The ongoing debate about the capacity of distance learning (DL) to assist in the development of teaching skills and to improve teaching practice is the focus of many inquiries in the field of teacher education. The practice-based nature of Foundation Phase teaching poses unique challenges for professional development of teachers through DL programmes. In order to address inadequacies identified in the literature and previous research, a practical component was designed and included in the revised version of the Advanced Certificate: Education - Foundation Phase, as part of a bursary project. In 2011 the Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDoE) enrolled 50 practising Foundation Phase teachers for this distance learning programme as the first of three cohorts in the bursary project. A learning portfolio and audio-visual resources, designed according to principles derived from previous research and related literature, formed part of this practical component. The aim was to support teacher applied competence through developing pedagogical content knowledge, self-directedness, and a professional attitude, and through guiding the application of new knowledge and skills in practice. The completed portfolios further served as an instrument for the assessment of teacher performance with regard to applied competence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of the practical component of the revised Foundation Phase ACE programme delivered by the NWU via distance learning with specific focus on the way this component facilitates the development of applied competence and the way the portfolio provides for the assessment of professional classroom competencies of practising Foundation Phase teachers. The study further aimed to put forward a model for the development of applied practice based on the findings of the study. In order to attain the aims of the study, the literature was explored to firstly determine the elements which contribute to applied competence in effective teacher professional development programmes. The literature was further explored to determine what the body of scholarship indicates with respect to programme design features that support applied competence in DL programmes for teacher professional development. An implementation evaluation study was then conducted on the programme by collecting data from 50 Foundation Phase teachers as the first of three cohorts enrolled for the bursary project. Data were primarily collected through multiple qualitative methods including a focus-group interview, individual interviews, written expectations as well as open ended questions of questionnaires. Descriptive data were also collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis to determine the theoretical and conceptual implications of the profile and teaching context of the Northern Cape Foundation Phase teacher enrolled for the DL Foundation Phase ACE programme, the expectations of these teachers regarding the way the practical component would support their applied competence in their contexts, and the teachers’ experiences of the way the programme component supported the development of their applied competence. The study further determined the extent to which the learning portfolios interrogate the elements of applied competence. Quantitative data collected through semi-structured questionnaires were statistically analysed and served to support the interpretation of qualitative data. The investigation was approached from a constructivist paradigm; an approach that falls under an interpretivist philosophical orientation. Although quantitative methods were used to gather descriptive statistical data in support of the qualitative data, the study is grounded in qualitative research methodology where the concern is with the formative evaluation of the DL programme component The findings strongly confirm the value of such a practical component as part of a DL programme to support the elements of applied competence. However, the way the programme accommodates teacher profiles and teaching contexts will greatly influence the sustainability of the programme outcomes in practice. The findings further show that the portfolio as instrument for the assessment of applied competence requires careful planning and should provide strong guidance in the reflective process to support sustained outcomes of the programme in practice. A suggested model for a DL programme for the professional development of Foundation Phase teachers is based on the findings of the study. / PhD (Curriculum Development Innovation and Evaluation), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The ongoing debate about the capacity of distance learning (DL) to assist in the development of teaching skills and to improve teaching practice is the focus of many inquiries in the field of teacher education. The practice-based nature of Foundation Phase teaching poses unique challenges for professional development of teachers through DL programmes. In order to address inadequacies identified in the literature and previous research, a practical component was designed and included in the revised version of the Advanced Certificate: Education - Foundation Phase, as part of a bursary project. In 2011 the Northern Cape Department of Education (NCDoE) enrolled 50 practising Foundation Phase teachers for this distance learning programme as the first of three cohorts in the bursary project. A learning portfolio and audio-visual resources, designed according to principles derived from previous research and related literature, formed part of this practical component. The aim was to support teacher applied competence through developing pedagogical content knowledge, self-directedness, and a professional attitude, and through guiding the application of new knowledge and skills in practice. The completed portfolios further served as an instrument for the assessment of teacher performance with regard to applied competence. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the value of the practical component of the revised Foundation Phase ACE programme delivered by the NWU via distance learning with specific focus on the way this component facilitates the development of applied competence and the way the portfolio provides for the assessment of professional classroom competencies of practising Foundation Phase teachers. The study further aimed to put forward a model for the development of applied practice based on the findings of the study. In order to attain the aims of the study, the literature was explored to firstly determine the elements which contribute to applied competence in effective teacher professional development programmes. The literature was further explored to determine what the body of scholarship indicates with respect to programme design features that support applied competence in DL programmes for teacher professional development. An implementation evaluation study was then conducted on the programme by collecting data from 50 Foundation Phase teachers as the first of three cohorts enrolled for the bursary project. Data were primarily collected through multiple qualitative methods including a focus-group interview, individual interviews, written expectations as well as open ended questions of questionnaires. Descriptive data were also collected through semi-structured questionnaires. Qualitative data were analysed through content analysis to determine the theoretical and conceptual implications of the profile and teaching context of the Northern Cape Foundation Phase teacher enrolled for the DL Foundation Phase ACE programme, the expectations of these teachers regarding the way the practical component would support their applied competence in their contexts, and the teachers’ experiences of the way the programme component supported the development of their applied competence. The study further determined the extent to which the learning portfolios interrogate the elements of applied competence. Quantitative data collected through semi-structured questionnaires were statistically analysed and served to support the interpretation of qualitative data. The investigation was approached from a constructivist paradigm; an approach that falls under an interpretivist philosophical orientation. Although quantitative methods were used to gather descriptive statistical data in support of the qualitative data, the study is grounded in qualitative research methodology where the concern is with the formative evaluation of the DL programme component The findings strongly confirm the value of such a practical component as part of a DL programme to support the elements of applied competence. However, the way the programme accommodates teacher profiles and teaching contexts will greatly influence the sustainability of the programme outcomes in practice. The findings further show that the portfolio as instrument for the assessment of applied competence requires careful planning and should provide strong guidance in the reflective process to support sustained outcomes of the programme in practice. A suggested model for a DL programme for the professional development of Foundation Phase teachers is based on the findings of the study. / PhD (Curriculum Development Innovation and Evaluation), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2015

