This study focused on the culture of engineering education, a culture which has been characterised internationally as reflecting masculine attitudes, values and norms of behaviour, thereby reinforcing the current under-representation of women. The goal of the study was to define the dimensions of the culture and the associated processes of enculturation, highlighting the interaction of these with gender. Following a review of relevant literature, research questions were formulated. These were addressed through an interpretive case study undertaken at a multidisciplinary School of Engineering in a New Zealand university. The study used predominantly ethnographic methods of data collection. To guide the analysis, a model was developed based on Schein's (1985) theoretical framework. The first level of the model involved the identification of observable manifestations of the culture (grouped as Artefacts, Practices and Behaviours). At the second level, shared values and cultural norms were induced from the observable manifestations. At the third level, the essence of the engineering education culture was distilled from these values and norms, in the form of seven cultural dimensions. At each level of the analysis the explicit and tacit processes of enculturation, especially in relation to gender, were considered. This research exposed the masculinity of the basic beliefs and assumptions at the core of the disciplinary culture, revealing the source of enduring cultural norms and their manifestations in behaviours and practices. Diverse forms of masculinity were evident, especially within sub-disciplinary subcultures, but all were constructed in opposition to perceptions of femininity. Participants in the study (whether male, female, students or staff) perceived women in engineering as different, not only to men, but to other women. / The women students appeared to construct for themselves a dual identity. They selectively incorporated in this identity both stereotypically masculine and stereotypically feminine qualities, in accordance with their perceptions of simultaneously "doing woman" and "doing engineer". The theoretical significance of this study lies in its provision of an accessible framework for cultural analysis by engineering educators and equity advocates. The framework facilitates exposure of the source of observable behaviours and practices in the unconsciously held beliefs and assumptions at the core of the culture of an institution or discipline. The practical significance lies in its potential to provide a base for developing strategies for cultural change advantageous to the participation of women. The findings of this thesis strongly suggest that such strategies must focus on disrupting the current dualities in language and discourse which implicitly construct women as different, deficient and therefore disadvantaged in engineering education. In particular strategies need to expose behaviours and practices to critical reflection by staff and students, making explicit the values and assumptions which underpin them. Further, while maintaining those features which are the strength of engineering education, there is a need to also include and value ways of knowing and learning styles from outside the current disciplinary and gendered boundaries.

This study focuses on the identification of the broad and complex factors influencing primary science program delivery within the New Zealand context. The study is divided into two phases. In the first phase, the factors influencing science program delivery are identified through (1) a questionnaire survey of 122 teachers in the Central Districts of New Zealand; (2) a questionnaire survey of 155 pre-service teachers at a New Zealand College of Education; (3) a case study of a large intermediate school in the Central Districts; and (4) a review of the research literature pertaining to curriculum, in particular primary science, delivery. Factors influencing science program delivery are identified as being both personal (intrinsic) and environmental (extrinsic). Intrinsic factors identified include teacher professional self-efficacy; interest and motivation; and multidimensional aspects of knowledge. Extrinsic factors influencing science program delivery include multidimensional aspects of time availability and resource adequacy; the availability and adequacy of professional support and leadership; and the priority placed on science as a curriculum area by the school, especially by the administration. The second phase of the study built on this initial phase by focusing on the development of an instrument, the Science Curriculum Implementation Questionnaire, which assists schools in identifying factors influencing science program delivery. The development of the SC1Q initially involved the use of a Focus Group to identify and prioritise items to include in the instrument. Statistical validation involved trialling of the SCIQ amongst 293 teachers representing 43 schools in the Central Districts of New Zealand. Using statistical procedures involving ANOVA, alpha reliability and discriminant validity, a seven-scale, 49-item instrument was developed. On the basis of the ++ / strong overlap amongst the intrinsic factors influencing science delivery, a further, shorter five scale, 35-item instrument was developed. The seven-scale SCIQ was further applied at the case study school. Quantitative data collected from the application of the instrument confirmed that several psychosocial and physical aspects of Intermediate School identified in the case study are influencing science program delivery. Implications of this study and the practical applications of the Science Curriculum Implementation Questionnaire are also presented in the context of primary science delivery both within New Zealand and internationally.

