This study investigates to what extent educators’ pedagogical content knowledge affects learners’ achievement in quadratic functions. The components of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) examined are: (i) mathematical content knowledge (MCK), (ii) knowledge of learners’ conceptions, and misconceptions, and (iii) knowledge of strategies. The participants were seventeen mathematics educators and ten learners from each educator’s class. The sample of educators was a convenient sample, while the sample of learners was selected by means of random sampling. A mixed method design was used to execute the study. Data about educators’ MCK, and knowledge of learners’ misconceptions were collected by means of a questionnaire. An interview was used to gather data about educators’ knowledge of strategies. Data on learners’ achievements and misconceptions was collected by means of a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the effect of each component of the educators’ PCK on learners’ achievements. The result indicates that the achievement of learners who are taught by educators who have strong PCK is higher than the achievement of learners who are taught by educators who have weak PCK. / Mathematical Sciences / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

The study investigated how the child centred approach is applied in teaching Natural Science (NS) in Johannesburg East schools. Most attention was paid on which teaching methods were used and how they were used to teach NS. Data was collected from 5 randomly selected schools in Johannesburg East through observations of Natural Science teachers teaching, and focus group discussion with them. Data presentation and analysis revealed that NS teachers who participated in the study used a limited range of child centred teaching methods. They only used experiments, class activities, as well as question and answer method. Literature review revealed that there are numerous child centred teaching methods that NS teachers can use. Some of these methods are brainstorming, discussions, games, group/pair work, field trips, case studies and assignments, using Information and Communication Technology (ICT), debates and facilitation. The majority of teachers still used the out-dated lecture method contrary to the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) 2012 documents that call for an end in the use of traditional teaching methods such as the lecture method. The study also revealed that there are certain challenges and factors that inhibit the implementation of the child centred approach in NS. These challenges among others include the teacher centred curriculum which dictates the pace and content to the child, lack of adequate NS resources, big volumes of learners in classes, different abilities, talents, interests and skills possessed by learners, learners’ lack of discipline, as well as shortage of qualified NS teachers. All these were seen as inhibiting factors in the implementation of the child centred approach in NS. The study among other recommendations recommended that, in order for the child centred approach to be implemented successfully the Ministry of Basic Education should develop a child centred curriculum that does not dictate the pace to the child. The Ministry as well should come up with a specific or customised child centred approach model that is relevant to NS as a subject, in-service all NS teachers and empower them with the child centred teaching methods, principles and strategies, capacitate all schools with all necessary resources such as qualified NS teachers as well as relevant chemicals, materials, apparatus and information and communication technology infrastructure designated for NS. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

Information and Communication Technology (ICT) has taken over every aspect of our daily lives, from commerce to leisure and even culture. Today, mobile phones, desktop computers, hand-held devices, emails and the use of the internet have become a central part of our culture and society. ICT has made us a global society, where people can interact and communicate efficiently. In order for South Africa to be competitive in the global economy, it will need to develop a workforce with appropriate Information Technology skills. Of necessity, these skills will extend to using a computers and developing appropriate software and technical support skills (DOE, 2008). This thesis represents a critical analytical study in that it explores the online Sesotho Information and Communication Technology (ICT). It aims at analysing terminology development in this area. The study aims to determine how Sesotho and ICT correlate and how the linguistic aspect plays a role in online ICT terminology. The focus is not on creating new terms but to analyze the already existing ICT terms available, with regards to linguistic rules and principles and to critique if they are of quality. Furthermore, the thesis explores whether there are other strategies that can be used in the development of this terminology. It also seeks to determine if the terms are easily accessible to students and if they are used at all. Terms will be sourced from the Department of Arts and Culture ICT term list, and the focus will be on extracting only terms that have to do with computer literacy. Other online sources that list Sesotho equivalents will also be considered. The study also assesses the quality of the terms created by the Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) together with the Department of Communications (DOC) for a multilingual ICT terminology list. Furthermore, the thesis explores whether the Sesotho equivalents adhere to the linguistic rules and principles of the language. The other question asked is whether the terms are used by the intended users and if they are easily accessible to the speakers of the language. This entire aspect of the thesis speaks to the notion of the intellectualization of African languages and in this case Sesotho in particular. Not only does the thesis engage with computer literacy terminology, it also presents a detailed literature review of studies and work that has been done in this field. The thesis engagement is also done by linking the backdrop of the history of Sesotho and the Basotho peoples.

