This dissertation surveyed the validities of teaching the chemistry of water purification in South African schools using locally available materials (LAM) through the scientific inquiry (SI) approach. The researcher randomly selected four secondary schools that provided a small and purposive study sample of thirty-two Grade 11 learners and four teachers. The research design applied a mixed-method approach, consisting of qualitative and quantitative methods of data collection. Within this approach, the outcome of SI instruction that integrated LAM was compared with that of conventional instruction through a quasi-experimental control groups design. The researcher identified in the analysis of interviews and questionnaires the most complex aspects of the chemistry of water purification for learners to understand as redox reactions, acid-base systems, precipitations, and chlorination. However, the use of LAM through the scientific inquiry approach made it easier for learners to understand the concepts. The high mean scores ( =80.88; SD=10.28) in Research-based Test 2 (RBT2), of the experimental groups taught through SI signified that those learners immensely benefited from an active and collaborative learning environment. The lowly scores ( =61.69; SD=4.21) of control groups could be attributed to a linear and passive participation of learners in the conventional classroom instruction. The marks of the two groups in post-test RBT2 were paired and contrasted using GraphPad software. The results showed that t =6.699, df =21 with a significant value of 0.0001, which is less than 0.05 (p<0.05), hence it can be inferred that the difference between the means of the two groups was not only statistically important but also worth an explanation. The higher performance scores in RBT2 and the Rubric Assessment Tool (RAT) in experimental groups represents that the intervention was successful in the implementation of instructional design in the the study. In addition, the learners had mastered the crucial aptitudes that included self-discipline in understanding, cooperative learning, searching relevant text on topic, hands-on or laboratory practice and logical thinking in problem solving by working through the SI activities that used LAM. / Mathematics, Science and Technology Education / M. Sc. (Mathematics, Science and Technology Education with specialization in Chemistry Education)

This dissertation presents a framework which supports a group-based exploratory approach to learning and integrates 3D gaming methods and technologies with an institutional learning environment. This provides learners with anytime-anywhere access to interactive learning materials, thereby supporting a self paced and personalised approach to learning. A simulation environment based on real world data has been developed, with a computer games methodology adopted as the means by which users are able to progress through the system. Within a virtual setting users, or groups of users, are faced with a series of dynamic challenges with which they engage until such time as they have shown a certain level of competence. Once a series of domain specific objectives have been met, users are able to progress forward to the next level of the simulation. Through the use of Internet and 3D visualisation technologies, an excavation simulator has been developed which provides the opportunity for students to engage in a virtual excavation project, applying their knowledge and reflecting on the outcomes of their decisions. The excavation simulator enhances the student learning experience by providing opportunities for students to engage with the archaeological excavation process in a customisable, virtual environment. Not only does this provide students with an opportunity to put some of the theories they are familiar with into practice, but it also allows for archaeology courses to place a greater emphasis on the practical application of knowledge that occurs during the excavation process. Laconia Acropolis Virtual Archaeology (LAVA) is a co-operative exploratory learning environment that addresses the need for students to engage with archaeological excavation scenarios. By leveraging the immersive nature of gaming technologies and 3D multi-user virtual environments (MUVEs), LAVA facilitates the adoption of exploratory learning practices in environments which have previously been inaccessible due to barriers of space, time or cost.

