Thesis (MTech (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2015. / The question arose whether the teaching of primary school Geography teachers could be a factor for the declining Grade 12 pass rate in Geography. It is within this context that the researcher decided to investigate the quality of Geography teaching and learning in three rural primary schools in Grades 4 – 6. The theories of Shulman’s (1987) Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) and Koehler and Mishra’s (2009) Technological, Pedagogical and Content Knowledge (TPACK) framed this research. Although the Intermediate Phase curriculum provides a general education experience, the teacher needs to adopt teaching strategies that will deliver geographical knowledge, skills and values, which will enable all learners to function effectively and responsibly in space-place and time. A qualitative research design was employed for this study using interviews and observations. Six teachers were purposively selected for this study. These schools are in high poverty rural communities and the medium of instruction is Afrikaans. The data was both inductively and deductively analyzed. The findings indicate that the most used pedagogy by these six teachers was the Lecture Method in combination with the Question and Answer Method. It was found that teachers do not have adequate content knowledge about the different pedagogies. This research was an exploratory investigation into the pedagogies used in Geography and offer three recommendations: recommendations for teaching Geography in rural multi-grade classrooms, recommendations for WCED and further research.

D.Technologiae / Higher education, as both a “place” and a “paradigm”, has throughout its history confronted challenges in the internal and external environments of its functioning (Brennan et al., 1999; Hirsch & Weber, 1999). In the twenty-first century, the nature of these challenges has necessitated that both the organizational character and curriculum offerings of higher education institutions be adaptive and responsive to changes occurring in the external environment. How institutions of higher learning react to these changes, is an issue of divergent viewpoints. “Reform” and “transformation” – in the same mould as “adaptation” and “responsiveness” – are viewed in this study as the fundamental points of departure in articulating a trajectory along which change in the curriculum perspectives has to occur. As a ‘product’ offered to its ‘consumers’ – the paying students – the higher education curriculum has been a fiercely contested epistemological terrain. On the one hand is the concern that it services the interests of industry and commerce, to the detriment of society; while on the other, the curriculum has been viewed as reproducing elitist values. The problem then, is located in the realm of the curriculum’s capacity to respond to the contradictory nature of the multiple stakeholder interests. The South African higher education system is faced with the problem of firstly, de-contextualizing and disengaging the curriculum from its erstwhile political ramifications (CHE, 2000b). Secondly, affordable and quality higher education is expected to be assimilated into the broader national socioeconomic imperatives. From this study’s perspective, the problem statement is situated in the context of the curriculum’s capacity to meet the local reconstruction and developmental needs; while also adhering to international imperatives ushered in mainly by globalisation and the concomitant proliferation of alternative providers who have challenged the claim to epistemological hegemony by traditional universities. In other words, are current curriculum trends in higher education directed at meeting society’s needs; or is the entrepreneurial imperative more sacrosanct? One of the main challenges for South African higher education curriculum reform/transformation policy concerns then, should be to define and determine how the local and global curriculum polemics are to be reined-in in the broader ‘public good’ and social contract in improving the lives of all citizens. Through its empirical phase, the study has attempted to investigate the extent to which higher education curriculum trends ‘conform’ or ‘deviate’ from worldwide curriculum practices. In that regard, policy rhetoric was able to be differentiated from actual policy implementation. In order that problems of critical generalisability be obviated, data and method triangulation were utilised; also taking into account the institutional reconfiguration that had major consequences for the curriculum, especially at institutions undergoing “comprehensive” organizational and curriculum restructuring. The extent of institutional curriculum ‘deviation’ or ‘conformity’ was therefore determined on the basis of the collective integration of literature-based and empirical data and information/knowledge. The case study research conducted through questionnaires and interviews at the designated research sites (two higher education institutions with disparate academic cultures) therefore serves as the basis upon which larger investigations and broader perspectives could be incorporated, particularly from the extensive literature review. While the two case studies could have limitations of generalisability, some practices and trends lend themselves to a greater degree of the transferability of the findings. For instance, the knowledge stratification inherent in the Western university model (Makgoba, 1998; Scott, 1997) has perpetrated an environment of epistemological ‘supremacy’ within local higher education curriculum policy formulation frameworks. In that regard, it has emerged from the case study that Africanisation (in its epistemological, rather than ‘anthropological/cultural’ sense) is not part of a critical and mainstream curriculum organization tenet. While this observation could be argued to be institution-specific, it certainly also reflects a systemic trend. In the light of the epistemological context cited above, is it to be assumed then that the ‘politics of knowledge’ (Apple, 1990; Lyotard, 1994; Muller, 2000) is an extant curriculum/epistemological nuance even in the twenty-first century? The realizable outcomes of the study materialized in the conceptualisation and development of a trilogy of models on Africanisation; in which the input, mediating/modulating, and output triad factor characterises an environment of possibilities for its integration into the mainstream higher education curriculum.

