Background: The Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Framework established by the South African Nursing Council (SANC) states that organisations have a responsibility to create enabling environments in which the development of nurses can take place. Aim: The aim of this study is to assess the CPD of nurses at a public hospital in KwaZulu-Natal. Method: A quantitative descriptive design was followed. Convenience sampling yielded a sample of 166 nurses consisting of the registered nurse (63.2%) and enrolled nurse categories (36.8%). Data collection was done using a self-designed questionnaire. Statistical analysis was done using the Statistical Analysis System (SAS) Version 9.4 programme. Results: The findings revealed that CPD was ranked the least important area in terms of management priorities. Key barriers to development included staff shortages, lack of funding, poor resources and competing personal responsibilities. The study found that CPD had positive outcomes for nursing practice. / Health Studies / M.A. (Nursing Science)

Staff training, education and development has come to the forefront in most organizations. Managers and employers have realized the benefits of training and developing their staff and various government initiatives have been introduced that highlight this. Library and Information Services took some time to realize the importance of training and developing their staff, more specifically continuing professional development. The study investigates staff training, education and development at the Durban Metropolitan Library (DML) and establishes the perceptions of staff about current training and development offered. The need for, and appreciation of the training and development offered, was evident. No structured program for staff training and development exist in DML. It is recommended that DML implement the Chartered Institute of Library and Information Professionals, previously known as the Library Association, Framework for Continuing Professional Development if it intends to survive in the competitive, changing environment. This will ensure that the organization functions according to the promulgated government regulations and has skilled, competent staff. / Information Science / (M.A. (Information Science))

Aim: The aim of the study is to explore the perceptions of the nurses’ CPD and its contribution to quality patient care in the Gauteng province of the Republic of South Africa. Significance of the study: The significance of the study is to highlight the importance of CPD as one of the contributing factors to the quality of patient care through on-going competence. The researcher hopes the recommendations from the study may serve as a motivation to health institutions that are not actively involved in continuing professional development. Method and data analysis: Quantitative descriptive explorative design was used to achieve the objectives of the study. The study involved registered professional nurses (n =105) and enrolled nurses (n=56) employed in a state health institution. Data was collected by means of a structured questionnaire.A total of 200 questionnaire were distributed and 162 completed questionnaires were returned, giving a response rate of 162/200=81%. Statistical analysis was conducted using the SAS software version 9.3.The internal and external validity was enhanced by selecting a large homogenous sample. Ethical issues: An information leaflet indicating the key elements of the study such as the research title, the purpose of the study, voluntary participation and when to withdraw from the study was distributed to all the participants. Results: The study found that nurses participate in CPD activities to maintain their professional competence, thereby contributing to quality patient care. The findings are consistent with the findings from other studies / Health Studies / M.A. (Health Studies)

The focus of this study was to investigate the experiences of novice teachers of induction in three selected schools in Oshana region, Namibia. The point of departure is that the experiences of novice teachers of induction and support are not known. The problem was investigated by means of a literature study and empirical investigation, using a qualitative, phenomenological approach. Findings revealed that novice teachers do not have the same needs and do not have similar experiences of support. Key findings reveal that novice teachers’ problems can be solved better if support is given timeously and over a longer period, with all the stakeholders’ equal involvement in the induction process. Novice teachers are capable of making meaningful contributions to schools, and schools can benefit from them. The study recommends that novice teachers’ voices be heard and their views be incorporated when planning future induction programmes, to suit their individual and contextual needs. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

This study aims at examining capacity building for Foundation Phase Mathematics teachers in curriculum differentiation in Limpopo Province. Proceeding within the framework of inclusive education, it takes as its point of departure two issues which are collectively critical for learner performance in Mathematics, namely, teacher capacity and differentiated instruction. The study revolves around the view that for improved learner achievement in Mathematics, particularly in lower grades, instructional practices aimed at supporting learners should be differentiated; and, that for this to be possible, teachers should be equipped with the capacity needed to carry out curriculum differentiation. This view emerges from the convergence of three problems which constitute the motivation for conducting this study. The first problem is poor learner achievement in Mathematics in South Africa, which is a subject dominating the public media and scientific discourse. The second problem is a documented general lack among teachers of appropriate knowledge, skills and attitudes needed for modification and adaptation of curriculum to the differentiated needs of learners. The last problem is the changing curriculum policy context in which teachers work as represented by the current national curriculum policy taking place against the backdrop of the broader South African education transformation agenda, geared towards inclusion. Underlying these problems is the recognition of curriculum as constituting one of the barriers to inclusive education.Based on an assumption that poor performance of learners in the Foundation Phase Mathematics is due to teachers’ inability to differentiate curriculum and their lack of the necessary capacity, this study adopts a qualitative research design and follows a qualitative approach to examine the problem. Data was collected by means of interviews, observations and document analysis. Twelve Mathematics teachers from three purposively selected schools and one curriculumadvisor from one circuit participated in the study. Data were analysed by means ofBraun and Clarke’s method of thematic analysis. The results present the challenges that Foundation Phase Mathematics teachers face, which include inability to respond to learner diversity and inadequate training in curriculum differentiation. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

