This interpretivist study looked at what acted as barriers and what motivated a group offive African women, aged about 30 working at a Durban school, to take up formal learning experiences. Qualitative data, through the use ofsemi structured interviews, on a one-to-one basis was collected. This involved elliciting each woman' account of her educational and work experience, as a learner and a worker. Themes like unemployment ofone or both parents; limitations imposed by the patriarchial culture they come from; gender issues like not valuing educating girls and the diverse role which women play in the lives of a family; domestic violence and abuse; adolescent pregnancy; previous learning experiences; fmancial limitations perpetuated in adult life because ofthe inability to access jobs which allow for the" luxury" ofpursuing educational courses and supporting extended family who live in the rural areas ofKwazulu-Natal or the Transkei surfaced. These themes were evaluated against the tenets ofMaslow's hierarchy ofneeds, Knowles's theory ofwhat comprises ideal adult learning situations; whether Mezirow's suggestion that learning will be precipitated by rethinking the ways people behave; and Tajfels' theory on personal and social identity. Using the perspectives offeminist writers like hooks, Hill Collins, and Magwaza this study looked at the role that culture, class and gender has played in the lives ofthese participants. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.

This study is an exploration of teaching methods used by Grade One educators whilst developing reading skills at a school in Durban. The researcher has positioned herself within an Interpretivist paradigm in order to approach this study. It is a case study which has been conducted specifically at one primary school in Durban with three Grade One educators as participants. The researcher targeted this group in the full knowledge that it does not represent the wider population and there is no attempt to generalise the findings (Cohen, Manion & Morrison 2000). Purposive sampling has been used because it focusses on participants who are information-rich, based on the purpose of the study (Maree, 2007). Cohen et al (2000) argues that purposive sampling is mostly suitable for small scale research and it is less complicated to set up and is considerably less expensive. This study aims to gain an in-depth knowlegde and greater understanding of teaching methods used by Grade One educators to develop reading skills. It has been conducted within the qualitative framework (Denzin & Lincoln, 2003) with interviews, observations and document analysis as research instruments for data collection. This study attempts to understand the activities, actions and operations performed by participants and to reveal their motives, goals and instrumental conditions respectively on teaching methods of developing reading skills (Mwanza & Engestrom, 2003). The study has employed an Activity Theory as a theoretical frame work. The main issues which are discussed are the teaching methods used by Grade One educators in developing reading skills as well as the manner in which these methods are used in developing the reading skills. The findings of this study could be used to guide the school management team, school governing body and the educators to compile a set of guidelines on the effective methods of teaching to develop reading skills within the context of this study. It is a case study which has been conducted specifically at one primary school in Durban with three Grade One educators as participants. The researcher targeted this group in the full knowledge that it does not represent the wider population and there is no attempt to generalise the findings (Cohen, Manion & Morrison 2000). Purposive sampling has been used because it focusses on participants who are information-rich, based on the purpose of the study (Maree, 2007). Cohen et al (2000) argues that purposive sampling is mostly suitable for small scale research and it is less complicated to set up and is considerably less expensive. This study aims to gain an in-depth knowlegde and greater understanding of teaching methods used by Grade One educators to develop reading skills. It has been conducted within the qualitative framework (Denzin & Lincoln, 2003) with interviews, observations and document analysis as research instruments for data collection. This study attempts to understand the activities, actions and operations performed by participants and to reveal their motives, goals and instrumental conditions respectively on teaching methods of developing reading skills (Mwanza & Engestrom, 2003). The study has employed an Activity Theory as a theoretical frame work. The main issues which are discussed are the teaching methods used by Grade One educators in developing reading skills as well as the manner in which these methods are used in developing the reading skills. The findings of this study could be used to guide the school management team, school governing body and the educators to compile a set of guidelines on the effective methods of teaching to develop reading skills within the context of this study. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how language affected the teaching and learning of mathematics for English second language (ESL) learners in five Further Education and Training (FET) schools in Northern KwaZulu-Natal, with a particular focus on word problems (WPs). In 2010, fifteen learners (nine boys and six girls) doing mathematics grade 11 from five different FET schools from Mtubatuba District in Northern Kwazulu-Natal participated in the study. Five teachers teaching the same learners from these five schools were also the participants in this study. The researcher’s teaching experience of eleven years as an FET mathematics teacher had taught her that many English second language learners were not able to correctly translate word problems into mathematical equation. This was what motivated the researcher to conduct a study on the impact of English to the teaching and learning of mathematics, especially Word Problems. The study was mostly framed around theory of Social Constructivism. The research instruments used in the study were: learner worksheets, learner interviews (individual and group interviews), teacher questionnaires and lesson observations. Some common challenges in the teaching of WPs were drawn from the analysis of the teachers’ responses: Many learners are unable to translate English statements into mathematical equations. The manner in which WPs are phrased generally pose some problems for many learners. There is lack of mathematics vocabulary such as ‘consecutive’, ‘twice as much as’, ‘doubled and then added to’, ‘squared’. From the learners’ responses, the following could be deduced as challenges in learning WPs: There is very little exposure of learners to word problems. Failure to write English statements mathematically. Less exposure to English due to teachers accepting the use of isiZulu more than English during teaching and learning. Too much wording in the WPs which ends up confusing. Little exposure to mathematical terms such as ‘consecutive’, ‘integers’. Both teachers and learners gave some strategies that they thought could help in the teaching of WPs, namely: Giving more time for learners to construct mathematical statements on their own. Engaging in one-on-one teaching with some struggling learners. Code-switching from English to isiZulu when necessary. Letting learners work through the worked examples first for proper understanding. Rephrasing the problem and breaking it into sections. Use of diagrams and illustrations. Giving learners more activities on WPs. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

