This research project examines the experiences of school principals when implementing the staff-reduction process of the rationalisation policy stipulated by the National Department of Education in 1994. The implementation of this policy has its origins in the Transformation policy of the National government after the first democratic election in South Africa in 1994. The aim of the rationalisation policy is to bring about equity and affirmative action in the staff provision in schools. Achieving this is a collective agreement between the National Education Department and the teachers’ unions where the decision was made that the teacher:learner ratio would be 1:35 in secondary schools and 1:40 in primary schools. The aim of this research is to determine what principals experience during the staff-reduction process(es) and what impact it would have on the principal as the manager of the institution. The researcher also intends to examine the influence that staff reduction has on the working conditions of the principal as well as how this process affects the teaching and learning culture in a school. Ultimately the researcher intends to make recommendations to assist principals that are affected by staff reduction. The research concentrates on a selected group of principals, regardless of race, gender or religion (including principals from secondary, middle and primary schools) who are currently busy with their Masters Degree in Education Leadership and Management at the University of Pretoria. A qualitative research methodology is used to exemplify the perceptions and experiences of principals. The dissertation is divided into five chapters. Chapter One provides an overview and orientation of the study. The focus is the problem statement and the exposition of the aims of the research. Chapter Two concentrates on the literature study that is supported by the collection of empirical data with specific reference to the rationalisation process and the resulting staff reduction process in some schools. Chapter Three discusses the research design and data collection instruments. The focus is on the individual interviews (face to face) done with principals of schools where they air their views regarding the rationalisation process, staff reduction and the impact that the abovementioned has on the teaching and learning process in schools. Transcriptions are made of the audio recordings of the interviews and field notes have also been included as background information for the interviews. In Chapter Four the analysis of the collective interviewed data is done and the empirical data is discussed. Chapter Five is a summary of the research. In this chapter the important findings are discussed and suitable recommendations are made. / Dissertation (MEd (Educational Leadership))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Education Management and Policy Studies / unrestricted

The purpose of this case study was to establish the influence of the Internet on the use of computers by teachers at a primary school in a lower socio-economic community in South Africa. The study investigates to what extent the use of the Internet as a source of information and communication motivated teachers to apply the computer for other purposes. A project was implemented to find answers to the main question: “What influence did the Internet have on the integration of computers at a primary school in a lower socio-economic community in South Africa?” During this project teachers were introduced to the Internet, and attended a five months’ course in computer training, offered once a week, for one hour after school. Special attention was paid to factors that influenced the use of the Internet and the computer. The main focus was on factors such as motivation, training, support, time, the attitude of teachers and their access to computers. Answers to how the Internet contributed to the use of the computer for educational purposes were also noted. In this study the training and support offered to teachers played a major role in their use of the Internet and the computer. Teachers wanted training on aspects that would be useful and relevant to them. They mostly needed support with the technical aspects of the computer and the software. Prior to the project the teachers’ computer skills were limited. By the end of the project their skills had improved, as there was a 42% growth in communication through e-mail, a 67% growth in searching for information on the Internet, a 50% growth in the use of the computer for school administration and a 83% growth in the use of word processing. Other factors that also played a major role in the successful use of the Internet and the computer were the policies of the school’s management team, specifically those policies that made access to computer technology possible. The study recommended that policies on the use of the Internet and the computer (acceptable use policy) should be in place. The study concluded that Internet skills had a definite influence on teachers’ use of the computer. / Dissertation (MEd (Computer-Integrated Education))--University of Pretoria, 2008. / Curriculum Studies / unrestricted

Ce mémoire décrit et évalue la manière dont trois directions d’école, reconnues pour leur intérêt pour la justice sociale par le programme Une école montréalaise pour tous (MÉLS), exercent un leadership transformatif dans trois écoles primaires de milieux défavorisés à Montréal. Pour ce faire, nous décrivons les connaissances des directions d’école sur le concept de justice sociale, leurs actions rapportées et observées en lien avec l’exercice d’un leadership transformatif, en précisant dans quelles situations se produisent ces actions, puis nous décrivons les différences et similitudes entre les directions concernant l’exercice d’un leadership transformatif. L’étude de cas multiples a été privilégiée dans le cadre de cette recherche. Nous avons récolté des données d’observations, d’entrevues, d’un questionnaire et de documents internes obtenus auprès des directions d’école participantes. Nous avons ensuite analysé ces données en utilisant le modèle conceptuel d’Archambault et Garon (2011a). Peu de comportements ont été observés dans la pratique des directions d’école qui témoignaient d’un leadership transformatif. Cependant, cette recherche nous a permis de constater que la conscientisation des directions d’école a une grande influence sur l’exercice d’un leadership transformatif qui se traduit dans les attitudes, les comportements rapportés ou observés et les connaissances des participants. C’est pourquoi nous discutons de la pertinence de mieux comprendre le processus d’apprentissage et de réflexion des directions d’école pour l’exercice d’un tel leadership. Nous souhaitons ainsi mieux soutenir les directions d’école afin qu’elles exercent un leadership transformatif. / The aim of the present study is to describe how elementary school principals implement transformative leadership in three Montreal elementary schools in disadvantaged areas. Principals were selected by the Une école montréalaise pour tous program, due to their high interest in social justice. We first describe participants’ knowledge about social justice. We then examine their actions to promote transformative leadership, while paying special attention to the context in which these actions were taken. Finally we compare all three principals on their use of transformative leadership. Data was collected in four formats (i.e., direct observation, interviews, questionnaire and official school internal guidelines and documents) using the multiple case method. The data was analysed using content analysis in accordance with the Archambault and Garon (2011a) model. Results showed that the different levels of reflection exhibited by the principals on transformative leadership greatly influenced their attitudes and behaviours, both stated by participants and directly observed, and their knowledge about the subject. However, few transformative leadership behaviours were directly observed during the course of the study. This leads us to discuss the importance of understanding the way in which principals learn and interpret transformative leadership. We hope this information will help schools principals to more easily implement transformative leadership.