Inaugural lecture delivered at Rhodes University / Rhodes University Libraries (Digitisation)

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Radiography in the Faculty of Health and Wellness Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2008 / The focus of this study is the professional communication practices of radiotherapists as clinical practitioners and as teachers of student/novice radiotherapists. The study was undertaken at a higher education institution and a radiation oncology department in South Africa and addressed the research question; what are the communication practices of radiotherapists in their professional practice and as higher education teachers. This work on professional communication was based on practice and discourse theory as relating to a local context of professional practice and education. Professional communication, seen in this sense, is a social practice which needs to be understood as operating within educational, work and social discursive practices of radiation therapy. A case study approach was chosen as the most appropriate research strategy for capturing the authentic communication practices of radiotherapists in clinical and educational practice. The professional communication practices of ten student and five qualified radiotherapists were investigated through typical teaching and learning interactions in a work integrated learning curriculum. The learning interactions were observed and video-taped in the classroom, tutorial, and demonstration room. Communication interactions were observed and audio taped in the clinical workplace. The research participants, using the video footage as part of their reflections, were interviewed about their communication practices. All interviews were audio taped and transcribed. Analysis of the data was by means of thematic analysis where the data was coded and categorised by means of pattern matching. The findings from the study showed that the communication practices of radiotherapists include: an ‘academic language’, through which academic content knowledge is expressed; a ‘professional language’ for negotiating the complex professional relationships within the clinical environment; and a language for patient care. Their students (novice radiotherapists) are required to master this professional language within their own ‘language of learning’ practice which includes the multilingual component of the workplace. A multilayered model of professional communication evolved and was developed within the analysis process. This model identifies three genres of professional communication: intra-, inter- and extraprofessional communication. Each of these genres was shown to have both formal and informal registers. Technical communication was further identified as a subset of intra- and interprofessional communication. These were further contextualised within the clinical radiotherapy workplace and the classroom (pedagogic) communication practice. The findings also identified multilingualism as a discursive practice within the professional communication of the radiotherapy classroom and workplace. In conclusion, it is argued that the professional communication of radiotherapists comprises a continuum of communication practices that has significance for both professional and pedagogic radiotherapy practice, and it is shown that communication practices play an important role in the establishment of professional identity and expertise and enable the novice radiotherapist to find their ‘professional voice’.

Thesis (DTech (Radiography))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2005. / The most significant changes and challenges to radiography in South Africa are rapid technological changes in the fields of imaging and radiation oncology, the changing status of radiographers as members of the multi-disciplinary health care team and the socioeconomic impact of post-apartheid ideology, policy and legislation with regard to both higher education and health provision. This altered landscape in which academic and clinical work is accomplished has impacted on radiography education. Curricula must change in order to equip graduates to work effectively in the modern workplace and the Integrated Learning Curriculum (ILC) is one such curriculum response. The traditional radiography curriculum of connecting subject-based theory education with interspersed clinical experience where there is reliance on students connecting or applying the subject content taught in the classroom to clinical practice was challenged. The ILC planned to enhance the integration of teaching, learning and assessment in the academy and workplace in a transforming South Africa. This study took advantage of the opportunity to capture data and learning from this curriculum renewal. The research was guided by the questions: I) What is the nature of radiographic knowledge? 2) What curricular options would facilitate radiographic knowledge? 3) What would enable or constrain successful curriculum implementation? 4) Is the ILC an appropriate curriculum for Radiography? This study facilitated a 'layered' understanding of integration and integrated curriculum through exploration of the concept 'integration'. This was achieved through; a national survey that investigated opinion on the status of radiography education in South Africa in 2003; interpretation of the context within which the ILC was located; a search of relevant literature; and a case study that gathered data over a three-year period. Findings support the notion that the workplace is a key influence on higher education curricula and that an integrated learning curriculum suits radiography.