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

This dissertation is a case study into participant perceptions of innovation in education. The participants in this research were four directors from two 'designated character' schools, which were set up to be foundationally different from traditional schools through opportunities to explore radical innovation. That is, both schools were conceptualised as sites for exploring radical rather than incremental change. The central questions asked in this study were - what makes for radical innovation in schools; and how is the use of ICT implicated in innovation in schools? The literature review indicated that while there has been an increase in the information regarding innovation in education there has been little research into how this was being developed in non-traditional settings, or in ways that were radical. The role of ICTs in developing innovation was also reviewed, given that the two 'designated character' schools being studied had strong support for ICTs. The main aims of this study were: to identify the features of radical innovation in schools; to explore the barriers against, and drivers for, innovation in schools; to provide insight into the use of ICTs to influence innovation in schools; to contribute to the literature regarding innovation in schools; and to identify future opportunities to innovate. This study was a qualitative one, with symbolic interactionism as its theoretical underpinning. Data were gathered through the use of concept mapping, interviews and a focus group activity. The findings of the study were that radical innovation in schools occurs when there is a cultural shift in the whole notion of schooling. This is difficult to achieve, even for schools that have been set up to be foundationally different. However, such schools can provide examples of some innovative practices that are 'greenfields'. The use of ICTs, while not required for innovation, helps schools create innovative ideas, especially those ideas based around the needs of individual learners. There is a greater chance that this will lead to innovation being sustained. These findings have implications for policy makers to allow schools that are more innovative to try new ideas and to be supported to do so.

Many educators are experiencing challenges in educating autistic learners, with the media reporting incidents of autistic learners being denied access to their local schools. This case study investigated how effective the TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children) model is, in helping autistic learners to learn in an inclusive environment. The data collection instrumentsused included a literature review, questionnaires, interviews and artefacts. The collected data were analysed statistically, and descriptively. It seems as if there is perception that autism is increasing. Teachers need to be taught about full support mechanisms to deal with the challenges of teaching autistic learners. The research revealed that teachers were struggling to implement the TEACCH program owing to a lack of support programs for teachers, as well as a lack of continued use by other teachers. It was revealed that the teachers felt that for intervention programs to be successful, autistic learners should learn separately. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Many educators are experiencing challenges in educating autistic learners, with the media reporting incidents of autistic learners being denied access to their local schools. This case study investigated how effective the TEACCH (Treatment and Education of Autistic and Communication Handicapped Children) model is, in helping autistic learners to learn in an inclusive environment. The data collection instrumentsused included a literature review, questionnaires, interviews and artefacts. The collected data were analysed statistically, and descriptively. It seems as if there is perception that autism is increasing. Teachers need to be taught about full support mechanisms to deal with the challenges of teaching autistic learners. The research revealed that teachers were struggling to implement the TEACCH program owing to a lack of support programs for teachers, as well as a lack of continued use by other teachers. It was revealed that the teachers felt that for intervention programs to be successful, autistic learners should learn separately. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Education is since the inception of the world regarded as the formal process by which society conveys its accumulated knowledge, skills, customs and values from one generation to another. Today, education is a human right and the right to education and specifically the right to (a) basic education is acknowledged and emphasised worldwide. In South Africa, the right to a basic education is entrenched in the Constitution and is regarded as one of the most crucial constitutional rights, particularly because it promotes economical and social well-being. The protection of a child’s right to a basic education in terms of the South African Constitution together with the most important international instruments pertaining to education will be extensively discussed and the most important similarities and differences between, and challenges in the legal systems of South Africa, New Zealand and Namibia regarding a child’s right to (a) basic education will be addressed with due consideration of factors such as early childhood development and education, mother tongue education and HIV/AIDS which may affect a child’s right to (a) basic education. It is submitted that the success of any country, whether it is social, financial or economic success, depends on how its citizens are educated. Moreover, a good education system is crucial, not only for ensuring that its populace are well educated, but also for optimal human development and for the maintenance and preservation of socially responsive economic and political systems. Education is a life-long process and in order to give effect to the right to (a) basic education, the adoption and implementation of the recommendations made throughout this study are proposed. / Private Law / LL.D.

