Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2013. / The problem of youth has been a key issue in South Africa since 1994, with youth seen as needing extra guidance and leadership if they are to bring about the country that many hope for. The interest in youth is also spurred on by recent studies that claim that once adolescents establish certain behavioural patterns that it becomes difficult to modify these patterns. Little research exists that describes the ordinary sociological experiences of youth, especially on sensitive issues that attract a lot of public attention- such as teenage sex and pregnancies, and what is perceived as the ‘slipping of youth morals’. There is great concern that youth are experimenting with sex at too early an age in their social and political development (Frimpong 2010: 27). In my thesis I focus on the thinking, choices and decisions that learners at one high school in Cape Town seem to make with regard to sex and sexuality, and how their choices seem to be influenced by a variety of discourses attached to the provision of a sex education programme at the school; discourses that organise their everyday thinking and actions in very concrete ways. A key goal of the study was to disarticulate and re-articulate the deficit mentality that shapes discourses of sexuality in South Africa, and to develop ‘sexual’ stories and strategies of story-telling that allow the voices of learners to be heard (Pillow 2004). My focus in this study is mainly to explore how the sex education programme reconstitutes youth’s sexual identity. In my qualitative study I challenge the tendency to view youth participation in teen sex using mainly an abstinence-only discourse, and suggest that sex education programmes ‘contaminate’ and ‘mutilate’ youth understandings of sex and sexuality in quite complex ways.

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The notion of inclusion refers to one of the normative ideals that may be used as a means to promote justice in a democracy. Equally so, the norm of inclusion is capable of exploring the legitimacy of the democratic processes set up for the promotion of equity and redress. The implication thereof is that the notion of inclusion is also an adequate measure for monitoring whether processes practised by polities do embrace the norms of recognition, redistribution, empowerment and justice as we come to understand them within the broader concept of inclusion. Grounded in the theory of inclusion and democracy, this study is set against the backdrop of momentous political changes in South Africa that set the tone for transformation in higher education, amongst other democratic changes. Higher education institutions, alongside all other South African polities, introduced new open policies chock-full of democratic ideals to promote equity so as to ensure that those who previously suffered the injustice of being excluded from gaining entry to higher education are able to access it. Based on this understanding, this study has been conducted from a conceptual point of view to investigate the approach by which two historically advantaged institutions in the Western Cape have conceptualised the inclusion of black students from impoverished schools into their institutions. I have also examined how these institutions articulate their support programmes to keep these students in the higher education system. University policy documents such as admissions policies, financial aid policies, student diversity and equity policies, and student retention and throughput rate provided information for interpretation and data analysis. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die idee van insluiting verwys na een van die normatiewe ideale wat gebruik kan word om geregtigheid in ‟n demokrasie te bevorder. Net so het die norm van insluiting die vermoë om die regmatigheid van die demokratiese prosesse wat ingestel is vir die bevordering van regverdigheid en herstel (redress) te ondersoek. Die implikasie hiervan is dat die idee van insluiting ook ‟n voldoende maatstaf is om te kontroleer of die prosesse wat deur politieke eenhede uitgevoer word, die norme van herkenning, herverdeling, bemagtiging en geregtigheid omhels soos ons hulle binne die breër konsep van insluiting verstaan. Begrond in die teorie van insluiting en demokrasie staan hierdie studie teen die agtergrond van gewigtige politieke verandering in Suid-Afrika wat die toon gestel het vir transformasie in hoër onderwys, onder ander demokratiese veranderinge. Hoëronderwysinstellings, tesame met alle ander Suid-Afrikaanse staatsbestel, het nuwe, oop beleide propvol demokratiese ideale bekend gestel om regverdigheid te bevorder om sodoende te verseker dat die wat voorheen onder die ongeregtigheid van uit hoër onderwys uitgesluit te wees, gelei het, nou toegang daartoe kan kry. Gebaseer op dié verstandhouding is hierdie studie vanuit ‟n konseptuele oogpunt onderneem om ondersoek in te stel na die benadering van twee histories bevoordeelde instellings in die Wes-Kaap tot hulle konseptualisering van die insluiting van swart studente uit arm skole in hulle instellings. Ek het ook ondersoek hoe hierdie instellings hulle ondersteuningsprogramme verwoord om hierdie studente in die hoëronderwysstelsel te behou. Die universiteite se beleidsdokumente, soos toelatingsbeleide, finansiële hulp beleide, studentediversiteits- en regverdigheidsbeleide, en studentebehoud- en deursetkoerse, het inligting verskaf vir die doeleindes van interpretasie en analise.

Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There is a lack of research in the sport of field hockey, specifically where monitoring of fatigue and recovery is concerned. The primary aim of the study was thus to monitor the accumulative fatigue and recovery state of elite field hockey players during the different phases of a competitive season. The specific objectives of the study were to determine the changes in heart rate recovery of elite hockey players; to determine the changes in perceptual fatigue; to determine the relationship between players’ perceptions of recovery and stress; and to determine the relationship between the objective and subjective measures of recovery and fatigue over different phases during a competitive season. Elite female hockey players (n = 15) from Stellenbosch University were monitored over 23 weeks. This group comprised of players from the first team (Maties) and second team (VICS) of the club. The following tests were administered: the Heart rate Interval Monitoring System (HIMS) test with the use of SUUNTO heart rate monitors and SUUNTO Team Manager, the Perceptual Fatigue questionnaire (on a weekly basis), and the Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (RESTQ-Sport 76) (during each phase of their normal competition cycle). There were a number of significant findings (p<0.05) relating to the aim and objectives of the study. One of the main findings was that there were significant differences between the phases with regard to the measured variables. Players experienced significantly more Fatigue, Lack of Energy and Pressure during the first Competition phase. With regard to the HIMS, players performed the best during the second Competition phase, following the university holidays. Even though not all the differences were statistically significant, collectively the results indicate that these monitoring tools can be used for teams. An added advantage with all three monitoring tools is that each person can be used as their own baseline. In a team setting it gives the coach and support team the opportunity to individualise training programmes and recovery methods. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Daar is ‘n tekort aan navorsing in hokkie, en spesifiek in die monitering van vermoeienis en herstel by spelers. Die hoofdoel van die studie was dus om akkumulerende vermoeienis en die hersteltoestand van elite hokkiespelers gedurende verskillende fases van die kompetisie seisoen te monitor. Die spesifieke doelwitte van die studie was om die verandering in hartspoed herstel van die hoë vlak spelers te bepaal; om veranderinge in perseptuele vermoeienis te bepaal; om die verwantskap tussen die spelers se persepsies van herstel en stress te bepaal; om die verwantskap tussen die objektiewe en subjektiewe van herstel en vermoeienis oor die verskillende fases tydens die kompetisie seisoen te bepaal. Elite vroue hokkie spelers (n = 15) van Stellenbosch was oor 23 weke gemonitor. Hierdie groep het uit spelers van die eerste span (Maties) en die tweede span (VICS) van die klub bestaan. Die volgende toetse was uitgevoer: Die Hartspoed Interval Monitering Sisteem (HIMS) toets met behulp van die SUUNTO hartspoed monitors en die SUUNTO span administrasie sisteem; en die Perseptuele Vermoeienis vraelys was op ‘n weeklikse basis voltooi, terwyl die Herstel Stres vraelys vir Sportmense (RESTQ-Sport 76) gedurende elke fase van hul oefensiklus voltooi is. Daar was ‘n aantal betekenisvolle bevindings (p<0.05) wat verband hou met die doel en doelwitte van die studie. Een van die hoof bevindings was dat daar betekenisvolle verskille tussen die fases was met betrekking tot die veranderlikes. Spelers het beduidend meer Vermoeienis, Gebrek aan Energie en Druk gedurende die eerste Kompetisie fase ervaar. Met betrekking tot die HIMS het spelers die beste presteer gedurende die tweede Kompetisie fase, na afloop van ‘n rus periode gedurende die universiteitsvakansie. Hoewel al die verskille nie statisties beduidend was nie, is daar aangedui dat die moniterings instrumente geskik is vir gebruik by spanne. ‘n Verdere voordeel by al drie moniterings instrumente is dat elke persoon as sy eie basislyn kan dien. In ‘n spanopset bied dit aan die afrigter en ondersteuningspan die geleentheid om oefening en herstelmetodes te individualiseer.

