• Refine Query
  • Source
  • Publication year
  • to
  • Language
  • 50
  • 11
  • 9
  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 2
  • 1
  • 1
  • Tagged with
  • 121
  • 121
  • 63
  • 51
  • 31
  • 23
  • 21
  • 19
  • 16
  • 16
  • 15
  • 14
  • 14
  • 13
  • 12
  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
71

The implications of the introduction of outcomes based education in the natural sciences curriculum at Cape College of Education: the assessment of perceptions of squatter camp teachers in Khayelitsha towards the outcomes based education / The assessment of perceptions of squatter camp teachers in Khayelitsha towards the outcomes based education

Booi, Kwanele January 2000 (has links)
1. This pilot study is a survey of practices of natural sciences educators at Cape College of Education to establish if they reflect the conceptual development, development of skills, change of attitudes and values that are the pillars of the Outcomes Based Education (OBE). Their approaches of lecturing have been assessed to determine if they incorporate investigative approaches based on social constructivism, the theory underpinning Curriculum 2005. The status of science education in the college has been analyzed to establish whether the curriculum can adapt itself to the specifications of the new curriculum. It has been concluded that the educators at Cape College of Education need to be empowered about strategies that will help them function along the principles embracing Curriculum 2005 specifications. The educators have shown not to be ready to practice social constructivism and the assessment strategies incorporated in their programmes do not embrace a variety of approaches that will enable their learners to develop conceptually, skill wise and enable them to develop change in attitudes and values. Investigative approaches to practical work appear to be lacking in the college teaching/learning and this also indicates that Curriculum 2005 will take time to be properly implemented at Cape College of Education. 2. This study is based on the practices of science educators in the squatter-camp school in Khayelitsha, a densely populated area for blacks near Cape Town. Teachers at Vuselela primary school were interviewed about their teaching assessment strategies to establish whether they incorporate a learner centred approach, which is the necessity for the Outcomes Based Education approach. Also some of the lessons they taught were observed in order to find out whether they validate what transpired from the interviews through a process of triangulation. It has become evident that the teachers are to some extent aware of the changes the education system is going through in South Africa. It also became clear from the study that the teachers are still lacking expertise as to how to practice along the lines of Curriculum 2005, the South African version of Outcomes Based Education (OBE). They also showed that they are keen to learn and practice OBE even though more opportunities need to be created for their epistemological empowerment as well as empowerment on the content of science.
72

Evaluation of the coordinated undergraduate program in dietetics at Kansas State University

Scheule, Barbara M. Einspahr. January 1985 (has links)
Call number: LD2668 .T4 1985 S33
73

Assessing learner needs for student academic support and development in the Early Childhood Education Department of the South African College for Teacher Education (SACTE)

