Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Education in the Faculty of Education at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013 / The purpose of this study was to explore teachers‟ perspectives on school bullying with insights from two primary schools in Cape Town. The topic of „bullying‟ is not a new one in research; however this study investigated the factors affecting teachers‟ perspectives on school bullying and how these perspectives affect the way teachers responded to incidents of bullying. The concepts of habitus, capital and field were used to provide a theoretical lens through which to examine the topic. The study was based on a small sample of 31 teachers drawn from two primary schools. The study employed a mixed-method approach in which quantitative and qualitative principles were applied. The study consisted of two phases in which data collection took place. The first was a questionnaire, while the second involved interviews. The application of two data- collecting instruments helped to ensure triangulation, thereby enhancing the credibility of the process. Findings indicated that teachers have various conceptions of bullying; this is partly determined by their gender, but also by the way in which they grew up and experienced bullying themselves as children.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment for the degree MASTERS IN EDUCATION in the FACULTY OF EDUCATION AND SOCIAL SCIENCES, 2010 / Motivation is an important element in reading success. There is a concern that many learners are not choosing to read on their own and that independent reading opportunities during the school day appear to be diminishing. Research suggests that if children do not read on their own, they may lose some reading ability. The Department of Education conducts systemic evaluation tests to determine the literacy and numeracy levels of Grade 3 and Grade 6 learners in South Africa. These tests reveal that a high proportion of learners are scoring below the required level for the grade. There are a number of reasons why the learners are not performing at the required level for the grade but educators are determined to improve learners’ reading and comprehension skills. Many educators therefore ask, “How do I get my learners to read?” Not all learners are reluctant to read. Some learners do show an eagerness to read and write and they enjoy reading. These engaged readers are intrinsically motivated and value reading. In contrast, disengaged readers are inert and inactive and avoid reading. Often extrinsic measures such as punishment or rewards would coerce these learners to read. The aim of this study is to determine which teaching practices would motivate learners in a grade 6 class to read. Key theories which underpin this study are social constructivism, social learning theory and socio-cultural learning theory. Qualitative data and quantitative data were collected from interviews and questionnaires. The research tool which was used to measure the learners’ self concepts as readers and the value of reading is referred to as the Motivation to Read Profile (MRP). The MRP was devised by Gambrell, Palmer, Codling and Mazzoni (1996:520). Because the study followed an action research model, an intervention strategy was implemented which allowed the researcher to measure effects and to reflect on teaching practices and reading methodology.

Thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Education in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2011 / Bullying at schools is a worldwide phenomenon and has been extensively researched. However, the role of teachers in this regard, specifically their responses and attitudes towards bullying, has not been as widely covered or reported on. In this study a qualitative case study approach was used to explore teachers‟ attitudes with regard to bullying at a high school in the Cape Metropole. Teachers‟ attitudes, responses, understandings and perceptions with regard to bullying were explored primarily through interviews with nine staff members at the school. The purpose of the research is to attempt to create a greater awareness among teachers of the phenomenon of bullying, and to investigate how their attitudes affect the dynamics in the school yard and related educational issues such as retaliation, tolerance, etc. The research was conducted according to international ethical guidelines and with the permission of the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). The literature review for this study covers two main areas: bullying and teachers‟ attitudes towards it. The area of bullying looks at the phenomenon itself, the definitions thereof, how it is viewed in this study, types of bullying, the role players as well as the effects. Teachers‟ attitudes towards bullying hone in on school climate, the whole-school approach to bullying prevention, teachers‟ attitudes with regard to bullying, and the South African context of the study. Findings will be reported in a narrative format, considering the methodology cited and the literature review. The conclusions in this study are meant to contribute to the overall prevention of bullying in schools in this country. The conclusions concerning teachers‟ attitudes with regard to bullying should be of some value in the ongoing challenge to minimise the scourge of bullying in South African schools.