Education is since the inception of the world regarded as the formal process by which society conveys its accumulated knowledge, skills, customs and values from one generation to another. Today, education is a human right and the right to education and specifically the right to (a) basic education is acknowledged and emphasised worldwide. In South Africa, the right to a basic education is entrenched in the Constitution and is regarded as one of the most crucial constitutional rights, particularly because it promotes economical and social well-being. The protection of a child’s right to a basic education in terms of the South African Constitution together with the most important international instruments pertaining to education will be extensively discussed and the most important similarities and differences between, and challenges in the legal systems of South Africa, New Zealand and Namibia regarding a child’s right to (a) basic education will be addressed with due consideration of factors such as early childhood development and education, mother tongue education and HIV/AIDS which may affect a child’s right to (a) basic education. It is submitted that the success of any country, whether it is social, financial or economic success, depends on how its citizens are educated. Moreover, a good education system is crucial, not only for ensuring that its populace are well educated, but also for optimal human development and for the maintenance and preservation of socially responsive economic and political systems. Education is a life-long process and in order to give effect to the right to (a) basic education, the adoption and implementation of the recommendations made throughout this study are proposed. / Private Law / LL. D.

Summaries in English and Afrikaans / This study was undertaken because of the realisation that a new approach to teacher education will have to be followed if teachers are to be empowered to teach within the framework of the new educational dispensation, Curriculum 2005. Because such a change implies a new curriculumfor teacher training there is a need for research on how providers will have to adapttheir training approach and curriculum to meet the challeng.es of Curriculum 2005. In this study the development of a model for outcomes-based learning programme design is undertaken. To achieve this: outcomes-based education systems in the USA, Australie, New Zealand, Canada and England are investigated; he unique model of outcomes-based education that is being implemented in Soutr Africa is described and explained; requirements for the training of teachers in the context of outcomes-based education and Curriculum 2005 are identified and described; a model for outcomes-based learning programme design is developed to serve as a possible framework for the design of learning programmes for teaeher education for outcomes-based education in South-Africa. The study shows that outcomes-based teacher education has received only scant attention in the rest of the world. It is also shown that the design of learning programmes for outcomes-based education requires a somewhat different approach than traditional curriculum design, where content play such a dominant role. A model for outcomes-based teacher.education is suggested to facilitate the development of such programmes. It is hoped that the model will be of use and that it will contribute to sensible learning programmes which will empower teachers to function successfully in an outcomes-based education system. / Hierdie studie het ontstaan uit die besef dat 'n nuwe benadering tot onderwysersopleiding gevolg sal moet word as onderwysers in staat gestel moet word om die nuwe kurrikulum, Kurrikulum 2005, op uitkomste- gebaseerde wyse in die praktyk te fasiliteer. Omdat so 'n verandering 'n nuwe kurrikulum impliseer is daar 'n behoefte aan navorsing om te bepaal hoe onderwysersopleidingsinstansies hul opleidingsbenadering en-kurrikulum moet aanpas om aan die eise van die nuwe kurrikulum en die nuwe onderrigrnodel in Suid-Afrika te voldoen. In hierdie studie is daar gepoog om 'n model vir uitkomste-gebaseerde leerprogramontwerp, vir die·opleiding van Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysers te ontwikkel. Om dit te kon regkry is: 'n ondersoek geloods na uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrigstelsels in die VSA, Australie, Nieu-Zeeland, Kanada en Engeland; die ontstaan en ontwikkeiing van die unieke model van uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrig wat tans in Suid-Afrika geimplementeer word, beskryf en verklaar; vereistes vir die opleiding van onderwysers geidentifiseer en beskryf binne die konteks van 'n uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrigrnodel en Kurrikulum 2005; 'n model vir uitkomste-gebaseerde leerprogram ontwikkel wat as moontlike raamwerk kan dien vir die ontwerp van leerprogramme vir opleiding van onderwysers vir uitkomste-gebaseetde onderrig in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie studie toon aan dat uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwysersopleiding nog weinig aandag geniet het in die res van die wereld. Daar word ook aangetoon dat die ontwerp van leerprogramme vir uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwysersopleiding 'n ietwat ander benadering vereis as wat gegeld het in tradisionele kurrikulumontwerp, waar inhoude so 'n dominante rol speel. 'n Model vir leerprogramontwerp vir uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwysersopleiding word voorgestel om die ontwikkeling van sodanige programme te vergemaklik. Daar word vertrou dat die model van waarde sal wees en daartoe sal meewerk dat sinvolle leer-programme antwerp sal word wat onderwysers in staat sal stel om suksesvol binne die stelsel van uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrig te funksioneer. / Teacher Education / D Ed. (Didactics)

