A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor Of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies at the University Of Zululand, 2018 / This study was carried out in the King Cetshwayo District of the Province of KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. Four schools offering Foundation Phase education were randomly selected for the study from the accessible population. Altogether, a total of three hundred and twenty-eight learners participated in the study from Nseleni, Richards Bay and eSikhaleni education circuits. This study aimed to contribute to our understanding of how Foundation Phase (Elementary School) learners conceptualised a healthy environment, and whether or not instruction based on the classical cognitive conflict conceptual change model would differ from an approach based on collateral learning theory in educating grade three learners about a healthy environment. Specifically, the study set out to answer three research questions, namely: (a) What conceptions do grade three learners have of the construct of a healthy environment? (b) What explanations lie behind the learners’ conceptions of a healthy environment? and (c) Will there be a statistically significant difference in learner achievement between those taught through a cognitive conflict-based conceptual change approach versus those taught through an instructional approach based on the collateral learning theory? The theoretical basis of this study was built upon literature which pointed to the imminent threat to Planet Earth, seen against the devastating effects of human actions in the name of civilisation. Accordingly, elements from the cognitive conflict-based perspective of conceptual change and the collateral learning theory were integrated with Vygotsky’s theory of the Zone of Proximal Development to consummate a conceptual framework for the study. In the view of the researcher, the conceptualisation and development of the conceptual framework of this study was one of her significant outputs. The research methodology was situated within the mixed methods research paradigm, meaning that both qualitative and quantitative data were collected. As a mixed methods research project, there were two designs applied. The first was a Case Study design, formulated to address the first two research questions, and utilising a test and interviews. The second research design was the Non-Equivalent Groups quasi-experimental research design, which was directed towards addressing the third research question. Simple random sampling was used to select the four participating schools from the education Circuits that participated in this study. Data were collected through individually-based and focus group interviews, as well as a pre-test, which also served as a post-test. The interviews were used to explore the grade three learners’ understanding of a healthy environment and elicit explanations about their answers in the hope of revealing the underlying reasoning for their answers concerning a healthy environment. Permission was requested and obtained to have all the interviews voice-recorded so that the interviewers could focus on the conversations with the learners rather than, for instance, on note-taking. The test was used to establish the baseline knowledge that the learners had about a healthy environment, as well as estimate their gains following the two interventions. The written test was administered in the usual way as class tests. Qualitative data arising from individual and focus group interviews were analysed based on the hermeneutical approach – the first stage of which involved reading through all the transcripts of the learner responses and creating categories of description to identify emerging themes. This entailed finding patterns from which the themes and conceptual categories were constructed. In a reiterative process, the recurring themes and conceptual categories were progressively reduced in number by combining conceptually similar ones, resulting in a consolidated, fewer numbers of categories of descriptions. Quantitative data were analysed statistically using the Statistical Product and Service Solutions (SPSS). The analysis involved a comparison of the means as a result of the two interventions. In this regard, both the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) and the t-test statistic were used. On the first research question, the majority of the participants demonstrated a good understanding of the term ‘environment’ in line with the espoused content of the Foundation Phase curriculum. On the definition of pollution, two categories of description emerged – that is, a view of pollution as some form or other of ‘contamination’, and pollution characterised in terms of its consequences or negative effects on the environment, people, animals and plants. On the whole, the learners demonstrated an acceptable level of understanding of the concept of pollution. Furthermore, the results showed that the learners had a good grasp of the concepts of safe drinking water; unsafe drinking water; wasting water; using water wisely; land/soil, air, water and noise pollution, well as the 3R’s of recycling, re-using and reducing. However, some mis- and/or alternative conceptions were noted. Overall, the general picture that emerged was that the grade three learners’ understanding of a healthy environment was in line with the expectations of the school curriculum at the Foundation Phase level. On the second research question the learners appeared to experience difficulty with the notion of recycling. On pollution, there was sufficient evidence that the learners made the connections between the respective photographic materials used and water, land/soil, air, and noise pollution. In addition, most learners gave explanations concerning how these types of pollution affected living organisms which depended on the particular environment. Furthermore, the learners easily distinguished between safe and unsafe drinking water, and gave satisfactory explanations about the adverse effects of drinking polluted water. However, it should also be mentioned that a few misconceptions also emerged from some of their explanations. These included the notions that one could catch TB from drinking dirty water, and that drinking clean water resulted in someone having enough blood. From learner explanations, the concept of re-using was partially understood. Overall, however, it should be stated that the learners had a good idea of the selected environmental concepts as prescribed by the Foundation Phase curriculum. On the third research question, although some gains had been made by both groups, there was no statistically significant difference between the two posttest mean scores. However, using the pretest scores as baseline, the collateral learning group had performed statistically significantly beyond the pretest, suggesting that there was some merit in thinking that collateral learning could be a productive approach to use in South African schools. The posttest mean score of the cognitive conflict-based conceptual change group was not significantly different from the pre-test mean score. This result suggests that more research is still needed to give clarity to this matter. Within the constraints of the study, the researcher is satisfied that much was achieved, and that the results reported in this study will go a long way in serving as baseline data for future research. The thesis ends with some recommendations in respect of both classroom practice and further research.

