La idea principal d'aquesta tesis és la discussió sobre si les pràctiques presencials poden ser substituïdes per les no presencials utilitzant sistemes de teleformació.Partint d'aquest concepte, les dues idees principals que s'aporten en aquesta tesi sóncom un simulador pot cobrir l'ensenyament de la pràctica i quines directrius podem extraure per a l'ensenyament no presencial i la instrucció dins un laboratori virtual.Conjuntament amb això, per donar solidesa a les conclusions que les dades ofereixen es fa una revisió de les teories de l'aprenentatge escollint les que més s'adiuen amb l'ensenyament de continguts procedimentals. Aquest marc teòric serà el que el permetrà donar directrius per a la creació de laboratoris virtuals en els estudis d'Enginyeria.És finalitat d'aquest estudi mostrar que les actuacions docents i processos d'aprenentatge efectius, ho són perquè se sustenten en explicacions coherents que tenen a veure amb com el subjecte aprèn (i per tant com, a partir d'aquí, el docent ensenya).S'ha de tenir present que aquesta tesi, a part del camí de recerca que obre i de lesaportacions que poden servir per treballs futurs, fa una revisió a fons de l'assignaturad'Electrònica, seguint l'esquema de treball que hem exposat fins ara:a) Revisió de la teoria precedent (aprenentatge, coneixement de conceptesabstractes)b) Aplicació a la matèria i al centre en concret (apropament de la teoria a lapràctica docent quotidiana)c) Validació experimental (disseny quasiexperimental i anàlisi de resultats)d) Obtenció de directrius per al disseny instruccional / La idea principal de esta tesis es la discusión sobre si las prácticas presenciales puedenser sustituidas por las no presenciales utilizando sistemas de teleformación.Partiendo de este concepto, las dos ideas principales que introducimos en esta tesis soncomo un simulador puede cubrir la enseñanza de la práctica y que directrices podemos extraer para la enseñanza a distancia no presencial y la instrucción dentro de unlaboratorio virtual.De igual forma, para dar solidez a las conclusiones que los datos ofrecen se hace unarevisión de las teorías del aprendizaje escogiendo las que más congenian con laenseñanza de contenidos procedimentales. Este marco teórico será el que el permitirádar directrices para la creación de laboratorios virtuales en los estudios de Ingeniería.Es finalidad de este estudio, mostrar que las actuaciones docentes y procesos de aprendizaje efectivos, lo son porque se sustentan en explicaciones coherentes que tienen a ver con la forma de cómo aprende el sujeto (y por tanto como, a partir de aquí, el docente enseña).Hay que tener presente que esta tesis, además del camino de investigación que abre y delas aportaciones que pueden servir para trabajos futuros, hace una revisión a fondo de laasignatura de Electrónica, siguiendo el esquema de trabajo que hemos expuesto hastaahora:a) Revisión de la teoría precedente (aprendizaje, conocimiento de conceptos abstractos)b) Aplicación a la materia y al centro en concreto (acercamiento de la teoría a lapráctica docente cotidiana)c) Validación experimental (diseño casi-experimental y análisis de resultados)d) Obtención de directrices para al diseño instruccional / The main goal of this thesis is to discuss whether it is possible to substitute learning in a classroom setting for learning out of the classroom setting via online training systems.Parting from this concept, the two main ideas this thesis deals with are how a simulatorcan cover the teaching of practical aspects and the rules we can apply to non attendedlearning and instruction within a virtual laboratory.In order to provide solidity to the conclusions offered we have revised the theories onlearning, choosing those which are easier to apply to the teaching of practical contents.This theoretical setting will allow us to provide instructions for the creation of virtuallaboratories within the Engineering studies.Our aim is to show that effective teaching and learning processes are so because they are based on coherent explanations related to how the person learns (and how, parting from this, the teacher teaches).Besides the doors it opens for research and the contributions it makes to future work,this thesis does an in depth revision of the Electronics subject, following the workprocess presented up to now:a) Revision of previous theory (learning and knowledge of abstract concepts)b) Application to the specific matter and centre (bringing theory closer to the daily teaching practice).c) Experimental validation (nearly experimental design and results analysis)d) Achievement of rules for instructional design

