There is a need to move away from the negative perceptions of African languages, and towards accepting the first language as an asset. Literature confirms the issues of language policies and practices in South African schools, as well as the predominant socio-economic challenges as contributing factors affecting learners and teachers in multilingual classrooms. Over the last decade, a concrete theoretical foundation of translanguaging as a pedagogy has expanded and gained momentum. Accepting the use of multiple languages to co-exist in multilingual classrooms, translanguaging has been recognised worldwide. The purpose of the study was to gain an in-depth understanding of how teachers manage translanguaging and how learners in multilingual classrooms learn by using home languages, to facilitate the learning and teaching process. From a qualitative mode of enquiry influenced by the interpretive philosophy and a conceptual framework grounded in the socio-cultural theory and asset-based approach; translanguaging practices were introduced in two schools to potentially understand how it affects learning and teaching practices in multilingual classrooms. Participants included the English teachers and Grade 5 and Grade 6 learners using their first languages alongside English. Data was collected qualitatively through classroom observations, semi-structured interviews, worksheets and storyboards. Thematic data analysis was applied to the gathered data. The study established that the inclusion of first languages mediated the process of learning and teaching and provided guided support to accommodate academic development in multilingual classrooms. Findings revealed the positive attitude and emotions of the learners towards translanguaging, and the consequent appeal for more translanguaging lessons since the strategy informed better understanding. Moreover recommendations included that policy should incorporate teacher training to facilitate translanguaging practices in multilingual classrooms. As solutions to support translanguaging, policy ought to recognise strategies that value the importance of first language as a resource to be implemented in multilingual classrooms. Furthermore, educational psychologists understanding of the systemic needs of all parties involved, and developing proactive support strategies to be initiated in schools as potential learning and teaching methods is recommended. Further studies should include expanding on a comparative and longitudinal research to gain a profound understanding of the effects of translanguaging as pedagogy. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Educational Psychology / PhD / Unrestricted

This study was conducted in Gauteng Province and Tshwane North District. The study explored the poor performance of learners in Mathematics in the early grades. Learners’ performance is dependent on teacher input in class. Learners’ Mathematics performance is also influenced by various aspects contributing towards development such as nutrition, parental literacy which includes teachers’ knowledge of content and language in the subject taught. The poor Mathematics performance is exacerbated by lack of visual perceptual skills as the basis for learning. This study sought to investigate whether early grade teachers met this requirement. The proposed research investigated the teaching of number sense in the early grades. The research was informed by daily experience as subject advisor. The study was informed by theories of both Vygotsky and Piaget. Teaching in the Foundation Phase is mainly through group work and play and therefore this theory is appropriate. The primary research question for this study was as follows: How do teachers experience teaching number sense in the Foundation Phase? Data were collected using semi-structured interviews and observation. Purposive sampling was used to select participants for this study. Teachers from Grades 1-3 were interviewed and it was found that many lacked content knowledge and different strategies to teach number sense. Furthermore, teachers indicated that there was minimal support from HODs and subject advisors. They agreed that they needed more capacity building workshops to strengthen their knowledge and understanding of teaching number sense. The study revealed that teachers teach Mathematics in Foundation Phase without the relevant qualification. Due to the lack of knowledge and understanding of the Foundation Phase content, strategies and methods of teaching, teachers experienced challenges mainly in teaching number sense in the early grades. / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2019. / Early Childhood Education / MEd / Unrestricted

While many universities have implemented various initiatives and teaching and learning methods to embed the most indemand skills into their degree programmes, there is little evidence in the literature of students’ opinions and awareness of these skills. The purpose of this article is to assess, through an empirical study, students’ perceptions of the skills commonly identified in the literature as important for the field of accounting and finance. A total of 462 surveys were collected and analysed using the SAS statistical analysis tool. According to the findings, the most important graduate skills are communication skills, followed by analytical skills and self-management. The findings also reveal that the language of instruction is statistically significant for a few graduate skills, including interpersonal, planning and organization, communication, self-management and analytical skills. Age is statistically significant for critical thinking skills and gender is statistically significant for leadership, technological and communication skills. / NPRP under grant 7-1534-5-231 from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of the Qatar Foundation)