The aim of this study was to investigate the design and implementation of early intervention programmes used for disadvantaged learners in South Africa. The focus was on the Grade R class since it has been introduced to prepare learners for formal schooling. The extent to which the programme could influence the learner's skills were investigated. The design is defined in terms of the structure, goals, and content of the programme. The implementation strategy in this investigation is explained in broad terms to include ECD policies, delivery structures and modes, teacher preparedness and arrangements made at school level. The investigation was conducted as a case study in disadvantaged school-based Grade R classes of the Gauteng province. It established that the design of the Grade R programme followed the constructivist approach by combining the developmental and behavioural approaches to teaching. The design was commendable with regard to its goals and its duration. However, concerns were raised with regard to the structure and content of the Learning Area Programmes. An alternative design is recommended. The success of any programme depends to a large extent on implementation strategies used for delivery. This investigation established that policy formulation at national level followed international trends. Implementation power was devolved to the provincial departments in order to accommodate provincial diversity. However, structural deficits and undefined line functions were identified at provincial and district levels. The impact of this deficiency was evident in the Grade R classes. Finally this study concluded that although learners showed developmental gains, this cannot be regarded as the influence of the Grade R teaching because this age group is still developing and the change could be ascribed to maturation. The learners did not acquire basic literacy skills. Their poor language and intellectual abilities remain extremely low. / Educational Studies / D.Ed.(Psychology of Education)

The aim of this study was to investigate the design and implementation of early intervention programmes used for disadvantaged learners in South Africa. The focus was on the Grade R class since it has been introduced to prepare learners for formal schooling. The extent to which the programme could influence the learner's skills were investigated. The design is defined in terms of the structure, goals, and content of the programme. The implementation strategy in this investigation is explained in broad terms to include ECD policies, delivery structures and modes, teacher preparedness and arrangements made at school level. The investigation was conducted as a case study in disadvantaged school-based Grade R classes of the Gauteng province. It established that the design of the Grade R programme followed the constructivist approach by combining the developmental and behavioural approaches to teaching. The design was commendable with regard to its goals and its duration. However, concerns were raised with regard to the structure and content of the Learning Area Programmes. An alternative design is recommended. The success of any programme depends to a large extent on implementation strategies used for delivery. This investigation established that policy formulation at national level followed international trends. Implementation power was devolved to the provincial departments in order to accommodate provincial diversity. However, structural deficits and undefined line functions were identified at provincial and district levels. The impact of this deficiency was evident in the Grade R classes. Finally this study concluded that although learners showed developmental gains, this cannot be regarded as the influence of the Grade R teaching because this age group is still developing and the change could be ascribed to maturation. The learners did not acquire basic literacy skills. Their poor language and intellectual abilities remain extremely low. / Educational Studies / D.Ed.(Psychology of Education)