A mini-thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Education in the Faculty of Education, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010 / Education and knowledge are regarded as imperative tools to changing human attitudes, perceptions and behaviour. The researcher embarked on the study to explore possibilities in the teaching and learning process to substantiate the importance and implications of integrating HIV/AIDS education and awareness into the Grade 8 curriculum. The ultimate purpose of this study is to see how teaching and learning can take place in a collaborative setting, with the possibilities of exploring how effectively an integrated programme can be implemented into the curriculum. The secondary purpose of this study is to use this information to make a contribution to integrate HIV/AIDS education and awareness into the Grade 8 curriculum. The pivotal question with regard to the integration of life-skills into the school curriculum is: How do educators and learners perceive a teaching-learning scenario that can efficiently promote genuine learning of HIV/AIDS within the Life-skills curriculum? In this study, semi-structured interviews and a tool for teaching styles was used to assess 16 educators’ perceptions towards integration and how it can lend itself to integrate HIV/AIDS education and awareness. Furthermore, a questionnaire and a learning styles inventory were used to assess 70 learners’ perceptions of integration. The study found that learners could be assisted with information and be guided to make their own responsible choices. The ideal could therefore be to provide learners with the skills, knowledge, attitudes and values that might enable them to make informed choices among conflicting and competing moral codes. The study found that learners should be given more ownership and responsibility in the teaching and learning process. In doing so, educators should relinquish more control. Educators should also work in collaboration with their colleagues in order for integration to be successful. It will be essential to develop curricula that prepare learners for a new reality which might threaten their future with the HIV/AIDS pandemic. Outcomes-based education allows learners to learn at their own pace and the content selected can be age appropriate that suits learners and their community best to prepare them to be responsible citizens in a democratic country.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master’s in Education (MEd) in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012 / Most learners whose home language is not English encounter mounting challenges when learning English as an additional language in schools. Navigating the learning discourses of such learners’ impact on instructional time. Efficient utilization of instructional time is crucial, as it is the time teachers spend teaching knowledge, concepts, and skills pertaining to school subjects. However, studies have shown that the amount of instructional time is diminished by interruptive activities, herein referred to as non-academic incidences. Non-academic incidences tend to obstruct the efficient enactment of lessons. The thesis investigated the extent to which non-academic incidences impact on instructional time during the teaching of English First Additional Language (EFAL), as well as explored how teachers addressed challenges emanating from non-academic incidences. The study utilized qualitative research approaches comprising of classroom observations and a focus group interview. The participants consisted of in-service teachers teaching in under-resourced schools and also enrolled in the Advanced Certificate in Education course at a university in Cape Town. The research identified some of the critical non-academic incidences pertaining specifically to EFAL, including inappropriate use of pedagogic strategies, poor use of code switching and unsuitable teaching exemplars. Other factors consist of the negative attitudes of both teachers and learners towards other learners who are less proficient in English language and possess poor linguistic ability. In addition, non-subject specific non-academic incidences identified included unpreparedness of teachers, teachers’ digression from core lesson, discipline problems in the classroom, lack of school management capability to protect instructional time, lack of EFAL teaching and learning resources, overcrowding, and impact of socio-economic status of learners. This research argues that to reduce non-academic incidences and maximize instructional time requires collaborative efforts from all stakeholders to develop formalized policy guidelines. Educators need training and support to create the uninterrupted atmosphere suitable for learning. Furthermore, educators need to be encouraged to willingly implement tailor-made initiatives to address specific challenges and learners must be motivated to develop a positive attitude towards EFAL. Educators should be provided with teaching aids and specialised learning resources. Even though increasing instructional time is advocated, the cost implication and utilization must be considered. The study could guide educational stakeholders to formulate appropriate policies to enhance efficient utilization of instructional time and also provide insights into the debilitating effects of non-academic incidences on teaching/learning environments.