Phatudi, Nkidi Caroline 03 1900 (has links)
Thesis (MPhil)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: SACTE is a distance education provider for practising educators in the Republic of South Africa. As a distance education provider, SACTE has to rely on teaching and learning media other than the tutor for providing service to its students. Study manuals are the main means of subject delivery the college employs. The college, however, cannot always reach its students through the media used, which in this instance is the study manual. This conclusion was reached after numerous telephone calls and letters from students requiring urgent assistance in connection with their studies. The researcher therefore felt that a need existed to find out the type of problems students encountered that prevented them from optimal performance as students and as teachers. The purpose of this study was to determine learner needs in the department of Early Childhood Education, and how they can be dealt with to improve the academic performance and the classroom practice of its students. The premise the researcher worked from, was that students of SACTE experience learning problems, thus they are unable to attain good academic performance, and this affects their classroom practice. A research survey was carried out to determine the type and the nature of problems that existed amongst the students. Two questionnaires were sent out to the ECE students and the academic staff. The following key questions were posed in the questionnaire for students: • What type of educational background do students have? • How long have students been registered with SACTE? • To what extent do they benefit from a tutor system if they have access to it? • To what extent are the study manuals 'accessible' to them? • If study manuals are not accessible, what are the problems and what suggestions do students have to eradicate those problems? • What type of intervention would they like to have from SACTE? The aim in asking these questions was to probe the root problem which might exist, to analyse the responses and to make appropriate conclusions and recommendations based on the data gathered. The questionnaire for the ECE academic staff was based on the following aspects: • The academic staffs experience in teaching teachers; • The academic staff's experience in distance education; • What the academic staff regard as problems inhibiting students from effective learning; • Suggestions and recommendations on how to deal with the problems identified. The questionnaire for students was sent out by mail with a self-addressed envelope included for the return mail. It took almost two months before the responses reached the sender. Almost 70% of the responses reached the sender. Data analysis was done by the Statkon Service of Rand Afrikaans University. The conclusions reached from the data analysis were divided into the following categories: Social background of students: Students do not have study rooms, thus they use dining-rooms and bedrooms as study places. An average household has more than ten members. This type of a situation does not promote effective learning. Educational background of students: Almost 90% of the respondents studied in the former Department of Education and Training (DET). Their highest qualification is M+2 (matric plus two years of professional training), which implies that 56,3% of teachers are not fully qualified to be teaching, as the minimum requirement is M+3. Experience of students at SACTE: Students expressed their desire for the upgrading of the total learning environment in order to enhance learning and classroom practice. Students wanted contact sessions with tutors as they felt that they do not benefit much by studying on their own without external assistance Recommendations made on these conclusions were the following: SACTE must establish Regional Learning Centers (RLC) to alleviate the students' problem of studying in overcrowded homes. RLCs, besides being places to study at, would also serve the purpose of being resource centres as well as discussion places where study support groups can meet. Study manuals should be written with the needs of the learner in mind. The language of the study manual, examples given and the context in which they are written, should reflect the learner and not the lecturer. The 'distance' between the student and the lecturer, that is created by the physical distance, can be narrowed by introducing interactive media. Based on the survey findings, it can be concluded that there is a need to establish student support measures at SACTE that would provide for students by answering to their needs as learners and educators. