Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Studies)--University of Stellenbosch, 2009. / AFRIKAANS OPSOMMING: Die prosevaardighede en die vermoë om ‘n wetenskaplike ondersoek uit te voer deur graad nege leerlinge, is ondersoek. Die begrip van hierdie vaardighede, byvoorbeeld waarneming, meting en data versameling, sowel as die beredenerings wyses tydens die oordrag van die bevindinge (resultate) van die ondersoek, is ook geëvalueer. Die proses in totaliteit is geëvalueer deur die gebruik van drie take insluitende geskrewe ondersoeke, onderhoude en waarnemings. Twee-en veertig Natuurwetenskap leerlinge van die primêre skool het aan die ondersoek deelgeneem. Die geskrewe ondersoek was die grondslag (fundamentele) aktiwiteit om die leerlinge se begrip van ‘n wetenskaplike ondersoek te evaluur. Die onderhoude was onderverdeel in vyf afdelings insluitende die doel, die belangrikheid, die voordele van die verstaan van prosesvaardighede, sowel as die probleme en uitdagings ondervind terwyl die leerlinge aktief betrokke was by of self besig was met die uitvoering van wetenskaplike ondersoeke. Die meerdeheid data (inligting) was verkry deur die waarneming van leerlinge wat saamwerk tydens die uitvoering van die ondersoekeie ondersoeke. ‘n Ontleding van die leerlinge se prestasie in die opdragte, individueel, sowel as in groep verband is gedoen. ‘n Ontleding van die leerlinge prestasie het getoon dat min leerlinge voldoende (bevredigende) begrip toon aangaande data (inligting) versameling en die oordra (kommunikasie) van die bevindinge (resultate). Die resultate van die ontleding onthul (toon) dat die gedeeltelike bereiking van die vereistes vir die uitvoering van ‘n wetenskaplike ondersoek die norm was. Hierdie leerlinge se waarnemings en meetings was onakkuraat, kon slegs sommige veranderlikes identifiseer, het slegs basiese wyses gebruik om die inligting (data) te versamel en te verwerk, en die oordrag (kommunikasie) van resultate was onvoldoende. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research study explored Grade 9 learners’ process skills and their ability to conduct a scientific investigation. The understanding of these skills, for example observation, measurement and data collection, that these learners drew upon, and the way they reasoned while communicating their findings in the investigation, were also examined. This whole process was evaluated using three tools: a written survey, interviews, and observations of 42 Natural Sciences learners at the primary school. The written survey was the base-line tool to evaluate the learners’ understanding of scientific investigation. The interviews were done in five categories: the purpose of scientific investigation, the role and the advantages of understanding process skills, the problems and challenges encountered when learners are performing scientific investigations and experiences gained in conducting a scientific investigation. The main body of data was obtained from observing learners working cooperatively in the actual process of conducting scientific investigations. An analysis of their performance of tasks, both individually and as part of the group, was conducted. An analysis of the sample of learners’ performances revealed that few learners display a satisfactory understanding of how to collect data and communicate their findings. Instead, only a partial achievement of the requirements of conducting a scientific investigation was the norm. These learners observed and measured inaccurately, identified only some variables, established only simple trends in the process of collecting data, and did not form enough structure to communicate their findings.

Persuasion communication, elaboration likelihood model, intrinsic persuasion variables, extrinsic persuasion variables, Life Orientation, HlV/Aids, grade 9 learners, guidance counselling, persuasion campaigns, credibility, motivation, capacity, youth The elaboration likelihood model (Petty & Caccioppo, 1996:l-309) in the field of persuasion communication explains the role that variables can play in the measure to which the youth can be influenced and persuaded by messages aimed at changing sexual risk behaviour. In order to offer the North West Province Department of Education's Life Orientation learning area, which is marked by a life skills approach, a better chance of success, it is important to determine which of the intrinsic and/or extrinsic variables-as is hypothesised by the elaboration likelihood model-play a role with grade 9 learners. Thus, the persuasion messages within Life Orientation could be adapted accordingly. The purpose of this study was to determine what role the intrinsic and/or extrinsic persuasion variables have in the presentation of Life Orientation classes to selected grade 9 learners at three Potchefstroom high schools. Relevant literature was analysed in regard to HlV/Aids campaigns and programmes that had been launched in South Africa, especially in instances where the theoretical framework corresponded with this study. The empirical study was done by way of methodological triangulation. An overall picture was formed by way of a quantitative survey questionnaire of the persuasion variables that are found among grade 9 learners in Potchefstroom, Promosa and Ikageng. Qualitative methods (focus groups, personal interviews and non-participatory observation) were employed to investigate the deeper seated aspects of the persuasion variables. The results of the study confirm the premise of the elaboration likelihood model, and proved that intrinsic persuasion variables play an important role with grade 9 learners when HlV/Aids persuasion messages are conveyed to them through Life Orientation classes. Thus, it can be inferred that grade 9 learners of the three selected Potchefstroom schools would process these persuasion messages via the central route, which enhances the chances of long term persuasion. Further, it appears that in this study extrinsic persuasion variables mostly played a strengthening role with regard to persuasion messages. The study deduces, therefore, that Life Orientation, and specifically the content that is focused on HIV/Aids, led to the successful persuasion of grade 9 learners in the selected schools. However, the study also makes important recommendations on how the impact of these persuasion messages can be even more heightened within the context of the elaboration likelihood model. / Thesis (M.A. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006