Thesis (MScSportSc)--Stellenbosch University, 2014. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) has been described as a neuro-developmental disorder influencing the social interaction and communication skills of individuals. Those with ASD have been observed to experience sensory input challenges, which could result in motor delays. Descriptive research was conducted with two case studies, who were boys aged 6- and 8-years, diagnosed with ASD. The purpose of the study was to design and implement a Sensory-Motor Integration (SMI) programme for each boy and to assess the effect it had on the sensory motor skills of the boys over time. At the start of the intervention, the boys were assessed with three neuro-developmental and diagnostic evaluations (Social Communication Questionnaire, Autism Diagnostic Interview Revised and Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2nd Edition) conducted by a psychiatrist to re-affirm their previous ASD diagnoses. The two boys (Subject A and Subject G) participated in individualised sessions of 30 minutes each, twice a week for seven months. The SMI programme focused on vestibular and somato-sensory (proprioceptor) variables. The Quick Neurological Screening Test-3 (QNST III) and the Sensory Input Systems Screening Test (SISST) were used to evaluate the latter at baseline. These were repeated regularly, every 4 to 5 weeks, over the 7-month period and included a retention test of 5 weeks. Based on the results from the subtests of the motor skill tests, a self-designed SMI programme was integrated into the planning of the intervention programme for each boy according to their sensory-motor needs. Subject A showed improvement in the following vestibular subtests in the QNST-III: Stand on one leg (67%) and Tandem walk (83%) and retaining his standard from the Post-test to the Retention test. For muscle tone ability and proprioception, the Arm and leg extension subtest also demonstrated improvement (67%) from the Pre-to the Post-test. The results of the subtest were not retained over the retention period and increased only slightly being 33% from the baseline score. The proprioceptive function of Subject A showed great improvement in the following QNSTIII subtests: Finger to nose (67%), Rapidly reversing repetitive hand movements (88%) and Left and right discrimination (67%). The results of vestibular-related subtests for Subject G showed improvement in the following: Stand on one leg (33%) and the Arm and leg extension task (33%). Some of the scores of Subject G started in the functional category of “severe discrepancy”; however there was improvement in the following proprioceptionrelated subtests: Finger to nose (43%), Thumb and finger circles (20%), and Reversing repetitive hand movements (86%). Although Subject G showed gradual improvement over time, his two sensory systems struggled to integrate with the more complex tasks. The outcome of the individualised SMI programmes showed that the sensory-motor skills improved by enhancing the stimulation of their vestibular and somato-sensory (proprioception) function. Regarding the SISST, Subject A progressed from a ‘fail’ to ‘pass’, in the following test items: the Tonic Labyrinthine Supine (TLS), Tonic Labyrinthine Prone (TLP), Positive Support Reflex (PSR) and the Ocular Alignment test items. Results from the Vestibular test for both Subject A and Subject G appeared to be ‘hypo-vestibular’ (under-stimulated) according to the Post- Rotary Nystagmus test (PRN) score at baseline. These scores were inconsistent during the intervention. The only test item to show positive improvement for Subject G was the Equilibrium Reactions. Lastly, both Subject A and Subject G remained in the ‘fail’ category for Kinaesthesis, which may indicate their ongoing poor proprioception and spatial orientation. There is a need for further research in the area of sensory-motor individualised programmes for children with ASD. Suggestions for future research interventions are to conduct the individualised programmes either over a longer period of time and more frequently at three times a week. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Outisme Spektrum Versteuring (OSV) word beskryf as 'n neuro-ontwikkelingsversteuring wat die sosiale interaksie en kommunikasie van individue beïnvloed. Daar is waargeneem dat diegene met OSV, uitdagings met betrekking tot sensoriese insette ervaar, wat kan lei tot motoriese agterstande. Beskrywende navorsing is toegepas met twee gevalle-studies. Die ouderdom van die twee seuns wat met outisme gediagnoseer was, was 6- en 8-jaar oud. Die doel van die studie was om ʼn Sensories-Motoriese Integrasie (SMI) program te ontwikkel en te implementeer as intervensie wat op elk van die seuns spesifiek toegespits is. Die intervensie-program het voorsiening gemaak om aan die uitvoering van bepaalde motoriese vaardighede aandag te skenk en om die uitwerking daarvan oor die 7-maande tydperk te assesseer. Die twee seuns (Geval A en Geval G) het individuele sessies van 30 minute elk twee keer per week bygewoon. Die SMI program het op die vestibulêre en somato-sensoriese (proprioseptor) sisteme gefokus om hul vermoë en vordering waar te neem. Aan die begin van die studie is drie neuro-ontwikkelings- en diagnostiese meetinstrumente (SCQ, ADIR-R en ADOS) deur 'n psigiater gelei om die vorige OSV diagnose van die seuns te bevestig. Die “Quick Neurological Screening Test” (QNST III) en die “Sensory Input Systems Screening Test“ (SISST) is benut om hul aanvangsvermoë as basislyn te bepaal. Hierdie toetse was gereeld herhaal, elke 4 tot 5 weke oor ʼn tydperk van 7 maande en het ʼn retensie toets van 5 weke ingesluit. Op grond van die resultate van die sub-toetse van die vermelde motoriese vaardigheidstoetse, is die self-ontwerpte SMI intervensie-program vir elke seun, volgens sy persoonlike sensoriese-motoriese behoeftes, beplan. Geval A het verbetering getoon in die volgende QNST-III sub-toets: Staan op een been (67%) en Tandemloop (83%), en handhaaf sy standaard vanaf die na-toets tot en met die retensie toets. Vir spiertonus en propriosepsie, het die Arm- en been-ekstensie sub-toets ook ʼn verbetering (67%) van die voor-toets tot die na-toets getoon. Die resultaat van hierdie subtoets is nie oor die hele tydperk gehandhaaf nie, en het net effens