Text in Afrikaans / Sedert 1994 het drastiese veranderinge in die Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysstelsel plaasgevind, wat ’n direkte invloed het op die vlak van werkstevredenheid wat opvoeders ervaar. Alhoewel die ongelykhede van die verlede in hierdie beleid ondersoek is, word sekere organisatoriese faktore wat die moraal van opvoeders beïnvloed egter nie hierin erken nie. In hierdie navorsingstudie maak die navorser gebruik van die kombinasie van kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe navorsingsmetodes wat as triangulasie bekend staan. Semigestruktureerde onderhoude (kwalitatief) en vraelyste (kwantitatief) is as data-insamelingstegnieke gebruik om vas te stel wat die aard, omvang en moontlike oplossings vir die navorsingsprobleem is. Faktore wat werksbevrediging by opvoeders beïnvloed, is geïdentifiseer en ondersoek. Aanbevelings is gemaak rakende die rol van die Onderwysdepartement, prinsipaal, kollegas en ouers in opvoeders se werksbevrediging. Die vernaamste hiervan is dat prinsipale werkstevredenheid by opvoeders kan verhoog deur die bou van verhoudings van vertroue, betrokkenheid in die besluitnemingsproses en deur ondersteuningstrukture vir opvoeders in plek te stel. / Since 1994, drastic changes occurred in the education system in South Africa, which had a direct impact on the level of job satisfaction that teachers experienced. Although this policy addressed the inequalities of the past, certain organisational factors influencing the morale of teachers were not recognised herein. In this research study the researcher made use of a combination of qualitative and quantitative research methods, known as triangulation. Semi-structured interviews (qualitative) and questionnaires (quantitative) were used as data collection techniques to determine the nature, extent and possible solutions to the research problem. Factors affecting job satisfaction among educators were identified and examined. Recommendations were made regarding the role of the Department of Education, principals, colleagues and parents in teachers' job satisfaction. The main recommendation is that principals may maximise teachers’ job satisfaction through building relationships of trust, involvement in the decision-making process and by implementing support structures. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Onderwysbestuur)

The role played by the principal as instructional leader worldwide is critical due to its direct and indirect impact on learner achievement.In South African primary schools the role of the principal as instructional leader in improving learning achievement is a pressing issue since most South African primary school learners perform far below par as determined by benchmarking carried out by local and international education assessment agencies with reference to curriculum goals and literacy and numeracy milestones.This descriptive exploratory study examined the role of the principal as instructional leader in primary schools in South Africa with special reference to the Tshwane South District, Gauteng Province. The study was informed by a literature review of local and international sources related to theoretical perspectives on instructional leadership, the features of instructional leadership that impact on learner achievement and selected models of instructional leadership. An overview of contextual and school factors which shape primary school learner achievement in South Africa with reference to the rural and township communities also framed the empirical inquiry. A mixed method study was conducted according to two phases: Phase 1 comprised the quantitative component (questionnaires); Phase 2 comprised the qualitative component (interviews). Both phases were conducted in the Tshwane South District, Gauteng Province. In both phases data were gathered from primary school principals and Institute Development Support Officials (IDSOs) selected by random and purposeful sampling respectively. The questionnaire findings indicated that the principals and IDSOs had adequate qualifications and experience, and that key school policies are in place. However, the principals are less confident about policy implementation, particularly with regard to educator and learner discipline. They face many systemic problems, such as inadequate school resources and additional funds in no fee-paying schools to improve the infrastructure and reduce the learner-teacher ratios. The findings from the interviews indicated that the principals struggle to maintain participative management with the school governing bodies; are hampered by contextual factors, especially poor school infrastructure; and are challenged to meet the requirements of annual benchmarking assessments. Based on the findings of the literature study and the empirical inquiry recommendations are made to improve practice, including a call for the professional development of principals in project management and fundraising. / Educational Leadership and Management / D. Ed. (Education Management)

The role played by the principal as instructional leader worldwide is critical due to its direct and indirect impact on learner achievement.In South African primary schools the role of the principal as instructional leader in improving learning achievement is a pressing issue since most South African primary school learners perform far below par as determined by benchmarking carried out by local and international education assessment agencies with reference to curriculum goals and literacy and numeracy milestones.This descriptive exploratory study examined the role of the principal as instructional leader in primary schools in South Africa with special reference to the Tshwane South District, Gauteng Province. The study was informed by a literature review of local and international sources related to theoretical perspectives on instructional leadership, the features of instructional leadership that impact on learner achievement and selected models of instructional leadership. An overview of contextual and school factors which shape primary school learner achievement in South Africa with reference to the rural and township communities also framed the empirical inquiry. A mixed method study was conducted according to two phases: Phase 1 comprised the quantitative component (questionnaires); Phase 2 comprised the qualitative component (interviews). Both phases were conducted in the Tshwane South District, Gauteng Province. In both phases data were gathered from primary school principals and Institute Development Support Officials (IDSOs) selected by random and purposeful sampling respectively. The questionnaire findings indicated that the principals and IDSOs had adequate qualifications and experience, and that key school policies are in place. However, the principals are less confident about policy implementation, particularly with regard to educator and learner discipline. They face many systemic problems, such as inadequate school resources and additional funds in no fee-paying schools to improve the infrastructure and reduce the learner-teacher ratios. The findings from the interviews indicated that the principals struggle to maintain participative management with the school governing bodies; are hampered by contextual factors, especially poor school infrastructure; and are challenged to meet the requirements of annual benchmarking assessments. Based on the findings of the literature study and the empirical inquiry recommendations are made to improve practice, including a call for the professional development of principals in project management and fundraising. / Educational Leadership and Management / D. Ed. (Education Management)

