The Department of Basic Education (DBE) has associated the poor pass rate in the National Senior Certificate (NSC) Grade 12 Physical Sciences examinations to the learners’ lack of practical skills and the inability of learners to solve problems by integrating knowledge from the different topics in Physical Sciences. The CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) is central to the planning, organising and teaching of Physical Sciences. Even though more than a third of the learners achieved below 30% in the NSC Grade 12 Physical Sciences: Physics (P1) November 2017 examination, there was a lack of references made to the CAPS, rationalising the poor performance. A disjointed alignment between the CAPS and the P1 is a possible cause for the poor performance. Since there have been no previous studies that investigated the alignment between the CAPS and the P1, this study aims to fill that gap. This study used a positivist research paradigm and a case study research strategy. A purposive sampling procedure selected the CAPS Grades 10 – 12 Physical Sciences document; the Physical Sciences Examination Guidelines Grade 12 documents and the final and supplementary P1 examinations in the period starting November 2014 to March 2018 as the documents for analysis. A summative content analysis research technique was conducted using the Surveys of Enacted Curriculum (SEC) research method. The SEC method employed the use of the four topics of Grade 12 Physics and the four non-hierarchical levels of cognitive demand as described in the modified version of Bloom’s taxonomy. The physics topics included mechanics; waves, sound and light; electricity and magnetism; and optical phenomena. The cognitive demand levels included recall; comprehension; application and analysis; and synthesis and evaluation. This study found a 100 percent categorical coherence, a 67.3 percent balance of representation, a 79.4 percent cognitive complexity and an average Porter’s alignment index of 0.77 between the CAPS and the P1. The overall Cohen’s kappa for all the documents analysed was 0.88. The findings of this study indicate that the mechanics topic was under-emphasised whilst the application and analysis cognitive demand was over-emphasised in the P1. The CAPS and the P1 did not utilise the highest cognitive demand, synthesis and evaluation which may be interpreted as an environment that fosters lower order thinking. To change this environment of lower order thinking and simultaneously increase the alignment between the CAPS and the P1 this study recommends that firstly, the CAPS decreases the recall based content of the mechanics topic. Secondly, the CAPS and the P1 increase the synthesis and evaluation cognitive demand-based content at the expense of the recall cognitive demand-based content. Thirdly, the CAPS must include the content of the school-based physics practical assessments while decreasing the focus on physics definitions. The ultimate aim is an improvement in the pass rates of the NSC Grade 12 Physical Sciences examinations. / Science and Technology Education / M. Sc. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (Physics Education))

The diploma thesis deals with the teaching of the first reading focused on the Genetic method. It is divided into theoretical and research part. The theoretical part contains an overview of currently used methods of teaching reading. The Genetic method is described from the historical and present point of view. Also included are an overview of available textbooks for teaching this method. Also it deals with the basic features of reading performance, with the reading level of pupils through diagnostic examinations and with working with lagging readers. The research part deals with the analysis of reading level of pupils of the 1st - 3rd year of the Genetic method. The analysis was performed using diagnostic examinations, which were recorded and subsequently analyzed on the basis of basic reading characters. The research is focused primarily on mistakes against the qualities of reading, which are detailed and compared.

Tasks for different years of the secondary level II are presented on the basis of long lasting experience with computer-assisted mathematics instruction. They include applications of mathematical skills as well as the testing of theoretical knowledge. Finally relevant A-levels tasks are presented that integrate different mathematical contents into every day connections from economy, medical science, sports asf.

This study investigated whether girls achieve better results in Physical Science in single sex environments or in co-educational classes. Thirteen independent South African schools where children were of similar socio-economic background were considered. Grade 12 Matriculation Physical Science examination results for 1999 to 2003 were analysed using Bonferroni (Dunn) t-Tests and Scheffe's Tests. Questionnaires were completed by a small number of students in order to compare their attitudes towards Physical Science and examined qualitatively. There were significant differences found by the administration of the Bonferroni (Dunn) t-Tests and Scheffe's Tests in 2000, 2001 and 2002 to indicate that girls in single sex schools achieved better results in Science than the co-educational schools. However, in 1999 and 2003 there was no significant difference in the results achieved, and so there may be other factors that are more important predictors of achievement than whether the schools are mixed or single sex. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Natural Science Teaching)