The main hallmarks of the novel problem-based curriculum are self-directed, student-centred learning, clinical reasoning, small group tutorials and the facilitation of learning in an integrated way. These features differ significantly from the traditional curriculum which is teacher-centred, discipline-based and more content orientated. The innovative programme was implemented at the University of Transkei with a view to improving medical education. In this study, the perceptions of second year medical students regarding the implemention of and transition to the new curriculum, was assessed, as part of the evaluation of the curriculum. The results showed that students had grievances about the overwhelming volume of information they had to cover, time constraints, examination methods and bias of tutors towards their own subjects. Nevertheless, they considered the innovation to be favourable, exciting, relevant to life and to future tasks, and more motivating than the traditional curriculum. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Didactics)

The aim of the study was to investigate strategies that could be used to equip Grade 10 teachers to teach accounting effectively. The aim was addressed by conducting the relevant literature survey and an empirical investigation. A qualitative approach which was modeled on the interpretive perspective was used to explore challenges faced by accounting teachers and learners. Five schools were selected in the Johannesburg Ekurhuleni District. Here, three HODs and two Grade 10 teachers were interviewed and observed while teaching. Strong and weak Grade 10 learners from each school were interviewed. The data was analysed and findings presented. The findings revealed that Grades 8 and 9 lack accounting exposure due to 40% weighting on financial literacy on the syllabus which then causes problems in Grade 10 from both the teaching and learning perspectives. The main recommendations arising from this study are that the Department of Education must relook at the syllabus and involve teachers in the planning of the curriculum in order to bridge the gap between the syllabuses. Accounting teachers should use variety of learning and teaching strategies, and create a supportive effective classroom environment in order to increase the learner’s interest. / Further Teacher Education / M. Ed. (Didactics)

The aim of the study was to investigate strategies that could be used to equip Grade 10 teachers to teach accounting effectively. The aim was addressed by conducting the relevant literature survey and an empirical investigation. A qualitative approach which was modeled on the interpretive perspective was used to explore challenges faced by accounting teachers and learners. Five schools were selected in the Johannesburg Ekurhuleni District. Here, three HODs and two Grade 10 teachers were interviewed and observed while teaching. Strong and weak Grade 10 learners from each school were interviewed. The data was analysed and findings presented. The findings revealed that Grades 8 and 9 lack accounting exposure due to 40% weighting on financial literacy on the syllabus which then causes problems in Grade 10 from both the teaching and learning perspectives. The main recommendations arising from this study are that the Department of Education must relook at the syllabus and involve teachers in the planning of the curriculum in order to bridge the gap between the syllabuses. Accounting teachers should use variety of learning and teaching strategies, and create a supportive effective classroom environment in order to increase the learner’s interest. / Further Teacher Education / M. Ed. (Didactics)