verhoog (33%) van die basislyn telling. Die proprioseptiewe funksie van Geval A het 'n groot verbetering in die volgende QNST-III sub-toetse getoon: Vinger na neus (67%), Vinnige omkeer, herhalende hand bewegings (88%) en Links en regs diskriminasie (67%). Geval G se resultate vir die vestibulêre-verwante sub-toetse het verbetering in die volgende getoon: Een been staan (33%) en Arm- en Been-ekstensie (33%). Sommige van die resultate van Geval G het op 'n ernstige diskripansie begin, maar daar was verbetering in die volgende proprioseptiewe verwante sub-toetse: Vinger na neus (43%), Duim en vinger sirkels (20%) en Vinnige omkeer, herhalende hand bewegings (86%). Ten spyte daarvan dat Geval G ʼn geleidelike verbetering oor tyd getoon het, het sy twee sensoriese stelsels gesukkel om met die meer komplekse take met mekaar te integreer. Die uitkoms van die geïndividualiseerde SMI programme het getoon dat die sensoriesemotoriese vaardighede by beide seuns verbeter as gevolg van die verbeterde stimulering van hul vestibulêre en somato-sensoriese (proprioseptiewe) funksie. Die SSIST resultate toon dat Geval A van ‘druip’ na ‘slaag’ in die volgende toetsitems gevorder het: Tonic Labyrinthine Supine (TLS), Tonic Labyrinthine Prone (TLP), Positive Support Reflex (PSR) en die Ocular Alignment toetsitems. Resultate van die vestibulêre toets, blyk dit dat sowel Geval A as Geval G ‘hipo-vestibulêr’ (onder-gestimuleer) was volgens die “Post-Rotary Nystagmus toets” (PRN) meting wat by die basislyn toetsing behaal is. Hierdie tellings was veranderlik tydens die intervensie. Die enigste toetsitem wat ʼn positiewe verbetering by Geval G getoon het, was die Ekwilibriumsreaksie. Laastens, beide Geval A en Geval G het in die ‘druip’ kategorie vir Kinestese gebly wat daarop dui dat hul swak propriosepsie en ruimtelike oriëntasie steeds teenwoordig was. Daar is 'n behoefte aan verdere navorsing op die gebied van sensoriese-motoriese individuele programme vir kinders met OSV. Toekomstige navorsing wat individuele programme benut, moet oorweeg om die intervensie oor ʼn langer tydperk (bv. een jaar) te laat geskied met meer sessies per week (bv. drie sessies).

Thesis (PhD (Education))--Stellenbosch University, 2008. / The dissertation investigates whether liberal conceptions of autonomy are relevant to higher education in African. And if they are relevant, the dissertation further examines the extent to which liberal conceptions of autonomy can enhance governance arrangements of the higher education system. The focus of the research is on governance arrangements. It proceeds by exploring selected cases of African universities in order to show that these universities function autonomously along a continuum of less autonomous to more autonomous (or substantively autonomous) systems, and argues that universities with the least autonomy can be said to function as less liberal institutions and those with more autonomy function as liberal universities. Different philosophical conceptions of autonomy are examined (in Chapter 4) to foreground what may be considered as constitutive meanings or marks of liberal autonomy. The constituent elements include freedom, rationality and objectivity, authenticity and identity, responsibility, critical thinking, and the enhancement of a vibrant critical community. This discussion has considered autonomy from a specific historical context of conceptual theorisation. In view of this, autonomy can be considered as more liberal and / or less liberal depending on the characteristics of the constituent elements. A continuum exists in conceptions of autonomy. This dissertation argues for a liberal communitarian position of autonomy where the “encumbered self” is acknowledged together with its life circumstances (Callan, 1997; Sandel, 1984). The recognition of the situatedness of being further sustains the concept of a deliberative process of engagement and promotes the public good. The dissertation has also examined the development of higher education in Germany, England and the United States in order to understand how conceptions of autonomy in each of these systems have developed against the background of the particular societies at the different historical moments. For instance, Wittrock‟s (1993) account of the universities in Western Europe, England and iv America acknowledges that as much as universities are situational; that universities are neither disembodied nor mindless in terms of how they frame their missions, yet again the same universities represent a particular function and identity as reflective spaces in different societies across generations. This discussion has further looked at university autonomy through the symbolisms of the University of Reason, the University of Culture, and the University of Excellence (Readings, 1996). Chapter Five has argued that neoliberalism and globalisation can make university governance less autonomous. Despite that neoliberalism and globalisation have been ushered in to make the university space the most dynamic in research and technology, such an approach has ushered in a competition-concentrated model of higher education in Europe and America (Scott, 2006: 129-130). While acknowledging that “ economic and technological forces have impacted on the university, undermining some of its modernist assumptions based on the idea of autonomy and underpinned by academic self-governance”, Delanty (2004: 248-249) considers these shifts and forces as multidirectional and not uni-linear in the sense of one replacing another. The dissertation argues that the African higher education system has similarly been affected by globalisation and neo-liberalism. Despite their being founded on notions of freedom, globalisation and neoliberalism undermine the practice and governance of higher education on the African continent. This dissertation argues that the function of universities is not just to focus on its economic extension but also and more importantly its civic role, and proposes that higher education in Africa can fulfil its civic role by the creation of a cosmopolitan citizen. In this way, the African university has a real chance to widen its autonomy. In conclusion, the implications of this envisaged civic role of the university on academic freedom and institutional autonomy are also examined.

Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The central question of this thesis is whether education policy frameworks are sufficient to transform the higher education system in South Africa. I hold that higher education policy initiatives promulgated in statutory documents such as the White Paper 3 on Higher Education Transformation of 1997 and the Higher Education Act of 1997 are not sufficient to guide educational transformation in universities. My main claim is that as higher education role players we also need to pursue practices driven from "inside" (Gutman 1998: 34) whereby we can develop the "strength of will" to contribute towards initiating equal access and development and, enhancing accountability and quality at our universities. I hold that in order to practice higher education transformation from "inside" (Gutman 1998: 34), one can justifiably pursue a reflexive democratic praxis for the reason that it involves a form of "doing action" with some worthwhile, rational end in mind. It has to do with engaging in reflexive and democratic action attuned to social experience, more specifically higher education, where possibilities may be contemplated, reflected upon, transformed and deepened. To deepen our understanding of our actions involves asking questions about "what we have not thought to think" (Lather 1991: 156). I argue that philosophy of education, more specifically conceptual analysis, is an indispensable means by which we can develop such a deeper, clearer, more informed and better reasoned understanding about the current shifts in higher education transformation in post- apartheid South Africa. Simultaneously, I use conceptual analysis to show why and how the idea of a reflexive democratic praxis can become a "satisfying sense of personal meaning, purpose, and commitment" (Soltis 1998: 196) to guide our activities as educators in the higher education realm. The general principle, which shapes a reflexive democratic praxis, is rationality. Rationality is shaped by logically necessary conditions such as "educational discourse", "reflexive action" and "ethical activity to promote the moral good" in the forms of truthtelling and sincerity, freedom of thought, clarity, non-arbitrariness, impartiality, a sense of relevance, consistency and respect for evidence and people. My contention is that appealing to moral notions of rationality is where the strength of a reflexive democratic praxis lies. In this sense I further elucidate rationality which I argue can create spaces for achieving democratic education which, in tum, holds much promise for shaping teaching and learning through distance education, research and community service in the context of higher education transformation in South Africa. I use "touchstones" which evolve out of rationality, namely access, relevance and dialogism, to show how the idea of a reflexive democratic praxis can contribute towards shaping higher education transformation in South Africa. I provide an overview of the South African higher education policy framework, in particular its concern with issues of equality, development, accountability and quality, which can be linked to and guided by "touchstones" of a reflexive democratic praxis. A reflexive democratic praxis implies a shift towards socially distributed knowledge production which in turn shapes higher education transformation. By reflecting on instances related to the institution where I work, I argue that a more nuanced understanding of higher education has the potential to initiate equal access and , development on the one hand, and to enhance accountability and quality on the other hand. I conclude with the idea that a reflexive democratic praxis can provide higher education practitioners with a conceptual frame to organise their discourses in such a way as to contribute towards transforming their activities and that of their institutions. In this way they might contribute towards addressing the demands of equality, development, accountability and quality in South African higher education. KEYWORDS: Philosophy of education, conceptual analysis, reflexivity, democracy, praxis, higher education, transformation and South Africa. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die sentrale kwessie wat hierdie proefskrif aanspreek, is die vraag of die raamwerke vir onderwysbeleid genoegsaam is vir die transformasie van hoër onderwys in Suid-Afrika. Ek is van mening dat die proklamasie van inisiatiewe ten opsigte van die beleid vir hoër onderwys in statutêre dokumente soos die Witskrif 3 oor die Transformasie van Hoër Onderwys (1997) en die Wet vir Hoër Onderwys (1997) nie genoegsaam is om transformasie aan universiteite te rig nie. My hoofstandpunt is dat ons, die rolspelers in hoër onderwys, ook aandag moet gee aan praktyke wat "van binne uit" gedryf word (Gutman 1998: 34). Op so 'n manier kan ons die "wilskrag" ontwikkel wat sal bydra tot die inisiering van gelyke toelating en ontwikkeling en die versterking van verantwoordelikheid en kwaliteit aan ons universiteite. Ek is van mening dat dit geregverdig is om die transformasie van hoër onderwys "van binne uit" te bewerkstellig deur 'n refleksiewe demokratiese praktyk omdat dit 'n soort aksie verg wat 'n betekenisvolle rasionele doel het. Dit gaan oor refleksiewe en demokratiese aksies wat afgestem is op sosiale ondervinding, veralop die hoër onderwys, waar verskillende moontlikhede oorweeg kan word, daaroor gereflekteer kan word en dit dan getransformeer en verdiep kan word. Ter wille van die verdieping van ons begrip van ons aksies moet vrae gevra word oor "what we have not thought to think" (Lather 1991: 156). My argument is dat die filosofie van die opvoeding, meer spesifiek 'n konseptuele analise, 'n onontbeerlike manier is om 'n dieper, duideliker, meer informatiewe en beter beredeneerde begrip te ontwikkel van die huidige klemverskuiwings in die transformasie van die hoër onderwys in 'n post-apartheid Suid-Afrika. Daarmee saam gebruik ek konseptuele analise om aan te toon waarom en hoe die idee van 'n refleksiewe demokratiese praktyk 'n "satisfying sense of personal mearung, purpose, and commitment" (Soltis 1998: 196) kan word om ons aktiwiteite as opvoedkundiges in die hoër onderwys te kan rig. Die algemene beginsel wat aan 'n refleksiewe demokratiese praktyk sy vorm gee is 'n rasionaliteit. Rasionaliteit word gevorm deur logies-noodsaaklike beginsels, bv "opvoedkundige diskoers", "refleksiewe aksie" en "etiese aktiwiteite wat goeie moraliteit bevorder" soos dit aangetref word in die praat van die waarheid, opregtheid, vryheid van denke, helderheid, nie-arbitrêrheid, onpartydigheid, 'n sin vir relevansie, konstantheid en respek vir bewysstukke en mense. My standpunt is dat die sterkte van 'n refleksiewe demokratiese beleid daarin geleë is dat dit aanspraak maak op morele kwessies van rasionaliteit. Ek verklaar rasionaliteit in hierdie sin verder deur te beweer dat dit die plek is om demokratiese onderwys te verwerklik, wat op sy beurt groot beloftes inhou vir onderrig en leer deur middel van afstandsonderwys, navorsing en gemeenskapsdiens in die konteks van die transformasie van hoër onderwys in Suid-Afrika. Ek gebruik kwaliteitsaanduiders wat ontwikkel uit rasionaliteit, naamlik toeganklikheid, relevansie en samevattings om aan te toon hoe die idee van 'n refleksiewe demokratiese praktyk kan bydra tot die vorming van die transformasie van hoër onderwys in Suid- Afrika. Ek verskaf 'n oorsig oor die raamwerk vir die Suid-Afrikaanse beleid oor hoër onderwys, In die besonder oor aspekte soos gelykheid, ontwikkeling en verantwoordbaarheid, wat gekoppel kan word aan en geng kan word deur die kwaliteitsaanduiders van 'n refleksiewe demokratiese praktyk. 