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  • About
  • The Global ETD Search service is a free service for researchers to find electronic theses and dissertations. This service is provided by the Networked Digital Library of Theses and Dissertations.
    Our metadata is collected from universities around the world. If you manage a university/consortium/country archive and want to be added, details can be found on the NDLTD website.
91

The effectiveness of applying conceptual development teaching strategies to Newton's second law of motion / Carel Hendrik Meyer

Meyer, Carel Hendrik January 2014 (has links)
School science education prepares learners to study science at a higher level, prepares them to follow a career in science and to become scientific literate citizens. It is the responsibility of the educator to ensure the learners’ conceptual framework is developed to the extent that secures success at higher level studies. The purpose of this study was to test the effectiveness of conceptual change teaching strategies on the conceptual development of grade 11 learners on Newton’s second law of motion. The two strategies employed were the cognitive conflict strategy and the development of ideas strategy. A sequential explanatory mixed-method research design was used during this study. The qualitative data were used to elucidate the quantitative findings. The quantitative research consisted of a quasi-experimental design consisting of a single-group pre-test–post-test method. During the qualitative part of the research a phenomenological research approach was utilised to gain a better understanding of participants’ learning experiences during the intervention. The quantitative research made use of an adapted version of the Force Concept Inventory (FCI). The data collected from the pre-test were used to inform the intervention. The intervention was videotaped and the video analysis or qualitative data analysis was done. After the intervention the post-test was written by the learners. Hake’s average normalised learning gain <g> from pre- to post-scores was analysed to establish the effectiveness of the intervention. The two sets of results (quantitative and qualitative) were integrated. Information from the qualitative data analysis was used to support and explain the quantitative data. The quantitative results indicate that there was an improvement in the students’ force conception from their initial alternative conceptions, such as that of an internal force. Especially the learners’ understanding of contact forces and Newton’s first law of motion yielded significant improvement. The qualitative data revealed that the understanding of Newton’s second law of motion by the learners who partook in this study did improve, since the learners immediately recognised the mistakes made when confronted with the anchor concept. The cognitive conflict teaching strategy was effective in establishing the anchor concept of force which proved to be useful as bridging concept in the development of ideas teaching strategy. The data from both datasets revealed that the cognitive conflict teaching strategy for the initial part of the intervention was effective. It was evident that for development of the idea teaching strategy the two data sets revealed mixed results. Recommendations were made for future research and implementation of conceptual development teaching strategies. / MEd (Natural Sciences Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
92

The social inclusion of learners with visual impairment in a mainstream secondary school in Namibia

