M.Ed. (Subject Didactics) / Research shows that "the aims of secondary school's teaching of mathematics are often not realized with many pupils leaving the school with passive knowledge of mathematics" (H.S.R.C. 1981:8). This means that knowledge of mathematical facts are reproduced on demand, instead of active mathematical knowledge " which is congruent with the aims of teaching secondary mathematics" (Crooks, 1988 : 6/7). Active knowledge of mathematics implies and characterised by the understanding of concepts, principles that underlie facts and ideas and principles and concepts that are connected to each other" (Entwistle & Entwistle, 1992 : 2). Active knowledge also enables pupils to act intellectually independently. One reason for the previously mentioned predicament is that "teaching often encourage passive knowledge because the teaching practice of mathematics teachers are often not in accordance with their educational aims" (Gravett, 1994 :6). Thus, a discrepancy exists between teacher's intentions of teaching mathematics and their conduct during teaching. It can be argued also that teachers teach mathematics in the classroom but that the pupils not always effectively learn. It is from the perception above that a constructivistic view of learning as a conceptual change underlies the idea that teaching "as the creation of a classroom context conducive to learning" (Strike & Posner, 1985:117). Biggs (1993 : 74) thus argues that "if knowledge is constructed, rather than recorded as received, it does not make sense to think of teaching as imparting knowledge, but rather as creating learning environments that enhance the process of mathematical knowledge construction". Russell (1969: 14) mentions that "mathematics is a subject in which we never know what we are talking about, nor whether what we are saying is true". The views, amongst others Oosthuizen, Swart and Gildenhuys (1992:2) see mathematics as "an essential language of a creative but deductive process which has its origins in the problems of the physical world", In the light of this, the origin of mathematics in the real world, it can be argued that from a "constructivistic perspective, mathematical learning is an active process by which pupils construct their own mathematical knowledge in the light of their existing knowledge and through interaction with the world around them" (Gravett, 1994 : 6/7). "Construction, not absorption or unfocused discovery, enables learning" (Leder, 1993 : 13). Mathematics is not something discovered by mankind, mathematics is a creation of mankind and is transmitted and changed from one generation to the next.

D.Ed. (Didactics) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Constructivist approaches to teaching and learning are a well established component of the landscape of educational research, especially in Science education. This research took as its starting point the limited amount of social constructivist research available in the field of Environmental Education and responded to calls for further research. The research was designed within an interpretive tradition, as a critically phenomenological enquiry employing two methods; single case studies and a focus group. Data collection used progressively focused interview questions to proceed through a series of individual interview stages, starting with a simple description of conceptualisations and moving to deeper analysis of influences on, and use of conceptualisations. The focus group was designed as a forum to explore the pedagogic issues connected to the 'social negotiation of learning', based on data and insights gained from earlier interview stages. The goals of the study were to record data on the conceptualisations of animals perceived as significant by a group of Tsonga speaking students, and to seek insights into the formative influences on those conceptualisations. The research question, namely what contribution can social constructivist approaches to teaching and learning make to Environmental Education? guided an interpretation of the above data in terms of a range of social constructivist theories of learning. Theories of Radical and Social Constructivism as applied in Science education, although dominant orientations for educational research in constructivist learning, were challenged and found inappropriate as a basis to inform methodologies for Environmental Education. Instead Lave's (cited in O'Loughlin, 1992) socio-cultural approach to learning was explored as the basis to create a more useful perspective on an environmental education situation. Finally it was concluded that Lave's socio-cultural approach to learning may be a useful guide to helping a teacher- elicit the full range of conceptualisations present in an environmental education situation, but is not ultimately effective if no challenge and change comes about. Consequently, a socially critical constructivist teaching and learning approach was suggested In conclusion I commented on the interpretive research methodology employed and suggested an example of a socially critical methodology that could take this investigation further.

The DoE is structured in such a way that in all the provinces there are Districts which are formed by clusters. The performance of each province is measured according to that of the different Districts. This District performance reflects back to the schools in the clusters where they are found. Everyone is keen to know which District will be the top performer in the Grade 12 results in the Eastern Cape; because this is where performance of each school is measured. In the past years it was sad to notice that the Eastern Cape schools have had a very low pass rate. The DoE (PE) District has a challenge to change the situation in which the province finds itself. This research seeks to address the challenges encountered by the schools which are not able to improve their pass rate. It focuses on the school management systems of low pass rate schools; and how can they be modified. It is vitally important to manage the organisation or institution in a way which will optimize performance. That is the reason for discussing and debating the way school management is operated in the high pass rate schools, so that differences between the two categories of schools are noted and good strategies are utilised in low pass rate schools. For the PE District to improve; the schools in the circuits must improve in their performance. Each circuit is allocated an Educational Development Officer (EDO). It is the duty of the EDO to monitor and evaluate the schools in their circuits. These departmental officials have to ensure that schools are managed well; that is, that the school management systems are functioning properly. They need to assist the schools in any way they can, in order to improve the performance of the schools. This research study seeks to bring forward the challenges faced by the low performing schools so that every stakeholder in the schools and in the DoE is on board to improve the situation. Improvement in the circuit will help the province to enhance its overall performance.