published_or_final_version / English Centre / Doctoral / Doctor of Philosophy

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

published_or_final_version / Education / Master / Master of Education

Human security conceptions, service quality theory, critical social theory, and humanistic and social reconstructionist conceptualization of the curriculum have been used in this study to diagnose the quality of higher education (HE) in peace and security courses offered in Kenyan universities from the perspective of the student. The discourse emanates from the Kenya Government’s recognition of HE as key in solving the challenges affecting the country’s peace and security. This conceptualization is crucial in fast-tracking security reforms and dealing with the persistent peace and security challenges which the country faces. However, delivering quality HE amidst the recent explosion in demand for University education in Kenya has been a challenge and discourses on the dwindling quality of teaching and learning (QTL) delivered to University students in the country abound. The on-going dialectic contends that quality assurance in education is customer driven and the role of the student in evaluation of quality of education is categorical in determining viability of the programmes and self efficacy of the graduands. Using the positivistic-interpretivist paradigm, a total of 152 diploma and undergraduate students from five universities in Kenya participated in the study. Data were collected by use of a modified Service Performance (SERVPERF) questionnaire and interview schedules. The data were analysed both qualitatively by generating themes and categories and quantitatively by use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). The study found that whereas students hold high perceptions of course relevance, their overall perceptions of the QTL in such aspects as facilities, lecturers, teaching methodology, curriculum evaluation and programme content design was low. The study recommends that the universities should mobilize resources to improve the quality of their teaching and learning resources while intensifying practical training and improving the quality of assessment to minimize overreliance on written examinations in evaluating students. Further study of the role of HE in peace and security studies in reinforcing peacebulding and security management in the East African region is equally imperative. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum and Instructional Studies)

In this study the status of the active learning methods of teaching employed in Teachers‟ Training Colleges in Ethiopia was examined from the perspective of the trainee-teachers and their lecturers. Factors relating to active learning were discussed within the framework of the social-cognitive constructivists‟ theory, as learning (knowledge construction) requires the direct involvement of an individual, as well as interaction with the social environment. Three main groups of learning theories were investigated, namely the behavioural, the cognitive and the constructivist theories. The behavioural theories emphasise the transmission of information from the teacher to the learner, whereas the cognitive and constructivist theories emphasise the learners‟ construction of knowledge from their own experiences and their interaction with one another. The methods and strategies for teaching Geography in Ethiopian Teachers‟ Training Colleges were also discussed. The empirical research investigated the perceptions of trainee-teacher and lecturers regarding active learning methods at their respective colleges, the current teaching-learning methods and strategies that the trainee-teachers employ, how they experience the current teaching methods and approaches and other related matters, such as class size and facilities, the integration of assessment with active learning, the teachers‟ attitudes towards active learning, whether or not the lecturers receive short-and long-term training on active learning, the support obtained from the managing body, and whether or not any guidelines existed. Interviews were conducted as embedded research that was intended to supplement the quantitative findings. The results of the empirical investigation indicated a lack of systematic and appropriately organised active learning at college level. Some of the barriers that profoundly hindered the use of active learning pedagogies are the lecturers‟ tendency to maintain the traditional (lecture) method of teaching, insufficient pre-service and in-service training, the large class sizes, the lack of administrative support, the scarcity of resources/facilities, the lack of integration between assessment and active learning, and finally, the absence of guidelines. Pertinent information was extracted from the relevant literature and the empirical study to develop a model to address the problem of active learning in Teachers‟ Training Colleges. Thus, a Model of Active Learning, which is relevant to the teaching of the learning of Geography at College level in the Ethiopian context, was developed. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

Public administration emphasizes the importance of diversity (Rice, 2004), representation (Selden & Selden, 2002), ethics, and professionalism, to ensure fairness and equity for all citizens (American Society for Public Administration, 2013a; Cooper, 2012). Research has shown a link between the teaching of ethics and values in leadership courses, and the establishment of consensus for espoused social norms and standards of practice (Begley & Stefkovich, 2007). Through the discourse within classrooms, and the scholarship of public administration, we create and advance the boundaries of social consensus in areas such as diversity (Hewins-Maroney & Williams, 2007; National Association of Schools of Public Affairs and Administration, 2014a). MPA ethics courses are perfectly situated to espouse and reinforce public service diversity values and educate future public servants. This dissertation uses ethnographic content analysis (ECA) of 48 syllabi from 40 NASPAA accredited universities in the United States (U.S.) dated 2012-2014, to interpret how, or whether, Master of Public Administration (MPA) education addresses or contributes to gender inclusion. The analysis uses feminist theories to reveal if, and to what extent, gender, diversity, and social equity topics have been incorporated into master's level graduate public administration ethics courses, through an examination of ethics course syllabi. This research shows that gender is incorporated into MPA ethics syllabi directly through the gender of professors, authors of course materials, discussion topics, and gendered language. Gender is also demonstrated in the syllabi through images and sub-textual tones that express social norms for gender roles. Gender inclusion is addressed indirectly in the syllabi through course policies and pedagogical choices designed to increase opportunities for participation by students of both genders. Ethnographic content analysis across various stages of this interpretive research study led to the creation of a four-part Gender Inclusion Model. Each tier of this model is made up of inclusion markers influenced by themes in feminist pedagogical literature. The Gender Inclusion Model can be used for future research to examine whether, or how, minorities and diversity are incorporated into higher education curricula. The research compiles a list of best practices, along with a mock syllabus, guided by recommendations from feminist literature. / Includes bibliography. / Dissertation (Ph.D.)--Florida Atlantic University, 2015. / FAU Electronic Theses and Dissertations Collection