Eksamineringspraktyke in skole in Namibie is die fokuspunt van hierdie studie. 'n Historiese ondersoek is ingestel na die bree, algemene eksamenstelsels van die verlede. Op grond van die tekortkominge en gebreke van die Kaaplandse Onderwysdepartement-eksamenstelsel, is die noodsaaklikheid en wenslikheid van die herbeplanning en verbetering van die eksamenstelsel uitgelig. Daar is gefokus op die HIGHERIINl'ERNATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION-eksamenstelsel, ten einde vas te stel of algemene erkende opvoedkundige beginsels, prosedures en werkswyses tot op datum in die eksamenstelsel vergestalt is. 'n Uitvloeisel van die bevindings in hierdie studie is dat die huidige eksamenstelsel tekortkominge weerspieel, maar dat die historiese beperkinge oorbrug kan word Die afleiding word gemaak dat alle onderwysbelanghebbendes moet saamwerk aan verbeteringstrategiee ten opsigte van die huidige eksamenstelsel. Die hoop word uitgespreek dat die hele eksamenstelsel so spoedig moontlik, maar na deeglike beplanning, volledig sal verinheems. / Examination practices in schools in Namibia is the focal point of this study. An historical research has been done into the general examination systems of the past On account of the shortcomings and constraints of the Cape Education Deparbnent examination system, the necessity and desirability of the restructuring and betterment of the examination system is highlighted. The emphasis is put on the HIGHER/ INI'ERNATIONAL GENERAL CERTIFICATE OF SECONDARY EDUCATION to determine whether generally accepted educational principles, procedures and methods have been embodied in the examination system. The present Namibian examination system is still insufficient. However, much can be done to overcome the historical constraints. The conclusion was reached that each and every stakeholder should work together to devise strategies for the betterment of the examination system. The author trusts that the whole examination system will, as soon as possible but after thorough planning, become totally indigenous. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Historiese Opvoedkunde)

The study intends to investigate the nature and cognitive demands of contextual word-problems posed in the FET mathematics examinations of IEB and NSC. The analysis of the mathematization of real-life situations to form contextual word-problems is based on the theory of authentic task situations. The theoretical basis for analyzing mathematics teaching and learning is the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) theory. Data was obtained using the schedule of mathematization of real-life situations and the schedule of total marks of contextual word-problems and national performance. All contextual word-problems included in the 2008-2013 question papers of IEB and NSC mathematics examinations were analysed. The research revealed that 509 marks out of 1800 marks were allocated to contextual word-problems in IEB examinations; whereas 473 marks out of 1800 marks were allocated to contextual word-problems in NSC examinations. / Mathematics Education / M. Sc. (Mathematical Education)

This diploma thesis deals with the theme of testing young learners in English. The thesis consists of two main parts - theoretical and practical. The theoretical part deals with testing as one form of assessment. Language skills and subskills are studied and Cambridge Young Learners English Tests are described there in detail. This part also tries to find out the answers to essential questions concerning testing. The practical part investigates how the preparation before CYLET tests and their taking influenced the existing level of pupil´s language skills. The second part also asks whether these tests motivate the students for their further development in English. The case study is based on a one-year observation, the results from questionnaires, and an interview with the teacher who prepared pupils for the exam. The thesis is finished by short essay titled: Why are CYLET tests so motivating?

Acompanha: Manual didático: o emprego de aspectos sociocientíficos no ensino de química / Empregar sequências didáticas que apresentem aspectos sociocientíficos (ASC) pode ser uma estratégia que possibilite o desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades requeridas nos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais e na Matriz de Referência do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (Enem), em conjunto com aspectos científicos descritos para o ensino de Química. O emprego de ASC, inclusive em exames de larga escala como o Enem, prescinde da relevância do tema proposto, com o emprego de temas globais, por exemplo; da controvérsia, ou seja, um estímulo ao exercício de argumentação para elaboração e avaliação de hipóteses e tomada de decisão e a relação desses requisitos com os conteúdos científicos. Por meio da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin, sobre questões de Ciências Naturais do Enem de 2009 a 2004, foi traçado um perfil da prova. Contrariamente ao esperado, o Enem apresenta caráter disciplinar e propedêutico, o que reflete os anseios das instituições de ensino superior que passaram a aceitá-lo como forma de ingresso. Em contraste, apresenta, também, poucas questões com que abordam ASC, o que pode causar a desmotivação em empregar a discussão desses aspectos em sala de aula. Desse modo, foi desenvolvido um material que apresenta orientações e exemplos para a realização de práticas que envolvam ASC pode ser um meio de difundir e estimular a utilização de práticas entre professores de Química de modo a discutir, possivelmente, reflexos nas características dos exames do Enem. / To use didactic sequences that consider socio-scientific issues (SSI) perspectives can be a strategy to develop the competences and abilities required on the National Standards (PCN) and on the High School National Exam (Enem) References Guide and the specific objective proposed to Chemistry teaching. The usage of SSI, including in wide-ranging evaluations, such as the Enem, requires the demands: topic relevance, with the usage of global themes for example; controversy, i.e. a stimulus to the development of argumentation to elaborate and evaluate hypothesis and make decision considering the established controversy; and the relation between the two requirements with the scientific knowledge. By using de Content Analysis proposed by Bardin on the question of the National Exam was possible to design an exam profile. In contrary to what was expect as a profile for the Enem, the exam presents a disciplinary and propaedeutic profile, reflecting the Universities needs for their admission process, which can result in an exam with only a few questions with SSI characteristics, demotivating its usage in classes. Therefore, the development of material that presents orientations and examples for SSI activities can be a way to spread the methodology to Chemistry teachers and stimulate its usage and. It can possibly cause chances in Enem characteristics.