Over the past years the FET Colleges sector has been plagued by high failure rates in mathematics and science as part of the National Curriculum (Vocational) course. This study sought to investigate the possible reasons for the high failure rates in NCV mathematics at Iqhayiya Campus of PE College. The purpose of the research was to elicit these possible reasons from students who currently are doing the NCV mathematics course at the Iqhayiya Campus. This study follows a mixed method design using both quantitative and qualitative results. Quantitative data were gathered by means of questionnaires submitted to students doing NCV mathematics at the Iqhayiya Campus. A Likert scale was used to evaluate the questionnaires. The qualitative data for this study was collected through researcher questions in focus group interviews. The study concludes with recommendations to the management of PE College, the Department of Higher Education and all relevant role players.

The restructuring of South African education, after the country’s first non-racial democratic elections in 1994, coincided, with the development of inclusive education in international education. The implementation of inclusive education, internationally, was guided by the Salamanca Statement of 1994 and the international “Education for All” movement. Education White Paper 6 (2001), serves as the blueprint for implementing inclusive education in South Africa. This investigation argues that the successful implementation of the inclusive education system is dependent on the development of an effective, quality education support structure. Such an educational support structure is one that should reflect a holistic, integrated and community based approach to support. Based on this presupposition, the primary research aim of this investigation was the establishment of a framework for a holistic, integrated, community based education support structure to do justice to learners with mainly external barriers to learning (LSEN) and educators finding themselves in an inclusive classroom in Nelson Mandela Metropole and surrounding areas. In order to understand how such a framework can be established, the following guiding secondary research questions were posed: • What was the international perspective on the implementation of inclusive education? • What was the nature of educational provisioning for learners with barriers to learning (LSEN) before 1994, and the implementation of inclusive education policies thereafter? • What were the practical implications of implementing Education White Paper 6 (Department of Education, 2001) for the support roles of education support providers in South African schools? • What is the support challenges facing learners and educators within inclusive classrooms in Nelson Mandela Metropole and surrounding areas? • What support structures are currently available at the different levels of the education system? This investigation was completed from a phenomenological perspective. A constructivist approach to data collection and data analysis was followed, as the investigator did not attempt to prove or disprove theory, but rather to understand the phenomena under investigation from the viewpoint of participants. iv The sample, selected by means of non-probability purposive and theoretical sampling techniques, included 120 educators from 85 different schools in Nelson Mandela Metropole and surrounding areas. In addition, 4 education officials, 4 members of community organisations and 2 teacher union representatives were selected to the sample. Through the process of data analysis, accomplished through the principles inherent to grounded theory, two themes and sub-themes were identified. The investigator presented a discussion on the two themes and sub-themes. This discussion was followed by a proposal for the establishment of a framework for a holistic, integrated, community based educational support structure. The investigation was completed by recommendations related to the primary and secondary research questions. The investigation concluded that the implementation of inclusive education is severely hampered by strong exclusionary factors that are principally related to socio-economic backlogs that have not been successfully addressed by the current government.

This study investigated whether the PGCE adequately develops the WIL skills of student teachers. WIL skills have contributed extensively to the effectiveness of the facilitation of teaching and learning in schools. The definitions of WIL in this study refer to the skills required to succeed in practice. The four domains of Danielson provide the WIL skills, namely Preparation and Planning, the School Environment, Instruction and Professional Responsibilities. The study showed that there is a link between the four domains and the capacity of student teachers to integrate the theory they acquire at the HEIs and practice in the schools. The quantitative approach is referred to by Creswell (2005:39) as a type of educational research in which the researcher decides what to study, asks specific narrow questions, collects numeric data, which is numbered data from participants, analyzes these numbers using statistics, and conducts the inquiry in an unbiased, objective manner. As this study requires numeric data that ask specific questions, two questionnaires were distributed. One questionnaire was directed at school – based mentors and the other at PGCE student teachers. The mentors rated the students’ capacity in the four domains and the students rated themselves on the same items based on the four domains. The research instrument provides insight from school-based mentors with regard to whether there is a balance between the theoretical knowledge provided by HEIs and the WIL skills that student - teachers need. The questionnaires completed by PGCE student teachers provided perspectives from the students with regard to the relevance of their WIL skills for the schools at which they were placed. The hypothesis for this study is: The PGCE makes a significant contribution to the development of the WIL skills of ITE student teachers. Some of Some of the key findings in this study indicated that: • Constant curriculum changes in the schools create uncertainty for student teachers. • Student teachers need assistance to motivate learners to take pride in their work and achievements. • Managing learner behaviour is cause for concern for student teachers. • Language proficiency continues to be problematic in the teaching and learning environment, because it impacts on questioning, discussion techniques and the student teachers’ capacity to explain concepts. • Student teachers need assistance with the pacing of their lessons. • Adjusting their lessons, which requires spontaneity from student teachers is needed. • Opportunities need to be created for student teachers to gain access to the parents of their learners. • Student teachers need to devote more time to the development of reflective skills. • Excessive administrative tasks hamper delivery in the classroom and teacher and learner productivity. The findings strongly suggested that a significant relationship exists between the WIL skills of PGCE students and their effectiveness as facilitators of learning. The findings of the study indicated that the PGCE curriculum needs to incorporate the crucial WIL skills as identified in the four domains. The findings of this study supported the hypothesis that the PGCE makes a significant contribution to the development of the WIL skills of Initial Teacher Education student teachers (ITE).