According to the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) of South Africa cognitive development is a prominent matter which should already commence at pre-school teaching and learning. The NCS envisages learners who will develop to maturity, take their place in society and solve problems by means of critical and creative thinking. Accordingly, teachers are challenged to create teaching and learning environments that stimulate and encourage intellectual openness. This study was undertaken in an attempt to determine to which extent thinking skills in the Foundation Phase, with specific reference to Grade 3 learners, are developed. The study also sought to establish the potential of a self developed, curriculum-based co-operative teaching-learning intervention programme for the development and/or improvement of the thinking skills of Grade 3 learners. The nature of cognitive development, the importance of co-operative learning for cognitive development and the thinking skills that Grade 3 learners should possess, were researched by means of a literature study. A quasiexperimental study followed, using a sequential mixed-method research design. By means of a pre-test the cognitive development levels of two experimental groups, namely experimental group A and experimental group B, comprising thirty learners each, were determined. Thereafter, both groups were exposed to a co-operative teaching-learning intervention programme on a rotational basis to determine the impact of the cooperative teaching-learning intervention programme on the thinking skills of the learners. Data was collected by means of testing and semi-structured interviews with the class teachers of the experimental groups A and B prior to and after the completion of the intervention, focus-group interviews with the learners after the intervention and observation during the implementation of the intervention. Based on the results, it appeared that in accordance with the vision of the NCS, trouble is being taken with the development of the thinking skills of the Foundation Phase learners who took part in the study, and that co-operative learning possesses the latent potential to further develop and promote thinking skills. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Learning and Teaching)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

According to the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) of South Africa cognitive development is a prominent matter which should already commence at pre-school teaching and learning. The NCS envisages learners who will develop to maturity, take their place in society and solve problems by means of critical and creative thinking. Accordingly, teachers are challenged to create teaching and learning environments that stimulate and encourage intellectual openness. This study was undertaken in an attempt to determine to which extent thinking skills in the Foundation Phase, with specific reference to Grade 3 learners, are developed. The study also sought to establish the potential of a self developed, curriculum-based co-operative teaching-learning intervention programme for the development and/or improvement of the thinking skills of Grade 3 learners. The nature of cognitive development, the importance of co-operative learning for cognitive development and the thinking skills that Grade 3 learners should possess, were researched by means of a literature study. A quasiexperimental study followed, using a sequential mixed-method research design. By means of a pre-test the cognitive development levels of two experimental groups, namely experimental group A and experimental group B, comprising thirty learners each, were determined. Thereafter, both groups were exposed to a co-operative teaching-learning intervention programme on a rotational basis to determine the impact of the cooperative teaching-learning intervention programme on the thinking skills of the learners. Data was collected by means of testing and semi-structured interviews with the class teachers of the experimental groups A and B prior to and after the completion of the intervention, focus-group interviews with the learners after the intervention and observation during the implementation of the intervention. Based on the results, it appeared that in accordance with the vision of the NCS, trouble is being taken with the development of the thinking skills of the Foundation Phase learners who took part in the study, and that co-operative learning possesses the latent potential to further develop and promote thinking skills. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Learning and Teaching)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2010.

A Dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies at the UNIVERSITY OF ZULULAND, South Africa, 2012. / This study investigated: [a] the ways in which Foundation Phase educators promoted indoor and outdoor play for their learners; [b] which play activities the foundation phase educators valued most and what educational benefits they associated with these play activities; and [c] which play activities were valued most by foundation phase learners and the educational benefits they associated with these play activities. The study was based on the “mixed methods” (blended) research paradigm, involving the collection of both qualitative and quantitative data from focus group interviews and a semi-structured questionnaire. Information from the educators was collected by way of a questionnaire comprising both structured and non-structured sections. Quantitative data were analysed by the use of Microsoft Office Excel, while qualitative information collected from the interviews with the learners was analysed qualitatively. Altogether, seventy-two (72) and thirty-two (32) foundation phase educators and learners, respectively, participated in the study. These were drawn from former Model C, township and rural schools. On the first research question dealing with the promotion of play, the educator respondents reported that they promoted numeracy through (a) the use of market stands and playing shop (using Rands, litres, and centimetres); (b) play activities involving bean bags – to promote counting; (c) providing opportunities for learners to play with building blocks as counters; (d) playing mathematics games – e.g., touching eyes, ears, knees and legs to promote counting in twos; (e) the use of number games, flash cards and counting blocks to promote the creation of number patterns; (f) games, such as running using sacks, putting water in water bottles, using heavy and light objects, short and long objects – to develop the concept of measurement; and (g) giving learners opportunities to actively take part in number rhymes and songs which promoted the development of measurement concepts. Plays were also used in the teaching / learning of literacy through strategies that included story-telling, role-playing, rhymes and singing, as well as dialogue; learners taking turns in playing games; learners drawing pictures about song or rhymes; learners imitating animal sounds, word matching games and acting out stories; word games, phonic wheels, reading games; making letters with dough; alphabet story, such as Sammy snake, fireman Fred. In promoting life skills through play, the educators reported using weaving, kneading and pretence play / role playing; matching different types of foods, charts, stories and story-telling; activities around environmental management; plays calling for help; painting, colouring, handwork; music; thinking and reasoning games; plays involving rendering sympathy and empathy to others; poems- on how to cross the road. On the second research question, the educator respondents reported that play was important for developing learners’ cognitive, social, motor, language and inter-personal skills. Furthermore, the educators reported that play enabled learners to (a) expand their imagination, (b) become more emotionally mature, (c) enhance their state of school readiness, (d) develop social skills, (e) develop initiative, (f) build and enhance their autonomy and sense of self, (g) take risks, (h) reveal their personalities, and (i) develop self-confidence and self-esteem.. On the third and final research question, the respondents reported that they liked playing with wire cars, hide and seek, wooden cars, soccer, playing domino games, puzzles, snakes and ladders, with water and sand, making necklaces, playing with wooden blocks, tyre racing, climbing on the jungle gym, colouring and painting. playing house, netball, tuck, dolls, blocks, laptops, playing games on touch, hockey, rugby, cycling, ski-boarding, ludo, rugby, athletics, amagenda, arigogo, hop scotch, umlabalaba. The discussion of the results of this study showed that the findings fell in line with the literature review. Recommendations for classroom practice, curriculum planning and implementation, as well as further research have been made.

Magister Artium - MA / Several studies concur that children from a disadvantaged background are as prepared for formal schooling, compared to their advantaged peers who have access to attend good quality pre-schools. This is particularly true regarding the literature aimed at understanding the challenges that impede school readiness of Foundation Phase learners and the consequences of poor school readiness on learner’s school performance. The overall aim of the study was to explore Foundation Phase teachers’ experiences and perceptions of the challenges that impede school readiness. The research questions for this study probed the challenges that impede the school readiness of Foundation Phase learners of low-to middle-income background; the consequences of poor school readiness on learners’ school performance; the challenges encountered in the classroom by teachers regarding learners with poor school readiness; and the programmes used to assist children with poor scholastic performance. The study was informed by Bronfenbrenner’s Bio-ecological Systems Theory, to understand how the environment shapes the development of a child. The study adopted a qualitative methodological framework with an exploratory research design. The design was suitable since limited literature exists on this topic, thus proving in-depth information of Foundation Phase teachers about the phenomenon under study. Furthermore, a total number of 20 participants were included in this study, and participants were purposively selected. Data was collected by means of semi-structured individual interviews and was thematically analysed.

In defining Inclusive Education, the Education White Paper 6 (South African Department of Education 2001:6) highlights a crucial factor: acknowledging and respecting, amongst other things, language differences in learners. In a developing country like South Africa, a myriad of languages exist. Despite the creation of language awareness by adopting a number of official languages, English appears to be the most common lingua franca – a language that is very often learnt as a second language and as a medium of instruction at schools. On the other hand, IsiZulu is a prominent first language for many South Africans. Emanating from the above, this study focused on IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners’ experiences of English as a second language in English medium schools. Additionally, this study examined the reasons for the parents of IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners choosing to enroll their children in English medium schools. A literature study on second language acquisition and the factors that impact on the English second language learner in the English medium schools was undertaken. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to obtain data from foundation phase educators, IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners, and the parents of IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners in four English medium primary schools in the Port Shepstone region. Individual interviews were conducted with learners and educators and a questionnaire was used as the main instrument for gathering data from parents. Qualitative data was subjected to analysis by means of an eclectic approach. Quantitative data analysis was done by means of tables, frequencies and graphs. This study found that IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners were happy to be enrolled in English medium schools. They interacted well with their peers and they coped well with conversational skills in the English language. However, educators emphasised that reading, writing, and comprehension appeared to be cognitively challenging to learners. Pronouns, pronunciation of words in English, grammar, and figurative language were seen to be problematic areas. This also contributed to speaking anxiety that was espoused by learners and educators. Reading anxiety was also seen to be prevalent. Educators believed that learners exhibited predominantly positive attitudes which indicated that they were motivated to learn. Although integrative motivation and instrumental motivation were seen to play a dual role in learners’ experiences, the parents’ views were strongly influenced by instrumental motivation. Despite the fact that integration as an acculturation process was seen to be dominant in the learners’ responses, educators believed that assimilation and separation were also apparent. Learners were adapting to the cultural contexts of the schools. However, maintaining of eye contact during conversations and lessons was seen to be preventing learners from being able to optimally benefit from the lessons. There were various reasons for the parents choosing to enroll their children in English medium schools. One of the prominent reasons advanced by parents was the fact that most of them (94,4%) enrolled their children in English medium schools because they wanted their children to speak English fluently. Evidently, the English language has impacted on all aspects of IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners’ lives. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Inclusive Education))