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.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Magister Technologiae: Chemistry in the Faculty of Applied Science at the CAPE PENINSULA UNIVERSITY OF TECHNOLOGY 2012 / Chirality is very important to the pharmaceutical industry as enantiomers have the same macroproperties except for their optical and pharmacological activity. Industrial research has thus focused to find the most effective resolution technique. However, our aim was to obtain more information regarding the discrimination process. In this project the structures of the hydrates of di-quininium L-malate, (2QUIN+)(L-MA2-)•2H2O and the di-quininium D-malate, (2QUIN+)(D-MA2-)•2H2O have been investigated. (-)-Quinine (QUIN) did not show selectivity between the D and L malic acid and the structure of (2QUIN+)(DL-MA2-)•2H2O was obtained. Effect of solvents was demonstrated in the study and the structure of (QUIN+)(D-MA-)•H2O) was reported. The relationship between C-O bonds of the carboxylate and carboxylic moieties and ÄpKa was explored in salt and co-crystal formation. Kinetics of absorption was conducted for the reaction of (+)-deoxycholic acid (DCA) with n-propylamine and DCA with racemic sec-butylamine. The rate constants of the reactions were determined. Kinetics of desolvation was performed on the powder samples of mixtures of DCA and sec-butylamine and DCA with di-n-butylamine. Non-isothermal methods were used where a series of TG analyses was carried out at different heating rates (2, 4, 10, 32 K min-1). The structures of DCA with n-propylamine and di-n-butylamine were elucidated. The selectivity of DCA was investigated. The host compound was found to be able to successfully resolve racemic sec-butylamine (2-BUAM) and 2-amino-3-methylbutane (MeBUAM). The structures of DCA with enantiomers of these guests are reported in the study. The structures of R-BUAM and S-BUAM were solved in different space groups while R-MeBUAM and S-MeBUAM crystallized in the same space group.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Technology: Consumer Sciences: Food and Nutrition in the Faculty of Applied Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013 / Child undernutrition is the outcome of numerous complex and interrelated factors. It is considered a worldwide health concern, also in Botswana. Undernourished infants are especially vulnerable to develop nutritional deficiencies and diseases. Tsabana was developed as a weaning food to improve the diet quality of undernourished infants in Botswana but also as a dietary intervention product for the four-month- to five-year-old age group to improve the nutritional status of Batswana children. The study undertook a theoretical nutritional appraisal of Tsabana and assessed its acceptance and use in rural districts of Botswana. A quantitative approach that incorporated a survey was used as the research design for the study. A pre-tested questionnaire consisting of close-ended questions in the multiple choice format was used to collect the data on the field acceptance and use of Tsabana. The questionnaire was completed by 105 caregivers of infants aged six to 36 months old visiting the selected clinics with the research sites the Ngamiland, North East, Central and Kweneng rural districts. The energy, macro- and micronutrient content adequacy of Tsabana was compared to the Codex Alimentarius Standard for Processed Cereal-based Foods for Infants and Young Children (Codex Standard 074) and the Proposed Nutrient Composition for Fortified Complementary Foods (PNCFCF). Sorghum and soya are the two major ingredients of Tsabana which contribute to its protein and energy provision. The nutrient appraisal revealed that the level of energy provided by Tsabana is more than the specified Codex Alimentarius Standard composition but slightly less than the PNCFCF specified range, whereas the protein level is within the specified ranges as put forward by both the Codex composition and the PNCFCF, respectively. The results further revealed that in comparison to the PNCFCF the content of vitamins A, E, C and pyridoxine, zinc, iodine and iron were less than the specified ranges. The content of vitamins A and D met the compositional guidelines of the Codex Alimentarius Standard. The micronutrient provision of Tsabana in relation to the World Health Organization (WHO) recommended nutrient intakes was mostly adequate except for pyridoxine which was inadequately provided for both seven- to 18-month-old (33% provision) and one- to three-year-old (52% provision) infants at the daily rations of 75 gram (g) and 200 g powder respectively. Some minerals also were provided at inadequate amounts, e.g. iodine at a daily provision of 42% as well as iron at 26% for seven- to 12-month-old and 12- to 18-month-old infants both provided at a daily ration of 75 g Tsabana powder. Zinc was only provided at 19% of the WHO recommended