M.Ed. / Technical development, which has its roots in technical education is a high priority in any developing country that aims at the creation of well being for all its citizens. On the other hand, over the past decades, technical education in the Republic of South Africa has not been able to offer sufficient drive to become a contributing factor to bring about the expected economic growth. Certain underlying causes in this regard, were and are today still acceptable. Although certain practical experience in industry is a prerequisite for entry into the education profession, this experience is ignored in terms of salary, promotion service and leave once the person is a fully fledged member of the profession. This is surely the greatest contributory factor to the disillusionment of these teachers during the past decades. Should this underlying problem be removed, it will serve as the necessary stimulus for the people concerned to address the technological demands and a new dimension will occur. The role that the well qualified teacher plays in any teachingand learning situation cannot be over emphasized. He serves as an important bolster against didactic neglect of the child. Should the most recent discussion documents namely the CUMSA, National Training Board as well as the ANC's points of view in connection with educational affairs be integrated, the possibility of an excellent epucational policy may result. The following are the main points from the discussion documents that address the proposed training model: * technology education and engineering studies, which are regarded as career subjects in the senior secondary phase, may be taken as choice subjects. * the possible integration of education and training. * that the modular system to the curriculum with its exit points be followed at schools. * that an adult trainer will receive recognition by means of a certification council for all previous learning and teaching experience (formal as well as informal). The proposed training model in this study makes provision for the trainers, namely that the fechnical teachers who comply with the provisions/requirements of the proposed model be accountably and financially considered qualified so s to optimally fulfil their education and teaching tasks.

A dissertation submitted to the FACULTY OF EDUCATION at the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of MASTER OF EDUCATION in the Department of Educational Planning and Administration, 2007. / This study examines the role of the school management team in staff development as well as factors that help and hinder the team in this regard. The effectiveness of strategies that have been put in place by school management teams is also analysed. The literature review, which involves various textbooks, magazines, newspapers and journals related to the study, makes it clear that the school management team is responsible for staff development in schools. Various approaches to staff development were furthermore identified in order to relate them to staff development practice. * Questionnaires with open and closed-ended questions were used to obtain information from the respondents. The population of the study included members of the school management team and post level-one educators. Analysis of information received from the respondents indicated that staff development could be improved with the cooperation of subject advisers, the organisation of workshops on staff development, by conducting regular staff appraisals, encouraging educators to further their studies, providing intensive induction and by socialisation. The findings of the study necessitated recommendations by the investigator regarding staff development The findings also established that both the post level-one educators and school management team were familiar with the roles of the school management team in staff development. The school management teams were seen not to be doing what was expected of them. It also became clear that post level-one educators were not prepared to accept changes as demanded by the Department of Education and that staff development programmes and policies have to be put in place. It is recommended that funds should be earmarked for staff development and that workshops on staff development must be offered. The school management team should encourage educators to further their studies and thus improve their teaching strategies

Thesis (M. Tech. (Education)) -- Central University of Technology, Free state, 2011 / This study examines the problems encountered by educators regarding the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement in mathematics in grades 10-12. The first aim of the study was to provide solutions to problems regarding training experienced by FET mathematics educators. The second aim was to identify problem areas in the NCS that frustrate mathematics educators teaching in the FET band and to identify areas that appeal to these educators. The third aim was to provide guidelines to assist educators with lesson planning in mathematics in the FET band. The fourth aim was to provide guidelines for appropriate assessment in mathematics in the FET band. The fifth aim was to provide guidelines for the effective integration of OBE in the teaching of mathematics in the FET band. The field work was executed by administering a questionnaire to a randomly selected sample of fifty two educators teaching in the FET band. Interviews were semi-structured, flexible and yielded additional information to that of the questionnaire. The questions of the interview were directly related to the objectives of the study and followed a given sequence that was adhered to in each interview process. The researcher arranged to interview one educator from each of the 15 randomly selected schools in the Motheo-district, but only 10 educators responded positively in the interview process, other educators could not avail themselves on that day. The researcher analysed the responses according to the respondent‟s personal particulars. Descriptive analysis of the sample data for section B of the questionnaire were then done, using respondent counting, percentages and the average for the responses of each statement. This study revealed that educators differ in terms of the problems that they encountered in implementing the NCS in mathematics. The findings from this study pointed out problems such as educators receiving inadequate training on implementing the NCS in mathematics. It was also revealed that educators had not been visited by the departmental officials in their schools for monitoring the implementation of the NCS in mathematics. The last finding showed that teaching and learning support material arrived late during 2008 and that there was a large shortage of such material. The result of the study provides invaluable baseline information with regard to the problems encountered by the educators in the implementation of the NCS in mathematics. On the basis of the findings of this study, a number of recommendations for the implementation of curriculum change in mathematics on FET level are given in Chapter 5.