We have many developmental theories contributing to our understanding of children as they meander steadfastly toward maturation. Yet, none have reported on how young children interpret the qualitative meaning and importance of their own music-making experiences. Music created by average, not prodigious, young children is perceived by adults as “play” music rather than “real” music. But do young children take the same view as adults? When Piaget speaks of the young child’s qualitatively unique view and experience of the world (Ginsberg & Opper, 1988), can we assume that his statement encompasses young children’s predispositions related to music-making? Music is understood to occur when people act intentionally to produce and organize sound into rhythm and form. The guiding questions for this study are, What evidence is there to show that, when following an adult music leader, young children can engage in authentic music-making behavior and produce identifiable musical structures that move beyond random sounds or ‘noise’? What evidence is there to show that children's music-making behavior develops according to developmental stages? trek This qualitative field study observed and videotaped over 100 children between 2 and 7 years old who chose to engage in music-making behavior in a socially-rich school environment during structured activities guided by an adult “music leader.” The data gathered from this study suggest that young children’s motivation to make music derive from predispositions unrelated to notions of cultural and artistic expression thereby differing from adult musical needs and are instead based on more primary responses to their own developmental needs and their social environment. Functioning as “music leader,” the PI appeared to serve as an indispensable interface for assuring authenticity in the children’s music-making at all stages of development. The older children did not introduce any novel behavior specifically related to making music. However, due to the progression of cognitive and social maturity across the range of ages, new extra-musical behavior (EMB) slowly emerged at each developmental stage always seeming to enrich the experience relative to a particular group.

The purpose of this study was to evaluate a programme aimed at equipping adult mine workers in the North-West Province in computer-based skills. The study describes how the use of computers for learning has transformed some of the mine workers in an Own-Time learning environment, where computers were integrated in their learning activities, compared to the Full-Time adult learning environment, which did not present a similar opportunity. The perspective of using a combination of two teaching methodologies in the Adult Education and Training (AET) curriculum provided at this mine sought to minimise the conventional didactic instructional approaches, whereby the facilitator does most of the talking while learners become passive listeners. Activity theory (AT), in tandem with the reviewed literature, was well suited as a theoretical framework for this study, since it takes a developmental view of minds and technological interaction in context. The activity system was used to map how existing work-related practices fitted into each component, which includes the subject, object, rule, community and division of labour. A case study was applied as a guiding design in the study in which seventeen mine workers participated. The computer activity was illustrated from multiple perspectives, using a qualitative approach and associated epistemologies and beliefs regarding the engagement with mediational tools. Boundary crossings, the zone of proximal development, and the eight-step-model from activity theory were used to scrutinise the learners’ beliefs, attitudes, knowledge, practices and contradictions. These important aspects assisted in obtaining data through participant observation, interviews and field notes. To discover patterns, concepts, themes and meanings from the notes and transcripts, data analysis was blended with these aspects. This study demonstrated the use of the above-mentioned methods at appropriate times. Without ideal and effective research methods, the quality of evidence of this study would have suffered and elucidations of connections would have been inadequate. The findings revealed that the AET programme made an impact on the company and on the individual participants, in their homes, their place of work, and their communities. Change in the workers’ performance after attending AET computer-based programmes was noticeable especially regarding their literate and numerate knowledge and skills. Contradictions and disturbances in the AET programme were also identified, and an intervention was proposed to facilitate a computer programme that includes the curriculum components such as mouse skills, keyboarding, data manipulation and desktop publishing. The study proposes that the AET policy needs to cover Own-Time learners, even though their learning is not obligatory, in the same way as it covers the Full-Time learners. A modified activity theory, contextualised for a situation such as that in the mine in question, was contributed in the study. Furthermore, some limitations and recommendations for future research were identified from the findings. The proposed AT for adult learners suggests a new way of exploring the practices of mind and technology interaction for adult learners, incorporating cultural backgrounds, age, language, values and beliefs as well as reflective decision making. / Science and Technology Education / D. Ed. (Comparative Education)

The purpose of this interpretive qualitative study was to determine the extent of conceptual and procedural difficulties that NCV Level 4 students encountered when factorising and solving problems involving factorisation. This study is based on Kilpatrick, Swafford and Findel’s (2001) ideas on mathematical proficiency, focusing on conceptual knowledge, procedural knowledge and the flexibility of integrating both appropriately to solve algebra problems involving factorisation. This study also explored reasons why NCV Level 4 students demonstrated such difficulties and suggested possible ways that could assist them to understand and flexibly use factorisation to solve problems. A purposive sample consisting of 30 NCV Level 4 students and 5 Subject Matter Experts participated in this study, which adopted a phenomenological case study research design. Triangulation of method was adopted for consistent gathering of information. Data was collected through a written assessment on factorisation under controlled test conditions, and semi-structured interviews. The researcher reduced and analysed data by utilising an integration of constant comparison analysis and classical content analysis. The findings and relevant recommendations concluded this research. / Mathematics Education / M. Ed. (Mathematical Education)