Thesis (M.A. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Utgångspunkten för det här examensarbetet är några av de synpunkter som Skolinspektionens har i sin kvalitetsgranskning av teknikämnet 2014. Undersökningen ställer frågorna; vad tycker eleverna om teknikundervisningen, hur ser eleverna på teknikämnets utformning? I examensarbetet har en enkätstudie genomförts i en förortsskola i Stockholm. Enkäten har gått ut till 125 elever i årskurs 9.  Examensarbetet fokuserar på arbetsområdena som eleverna anser att de kan använda i sin vardag. Enkäten omfattar även bakgrundsfrågor med elevernas värderingar av den aktuella skolan, undervisningen i stort och teknikundervisningen.  Resultaten visar att eleverna uppfattar teknikundervisningen som varken intressant eller ointressant. Undervisningen är heller inte användbar i vardagen. Engagerade elever är också de elever som värdesätter teknikundervisningen mest. Dessa elever ser också mest nytta av undervisningen. Nyttan de ser är av relativt komplex teknisk natur. Det är också komplexa tekniska områden de skulle vilja arbeta med i undervisningen. / Based on some of the objections of the Swedish Schools Inspectorate quality audit of the subject technology in 2014 this research puts some questions; What do the students think about the technology subject, what do the students think the subject should teach?   The research was conducted as a survey in a suburban school in Stockholm, presented to 125 students in grade 9.  The research is focused on objects that the students they have worked with and the objects they want to work with, and where the objects can be used in the students' everyday lives. The questionnaire also includes background questions with the students' assessments of the current school teaching in general and the teaching in technology.  The results show that students perceive a technology education that is neither interesting nor uninteresting. The technology teaching is not useful in their everyday life. Students who value technology education the most also see the most benefits from the subjet. The benefits they see are of relatively complex technical nature. It is also complex technological objects or areas they would like to work with.

Persuasion communication, elaboration likelihood model, intrinsic persuasion variables, extrinsic persuasion variables, Life Orientation, HlV/Aids, grade 9 learners, guidance counselling, persuasion campaigns, credibility, motivation, capacity, youth The elaboration likelihood model (Petty & Caccioppo, 1996:l-309) in the field of persuasion communication explains the role that variables can play in the measure to which the youth can be influenced and persuaded by messages aimed at changing sexual risk behaviour. In order to offer the North West Province Department of Education's Life Orientation learning area, which is marked by a life skills approach, a better chance of success, it is important to determine which of the intrinsic and/or extrinsic variables-as is hypothesised by the elaboration likelihood model-play a role with grade 9 learners. Thus, the persuasion messages within Life Orientation could be adapted accordingly. The purpose of this study was to determine what role the intrinsic and/or extrinsic persuasion variables have in the presentation of Life Orientation classes to selected grade 9 learners at three Potchefstroom high schools. Relevant literature was analysed in regard to HlV/Aids campaigns and programmes that had been launched in South Africa, especially in instances where the theoretical framework corresponded with this study. The empirical study was done by way of methodological triangulation. An overall picture was formed by way of a quantitative survey questionnaire of the persuasion variables that are found among grade 9 learners in Potchefstroom, Promosa and Ikageng. Qualitative methods (focus groups, personal interviews and non-participatory observation) were employed to investigate the deeper seated aspects of the persuasion variables. The results of the study confirm the premise of the elaboration likelihood model, and proved that intrinsic persuasion variables play an important role with grade 9 learners when HlV/Aids persuasion messages are conveyed to them through Life Orientation classes. Thus, it can be inferred that grade 9 learners of the three selected Potchefstroom schools would process these persuasion messages via the central route, which enhances the chances of long term persuasion. Further, it appears that in this study extrinsic persuasion variables mostly played a strengthening role with regard to persuasion messages. The study deduces, therefore, that Life Orientation, and specifically the content that is focused on HIV/Aids, led to the successful persuasion of grade 9 learners in the selected schools. However, the study also makes important recommendations on how the impact of these persuasion messages can be even more heightened within the context of the elaboration likelihood model. / Thesis (M.A. (Communication Studies))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006