This investigation on teacher induction documents case studies of three beginning teachers in one target Woreda in Amhara Regional State of Ethiopia. It is organized into six chapters. In Ethiopia, the implementation of the teacher induction programme began in 2005 as part of a larger teacher education reform that is designed to promote the quality and effectiveness of teachers. Five years into the implementation process, it became essential to investigate how well the induction practices are organized and implemented, how beginning teachers were being integrated into the system, and whether the whole process has given beginning teachers better opportunities to learn in practice than by trial and error. The research design for the present investigation was the case study method. As teacher induction is a new venture in the Ethiopian education system, it was important to establish an in-depth understanding of this new phenomenon through case study than making generalizations. My literature readings convinced me about the use of the case study method to do an in-depth study of the situation. Interviews, observations and document analyses were the main tools used to collect the data needed in this research. The data suggests that the three case study teachers, with the support from their respective mentors, completed the formal aspects of the first year induction course as prescribed by the two first-year induction modules. The induction approach followed and applied the course module materials as is. However, in spite of following the prescriptions by the education authorities, variations were noticed in the quantity and quality of professional development activities, action research projects, classroom observations and reflections offered to and completed by the three beginning teachers. Furthermore, the changes observed as a result of the induction programme also varied largely due to personal and situational factors. On the whole, even though the induction guidelines set by the Ethiopian Ministry of Education contain most of the fundamental components of what the literature would consider to be effective for the induction programmes, its implementation in this context was constrained by the lack of some key elements and resources viz. the limited capacity of the mentors, absence of allocated time for induction and mentoring activities in the school programme, lack of subject-specific support in the schools and ineffective monitoring and evaluation of the entire programme, both in school and at the district levels. The present investigation offers policy makers a window into the practices and possible consequences of the induction programme in Ethiopia and presents possibilities for making informed decisions about how to assist practitioners to establish a successful induction programme for beginning teachers. Furthermore, the study offers an empirical test of the theoretical models suggested for setting up effective induction programmes for beginning teachers. The major conclusion that arises is that it is not so much whether the formal aspects of an induction programme are in place or not but more how the on-going support for and interpretations by all the role players that determines the success or otherwise of the programme. It is suggested that more research be done on the conditions that are necessary for the success of beginning teacher induction programme in different contexts in the country. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