Human, Lizl 03 1900 (has links)
According to Hatlen (2004), most learners with disabilities in an inclusive educational setting are socially isolated. This statement contributed to the research question of this study, how do learners with visual impairment experience the social aspects of their inclusion in a Namibian mainstream secondary school? The aim of this study was to design a case study to analyse and describe data collected from learners with visual impairment and other participants to determine how they are socially included in a mainstream setting. A qualitative research methodology was used, which included purposive sampling to select participants. The researcher functioned in an interpretive/constructivist paradigm. It was found that the learners with disabilities and the able-bodied learners do not truly mix, however, the learners with disabilities are content in the mainstream school and they prefer it. / Om aan 'n groep te behoort en sosiaal ingesluit te voel is 'n basiese menslike behoefte - dit is net so belangrik soos die basiese behoeftes van kos en veiligheid. Sosiale inklusie kan as een van die kritiese elemente beskou word wat onderskei tussen mense wat ongesteld is en mense wat gesond is. Betekenisvolle verhoudings dra by tot self-aktualisering. Lae sosiale inklusie beteken vir leerders eensaamheid en swak aanvaarding deur portuurgroepe. Sosiale inklusie is van groot belang vir kinders se ontwikkeling. Navorsing het bevind dat inklusiewe hoofstroomskole die effektiefste manier is om diskriminasie te beveg en sosiale insluiting te bevorder. Hatlen (2004) is van mening dat die groter meerderheid van leerders met gestremdhede in 'n hoofstroomskool sosiaal gei soleerd is. Die doel van hierdie kwalitatiewe studie was om leerders met gestremdhede se persepsie van hulle eie sosiale aanvaarding binne 'n inklusiewe hoofstroom sekondere skool te ondersoek. Die navorser het binne 'n interpretatiewe/konstruktivistiese paradigma gewerk. 'n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodologie is gevolg en het die volgende ingesluit: doelbewuste seleksie om te bepaal wie die deelnemers sou wees; onderhoude, observasie, dokumente en refleksies om data te genereer; en inhoudsanalise om die data te analiseer. Navorsingsbevindinge dui aan dat leerders met gestremdhede vir jare afgesonder was van die res van die samelewing deur hierdie leerders in spesiale skole te plaas. Dit het veroorsaak dat mense vervreemd van mekaar is en het 'n skeiding tussen 'ons' en 'hulle' veroorsaak. Die bevindinge van hierdie studie beklemtoon die belangrikheid van bewusmaking tussen leerders met gestremdhede en leerders sonder gestremdhede. Daar kom wel afknouery voor op die skoolgronde en ware vriendskappe tussen leerders met gestremdhede en leerders sonder gestremdhede vind nie in die ware sin van die woord plaas nie. Hierdie leerders is egter tevrede en verkies steeds om in 'n hoofstroomskool te wees. Inklusiewe onderwys is nog 'n nuwe konsep en in die ontwikkelingsfase in Namibie, terwyl die leerders nog onbekend is met inklusie, asook met mekaar. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (with specialisation in Guidance and Counselling)
93

Onderwysersopleiding vir uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwys in Suid-Afrika

Dreyer, Johannes Machiel 11 1900 (has links)
Summaries in English and Afrikaans / This study was undertaken because of the realisation that a new approach to teacher education will have to be followed if teachers are to be empowered to teach within the framework of the new educational dispensation, Curriculum 2005. Because such a change implies a new curriculumfor teacher training there is a need for research on how providers will have to adapttheir training approach and curriculum to meet the challeng.es of Curriculum 2005. In this study the development of a model for outcomes-based learning programme design is undertaken. To achieve this: outcomes-based education systems in the USA, Australie, New Zealand, Canada and England are investigated; he unique model of outcomes-based education that is being implemented in Soutr Africa is described and explained; requirements for the training of teachers in the context of outcomes-based education and Curriculum 2005 are identified and described; a model for outcomes-based learning programme design is developed to serve as a possible framework for the design of learning programmes for teaeher education for outcomes-based education in South-Africa. The study shows that outcomes-based teacher education has received only scant attention in the rest of the world. It is also shown that the design of learning programmes for outcomes-based education requires a somewhat different approach than traditional curriculum design, where content play such a dominant role. A model for outcomes-based teacher.education is suggested to facilitate the development of such programmes. It is hoped that the model will be of use and that it will contribute to sensible learning programmes which will empower teachers to function successfully in an outcomes-based education system. / Hierdie studie het ontstaan uit die besef dat 'n nuwe benadering tot onderwysersopleiding gevolg sal moet word as onderwysers in staat gestel moet word om die nuwe kurrikulum, Kurrikulum 2005, op uitkomste- gebaseerde wyse in die praktyk te fasiliteer. Omdat so 'n verandering 'n nuwe kurrikulum impliseer is daar 'n behoefte aan navorsing om te bepaal hoe onderwysersopleidingsinstansies hul opleidingsbenadering en-kurrikulum moet aanpas om aan die eise van die nuwe kurrikulum en die nuwe onderrigrnodel in Suid-Afrika te voldoen. In hierdie studie is daar gepoog om 'n model vir uitkomste-gebaseerde leerprogramontwerp, vir die·opleiding van Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysers te ontwikkel. Om dit te kon regkry is: 'n ondersoek geloods na uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrigstelsels in die VSA, Australie, Nieu-Zeeland, Kanada en Engeland; die ontstaan en ontwikkeiing van die unieke model van uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrig wat tans in Suid-Afrika geimplementeer word, beskryf en verklaar; vereistes vir die opleiding van onderwysers geidentifiseer en beskryf binne die konteks van 'n uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrigrnodel en Kurrikulum 2005; 'n model vir uitkomste-gebaseerde leerprogram ontwikkel wat as moontlike raamwerk kan dien vir die ontwerp van leerprogramme vir opleiding van onderwysers vir uitkomste-gebaseetde onderrig in Suid-Afrika. Hierdie studie toon aan dat uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwysersopleiding nog weinig aandag geniet het in die res van die wereld. Daar word ook aangetoon dat die ontwerp van leerprogramme vir uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwysersopleiding 'n ietwat ander benadering vereis as wat gegeld het in tradisionele kurrikulumontwerp, waar inhoude so 'n dominante rol speel. 'n Model vir leerprogramontwerp vir uitkomste-gebaseerde onderwysersopleiding word voorgestel om die ontwikkeling van sodanige programme te vergemaklik. Daar word vertrou dat die model van waarde sal wees en daartoe sal meewerk dat sinvolle leer-programme antwerp sal word wat onderwysers in staat sal stel om suksesvol binne die stelsel van uitkomste-gebaseerde onderrig te funksioneer. / Teacher Education / D Ed. (Didactics)
94