Summaries in English and Afrikaans / This study was undertaken because of the realisation that a new approach to teacher education will have to be followed if teachers are to be empowered to teach within the framework of the new educational dispensation, Curriculum 2005. Because such a change implies a new curriculumfor teacher training there is a need for research on how providers will have to adapttheir training approach and curriculum to meet the challeng.es of Curriculum 2005. In this study the development of a model for outcomes-based learning programme design is undertaken. To achieve this: outcomes-based education systems in the USA, Australie, New Zealand, Canada and England are investigated; he unique model of outcomes-based education that is being implemented in Soutr Africa is described and explained; requirements for the training of teachers in the context of outcomes-based education and Curriculum 2005 are identified and described; a model for outcomes-based learning programme design is developed to serve as a possible framework for the design of learning programmes for teaeher education for outcomes-based education in South-Africa. The study shows that outcomes-based teacher education has received only scant attention in the rest of the world. It is also shown that the design of learning programmes for outcomes-based education requires a somewhat different approach than traditional curriculum design, where content play such a dominant role. A model for outcomes-based teacher.education is suggested to facilitate the development of such programmes. It is hoped that the model will be of use and that it will contribute to sensible learning programmes which will empower teachers to function successfully in an outcomes-based education system. / Hierdie studie het ontstaan uit die besef dat 'n nuwe benadering tot onderwysersopleiding gevolg sal moet word as onderwysers in staat gestel moet word om die nuwe kurrikulum, Kurrikulum 2005, op uitkomste- gebaseerde wyse in die praktyk te fasiliteer. Omdat so 'n verandering 'n nuwe kurrikulum impliseer is daar 'n behoefte aan navorsing om te bepaal hoe onderwysersopleidingsinstansies hul opleidingsbenadering en-kurrikulum moet aanpas om aan die eise van die nuwe kurrikulum en die nuwe onderrigrnodel in Suid-Afrika te voldoen. In hierdie studie is daar gepoog om 'n model vir uitkomste-gebaseerde leerprogramontwerp, vir die·opleiding van Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysers te ontwikkel. Om dit te kon regkry is: 'n ondersoek geloods na uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrigstelsels in die VSA, Australie, Nieu-Zeeland, Kanada en Engeland; die ontstaan en ontwikkeiing van die unieke model van uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrig wat tans in Suid-Afrika geimplementeer word, beskryf en verklaar; vereistes vir die opleiding van onderwysers geidentifiseer en beskryf binne die konteks van 'n uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrigrnodel en Kurrikulum 2005; 'n model vir uitkomste-gebaseerde leerprogram ontwikkel wat as moontlike raamwerk kan dien vir die ontwerp van leerprogramme vir opleiding van onderwysers vir uitkomste-gebaseetde onderrig in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie studie toon aan dat uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwysersopleiding nog weinig aandag geniet het in die res van die wereld. Daar word ook aangetoon dat die ontwerp van leerprogramme vir uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwysersopleiding 'n ietwat ander benadering vereis as wat gegeld het in tradisionele kurrikulumontwerp, waar inhoude so 'n dominante rol speel. 'n Model vir leerprogramontwerp vir uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwysersopleiding word voorgestel om die ontwikkeling van sodanige programme te vergemaklik. Daar word vertrou dat die model van waarde sal wees en daartoe sal meewerk dat sinvolle leer-programme antwerp sal word wat onderwysers in staat sal stel om suksesvol binne die stelsel van uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrig te funksioneer. / Teacher Education / D Ed. (Didactics)