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: SAGTE is 'n afstandsonderrigvoorsiener vir praktiserende opvoeders regoor die RSA. As 'n afstandsonderrigvoorsiener moet SAGTE, behalwe vir tutors, ook staatmaak op onderrig- en leermedia vir diensverskaffing aan sy studente. Studiehandleidings is die hoofwyse waardeur vakinhoud oorgedra word. Die kollege kan egter nie altyd studente deur middel van studiehandleidings bereik nie. Hierdie gevolgtrekking is bereik na vele· oproepe en briewe van studente wat dringende hulp ten opsigte van hulle studies benodig het. Die navorser het dus gevoel dat 'n behoefte bestaan vas te stel watter soort probleme wat studente ervaar, verhoed dat hulle optimaal kan presteer as studente en onderwysers. Die doel van hierdie studie was om leerderbehoeftes in die Aanvangsonderrigdepartement te bepaal en om vas te stel hoe die akademiese prestasie en klaskamerpraktyk van sy studente verbeter kan word. Die navorser se aanname was dat SAGTE-studente leerprobleme ervaar, wat veroorsaak dat hulle nie goed op akademiese gebied presteer nie, wat dan hulle klaskamerpraktyk beïnvloed. 'n Opnamenavorsing is uitgevoer om die tipe en aard van die probleme wat tussen studente bestaan, vas te stel. Twee vraelyste is uitgestuur, naamlik een vir Aanvangsonderwysstudente en een vir akademiese personeel. Die volgende sleutelvrae is in die vraelys vir studente gevra: • Watter tipe onderwysagtergrond het studente? • Hoe lank is hulle al by SAGTE geregistreer? • Tot watter mate trek hulle voordeel ~it die tutorstelsel, as hulle toegang daartoe het? • Tot watter mate is die studiemateriaal 'toeganklik' vir hulle? • Indien nie, wat is die probleme wat hulle ervaar en watter voorstelle het hulle om die probleme op te los? • Watter tipe ingryping wil hulle graag van SACTE hê? Die doel van hierdie vrae was om die wortel van die probleem te ontbloot, om die response te ontleed en toepaslike gevolgtrekkings en aanbevelings, gebaseer op die data wat ingesamel is, te maak. Die vraelys vir die Aanvangsonderrigdosente is op die volgende aspekte gebaseer: • Die akademiese personeel se ervaring in die onderrig van onderwysers; • Die akademiese personeel se ervaring in afstandsonderrig; • Wat die akademiese personeel as probleme beskou wat keer dat studente effektief leer; • Voorstelle en aanbevelings oor hoe om die geïdentifiseerde probleme te hanteer. Die vraelys vir studente is, tesame met 'n geadresseerde koevert deur die pos uitgestuur. Dit het amper twee maande geneem voordat response terug ontvang is. Byna 70% van die vraelyste is terug ontvang. Data-analise is deur die Statkon-diens van die Randse Afrikaanse Universiteit gedoen. Die gevolgtrekkings uit die data-analise is in die volgende kategorieë verdeel: Sosiale agtergrond van studente: Studente het nie studeerkamers nie, daarom gebruik hulle eetkamers en slaapkamers as studeerplekke. 'n Gemiddelde huishouding het meer as tien lede. Hierdie tipe situasie moedig nie effektiewe leer aan nie. Opvoedkundige agtergrond van studente: Byna 90% van die respondente is deur die voormalige Departement van Onderwys en Opleiding opgelei. Behalwe hiervoor, is hulle hoogste kwalifikasie M+2 (matriek plus twee jaar professionele opleiding), wat impliseer dat 56,3% van die onderwysers nie ten volle opgelei is om onderwys te gee nie, aangesien die minimum-vereiste M+3 is. Ervaring van SACTE-studente: Studente het die begeerte uitgespreek om die totale leeromgewing te verbeter om sodoende leer en klaskamerpraktyk te verbeter. Studente wil kontaksessies met tutors hê, aangesien hulle voel dat hulle nie voordeel trek uit selfstudie sonder eksterne bystand nie. Aanbevelings wat uit hierdie gevolgtrekkings gemaak is, is die volgende: SACTE moet Streekstudiesentrums (SSSe) vestig om die probleem van studeer in oorvol huise, te verbeter. SSSe kan as studeerplekke en hulpbronsentrums dien, sowel as 'n plek waar studie-ondersteuningsgroepe bymekaar kan kom vir besprekings. Wanner studiehandleidings geskryf word, moet die behoeftes van die leerder voorrang geniet. Die taal in die studiehandleiding, sowel as die voorbeelde en die konteks waarin dit geskryf is, moet die leerder en nie die dosent nie, weerspieël. Die 'afstand' tussen die student en dosent, wat deur fisiese afstand geskep word, kan deur middel van die bekendstelling van interaktiewe media verminder word. Gebaseer op die bevindings, kan daar afgelei word dat daar 'n behoefte bestaan om studente-ondersteuningsmaatreëls by SACTE te vestig wat in die behoeftes van studente, as beide leerders en onderwysers, sal voorsien.
74

