Text in Afrikaans / This study was aimed at the development of a multicultural counselling model for tertiary education with the emphasis on experiential learning and integration on all levels. Although the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) is prescriptive about the outcomes concerning multicultural involvement it does not clearly prescribe experiential learning - causing educational institutions to underplay experiential learning. Ignorance exists about multiculturalism in training programmes. Educational institutions often implement programmes randomly without proper consideration of the multicultural needs of the student population. People from different cultures often experience the caregiver as having little understanding and respect for diverse cultures, often leading to the early termination and inaccessibility of professional services. To provide guidelines to educational institutions about multicultural counselling training, the researcher provided a paradigmatic perspective as foundation to the drafting of a counselling model for training. The Grounded Theory was used to obtain scientifically based information about the multicultural counselling training phenomenon in South Africa as well as the development of a multicultural counselling model for tertiary education. People in professional services were interviewed and compared to literature, whereafter all applicable concepts, principles, processes and elements grounded in the paradigmatic perspective were examined, identified and coded as components of the multicultural counselling model, with the aid of a core category, categories and subcategories. Henceforth a multicultural counselling model for training was developed. The central thesis of the research is that the multicultural counsellor has certain skills that stem from the training received at South African educational institutions, which does not necessarily encompass the concept of multiculturalism. It therefore does not equip the student to successfully help patients from a diverse culture. This problem can be intercepted through a training model with appropriate components of multiculturalism in the curriculum of educational institutions in South Africa. Conclusions and recommendations were made according to the Grounded Theory. The findings of the scientific procedure were evaluated according to reliability as well as the criteria of Chinn en Kramer (1991). Answers were obtained through scientific reasoning and empirical research to produce a model for the implementation of multicultural training within the context of South African educational institutions. / Social Work / D. Diac. (Play Therapy)

In the 21st century change is inevitable and management accounting has not been immune to the changing business environment. The morphogenic change, has been brought about because of three distinctly identifiable drivers of change namely rapidly advancing communications and information technology, the onslaught of globalisation and an increased emphasis on the knowledge worker in organisations. Questions have been raised by business leaders about management accountants ability to keep pace with the challenges, as well as higher education's ability to provide graduate management accountants with the required skills for the new business environment. A triangulation method was used to conduct an investigation into the perception of the skills required and acquired by South African management accountants to meet the challenges of the changing business environment. As the fundamental nature of the study implied performance measurement, a balanced scorecard was employed to report on and measure if academia is delivering what practice wants. The study found that tertiary management accounting education has been slow to adopt the changes of the business environment and that a gap does indeed exist between what practice want and educators teach. Information obtained from the customer, learning and growth, internal business process and financial perspectives of the balanced scorecard was used to develop a framework for curriculum design. Academics involved in curriculum design should take note of the recommendations listed in this research in order to ensure that qualifications remain relevant to an ever-changing business environment. / Financial Accounting / D.Comm.

Student performance in Mathematics and Science education is a source of concern for education authorities in South Africa. This was supported by the latest TIMSS results which were released in December 2004. As in the previous studies, TIMSS and TIMSS-R, South African learners were again outperformed by the learners of all other participating countries (Reddy, 2004). To ensure learner achievement in mathematics and science, we need committed, qualified and experienced teachers in these subjects. In this study a holistic professional development (HPD) model was constructed, tested and evaluated using practicing Grade 10 - 12 teachers. The model developed teachers' content knowledge, teaching approaches and professional attitudes simultaneously. After analysis of the model we found that improving teachers' content knowledge builds their confidence in teaching their subject. This in turn motivates teachers to perform better in their jobs: they come to class better prepared, eager to do a job they know they are good at, no more coming late, no more plodding through uninspiring one-way lessons. They are turned into better professionals with a positive work ethic. Their improved classroom practices lead to higher enrolments of science learners and improved learner achievement, the crown of successful science teaching. The HPD model was developed in three phases. In the first phase baseline information was obtained to determine problems that exist with the teachers' content knowledge, teaching approaches and professional attitudes. After data analysis it was found that all three of these dimensions needed development. In the second phase the initial development of the HPD model took place. An intervention programme was structured and the effect of the programme on the teachers' content knowledge, teaching approaches and professional attitudes were analysed. Successful elements of the initial model were extracted and developed further, in addition new elements were added. In the third phase the HPD model was developed further. Analysis of the data showed the following effect on the teachers: they were extricated from a vicious cycle where poor content knowledge leads to lack of confidence which caused unwillingness to spend time on task (poor professional attitudes, ineffective teaching approaches). Instead they became part of a virtuous circle where improved content knowledge leads to increased confidence, enjoyment and a willingness to spend more time on task (better professional attitudes and effective teaching approaches). The HPD model was evaluated using international benchmarks, such as the Standards for Professional Development of the National Research Council of New York, USA. Recommendations and possibilities for future research are discussed. / Mathematical Sciences / D.Phil.(Mathematics, Science and Technology Education - Physics Education)

