upon human cognitive abilities to solve computational tasks for which there are so far no satisfactory fully automated solutions. In human computation systems, the processors performing the computations are humans rather than machines. The effectiveness of this kind of system relies on its ability to optimize the use of the cognitive power provided by each human processor. However, little is known about how humans provide their cognitive power in these systems and how these systems can use such cognitive power properly. This study aims at advancing knowledge in this direction. To guide this study, we articulate a framework of theories and concepts about human computation, human engagement, human credibility, and the optimization of computational systems. Based on this theoretical-conceptual framework, we propose metrics to characterize the cognitive power available in a human computation system in terms of the engagement and the credibility of the participants. As case study of system optomization, we also propose a task replication algorithm that optimizes the use of the available cognitive power taking into account information about the credibility of participants. By using correlations, regressions, and clustering algorithms, we characterize the engagement and credibility of participants in data collected from six real systems. Several behavioral patterns are identified in such characterization. Participants can be divided into two broad classes of engagement: the transients, those who work in the system in just one day; and the regulars, those who exhibit a more lasting engagement. Regulars are the minority of participants, but they aggregate the larger amount of cognitive power to the system. They can be subdivided into five groups, labeled as: hardworking, spasmodic, persistent, lasting and moderate. The credibility of participants can be measured by using several different metrics based on the level of agreement among them. Regardless of the metric used, the credibility is negatively correlated with the degree of difficulty of the tasks. Results from simulation show that the proposedtaskreplicationalgorithmcanimprovetheabilityofthesystemtoproperlyusethe cognitive power provided by participants. It also allows one to address trade-offs between differentquality-of-servicerequirements.

This study has investigated `How does the effective execution of the management tasks assist the District Foundation Phase First Education Specialist to promote quality teaching and learning in Gauteng schools?' This study has considered the concepts `leadership' and `management'. Importantly, it has provided for discussion on the four vital management tasks, for effective management, towards the promotion of quality teaching and learning in Gauteng schools. Quantitative research methodology was employed. The findings suggest that the District Foundation Phase First Education Specialist does perform the four management tasks and does employ strategies for the promotion of quality teaching and learning, but that these need to be improved on, sharpened and enhanced, for effective management, and for the promotion of quality teaching and learning in schools. This study has also revealed that development and professional support of the District Foundation Phase First Education Specialist is called for too. Through use of a basic management model, in this study, suggestions and requirements are presented, and recommendations are made, for the effective execution of the management tasks towards the promotion of quality teaching and learning. Provision is therefore made for an illustration and description of the model, the suggestions and requirements envisaged, critical challenges and recommendations, as well as a motivation for the model. The study has recommended the piloting and implementation of this management model, with District First Education Specialists, in the Gauteng Department of Education. It has further recommended, that with the phasing-in of the Revised National Curriculum Statement, that this management model be trailed. Suggestions have been provided for in this regard. Review of this management model has been accommodated too. Its wider value and meaning for the Gauteng Department of Education, in the contexts of policy revision and educational transformation, has been briefly explored too. The management model suggested clearly seeks to champion effective management practice, and it also seeks to bring about improvements in existing management practice, for the promotion of quality teaching and learning in Gauteng schools. The recommendation made is aimed at contributing towards the promotion of quality teaching and learning in Gauteng schools. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Education Management)

Summaries in Afrikaans and English / In teenstelling met die takseersentrumteorie het navorsing getoon dat takseersentrum trektellings nie oor verskillende situasies stabiel is nie. Hierdie bevindinge mag 'n aanduiding wees van 'n lae konstrukgeldigheid van takseersentrums. Navorsers het tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat navorsingsresultate nie die aanname ondersteun dat takseersentrums dimensietellings genereer wat trekke weerspieel nie. Dit het navorsers laat bespiegel of take (d.w.s. oefeninge), eerder as trekke (d.w.s. dimensies) as 'n basis gebruik behoort te word om takseersentrumbeoordelings te maak. Die doel van die studie was om te bepaal of takseersentrum trektellings beter voorspellers van werksprestasie van bestuurders is as taaktellings. Die studie sluit 97 blanke middelvlakbestuurders van 'n Suid Afrikaanse diensorganisasie in. Geen verskille is tussen die voorspellingsgeldighede van trekgebaseerde en taakgebaseerde tellings verkry nie (r = 0,087 vir beide tellings). Oorsake vir die gebrek aan verskille tussen die voorspellingsgeldighede is bespreek. / In contrast to assessment centre theory, research has shown that assessment centre trait ratings are not stable across different situations. This may be an indication of the relatively low construct validity of assessment centres. Researchers concluded that research results did not support the assumption that assessment centres generate dimensional ratings that represent traits and speculated whether tasks (i.e. exercises) should be used as a basis for making assessment centre ratings, rather than traits (i.e. dimensions). The aim of the study was to determine whether assessment centre task ratings are better predictors of managerial job performance than trait ratings. The study included 97 white middle-level managers of a South African service organisation. No difference was obtained between the predictive validities of traits ratings and task ratings (r = 0,087 for both ratings). Causes for the lack of differences between the predictive validities were discussed. / M. A. (Industrial Psychology)