Tweedimensionele stilbeelde in 'n multimediapakket in tersiêre afstandsonderrig : didaktiese riglyne

Blignaut, Ernst Philippus 11 1900 (has links)
Summaries in Afrikaans and English / The transformative mission of the White Paper on Education (1995: 19) states that the South African education system is moving towards a single, national, non-racial system where all people are offered equil opportunities. Demographic and other changes make particular demands on the education system. The HSRC (1987:54) claim that distance edcation is increasingly viewed as a possible solution for educational problems. The literature study aims to motivate, from an andragogic-didactical perspective, the use of two-dimensional silent images in study material. A literature study was also undertaken on the perception of silent images and the elements involved in the perception of depth, movement, size, colour, etc., from which certain didactic guidelines were deducted with a view to the design of silent images. The ability of distance education students to identify the elements above, was emperically researched. The validity of the didactic guidelines were verified in this phase. / Die transformatiewe missie van die Witskrif vir Onderwys (1995: 19) stel dit dat die Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysstelsel oorgaan na 'n "enkele nasionale, nie-rassige stelsel" waar daar gelyke geleenthede vir aile mense gebied word. Demografiese en ander veranderinge stel besondere eise aan die onderwysstelsel. Die RGN (1987: 54) stel dit dat afstandsonderrig al meer as 'n moontlike oplossing gesien vir die onderwysprobleme. Die literatuurstudie het dit ten doe! om die gebruik van tweedimensionele stilbeelde in studiemateriaal in die Suid-Afrikaanse situasie andragogies-didakties te fundeer. 'n Literatuurstudie oor die persepsie van stilbeelde en die elemente wat betrokke is by die persepsie van diepte, beweging, grootte, kleur, ens. is gedoen waaruit sekere didaktiese riglyne met die oog op die ontwerp van stilbeelde gestel is. Die afstandsonderrigstudente se vermoe om bogenoemde elemente waar te neem, was empiries nagevors. Die geldigheid van die didaktiese riglyne is tydens hierdie fase geveri fireer. / Educational Studies / M. Ed. (Didaktiek)
95

Die wiskundige bevoegdheid en prestasie van eerstejaar-ingenieurstudente / Leonie Ninette Labuschagne