Learning Management Systems (LMS) have become a common feature in contemporary Higher Education institutions worldwide. LMS literature shows that the level of interest and/or knowledge among academics towards the importance and usefulness of these systems, and the opportunities they can bring to the teaching process are key factors affecting the degree of use of LMS in HE. To date, most of these studies have taken place in the context of developed countries, and there is only limited research in other areas. In recent years, LMS have been adopted widely in Saudi Arabia’s Higher Education sector, however, there are no strong and detailed data regarding the subject in this context, which could impede future developments. On the other hand, academics were chosen as the main focus of this investigation because studies have revealed that they have the most vital role in promoting and enhancing the use of LMS. Therefore, this research investigates academics’ adoption and usage of LMS in Saudi Arabia’s universities; it aims to understand the adoption conditions and identify what factors truly affect the adoption process and to what level are the systems being used and why. The investigation was guided by Grounded Theory research principles. Initially, a review of the literature identified the nature of LMS along with the issues confronting academics when they are trying to use it to its full potential in supporting the delivery of their courses. Afterwards, questionnaires were employed to further explore the phenomenon in its examined context, i.e. Saudi higher education. The generated data and concepts were then used to guide the research process and to develop interview questions. The interviews were carried out at three Saudi universities with a range of stakeholders, which signified the primary data source in this investigation. Analysis revealed that LMS did not emerge as a well-established component of academics’ activities in Saudi universities despite the positive view respondents expressed towards it. Findings also explained why LMS was either considered a secondary method to support face-to-face teaching, or under-utilised in fully online courses. Furthermore, findings revealed the primary factors influencing academics’ level of use of LMS. Moreover, there were issues identified in relation to the academics’ development and training for LMS, which had a significant effect on the academics’ level of use of LMS. Findings were then integrated into a substantive theory and a theoretical model, which represents the research primary outcome. The theoretical outcomes offer abstract explanation of the phenomenon about adopting innovatory systems in Saudi universities, LMS in this instance. In conclusion, suggestions for improving the current provision of LMS in Saudi Universities are made. Overall, this study provided an insight into the environment surrounding the early adoption phases of LMS in Saudi universities, which offers a better understanding of the phenomenon. Subsequently, this will help enhance the adoption process in current contexts and assist in the better future utilisation of these systems in similar situations.

This study was undertaken in an attempt to improve the vocational training in Electrical Systems and Construction done at the Sedibeng Further Education and Training Colleges. The development of vocational training in South Africa, as well as different approaches to effective teaching and learning, were investigated by doing a literature study. It was determined that a constructivist approach to teaching and learning that advocates an active, learner-centred approach to teaching and learning appears to be the most effective for vocational training. An empirical investigation was conducted to determine possible shortcomings in the current way of teaching, learning and assessment at Sedibeng Further Education and Training College. For this purpose, mixed method research with a triangulation design was employed. The quantitative part of the study utilized descriptive survey research with a questionnaire to establish Level 3 educator and learner viewpoints regarding the current nature of teaching, learning and assessment. A phenomenological strategy was used for the qualitative part of the study, which involved the use of semi-structured interviews with the management staff at the college, to obtain their perspectives regarding training at the college. The quantitative and qualitative data indicated weaknesses in the current approach to teaching, learning and assessment, and that teaching, learning and assessment practices could become more effective by incorporating constructivist teaching, learning and assessment principles that encourage active and interactive learning. Furthermore, a lack of teacher training and a lack of practical experience among educators, as well as inadequate infrastructure and ill-equipped facilities, are major contributing factors to ineffective vocational training. The practical contribution of the study is found in the teaching and learning programme for Electrical Systems and Construction based on constructivist principles that was developed to assist educators to improve the effectiveness of vocational training. / Thesis (PhD (Learning and Teaching))--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2013

