For future generations to maximise their capability to operate within technologically driven economies, it is critical to foster computer abilities at every level of the schooling process. Teachers are central to this process. Yet, for many teachers, the need to integrate computer use in their teaching is threatening and overwhelming. This thesis argues that, given the rapid rate of technological change, skills-based approaches to computer education inadequately prepare teachers for a career of continued technological change. Effective computer education for teachers requires more than skills training. It involves changes in attitudes, values and beliefs that provide confidence for ongoing learning. Furthermore, it involves learning to adapt to change, to be flexible, intuitive and above all persistent. It requires the fostering of teachers who know how to be self-directed and independent in their computer learning, rather than those dependent on structured routines or guidelines. This thesis is the ‘story’ of an action research initiative underpinned by a belief in the importance of approaches to computer education which foster lifelong computer learning. It traces the journey of a reflexive process of change and iterative development in the teaching of an educational information technology (computer) unit to pre-service teacher education students. Over a period of three years (1999-2001) I pursued a central research question, namely: How can I develop my teaching practice to better facilitate the development of capable computer users? The research explores the distinction between a ‘competent’ and a ‘capable’ computer user and trials a range of teaching and learning approaches that aim to facilitate the development of capable computer users.From this constructivist research and teaching process a multidimensional approach to computer education emerged, founded on metacognition and reflection. This approach is demonstrated to offer many advantages over a skills-focused approach. This thesis maps the complexity of the computer learning and teaching context, arguing that simplistic approaches to teaching will produce narrow and limited learning outcomes. Rather, a holistic approach is proposed, one that moves beyond the development of computer competency toward a longer term vision of facilitating computer capability. It is argued that the role of the computer ‘teacher’ is to foster reflective awareness and develop a learning environment that can assist computer learners to become comfortable existing on the ‘edge of chaos’.This research supports previous studies which indicate the important role of computer self efficacy and the influence of factors such as perceived usefulness, anxiety, support and frequency and duration of use. However, the research also documents the unpredictable influence of these factors on individuals’ resultant approach to computers and challenges dichotomous interpretations of such factors. Appropriate attribution is also shown to be a major influence on computer capability, as are factors such as help-seeking, motivation and goal-setting, although again, these influences are non-linear. It is argued that computer capability cannot be ‘taught’ but, rather, computer educators should look to creating environments where its emergence can be facilitated. The metacognitive computer learning context developed and explored through this research is one such approach.

Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

The purpose of this study has been to compare the present with the future syllabus of mathematics. With a text analytical approach has questions about how the structure is different, how the look at knowledge has changed and which learning theory that characterizes the two syllabus been answered. As a theoretical framework I adopt three different learning theories, behaviourism, cognitivism and the socio-cultural perspective. The pervious research I have looked at is the concept of knowledge an the underlying theories to previous curriculum. During the increase results in the greatest difference seen in the structure. The next syllabus structure is based on one level as opposed to before when it was built on two levels of objectives, which makes the upcoming syllabus clearer and more concrete than the current syllabus in mathematics.

Recent researches on campus learning environments present that there is a seeking for alternative learning spaces among students. Researches argue that more learning is taking place outside of class time than ever before. With an increased emphasis on collaboration and group projects, students are learning in small groups outside of the classrooms as they accomplish work related to their courses. Literature defines these experiences as &lsquo / informal learning&rsquo / . Therewithal, campus open spaces are one of the major areas where students prefer for their informal learning experiences. This thesis aims to search the influence of campus open space design on students&rsquo / learning experiences. Additionally, it argues that there is a strong relation between the learning and the space where learning action occurs. In doing this, it both covers a theoretical framework and a case study. Within the theoretical part, it discusses various learning theories with respect to the prominent principles for each theory. It reveals learning space design indicators which affects learning both in indoor and outdoor learning environments. In the case study, with the analysis of different sample areas from METU campus, the study both investigates the learning experiences actualized on campus open spaces and the triggering design indicators which enhance these experiences.

