Syftet med detta examensarbete har varit att undersöka vilken betydelse närområdesstudier ochutomhuspedagogisk undervisning knuten till lokalsamhället har för lärare i samhällskunskap,att skapa variation i undervisningen och om samt hur lärare använder närområdet i sinundervisning i årskurs 4–6. Det finns tidigare forskning kring främst natur- och äventyrsinriktadutomhuspedagogik som fokuserar på yngre elever, men mindre kring närområdesstudier,studiebesök och besök från samhället, för ämnet samhällskunskap.De teoretiska utgångspunkterna var Vygotskijs sociokulturella perspektiv och pragmatismenenligt Dewey, som användes för att analysera empirin. Undersökningen genomfördes med hjälpav kvalitativ metod och semistrukturerade intervjuer. Sex respondenter från fem skolor deltogi undersökningen. I analysen av resultatet framkommer att lärarna ger många exempel påmöjligheter till undervisning utomhus och i närområdet men att det finns hinder att övervinnainnan man kommer ut ur klassrummet.En slutsats som kan dras utifrån undersökningens engagerade lärare och tidigare forskning äratt vi kan drista oss till att konstatera, att utomhuspedagogiken och närområdesstudierna görstor nytta för de flesta elever. Det som återstår att göra är, att ”kavla upp ärmarna”, utmanahindren och ta med eleverna på deras livsresa både i klassrum och utomhus, för att ge demminnen och kunskaper för livet. / The purpose of this master thesis has been to examine which meaning neighborhood studiesand outdoor education attached to local society has to teachers in the subject of civics, to createvariation in teaching and if and how teachers use the local area in their teaching in classes 4–6.There is earlier research mainly around nature and adventure oriented outdoor educationfocusing on younger pupils, but with less focus on neighborhood studies, study visits and visitsfrom society, in the subject of civics.The theoretical starting points was Vygotskijs sociocultural perspective and pragmatismaccording to Dewey, that was used to analyze the empirics. The survey was conducted by usingqualitative method and semi-structured interviews. Six respondents from five schoolsparticipated in the survey. In the analysis of the result, it emerges that the teachers give manyexamples of outdoor and neighborhood teaching, but there are obstacles to overcome beforegetting out of the classroom.A conclusion, that can be drawn based on dedicated teachers of this survey and former researchis, that we dare to note, that outdoor teaching and neighborhood studies do great good to mostpupils. What remains to be done, is to “roll up the sleeves”, challenge the hindrances and bringthe pupils on their journey of a lifetime in both classrooms and outdoors, to give them memoriesand knowledge for life.

Abstract In a charter school in the Southwest United States, elementary students were struggling to attain proficiency in math and have been failing to meet the standards in math on the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards test. As a result, these students may not have been prepared for more advanced math courses as they continued their schooling, and this failure to attain proficiency in math may continue to impact the school's ability to make adequate yearly progress. The purpose of this explanatory case study was to explore the perspectives of elementary math teachers toward teaching math, their preparation to teach math, and the possible influences they may have on their students' math skills development. The theoretical framework was self-efficacy theory. Data were gathered through questionnaires completed by 5 participants teaching kindergarten through 5th grade and through the investigation of archival data of their students' achievement test scores. Emerging themes were coded to record and organize relevant information. The participants indicated that they did not feel prepared to teach elementary math when entering the classroom after their teacher preparation programs and that they want to gain more content knowledge and learn more strategies to teach math. Social change may occur as the elementary math teachers are given a voice concerning the teaching of math, and this voice could be used in producing staff development and improving instruction.

Syftet med denna studie var att lyfta fram sex förskollärares upplevelser kring arbetet med barn som har språkliga svårigheter. Studien baseras på en kvalitativ forskningsundersökning där förskollärarna intervjuades genom frågor som handlade om deras förutsättningar, metoder, stöttning för barnen, utmaningar och samarbetet. Studien utgår ifrån ett fenomenologiskt perspektiv där epoché, fenomen, livsvärld, meningsbärande enheter och essens är de centrala begrepp som används i koppling till analysen. I resultatet och analysen framställs det som ansågs vara kärnan i förskollärarnas upplevelser utifrån det som togs upp under intervjuerna. Här läggs fokus på språkmedvetet arbete, synligheten av svårigheter, tiden, vikten av att se varje barn och det viktiga samarbetet. / The purpose of this study was to highlight six preschool teachers' experiences of working with children with language difficulties. The study is based on a qualitative research where the preschool teachers were interviewed through questions about their conditions, methods, support for the children, challenges and cooperation. The study is based on a phenomenological perspective where epoch, phenomenon, lifeworld, meaning-bearing units and essence are the central concepts used in connection with the analysis. In the results and analysis, what was considered to be the core of the preschool teachers' experiences is presented based on what was raised during the interviews. Here, the focus is on language-aware work, the visibility of difficulties, time, the importance of seeing each child and the important collaboration.