This study was undertaken to explore the challenges experienced by non- specialist educators teaching in special schools for the intellectually impaired learners in one of Pietermaritzburg special schools. The theoretical and conceptual framework is underpinned by two theories, Jean Piaget’s cognitive development theory and Vygotsky’s theory of social constructivism. A qualitative research design was chosen with a descriptive, contextual and explorative research focus, giving a true reflection of the participants’ situation. Purposive sampling was used to select participants, a homogenous group of non- specialist educators. A case study method was used. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and observations using pre-designed interview and observation schedules. The main findings of the study were that the following factors contributed to the challenges experienced by non- specialist educators teaching the intellectually impaired learners and are fully discussed within chapter five that are: • Curriculum; • Different levels of intellectual ability and; • Lack of specialized training. The study concludes that non-specialist educators need specialized training. In addition, more support is necessary in the form of class assistants and bursaries to support further study. Without adequate and relevant staff development programs, the quality of teaching and learning in such schools will continue to be compromised. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Poor learner discipline, a problem for both educators and learners at South African public schools, ranges from violence to issues with classroom management. As a result of learner-on- learner violence, learners generally feel that schools are unsafe places to be in (Premdev, 2008). Schools have become challenging contexts for effective teaching and learning to take place in, owing to the presence of bullying, disobedience, drug addiction, vandalism, rape, assault, use of obscene language and disrespect for teachers (Anderson, 2009). With examination results on a downward spiral, De Lange and Mbanjwa (2008) report that poor learner discipline in schools is strongly implicated in learner underachievement. This study, which is an exploration of educators’ and learners’ perceptions of poor learner discipline, is underpinned by research in the construction of masculinities, which submits that masculine identity is a gendered social construction, and as such, is subject to transformation. The research project suggests that whilst schools, by virtue of the ways in which they tend to be organised, condone and perpetuate the formation of hegemonic masculinities in boys, they are also able to effect meaningful change and usher in emancipation to this locale. Some of the key findings include:- • Poor learner discipline in boys reflected their own constructions of dominant male gender identities, formed as a result of their life experiences in a world embedded with notions and practices of patriarchal hegemony; • Poor learner discipline and the ineffective management thereof contributed to a poor teaching and learning environment that disadvantaged all learners; • Female educators relinquish their agency to successfully deal with poor learner discipline when they choose to let male educators handle their disciplinary problems, thereby becoming complicit in entrenching notions of male superiority; • Male educators tend to resort to the use of corporal punishment; • Violence in the home and wider community is reproduced in learners at school. The study discusses approaches that may be employed in achieving a more just and empowering teaching and learning context for educators, as well as learners at schools. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