This essay discusses if teaching English literature in high school classes, in accordance with the socio-cultural learning theory, can be considered to promote language learning substantially better than teaching English literature in accordance with the transmission theory. This essay also investigates and compares how well teaching English literature, in accordance with each of these two learning theories, fulfills stipulations in the Swedish National Curriculum for high school courses English 5, 6 and 7. In order to show differences between the socio-cultural learning theory and the transmission theory there are presentations and discussions of different teaching strategies and learning tasks/exercises in accordance with each of these two learning theories. The base for argumentation in this essay is constituted by analytical and theoretical studies of teaching English literature in accordance with the socio-cultural learning theory and in accordance with the transmission theory. There are also theoretical studies of the Swedish National Curriculum (of high school courses English 5, 6 and 7) and previous empirical research and studies (which include teaching and/or language learning and the socio-cultural learning theory). This essay also includes a presentation and discussion of advantages and disadvantages for each learning theory.

Worldwide the teaching and learning of mathematics pose a great challenge to mathematics teachers as learners' performance in the subject leaves much to be desired. This is particularly the case in South Africa where there was a great disparity in the development of teachers in the past. Extensive research has shown that many teachers in South Africa are under-qualified, especially in the teaching of mathematics at secondary schools. Those who are regarded as well qualified for teaching mathematics at secondary schools still experience problems in teaching certain sections of the syllabus, for example geometry, which is not offered at tertiary institutions. It is for this reason that the researcher, together with colleagues at an experimental school, joined forces to share the teaching of mathematics in what they referred to as "collaborative teaching". This work therefore involves a case study, which resulted after three teachers successfully achieved good matric results on employing this approach between 1993 and 1996. The study is based on an experimental design where both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The aim of the study was to measure the extent to which collaboration between teachers affects the learning of mathematics in Grades 12. Two schools, the experimental school and a control school were involved. Learners from the experimental school were taught according to a collaborative approach whereas learners at the control school were taught conventionally (one teacher teaching all sections alone). This happened over a period of six months in 2001. Learners who were taught collaboratively outperformed those who were taught conventionally especially in the most problematic areas of the syllabus, namely geometry and trigonometry. The teachers who were involved in this approach, that is, collaborators, loved it to the extent that one of them applied it in another school where it improved their Grade 12 results tremendously. Learners who were taught according to this approach greatly appreciated it and wished they had been taught the same way in other subjects. This approach did not, however, significantly influence learners in their problem solving and information processing skills. In addition, one of the most serious limitations of this approach is to find a substitute for a teacher who leaves the team. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

This thesis reports on a study designed to understand how learning theories fit in the practice of educational developers; specifically, developers’ conceptions of learning theories, their use of theories, and, finally, factors that influence the way learning theories shape developers’ practice. To investigate these questions, a qualitative study was undertaken with eleven Canadian university educational developers, all formally associated with a campus-wide teaching and learning centre. By taking an exploratory approach, while drawing upon learning theories and educational development literature, aspects of educational developers’ understanding and use of learning theories were highlighted. The findings showed that educational developers in this study: (i) conceptualize learning theories as lowercase ‘lt’ as opposed to uppercase ‘LT’, and (ii) define learning theories based on their prior disciplines. These practitioners didn’t associate learning theories with formal academic theories aimed at understanding a situation; instead they had formed their own synthesis of theories to help them perceive the characteristics of a particular situation. Also, the way the participants defined and conceptualized learning theories seemed to correspond to their prior disciplines and areas of study. Five definitions of learning theories were identified among educational developers: philosophy, language, educational-psychology, holistic, and neuroscience-based. In terms of how theories shape developers’ work, developers were categorized in three groups: (1) those who had a tendency to implicitly use learning theories –focusing more on practical explorations for achieving a desired outcome (seven in total); (2) developers who had a tendency to consciously use learning theories – taking more of a comprehensive approach by examining their assumptions and focusing on causes and effects that influence their practice (three in total); and, (3) one developer who had characteristics of both groups. Factors such as educational background, professional identities, and perceived audience readiness appeared to influence participants’ uses of learning theories. Seeing their work as part of a collective, and attending to the emotional needs of their audience also seemed to impact these practitioners’ work. Considering the limited research examining how educational developers conceptualize learning theories and the way theories inform their practice, this study contributes in generating discussions and future research in a community that continues to grow and situate itself within the higher education landscape.