In this study, the role of the problem-based approach on the performance of Grade 9 learners in solving word problems is investigated. Traditional approaches have produced learners whose performance in mathematics is not satisfactory and who are not sufficiently equipped with critical and problem skills that are necessary in this dynamic world. Problem-based approach is among the current reform efforts recommended for teaching and learning mathematics. For this approach to be successful, learners need vital tools such as problem solving strategies, which many learners in this country lack. The emphasis in this study was therefore on exposing learners to a variety of problem solving strategies through the problem-based approach. Problems solved throughout the investigation were non-routine, word problems. The results show that awareness of these strategies improves learners' problem solving performance and attitudes towards mathematics. Based on this investigation, recommendations are made concerning effective implementation of this approach to the teaching and learning of mathematics. / Educational Studies / Thesis (M. Ed. (Specialisation in Mathematical Education))

Workplace English skills for Grade 9 languages in C21 argues that a most valuable contribution of any educational programme in a developing country is the imparting of (English) workplace skills to school-leavers. The Introduction ascribes, in part, the current lack of these skills in school-leavers to (British) colonial education policy which was perpetuated and aggravated by the National Party during the apartheid era and which distinguished, on racial grounds, between mental and manual labour. During South Africa’s international isolation – imposed because of its policy of apartheid and leaving it unprepared for major global economic changes – globalisation became a significant force in international commerce, creating an increased demand for workplace skills (in English) that could attract foreign capital and direct investment. The newly elected ruling party’s answer to both the socio-political and educational legacy of apartheid education was Curriculum 2005. In contrast to the National Party’s content-based curriculum, the newer outcomes-based approach to education, revised as C21, initially failed because of poor management and not because of any inherent conceptual flaws. The research methodology that Chapter One outlines is essentially traditional in its use of the scientific method although it reflects the changing face of contemporary research that is often transdisciplinary, heterogeneous, heterarchical, organisationally transient, socially accountable and reflexive. This approach enlists input from many fields and subject experts in the hope of addressing a problem in the community in which the research is conducted. The literature survey shows that this thesis contributes to the corpus of research by exploring the need and relevance of workplace skills in the context of Curriculum 2005 – an approach hitherto not explored in the context of secondary education. Chapter One also outlines the theoretical base of this study. Chapter Two focuses on resolving conceptual obstacles to integrating workplace skills into the outcomes-based language teaching context. Work is described as a phenomenon that comprises both process and product, thus bridging the conceptual chasm that traditionally separates the classroom from the workplace. A brief overview of the structure of Curriculum 2005/C21 shows that this curriculum does not conflict, conceptually, with the teaching of workplace skills. The focus then shifts to the identification of those workplace and workplace literacy skills that are currently in demand and that are in harmony with the fundamental principles of this curriculum design. Chapter Three illustrates the fact that workplace skills do not conflict with generally accepted communicative principles of language teaching. A tentative theory of workplace skills that comprises the principles of the newest curriculum, Curriculum 2005, workplace skills and communicative and task-based English language teaching is proposed. Chapter Four offers a model that can be used to design workplace literacy activities for the language classroom. Two tasks are designed according to this model, then tested in the classroom and, finally, subjected to analysis. The data analysis reveals certain weaknesses in the model. Changes to the model are proposed. The study closes with a synopsis of the argument in each chapter. Finally, the evaluation also briefly describes alternative research avenues. / Thesis (Doctor Litterarum (English))--University of Pretoria, 2006. / English / unrestricted

Reading comprehension is one of the basic learning skills that need to be learned in an early school years. The English language is generally introduced as early as Grade 2 level in township primary schools. Township learners are at most exposed to English as the language of learning and teaching (LoLt) for three years (Grade 5-7) before entering secondary school. Most township primary school learners enter secondary school with poor English language development and poor language proficiency. Reading comprehension is one of the problems experienced by most township secondary school learners. Lack of reading comprehension skills negatively affect their ability to constuct meaning from what they are reading. Reading support techniques or strategies need to be sought and developed to address the reading comprehension problems experienced by learners especially from the disadvantaged enviroment. ind it difficult to understand or interpret what they are reading. This research focused on the use of the imaging technique on a learning suport in developing reading comprehension skills of township secondary school learners. The emphasis was mainly on how this technique can be adapted in order to enhance its mastery in developing reading comprehension skills. This imaging technique is seen as a feasible technique in a holistic approach to develop reading comprehension skills. The imaging technique makes use of the formation of multisensory pictures during the reading process which are valuable in the independent construction of meaning. The use of imaging for reading enhances active learning and memory. The research was conducted with learners in Grade 9 in a secondary school in a Pretoria township. The participants in the research group experienced reading comprehension problems, lack of English language development and difficulty in the use of English as the (LoLT). Some of the learners in the research group appeared to be experiencing intellectual learning disability. The practical implementation of the imaging technique was done in twenty sessions. A control group attended twenty reading support sessions using a dictionary method, for the same texts. Qualitative and quantitative analyses of the results are performed and discussed. / Thesis (MEd (Educational Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2004. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