Labuschagne, Leonie Ninette January 2013 (has links)
Basic mathematical competency seems to be lacking for engineering students starting their studies in this field. Students generally find the cognitive transition from secondary to tertiary mathematics challenging which in turn negatively influences their academic achievement in mathematics. The cognitive challenge is the transition from the application of mathematics to familiar questions to applying mathematical principles to varying practical application and problem solving. Mathematics provides the foundation for the cognitive toolset required for the development of skills required for analysing engineering systems and processes. It is therefore important to assess mathematical and cognitive competency and ability at the time of admission to a tertiary institution in order to identify and address gaps. This research demonstrates that first-year engineering students need to have a specific level of mathematical competency and cognitive ability to use mathematics within the context of engineering studies. This research attempts to connect the mathematic competency of first year engineering students to their academic results for subjects in the first year curriculum that rely heavily on mathematical competency. To satisfy the research question, the study firstly looks at relevant literature to identify the mathematical competency levels as well as the operational specification. Secondly, development theories and taxonomies were analysed to gain insight into the development processes associated with learning, cognitive development and the gap between cognitive competencies in transition from secondary to tertiary education. Further, cognitive competencies were identified that are essential for successful completion of first year engineering modules. Through synthesis of the different theories and taxonomies a framework was identified. This framework was used to analyse secondary data in order to measure mathematical and cognitive levels. Thirdly, the theoretical investigation was followed by a three-phase empirical study. A mixed quantative-qualitative (QUAN-qual) approached was followed. Phase 1 uses the assessment framework to measure first year students‟ mathematical competency at the inception of their studies as well as at the completion of their first semester. The mathematical competency at inception was measured with their Grade 12 mathematics marks and with relevant analysis of their initial bridging assessments, on a question by question basis. In addition, their first semester exams questions were analysed using the same approach as above. Phase 2 comprises the measurement of the relationship between the mathematical competency of first year enigineering students at admission and their achievement levels in selected first year subjects that required mathematical competency. Phase 3 includes the guidelines derived from the gaps and shortcomings identified. These gaps were identified in order to inform appropriate study support to first year students and to assists academic personnel with setting appropriate and dependable admission standards. The analysis of mathematical competency creates quality data that gives a clearer picture than a simple comparison of admission scores and first semester marks. The empirical study contributes to a better understanding of the problems associated with the transition from secondary to tertiary learning environments. From the study it was derived that study inception information of the students correlated only with their academic results on questions that tested mathematical and programming application. The inception information was not a predictor of mathematical achievement and results for both the lowest and highest mathematical competency levels. Futher study in this field is required to create frameworks for the measurements of both low and high levels of mathematical competency. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
96

'n Verkennende ondersoek na kennis- en praktykstandaarde vir die getalledomein in die voorbereiding van grondslagfase-onderwysers / Anja Human

Human, Anja January 2014 (has links)
The South African Department of Basic Education and Department of Higher Education and Training (2011a) made a call for the development of mathematics knowledge and practice standards in the foundation phase to serve as guidelines for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in the different higher education institutions. The purpose of the study in hand was to develop draft knowledge and practice standards in the number domain for the preparation of foundation phase teachers (referred to as mathematics knowledge and practice standards). These standards have to be refined and improved in further studies and should in the end serve as knowledge and practice standards for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa. Through a conceptual qualitative research methodology the researcher purposefully collected documents and analysed them through content analysis. The data-gathering process took place in three phases. During the first phase, policy documents with regard to general standards for teacher preparation, written school curriculum documents and mathematical standards for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa, the United States of America, Australia and the Netherlands were gathered. The second phase involved the purposeful gathering of articles, research reports and teacher preparation textbooks with regard to the preparation of foundation phase teachers to teach the number domain. During the first and second phases of data gathering, the documents were analysed according to mathematical knowledge for teaching as described by Ball, Thames and Phelps (2008) and the first draft of mathematical knowledge and practice standards was compiled. During the third data-gathering phase, critical evaluation reports were gathered from experts in the field of mathematics education (including researchers at universities and practising foundation phase teachers). The critical evaluation includes gaps/shortcomings in the draft mathematics knowledge and practice standards, as well as comments with regard to the clarity, applicability and functionality of the document. The draft mathematics knowledge and practice standards (MKPSs) for the preparation of foundation phase teachers include: Standard 1: Common content knowledge – The foundation phase teacher has a clear understanding of the common content knowledge of the number domain. Standard 2: Specialised content knowledge – The foundation phase teacher has a clear understanding of the specialised content of the number domain. Standard 3: Knowledge at the mathematical horizon – The foundation phase teacher understands how mathematical themes in the number domain relate to other themes in the different foundation phase year groups and in other phases. Standard 4: Knowledge of content and teaching – The foundation phase teacher is able to plan lessons and knows how to teach the number domain. Standard 5: Knowledge of content and learners – The foundation phase teacher knows the foundation phase learners and knows how they learn the number domain. Standard 6: Knowledge of content and the curriculum – The foundation phase teacher understands the South African school curriculum, as well as international trends in the school curriculum concerning the number domain. Those experts in the field of mathematics education in the foundation phase who participated in the study all indicated that the mathematics knowledge and practice standards in the number domain have the potential to boost the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
97