A quantitative, descriptive, explorative design was used to evaluate a decentralised primary health care training programme at a training unit in the Limpopo Province. The study sought to determine to what extent the newly qualified diplomates were able to manage patients appropriately when faced with the realities, such as the shortage of personnel, large numbers of patients, shortage of resources and time constraints in the real situation without the support and guidance from medical practitioners and senior nursing personnel. Data were collected by observing the diplomates as they managed patients with hypertension by making use of checklists. The diplomates were also interviewed by making use of an in interview schedule. The major inferences drawn from this study was that these diplomates were competent in the management of these patients and were satisfied with their abilities and training. / Health Studies / M. A. (Health Studies)

The high failure rate in the learning areas Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy is of great concern to educators. In-service training courses for educators in Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy were presented with the aim to enhance the application of didactics in the classroom. The problems concerning the application (impact) could possibly be attributed to the components, elements and presentation of the in-service training course. In an attempt to identify the relevant components and elements, quasi-experimental positivist and interpretive research was conducted. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The question arising is: Could improved impact in the classroom be achieved 1. if the in-service training facilitators received better training, and 2. by incorporating change of attitude, the treatment of the full subject content and the principles of learning structures and co-operative learning into the in-service-training? Educators are still experiencing problems with the transfer of the subject content to the learners. / Early Childhood Education and Development / M. Ed. (Kurrikulumstudies)

The Reception Year (Grade R) classroom is the educational setting for lifelong learning to take place. The Reception Year teacher is primarily involved in equipping the young child with care and education. Quality education calls for trained teachers with diverse, intense training; teachers who would use their knowledge, skills and attitudes to lead the child to ultimately reach his/her full potential in the classroom setting through the curriculum. This study investigates what constitutes and influences quality teaching in the Reception Year classroom. The investigation includes a literature review and empirical research using quantitative research approaches and expands on the role of the Reception Year teacher with regards to the child in totality, Grade R curriculum and outcomes-based education. Findings show that teachers with specialised qualifications in early childhood education bring to the Grade R classroom relevant skills, knowledge and attitudes that affect the young child’s developmental needs. / Teacher Education / M.Ed. (Didactics)

The study examines the effectiveness of the implementation of Developmental Appraisal (DA) within the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) in selected secondary schools in Matlosana, North West Province. The methods used to gather information includes the literature review and the empirical investigation, based on the qualitative research approach, which involved six focus group interviews from the six sampled secondary schools in Matlosana Area Project Office, in the North West Province. The review of related literature revealed that there are roles and responsibilities officials are tasked with; processes; challenges; and effective strategies when implementing DA. The empirical investigation revealed that there are challenges that hamper the effective implementation of DA in schools. The challenges include: inadequate support from the Area Project Office; lack of resources for educator development; inadequate time frames for implementation; disruption of normal teaching and learning; lack of honesty on the part of the appraisee and appraiser; and conflict. At the end, the study recommends some strategies that can be used to overcome some of these challenges. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Educational Management)