Afrikaans text, with English and Xhosa summaries / Baie leerders in voorheen benadeelde skole kom uit enkelouerhuise, waar ouers lang ure werk en dikwels ongeletterd is. Dit lei daartoe dat die oorgrote meerderheid leerders in 'n ongestruktureerde omgewing en in huise grootword sonder duidelike dissiplinêre grense. Dissiplinêre grense behels die daarstelling van duidelike perke wat aan kinders wys wat hulle mag doen en wat hulle nie mag doen nie. Alle kinders het grense nodig om optimaal te groei en te leer. As kinders weet wat die gevolge daarvan is om buite die grense te beweeg, sal hulle probeer voldoen aan verwagtinge. Aan die anderkant sal 'n gebrek aan grense baie dissiplinêre probleme veroorsaak, aangesien leerders nie tuis selfdissipline aanleer nie. Daarbenewens word hulle dikwels grootgemaak in omgewings waar hulle blootgestel word aan dwelms, geweld, misdaad en bendes. Hulle verwerf nie die kennis van watter soort gedrag tuis of in hul gemeenskappe moreel en sosiaal aanvaarbaar is nie. Die gebrek aan dissipline en selfdissipline tuis lei tot dissiplinêre probleme in die klaskamer, veral by leerders in voorheen benadeelde skole. Die onderrig van goeie dissipline, wat tot selfdissipline lei, berus op opvoeders se skouers in die skoolkonteks. Dus word die rol van skole en opvoeders uiters belangrik, hoewel dit na 'n onoorkomelike probleem klink. As alle belanghebbendes 'n rol kan speel om leerders te help om optimaal te ontwikkel, sal dit ook help met dissiplinêre probleme. / Many learners in previously disadvantaged schools come from single parent homes, where parents work long hours and often are illiterate. This leads to the fact that the vast majority of learners grow up in an unstructured environment and in homes without clear disciplinary boundaries. Disciplinary boundaries involve establishing clear limits that show children what they are allowed to do and what they are not allowed to do. All children need boundaries to grow and learn optimally. When children know what the consequences are for stepping out of bounds, they will be more compliant. A lack of boundaries on the other hand causes many disciplinary problems, as learners do not learn self-discipline at home. In addition, they are often raised in environments where they are exposed to drugs, violence, crime and gangs. They do not acquire the knowledge of which types of behaviour are morally and socially acceptable at home or in their communities. The lack of discipline and self discipline at home leads to disciplinary problems in the classroom, especially with learners in previously disadvantaged schools. The teaching of good discipline, leading to self discipline rests on educators’ shoulders in the school context. Thus, the role of schools and educators become extremely important, although it sounds like an insurmountable problem. If all stakeholders could play a role to assist learners to develop optimally, it will also help with disciplinary problems. / Uninzi lwabafundi abaphuma kwizikolo ebezihlelelekile ngaphambili bavela kumakhaya anomzali omnye, apho abazali besebenza iiyure ezinde kwaye kunjalo bengafundanga. Ngoko uninzi lwabafundi lukhulela kwindawo engenasiseko someleleyo nakumakhaya angenamiqathanga icacileyo yokuziphatha. Imida yokoluleka kokuziphatha ibandakanya ukumiselwa kwemida ecacileyo ebonisa abantwana izinto abavunyelweyo ukuzenza nezinto abangavunyelwanga ukuba bazenze. Bonke abantwan bafuna ukubekelwa imiqathanga ukuze bakhule ngokugqibeleleyo. Xa abantwana bezazi iziphumo zokutyeshela imiqathanga ebekiweyo baya kuthobela nangakumbi. Ukongeza, basoloko bekhulela kwindawo apho bedibana neziyobisi, ubundlobongela, ulwaphulo-mthetho namamaqela emigulukudu. Ngoko ke, abalufumani ulwazi ngeentlobo zokuziphatha ezivumelekileyo ekhaya okanye ekuhlaleni. Ukungabikho kwenqeqesho nokuzihlonipha ekhaya kukhokelela kwiingxaki zokuziphatha egumbini lokufundela, ingakumbi abafundi abakwizikolo ebezihlelelekile. Ukufundisa indlela efanelekileyo yokuziphatha, ekhokelela ekuziphatheni kakuhle, ngumthwalo wootitshala esikolweni.Yiloo nto indima yezikolo nootitshala iba yeyona ibaluleke kakhulu, ngaphandle kwale ngxaki ikhangeleka ingenakuphela. Ukongeza, ukuba bonke ababandakanyekayo banokudlala indima ekuncedeni abafundi ukuba bakhule ngokugqibeleleyo, kunganceda ekusombululeni iingxaki zokuziphatha. / Psychology of Education / M. Ed. (Opvoedkundige Sielkunde)