intake for seven- to 12-month-old and 14.8% for 12- to 18-month-old infants. As with the absence of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids, the minerals selenium and copper are not provided by Tsabana. The micronutrient fortification compounds used in Tsabana for the mineral and vitamin additions as vitamin A palmitate, cholecalciferol, vitamin E acetate, calcium pantothenate, carbonate and tri-calcium phosphate (ratio 1:18:482), zinc sulphate and potassium iodate are readily bioavailable, but not the vitamin A and vitamin E compounds used. The iron fortificant used is not stipulated on the Tsabana package. The field survey results revealed that Tsabana was well accepted by the infants as perceived by their caregivers as the majority indicated that Tsabana was enjoyed (80%) and that it tasted nice (71.4%). The majority (78.1%) of the caregivers also indicated that the wellbeing of the infants improved on receiving Tsabana. Most (51.4%) of them also knew that Tsabana is more nutritious than other cooked porridges. Tsabana though was not used properly as most of the caregivers fed Tsabana to the infant only once a day (60.9%) instead of two to three times (for infants six- to 18-month-olds) and did not use enough water (3½ cups) (76.2%) to cook one feeding of Tsabana as stipulated on the Tsabana package. The product use factors, which include the number of daily Tsabana feedings provided, the addition of sugar to the cooked Tsabana, the amount of water used to cook one feeding of Tsabana and the cooking period of one feeding were the factors significantly (p < 0.05) linked to the perceived infant acceptance of Tsabana. The number of daily Tsabana feedings was linked to the perceived enjoyment of Tsabana (p < 0.05) and its perceived texture (p < 0.05) and colour (p < 0.05) acceptance. While the addition of sugar to the cooked Tsabana was linked to its perceived enjoyment (p < 0.05), the amount of water used to its perceived taste acceptance (p < 0.05) and the cooking period of one feeding to its perceived colour acceptance (p < 0.05). For instance, more caregivers in relation to the enjoyment of Tsabana and its colour and texture acceptance who perceived it not to be enjoyed and not having a nice colour or texture, indicated not to feed it daily in comparison to caregivers who perceived that Tsabana was enjoyed by the infants and that it had a nice colour and texture. The caregiver perceived infant wellbeing improvement through the provision of Tsabana and the perceived difference between Tsabana and other cooked porridges were the only two clinic-related factors which significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the infant acceptance of Tsabana as perceived by the caregivers. For instance, while the majority (86.2%, 84.8% and 80%, respectively) of the caregivers who perceived the infant taste acceptance of Tsabana as very nice, nice or acceptable indicated that providing Tsabana to the infant improved the infant’s wellbeing, the majority (80%) who perceived it as not tasting nice indicated that providing Tsabana to the infant had not improved the infant’s wellbeing. More than half of the caregivers who perceived the infant texture acceptance of Tsabana as acceptable (59.4%) or nice (56.8%) indicated that Tsabana provides more nutrition to the infant. However, less than half (46.2%) of the caregivers who perceived the texture of Tsabana as not nice indicated that it provides more nutrition to the infant. The caregiver education level was the only demographic factor that significantly (p < 0.05) influenced the acceptance of Tsabana. The majority (90.3%) of the caregivers who attained a secondary education level (form 1 to form 4) and higher, perceived the infant texture acceptance of Tsabana as nice, acceptable or not nice. In contrast, the majority who perceived the texture acceptance as very nice attained either no schooling/standard one to seven (73.9%) and not a secondary level or higher (26.1%). It could be speculated that caregivers who attained a higher education level may be more critical of such attributes such as the texture acceptance of Tsabana. Most (59%) of the caregivers indicated that they did not receive any information regarding Tsabana from the clinic personnel. Caregiver education on Tsabana and infant nutrition will impart sufficient knowledge and skills to prepare, store and adequately feed Tsabana to their infants as well as provide a variety of foods in adequate amounts to contribute to their optimal growth and development. This is a vital undertaking as it was evident from the study that most of the factors that influenced the acceptance of Tsabana were the product use factors. The study additionally found that foods such as meat, poultry and fish, as well as fruit and vegetables, which should be included in the daily dietary provision, were provided to most of the study infants on a weekly basis only.