This study investigates educators' experiences in choosing material for learners in the inclusive classroom setting as clearly stated in chapter one. Chapter two explored the literature on the learning and teaching support materials and the processes involved. The definition of learning and teaching support materials was explored. The kinds, importance and role of learning and teaching support, were discussed and the role is seen as a vehicle which enhances the awareness for expression and opportunities to capture evidence of learners knowledge. Guidelines to consider in the process of selecting learning and teaching support materials and the utilization thereof, as well as the funding of learning and teaching support materials received attention. This chapter further explored the inclusive classroom where inclusion is defined; the nature of inclusive classroom was discussed. The benefits and the criticism of inclusive classroom settings were also explored. In chapter three, the empirical research design used in the study is discussed. Focus group interviews in qualitative study were used to explore educators' experiences in choosing learning and teaching support material in inclusive classroom settings. Chapter four highlighted the research methods used to investigate the problems of this study. The application of the focus interview was explained in detail because the focus group was used for the collection of data which was analysed and interpreted. The data revealed that educators experience a number of difficulties in choosing learning and teaching support materials for learners in inclusive classroom settings. The last chapter concludes the study with recommendations on the way to assist educators in choosing materials for learners in the inclusive classroom setting. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2008.

Within the context of foreign language learning, very little research has examined how learners process second language (L2) words in terms of which variables best predict their processing speed and which mechanisms best characterize bilingual lexical processing. The present study set out to address this gap by using a range of learner and lexical variables (such as vocabulary size, word length, and age of acquisition) as points of reference against which to identify the best predictors of children’s and adults' L2 lexical processing, and by comparing response latencies across stimulus conditions so as to identify the processing pattern specific to each age group. Thirty-nine primary-aged and 94 university-level Chinese learners of English performed a picture-naming task in English and then in Chinese, and then completed a Chinese-to-English task. The researcher analyzed and estimated how those learner and lexical variables predicted the recorded response latencies by means of multiple regression and structural equation modeling, and made cross-stimulus-condition comparisons with the use of analysis of variance. The results suggested that different aspects of vocabulary knowledge contributed significantly to predicting children's and adults' processing speed, and that shorter processing time was significantly and directly predicted by the younger age at which an L2 word was learned and its higher degree of word typicality. Both lexical association and conceptual mediation were present in L2 lexical processing irrespective of learners' age but in general the later an L2 word is learned, the greater the likelihood that the word is lexically accessed and processed. These results illustrate the crucial role that language experiences and conceptual structures play in influencing the ease or difficulty with which L2 lexical items are retrieved, and reflect the complexities and dynamics involved in processing bilingual lexicons. These findings will be discussed within the context of the role of research and theory in developing evidence-based pedagogical practice with a specific reference to vocabulary acquisition in children and adults learning foreign languages within input-limited contexts.

in English The thesis focuses on trainee teachers with specific learning disabilities. Its aim is to map their university study and teaching practice. The research part is supplemented with a short survey showing public opinion on teachers with learning disabilities. The thesis is based on empirical research of qualitative nature with quantitative information. Data were obtained from semi structured interviews with students of teaching with specific learning disabilities and from the questionnaire conducted which the public. Another analysis (qualitative and quantitative) and an interpretation of the data followed. All the findings were then compared with the data fixed in literature. The written work consists of three major parts. The theoretical part is predominantly based on abroad scientific sources of information about people with dyslexia studying at a university and employed. The second part of the thesis describes the methodology of the research and the analysis of the data. The two most important results of the research are represented by a number of features which describe a trainee teacher with specific learning disabilities, and the public opinion on such a person. The third part of the thesis discusses and summarizes similarities and differences of the research and a relevant...