'n Refleksiewe demokratiese praktyk impliseer 'n klemverskuiwing in die rigting van sosiaal-verspreide kennisproduksie wat vorm gee aan die transformasie van hoër onderwys. Deur te reflekteer oor gebeure wat verband hou met die inrigting waar ek werk, argumenteer ek dat 'n fyner genuanseerde omskrywing van hoër onderwys die potensiaal het om aan die een kant gelyke toeganklikheid en ontwikkeling te inisieer en aan die ander kant om verantwoordbaarheid en kwaliteit te versterk. Ek sluit af met die gedagte dat 'n refleksiewe demokratiese praktyk die praktisyns van hoër onderwys van 'n konseptuele raamwerk kan voorsien wat hul diskussies op so 'n manier salorganiseer dat dit sal bydra tot die transformasie van hulle aktiwiteite en die van die inrigtings waarby hulle betrokke is. Op so 'n manier kan 'n bydrae gelewer word tot die aanspreek van die eise van gelykheid, ontwikkeling en verantwoordbaarheid en kwaliteit van hoër onderwys in Suid-Afrika. SLEUTELBEGRIPPE: Filosofie van die opvoeding. konseptuele analise, refleksiwiteit, demokrasie, praktyk, hoër onderwys, transformasie en Suid-Afrika.

Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2001 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In South Africa the transformation process in education has placed tremendous pressure on teachers, redefining roles, functions and imposing new levels of accountability on education professionals. This thesis is based on research examining teachers' experiences of and responses to the recent policy changes and their implications for teachers' work at primary school level. The research captures a small selection of the diverse views and reflections of teachers in case studies of in-service teacher education processes set against the backdrop of major educational changes driven by structural and policy changes in a changing socio-political context. The participants in the research project consisted of a selection serving (working) teachers who attended in-service teacher education programmes voluntarily. The interpretations of events reflect my own perspectives and are informed by both the participants in the research and the specific period in which the research took place. Data produced suggests that while the initial legislative changes took place fairly quickly, the implementation of more systemic, structural, curricular and administrative changes posed a greater challenge. Hastily introduced changes related to practice about which teachers were not consulted resulted in professional uncertainty being induced and teachers experiencing confusion, anxiety and doubts about their competence. Large numbers in classes, poor resources, micropolitical issues at schools, were mentioned as contextual constraints affecting implementation of changes as prescribed in policies. Small pockets of compliance with and support for change initiatives were however also evident in the responses. I contend that the overwhelmingly resistant responses of teachers in the case studies conducted are related to contextual constraints and the decontextualised, externally developed policies and externally imposed changes that ignore teachers' experience (as teacher and personal), beliefs, values and local contexts and broader social contexts. Further I posit that planning of change processes needs to involve teachers at all levels including policy development and in-service activities so that teachers are not only informed of changes but are part of the change process. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die transformasieproses van die onderwys in Suid-Afrika het geweldige druk op onderwysers geplaas omdat hulle rolle en funksies hergedefinieer is en nuwe vlakke van verantwoordelikheid op onderwyskundiges geplaas is. Die navorsing waaroor in hierdie tesis gerapporteer word, is gebaseer op onderwysers se ervarings van en reaksies op die onlangse veranderinge in beleidsdokumente. Die imp likasies vir die werk van onderwysers in die primêre skool word ook betrek. Die navorsing hanteer gevallestudies waarin 'n klein gedeelte aangespreek word van die diverse sienings en refleksies van onderwysers wat deelgeneem het aan indiensopleiding met die oog op die implementering van Kurrikulum 2005. Dit word gestel teen die agtergrond van die grootskaalse onderwysveranderinge as uitvloeisel van die strukturele en politieke veranderinge in 'n veranderende sosio-politieke konteks. Die deelnemers aan die navorsingsprojek was 'n seleksie diensdoende onderwysers wat die programme op 'n vrywillige basis bygewoon het. Alhoewel hulle reaksies as uitgangspunt vir die interpreasie van die resultate gebruik is, reflekteer die interpretasie my eie perspektiewe, gegrond op sowel die ervarings van die deelnemers aan die navorsingsproses as die tydperk waartydens die navorsing plaasgevind het. Die data wat geproduseer is, sugureer dat, in teenstelling met die relatief vinnige veranderinge van die aanvanklike wetgewing, die implementering van die meer sistematiese, strukturele, kurrikurêle en administratiewe veranderings 'n groter uitdaging gebied het. Veranderinge in verband met die onderwyspraktyk, wat baie vinnig ingebring is sonder om die onderwysers daaroor te raadpleeg, het tot professionele onsekerheid gelei, aangevul met verwardheid, vrees en twyfeloor hulle bekwaamheid. Groot klasse, gebrekkige hulpbronne, mikro-politiese sake by die skole, is genoem as kontekstuele beperkings wat die implementering van die voorgeskrewe beleidsveranderinge beïnvloed het. Slegs'n klein groepie onderwysers het die beleidsveranderinge aanvaar of ondersteun. Ek voer aan dat die oorweldigende aantal negatiewe response van onderwysers verband hou met kontekstuele beperkings en die gedekontekstualiseerde, eksternontwikkelde beleidsdokumente. Die veranderinge wat ekstern afgedwing is en wat onderwysers se waardes en plaaslike kontekste geïgnoreer het, speel volgens my ook 'n belangrike rol. Verder stel ek dit dat onderwysers op alle vlakke by die beplanning van veranderingsprosesse betrek moet word. Daarby word beleidsontwikkeling en aktiwiteite rondom indiensopleiding ingesluit sodat onderwysers nie slegs ingelig word nie, maar ook deel vorm van die proses.