Worldwide the teaching and learning of mathematics pose a great challenge to mathematics teachers as learners' performance in the subject leaves much to be desired. This is particularly the case in South Africa where there was a great disparity in the development of teachers in the past. Extensive research has shown that many teachers in South Africa are under-qualified, especially in the teaching of mathematics at secondary schools. Those who are regarded as well qualified for teaching mathematics at secondary schools still experience problems in teaching certain sections of the syllabus, for example geometry, which is not offered at tertiary institutions. It is for this reason that the researcher, together with colleagues at an experimental school, joined forces to share the teaching of mathematics in what they referred to as "collaborative teaching". This work therefore involves a case study, which resulted after three teachers successfully achieved good matric results on employing this approach between 1993 and 1996. The study is based on an experimental design where both quantitative and qualitative methods were used. The aim of the study was to measure the extent to which collaboration between teachers affects the learning of mathematics in Grades 12. Two schools, the experimental school and a control school were involved. Learners from the experimental school were taught according to a collaborative approach whereas learners at the control school were taught conventionally (one teacher teaching all sections alone). This happened over a period of six months in 2001. Learners who were taught collaboratively outperformed those who were taught conventionally especially in the most problematic areas of the syllabus, namely geometry and trigonometry. The teachers who were involved in this approach, that is, collaborators, loved it to the extent that one of them applied it in another school where it improved their Grade 12 results tremendously. Learners who were taught according to this approach greatly appreciated it and wished they had been taught the same way in other subjects. This approach did not, however, significantly influence learners in their problem solving and information processing skills. In addition, one of the most serious limitations of this approach is to find a substitute for a teacher who leaves the team. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

School and learning readiness are continually being placed under the spotlight in an attempt to protect the grade 1 learner from possible learning failures, since unsuccessful learning experiences have negative effects even on a person's adult life. A factor that plays a significant role in the current teaching situation in the RSA is the fact that many grade 1 leamers are not instructed in their mother tongue and that they are not familiar with the concepts which are used in the language of learning and teaching. Another important factor is the fact that since 2004 learners may enrol as grade 1 learners at primary schools if they are five and a half years old and did not attend a grade R class. In this study the problems experienced by grade 1 leamers in primary schools since the implementation of Outcomes-based Education in the RSA in 1998, were determined by means of a pilot study. It was followed up by a literature study on the brain and factors that influence the working of the brain among young learners, as well as learning and factors that cannot only promote learning among this age group, but also disadvantage it. The literature was also consulted to look at stimulation of the child's development in the early development stage (0-9 years). As cross control for the study, the influence of the implementation of the RNCS was determined by means of a Likert-type questionnaire that was sent to grade1 teachers. As a result of factors that were identified from the above-named literature study and from the information acquired from the pilot project and Likert-type questionnaire, a conceptual stimulation programme for multicultural grade 1 classes was developed to provide in the shortcomings that currently occur among grade 1 learners. The Aptitude Test for School beginners (ASB), a standarised school readiness test of the HSRC, was used as a measuring instrument to acquire a differentiated image in a scientific way of the grade 1 learners (n = 39) for the purpose of this study. Thereafter, the learners were divided into an experimental and a control group. The conceptual stimulation programme was presented to the experimental group for ten consecutive weeks. The AS6 test was then conducted again with all the grade 1 learners involved. Both the first and final tests were marked according to the prescribed marking keys, interpreted according to the norm tables and statistically processed. The pre and post test scores of the two groups were compared and the experimental group improved in all 8 sections of the test battery, namely perception, spatial, reasoning, numerical, Gestalt, co-ordination , memory and verbal comprehension. In each of these categories there was an increase of d = 0.5 and more which according to Cohen's d-values, can be regarded as practically meaningful. The above-mentioned results indicate that the effective presentation of a conceptual stimulation programme to a group of multicultural grade 1 learners provides positive results and that the didactical methods used during the presentation can be recommended to grade 1 teachers in the current multicultural schools in the RSA. The programme can serve as a prototype to adress the shortcomings identified in the practise (questionnaires) and the literature study. Keywords for indexing are: stimulation programme, schoolreadiness, schoolreadiness programme, cognitive development, learning theories, conceptual learning, brain development. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2006.