Esta pesquisa aborda a aprendizagem da linguagem cartográfica mediada pelo processo de desenvolvimento de recursos didáticos táteis, com as contribuições da perspectiva sócio histórica. O recorte teórico sobre linguagem e cartografia escolar e tátil buscou embasar as discussões sobre o ensino de geografia a partir da dialogia na mediação pedagógica e ressaltar a importância do domínio da linguagem cartográfica. O processo de desenvolvimento de materiais táteis como mediação na aprendizagem foi analisado a partir da realização de duas oficinas em cartografia tátil e entrevistas. Objetivando-se valorizar a pesquisa educacional qualitativa e as reflexões do professor sobre sua prática, a metodologia da pesquisa-ação serviu à coleta de dados, como elementos colaborativos e narrativos enquanto aspectos fundamentais. Discutiu-se com professores o processo cartográfico como mediador da aprendizagem da linguagem cartográfica frente aos desafios encontrados para o ensino de geografia e para um uso social da linguagem cartográfica, verificando-se possibilidades e mudanças no discurso e nas práticas pedagógicas. Acreditase que os professores possam ser atores educacionais e produtores de seu instrumental de trabalho, com subsídios teóricos e metodológicos para o planejamento de atividades, e que seja também um processo significativo o ato de mapear o seu trabalho docente. / This research addresses the learning of the cartographic language mediated by the process of tactile didactic resources development, with the contributions of socio-historic perspective. The theoretical framework of language and tactile school cartographic sought to base discussions on the teaching of geography from the dialogues within the pedagogical mediation, enhancing the importance of cartographic language and its knowledge. The process of tactile materials development as mediation in learning was analyzed in view of two workshops offered about tactile maps to teachers and the interviews with them. Aiming to enhance the qualitative educational research and teachers reflections on their practice, the methodology based on action -research was used to collect data, such as collaborative and narrative elements as fundamental aspects. The mapping process was discussed with teachers as a mediator of learning the cartographic language, facing the challenges found in geography teaching. Also having in mind a social use of the cartographic language and considering the possibilities and changes in discourse as well the pedagogical practices. The author argues that teachers can be educational actors and producers of their work and resources, with theoretical and methodological basis for the activities planning, and having the act of mapping as significant process.

Este trabalho apresenta os resultados de uma pesquisa realizada no âmbito do PIBID-Física da USP entre os anos de 2014 e 2015. Trata-se de uma observação participante que teve o objetivo principal de identificar o que quatro licenciandos pensavam em relação à motivação dos alunos. De que forma eles levam em conta essa questão? Além disso, identificamos suas crenças sobre ensino e aprendizagem, procurando indícios de uma evolução nessas crenças durante o período em que eles participaram do grupo assim como se há relação entre elas. Nosso trabalho de observação buscou acompanhar todas as reuniões de grupo realizadas no período, gravando o áudio de cada uma delas. Utilizamos como dados suas declarações diretas, relatórios, análises e discussões ocorridas ao longo dessas reuniões. Também realizamos uma entrevista semiestruturada com cada um dos sujeitos. Através dos resultados concluímos que há relação entre as suas crenças de ensino e aprendizagem com as motivacionais. O nível de desafio oferecido pelo contexto onde os licenciandos desenvolvem sua prática é um ponto importante para a evolução de suas crenças, assim como a reflexão do trabalho desenvolvido pelos licenciandos ao longo das reuniões. Ademais os professores supervisores têm papel importante em relação a essa evolução, assim como as disciplinas cursadas pelos licenciandos. / This paper presents the results of a research carried out within the framework of the PIBID-Physics of USP between the years 2014 and 2015. It is a participant observation that had the main objective of identifying what four licensees thought about the motivation of the students . How do they take this issue into account? In addition, we identify their beliefs about teaching and learning, looking for evidence of an evolution in these beliefs during the period in which they participated in the group as well as whether there is a relationship between them. We use as data your direct statements, reports, analyzes and discussions that have occurred throughout the meetings of the group. We also conducted a semi-structured interview with each of the subjects. Through the results, we conclude that there is a relationship between their teaching and learning beliefs and their motivational beliefs. Supervisory teachers have an important role in relation to evolution, as do the courses taught by the licenciandos.