Thesis (M. Ed. (Mathematics Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2019 / Alignment between content standards, instruction, assessment and learning materials assists in achieving the intended content in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to explore the alignment between Senior Phase Mathematics Content Standards (SPMCS) and numeric and geometric patterns’ workbook activities. The problem was that teachers sometimes use the Department of Basic Education’s workbooks interchangeably with textbooks, while their purpose is to supplement textbooks and provide worksheets for the learners. The alignment status of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) senior phase mathematics’ workbooks could not be found in the literature. Mixed methods research and document analysis were employed to explore the status of alignment between SPMCS and DBE workbook activities on Numeric and Geometric Patterns (NGP). This was aimed at highlighting the status of alignment in terms of the content structure and the alignment indices through the use of alignment model of Webb (1997) and of Porter (2002). The findings of this study revealed that the alignment between SPMCS and DBE workbook activities on NGP in terms of the categorical concurrence, depth of knowledge consistency and range of knowledge correspondence ranges from ‘acceptable’ to ‘full’ level of agreement. However, content beyond the scope of the content standards was found in Grade 7 and Grade 8 DBE workbook activities on NGP. The computed alignment indices for Grade 7, Grade 8 and Grade 9 range from moderate to strong alignment. Besides, weak and strong discrepancies were identified, which need to be addressed to improve the content structure of the DBE workbooks. This study recommends two alignment models to explore the alignment between educational components for comprehensive results and complementation. In addition, studies such as this should be conducted to enhance the quality in developing assessments in future. KEY CONCEPTS Alignment; assessment; content standards; learning materials; workbooks; numeric patterns and geometric patterns.

No description available.

The purpose of this project was to test the hypothesis that student enthusiasm, participation, and comprehension would increase when using cooperative learning techniques in a classroom context.

Department of Curriculum Studies and Educational Management / PhD (CS)

Thesis (M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / Learners’ academic achievement occupies a very important place in education as well as in the learning process. This study was therefore conducted to investigate factors causing the underperformance of grade 12 learners in secondary schools in Ermelo, Msukaligwa 1 circuit in Gert Sibande district Mpumalanga Province. The qualitative approach was used. Qualitative data generation techniques (semi- structured face to face, observations and document analysis) were used to solicit the understanding of parents, grade 12 learners, grade 12 teachers and heads of department with regard to the phenomenon being studied. The sample size of 22 participants (6 parents, 6 learners, 4 heads of departments and 6 grade 12 teachers) were selected through purposive sampling technique. Data generated through interviews was analysed by using thematic analysis approach. Findings revealed that there are possible factors that cause poor academic performance in Grade 12. Factors include home related factors, school related factors, teacher related factors, parent related factors and learner related factors. Identified home related factors were the size of the family, unpredictable environment at home as well as low financial income. School related factors included overcrowded classrooms, shortage of textbooks, planned and unplanned programmes. Teacher related factors included non-attendance of classes, inadequate content coverage, non-implementation of subject improvement strategies and excessive code switching. Learner related factors included late coming and attitude towards learning. Parent related factors include poor parental support and inadequate level of education. Based on the findings, the study recommends that appointed heads of department should be responsible for the management of subjects they are qualified to manage. Again, the department of education revisits the implementation of the policy of progression so that only learners deserving to be promoted to the next grade are promoted.