An understanding of teachers experiences of professional development activities and its contribution to their own professional learning in the context of change was composed by asking, “What are teachers learning and how is learning taking place through professional development activities in the context of change? From an interpretative paradigm, the triple-lens framework enabled an understanding of what learning happened and how this learning happened. In order to do this, the study looked at once-off professional development activities (PDAs), PDAs at school sites and at self initiated PDAs. The study was able to inform us on the effectiveness of these professional development activities for practising teachers. Drawing on data generated through individual and conversational interviews, this study found that teacher learning, within the South African context is taking place both formally (through workshops , own studies, cluster meetings ) and informally, (through discussions with colleagues). Teachers have learnt more through professional development activities which are driven by themselves, as well as collaboratively, through working with each other, that is, through conversations and assistance from colleagues. A very significant part of teacher learning is also taking place informally in the classrooms, through observation, experimentation and experience. Very little learning takes place when it is mandated. The study found that teachers learnt when they themselves were receptive to it. Demanding, or putting policies into place to direct teachers learning does not necessarily mean that teachers are going to learn. Teachers have learnt in varying contexts but most importantly, the journey of learning needs to begin with the SELF. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2010.

The Investigation falls within the field of study known as "economics of education". According to Blaug(l) the subject of economics of education can be divided neatly into two sections: analysis of the economic value of education and analysis of the economic aspects of educational systems. As this Investigation is concerned with determining the productivity of a particular course of study, it may be classified more precisely as belonging to the branch of economics of education dealing with the value of education. Economics of education has been referred to as a new subject with an old history. Although certain aspects of economics of education have been discussed by economists as early as the seventeenth century, it only became established as a branch of economic studies a little more than two decades ago. Two factors are generally given as reasons for its rapid development since the mid 1950's. (2) The first is the increasing recognition that has been given to the concept "human capital". Economists are beginning to accept this form of capital as being as important a component of economic growth as physical capital. The second reason for the recent rapid development of economics of education is the increasing volume of resources that have been devoted to education. These large commitments have forced economists and educational authorities to explore various methods of ensuring efficient utilisation of resources. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--University of Durban-Westville, 1980.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2006. / Bibliography. Also available via the Internet.

The understanding of geographical concepts and the development of skills requires the use of appropriate teaching strategies. Modern school geography incorporates a wealth of techniques and embraces a wide range of strategies which are directly suited to achieve the aims which are central to current geographical education. Techniques which directly involve the learner are perceived to be the most valuable. Of the many participatory strategies suited to the teaching of geography, fieldwork is accepted as the most worthwhile. This study investigates student teachers' perceptions of fieldwork in their college studies and as a teaching strategy. Extensive literature on fieldwork in geographical education was analysed. A survey was conducted to assess the student teachers' fieldwork experiences. The results reveal that fieldwork is neglected in Transkeian schools and Colleges of Education, despite the fact that it is required by school syllabuses, and the fact that in many areas suitable sites are readily accessible. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made for the inclusion of fieldwork in geography courses at Transkei Colleges of Education.

Distance education, and therefore the writing of distance materials, is a growing field in South Africa. This makes it potentially a site of innovation and change as writers experiment with ways of creating effective teaching situations at long range. The Fort Hare Distance Education Project materials seem to be a response to both the increased need for teacher upgrade programmes and the need for innovation to tailor those programmes to the needs of local teachers in a changing society. This innovative attempt to communicate with tertiary distance students has unusual features which suggest that they are worth investigation. Using discourse analysis, including the work of Scollon and Scollon on politeness theory, and an analysis of visual elements using categories developed by Kress and van Leeuwen, this study focuses on 18 pages of a sample text, booklet 9, “A Whole Language Approach,” to investigate how the writer-reader relationship and the identity of the reader are constructed. The analysis reveals a complex, interlocking construction of identity and relationship, producing and resolving apparent contradictions as writers move from one position to another while they negotiate their ongoing and evolving relationship with the readers. Features of identity and relationship operating through the text include issues of authority, changing roles of teachers and learners, trust, what constitutes appropriate language and materials, acknowledging prior learning in under-qualified professionals, ownership of the text, hierarchy and egalitarianism, and stereotyping. The study suggests that the Fort Hare Distance Project materials offer an example of strategies suited to local students which should benefit those who design such courses. It further suggests that visual analysis together with discourse analysis provides insights which seem not to be accessible through a study of the verbal text, and that an analysis of visual elements may widen a researcher’s options. It reveals ways in which writers can negotiate conflicting positions and consciously or unconsciously attempt to resolve contradictions and ambivalence. It suggests issues which need to be negotiated in any text written in South Africa for a similar audience.

