This study discusses the provision of vocational skills in Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) centres in the North West Province (NWP) of South Africa. Currently, South Africa is engulfed with challenges of high unemployment rate, skills shortages and poverty amongst the adult population. The standardisation of the ABET system and the colonialism ideologies ·can be blamed for the current poor state of ABET centres. A qualitative research method was used. The qualitative research design was the best choice because it was concerned with how the research respondents create meaning based on their understanding and experiences about the provision of skills in the ABET centres. Two case studies were used as the methodology to carry the research. Triangulation was used to collect data. Structured interviews, focus group interviews, observations and visuals were utilized to collect detailed data about vocational skills in the ABET centres in the NWP. lnterpretivism research paradigm was used as an epistemological position, to position me in the study. Critical theory was used to frame the study. The use of critical theory enabled me to investigate the different types of skills that were offered in the two ABET centres and the impact they have in the socio economic development of the ABET learners. The use of critical theory in this study enabled me to come up with alternatives of improving the current programmes that are being offered in the ABET centres faced by ABET learners need collective efforts from all the stake holders that are involved in the designing of the ABET curriculum and learning programmes. ABET is dysfunctional and it needs to be urgently overhauled. ABET learners depend on the grants offered by the government. Facilitators are under prepared and unprepared to teach the school subjects that they were currently responsible to teach. ABET centres do not have physical building structures that belong to them, this causes or poses a serious challenge in teaching and learning. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Comparative Education)

This study investigated the physical affective, cognitive and volitional problems of the learner in adult basic education (ABE) with reference to the learner's relationship towards the tutor, the learning content, the self, and family and friends. The research design provided for a literature study of ABE in South Africa, as well as the personhood and relationships of the ABE learner. This was done to arrive at a research hypothesis concerning the relative impact of various categories of problems on the ABE learner. The empirical summary had both quantitative and qualitative components. It was found that ABE learners are influenced by the following factors, listed in order of impact: affective problems; cognitive problems; problems related to the learning content, physical problems and problems related to family and friends. Positive fmdings were that volitional problems and problems related to tutors were relatively less significant. In its recommendations the study emphasises the crucial role of, and need for professionally trained adult basic educators who can deal effectively with the personal and contextual problems of ABE learners. Moreover, the typical perseverance of ABE learners demands the establishment of excellent and responsive infrastructure for ABE provision, inter alia in provincial education departments. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Psychology of Education)

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Thesis (M.Ed. (Adult Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2017 / This study highlights the importance of effective curriculum implementation at a Public Adult Learning Centre in a rural community in Limpopo Province. The purpose of the study was to explore the curriculum implementation facing Mbetana Public Adult Learning Centre (MPALC) with the view to recommend appropriate strategies to improve the centre’s curriculum implementation capabilities. Since the study was premised on the interpretivist paradigm, a qualitative research approach was employed to give a detailed account of the curriculum implementation challenges from the perspective of people with lived experiences of MPALC’s curriculum implementation dynamics. The participants which include six learners, the Centre Manager and two facilitators, were chosen using the purposive sampling method. Purposive sampling was preferred because it gave the researcher an opportunity to target participants deemed to possess authentic accounts of MPALC’s curriculum implementation dynamics. Multiple data sources inclusive of silent observations, semi-structured interviews and document analysis were used to gather data. The study found out that the acute shortage of textbooks and stationery, absence of fit-for purpose learning infrastructure, low employee morale due to poor working conditions, inappropriate teaching methods, and the insensitive use of the English language regardless of the learners being predominantly Tsonga speaking people are some of the challenges that hampered the effective implementation of the curriculum guidelines at MPALC. The study recommends that the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) should partner with private companies through the public-private partnership frameworks with the view to improve the MPALC’s operating and financial leverage

The recent global growth and popularity of open and distance learning (ODL) has been attributed to its advantages, such as flexibility for students who wish to study while working. Moreover, ODL is an effective tool in extending participation to students from less privileged social groups who are unreachable due to geographic location or cannot access higher education due to diverse factors, such as financial constraints or domestic arrangements. In the light of this, this study investigated learner support in the Department of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) at the University of South Africa (Unisa), the largest, dedicated ODL institution in South Africa. A review of literature identified the Community of Inquiry model proposed by Garrison, Anderson and Archer (2001) as useful in this context and I used it as a conceptual framework for the empirical inquiry that I undertook. A mixed method approach comprising two consecutive phases was employed to investigate the research questions. A self-designed questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data from a random sample of 400 students registered for the ABET Diploma module (Phase One) followed by face to face interviews with selected lecturers and students (Phase Two). The scope of the study was limited to ABET lecturers, ABET diploma students and to selected Unisa learner support systems, such as myUnisa which includes a web-based discussion forum. The findings of the inquiry were presented and discussed under three main headings: the findings of Phase One, the findings of Phase Two and a summary in which the findings of the two phases were integrated where appropriate. The themes that emerged from the questionnaire and the interviews demonstrate clearly that learner support in the ABET Department is crucial in ensuring learner success. Interlinking themes are as follows: the context of the students, levels of computer literacy, accessibility of Unisa learner support systems, student motivation and time management. Many ABET students live in remote areas of the country and have little or no access to internet facilities. However, the majority of students agreed that they would like to interact more with other students through myUnisa in future. Lecturers and students agreed that myUnisa was a vital tool in teaching the students online; yet both students and lecturers still regarded contact discussion classes as the most important form of learner support. The findings suggested that the distance between the university and the student still has to be reduced more to ensure that student support reaches all students equitably. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