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-03T18:32:50Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Alexandre_Silva_Rodrigues.pdf: 730519 bytes, checksum: 352a48ab1ef42b5b49d1e7a959719bda (MD5) Previous issue date: 2005-05-04 / This research focus in identifying and analysing the main factors that determine the difficulties in the learning process related process related to mathematical disciplines present in the business graduation programs 20 managers of different areas were interviewed and disclosed "what" is really important of mathematics for the administrator, and their answers based the construction of a questionnaire that, applied to 271 students of two privates education institutions in Sao Paulo, measured the agreement level for each one of the 26 questions. Results (data) were statistically analyzed using multivariate data techniques, specially factor analysis with a computacional tool, SPSS.The results showed six main factors that were named as follow: teaching process unconnected with reality generating monotony, didatics, exclusion by natural aptitude, level of effort needed, class methodology and enviroment. Each factor was analysed according to existent theorical approaches, clarifying that teaching process unconneted with reality is generated by an obsolete class methodology, found in the bulge of an inadequate didatics, as well the students effort in such disciplines is related to their natural aptitude didatics, as well the students effort in such disciplines is related to their natural aptitude to work with them. The enviroment, pointed as an important component for the learning process, is the scenary where all the mentioned factors are lived by the business programs actors. All the factors detected were confirmed as part of the three worse identified problems in the mathematical teach-learning process: teaching imperfections, cognitive disfunctions and enviroment. At the end, some suggestions were made in order to brighten up the mentioned problems. / O tema central desta pesquisa ?? a identifica????o e an??lise dos principais fatores que geram dificuldades de aprendizagem de disciplinas matem??ticas em alunos dos cursos de Administra????o de Empresas. Um grupo de 20 gestores das mais diversas ??reas revelou atrav??s de entrevistas estruturadas "o qu??" ?? importante de matem??tica para o administrador, sendo que suas respostas constitu??ram um importante subs??dio para a constru????o de um instrumento de pesquisa que, aplicado a 271 alunos de duas institui????es de ensino particular de S??o Paulo, apurou para 26 assertivas o grau de concord??ncia quanto ?? raz??o apresentada para as dificuldades aqui pesquisadas. Os dados foram submetidos a testes estat??sticos a analisados segundo o m??todo multivariado de an??lise fatorial, com o aux??lio da ferramenta computacional SPSS??. Seis fatores foram definidos, identificados como ensino "descontextualizado" gerando monotonia, did??tica, exclus??o por aptid??o natural, esfor??o, metodologia de aula e ambiente. Cada um dos fatores foi analisado segundo as teorias existentes trazendo a percep????o de que o ensino "descontextualizado" ?? gerado por uma metodologia de aula obsoleta, que por sua vez encontra-se no bojo de uma did??tica inedequada, assim como o esfor??o dispendido pelos alunos em tais mat??rias ?? decorrente da aptid??o natural dos mesmos em rela????o a tais assuntos. O ambiente, tamb??m apontado como determinante no processo de aprendizagem, ?? o palco sobre o qual os demais fatores s??o vivenciados pelos atores do curso de gest??o empresarial. A gama de fatores relevantes aqui detectada p??de ser confirmada como parte integrante dos tr??s principais focos geradores de problemas no ensino-aprendizagem de matem??tica, identificados pela academia como: falhas docentes, falhas cognitivas e problemas ambientais. Ao t??rmino, sugest??es relevantes s??o tecidas objetivando amenizar os problemas mencionados.