Dissertation (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002 / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The passing of the South African Schools Act in 1996 marked the beginning of the formal process of transformation in education in South Africa. The application of a new national education policy based on the principle of equity gave rise to a process of rationalization and re-deployment - a process guided by financial constraints. Many educators and principals took voluntary severance packages, resulting in the abolition of thousands of teaching posts. Hundreds of newly appointed principals were left in 1997 with the daunting task of running their schools efficiently and effectively with a reduced staff. In addition to the much less favourable educator-learner ratios the process of transformation is characterised by inter alia the abolition of corporal punishment, the institution of a new qualifications framework, the introduction of Curriculum 2005 and an inclusive education policy. The whole of this process implies a drastic and pervasive change in thinking and conduct, leaving many educators in a state of uncertainty. Transformation and paradigm shifts brought about changed and changing values, convictions, interests, needs and new role players. All these changes together with new and greater demands on educators, and employment uncertainty, raise the issue of their effect on the motivation and occupational experience of educators. Thus the aim of the present research was to examme the effect of the process of transformation on the motivation and occupational experience of educators. Educator motivation is dealt with in the literature study in terms of specific motivational and personality theories. It also focuses on the nature of transformation and change in education in South Africa, especially in the Western Cape. A mainly quantitative approach has been adopted in the present research. It was designed as an exploratory and descriptive study. The target population consisted of educators in the service of the Western Cape Education Department. The accessible population was confined to a selection from two of the nine areas in the Western Cape, namely Athlone and Worcester. For the purpose ot proportional representation of educators a stratified sampling of educators from: primary and secondary schools, from larger and smaller schools and from former education departments was used. Of the grand total of6186 educators 20% (1258) were selected. A questionnaire survey was done to examine the effect of a wide range of applicable aspects of education transformation on the motivation and occupational experience of educators. More than one-third of the respondents indicated that the process of transformation in education was negatively influencing their motivation and occupational experience. Educators in non-promotion posts reported a more negative influence than educators in promotion posts. Respondents from the former Department of Education and Training reflected a more positive perception in respect of the effect of transformation on their motivation and occupational experience than did respondents from the two other ex-departments. In both cases the most negative influences were reported by educators from the former Cape Education Department. Regarding educators' expenence of contentment approximately 30% of respondents indicated that they were not happy in their profession. The reasons for educators' desire to leave their posts revolved largely around the management of change. The vast majority of educators were also very unhappy at the prospect of having to contend with learners with special educational needs in their ordinary classes. It would appear that educators experience frustration and feelings of uncertainty as a result of inadequate preparation and training for the drastic change of approach to their task. Consequently serious attention will have to be devoted to the training of principals and circuit managers in the management of change. It was found that educators were very happy with various aspects of democratisation in education. The new structure of governing bodies (on which learners and educators may also serve), the application of the principle of gender equity, and multicultural education are but a few examples. The majority of respondents were satisfied with policy matters like that on admission of learners and school attendance by all races - an indication that most educators were in favour of multi-cultural education. Transformation bears important implications for education management, in-service and pre-service training. Since many educators do not enjoy financial and job security, their need for security is not satisfied. As a result their self-actualisation can be jeopardised. Their motivation and occupational experience is further hampered by a lack of a sense of physical safety and the presence of an unpleasant physical work environment. Because these basic and social needs are not met, self-actualisation cannot be realised. The majority of educators felt that at the time of the study (April 2000) they had less control over their own responsibilities than five years earlier. This finding holds serious implications for principals as managers and for education authorities. Management structures and systems should be designed in such a way as to pose ambitious, though attainable targets and challenges to enable educators to develop and assume responsibilities. One of the key reasons why educators experienced their profession as unpleasant and wanted to quit their profession is the state of discipline in schools. Although the vast majority of respondents are satisfied with the code of conduct for learners most educators were unhappy with the abolition of corporal punishment. The negative tendencies regarding educators' occupational experience were illustrated further by the disparity between their current perceptions (April 2000) and those of five years before. In the estimation of the vast majority of educators their job was no longer pleasant or meaningful. Transformation in education had a negative impact on the motivation and occupational experiences of a large percentage of educators. Education authorities will have to reflect carefully on those aspects of policy that make educators unhappy and lower their morale. Factors that demotivate educators or have no motivational value, will have to be eliminated or changed. However, change and innovation will always happen in education. Perspectives emanating from this research can be utilised for a better undersstanding and implementation of change and innovation. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Met die aanvaarding van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet van 1996 het die proses van transformasie van die onderwys in Suid-Afrika formele beslag gekry. Die toepassing van 'n nuwe nasionale onderwysbeleid en die beginsel van gelykberegtiging, met fiskale beperkinge as faktor, het onder meer 'n proses van rasionalisering en herontplooiing meegebring. Nadat baie onderwysers en prinsipale vrywillige skeidingspakkette geneem het, is talle poste afgeskaf Honderde nuut-aangestelde prinsipale is teen 1997 die taak gelaat om met fn verskraaide personeel hul skole doeltreffend en effektiefte bestuur. Benewens groter onderwyser-Ieerderratios word die transformasieproses onder meer gekenmerk deur faktore soos die afskaffing van lyfstraf, die instelling van 'n nuwe kwalifikasieraamwerk, die instelling van Kurrikulum 2005 en 'n inklusiewe onderwysbenadering. Hierdie proses impliseer omvattende en drastiese transformasie van anders dink en doen, wat vir baie onderwysers met groot onsekerheid gepaard gaan. Met die proses van transformasie en gepaardgaande paradigmaverskuiwings kom veranderde en veranderende waardes, oortuigings, belange en behoeftes asook nuwe rolspelers, na vore. Vanweë bogenoemde veranderinge, nuwe en hoër eise wat dit aan die onderwyser stel, en beroepsonsekerheid wat baie onderwysers beleef, ontstaan die vraag watter effek dit op onderwysers se motivering en beroepsbelewing het. Die doel met die studie was derhalwe om die effek van die transformasieproses op die onderwyser se motivering en beroepsbelewing te ondersoek. In die literatuurstudie word onderwysermotivering aan die hand van bepaalde relevante motiverings- en persoonlikheidsteorieë behandel. Die aard van onderwystransformasie en -verandering in Suid-Afrika, maar meer spesifiek in die Wes-Kaap, word ook onder die loep geneem. In hierdie studie is oorwegend 'n kwantitatiewe benadering gevolg. Die ondersoek is ontwerp om verkennend sowel as beskrywend van aard te wees. Die teikenpopulasie was onderwysers III diens van die Wes-Kaapse Onderwysdepartement. Die bereikbare populasie is beperk tot die seleksie van twee van die nege onderwysareas in die Wes-Kaap, naamlik die Athlone- en Worcester-areas. 