The purpose of this study is to investigate physics teachers’ (TPCK) and their learners’ achievement in electricity. A purposive sample of 42 Grade 11 physics teachers and 1423 learners participated in the study. An explanatory mixed method research design was employed in the study to collect data. A survey questionnaire (PTTPCKQ), consisting of six-point Likert scale questions, was answered by participating teachers. Similarly, their learners responded to a confirmatory questionnaire (LCPTTPCKQ). The learners also responded to the Electricity Learning Confirmatory Questionnaire (LELCQ) and wrote an achievement test called Learner Electricity Achievement Test (LEAT). The data collected was analysed both quantitatively and qualitatively. Quantitatively, it was found that a positive, statistically significant relationship existed between physics teachers’ experience and their learners’ achievement [Spearman’s rho (42) = .39, p = .011] as well as physics teachers’ TPCK and their qualifications [Spearman’s rho (42) = .33, p = .003]. There was also a positive statistical relationship between physics teachers’ TPCK and learner achievement, yet this was not statistically significant. There were positive, statistically significant relationships between all the constructs of the physics teachers’ TPCK and their TPCK from the analysis of the PTTPCKQ. There were positive statistically significant relationships between all the constructs of the physics teachers’ TPCK and their TPCK, according to the analysis of the LCPTTPCKQ. Furthermore, comparing the learners’ responses on the LCTTPCKQ and their teachers’ responses on the PTTPCKQ, it was found that both learners and teachers provided similar responses for all the constructs of TPCK except TCK. Qualitative data analysis further revealed that the technologies used by these teachers were PhET Simulations, YouTube Videos, Power Point Presentations, Interactive White Boards, and Mindset Videos. Finally, between 12.9% and 5.2% of the learners reported that their teachers had neglected to teach some sections of the electricity in the curriculum. / Mathematical Sciences / Ph. D. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education)

Transformation of the higher education system has come under the spotlight recently. At the core of this debate are issues pertaining to access and throughput rates at universities. Although access has improved significantly, throughput rates remain relatively low especially amongst black students (Council on Higher Education, 2017). The current study aims to explore the learning experiences and academic performance of postgraduate black students at the university of South Africa. Through a qualitative approach that included interviews, a phenomenological research design and critical race theory to gain an insiders perspective. This approach is chosen for its ability to generate rich descriptive and interpretive accounts of events based on the participant’s narratives. The findings revealed that the variation in learning experiences and academic performance was accounted for by background factors rather than student’s own intellectual or academic competencies. / Psychology / M.A. (Psychology with specialisation in Research Consultation)

The research study has focussed on the optimal use of instruction time to arrange for improved learner performance. A qualitative investigation was conducted using individual interviewing with six school principals and focus group interviewing with fifteen Heads of Department of six selected secondary schools. The findings revealed that the establishment of a sound culture of teaching and learning in which instruction time is used optimally is the joint responsibility of the school principal and staff in collaboration with learners and parents. Instruction time is lost owing to timewasters such as teachers who are unprepared for lessons, teacher and learner absenteeism and teacher and learner tardiness. Intervention strategies to counter the negative influence of timewasters on available instruction time relate to prior planning and preparation for lessons, managing teacher and learner absenteeism and the scheduling of extra classes. The study contributes to the discourse on effective teaching and learning for acceptable learner performance. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

Smartphone technology can be integrated in mathematics education, since most learners immerse in this technology. Teachers should be facilitators of confined learning in traditional classrooms, including digital facilitators. The aim of the study was to determine the effect of integrating smartphone technology on Grade 10 learners’ achievement in algebra. The study focused on two Grade 10 classes from different township schools in the Gauteng Province. The study was conducted during the first term of 2016. A quasi-quantitative experimental research design was used. Smartphones were integrated in algebra teaching and learning, using the Microsoft Math online application: https://www.math.microsoft.com. Despite challenges encountered during the study, the results indicated a positive impact on learners’ achievements in algebra, amongst experimental group learners. A need exists for future research in integrating smartphone technology in mathematics education. / Mathematics Education / M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)

In South Africa learners do not achieve as well as their international counterparts on tests of literacy, and language proficiency is often blamed for their poor academic performance. In this study, the relationship between English language proficiency, reading ability and the academic performance of Grade 7 students in submersion contexts was investigated using quantitative methods. The participants of the study were Grade 7 students based in a former Model C school in the South African city of Johannesburg. Their English language proficiency and reading ability were measured by means of The Proficiency test English Second Language: Intermediate level and the Neale Analysis of Reading Ability tests respectively. The students’ performance on these tests was correlated with the students’ average summative assessment results using the Pearson-product moment correlation. Results showed that both English language proficiency and reading ability were significantly correlated with academic performance, with language proficiency having the most robust correlation. These findings indicate that teachers should aim at improving language proficiency by using multilingual teaching strategies that support home language as a cognitive tool. / English Studies / M. A. (TESOL)