Thesis (MTech (Horticultural Sciences)--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012 / This study evaluated the effects of different combinations of Hoagland’s solution and Azolla filiculoides on Beta vulgaris subsp. cycla ‘FORDHOOK GIANT’ grown in different hydroponic nutrient solutions. These solutions were comprised of a full Hoagland’s solution and a Hoagland’s solution minus nitrogen solution and amalgamations of these with Azolla respectively. The objectives were to assess the effects of different combinations of Hoagland’s solution and A. filiculoides on uptake of nitrogen and other nutrients, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, growth and development in B. vulgaris grown in hydroponic cultures. The treatments were made up of 1) Hoagland’s minus N solution (as the control), 2) A. filiculoides plus Hoagland’s minus N solution, 3) A. filiculoides plus a full Hoagland’s solution and 4) full Hoagland’s solution. Each treatment was replicated 4 times. Nutrient uptake was measured at 4 and 8 weeks into the experiment. Photosynthesis was measured by analysing the photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration and the evapotranspiration rate of B. vulgaris on a weekly basis. Chlorophyll content was determined by analysing the samples at 4 and 8 weeks. Growth and development was determined by measuring plant height, leaf number, leaf colour, fresh weight and dry weight. Plant height, leaf number and leaf colour on a biweekly intervals, while fresh and dry weight were analysed at 4 and 8 weeks into the experiment. In this study, the most favourable results were attained by the full Hoagland’s solution. This treatment produced plants with the highest nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, chlorophyll content and best growth and development. Preceding this was the Azolla plus full Hoagland’s solution, followed by the Azolla plus Hoagland’s minus nitrogen solution. The poorest results were noted in the control (Hoagland’s minus nitrogen solution) as all the tested parameters in this treatment were the lowest. In this study, Azolla plus Hoagland's minus N solution treatment produced significant growth in B. vulgaris. Although nitrogen was not applied in this treatment, there was improved nitrogen content in B. vulgaris organs. It is postulated that, probably, Azolla released the fixed nitrogen in its surrounding environment making it available to B. vulgaris hence improving N uptake and growth. This implies that there was a synergistic effect from Azolla–Anabaena symbiosis. More studies to understand the mechanisms involved in improving the plant growth are recommended.

Dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Magister Technologiae: Business Administration in the Faculty of Business at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2012 / The purpose of this research study was to investigate the effect that different leadership styles have on employee job satisfaction and organisational commitment within a high-tech South African organisation. The sample of this study consisted of 126 full time and part-time employees working in all functional levels in Company-x. The sample included both male and female respondents. Data was gathered by using a structured survey questionnaire which was delivered on site at Company-x. The questionnaire included a demographic/biographic section and three instruments namely the Mohrman-Cook-Mohrman Job Satisfaction Scales (MCMJSS), the Leaders Behaviour Descriptive Questionnaire (LBDQ) and the Organisational Commitment Questionnaire (OCQ). Of the 126 questionnaires that were returned only two were not completed. The results indicate that respondents perceive their leaders’ leadership style as being equal for initiating structure and consideration-oriented leadership styles. The results also indicated that respondents have a higher level of extrinsic job satisfaction than intrinsic job satisfaction and that the level of affective organisational commitment is above average. The findings show that only consideration-oriented leadership play a role in predicting 17.1 per cent of intrinsic job satisfaction and that initiating structure leadership has no significant effect in predicting intrinsic job satisfaction. The results showed that initiating structure and consideration-oriented leadership styles contribute to 36 per cent of the total variance that occurs within extrinsic job satisfaction. The findings also reveal that certain ratio and discrete demographic/biographic variables have no effect on job satisfaction and organisational commitment. A number of conclusions and recommendations were drawn from this study which was based on the obtained results. The recommendations were aimed at improving the levels of intrinsic and extrinsic job satisfaction as well as the level of affective organisational commitment.