M. Ed. / The main aim of the research was to investigate the components of teacher competence and how these aspects can enhance teacher effectiveness. The research highlighted that teacher competence and competent feedback, during and after appraisal, can promote the effectiveness of the teachers. It was of vital importance that this research essay focused on intentionality because it is a lynch pin between competent feedback and teacher competence. Intentionality is a component of invitational feedback and a must for any educational endeavour. In order for teachers to teach effectively and facilitate learning, intentionality from educational managers will have to be employed in order to enhance the goals of the education system in South Africa. 5.2 SUMMARY OF IMPORTANT FINDINGS A descriptive analysis of how the questions pertaining to this research essay on intentionality were rated and ranked will now be offered. The questions were as follows: 5.2.1 Descriptive analysis Looking at all the questions on intentionality as an aspect of invitational feedback, the responses in general show that intentionally invitational feedback provided by educational managers is good. This is highlighted by all the mean scores which are above average when compared to the questionnaire which has the ideal score of 5, represented by always. However, educational managers can improve their skills of communication by always providing intentionally invitational feedback. The question on sincerity (= 17) has a mean score 3,35 and ranked 1,which shows that respondents view sincere educational managers as those who provide good intentionally invitational feedback. Such educational managers assist teachers in a just cause and provide competent feedback. This type of communication has purposeful intentions which will improve their skills of competence and thus promote their professional development (See: Chapter 2, 5.5 Table 4.1) The question on responsibility (B81) has a mean score 3,34 and ranked 2,which highlights the fact that respondents view accountable educational managers as those who provide intentionally invitational feedback. Accountability will enable educational managers to provide a range of developmental opportunities for teachers that will empower them in every educational sphere (See: Chapter 2, 2.5.2, Table 4.1). With regard to the question on participation (c= 93), which has a mean score 3,03 and ranked 5, the responses revealed that educational managers who employ participatory management are those who provide intentionally invitational feedback. This type of communication will allow teachers to be involved in the design of an action plan. This involvement will enable teachers to work as a team and participate in decision-making process and problem-solving situations (See: Chapter 2, 2.5.1, Table 4.1). From the analysis of the views of the respondents on items concerning intentionality as an aspect of invitational feedback, it is evident that intentionality holds together all the elements of invitational feedback because it is a purposeful act which is invitational.

M.Ed. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.A. / The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a worksite-based program designed to assist in the identification and resolution of productivity problems associated with employees impaired by personal and work-related concerns. Although EAPs have been established in government departments in South Africa in recent years, this model has not yet been tried in the Department of Education, Malamulele district. The Department of Education can be described as a work environment that has many characteristics common to most other work environments, but it appears that there are characteristics that are unique to the particular context that have to be considered before establishing an EAP in such context. This study will attempt to provide fresh perspectives to the Department of Education; it may happen that this model can be introduced subsequent to the submission of the recommendations. EAP is regarded as a component for workforce development and quality of work-life in contemporary organizations; therefore it is vital that this program should be established in the Department of Education. The primary aim of this study is to explore the perceptions and needs of teaching personnel regarding the feasibility and the implementation of EAP in the work environment. The objectives are as follows: to peruse the available literature relevant to the research topic, to collect qualitative data from teachers by means of focus groups, to compile a profile of perceptions and needs for the formulation of proposal regarding the feasibility of implementing an EAP in the educational setting, to transcribe, analyze and present the data that was collected in a way that it can generate knowledge about the feasibility of EAP in the rural area of Malamulele, to submit recommendations to the Department of Education and to identify and recommend areas for future research. The study was conducted with 12 teachers and 7 managers (principals) in the Department of Education, Malamulele district, Limpopo. The research findings postulate that teachers perceive EAP as vital and also feasible for their work environment. They articulate that it should have been established long time ago.