Die wiskundige bevoegdheid en prestasie van eerstejaar-ingenieurstudente / Leonie Ninette Labuschagne

Labuschagne, Leonie Ninette January 2013 (has links)
Basic mathematical competency seems to be lacking for engineering students starting their studies in this field. Students generally find the cognitive transition from secondary to tertiary mathematics challenging which in turn negatively influences their academic achievement in mathematics. The cognitive challenge is the transition from the application of mathematics to familiar questions to applying mathematical principles to varying practical application and problem solving. Mathematics provides the foundation for the cognitive toolset required for the development of skills required for analysing engineering systems and processes. It is therefore important to assess mathematical and cognitive competency and ability at the time of admission to a tertiary institution in order to identify and address gaps. This research demonstrates that first-year engineering students need to have a specific level of mathematical competency and cognitive ability to use mathematics within the context of engineering studies. This research attempts to connect the mathematic competency of first year engineering students to their academic results for subjects in the first year curriculum that rely heavily on mathematical competency. To satisfy the research question, the study firstly looks at relevant literature to identify the mathematical competency levels as well as the operational specification. Secondly, development theories and taxonomies were analysed to gain insight into the development processes associated with learning, cognitive development and the gap between cognitive competencies in transition from secondary to tertiary education. Further, cognitive competencies were identified that are essential for successful completion of first year engineering modules. Through synthesis of the different theories and taxonomies a framework was identified. This framework was used to analyse secondary data in order to measure mathematical and cognitive levels. Thirdly, the theoretical investigation was followed by a three-phase empirical study. A mixed quantative-qualitative (QUAN-qual) approached was followed. Phase 1 uses the assessment framework to measure first year students‟ mathematical competency at the inception of their studies as well as at the completion of their first semester. The mathematical competency at inception was measured with their Grade 12 mathematics marks and with relevant analysis of their initial bridging assessments, on a question by question basis. In addition, their first semester exams questions were analysed using the same approach as above. Phase 2 comprises the measurement of the relationship between the mathematical competency of first year enigineering students at admission and their achievement levels in selected first year subjects that required mathematical competency. Phase 3 includes the guidelines derived from the gaps and shortcomings identified. These gaps were identified in order to inform appropriate study support to first year students and to assists academic personnel with setting appropriate and dependable admission standards. The analysis of mathematical competency creates quality data that gives a clearer picture than a simple comparison of admission scores and first semester marks. The empirical study contributes to a better understanding of the problems associated with the transition from secondary to tertiary learning environments. From the study it was derived that study inception information of the students correlated only with their academic results on questions that tested mathematical and programming application. The inception information was not a predictor of mathematical achievement and results for both the lowest and highest mathematical competency levels. Futher study in this field is required to create frameworks for the measurements of both low and high levels of mathematical competency. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
98

'n Verkennende ondersoek na kennis- en praktykstandaarde vir die getalledomein in die voorbereiding van grondslagfase-onderwysers / Anja Human