Thesis (PhD (Curriculum Studies))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007. / The worldwide emphasis on lifelong learning, the continuous and fast pace of change and the competitive nature of practice forces professionals in all sectors to remain abreast of the latest knowledge, skills and/or innovations. This has contributed to the evolution of the term continuing professional development (CPD). The university lecturer in the natural sciences functions within a unique area of professional practice, as the practice requires scholarship – which contains elements of both subject-specific and educational expertise. It remains unclear how CPD within this professional arena is defined in terms of need, purpose and provision. The current quality of learning and evaluation of learning also warrants investigation. This study aimed to investigate how CPD could play a role in scholarly development from the perspective of lecturers in the Faculty of Science at Stellenbosch University (South Africa). A qualitative approach was followed. Semi-structured interviews with a purposive sample, followed by an open-ended questionnaire with a stratified random sample, were used. The results are reported in seven chapters, of which the first provides an orientation to the conducted study. The second chapter focuses on placing CPD in the context of scholarly practice in the natural sciences at Stellenbosch University. The third chapter investigates the provision of CPD in the natural sciences that could enhance integrated scholarship. The fourth chapter investigates the quality of learning within CPD as a measure of scholarly development. The fifth chapter reports on the evaluation of scholars’ learning in CPD in the natural sciences at Stellenbosch University, while the sixth chapter focuses on current issues and future trends in CPD for natural science lecturers at Stellenbosch University that will motivate an integrated and holistic approach to scholarly development – based on their own insights into their professional practice. The final chapter concludes the study with recommendations for the future practice of CPD within this sphere. The main findings indicate a difficulty in defining CPD, as these lecturers see themselves as a diverse group not easily confined to the traditional boundaries of a professional sphere. This difficulty in defining CPD has a direct influence on the lecturers’ need for CPD and the purpose of CPD within this sector of higher education. The provision of CPD for lecturers in the natural sciences does not conform to an integrated and coherent system of provision between the different stakeholders. Many initiatives are informal and are initiated according to individual needs. There is evidence of collaborative efforts within the different disciplines, although they are limited in terms of transdisciplinarity and true integration of scholarly roles. As a result of the complexities of academic practice, the quality of learning within the existing CPD initiatives is not easily determined. The progression from novice to expert is a continuous process, which is mostly self-directed and reflective in nature. Formalised government interventions, Total Quality Management systems, leadership development, mentorship and situated learning are presented as possible means of enhancing the quality of learning in CPD. The present study indicates the lack of appropriate evaluation of learning in CPD as the main shortcoming in the total process of CPD conceptualisation, provision, quality assurance and evaluation within the study population. Accountability for the monetary investment and energy spent on any CPD initiative is therefore limited. Portfolios, peer review, open-ended problems and simulations, auditing and observation of practice are presented as viable options for effective evaluation of learning in CPD that could enhance integrated scholarship. The future trends in CPD are discussed in terms of the future context of practice; the role of and need for experts; how experts will be educated and how they will maintain their competence. This provides a holistic view of scholarly development through CPD within the context of lecturers in the natural sciences in the Stellenbosch University.

This dissertation research study explored how registered nurses (RNs) use mobile devices as tools to support and enhance informal learning in their work settings. The mixed methods inquiry involved select Canadian practicing and regulated RNs who used mobile devices in their workplaces. A sequential explanatory research design collected quantitative and qualitative data using an online survey and semi-structured interviews. Quota sampling for the quantitative component yielded 170 usable online surveys. From the survey respondents, interview volunteers were purposively selected and ten (10) interviews were conducted. Descriptive, inferential, inductive, and integrated data analyses were conducted in order to explore strategies, processes, purposes, modes of use (individual [non-collaborative] or collaborative), and age-generational differences associated with RNs’ use of mobile devices for informal learning in the workplace. Findings indicated that the study participants primarily used their handheld devices for self-directed informal learning with non-collaborative strategies or processes in their work settings for accessing online resources for a range of reasons including: evidence-based support, new procedures/treatments, professional development, patient/client teaching, and maintaining competency. Age differences related to the use of mobile devices for informal learning were minimal. However, workplace-related influences including deficiencies in formal educational resources, Internet access, and/or employer support were relevant to the informal learning experiences. Positive perceptions of efficiencies, self-confidence, patient/client safety, patients/clients’ reactions, and the need for sanctioned resources for using mobile technologies in the healthcare workplace were articulated. The findings pointed to the significance of mobile devices as learning tools for RNs’ informal learning for construction of knowledge and meaning-making to inform professional development and continuing competence. / 2013-01