'n Gestratifiseerde steekproef is gebruik ter wille van proporsionele verteenwoordiging van onderwysers van die twee areas, primêre en sekondêre skole, groter en kleiner skole en voormalige onderwysdepartemente. Twintig persent van die totale bereikbare populasie, naamlik 1258 van die moontlike 6186 onderwysers, is geselekteer. 'n Vraelysondersoek IS onderneem om die effek van 'n wye reeks relevante aspekte van onderwystransformasie op onderwysers se motivering en beroepsbelewing te ondersoek. Meer as 'n derde van die repondente het aangedui dat hul motivering en hul belewing van die onderwysberoep negatief beïnvloed is deur die proses van onderwystransformasie. Onderwysers wat nie-bevorderingsposte beklee is skynbaar meer negatief beïnvloed deur die transformasieproses as die senior onderwysers. Die respondente van die voormalige Departement van Onderwys en Opleiding het meer positiewe persepsies ten opsigte van die effek van transformasie op hul motivering en beroepsbelewing gerapporteer as die respondente van die ander twee departemente. In beide gevalle het die voormalige KOD-Iede die negatiefste invloed gerapporteer. Wat onderwysers se gelukbelewing betref het sowat 30% van die respondente aangedui het dat hulle nie gelukkig is in die onderwys nie. Die redes waarom onderwysers hul beroep wil verlaat, sentreer in 'n groot mate om die bestuur van verandering. Die oorgrote meerderheid onderwysers is ook baie ontevrede oor die feit dat hulle nou leerders met spesiale onderwysbehoeftes in hul gewone klasse moet onderrig. Dit blyk dat onvoldoende voorbereiding en opleiding vir hierdie ingrypende veranderinge groot frustrasie en onsekerheid by baie onderwysers meebring. Ernstige aandag behoort dus gegee te word aan die opleiding van prinsipale en kringbestuurders om verandering te bestuur. Die bevindinge toon verder aan dat onderwysers baie tevrede is met verskeie aspekte van die demokratisering van die onderwys. Die nuwe samestelling van die beheerliggaam waarin ook leerders en opvoeders nou kan dien, die toepassing van geslagsgelykheid en multikulturele onderwys is maar enkele voorbeelde. Wanneer ander spesifieke beleidsaspekte, soos toelatingsbeleid en bywoning van skole deur alle rasse ter sprake kom, is die meerderheid van die respondente hiermee tevrede. Dit is 'n aanduiding dat die meerderheid onderwysers ten gunste van multikulturele onderwys is. Transformasie hou dus belangrike implikasies in vir onderwysleierskap, indiensopleiding en voordiensopleiding. Omdat baie onderwysers me finansiële en beroepsekuriteit beleef me, word hul sekuriteitbehoeftes nie bevredig nie. As gevolg daarvan kan selfaktualisering bemoeilik word. Die afwesigheid van fisieke veiligheidsbelewing en die aanwesigheid van onaangename fisiese werksomstandighede in die skool bring ook mee dat hul motivering en beroepsbelewing negatief beïnvloed word. Aangesien hierdie basiese en sosiale behoeftes nie bevredig word nie, kan selfaktualisering nie plaasvind nie. Een van die kardinale redes waarom onderwysers hul beroep as onaangenaam beleef en die onderwys wil verlaat, is die kwessie van dissipline in skole. Alhoewel die oorgrote meerderheid van die respondente tevrede is met die gedragskode vir leerders op die dissiplinering van leerders, voel die meerderheid ontevrede oor die afskaffing van lyfstraf Die genoemde negatiewe tendense ten opsigte van die onderwysers se beroeps- en gelukbelewing word verder geïllustreer deur die verskille tussen hul belewinge ten tyde van die ondersoek (in April 2000) in vergelyking met vyf jaar tevore. Vir die oorgrote meerderheid van die respondente is die onderwys nie meer aangenaam en sinvol nie. Die meerderheid van die onderwysers het gevoel dat hulle ten tyde van die ondersoek (in April 2000) minder beheer oor hul eie verantwoordelikhede gehad het as vyf jaar tevore. Hierdie bevinding hou ook ernstige implikasies in vir prinsipale as bestuurders van skole en vir die owerhede. Bestuurstrukture en -stelsels behoort op so 'n wyse ontwerp te word dat hulle hoë dog bereikbare teikens en uitdagings daarstel wat onderwysers in staat sal stelom te ontwikkel en verantwoordelikheid te aanvaar. Onderwystransformasie het 'n groot persentasie van die onderwysers se motivering en beroepsbelewing negatief beïnvloed. Die onderwysowerhede sal dringend moet besin oor daardie beleidsaspekte wat die onderwysers ongelukkig maak en hul moreel laat daal. Faktore wat onderwysers demotiveer of geen motiveringswaarde het nie, sal geëlimineer of gewysig moet word. Verandering en vernuwing sal egter altyd in die onderwys pl~asvind. Die bestuur van hierdie verandering is van groot belang. Die insigte wat uit hierdie navorsing bekom word, kan vorentoe gebruik word om ook vernuwing beter te vérstaan en te implementeer.

Thesis (PhD)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002. / Page ii of digitised copy missing due to the condition of the original hard copy. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: no abstract available / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie bestudeer die rol wat die opvoedkundige sielkundige kan speel in die ondersteuning van leerders met Downsindroom tydens die insluiting tot hoofstroomonderwys. Die studie vind plaas in 'n tydperk waar postmoderne denke en demokratisering van onderwys in Suid-Afrika te voorskyn kom. Hierdie tipe studie is relevant. aangesien huidige beleidsdokumente klem Ie op die demokratisering van onderwys en die transformasie na inklusiewe onderwys. Die Universiteit van Pretoria het in samewerking met die Universiteit van Stellenbosch 'n lootsprojek geinisieer waarin inklusiewe onderwys bestudeer is. Die projek het bestaan uit 'n gevallestudie van tien leerders met Downsindroom wat gedurende 1996 in verskillende hoofstroom kleuterskole geplaas is, waartydens hulle 'n leergereedheidsprogram gevolg het. Gedurende 1997 is die leerders in graad eenklasse in die hoofstroom geplaas. Die leerders se agtergrond was divers ten aansien van hul onderrig, maar die meeste van hulle was eers in spesiale skole. Die doel van die studie was om die leerders, ouers en onderwysers te ondersteun en verdere ondersteuning in a trans-disslplinere span te koordineer. Die waarneming en temas wat in hierdie studie na yore gekom het, beklemtoon dat diagnose, evaluasie en terapeutiese ondersteuning binne 'n ekosistemiese raamwerk belangrik is vir leerders met Downsindroom wat in die hoofstroom geplaas word. Die konsep van holistiese gesondheidsontwikkeling word beklemtoon in die transformasie van onderwys in Suid-Afrika. Opvoedkundige sielkundiges moet hulself dus ook strategies posisioneer. Gedurende die studie is die volgende rolle vir die opvoedkundige sielkundige ge"identifiseer: psigoterapeut, assessor/evalueerder, fasiliteerder, navorser/reflektiewe praktisyn, vakspesialis, konsultant, bestuurder en administratiewe rol en laastens die rol van ontwikkelingsfasiliteerder. Dit is ook belangrik dat die opvoedkundige sielkundige die rol as fasiliteerder van geestesgesondheid vertolk.

