The relationship between language proficiency and academic success in university studies is of major concern in educational institutions throughout the Western world. The particular focus of this study is the situation in the Republic of South Africa. This problem is of critical importance at this stage in the history of South Africa when universities have publicly stated their commitment to admit any students with merit or potential to succeed at university. In order for students to succeed at university they need to be communicatively competent in the language which is the medium of instruction. It has been assumed that this ability can be assessed by means of a formal test and it is this issue on which this dissertation focuses in order to establish how reliable such tests are as predictors of academic performance. The empirical research covers a six-year period from 1982 to 1987 and investigates two tests. One is a particular language test which was designed specifically for the selection of students for courses of academic study of English at university. The other is the senior certificate examination which provides the statutory admission requirement for university entrance in South Africa. An extensive review of relevant studies both within South Africa and overseas has been undertaken. In addition an unstructured questionnaire was sent to English departments throughout South Africa in order to establish the current practice with regard to the selection of students for first-year courses. The conclusion seems to be that in the context of a homogeneous population language proficiency as measured on a formal test is predictive of academic success in first-year courses in English. In heterogeneous student populations, like that of South Africa where the majority of prospective students may be described as being "disadvantaged", however, this is not the case. Academic success cannot be predicted with any degree of confidence on the basis of language proficiency. Extreme caution is necessary in the implementation of any language test for the selection of students for academic study at university in the present changing nature of university student populations in South Africa. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1988.

This research project was primarily a qualitative investigation, the purpose of which was not to test a particular set of hypotheses, but rather to develop an exploratory analysis of the disjunction between spoken and written English among pupils at St Charles High School. In light of the lack of empirical and exploratory research on the use of English as a second language in Lesotho, the study aimed to investigate pupils' and teachers' perceptions on the use of English as a subject and medium of instruction. Chapter 1 presents an introduction of English and the formal type of education in Lesotho by missionaries just before the middle of the nineteenth century. Although English is regarded as the 'language of power' nevertheless the teaching and learning of the language has its own problems and teachers and pupils' experiences with second language learning in different local and international contexts are discussed in Chapter 2. The study used both qualitative and quantitative methods to gather and analyse data. A case study approach was employed using a range of instruments to collect data relevant to the aim of this project. The findings show that although pupils are generally proficient in spoken English and appear to understand the spoken language fairly well, assessment of their written exercises and during lesson observations indicates that their fluency in English is not related to their performance in written English. Therefore, fluency in English language does not necessarily form a sufficient basis to describe pupils as competent in English (L2). This does explain the possible difference between spoken and written English. The thesis does not offer tips for teachers nor are methods prescribed about how to teach English as a second language. Although limited to a particular high school (the detail and context of which are described in Chapter 3), much of what was found and the subsequent recommendations may be of value to improve the teaching and learning of English. I hope that this study, which was very much a pilot in nature, will help to highlight issues that might be addressed in more detailed studies in the field of second language learning. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, 2002.

This study investigated perceptions of teachers and school management on factors influencing poor academic performance of Form 'E' students at Maryland High School in Lesotho. After realizing that the poor academic performance by Form 'E' students was a national crisis, the study aimed to examine factors that influenced poor academic of Form 'E' students. This study adopted a qualitative method through which data was collected from the principal, deputy principal, heads of department and teachers. A qualitative design used interviews, observation and document analysis to collect data for the research. The research findings disclosed that teachers and management perceived that the following factors influence poor academic performance of Form 'E' students at Maryland High School:1. Leadership of Maryland High School is very poor. 2. The running of the school without clearly written or documented policies. 3. The control of the school funds by the chairperson of the School Board instead of the principal. 4. Absence of a library and poorly equipped science laboratory. 5. Teachers are not motivated due to lack of some teaching and learning materials. 6. Heads of department are not involved when decisions pertinent to management are made. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2004.