A full dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Education Presented to the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences 2015 / In Africa, throughout the history of schooling, many teachers have been confronted by the demanding situation of teaching two or more year groups in the same classroom although data on this multi-grade phenomenon is scarce. Although reading is a fundamental competency and the core of our curriculum, a gap exists in practice. In multi-grade classes the gap is wider as a result of the different grades and varying abilities within the grades. The present study was motivated by the researcher’s concern for the status of reading in all Foundation Phase classes. This study answers one main question: How do teachers in two urban multi-grade classrooms teach reading in the Foundation Phase? The two sub-questions are: What are the current reading practices in urban multi-grade classrooms in the Foundation Phase? What challenges do teachers of urban multi-grade classes face when teaching reading in the Foundation Phase? The conceptual framework that was central to answering the two sub questions includes four theorists namely: Lave and Wenger’s (1991) Vygotsky’s (1978); Bronfenbrenner’s (1990) and finally Piaget’s (1972) stages of cognitive development including pre-operational stage and concrete operational stage. The literature review highlights the physical setting of the multi-grade classrooms, debates the advantages and limitations of urban multi-grade teaching, compares the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) 2005 and the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) reading curriculum, briefly deliberates the stages of reading development and finally discusses the variety of reading practices. A qualitative interpretive case study research design was formulated to explore the complex phenomenon of urban multi-grade reading practices in the Foundation Phase. The first research question explored the reading practices found in two urban multi-grade classes, and the findings include four themes which are: stories, vocabulary, comprehension and reading. The second sub-question, focussed on the challenges the urban multi-grade teachers experienced. In conclusion this study reveals that reading can be taught successfully in urban multi-grade classes. Teaching reading in multi-grade classes may foster the emotional, intellectual, social and academic well-being of learners. Secondly although the two urban multi-grade teachers faced many challenges, with the necessary support structures in place, these challenges could be minimized.

Thesis Submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor Educationis in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at the CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY, 2012 / Quality and meaningful art education is a very important vehicle for learning and knowledge acquisition which is within the reach of all children in schools. Unfortunately, due to a variety of reasons such as the fact that generalist trained teachers, with no specialised training in art, are responsible for the teaching of art in schools in South Africa, as well as recurring educational change and subsequent uncertainty, lead to the situation that art lessons currently taught at many schools do not answer to the requirements for quality art education. There is a great need for in-service training to address the shortfalls in the teaching of art in schools. When skills building workshops in art education were offered, teachers requested personal interventions on a one-to-one basis with a focus on their own particular strengths and shortcomings. Mentoring the educators seems to be a means of addressing their needs to improve the quality of their teaching of art. In response to a plea from teachers this research project was designed during which inexperienced and insufficiently trained teachers who are responsible for art education were mentored. Four sites were selected at which the teachers were mentored. There were marked differences in the circumstances and conditions at the four schools, however, from all the sites there was an outcry for assistance in the planning and presentation of quality art lessons and for lesson ideas. The one similarity in all the cases was the fact that they were all generalist trained teachers who are responsible for the teaching of art in their own class and some other classes as well. The mentoring followed a cyclical process and was adapted for art education. The process comprised the establishment of a relationship in which the mentor and mentee played equally important roles, needs analysis, the mentoring process, which iv consisted of joint planning of lessons, model teaching, discussions and coaching sessions, reflection and then to return to the beginning of the cycle. The process concluded with a workshop. The entire process was recorded, reported on and assessed upon termination. Data that was collected at the four sites was analysed according to themes that were developed from the literature on mentoring in education as well as the literature on quality and meaningful art education. Themes that have emerged are the mentoring relationship, the role of the mentor, the role of the mentee, the purpose and goals of the mentoring, the mentoring process and the mentoring outcomes. The thesis concludes with recommendations for the mentoring of educators in the teaching of quality and meaningful art and suggests that no child should be deprived of the learning opportunities through art that can form part of their primary school experience.