The purpose of the study was to find out why adult learners absent themselves from adult basic education programmes and to devise strategies to encourage them to attend classes. In order to achieve the aim of the study, the objective of the study were to investigate the economic and social reasons why adult learners do not attend classes. The research focus on a critical issue of absenteei(sm by adult learners at SEKGOSESE West Circuit adult centre in Limpopo Province. Literature review was engaged in the field of Adult Education and related to the research problem. The literature review presented an insight into theoretical frameworks and conceptual frameworks about causes of adult learner’s absenteeism. The researcher used sources which included journals, books, articles and dissertations. To collect information. This qualitative study explored the causes of adult learner absenteeism and came with strategies to reduce adult learner absenteeism. Critical theory was used as a theoretical framework. The theory deals with social economic factors and conditions under which people live. Data was collected through focus group interviews. There were sixteen participants who attend classes at Mosima adult learning centre, and they were selected homogeneously. It was discovered that adult learner absenteeism is caused by lack of motivation, lack of support from departmental officials, lack of adult learner commitment, lack of facilities, lack of qualified adult educators, lack of respect amongst adult learners and adult educators as a serious matter, lack of parental support for those who are still under parental care and lack of transport for adult learners who stay far from the centre. Based on the causes of adult learner absenteeism, recommendations are made for the Department of Education to address these causes in order to elevate adult learner absenteeism and further research efforts are recommended. It is recommended that the department of education include stationery material in their budget for adult basic education. Adult Basic education educators should also receive adequate training s o that they can be able to teach adult learners effectively. / ABET and Youth Development / M. Ed. (Adult Education)

The recent global growth and popularity of open and distance learning (ODL) has been attributed to its advantages, such as flexibility for students who wish to study while working. Moreover, ODL is an effective tool in extending participation to students from less privileged social groups who are unreachable due to geographic location or cannot access higher education due to diverse factors, such as financial constraints or domestic arrangements. In the light of this, this study investigated learner support in the Department of Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) at the University of South Africa (Unisa), the largest, dedicated ODL institution in South Africa. A review of literature identified the Community of Inquiry model proposed by Garrison, Anderson and Archer (2001) as useful in this context and I used it as a conceptual framework for the empirical inquiry that I undertook. A mixed method approach comprising two consecutive phases was employed to investigate the research questions. A self-designed questionnaire was used to gather quantitative data from a random sample of 400 students registered for the ABET Diploma module (Phase One) followed by face to face interviews with selected lecturers and students (Phase Two). The scope of the study was limited to ABET lecturers, ABET diploma students and to selected Unisa learner support systems, such as myUnisa which includes a web-based discussion forum. The findings of the inquiry were presented and discussed under three main headings: the findings of Phase One, the findings of Phase Two and a summary in which the findings of the two phases were integrated where appropriate. The themes that emerged from the questionnaire and the interviews demonstrate clearly that learner support in the ABET Department is crucial in ensuring learner success. Interlinking themes are as follows: the context of the students, levels of computer literacy, accessibility of Unisa learner support systems, student motivation and time management. Many ABET students live in remote areas of the country and have little or no access to internet facilities. However, the majority of students agreed that they would like to interact more with other students through myUnisa in future. Lecturers and students agreed that myUnisa was a vital tool in teaching the students online; yet both students and lecturers still regarded contact discussion classes as the most important form of learner support. The findings suggested that the distance between the university and the student still has to be reduced more to ensure that student support reaches all students equitably. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

MPM / Oliver Tambo Institute of Governance and Policy Studies / Adult basic education and training in South Africa is viewed as an instrument for social, economic and political development. However, over the years, the programme faced challenges relating to recruitment and retention of suitably qualified practitioners, resulting in high staff turn-over. The study focused on the perception of adult learners about the adult basic education and training practitioners turn-over at the Witbank education circuit to gain insight into the magnitude of the problem and recommend ways and strategies to address the identified challenges. The study used a mixed method approach, incorporating elements of both quantitative and qualitative research approach. The research sample comprised adult learners, educators, Adult center managers and adult basic education and training coordinators using purposive sampling technique. Data was collected using semi-structured questionnaires and analyzed using the eight steps of Tesch in Cresswell (2009:186). The results of the study revealed that the participants were to a large extent, aware that ABET practitioners’ turnover is a serious problem at the Witbank education circuit. The study participants revealed that lack of commitment and recognition by government to address ABET practitioner turnover decisively is impacting negatively on learners’ motivation, morale, study progress and their relationship with practitioners. This leads ABET learners to not take the ABET programme seriously, and drop of the programme due to lack of progress whereas most ABET practitioners take ABET as a waiting station for better jobs. A number of strategies can be employed to address the challenge of ABET practitioners’ turnover. Amongst others are the following: the basic working conditions of ABET practitioners should be improved. This will automatically translate into job satisfaction and long tenure, thereby counteracting current levels of high staff turnover. ABET practitioners should also be afforded relevant skills development programmes to ensure continuous professional growth and development. / NRF