Human, Anja January 2014 (has links)
The South African Department of Basic Education and Department of Higher Education and Training (2011a) made a call for the development of mathematics knowledge and practice standards in the foundation phase to serve as guidelines for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in the different higher education institutions. The purpose of the study in hand was to develop draft knowledge and practice standards in the number domain for the preparation of foundation phase teachers (referred to as mathematics knowledge and practice standards). These standards have to be refined and improved in further studies and should in the end serve as knowledge and practice standards for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa. Through a conceptual qualitative research methodology the researcher purposefully collected documents and analysed them through content analysis. The data-gathering process took place in three phases. During the first phase, policy documents with regard to general standards for teacher preparation, written school curriculum documents and mathematical standards for the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa, the United States of America, Australia and the Netherlands were gathered. The second phase involved the purposeful gathering of articles, research reports and teacher preparation textbooks with regard to the preparation of foundation phase teachers to teach the number domain. During the first and second phases of data gathering, the documents were analysed according to mathematical knowledge for teaching as described by Ball, Thames and Phelps (2008) and the first draft of mathematical knowledge and practice standards was compiled. During the third data-gathering phase, critical evaluation reports were gathered from experts in the field of mathematics education (including researchers at universities and practising foundation phase teachers). The critical evaluation includes gaps/shortcomings in the draft mathematics knowledge and practice standards, as well as comments with regard to the clarity, applicability and functionality of the document. The draft mathematics knowledge and practice standards (MKPSs) for the preparation of foundation phase teachers include: Standard 1: Common content knowledge – The foundation phase teacher has a clear understanding of the common content knowledge of the number domain. Standard 2: Specialised content knowledge – The foundation phase teacher has a clear understanding of the specialised content of the number domain. Standard 3: Knowledge at the mathematical horizon – The foundation phase teacher understands how mathematical themes in the number domain relate to other themes in the different foundation phase year groups and in other phases. Standard 4: Knowledge of content and teaching – The foundation phase teacher is able to plan lessons and knows how to teach the number domain. Standard 5: Knowledge of content and learners – The foundation phase teacher knows the foundation phase learners and knows how they learn the number domain. Standard 6: Knowledge of content and the curriculum – The foundation phase teacher understands the South African school curriculum, as well as international trends in the school curriculum concerning the number domain. Those experts in the field of mathematics education in the foundation phase who participated in the study all indicated that the mathematics knowledge and practice standards in the number domain have the potential to boost the preparation of foundation phase teachers in South Africa. / MEd (Mathematics Education), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2014
99

Teacher knowledge and implementation of phonological awareness in Grade R / Elsabé Wessels.

Wessels, Elsabé January 2011 (has links)
South Africa’s current performance on national and international studies is an indication that all is not well with our literacy teaching. In spite of the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement Grade R-9, illiteracy is currently a serious problem in South Africa. Current international and national documents call for direct, explicit, systematic teaching of reading and language concepts to beginning readers. The five principal components of reading instruction, namely phoneme awareness; phonics; word study and spelling; reading fluency; and text comprehension encompass language instruction at the phoneme, grapheme, syllable, word, sentence, and discourse levels. Teachers need specific and explicit linguistic knowledge to recognise and address the needs of all learners on the continuum of reading and language proficiency. Phonological awareness skills are considered as the most important indicators of early reading skills. Literature suggests a strong positive correlation between phonological awareness skills and reading skills development. Longitudinal studies show that children who don’t have phonological awareness skills have difficulties in reading. Experimental studies on phonological awareness suggest that the implementation of phonological awareness training has positive effects on the development of reading and spelling abilities. Phonological awareness is a key component in the prevention of reading failure. The information collected through the assessment of phonological awareness, enables teachers to make informed decisions about modifications of the literacy learning programme and implement reading interventions to prevent failure of reading acquisition. This early, preventative intervention reduces the possibility that learners fall behind in reading. The teaching of phonological awareness is par excellence for emergent literacy in the grade R class. Phonological awareness can be improved through the systematic, explicit instruction thereof. Therefore, teachers need to be able to implement a variety of phonological awareness activities in their classroom instruction. Teachers need content knowledge about phonological awareness, and how to implement it successfully. The purpose of this study was to determine: What a SWOT analysis reveals about grade R-teachers’: * Current in-depth knowledge of phonological awareness. * Preparedness to teach phonological awareness. * Implementation of instructional practices relevant to phonological awareness. * Perceptions of the support received from DoBE, in terms of relevant documentation, teaching and learning support material and professional development. The limitations, if any, in the teacher support documents of the DoBE, regarding the teaching of phonological awareness in grade R and to make suggestion with regard to the improvement thereof. What the perceptions of grade R teachers are about their in-depth knowledge, instructional practices and preparedness, concerning phonological awareness, after the implementation of a teacher training programme, focussing specifically on phonological awareness. The study was conducted utilizing a case study with thirteen grade R teachers from Lichtenburg, and the surrounding towns, Koster, Coligny and Itsoseng in the North West Province, Department of Basic Education, in South Africa. Data was collected in three phases, using questionnaires, interviews, observations and document analyses. In the first phase, the researcher gathered information on the knowledge and implementation of phonological awareness before the intervention (i.e., a teacher training programme). In the second phase, the teachers received training about the concept of phonological awareness and its relevance in reading acquisition. The training programme included relevant teaching activities as well as learning and teaching support material. In the third phase, the researcher trained the participants in the implementation of phonological awareness and gathered data about the implementation process. The results indicated that if teachers received explicit training about phonological awareness and are provided with relevant learning and teaching support material, they are able to implement phonological awareness activities in grade R classrooms. The results of this study have implications for teacher training. The concept of phonological awareness, its relevance in reading acquisition as well as relevant teaching activities need to be included in the training of grade R teachers. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Learning and Teaching))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
100