隨著資訊科技的快速演進，圖書館員勢必應持續接受專業繼續教育學習新知識與新技能，提升館員本身的資訊素養，與時並進，方能提供讀者更高品質的資訊服務。本研究之目的在於瞭解圖書館員網路繼續教育課程發展的概況，並針對我國圖書館員進行「圖書資訊選擇與採訪概論」網路繼續教育課程的設計與評鑑，藉此瞭解利用網路教學方式進行圖書館員繼續教育的成效。 本研究首先針對相關文獻進行探討，其次採用問卷調查法、準實驗法、訪談法等三種研究方法進行進研究，獲得能力本位教育課程設計與評鑑的原理，以擬訂的圖書資訊選擇與採訪能力清單作為發展教學目標，設計與發展「圖書資訊選擇與採訪概論」能力本位圖書館員網路繼續教育課程。本研究進行之評鑑包含學習者能力評鑑以及課程評鑑兩部分，採用觀察法、深度訪談法、以及問卷調查法。 本研究於民國94年1月13日至94年3月8日，以能力本位教育原則發展「圖書資訊選擇與採訪概論」網路繼續教育課程共5個單元。本研究進行之評鑑分為學習者的學習評量與課程的評鑑兩部分。學習者學習評量的進行包括各單元學習評量、課程討論之參與以及學習記錄表分析等方法。學習評量分析的結果發現，未達標準者有2位，其主要影響原因為作業缺繳所導致。 本研究利用編製的「圖書資訊選擇與採訪課程意見調查表」獲得學員對本課程能力的看法以及學習者自評的學習成效。本研究之調查實施時間為民國94年3月15日發送問卷，民國94年3月28日截止回收，發出問卷8份，收回問卷8份，有效問卷為8份。 問卷結果分析顯示：(1)學習者對能力的看法多表同意；(2)學習者對於課程整體設計以及各單元內容設計多表同意；(3)比較上課前後問卷調查之結果得知學員對於能力的增進皆表示同意；(4)針對上過課程後是否有助於學習者具備設定之能力也多表同意。 本研究於實驗課程結束後，利用編製的「圖書資訊選擇與採訪概論課程意見訪談單」與兩位參與課程的學員進行課程評鑑。訪談內容包括：能力本位教育、課程及教材、以及網路教學三部分。 訪談結果分析顯示：(1)課程設計能否與工作環境、工作經驗、以及專業能力需求結合，會直接影響學習者的學習成效；(2)課程教材真實情境的畫面、圖片或影片結合，將更有助於學習內容的吸收和理解；(3)網路繼續教育課程參與與否要視課程主題內容是否與其工作業務相關，以及是否屬於實務性的主題內容而論；(4)受訪者表示相較於同步網路教學，即時語音通訊可以表達訊息中所摻雜的情感；(5)相較於傳統教室教學模式，傳統課堂上課仍具有其優勢之處，包括專心程度、熟悉程度以及即時互動性；(6)成績或是學習認證的壓力，會促進學習者想辦法與其他學習者互動熟悉彼此，以便進行合作學習。但要在短時間內培養學員彼此默契是有困難的。 本論文總結提出之結論包括：(1)能力本位教育的理論與應用；(2)網路教學的特質與理論；(3)能力本位圖書館員的網路繼續教育課程設計；以及(4)圖書館員網路繼續教育課程的評鑑。 / This study mainly discusses developing and evaluating a web-based continuing education course for librarians with competency–based education approach. It covers four main goals as follows, firstly, to investigate the characteristics and theories of web-based instruction; secondly, to explore the theories and applications of the competency-based education; thirdly, to design a web-based continuing education course for librarians with competency–based education approach; finally to develop a continuing education competency assessment model which is integrated into above web-based continuing education course. This study was conducted by literature review, quasi-experimental method, questionnaire survey, to obtain the theorem of designing a web-based continuing education course for librarians with competency–based education approach. In order to evaluate the web course and the students’ competency, this study uses the summative evaluation and student’s learning outcomes assessment with fix methods of questionnaire survey and in-depth interviews. After the web-based continuing education course was finished, the questionnaires were distributed to students after they took the web-based course. At of the 8 surveyed questionnaires of 8 students in the web course, 8 responded and 8 validated. The overall findings were highly consistent with the students’ viewpoints to the web-based continuing education course. Besides, most of them agreed this web-based was useful and valuable for their working. More discussion and suggestions were made in the in-depth interviews. Hopefully, the study findings are expected to drive the competency-based education approach in designing and development a formal web-based continuing education course for librarians in Taiwan in the future.

The National Senior Certificate Grade 12 results in the Pinetown District between 2010 and 2015 revealed that a number of township and rural schools are struggling to obtain an overall 60% pass rate. But some schools in similar circumstances managed to achieve above this pass percentage. The study sought to enquire about the role of school management teams (SMTs) in managing factors that influenced learner academic performance in Grade 12 examinations The study was conducted in three purposely selected public schools that each surpassed the 60 percent overall pass in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) examinations in the Pinetown District, KwaZulu-Natal. The study employed a qualitative approach and was located in the interpretive paradigm. Data was collected by means of semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The identities of all respondents were protected. Upon analysis of results, several measures the schools applied emerged. Topics for future research are also suggested. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)