The study focused on an exploration of utilisation of Mathematics skills by Technology Education pre-service teachers to enhance conceptual understanding of Electronic Systems during the design and construction of artefacts. This study attempted to discover Mathematics concepts that pre-service teachers utilised in the completion of their artefacts and it encapsulated design and making of a model of a house and an electronics circuit. Data were collected through qualitative participant observation, semi-structured interviews and the submission of working artefacts. A sample considered for this study was the whole cohort in the EDTE 210 Electronic Systems course at the University of KwaZulu-Natal. Data were collected through observation of construction of a model house and design of a circuit for Electronic Systems in different phases. In each phase of design, observations and notes were supplemented by semi-structured interview questions as design and construction unfolded. Observation looked for the geometry involved in design of a model house and algebra involved in the design of electronic circuits. Data from interviews with the pre-service teachers indicated mathematical connotations in both the modelling of the house and electronics circuits. It was imperative to know how and why certain measurements, angles and shapes were used for their model houses. Furthermore, it was essential to understand the motives behind particular manipulation of different formulas, conversions and fraction implications by pre-service teachers in their design of effective circuit diagrams. Pre-service teachers at a university level have arithmetic experience which can be used in Technology and may be extended to mainstream Mathematics. It was observed that design and making of this project exposed concepts of Mathematics that made Electronic Systems manageable and comprehensible. Use of projects was discovered to have a positive impact on enhancing understanding of abstract concepts in Mathematics that are essential for Electronic Systems. It is believed that these skills of integrating different areas of learning through interdisciplinarity are paramount for pre-service teachers, as they will soon assume autonomous professional positions for curriculum design in Technology. This provides a diverse approach to conceptual understanding of Electronic Systems through participative learning. Findings and recommendations for effective teaching of Electronic Systems through mathematical skills/concepts are outlined. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

This study focused on foundation phase educators‟ understanding of emotional intelligence and how this understanding influenced their teaching. The concept of emotional intelligence has emerged from the growing realisation that there are factors beyond cognitive performance which contribute to success in life. Emotional intelligence may be described as the recognition and management of emotions in oneself as well as in others. It has been found to be beneficial in a wide variety of settings including that of education. The study was qualitative in nature and was located within the interpretive paradigm. In order to investigate the understanding of the concept by the foundation phase educators and how this understanding impacted their teaching, the data production tools of semi structured interviews, questionnaires and observations were utilised. The findings were analysed and discussed according to themes. The findings revealed that the foundation phase educators had an inadequate understanding of many aspects of emotional intelligence which consequently-impacted their teaching accordingly. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

Language teachers have multiple responsibilities in that they teach a subject which fits into the framework of the school curriculum as well as being the medium through which the majority of that school curriculum is taught. Literacy is also a requirement for the citizenry of the country to function effectively in our society. A further responsibility which is not always perceived is that language has power in that it is often the medium through which social, political and economic discourse occurs. Critical theory contends that competing ideologies seek to make their discourses dominant and in this way have control over relations of power in society. Consequently, language education is the means by which we can educate young people about these ‘discourses of domination’. The focus of this study is teachers and the language assessments which they produce. Are these language assessments simple testing devices intended to gauge learners recall and understanding of the content of the text or can they go deeper than that? Can teachers engage with their learners on a Critical level to understand where texts come from and who created them and what was their purpose in creating them? These questions are in line with Critical literacy, so as to understand power relations in society and to mitigate against the domination of a particular ideology. To merely analyse assessments would be insufficient thus this study goes further to try to understand how teachers’ personal paradigms impact on the assessments which they produce. The purpose here is to gain some understanding of whether or not teachers want to and are able to educate learners about more than just the content of the texts which are taught in the language classroom. This is achieved through the analysis of language assessments and then by semi-structured interviews with the producers of these assessments. The data achieved from this mixed method research is analysed through the lens of Critical Language Testing with the intention of trying to determine if the assessments produced, come from individuals who are concerned with social justice and equality; individuals who are aware of social, political and economic discourses in society among other. The study also sought to determine if these are reflexive individuals who are also ethical in their approach to language teaching and assessment. The thesis attempts to achieve these aims whilst always maintaining a self critical view point. This is done by engaging with the premises which underpin this research and trying to understand the motivations for this research. By attempting to deconstruct my own personal bias and ideological underpinnings the hope is to achieve a study which fairly represents how teachers assess language in the classroom. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2013.