Large underfunded classrooms are indicative of the situation found in many developing countries. These limitations often lead to the ineffective teacher-centred approach dominating classroom instruction in these countries. The aim of the study was to examine active learning strategies used by teachers in large unfunded Physics classrooms, in Kerala, India. This study used a qualitative approach utilising a case study method. The data collection process involved mainly unstructured interviews, lesson observations and the analysis of documents. The results of the study indicate that despite the difficulties faced in India, similar to those faced by other developing countries, the Indian state of Kerala implements and supports active learning rather than the more common teacher-centred approach. The research defines the common forms of active learning in the Physics lessons and critically examines the core elements of the learner-centred teaching approaches. Successes have been found in the implementation of active, collaborative, cooperative and problem-based learning in the large underfunded Physics classes. The results of the research suggest that teachers need to be highly trained, resourceful, creative, hardworking and sometimes go above and beyond the required duties to make active learning in large underfunded Physics classroom a success. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

As theories on the process of reading have advanced so definitional changes have resulted. This in turn has impacted on the teaching of reading. Comprehension is not the result of successful word recognition, rather, meaning is constructed by the reader using various sources as a frame of reference. Reading requires an interaction between the reader, the text read and the context in vvhich it is read. Reader factors involve language competencies, prior knowledge, vocabulary, the use of strategies and attitudes and motivation. The text may be narrative or expository and encompasses instructional materials. The tvvo broad categories in the context are the classroom setting and the instructional context. An 'interactive' or 'organisational' paradigm underlying inclusion recognises individual differences as being a probable cause of failure but postulates that the school and all that it encompasses, can be a barrier to learning and development. As such it is not deficit driven, attributing failure to learners alone. In the case of reading, this means not attributing reading failure to the reader alone but acknowledging the role of the text and the context. This point of departure is confirmed by an interactive model of disability, which, while still explaining reading deficits, advances that alternative areas also be investigated. Focusing on abilities is conducive to proactivity in the prevention of barriers to learning and development. To be inclusive therefore, mainstream schools generally and classrooms specifically, will need to be reformed and restructured to be more responsive to learners experiencing barriers to learning and development. This will require enhanced teaching methods and flexible support systems. Accommodating diversity presupposes the acknowledgement of each learner's uniqueness in order to meet individual needs. This will be facilitated when in the compilation of a reading programme to meet individual needs, the reader, the text and context are matched through assessment and instruction . A reading programme to enhance the teaching of reading and thereby meet individual needs has been compiled and implemented in a mainstream, intermediate phase class. From this practical experience and the literature studied, guidelines for the teaching of reading have been formulated for teachers in the intermediate phase to use within the context of inclusion. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Orthopedagogics)

The aim of this study was to investigate the comparative effects of Constructivist-Based Teaching Method (CBTM) and the Traditional Teaching Method (TTM) on Grade 11 Mathematics learners’ errors in algebra. The constructivist learning theory (CLT) was used to frame this study. Mainly, CLT was used to influence the design of CBTI to hone participants’ errors in algebra that militate against their performance in Mathematics. The study was conducted in the Mpumalanga Province of South Africa with a four-week intervention programme in each of the two participating secondary schools. Participants consisted of n=78 Grade 11 Mathematics learners and one Grade 11 Mathematics teacher. A non-equivalent control group design consisting of a pre-test and post-test measure was employed. The Grade 11 teacher in the control school employed the TTM while the researcher implemented CBTM in the experimental school. The main aspects of CBTM entailed participants’ construction of their own knowledge from the base of prior knowledge and through group learning approach and exploratory talk in which discussions included argumentation, verbalising explanations, justifications and reflections. Participants in experimental school became familiar with the basic principles of CBTI such as group work, which enhanced the construction of conceptual understanding of algebraic concepts. This reduced most of the errors they commit in algebra and elevated their performance in Mathematics. The principal instruments for data collection consisted of a standardised Algebra Concept Achievement Test and lesson observations. The pre-test was used to determine participants’ initial errors in algebra before the intervention. A post-test was given at the end of intervention to ascertain change in participants’ errors in algebra over a four-week intervention period. Using descriptive and inferential statistical techniques, the study found that participants in experimental school significantly reduced their errors in algebra than those in control school. The study showed that CBTM was a more effective pedagogy that improved the errors Grade 11 learners commit in algebra than the TTM. / College of Education / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