Made available in DSpace on 2015-12-03T18:35:34Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 Paulo_Braga.pdf: 872918 bytes, checksum: 495bdf0da0e75e7ed2c73dfd6323faca (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-06-08 / Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) are increasingly present in professional activities including teaching. In view of this aspect of the present work was proposed in order to evaluate the relationship between the professional profile, including teachers` titration and age of the Accounting course in a Higher Education Institution (HEI) and yours practices of education, especially the use of information and communication technologies. The research was conducted with Accounting Course teachers, who teach in a state higher education institution located in Aparecida de Goi??nia - Goi??s. A questionnaire was applied, adapted and validated to teachers. The quantitative data analysis was performed using the R program; through the analysis of the results, it was observed that 50% of teachers (50%) are males and (50%) were female, over age 40 years (60%). The information on knowledge level reported by teachers was intermediate in 100% of respondents. Everyone has access to the internet and use it to access electronic mail and bibliographical research (100%), followed by the use of social networks (64,28%). There was no grating between the practices adopted and the titration and the age of the teacher, in general it was found that teachers embrace conservative and traditional educational procedures, but seek to use ICT in their practices. 50% of the teachers try to include in accounting software in their practices, citing the need for professional training of accounting able to work with ICT, considering the current changes which passes the profession. As regards, the reported difficulties include difficulty in using existing technologies (64.28% who had no academic training for teaching practice) and inadequate infrastructure for their use in academic activities. Teachers have positive attitudes towards ICT (want to use) and familiarity with using computers, but agree that more investment in the infrastructure of the institution and training would increase the adoption of technology appropriately in academic activities. / As Tecnologias da Informa????o e da Comunica????o (TIC) est??o cada vez mais presentes nas atividades profissionais, inclusive dos docentes. O presente trabalho foi proposto com o objetivo de analisar e identificar a utiliza????o das TIC pelos docentes de um curso de Ci??ncias Cont??beis de uma Institui????o de Ensino Superior, determinando uma poss??vel rela????o entre a utiliza????o destas pr??ticas ?? titula????o ou idade dos docentes. A pesquisa foi conduzida com professores do Curso de Ci??ncias Cont??beis que lecionam em uma Institui????o de Ensino Superior de cunho estadual, localizada em Aparecida de Goi??nia - Goi??s. Procedeu-se ?? aplica????o de um question??rio validado e adaptado aos docentes. A an??lise dos dados quantitativos foi realizada por meio do programa R. Por meio da an??lise dos resultados obtidos, observou-se que 50% dos docentes s??o do sexo masculino e (50%) do sexo feminino, com faixa et??ria superior a 40 anos (60%). O n??vel de conhecimento sobre inform??tica relatado pelos docentes foi intermedi??rio em 100% dos respondentes. Todos t??m acesso ?? internet e a utilizam para acesso ao e-mail e pesquisam informa????es na web (100%), seguido pela utiliza????o das redes sociais (64,28%). N??o houve rela????o entre as pr??ticas adotadas e o t??tulo do profissional e a idade do professor, de uma maneira geral constatou-se que os professores adotam procedimentos pedag??gicos tradicionais, por??m tentam utilizar/inserir as TIC em suas pr??ticas, 50% dos docentes tentam incluir software da ??rea cont??bil em suas pr??ticas e citam a necessidade da forma????o do profissional da contabilidade apto a trabalhar com as TIC, considerando as mudan??as atuais a qual passa a profiss??o. No que concerne ??s dificuldades relatadas incluem a dificuldade em utilizarem as tecnologias existentes e a infraestrutura inadequada para suas utiliza????es nas atividades acad??micas. Os docentes s??o proativos frente ??s TIC (querem utilizar) e possuem familiaridade com uso da inform??tica, mas concordam que com maior investimentos na infraestrutura da institui????o e forma????o profissional aumentariam a ado????o das tecnologias de forma adequada nas atividades acad??micas relacionadas ?? forma????o do contador.