This study examines the attitudes and perceptions of students who are beaten or physically punished at Amaqadi C.P. School. The response of the school to the South African Schools Act no 27 of 1996 ruling against the exercising of corporal punishment of students is assessed. Observations, interviews, questionnaires and the school record books were the research tools used in this thesis. Most students and teachers favour the continued use of corporal punishment. Even the provincial education minister has shown support for its retention. Various reasons are given by the teachers and students for their support of corporal punishment. Evidence suggests that students are beaten because of the lack of alternative ways of discipline and because corporal punishment is still routinely used in the home. There are many reasons for the retention of corporal punishment in this school but most of these rest on parents, teachers and students. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of Natal, Durban, 1999.

In recent years, following the demise of Apartheid education policy, there has been a move away from exclusively mother tongue instruction in ex-Natal Education Department schools. Consequently, in many English speaking pre-primary schools, Zulu-speakers are being submerged into the English language environment. At the same time, there is growing interest amongst educators in an alternative process which allows for affirmation of the first language whilst providing multiple opportunities for second language acquisition by non-English speakers. This report seeks to identify aspects of second language acquisition through lexical tests and analysis of "news" items by the Zulu-speakers at the pre-primary school in the study. Further, through observation of the social interaction of these eight children, it seeks to identify socialisation patterns and to comment on the role which language plays both in the choice of friends and on the child's emotional well-being in the second language environment. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, 1997.

The study explores barriers to learning and development experienced by learners at a rural school situated in Upper Tongaat, on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal. Qualitative research methodology, which took the form of a case study, was used. The barriers to learning that the learners at the school experienced were examined from the perspective of both the learners and teachers. Other social factors that may affect a learner's development such as poverty, poor health and poor living conditions were also explored. The data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and participant observation. Although policy documents such as the White Paper on Education and Training (1995) and the South African Schools Act (1996) emphasize the provision of quality basic education for all learners, the study found that learners at this rural school continue to be marginalized. Factors in this schooling context, such as the poor physical environment, overcrowded classrooms, inadequate teaching resources, lack of ongoing professional development, and socio-economic factors such as poverty and poor health care, impede access to the curriculum. The major challenge at the school is how areas such as school organization, ethos, curriculum, teacher development and community involvement can be improved so that the barriers to learning and development can be overcome. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, 1998.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of Natal, 1960.

This study attempts to investigate teachers' opinions on technical and vocational education curriculum in the light of political changes and educational policies which are emerging in South Africa. This report starts with a discussion of the methodological considerations, followed by the theoretical framework. The analysis and interpretation are presented as follows: 1. Profile of the sample, 2. Technical and vocational education and economic growth, 3. Technical and vocational education curriculum, 4. Teachers' opinions on curriculum transformation of technical and vocational education at secondary school level. Each chapter is rounded off with concluding remarks. The general conclusion and recommendations are given at the end of the report. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of Natal, 1997.

This study attempts to explore, through a qualitative approach, teachers' attitudes towards curriculum change in general and OBE in particular as a curriculum innovation. Teachers' perceptions, understandings of and readiness to implement OBE are assessed. The research attempted to explore their problems and fears concerning their role in this process of curriculum change. Curriculum change as a process and outcomes-based education as a new innovation is explored in relation to the peculiarities or two schools in particular and the South African context in general. The argument centres around the past curriculum and the post (1994) curriculum in relation to outcomes based education and briefly considers what lies ahead for the future curriculum. The practicality of implementation in the present, in schools, like and similar to those in this study and the views of several scholars, especially those of Fullan (1982), Bishop (1986) and Jansen (1997) on the process of curriculum change is examined. The impact of politics on educational transformations in general and in the South African context in particular is debated. The role of curriculum change in such a milieu and the impact it has on the teacher as implementor is examined through the views of the participants in this case study. Socio-economic criteria also influences what happens within schools, and this study shows that poverty hampers the process of curriculum change. A case study approach was used so that, an in-depth study of the schools could be done. The study focused on how the teachers in two schools in Reservoir Hills are engaged in the actual implementation of OBE including the question of what in-service training they received and how effective and relevant it has been thus far. This study served as an enlightening exercise for myself. A discussion of the participants views and my own observations and recommendations are presented. The constraints I encountered and the limitations of such a study are also outlined. I hope that this study adds to the pool of research data that is rapidly developing, in this particular area of study in our context, and inspires others to further the research. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, Durban, 1998.

Abstract not available. / Thesis (M.A.) - University of Durban-Westville, 1982.