Résumé : Cette recherche aborde la problématique de la relation à la formation dans un processus d’autoformation en ligne. Elle pose la question du rapport au pouvoir dans ce type de situation d’apprentissage. La médiation pédagogique humaine et la médiatisation technologique y sont au centre des préoccupations. Il s’agit d’aborder, au travers de la conception même des instruments d’investigation, les concepts: de contrôle, d’autodirection, d’autonomie, d’efficacité, de compétence, d’autodétermination en relation avec la notion de motif d’engagement. Les dispositions et les prédispositions liées à l'autoformation sont également observées. On se propose de comprendre les orientations motivationnelles et les motifs qui éclairent l’engagement au regard de la perception de soi dans un contexte d’autoformation. Nos réflexions portent également sur le concept d'alterdidaxie par opposition aux démarches autodidactes dans un contexte d'autoformation./ Summary: This research approaches the problems in relation to training in the process of e-learning. It raises the question of the self-directed learning’s power in this type of training situation. The human teaching mediation and the technological mediatization are both in the center of the concerns. This research is an approach, through the design even of instruments of investigation, to the concepts : control, autodirection, autonomy, effectiveness, competence, self-determination in relation with the engagement. Competences and readiness scales related to the adults’ self-training are also observed. One proposes to observe motivational directions and the engagement’s reasons in relation with the perception of oneself as self-directed learners in a context of self-training. Our reflections also relate to the concept of Alterdidacticism in opposition to the self-educated steps, to the Autodidacticism in a context of adults’ self-training.

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

Die Idee der Selbstbestimmung ist ein Konzept, welchem im historischen sowie aktuellen pädagogischen Diskurs eine hohe Bedeutung zugemessen wird. Ausgehend von der Epoche der Aufklärung wird der Mensch als vernunftbegabtes Wesen mit der Fähigkeit zum selbstbestimmten Handeln verstanden. Gleichzeitig hat sich, mit Beginn der Pädagogik als Wissenschaft, aus dem theoretisch und praktisch scheinbar nicht zu lösenden, Widerspruch zwischen subjektiver Autonomie und intentionaler Heteronomie ein Problem aufgetan, dessen Lösungsversuche den erziehungswissenschaftlichen Diskurs bis heute prägen. Wird dem Kind die Fähigkeit und das Recht auf selbstbestimmtes Handeln ausdrücklich anerkannt, ist jede pädagogische Intervention als fremdbestimmt abzulehnen. Dies würde im schlimmsten Fall bedeuten, dass die Erziehung sich selbst abschafft. Wenn man Autonomie allerdings als Kompetenz versteht, die am Ziel eines Entwicklungsprozesses steht, stellt sich die Frage ob ein Mensch ohne Erziehung überhaupt in diesen Zustand gelangen kann. Vor dem Hintergrund des Selbstbestimmungsdiskurses, des pädagogischen Paradox, der Bindungstheorie und lernpsychologischer Ansätze, wird in der Arbeit der Frage nachgegangen, ob und inwiefern Schüler, denen aktuell keine oder nur wenige Teilkompetenzen für selbstbestimmtes Lernen zugeschrieben werden, selbstbestimmt lernen können.

The main hallmarks of the novel problem-based curriculum are self-directed, student-centred learning, clinical reasoning, small group tutorials and the facilitation of learning in an integrated way. These features differ significantly from the traditional curriculum which is teacher-centred, discipline-based and more content orientated. The innovative programme was implemented at the University of Transkei with a view to improving medical education. In this study, the perceptions of second year medical students regarding the implemention of and transition to the new curriculum, was assessed, as part of the evaluation of the curriculum. The results showed that students had grievances about the overwhelming volume of information they had to cover, time constraints, examination methods and bias of tutors towards their own subjects. Nevertheless, they considered the innovation to be favourable, exciting, relevant to life and to future tasks, and more motivating than the traditional curriculum. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Didactics)