The preamble of the South African constitution clearly states. as one of its principles that it aims to:" lay foundations for a democratic and open society in which government is based on the will of the people" Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996). The Department of Education, through the South African Schools Act No 84 of 1996 aim to instil the principles of democracy, equity, equality and transparency in schools, as it provide for a "uniform system for the organisation, governance and funding of schools" SASA (1996). The large responsibility of managing and governing schools is in the hands of schools with the help from the Department of Education. It is for this reason that this study aims to explore the role and effectiveness of School Governing body as it carries this amount of responsibility mentioned above. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role and effectiveness of a School Governing Body of a rural high school in the KwaZulu Natal Department of Education and Culture. This investigation was done through interviews with the parent members of the School Governing Body to find out their perceptions of their roles and effectiveness in the SGB. Questionnaires were also administered to learner members, educator members of the SGB and the Staff Management Team of the school to evaluate their perceptions towards their roles, and roles of others in the SGB. The study also aimed to check on whether there are conflicting ideas amongst different member components of the SGB. The findings of this study have shown that there are differences in the understanding of roles to be played in the SGB. Learners, educators and SMT members feel that they play a positive role in the SGB whilst the parent members do not understand their roles, and this impact negatively on the effectiveness of the SGB. The study also showed that the low levels of literacy amongst parents disadvantage them in terms of their understanding of educational issues and how to perform required tasks, however good cooperation and understanding amongst member supplement the weaknesses of this SGB. The recommendations suggest the need for workshops and capacity development programmes to improve confidence amongst parents as well as to provide information to all SGB members. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, 2005.

The rapid rate, at which HIV/AIDS is being spread, is changing the face of modern society. The alarming statistics revealed by research, bears testimony to this fact. According to Bennell (2003), the total number of HIV/AIDS maternal and two-parent orphans for subSaharan Africa is expected to increase from 9.85 million in 2001 to 18.67 million in 201 0. Education has a pivotal role to play in effectively dealing with the effects of the pandemic, as well as in creating awareness among learners on HIV/AIDS preventative education. The chief medium through which ideas are conveyed and awareness is raised, is through the use of language. The focus of this dissertation was to critically explore the language used by educators within the context of HIV/AIDS Education , at primary school level. This was done in two ways. The first was conducting an in-depth analysis of documents pertinent to HIV/AIDS Education, in an attempt to ascertain which themes, concepts and terms frequently feature in these various documents. The second was exploring these themes, concepts and terms with regard to how these were perceived and understood by the participants in the study. The translation of the meanings the participants attached to these concepts and terms, and how these translated into learning activities within the classroom context, received attention during classroom and lesson observations. A case-study design within the qualitative mode of inquiry was employed. Document analysis, observation and in-depth interviews were used to obtain data pertaining to the area of study. Three Life Orientation educators, from a suburban, co-educational school in the Kwa - Zulu Natal area, participated in the study. The Critical Discourse Analysis framework informed the study. The study also explored the usage of non-verbal signs and suggestions to convey meaning and understanding among learners. The participants' predispositions, ideologies and pre-conceived notions of what was appropriate, in terms of themes explored within the context of HIV/AIDS education, were also examined in light of any bearing these might have had in the process of facilitating understanding among learners. Due consideration was given to contextual factors, and how these might have influenced the processes of creating meaning and understanding among learners. The findings revealed by this research, provide valuable insights into some of the interpretations of some of the terms and concepts that are commonly associated with HIV/AIDS by educators. In addition, they present the possibility of alternate meanings of these terms and concepts, suggesting that multiple meanings are possible within the context of HIV/AIDS education. The implications of this study for classroom practice are numerous. / Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of Kwazulu-Natal, 2006.