In defining Inclusive Education, the Education White Paper 6 (South African Department of Education 2001:6) highlights a crucial factor: acknowledging and respecting, amongst other things, language differences in learners. In a developing country like South Africa, a myriad of languages exist. Despite the creation of language awareness by adopting a number of official languages, English appears to be the most common lingua franca – a language that is very often learnt as a second language and as a medium of instruction at schools. On the other hand, IsiZulu is a prominent first language for many South Africans. Emanating from the above, this study focused on IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners’ experiences of English as a second language in English medium schools. Additionally, this study examined the reasons for the parents of IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners choosing to enroll their children in English medium schools. A literature study on second language acquisition and the factors that impact on the English second language learner in the English medium schools was undertaken. A combination of qualitative and quantitative approaches were used to obtain data from foundation phase educators, IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners, and the parents of IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners in four English medium primary schools in the Port Shepstone region. Individual interviews were conducted with learners and educators and a questionnaire was used as the main instrument for gathering data from parents. Qualitative data was subjected to analysis by means of an eclectic approach. Quantitative data analysis was done by means of tables, frequencies and graphs. This study found that IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners were happy to be enrolled in English medium schools. They interacted well with their peers and they coped well with conversational skills in the English language. However, educators emphasised that reading, writing, and comprehension appeared to be cognitively challenging to learners. Pronouns, pronunciation of words in English, grammar, and figurative language were seen to be problematic areas. This also contributed to speaking anxiety that was espoused by learners and educators. Reading anxiety was also seen to be prevalent. Educators believed that learners exhibited predominantly positive attitudes which indicated that they were motivated to learn. Although integrative motivation and instrumental motivation were seen to play a dual role in learners’ experiences, the parents’ views were strongly influenced by instrumental motivation. Despite the fact that integration as an acculturation process was seen to be dominant in the learners’ responses, educators believed that assimilation and separation were also apparent. Learners were adapting to the cultural contexts of the schools. However, maintaining of eye contact during conversations and lessons was seen to be preventing learners from being able to optimally benefit from the lessons. There were various reasons for the parents choosing to enroll their children in English medium schools. One of the prominent reasons advanced by parents was the fact that most of them (94,4%) enrolled their children in English medium schools because they wanted their children to speak English fluently. Evidently, the English language has impacted on all aspects of IsiZulu-speaking foundation phase learners’ lives. / Educational Studies / M.Ed. (Inclusive Education))

Since 1994, the South African education system has undergone a number of paradigm shifts culminating in the implementation of the policy of Inclusive Education as highlighted in Education White Paper 6: Building an Inclusive Education and Training System. The purpose of this research was to explore how foundation phase learners who experience severe intellectual barriers to learning are provided with high levels of support at special schools in the Pietermaritzburg district. A case study design was embarked upon as this allowed for an in-depth exploration of the above research question. Three special schools in the Pietermaritzburg district that cater for learners who experience severe intellectual barriers to learning were chosen for this investigation. Quantitative and qualitative research methods, consisting of questionnaires, interviews and observation were utilised. The findings reveal that educators at these schools do provide high levels of support to foundation phase learners who experience severe intellectual barriers to learning. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

Since 1994, the South African education system has undergone a number of paradigm shifts culminating in the implementation of the policy of Inclusive Education as highlighted in Education White Paper 6: Building an Inclusive Education and Training System. The purpose of this research was to explore how foundation phase learners who experience severe intellectual barriers to learning are provided with high levels of support at special schools in the Pietermaritzburg district. A case study design was embarked upon as this allowed for an in-depth exploration of the above research question. Three special schools in the Pietermaritzburg district that cater for learners who experience severe intellectual barriers to learning were chosen for this investigation. Quantitative and qualitative research methods, consisting of questionnaires, interviews and observation were utilised. The findings reveal that educators at these schools do provide high levels of support to foundation phase learners who experience severe intellectual barriers to learning. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)