Thesis (DEd)--Stellenbosch University, 1995. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The rationale for this study essentially is the perceived and reported misconceptions in algebra that exist within pupils in the Junior Secondary phase. These misconceptions are the direct result of the incomplete mastery of algebra. The purpose of this research is to attempt to contribute towards pupils' complete mastery of algebra and the ensuing elimination of certain pupil misconceptions, by trying to increase primary school pupils' level of awareness of the general number properties. Primary school pupils who learn arithmetic in a problem based environment intuitively use the general number properties to execute arithmetical calculations, while pupils in the traditional teaching approach are taught standard algorithms which they must apply, often without comprehension. In the latter, the existence of the number properties is concealed. When these pupils officially encounter the general number properties for the first time in standard 4 or 5, they are probably not capable of integrating these new concepts into their existing knowledge structure. This may lead to incomplete mastery and ensuing misconceptions, which can become worse when pupils must apply exactly the same number properties in algebra to execute algebraic manipulations. The fact that primary school pupils in the problem based approach intuitively apply the number properties, earlier led to the hypothesis that these pupils possess a higher level of awareness of the number properties. However, research has indicated that these pupils possess only a moderately higher level of awareness. This has led to this study during which a specific attempt is made to take pupils' intuitive knowledge of the number properties, which they spontaneously apply, as a point of departure, and to develop it to such an extent that they become explicitly aware of the existence and nature of these fundamental concepts in mathematics. The technique how to link up with pupils' intuitive knowledge and to increase their level of awareness of the number properties inside a problem based environment, was developed during the first two years of this study. At the end of this period, a suitable teaching strategy was formulated. This strategy is essentially based on the following parameters: Group discussion, the use of calculators, and creating a cognitive disequilibrium. During the third year of this study this strategy was implemented at a number of schools. During this phase research concentrated on the distributive property only. Judging by the results, it appears as if a considerable increase in level of awareness has taken place within these pupils. During this study a hierarchical model of levels of awareness was also formulated. This model was used as a guide in the attempt to increase pupils' level of awareness of the number properties. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die rasionaal vir hierdie studie is hoofsaaklik gelee in die waargenome en gerapporteerde wanbegrippe in algebra wat by leerlinge in die Junior Sekondere fase bestaan. Hierdie wanbegrippe is die direkte gevolg van die onvolledige beheersing van algebra. Die doel van hierdie navorsing is om 'n hydrae te probeer lewer tot leerlinge se volledige beheersing van algebra, en die gepaardgaande uitskakeling van bepaalde leerlingwanbegrippe, deurdat gepoog word om laerskoolleerlinge se vlak van bewustheid van die algemene bewerkingseienskappe te verhoog. Laerskoolleerlinge wat probleemgebaseerde rekenkunde-onderrig ontvang, benut intu'itief die algemene bewerkingseienskappe ten einde rekenkundige berekeninge uit te voer, terwyl aan laerskoolleerlinge in die tradisionele onderrigbenadering standaardalgoritmes onderrig word wat hulle dikwels sonder begrip moet toepas. In laasgenoemde geval word die bestaan van die bewerkingseienskappe erg versluier. Wanneer hierdie leerlinge in standerd 4 of 5 vir die eerste keer amptelik met die algemene bewerkingseienskappe in aanraking kom, is hulle waarskynlik nie in staat om hierdie nuwe begrippe met hul bestaande kennisstruktuur te integreer nie. Dit kan tot onvolledige beheersing en gevolglike wanbegrippe lei, wat kan vererger wanneer leerlinge presies dieselfde eienskappe in algebra moet benut ten einde algebra!ese manipulasies uit te voer. Die feit dat laerskoolleerlinge in die probleemgebaseerde benadering intu'itief die bewerkingseienskappe toepas, het tevore reeds tot die hipotese dat hierdie leerlinge oor 'n hoer vlak van bewustheid van die bewerkingseienskappe beskik, aanleiding gegee. Navorsing het egter aangetoon dat daar slegs 'n matige hoer vlak van bewustheid by hulle bestaan. Dit het tot hierdie studie aanleiding gegee waartydens spesifiek gepoog word om leerlinge se intuitiewe kennis van die bewerkingseienskappe wat hulle spontaan aanwend ten einde rekenkundige bewerkings uit te voer, as vertrekpunt te neem, en te ontwikkel sodat hulle eksplisiet bewus sal raak van die bestaan en wese van hierdie grondliggende waarhede in wiskunde. Die tegniek hoe om by laerskoolleerlinge se intui'tiewe kennis aan te sluit en hul vlak van bewustheid van die bewerkingseienskappe binne 'n probleemgebaseerde omgewing te verhoog, is gedurende die eerste twee jaar van hierdie studie ontwikkel. Aan die einde van hierdie periode is 'n toepaslike onderrigstrategie geformuleer. Hierdie strategie steun sterk op die volgende parameters: Groepsbespreking , die benutting van sakrekenaars, en die skep van 'n kognitiewe disekwilibrium. Gedurende die derde jaar van hierdie studie is hierdie onderrigstrategie in verskeie skole toegepas. Daar is gedurende hierdie fase slegs op die distributiewe eienskap gekonsentreer. Volgens die resultate wil dit voorkom asof daar 'n aansienlike verhoging in die betrokke leerlinge se vlak van bewustheid van die distributiewe eienskap plaasgevind het. Gedurende hierdie studie is ook 'n hierargiese model van vlakke van bewustheid geformuleer aan die hand waarvan die poging aangewend is om leerlinge se vlak van bewustheid van bewerkingseienskappe te verhoog.