In this qualitative study, the researcher intended to establish factors that could create a positive culture of teaching and learning at school. Findings revealed that a culture of teaching and learning can be created by factors that relate to the learners, the educators and the school setting. Findings established that learners are motivated if they participate in sports, educational trips and competitions. Learners who receive incentives for outstanding achievements and participate in the management of the school are also motivated. Motivational talks and learner's exchange programmes enhance ambition. Motivated educators are enthusiastic and creativel. Such educators are considerate to learners' personal circumstances and they have the welfare of learners at heart. An edequate supply of resources and security facilities can improve the quality of education at school. Visionary school managers who uphold a particular philosophy of life and cherish Christian values are inclined to success at school. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Education Management)

The funding regimens of Higher education institutions (HEIs) present a challenge to every institution. It is expected that students who are selected to register for degrees or diplomas must be successful and obtain their qualifications in the minimum time required to ensure optimum subsidy for the institution. The throughput rates in higher education institutions remains of serious concern and emphasis on the selection criteria or prerequisites to enter a specific programme might be a possible factor in the throughput rates of students. The aim of this study was to identify and describe whether basic nursing students who passed Grade 12 Biology, currently referred to as Life Science, with at least 50% was a factor in the successful completion of the Biological and Natural Science module (BNS 100) in their first year. A quantitative research study was conducted in one government nursing college, Gauteng province in Tshwane region in South Africa. A checklist was used to collect data from the 2014 first-year student records and a questionnaire was used to collect data from the 2015 second-year students. No sampling was done since all the 2014 first-year students’ admission records were accessed for data collection and all the available second-year students of 2015 were invited to participate. The findings revealed that background knowledge of Grade 12 Life Science and English language proficiency could be associated with the academic performance in the BNS100 module of the basic nursing students. The findings might be used to make recommendations for possible prerequisites for entry into a nursing programme as well as to support students’ education and training to ensure a reduction in student attrition rates and improve the shortage of nurses. The findings motivated the researcher to recommend that the college under study, and other HIEs with similar concerns and student profiles should revise the selection and recruitment criteria for students to enter the basic nursing programme. This might contribute to selecting the correct prospective candidates who would have a better chance of completing their basic training in the four-year time as the expected period to complete the programme. / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The purpose of this study was to explore the causes of low Grade 12 pass rate in two Umlazi District Schools, KwaZulu-Natal. It is hoped that the study would contribute to the understanding of the causes and factors of low Grade 12 pass rate and provide solutions of improving learners’ performance. This is qualitative study conducted in the area of Umbumbulu focusing on exploring the causes of low Grade 12 pass rate in two Umlazi District Schools, KwaZulu-Natal. The methodology used was qualitative. A case study method was adopted. Data was gathered through focus group interviews with two principals, twelve Grade12 learners aged between 18 and 21, and six teachers between 15 and 22 years teaching experience in secondary schools. Drawing from the findings of the interviews conducted, the study highlights the factors that have negative impact to low Grade 12 pass rate, and it revealed the possible solutions to alleviate the trend of low performance. The data reveals that there are numerous factors that affect the performance of Grade 12 learners such as poverty, child headed families, sporadic absenteeism, questionable assessment methods, overcrowded classes, lack of discipline in schools, corporal punishment, violence in schools, teenage pregnancy, curriculum reforms, lack of parental involvement, and cultural background. In this study I argue that the trend of low Grade 12 pass rate is not only limited to Umbumbulu Circuit in Umlazi District, but is the overall trend in most rural schools in South Africa. Therefore, the study recommended that all stakeholders should play their roles to overcome the crises of low Grade 12 performance. Again, it was recommended that the introduction of an advanced integrative approach in training programmes of future teachers is needed in which attention to rural -FET band schools will be considered as an integral part of the training, whereby teachers will be trained to teach inclusive education. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

The aim of this study was to find solutions to problems relating to the fact that many township learners are not optimally prepared for the Grade 12 final examination resulting in them having limited possibilities for further studies and after-school employment. The main research question focused on how Grade 12 learners can be assisted to perform optimally in the final examination. A qualitative research approach was adopted using focus group interviews. School management team members and Grade 12 educators and learners from one township secondary school were selected as participants. The main factors that assist Grade 12 learners to perform optimally in the Grade 12 final examination relate to well executed leadership functions, competent teaching, learner commitment, effective policy implementation and sound school, home and township conditions. A school intervention programme that included formal studying by camping on the school grounds improved Grade 12 performance significantly. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

This study explores teachers’ experiences with the principals’ instructional leadership styles in primary schools in Gauteng province. A qualitative research design was employed in the study to answer the research question. Data was generated by means of semi structured interviews which involved the three HODs and nine ordinary teachers from the three sampled schools so as to provide a rich description, explanation, experiences, challenges and barriers that instructional leadership brings into the teaching and learning process in their particular schools contexts. The interest in the phenomenon emerged on the perspective of principals’ instructional leadership as often seen as the contributor to the challenges that are experienced by Primary school teachers during the learning process. Principals are viewed as contributing to South Africa’s education crisis and the overall ineffectiveness of the school system resulting in poor academic results. The instructional leaders who are not doing their jobs competently because of their leadership styles and lack of supervision skills, have caused this. This includes proper knowledge of how to run the schools and motivating staff to work, to enhance classroom instruction. Sometimes they do not involve the community and other stakeholders in the decision making process. Teachers who provide moral support and professional growth in the schools are also ignored. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)