The phenomenon of teenage pregnancy among school-going youth is on the increase in South Africa, despite the existence of a number of intervention programmes. Although both curricular and co-curricular awareness programmes targeting this phenomenon are currently employed within South African schools, these programmes have patently not met with much success, since the problem remains acute. It was the question why these programmes are not succeeding in alleviating the problem that prompted my interest in undertaking this study. Based on literature that suggests that those programmes that are successful in reaching the youth are designed through participatory processes, rather than being designed by outside experts, my thesis proposes that prevention programmes that are designed and implemented by the youth for the youth may be more successful in helping them to make healthy decisions in terms of their sexual behaviour. This study attempted to engage youth in a participatory way in identifying and exploring their perceptions of teenage pregnancy and using the knowledge thus gained to design, implement and evaluate prevention strategies in their school. The study is informed by social learning theory and adopted a participatory action research (PAR) design, which is located in a critical paradigm. I purposefully recruited twenty-four youths (14 females and 10 males) to participate. The primary research question that guided this study was: “How can peer educators be engaged to create prevention strategies to reduce teenage pregnancy and its impacts?” The following sub-questions were identified from the primary research question: What do learners themselves know feel and experience with regard to the causes and effects of teenage pregnancy How might a participatory methodology help learners to create relevant and contextualised strategies for addressing teenage pregnancy? How can such strategies be implemented in a school system? What recommendations could be made for addressing teenage pregnancy in a contextualised way? The research was conducted in two cycles. In Cycle One, data was generated through two focus group discussions, led by a young researcher from the community to encourage openness and honesty. In addition through snowball sampling, six teenage mothers and two teenage fathers agreed to be interviewed individually. The same questions were asked in the two discussions and the individual interviews, namely: “What do you know, feel and think about teenage pregnancy?” In the first cycle, I responded to my first sub-research question. Interviews, drawings and focus group discussions were used to generate data. Three themes emerged from the data to provide insight into how the youth at the school perceived the phenomenon of teenage pregnancy. The findings from this cycle revealed certain tensions between what youth said they needed and what adults, such as teachers and parents, thought they needed to know. The participating teenagers regarded themselves as sexual beings, while the adults in their sphere of influence preached abstinence, moralised or merely cited the facts, without entering into any discussion of how young people could deal with social pressures and better protect themselves against unplanned pregnancy. The participating youth were clearly aware of how to prevent pregnancy, but the social barriers to using condoms or contraceptive pills were a stumbling block. They possessed knowledge of the potential consequences of risky behaviour, but this did not stop them from engaging in such behaviour. In the second cycle of the research, the participants used the findings of the first cycle to develop prevention messages and strategies to convey these messages to their peers. They used participatory visual methods to accomplish this. The findings from this cycle revealed that a peer education approach helped participants to increase maturity in sexual decision-making, had a positive effect on the learning and acquisition of new skills, and improved critical thinking relating to sexuality. The study also had a positive impact on other learners’ knowledge and the attitudes displayed by both learners and teachers, and also led to improvements in school policies related to sexuality education. It is contended that the study contributed important theoretical and methodological insights. Knowledge generated from the study could make a contribution to the field of sexuality education and how it should be approached in schools, particularly in communities facing social and economic adversity. The methodological contribution of this study provided guidelines and theory on how participatory action research and participatory methods can be implemented in schools to enable youth to influence change in their schools, not only regarding teenage pregnancy, but also other social issues.

M.Cur. / In the basic vocational preparation of the student nurse, the field of clinical tuition takes on special significance due to the fact that the major part of the student nurse's professional preparation takes place within this field. The clinical practice offers a wide variety of learning opportunities and forms an indispensable bridge between the vast body of knowledge and the world of endeavour the student nurse has to master. There are, however, many traumatic experiences which deeply affect the student nurse in her involvement with the sick, with the result that she has need for an adult in whom she can confide. An adequate number of registered nurses with the necessary subject knowledge and professional skills should be available in the clinical practice in order to provide optimal accompaniment. The participation of the college tutor in clinical practice accompaniment once again manifested itself prominently following the affiliation of nursing colleges with universities. The National Health Council has formulated constitutional guidelines in terms of which accompaniment of student nurses by tutors has been made obligatory. According to the South African Nursing Council, accompaniment encompasses the conscious and purposeful guidance and support of the student nurse, by creating learning opportunities that make it possible for her to grow from passiveness to involvement to independent clinical practice. This process of accompaniment takes place in conjunction with the direct participation and physical presence of the tutor (SANC, 1988 : 4). Such active participation by the college tutor in the process of clinical practice guidance is not functioning optimally "at present. The purpose of the present study was to determine the extent of involvement by the college tutor in this process, and to establish certain guidelines for the implementation of effective participation. In order to obtain the necessary background for the study, a descriptive exploratory survey was undertaken by means of a questionnaire. Input was obtained from tutors, clinical training personnel and ward nurses. Analysis of the data indicated an urgent need for the active participation of the college tutor in the process of clinical practice guidance. . The planning, organisation, and implementation of nursing tuition at the college must be adapted to provide for the active participation of the tutor in this process. Clear guidelines with operational goals have been formulated with respect to the implementation of clinical practice guidance by the tutor.