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of the facilitation methods used in the adult centre to motivate adult learners to participate in Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) programmes, as the majority of South Africans have a low level of literacy. The illiteracy could not be viewed independently of the apartheid policies that were in place before democratisation in 1994. After the democratisation the African National Congress (ANC) policies, prioritised the provision of ABET. The policy was for ABET provide education including basic literacy, numeracy to a level equivalent to the General Certificate of Education to adults who have had little or no formal schooling. ABET is viewed as a means to educate and train adults and is regarded as a force for social participation and economic development. The researcher was prompted to investigate the effectiveness of the facilitation methods to motivate adult learners to participate in learning or not. Adults’ participation in learning programmes will help them towards social participation and also to develop them economically. If adults are economically developed, South Africa will not be facing such huge rate of unemployment, poverty and illiteracy. As there are a number of development programmes that are offered at Ekurhuleni to equip adults with relevant skills required for development and equipping them with the skills to face economic challenges of the country, motivation becomes essential because if learners are not motivated to participate, they are not going to be involved in them and get the necessary education. The focus is also on the facilitation methods that are used in the learning centre. Qualitative research has enabled the researcher to gather enough data through employing interviews. Individual interviews, focus group interviews as well as observation were the tools used in this study. It reveals that facilitation methods that are used are not effective enough to motivate adult learners’ participation in ABET programmes. Thus recommendations and suggestions were made to assist the i facilitators in rendering effective facilitation methods for the benefit of the adult learners. / Educational Leadership and Management / D. Ed. (Education Management)

Die Brasiliaanse opvoedkundige Paulo Freire word as een van die belangrikste opvoeders van die twintigste eeu beskou. Sy benadering tot volwasse onderrig is op verskeie terreine toegepas maar nooit direk as teenvoeter vir geweld teen vroue en kinders aangewend nie. Die doel van hierdie studie was om vas te stel op welke wyse Paulo Freire se benadering tot leer en onderrig in volwasse basiese onderrig as teenvoeter kan dien vir die kultuur van geweld teen vroue en kinders in Suid-Afrika. Die studie bestaan uit ’n analitiese literatuurstudie en ’n kwalitatiewe studie met elf deelnemers. Ten einde die navorsingsvraag te beantwoord neem die studie ‘n aanvang met ’n literatuurstudie oor die redes vir geweld teen vroue en kinders. Daarna val die fokus op volwasse basiese onderrig [VBO], volwasse leer en die knelpunte in VBO in Suid-Afrika. In die volgende hoofstuk word die literatuur ten opsigte van Freire se werk en sy benadering tot volwasse onderrig bespreek. Kernelemente van sy benadering word getabuleer waarna kritiek op en die belang van sy benadering, sowel as die toepassing daarvan, in Afrika en Suid-Afrika bespreek word. In die kwalitatiewe empiriese studie word die resultate van die vrae in die onderhoudsgids met betrekking tot geweld en VBO bespreek waarna die resultatate in die laaste hoofstuk in die lig van die literatuurstudie geanaliseer word. Nadat die data beoordeel is, word aanbeveel dat, hoewel kennis geneem moet word van die uitdagings in VBO en Freire se benadering, die benadering steeds as ’n middel in basiese volwasse onderrig gebruik kan word om geweld die hoof te bied. ’n Praktiese voorstel vir teengeweldonderrig word gemaak met behulp van ’n teengeweldlesplan vir VBO. Die navorsing sluit af met beperkings van die studie en voorstelle vir optrede. / The Brazilian educator Paulo Freire is considered to be one of the most important educators of the twentieth century. His approach to adult education has been applied to various fields, but never directly to prevent violence against women and children. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how Freire’s approach to learning and teaching can be used as an antidote against violence against women and children in South Africa. The study consists of an analytical literature review and qualitative study with eleven participants. To answer the research question, the study commences with a literature study on the reasons for violence against women and children. Therafter the focus shifts to the adult basic education, adult learning and the restraints in adult basic education in South Africa. In the next chapter Freire’s work and his approach to adult education is dis-cussed. Key elements to his approach is tabled whereafter critique on and the im-portance of his approach, as well as its application in South Africa, is discussed. In the qualitative empirical study the results of the questions in the interview guide with regard to violence and adult basic education is discussed, whereafter the results are analised in the final chapter in view of the literature study. After the consideration of the data, it is recommended that cognisance must be taken of the challenges to adult basic education and Freire’s approachwhich can still be utilised as a medium in adult basic education to combat violence. A practical proposal for antiviolence education is made through a antiviolence lesson plan for ABE. The research concludes with limitations and recommendations. / ABET and Youth Development / M. Ed. (Adult Education)