M.A. (Psychology) / The evaluation of the 6M Simulation Training Programme is conducted against the background of the manpower needs of the Republic of South Africa, the increase in training programmes as a result of this need and the importance of evaluation of training to ensure the optimal utilization of human and economic resources. The environment in which the worker finds himself in the Western industrial situation has an influence on his job efficiency. As maintenance of economic growth in South Africa will in large measure be dependent on the optimal utilization of the Black workers corps· understanding of the particular problems which the Black worker has to contend with is an important factor in the training situation. The 6M Simulation Training Programme was developed to counteract an identified lack of knowledge with regard to basic business principles relevant to modern industry, and the relevance of these concepts to the job situation, on the part of uninitiated Black workers. Factual information with regard to sources of capital of the specific organisation, use of this capital, reasons for starting the organisation, competition in business, restrictions on the organisation resulting from market factors, sources of income, distribution of income, causes and implications of loss and profit, distribution of profit, influence of the worker on the success or failure of an organisation, the role of management and the reasons for relevant rules and regulations are conveyed to the course attendant during the 6M Simulation Programme in a unique manner. Comparison of pre and post-test results show a significant increase in knowledge of concepts discussed during the course. Variables which influenced the increase in knowledge were the instructor, age, educational qualifications, home language and job category. A positive change in job behaviour and attitudes related to the job situation was observed by the majority of representatives of line management interviewed. A factor analysis indicated positive change in respect of four overall factors, i.e. attitude towards management, efficient use of machines, human sources of inefficiency and identification with the organisation. Evaluation of the influence of the course on organisational efficiency wat not possible because of practical problems. An analysis of comments of respondents indicated that course attendants experienced the course as relevant and applicable to the work situation. Experience during this study indicates that there is SUsplclon on the part of the Black worker with regard to the motives of management with reference to training. The positive effects which training may have on the job performance of course attendants ;s adversely affected by the lack of reinforcement in the job situation. Lack of knowledge and understanding with regard to attitudes, needs, aspirations and problems of co~workers adversely affect the relationships between cultural groups. The development of a relationship based on trust between the different cultural groups seems to be a prerequisite for the successful utilization of the South African manpower potential.

M.Ed. (Educational Psychology) / The government has the mandate not only to provide but also to plan, control and assess the development of education for the enrichment of the entire country and all its people. This is implemented by the District Office. For this implementation to succeed the teachers must show their cortunitment in schools. Ministry of Education (2000:104) asserts that assuring quality of the education system is the overriding goal in education which must be attained by teachers. Teachers can only achieve this important goal by knowing and practising their responsibilities as educators. This practice may ultimately lead to their being more committed. Ngobeni (1996:2) indicated that taking responsibility for their profession, teachers must be aware of the depth of the commitment they have made in choosing teaching as a career. The public education system has introduced many educational policies with the aim of improving quality "in education. Some of the priority needs identified by the government were the implementation of Teacher Developmental Appraisal System, Outcome Based Education and the Whole School Evaluation (Department of Education, 2001: 9). It is therefore important that the District Office delivers and support teachers through workshops and seminars to be equipped with the variety of skills for implementing these policies.