公立高中教師教學評鑑指標建構之研究

卓子瑛 Unknown Date (has links)
本研究主要在於建構公立高中教師教學評鑑指標,以供公立高中教師教學自我評鑑之用,並提供教育行政單位實施教師教學評鑑之參考。 為達到上述目的,本研究透過文獻探討,參考Danielson(2007)教學專業實踐架構(Professional practice-a framework for teaching)、德州(1986)教學視導系統(Texas teacher appraisal system,TTAS)、麻薩諸塞州(2005)中小學教師有效教學原則(Principles of effective teaching),形成評鑑指標初稿,再以半開放式德懷術專家問卷調查法,進行指標審查、修正與刪減。問卷回收後應用SPSS統計軟體中之敘述統計進行分析,以平均數、中位數、眾數判斷評鑑指標之重要性,以四分差判斷專家群看法之一致性。經由前後三次德懷術問卷調查統計分析之結果,獲得以下結論: 一、就教學評鑑領域的重要性而言,其重要性依次為:教學規劃準備、班級經營管理、呈現有效教學、實現專業責任。 二、就「教學規劃準備」指標重要性而言,其排序為「1」者有6項,分別為「1-1-2,1-2-1,1-2-2,1-2-4,1-3-1,1-4-4」;排序為「2」者有9項,分別為「1-1-3,1-1-4,1-2-3,1-3-2, 1-3-4,1-4-2, 1-4-3,1-5-1, 1-5-2」。 三、就「班級經營管理」指標重要性而言,其排序為「1」者有7項,分別為「2-1-3,2-2-2,2-3-1,2-3-3, 2-4-2,2-4-4, 2-5-2」;排序為「2」者有7項,分別為「2-1-1,2-1-2,2-1-4, 2-2-4, 2-3-4,2-4-1,2-5-1」。 四、就「呈現有效教學」指標重要性而言,其排序為「1」者有7項,分別為「3-1-1,3-1-2,3-3-3,3-4-1,3-4-4, 3-5-1, 3-5-2」;排序為「2」者有10項,分別為「3-1-3,3-1-4,3-2-1, 3-2-2,3-2-4,3-3-1,3-3-2,3-3-4,3-4-3, 3-5-3」。 五、就「實現專業責任」指標重要性而言,其重要性等級排序為「1」者有4項,分別為「4-1-3,4-1-4,4-3-1,4-4-1」;排序為「2」者有7項,分別為「4-1-1,4-1-2,4-2-1,4-3-3,4-5-1, 4-5-3,4-5-4」。 六、就專家群看法的一致性而言,其四分差數值介於.000至.500之間,顯示專家群的看法具高度一致性。 七、就教學評鑑指標之建構內容而言,本研究建構之教學評鑑指標包括(一)教學規劃準備;(二)班級經營管理;(三)呈現有效教學;(四)實現專業責任。4個領域,及20個規準、57個指標項目。 關鍵字:教育評鑑、教學評鑑、評鑑指標 / The thesis attempts to build teaching evaluation indicators for senior high school teachers. The indicators will be the reference both for teachers who want to self- assess, and for senior-high school administration which want to evaluate performance of teachers. The teacher evaluative indicators are derived from famous teaching evaluative indicators: “Professional practice-a framework for teaching”(Danielson, 2007), “Texas teacher appraisal system, TTAS” (1986), and “Principles of effective teaching from Massachusetts Department of Education”(2005). Later, the raw indicators are reviewed, revised, and decreased by “semi-open Delphi”. After analysed by SPSS, here comes 7 conclusions below, according to analyse the outcomes of questionnaire survey: 1) On importance of teaching evaluation area, the sequence is: planning and preparation, the classroom environment, effective instruction, professional and responsibility. 2) On importance of planning and preparation, the most important indicators are consistent of “1-1-2,1-2-1,1-2-2,1-2-4,1-3-1,1-4-4”, the second important indicators are consistent of “1-1-3,1-1-4,1-2-3,1-3-2, 1-3-4,1-4-2, 1-4-3,1-5-1, 1-5-2”. 3) On importance of the classroom environment, the most important indicators are consistent of “2-1-3,2-2-2,2-3-1,2-3-3, 2-4-2,2-4-4, 2-5-2”, the second important indicators are consistent of “2-1-1,2-1-2,2-1-4, 2-2-4, 2-3-4,2-4-1, 2-5-1”. 4) On importance of effective instruction, the most important indicators are consistent of “3-1-1,3-1-2,3-3-3,3-4-1,3-4-4, 3-5-1, 3-5-2”, the second important indicators are consistent of “3-1-3,3-1-4,3-2-1, 3-2-2,3-2-4,3-3-1, 3-3-2,3-3-4,3-4-3, 3-5-3”. 5) On importance of professional and responsibility, the most important indicators are consistent of “4-1-3,4-1-4,4-3-1,4-4-1”, the second important indicators are consistent of “4-1-1,4-1-2,4-2-1,4-3-3,4-5-1, 4-5-3,4-5-4”. 6) On coherence of professionals, lies between.000 and.500, shows highly coherence among professionals. 7) On content of teaching evaluation indicators, the evaluative indicators for senior high school teachers include 4 areas: 1. Planning and preparation, 2. the classroom environment, 3. Effective instruction, 4. Professional and responsibility. These 4 areas are consistent of 20 standards and 57 indicators. Keywords: education evaluation, teaching evaluation, evaluation indicators
75

Comparing outcome measures derived from four research designs incorporating the retrospective pretest.