Die doel met hierdie navorsing was om ‘n analise van die selfgereguleerde leervaardighede van leerders in die BEd Honneurs Oopafstandsleerprogram te doen en ‘n onderrigmodel daar te stel om genoemde vaardighede te verbeter. Om hierdie doel te bereik is ‘n literatuurstudie onderneem ten einde a) leer te omskryf volgens die behavioristiese, sosiaal–kognitiewe, inligtingverwerkings, konstruktiwistiese teorieë en volwasse leerteorieë; b) selfgereguleerde leer te omskryf vanuit die behaviouristiese, fenomenologiese, Vygotskiaanse, kognitief–konstruktivistiese en sosiaal–kognitiewe beskouinge, met die klem op laasgenoemde beskouing en c) afstandsleer en die vereistes wat afstandsleer en selfgereguleerde leer aan afstandsleerders stel, te beskryf. Vanuit literatuur is bepaal dat effektiewe leer gedefinieer word vanuit die navorser se oriëntasie tot leer sowel as die aard van leer in ‘n spesifieke konteks. Die verskillende leerteorieë beklemtoon verskillende aspekte van leer en hou verskillende implikasies in vir programontwerp, rolle van onderriggewers, leermetodes en assessering. Verder dui literatuur op ‘n positiewe verband tussen selfgereguleerde leer en akademiese prestasie. Terselfdertyd dui bestaande literatuur daarop dat suksesvolle afstandsleerders selfregulerend moet kan leer en dus oor sodanige vaardighede moet beskik. Die navorsingspopulasie het bestaan uit BEd Honneurs oopafstandsleerders van Noordwes–Universiteit asook fleksieleerders van die Noordwes–Universiteit, Potchefstroomkampus wat alreeds eksamen afgelê het in die Leerperspektiewe module. Die teikengroep het bestaan uit leerders wat reeds vroeër eksamen afgelê het in die module LEON 611 en tydens kontaksessies in 2010 by spesifieke kontaksentrums en vakansieskole bygewoon en die vraelyste voltooi het (n=264). ‘n Multi–metode ontwerp is geïmplementeer waar ‘n kombinasie van kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe navorsing aangewend is om die navorsingsprobleem beter te verstaan. Kwantitatiewe data is ingesamel aan die hand van vier vraelyste waarná aanvullende kwalitatiewe data–insameling met semi–gestruktureerde onderhoude gevolg het. Kwantitatiewe navorsing het geskied aan die hand van ‘n ex post facto–benadering en data is statisties ontleed deur middel van a) faktoranalise, b) meervoudige regressie–analise, c) stapsgewyse regressie–analise en d) effekgroottes. Kwalitatiewe data is met behulp van ATLAS.ti.6.0 - ‘n rekenaarondersteunde stelsel, ontleed. Resultate van die ondersoek dui daarop dat deelnemers nie voldoen aan al die vereistes vir effektiewe afstandsleer nie. Bereiking van leerdoelwitte is in ‘n groot mate afhanklik van die steun van onderriggewers en porture. Hul beskik nie oor inligtingstegnologiese vaardighede nie en kan nie effektief leer waar nie–moedertaalonderrig ter sprake is nie. In teenstelling met bestaande literatuur dui kwantitatiewe en kwalitatiewe resultate op ‘n lae verband bestaan tussen afstandsleerders se selfgereguleerde leervaardighed en hul akademiese prestasie. Deelnemers maak selde gebruik van selfgereguleerde leervaardighede soos ter sprake tydens die voorafdenkfase maar meer tydens die wilsbeheer– en selfreaksiefases. ‘n Model is ontwikkel vir die verbetering van selfgereguleerde leervaardighede van oopafstandsleerders, inbegrepe deurlopende ontwikkeling van akademiese taalvaardigheid en inligtingstegnologiese vaardighede. Aanpassings in studiemateriaal en verandering van onderrigstrategieë en terugvoer is belangrike aspekte van die model. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.