Thesis (M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)) -- University of Limpopo, 2021 / This study explored the different teaching strategies which teachers use to teach mathematics in order to improve the performance of Grade 9 learners in the subject in Mkhuhlu Circuit; Bohlabela District of Education in Mpumalanga Province. The inability of Grade 9 learners to achieve the set minimum performance standard of a pass at level 3 (40%) in mathematics poses a challenge because mathematics is set as a pass requirement in the said grade and it is compulsory for all learners to enrol for this subject. The poor performance of learners in mathematics is attributed to inappropriate teaching strategies that teachers use in the teaching of this subject. There are lessons to be drawn from the practices of leading countries in learner performance in mathematics and this study sought to find alternative strategies that are appropriate for teaching Grade 9 learners and to improve their performance in mathematics in the circuit. The study used constructivism as its lens to look at the realities about learner performance in mathematics. Constructivism as a theory presents and unpacks the manner in which people learn and acquire knowledge. The participants for this study were sampled using a purposive sampling technique and samples were drawn from two secondary schools representing good and poor performance of Grade 9 learners in mathematics. Seven participants were engaged in this study and this sample included a principal, SMT member, and mathematics teacher from each school. A subject advisor for mathematics in the GET was also interviewed. This study adopted and followed a qualitative design of inquiry which included interviews, observation, and the analysis of documents and artefacts to collect data from the different respondents that were identified for this study. The inquiry was guided by the following research questions: Which teaching strategies do teachers normally use to teach mathematics in Grade 9 at Mkhuhlu circuit? There are two sub-questions which were used to support the main research question and they are: To what extent do teachers vary the strategies of teaching and which strategies and LTSM do the teachers use to teach mathematics in Grade 9? What is the level of support that teachers receive from the different levels of the system? Data was analysed by organizing the data collected using codes to summarize it and then interpret the coded data to identify themes, patterns and relationships. This study revealed that different teaching strategies have an impact on the learners’ academic performance in mathematics. It also emerged from this study that quality and effective teaching and learning of mathematics are grounded on the constructivist theory. This study also established that the choice and use of appropriate teaching strategies coupled with the availability of relevant resources contribute towards positive learning gains. Similarly, learners’ preferences of teaching and learning strategies must be considered towards the development and sustenance of a positive attitude towards mathematics. The study recommended that the Annual Teaching Plans should suggest teaching strategies to be used for a particular topic; and that teachers must specify their teaching strategies and their choice of resources in the planning of every lesson. The provision of resources, particularly for mathematics teaching must be made an apex priority. Subject advisors must give attention to the teaching strategies that teachers use in curriculum delivery and not only on content mastery and coverage. School Management Teams must follow-up on the implementation of ICT in their curriculum management and monitoring. The study further recommended that an analysis of results must shift from concentrating on the pass percentages and focus on the quality of the passes. The identified limitations of this study were methodological limitations and sample characteristic limitations where the size of the research sample was relatively small.

Undersökningen handlar om att lyfta fram årskurs 9-elevers syn på vägledning under sin tid i grundskolan. I skollagen står det att elever i alla skolformer utom förskolan och förskoleklass ska ha tillgång till personal med sådan kompetens att deras behov av vägledning inför val av framtida utbildnings- och yrkesverksamhet kan tillgodoses. Skolinspektionen har undersökt att insatserna fokuserats till årskurs 8 och 9. Syftet med undersökningen är att höra hur nöjda eleverna är med sin vägledning under grundskoletiden, när eleverna skulle vilja att insatser sätts in, samt vilka insatser som de skulle vilja ha mer av. Frågeställningarna är; Hur tycker eleven att deras vägledning varit under grundskolan? När skulle eleverna vilja att insatserna av vägledning sätts in i grundskolan? Vad skulle eleverna vilja ha mer av i grundskolan för att kunna göra ett så underbyggt val som möjligt inför gymnasiet? Teorin som används är Patton och McMahons teori The Systems Theory Framework och underökningen genomförs som en kvalitativ metod. Resultaten var att eleverna inte gör val i ett vakuum, utan de blir påverkade utifrån av vårdnadshavare, lärare, samhälle och oförutsägbara händelser. Alla elever blir inte nöjda med vägledningen, utan den skulle behöva bli individanpassad för att nå varje elev.