Nimon, Kim F. 08 1900 (has links)
Over the last 5 decades, the retrospective pretest has been used in behavioral science research to battle key threats to the internal validity of posttest-only control-group and pretest-posttest only designs. The purpose of this study was to compare outcome measures resulting from four research design implementations incorporating the retrospective pretest: (a) pre-post-then, (b) pre-post/then, (c) post-then, and (d) post/then. The study analyzed the interaction effect of pretest sensitization and post-intervention survey order on two subjective measures: (a) a control measure not related to the intervention and (b) an experimental measure consistent with the intervention. Validity of subjective measurement outcomes were assessed by correlating resulting to objective performance measurement outcomes. A Situational Leadership® II (SLII) training workshop served as the intervention. The Work Involvement Scale of the self version of the Survey of Management Practices Survey served as the subjective control measure. The Clarification of Goals and Objectives Scale of the self version of the Survey of Management Practices Survey served as the subjective experimental measure. The Effectiveness Scale of the self version of the Leader Behavior Analysis II® served as the objective performance measure. This study detected differences in measurement outcomes from SLII participant responses to an experimental and a control measure. In the case of the experimental measure, differences were found in the magnitude and direction of the validity coefficients. In the case of the control measure, differences were found in the magnitude of the treatment effect between groups. These differences indicate that, for this study, the pre-post-then design produced the most valid results for the experimental measure. For the control measure in this study, the pre-post/then design produced the most valid results. Across both measures, the post/then design produced the least valid results.
76

Analysing the dominant discourses on the Holocaust in Grade 9 South African history textbooks.

Koekemoer, Michelle. 22 July 2013 (has links)
Cannot copy abstract. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012
77

A study of the implementation of the developmental appraisal system in a former DET primary school in the Pinetown district of the Kwazulu-Natal Department of Education and Culture.

Goba, Basizile T. January 2002 (has links)
This is a study of the Implementation of the Developmental Appraisal System in a former DET school in the Pinetown District of KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education and Culture. It focuses on how educators have understood the Developmental Appraisal System, how they have experienced it and what they would recommend for the DAS so that the school, hence the education system can benefit from it. The main findings in this study indicated that there is a need for retraining of educators for the Developmental Appraisal System to be a success. The problem of the time constraints is also another factor that has made the practical implementation of the DAS to fail. Attitudes of educators in connection with the DAS need special attention so that they become more positive about the DAS. Positive findings indicated that involving other people when one has to be appraised makes the appraisee experience other people's input about his/her strengths, areas of development, opportunities and situations threatening his/her performance. I, as a researcher, would recommend a closer look at how time is made available for the process. If possible, Circuit Appraisal Teams (CATs), District's, Regional's, Provincial's and National's Appraisal Teams set an example to educators at school level. They can do this by being the first to be appraised. School Management Teams and office-based educators could also do the same. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.
78

An investigation into the implementation of the developmental appraisal system in a former KZNDEC high school in the Inanda district of the Kwazulu-Natal Department of Education and Culture.