Mathematics teacher–students attitude towards information and communication technology across three countries / D.J. Laubscher

Laubscher, Dorothy Joy January 2010 (has links)
Low achievement in Mathematics is a problem that faces schools, colleges and universities, not only in South Africa, but worldwide. Many efforts have been made to explore different ways in which teaching and learning can be more effective. ICT provides endless possibili–ties to enhance the teaching and learning of Mathematics. The purpose of this study is to determine teacher–students’ attitude towards ICTs in order to plan for effective, efficient and appropriate methods of Mathematics education. It further aims to determine to what extent these students will be willing to use ICTs in their own studies as well as in the teaching pro–cess in their classrooms, and aims to compare the students’ attitudes across three countries i.e. South Africa, Tanzania and Finland. The population consisted of Mathematics education teacher–students enrolled at the following institutions: School for Continuing Teacher Educa–tion (SCTE) at the North–West University in South Africa (317 students), the Iringa University College, University of Tumaini in Tanzania (111 students), and the University of Joensuu in Finland (56 students). This study followed a quantitative cross–sectional survey design com–prising a single mode research questionnaire to three groups of students in three countries. The instrument that was used was based on the Loyd and Gressard Computer Attitude Sur–vey (1984) (CAS), with a few additional questions to add to the relevance of this study. Questionnaires were completed by each group of students. The questionnaires were posted to each Mathematics teacher–student at the SCTE with a return envelope included. The re–searcher visited Tanzania and administered the questionnaire to the students at their univer–sity and some students in Finland completed the survey online while others completed a pa–per–based copy, which was returned to the researcher. Descriptive statistical techniques, reliability and validity of the instrument scale, inferential statistics (ANOVA), and cross–tabulations were used, and where appropriate, effect sizes were calculated. Findings indi–cated that the teacher–students have a positive attitude to computers and that they are willing to use ICTs in their own studies and in their teaching at school. The comparison of their atti–tudes revealed that the South African and Tanzanian teacher–students have a more positive attitude towards ICTs than the Finnish students. The teacher–students in the two African countries were also more willing to use ICTs than the students in Finland, despite their in–creased exposure and access to technology. To create an environment of effective Mathe–matics education, a number of factors play an important role. Mathematics education sup–ported by good pedagogical content knowledge can be transformed into effective Mathemat–ics education with the aid of a positive computer attitude and willingness to use technology. Together these aspects are supported by the technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPCK) framework. / Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.

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