Thèse de doctorat réalisée avec le soutien financier du Conseil de recherches en sciences humaines (CRSH) du Canada / Problématique : Les milieux de la santé connaissent d’importants changements dans leur fonctionnement avec l’émergence de pratiques basées sur la participation et l’engagement des patients. Appelés à être partenaires, bon nombre d’adultes ne sont toutefois pas en mesure de traiter et d’utiliser l’information en lien avec leur santé en raison d’un faible niveau de littératie. Aussi, les intervenantes et intervenants du milieu cherchent à développer leur compréhension du phénomène et leurs compétences afin de fournir une information accessible à ces personnes et favoriser leur autonomie dans leurs démarches de santé. Or, peu de données empiriques existent quant au développement de ces compétences en milieu du travail. Objectif : Décrire la façon dont des intervenantes et intervenants développent, en cours de pratique, les compétences permettant de soutenir la participation d’une clientèle de faible niveau de littératie à ses soins de santé. Méthodologie : Trente entrevues semi-structurées ont été réalisées auprès d’intervenantes et intervenants inscrits dans une pratique orientée vers l’autonomie et la participation d’une clientèle à risque sur le plan de la littératie : 9 en médecine et pharmacie, 9 en soins infirmiers, 9 dans des champs connexes (nutrition, psychologie, travail social, etc.) et 3 agissant à titre de pairs aidants. En s’appuyant sur Le Boterf (2009, 2010), un modèle de développement de la compétence articulant les trois dimensions suivantes a orienté l’analyse des données : 1) la pratique professionnelle et la performance, soit « ce que je fais/les résultats », 2) la réflexivité, « ce que je pense/vis dans ma pratique » et 3) les ressources, « ce que j'utilise pour apprendre/pour agir. » Le traitement des données, via des cartes conceptuelles, a mené à un modèle de développement professionnel en milieu de travail validé auprès de 5 des personnes interviewées, mais aussi à un modèle de bonnes pratiques au regard de l’agir en matière de pro-littératie. Résultats : Les « bonnes pratiques » identifiées reposent sur quatre piliers, soit 1) mettre en œuvre un partenariat dans et au regard des soins dans une perspective « patient » en lien avec la maladie, la langue et l’écrit; 2) porter attention à des indicateurs de la littératie autres que la scolarité; 3) personnaliser la communication; 4) faciliter l’accès et l’utilisation de l’information, notamment par un soutien pour Internet. Les résultats orientent vers un apprentissage professionnel essentiellement autodirigé s’actualisant par une orchestration de moyens pour apprendre, tant structurés que spontanés, dans l’environnement de travail. Les savoirs « experts » liés à une pratique pro-littératie semblaient détenus par les personnes au sein de l’organisation. Les patients intervenant dans les équipes interprofessionnelles se sont avérés des ressources clés pour développer des savoirs au regard de la communication avec une clientèle qui a un vocabulaire et une façon d’apprendre qui peuvent être différents. Retombées : Le modèle de développement professionnel proposé identifie plusieurs cibles pour soutenir et favoriser le développement des compétences en littératie en milieu de travail. Les groupes d’échange et de travail, notamment ceux intégrant des patients, créent des espaces propices à une coconstruction des savoirs nécessaires à une pratique pro-littératie. / Context : Health care organizations and communities are experiencing significant changes with the emergence of practices based on patients’ participation and engagement. Called to be partners, many adults, however, are not able to process and use information related to their health because of low literacy. Hence, health professionals and community stakeholders are expected to develop their practices and their skills in order to reach them adequately so that they take an active role for their health. However, little empirical data exist regarding the development of these skills in a work-based environment. Objective : Describe how health care practitioners develop their skills to support the participation of patients with low literacy. Methodology : Thirty semi-structured interviews were conducted with male and female workers enrolled in practices oriented towards autonomy and participation of those at risk in terms of literacy : 9 in medicine and pharmacy, 9 in nursing, 9 in related fields (nutrition, psychology, social work ...) and 3 peer support workers. Building on Le Boterf (2009, 2010), a model of competence development articulating the following three dimensions has oriented data analysis : 1) professional practice and performance, that is "what I do / the results"; 2) reflexivity, "what I think and live in my practice"; and 3) resources, "what I use to learn / to act." Data processing, through concept maps, led to a model of workplace’s professional development validated with five of those interviewed and also to a model of good practices. Results : From the data, "good practices" emerged as based on the following four pillars that required to : 1) implement a partnership in health care within a patient’s perspective in terms of his or her disease and spoken/written language; 2) pay attention to indicators of literacy other than education; 3) personalize communication; 4) facilitate access and use of information, including support for Internet. Results show a professional development, mainly self-directed, together with structured and spontaneous learning within the work environment. Knowledge "experts" associated with "good practices" in health literacy seemed held by people within the organization. Patients involved in interprofessional teams appeared to be key resources to develop knowledge in terms of communication with an adult who has his own vocabulary and way of learning. Applications : The proposed professional development model identifies several targets in the workplace to support and promote skills development towards literacy. Exchange and working groups, including those incorporating patients, create spaces conducive to co-construction of necessary knowledge for effective practice in literacy.