Hlatshwayo, Vusumuzi S. January 2002 (has links)
One of the results of an increasing concern, in many countries, with the quality of schooling and its improvement, has been that considerable attention has been given, in the literature and in practice, to the management of individual and organisational performance. The matter of organisational performance is being addressed through various means of evaluating schools, and in South Africa, this is finding expression in the current Whole School Evaluation (WSE) project. On the other hand, concerns with individual performance typically are being addressed through various forms of systematic appraisal of teachers. In South Africa, the recently introduced variant of systematic appraisal is referred to as the "Developmental Appraisal System" (DAS). The DAS is claimed to focus entirely on developmental outcomes. According to Chetty et al (1993), prior to 1994, a variety of processes for evaluating teacher performance were evident, but most of these were substantially "bureaucratic and inspectorial" in nature, and were widely rejected by teachers. Consequently, the current approach to appraisal has been developed largely in reaction what were seen to be the limitations and shortcomings of earlier versions. Chetty et al (op.cit.) and Thurlow with Ramnarain (2001) have summarised and discussed the processes which led to the development of the DAS, which culminated in an agreement which was reached in the Education Labour Relations Council in 1998 (Resolution 4 of 1998). Subsequently the new DAS was gazetted and throughout 1999 and 2000 the process of its implementation was embarked upon in all schools. It was intended that a nation review of the implementation of DAS was due to have taken place by the end of 2002. However, for whatever reason, this has not happened and there is no substantial evidence about how successful, or otherwise, the implementation has been. Thurlow with Ramnarain (op. cit) have speculated, without empirical evidence, on the limitations of the implementation process, and the Association of Professional Educators of KwaZulu-Natal (APEK) undertook a limited review of the DAS among some of its members during 2001 . The literature on the assessment of individual performance indicates that, minimally, any evaluation of systematic appraisal system requires that attention should be given to its underlying purposes (or conceptualisation), the process of its implementation, and its ultimate impact. As far as underlying purposes are concerned, it is evident that several different "models" for appraisal exist in different parts of the world (and in the literature). Some of these models are "pure" models, while some are "mixed" by design. Some, while officially conceived as "pure", in fact may be shown to have unintended outcomes. In the present study, the DAS will be examined and compared with other models with a view to offering a considered critique of the "officially" declared underlying purposes of the system. The above provides the context for this study, which will focus on one school's experiences of implementing the DAS. No matter how sound are the intentions of the DAS, it can only be successful if it is effectively implemented at the school level, and so the reported experiences of those involved at this level are significant. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, Durban, 2002.
79

Opvoedingstyl as moontlike oorsaak van onderprestasie by adolessente.

Conradie, Margaretha Hendrika 13 August 2012 (has links)
M.Ed. / This research aims at the description of a therapeutic approach relevant to the adolescent underachiever in whose case the cause of the problem is often overlooked because it is not self-evident. In this specific case there seemed to be no clear reason why the adolescent was not achieving academically according to his potential. An in-depth study was necessary, involving also the family of the respondent. From conversations with educational psychologists, the history of the adolescent and the literature, it seems as if the focus of the intervention in cases where there do not seem to be overt reasons for the underachievement, was on the adolescent only. Courses in motivation and study skills were offered, but were not effective. Because the adolescent is a member of a family, the research is aligned to a systems approach. I wanted to explore the the possibility that the cause of the problem could be found in the style of parenting and resulting family dynamics. A qualitative, investigative, descriptive and contextual design was used. One adolescent was deliberately chosen according to set criteria, and subjected to the utilisation of multiple data-gathering sources and methods. These included interviews, document analysis and observation. The parents of the underachiever as well as his register teacher, were also interviewed. A case study report was compiled according to the processed data. A cross-validation report was compiled, using notes which were taken when I was dealing with the cases that first aroused my interest. Hereafter literature control was applied to compare the results of this study with other available research, and to point out new insights into a family's educational style as a cause of underachievement, gained from the study. All data were submitted to an independent consultant for analysis. After the data were analysed, I concluded that the educational style of parents can be a cause of underachievement. From an integrative systemic perspective, an educational psychological therapeutic programme was described. It is hoped that, aided by this programme, the educational psychologist may make a contribution towards helping the underachieving adolescent and his/her family to overcome their problems so that he/she may realise his/her full potential.
80

Teaching of mathematics in Soshanguve schools : a situation analysis

Rampa, Seake Harry 31 July 2014 (has links)
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.

Page generated in 1.5262 seconds