In the nineteen years of South Africa’s democracy, its education system, as a vehicle for political, economic and social reform, has been characterised by transformation and change. Educators, as policy implementers, have been integral to that process. For the educators at the school selected for this study, changes have included, among others, frequent curriculum revision; a different approach to assessment; changes in school management as well as making a transition from a mainstream to a full service school, focused on the inclusion of learners who experience mild to moderate barriers to learning. Against this background the purpose of this study was to explore the subjective experience of educators in this particular school, and the subsequent impact that aspects of curriculum change and educational reform may have had on them; then secondly to put practices in place that would enable them to positively embrace new ideas, create knowledge and share ideas as educators. The study was conducted with 21 educators at a full service school. The research findings show them to be overloaded with administrative tasks as pressure is put on them to present evidence of their competence and functionality; many of them were tired, confused or angry. They felt rushed and obligated to implement a curriculum that they perceive to compromise effective teaching and learning; and ultimately, the learners. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Guidance and Counselling)

The study involves an in-depth case study on the leadership task of the grade heads at a private secondary school in Gauteng with the main research problem arising as: After defining the leadership task of grade heads at a private secondary school in Gauteng, how important do the learners in the grade view the individual grade head tasks to be? From the mixed-method research conducted, it stems that the leadership tasks of the grade head (and also the grade head system as a whole) have a positive impact on the learners and the holistic school environment. Therefore, it is recommended that the particular school under study continue with the structure of grade seven roles of the teacher as this provides a clear background for an organised educative approach to leadership within a grade head system.heads and that the leadership roles of the grade head continue to function within the seven roles of the teacher as this provides a clear background for an organised educative approach to leadership within a grade head system. / Educational Leadership and Management / M.A. (Education Management)

The main aim of this diploma thesis is to find out, if the level of knowledge of German language at pupils at basic schools in the Czech Republic is increasing, stagnating or decreasing and what factors influence their results. In the theoretic part I am going to deal with testing of pupils in Europe and in the Czech Republic. After that there is introduced a list of all standard assessment tests of German language on level A1 and A2. Then there are compared standard assessment tests ?Fit in Deutsch? and ?Start Deutsch? with the tests of Czech School Inspection from 2012/2013. In the research part I focus on the development of pupils? knowledge of German language at basic schools. The research is based on the assigned tests from 2007, 2010 and 2013. On the basis of these tests and filled questionnaires I am trying to find answers on the set research questions and to check correctness of the set hypotheses or alternatively to find other factors that influence pupils? knowledge of German language.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / Ubiquitous computing foresees the support to human activities in the most possible integrated environment known by the professional. On this perspective, a major area of its application is the Health System as the health of the future provides the use of ubiquitous computing as a way to automate and optimize the clinical activities. Addressing the problem of rejection of computer systems in health due to the remoteness of the way clinicians perform their tasks, the project "ClinicSpace" proposes a prototype of a tool that enables clinicians to customize and better manage their daily tasks. One of the big challenges is how to model human activities in computer systems, respecting the way that each individual performs them. This way, the contribution of this work is to propose a modeling of the main tasks performed in the clinical hospital settings by clinical professionals with the way that each individual performs the work. Once created the task, the medical professionals can reuse them for the definition and creation of other tasks they may judge necessary. An architecture manages the tasks in the most automatic way possible to undermine the control that the owner must maintain to the environment. Thus, it is expected to reduce the degree of rejection found in computerized systems of hospitals and clinics. The interface developed uses mechanisms provided by the End-user programming to facilitate the use of the clinical professional and Task-driven Computing. Case studies were simulated to demonstrate the feasibility of the proposal. Field tests may only be made after the release of the prototype of the architecture of the management and execution of tasks; however, this work is outside the scope of this dissertation. / A Computação Ubíqua prevê o suporte às atividades humanas da forma mais integrada possível ao ambiente conhecido pelo profissional. Nessa perspectiva, uma das grandes áreas de aplicação é a Saúde, já que o Sistema de Saúde do futuro prevê o uso da Computação Ubíqua como forma de otimizar e automatizar as atividades clínicas. Focando o problema de rejeição dos sistemas computacionais na Saúde devido ao distanciamento destes da forma como os clínicos executam suas tarefas, o projeto ClinicSpace propõe a prototipação de uma ferramenta que permita aos clínicos a personalização e gerenciamento de suas tarefas diárias. Um dos grandes desafios enfrentados é como modelar atividades humanas em sistemas computacionais, respeitando a forma individualizada com que cada pessoa as realiza. Nesse sentido, a contribuição desse trabalho é a proposta de uma ferramenta-piloto que permite ao profissional programar e compor suas tarefas, a partir de uma modelagem das principais tarefas clínicas executadas nos ambientes hospitalares por profissionais clínicos, respeitando a forma individual que cada profissional as realiza. Uma vez criadas as tarefas, os profissionais clínicos podem reutilizá-las para a definição e reuso na criação de outras tarefas que julgarem necessário. Uma arquitetura gerencia a execução das tarefas da forma mais automática possível para não comprometer o controle que o profissional deve manter sobre o ambiente. Assim, espera-se reduzir o grau de rejeição encontrado nos sistemas informatizados dos hospitais e clínicas. A interface de programação de tarefas pelo profissional desenvolvida utiliza mecanismos providos pela Programação Orientada ao Usuário-Final com o objetivo de facilitar a utilização do sistema pelo profissional clínico e pela Computação Orientada a Atividades. Estudos de casos foram simulados para demonstrar a viabilidade da proposta. Testes de campo somente poderão ser realizados após a disponibilização do protótipo da arquitetura de gerenciamento e execução das tarefas, porém, esse trabalho está fora do escopo dessa dissertação.

Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior / In despite of the great advantages of adopting computer systems for storing patient's information in hospitals and clinics, such systems are adopted with restrictions in these institutions. Some studies indicate that the rejection of such systems by the clinicians is greats due to computing not consider the particularities of the activities performed by the user in the clinical field. Considering this background, the project ClinicSpace aims to build a prototype tool to help health professionals in performing of their activities, using concepts and technologies of ubiquitous computing, which suggests that the computation must be fully integrated into the environment, disappearing from the user's consciousness and assisting him in their daily activities. This paper proposes an architecture called pEHS - Pervasive Electronic Healthcare System - a electronic health system inserted in the ClinicSpace's proposal, where the computing is oriented to clinical activities and the applications do interact with the ubiquitous environment through context information. The contribution of this paper is the proposal of a new software architecture in which pEHS modular applications follows the medical activities, making the system to adapt to the clinician's activities. In the architecture there are two points in evidence: the possibility of access to any information from the patient's health history and the adaptation of pEHS applications to the context information at runtime. The prototyped architecture will be used in the ClinicSpace project to build the applications needed for the clinicians helping them to carry out their activities. / Apesar das grandes vantagens existentes na adoção de sistemas computacionais para armazenamento das informações do paciente em ambientes hospitalares, tais sistemas são adotados com restrições em hospitais. Estudos indicam que a rejeição destes pelos clínicos é grande devido à computação não levar em consideração as características das atividades desempenhadas pelo usuário e sua forma particular de o fazê-lo. Tendo em vista essa necessidade, o projeto ClinicSpace tem por objetivo prototipar uma ferramenta para auxílio ao profissional de saúde na realização de suas atividades, utilizando conceitos e tecnologias da Computação Ubíqua, a qual propõe que a computação deve ser totalmente integrada ao ambiente de forma a desaparecer da consciência do usuário e auxiliá-lo na realização de suas atividades diárias. Este trabalho propõe uma arquitetura chamada pEHS Pervasive Electronic Healthcare System sistema eletrônicos de saúde inserido na proposta do ClinicSpace, onde a computação é orientada a atividades clínicas e as aplicações interagem com o ambiente ubíquo através das informações de contexto. A contribuição deste trabalho é uma proposta nova de arquitetura de software na qual as aplicações modulares do pEHS acompanham as atividades médicas, fazendo com que o sistema adapte-se às atividades do profissional. Destacam-se dois pontos da arquitetura:a possibilidade de acesso a qualquer informação do histórico de saúde do paciente e a adaptação das aplicações pEHS às informações de contexto em tempo de execução. A arquitetura prototipada será utilizada no andamento do projeto ClinicSpace para a construção das aplicações necessárias aos profissionais de saúde para a realização de suas atividades de forma personalizada.