Acompanha: Manual didático: o emprego de aspectos sociocientíficos no ensino de química / Empregar sequências didáticas que apresentem aspectos sociocientíficos (ASC) pode ser uma estratégia que possibilite o desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades requeridas nos Parâmetros Curriculares Nacionais e na Matriz de Referência do Exame Nacional do Ensino Médio (Enem), em conjunto com aspectos científicos descritos para o ensino de Química. O emprego de ASC, inclusive em exames de larga escala como o Enem, prescinde da relevância do tema proposto, com o emprego de temas globais, por exemplo; da controvérsia, ou seja, um estímulo ao exercício de argumentação para elaboração e avaliação de hipóteses e tomada de decisão e a relação desses requisitos com os conteúdos científicos. Por meio da Análise de Conteúdo de Bardin, sobre questões de Ciências Naturais do Enem de 2009 a 2004, foi traçado um perfil da prova. Contrariamente ao esperado, o Enem apresenta caráter disciplinar e propedêutico, o que reflete os anseios das instituições de ensino superior que passaram a aceitá-lo como forma de ingresso. Em contraste, apresenta, também, poucas questões com que abordam ASC, o que pode causar a desmotivação em empregar a discussão desses aspectos em sala de aula. Desse modo, foi desenvolvido um material que apresenta orientações e exemplos para a realização de práticas que envolvam ASC pode ser um meio de difundir e estimular a utilização de práticas entre professores de Química de modo a discutir, possivelmente, reflexos nas características dos exames do Enem. / To use didactic sequences that consider socio-scientific issues (SSI) perspectives can be a strategy to develop the competences and abilities required on the National Standards (PCN) and on the High School National Exam (Enem) References Guide and the specific objective proposed to Chemistry teaching. The usage of SSI, including in wide-ranging evaluations, such as the Enem, requires the demands: topic relevance, with the usage of global themes for example; controversy, i.e. a stimulus to the development of argumentation to elaborate and evaluate hypothesis and make decision considering the established controversy; and the relation between the two requirements with the scientific knowledge. By using de Content Analysis proposed by Bardin on the question of the National Exam was possible to design an exam profile. In contrary to what was expect as a profile for the Enem, the exam presents a disciplinary and propaedeutic profile, reflecting the Universities needs for their admission process, which can result in an exam with only a few questions with SSI characteristics, demotivating its usage in classes. Therefore, the development of material that presents orientations and examples for SSI activities can be a way to spread the methodology to Chemistry teachers and stimulate its usage and. It can possibly cause chances in Enem characteristics.

The problem of school under-performance as defined by the level of pass rates of learners in the matric examinations has been a point of educational debate in South Africa for a number of years, especially after the attainment of democracy. In the Eastern Cape, Matric Intervention Strategies (MIS) have been used to address the problem. The aim of this study was to investigate educator perceptions of the impact of the MIS on selected under-performing high schools in the Queenstown District.Two case study schools classified as consistent under-performers participated in the study. Data was collected through in-depth interviews of key educators in these schools. There were five main findings. First, educators felt that Departmental intervention strategies had not made any significant improvement in addressing underperformance in the two case study schools. Second, participants saw underperformance by schools as caused by a myriad of factors which include those related to leadership and management at school and district levels and educator and learner factors, as well as teacher union interference. They did not see MIS as being able to address the causes simultaneously. Third, the implementation of the (MIS) at school level was poorly monitored by the Departmental officials. It was reported that under-performing schools were hardly visited and supported by the subject advisors and (MIO)s. Fourth, educators perceived the role of subject advisors to be limited to CASS moderation as they did not provide any developmental support to educators experiencing content gaps. Finally, educators saw the MIS as a money making scheme for certain educators and district officials. They claimed this was linked to corrupt practices during the appointment of tutors. The teachers did not have confidence in the appointment procedures used by the district for tutors.It can be concluded that the Matric Intervention Strategies in the two schools arenot likely to achieve the intended results as long as educators do not think thatthe strategies are addressing the problems they face. Another conclusion is that the Matric Intervention Strategies are seen as ‘quick fix’ responses to what arereally deep-seated and systemic problems in education. Given the findings of this study, it is recommended that the impact of Matric Intervention Strategies be the focus of a survey research for which a probability sample must be drawn that can generate findings that are generalisable across the participating target population. For the delivery of the MIS it is recommended that the weaknesses identified by educators of the two schools be further investigated so that new implementation plans can be developed.