M.Ed. / This study is designed around the hypothesis that a modular approach in teacher education, within an educationally sound curriculum framework, could indicate an appropriate route towards the possible implementation of several training models. Teacher education for the pre-primary school phase, as well as other differientiated training programmes, may be accommodated within this flexible approach. Viewed together with the implementation of a modular system is the implicit need for centralised administrative machinery. Associated fieldwork included the following: * Three focused study visits abroad (1982 - 1989) * A . literature search and survey of research projects followed by a systematic s tudy of relevant publications, documents relating to education policy issues and selected legislation * Close involvement with a local pre-primary teacher training project * Consultation along structured lines with academics, educational experts and individuals engaged at policy level. The most significant findings were: a) Both in the RSA and overseas teacher education programmes are currently under review. b) Teacher education models incorporating flexibility are being developed. This element of flexibility introduces, in addition to 'traditional admission requirements attached to a specific course, exit points with a carry-forward of credits already acquired. c) A modular approach to teacher education programmes is gaining favour rapidly within educational circles, and also in the sphere of manpower planning. Based on the findings,. several recommendations were made with regard to a modular curriculum for teacher education and more specifically with reference to the pre-primary school phase in the RSA.

M.Ed. / During adolescence confusion in idendity can occur (Louw. 1990:463) as adolescents find themselves in a period of transition. During this phase of life a positive self -concept is extremely important. because it determines where the person will fit into society, choices he will make (louw. 1990:460) and whether he is successful in his relationship with his fellow men (Staples, 1991: I I I). It is therefore extremely important that adolescents accept themselves. Although information about self-concept development is available. the researcher found that some adolescents still suffer from low self-concept which might, if not addressed. become hindrances to optimal development and self-actualisation. The purpose of this study was to determine whether self-esteem in adolescents could be improved. A program based on Constructivistic principles was developed and ten adolescents actively participated therein for ten sessions of two hours each. Nine components of self-concept development was discussed, namely: what is self-concept; how is self-concept formed; the ideal self; proactive attitude; conflict resolution strategies; self-assertiveness and friends. The last session was reserved for the evaluation on the program and self-growth. The development of the respondents were assessed and video's were taken. Workbooks were also analyzed. Measures to ensure trustworthiness was kept in mind and the development of the respondents were discussed with their parents.

M.Ed. (Education Management) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

Masters in Public Administration - MPA / During the 1994 genocide in Rwanda, not only physical assets were eroded but more importantly, human capital were destroyed and left the country living hardly on qualified personnel at almost all levels of the economy to play a meaningful development role. While capacity building is needed in many sectors of the economy, it is especially important in the education sector. This study focuses on one particular issue namely to what extent sending academic staff for training in foreign countries can effectively contribute to capacity building in Rwandan higher education institutions (HEI). Various options exist to improve a strategy to build capacities in higher education institutions; amongst others is the training of human resource which is the most important of all. In order to investigate the above, both qualitative and quantitative methods were used. Techniques such as documentation, semi-structured interview, questionnaire and direct observation were also used in order to reach the research objectives. With regard to the main question of this study, findings reveal that funding academic staff for foreign training is believed to effectively contribute to capacity building in Rwandan higher education. As respondents explain, academic staff sent for training in foreign countries acquires new knowledge that is needed to build the country. This gained knowledge is spread all over the country through teaching at universities where most sectors of the country find their human resources. Being open minded, trained academic staff will be able to update his knowledge and therefore train in turn his students accordingly. However, findings inform also that Rwandan HEI are faced with multiple problems amongst others the problem of defining the real institutional needs for appropriate training. In this regard, findings suggest that for the training to be effective in Rwandan HEI there is a need of putting in place appropriate mechanisms and assessing institutional needs before training a person and training according to those specific needs in order to help the process of capacity building being more effective. / South Africa

"Since education is a process of development and growth throughout all life, it is necessary for man to realize that its forms and purposes vary from one environmental and societal condition to another. However, education is also a process by which the individual is trained to conform to the behavior patterns of society. In this society with its many values, some confused and conflicting, two values are basic: a belief in the potential worth of each individual, and reliance upon the method of individual and group intelligence in the solution of problems. When either of these basic values is challenged, democracy is threatened. Research shows that the elementary school's basic function is the education of its children for life in a confused and changing society. Also that this function requires close co-operation between the school and community. How to bridge the gap between the small limited community life of the Remerton children, who of necessity must also live in a school and other societies outside their community, provides an impetus for skillful planning and consequently the primary purpose of this paper"--Introduction. / "August, 1953." / Typescript. / "Submitted to the Graduate Council of Florida State University in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts." / Advisor: Virgil E. Strickland, Professor Directing Paper. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 64-68).