Listening comprehension and listening strategies plays a crucial role in the process of acquiring a language. This study aims to investigate to what extent the listening skill is practised in upper secondary schools in the south of Sweden. Research studies within the field of listening are few which indicates that the listening skill is not considered as essential in second language teaching as the other three skills: reading, writing and speaking. Previous studies indicate that teachers should educate students metacognitive awareness when teaching listening. The results summarize the teachers’ answers, reflections and attitudes conducted from semi-structured interviews. The analysis of the results focuses on the four categories distinguished from the teachers’ answers: Teaching Approaches, National Exams, The Individual Student and Metacognitive Awareness. Some of the teachers do not possess the knowledge of how to teach listening that develops students' listening proficiency. As a conclusion, the study shows that a hierarchy exists among the four skills to which teachers adjust to, and this may be detrimental in achieving educational aims.

This thesis offers an assessment design for collaborative learning, utilisation of blended learning support through current communication technologies and highlights the crucial role of the tutor. The thesis designed and tested a theoretical framework which encompassed an active learning environment and resulted in the development of the shamrock conceptual framework. To test the theoretical framework, clarify the role of the tutor and the impact on the learner experience two studies were undertaken using pedagogical models that combined the concepts of learner-centric, sociocultural and dialogic perspectives on collaborative learning and technology in meeting the needs of learners in the 21st Century. In the first study, the role of the tutor was found to be crucial in setting, implementing and guiding learners using the assessment design as part of a social constructivist pedagogical practice. The pedagogical approach adopted was to blend face-to-face and Wiki learning experiences and was found to promote learner ownership, engagement and the fostering of a learning community. The second study validated the first and provided additional asynchronous technology experiences in addition to the Wiki blend in the assessment design. Study 2 examined the role of the tutor and the learner whilst using current technologies comprising podcasts and video and a Wiki in the collaborative experience. Findings showed that the Wiki supported community and collaborative aspects of a sociocultural practice whilst learners were engaged in authentic learning activities and led to a well supported learning environment. The importance of technology design and use to accommodate collaborative and community aspects was found to be an essential component. It was found that technology is not simply an add-on but rather needs to be planned and considered purposefully by both tutors and learners when used in a blend to supplement learning on campus as part of an assessment design in higher education. This study has shown that, for this to happen, academics need to be provided with the appropriate support, knowledge and skills required in developing a blended learning experience using a Wiki supplemented by class contact on campus as part of an assessment design.

Mother-Tongue-Based Multilingual Education (MTB MLE) has become an important concept in the field of primary education in many parts of the world. MTB MLE is a form of education that deals with the bridging of learning in the mother tongue to using one or more languages as languages of instruction in schools. This study took place in the Southern Nation and Nationality Peoples Regional State of Ethiopia (SNNPRS) to investigate the implementation challenges faced by two sample minority languages, namely Dawuro and Kontaatho, that use the mother tongue as both medium of instruction and as a subject in primary schools. The study focused on the drawbacks that hindered the proper implementation of the education and training policy regarding mother-tongue education in minority language areas. To conduct the study, the qualitative research method was employed. Representatives from the Ministry of Education, Colleges of Teacher Education, primary school directors and teachers of mother tongue as a subject and as a medium of instruction, parents and relevant community representatives took part. From the Ministry of Education, two experts from the Curriculum Design and Implementation Directorate and two participants from Mother tongue and English Language development directorate were purposively invited to participate in individual interviews. Similarly, three instructors from one of the Colleges of Teacher Education and 32 mother-tongue teachers drawn from eight schools of the target area were also individually interviewed. In addition, three heterogenous focus group discussions were conducted with stakeholders comprising community and parents’ representatives, schoolteachers’ representative, students’ representatives and school directors. The study was based on the social constructivist and Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development theoretical assumptions. The findings of the study indicated that MTB MLE is not being successfully implemented in the minority language areas in the SNNPRS because of the deficits in awareness raising, proper teacher training, readiness of the languages in relation to orthography and scientific terminology to be used as medium of instruction, availability and quality of teaching and learning materials, standardised orthography, availability of guidelines and a strategy to carry out the MTB MLE programme, support and follow up of the implementation of the MTB MLE programme. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / Ph. D. (Curriculum and Instructional Studies)