M.Ed. (Curriculum Studies) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

D.Ed. (Environmental Education) / The urgency of the issues concerning man's relationship to the natural environment is confirmed by the large-scale publicity given these issues in the media. This has resulted in a general public awareness of environmental issues, which is presently reflected by numerous efforts to further stimulate positive interest in conservation, responsible utilisation of natural resources as well as sustainable living. Environmental education is the component of education that informs and makes people aware of their immediate environments. Although the principles and guidelines are set according to international standards, this issue should urgently and visibly be instilled in the South African society in order for it to become part of the life-style, value system, social system and education of South Africans in order to develop and promote environmentally literate individuals. During the past 12 years a process of transformation affected all spheres of South African society, including education and training. An outcomes-based curriculum (Curriculum 2005) has already seen many changes and at present a National Curriculum Statement is in place. It is important for learners to acquire environmental literacy (knowledge, skills, attitudes and values), as without concerted efforts at life-long learning for sustainability, South Africa will not be able to become a competitive power in the world, but will face problems regarding sustainable utilisation of natural resources. This in turn can be to the detriment of ensuring sustainability for future generations. It is generally accepted that the next generation of decision makers should be better equipped to not only face environmental issues and problems, but through the process of education, future generations should appreciate their environment and utilise and manage it responsibly in order to enable them to provide solutions with a systematic ecological view of sustainability. In order to ensure success in this regard, educators in all school phases will need to accept the responsibility of applying the principles of environmental education and aspects regarding the environment as indicated in the learning outcomes and assessment standards of the National Curriculum Statement. In order for this to be successfully implemented, student educators should be thoroughly trained to present environmental education in schools. This does not only imply a broadening of educators' knowledge base, but especially the establishment and improvement of their own level of environmental literacy. Only then will educators be in a position to realise the principles as indicated in the White Paper on environmental education. With the environment or aspects of the environment described in the learning outcomes and/or assessment standards of the National Curriculum Statement, it is clear that environmental education will re-emphasise classic educational principles aimed at encouraging positive learner attitudes towards the environment. These attitudes can be defined in terms such as responsibility, concern, inclination towards conservation and sustainability, and awareness and respect for creation. It is clear that some basic aspects of environmental literacy should be investigated in teacher training programmes. A cognitive component has long been accepted as a prerequisite for the existence of any particular attitude while a personal value system is also important...

D.Ed. (Education Management) / The link between dietary practices and the prevalance as well as the prevention of various diseases have been proven beyond any doubt; the guidelines of the Prudent Diet were subsequently put forward to reduce many of these nutrition-related risk factors. Due to inadequate numbers, qualified nutrition educators cannot target their efforts to reach all vulnerable groups and everybody is thus not in a position to glean sound nutrition knowledge, enabling them to plan -healthy diets. Teachers could fill this gap, provided they are well versed in nutritional matters. Eating habits are usually formed in chidhood but the establishment of sound practices is a dynamic life-long process. Exposure to accurate and convincing information could benefit eating behaviour, but incorrect nutrition messages may have a confusing and detrimental influence upon people's choice of foods. Magazines and parents are reported as the major sources of nutrition information as well as misinformation for school children and students. School subjects are seldom singled out as being of significant value. These findings suggest the dire need for teachers to be properly trained in nutrition. Since students are notoriously ignorant on nutrition related issues and tend to follow a typical but often poor diet, this study aimed at determining the effect of a nonformal consumer orientated nutrition education programme on the nutrition knowledge and eating habits of student teachers at the Rand Afrikaans University (RAU). All the students in the 1993 Didactics class (representative of the student teachers at this university) were selected as an appropriate target audience. Nutrition education can only be effective and efficient if the particular needs of the target group are addressed by means of a popular and acceptable teaching strategy. A nutrition education programme based on the guidelines of the Prudent Diet and similar in format to magazine articles, seemed to be an appropriate teaching method. Questionnaires were developed to collect and compare pre- and post-test information on nutrition knowledge, levels of interest, eating habits and individual queries or comments. Test questions were based on common misconceptions as responded in the literature, and food frequency questionnaires included 20 items of which prudent lowered or increased intakes are recommended. Actual and perceived nutrition and consumer knowledge scores were analyzed for sex, age, residence, sports activities, personal opinions and sources of information by means of paired t-tests. These data contributed towards interpreting the test results, assessing knowledge needs, gauging interest and formulating the contents and format of the learning material.