The purpose of the study was to explore the relationship between mathematics teachers’ subject matter knowledge and their teaching effectiveness. A convenient sample of 19 grade 11 mathematics teachers and 418 students were initially selected for the study and took part in some stages of the study. Of this lot, only 11 teachers and 246 students participated in all the stages of the study. Explanatory Mixed methods research design which entails the use of a co-relational study and a descriptive survey design were employed in the study. Data was collected from the teachers using a self report questionnaire, Teacher Subject Matter Knowledge of Trigonometric Functions Scale (TSMKTFS) and peer evaluation questionnaire, and from students using teacher evaluation questionnaire and Student Trigonometric Functions Performance Scale (STFPS). All the instruments had their validity and reliability accordingly determined. Quantitative data gathered was analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics while qualitative data gathered from teachers’ and students’ tests were analysed using task performance analysis. It was found that a positive, statistically significant relationship existed between teachers’ subject matter knowledge and the composite measure of their teaching effectiveness. The relationships between teachers’ subject matter knowledge and students’ achievement and also between teachers’ subject matter knowledge and students’ rating of the teachers’ teaching effectiveness were found to be positive and statistically significant. However, the relationships between teachers’ subject matter knowledge and teachers’ self rating as well as teachers’ subject matter knowledge and peers’ rating of teachers’ teaching effectiveness were not found to be statistically significant though they were positive. Further data analysis showed that there was a difference between the subject matter knowledge of effective and ineffective teachers and also between the students taught by effective teachers and the students taught by the ineffective teachers. / Institute of Science and Technology Education / PhD (Mathematics Education)

This study explored the effects of the Skills Development Act 97 of 1998 on transforming municipal management training and development. The pre-1994 education and training was premised on the policy of separate development. This policy prevented the majority of the people, mainly blacks, from receiving adequate training and development. Resultantly, training and development in South Africa have assumed significance since the adoption of a constitutional democracy, especially at the local government sphere which constitutes the coalface of service delivery. Investment in human resources training and development at management level is imperative for institutions to gain strategic and operational advantage.Analysis and interpretation of data in this study were undertaken through official document analysis, interviews and structured questionnaires. The major findings of the study indicate that according to the first objective the majority of respondents are qualified as they possess higher education qualifications due to the assistance of the municipality, with nearly half currently involved in furthering their studies. As far as the second objective is concerned, the researcher found out that the majority disagree with the statement that opportunities are created to motivate employees to use the workplace as an active learning environment to acquire new skills. Further analysis and interpretation of data show that according to the third objective the majority of respondents do not undertake crucial management courses relevant to the workplace. Final data analysis and interpretation of the fourth objective reveal that the majority of respondents are not aware of the support and financial investment in education, training and development of municipal officials, due to aspects such as lack of consultation and transparency. / Public Administration / M.Tech. (Public Management)

The focus of this research is to understand the relevance of the Human Resource Development Strategy for the functioning of South African Public Service and its implications for the Emerging Management Development Programme (EMDP). One of the main challenges of the Human Resource Development Strategy (HRDS) is its translation into well designed training programmes that are aligned with the goals and objectives of the strategy. The Emerging Management Development Programme (EMDP) is meant to be the translation and interpretation of the HRDS for public sector training and development on emerging management level. The intention of this study is to evaluate, analyse and understand the alignment of the EMDP with the Human Resource Development Strategy for the South African pubic service and subsequently suggest proposals for the possible improvement of emerging middle management development. The objectives of the research will be stated in the form of two critical questions:  What are the main directives in the Human Resource Development Strategy for the Public Service regarding management development in general, and the gaps in the design and development of the Emerging Management Development Programme (EMDP) in particular?  How does the design and development of the current EMDP meet the strategic vision for management development as envisioned in the Human Resource Development Strategy for the Public Service? The research methodology applied in this study, is a qualitative research approach. This approach focuses on phenomena that occur in natural settings, i.e. in the real world and involve studying those phenomena in all of their complexity which is used to gather data. This data is preserved in descriptive narratives. A qualitative research approach also uses mainly the constructivist-interpretive perspective. The key finding is that as much as the EMDP is comprehensive, it is however not yet aligned with the Human Resource Development Strategy of the South African Public Service. The recommendation is that the conversion of the objectives of HRDS-SA into the learning outcomes of the EMDP in order to provide a framework for a comprehensive base of competencies that inform the curriculation of the EMDP is important. This will ensure that the learners are able to benefit from a multitude of skills development activities in the programme and, in so doing, render them more purposeful to improve their impact on the skills challenges of the country. / Public Administration and Management / M. Tech. (Public management)