The education ministry has introduced a number of important curriculum forms, including Curriculum 2005 (C2005) in 1998, the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) in 2002, and most recently, the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) in 2012 in Grade 10. The latter was aimed at replacing the NCS in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The need for replacement was necessitated by problems that teachers experienced concerning understanding and implementing various previous curriculum policies. The literature study and theoretical framework explored scholarly contributions that are relevant to CAPS implementation. The purpose of this study is to determine teachers‟ perceptions, and identify and clarify possible barriers relating to the implementation of CAPS in Grade 10 in selected schools at Ndwedwe in Durban. For sampling purposes, rural disadvantaged schools were selected to explore the knowledge and experiences teachers hold with regard to curriculum implementation. Exploratory qualitative research design was executed with a sample of purposively selected participants which constitute one Head of Department and two teachers from each of the five different schools. Data collection was facilitated by means of interviews. The findings revealed that teachers were at first eager to welcome and accept CAPS. Furthermore, this study indicated that some challenges emerged and impeded teachers from effectively implementing CAPS. The challenges experienced relate to resource shortages, teacher training, resistance to change, class size, lack of time, professional development, workload, administrative support, monitoring and language as a barrier ( on the part of the learners). The study argues that without proper infrastructure, schools can neither hope nor manage to successfully implement CAPS. Based on the findings from literature and interviews, teachers still need immediate assistance with CAPS related matters. Recommendations are made to teachers, head of departments, principals, subject advisors, DBE and parents to aid effective implementation of CAPS. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

This study explores teachers’ experiences with the principals’ instructional leadership styles in primary schools in Gauteng province. A qualitative research design was employed in the study to answer the research question. Data was generated by means of semi structured interviews which involved the three HODs and nine ordinary teachers from the three sampled schools so as to provide a rich description, explanation, experiences, challenges and barriers that instructional leadership brings into the teaching and learning process in their particular schools contexts. The interest in the phenomenon emerged on the perspective of principals’ instructional leadership as often seen as the contributor to the challenges that are experienced by Primary school teachers during the learning process. Principals are viewed as contributing to South Africa’s education crisis and the overall ineffectiveness of the school system resulting in poor academic results. The instructional leaders who are not doing their jobs competently because of their leadership styles and lack of supervision skills, have caused this. This includes proper knowledge of how to run the schools and motivating staff to work, to enhance classroom instruction. Sometimes they do not involve the community and other stakeholders in the decision making process. Teachers who provide moral support and professional growth in the schools are also ignored. / Educational Leadership and Management / M. Ed. (Education Management)

The education ministry has introduced a number of important curriculum forms, including Curriculum 2005 (C2005) in 1998, the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) in 2002, and most recently, the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements (CAPS) in 2012 in Grade 10. The latter was aimed at replacing the NCS in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning. The need for replacement was necessitated by problems that teachers experienced concerning understanding and implementing various previous curriculum policies. The literature study and theoretical framework explored scholarly contributions that are relevant to CAPS implementation. The purpose of this study is to determine teachers‟ perceptions, and identify and clarify possible barriers relating to the implementation of CAPS in Grade 10 in selected schools at Ndwedwe in Durban. For sampling purposes, rural disadvantaged schools were selected to explore the knowledge and experiences teachers hold with regard to curriculum implementation. Exploratory qualitative research design was executed with a sample of purposively selected participants which constitute one Head of Department and two teachers from each of the five different schools. Data collection was facilitated by means of interviews. The findings revealed that teachers were at first eager to welcome and accept CAPS. Furthermore, this study indicated that some challenges emerged and impeded teachers from effectively implementing CAPS. The challenges experienced relate to resource shortages, teacher training, resistance to change, class size, lack of time, professional development, workload, administrative support, monitoring and language as a barrier ( on the part of the learners). The study argues that without proper infrastructure, schools can neither hope nor manage to successfully implement CAPS. Based on the findings from literature and interviews, teachers still need immediate assistance with CAPS related matters. Recommendations are made to teachers, head of departments, principals, subject advisors, DBE and parents to aid effective implementation of CAPS. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

Syftet med denna undersökning är att bidra med förståelse gällande vad elever på högstadiet med verifierade läs- och skrivsvårigheter, samt specialpedagoger och speciallärare, vilka är verksamma i samma årskurser, upplever vara framgångsfaktorer i undervisningspraktiken. Undersökningen utgår från en fenomenologisk teori och metod, vilket innebär att det är elevers, specialpedagogs och speciallärares upplevelser av fenomenet framgångsfaktorer som fokuseras. Fem elever, en specialpedagog och en speciallärare har intervjuats och resultatet har analyserats utifrån en fenomenologisk bearbetnings- och analysmetod. Undersökningens resultat påvisar några teman som de fem eleverna och specialpedagog och speciallärare anser vara betydelsefulla för att nå framgång. Dessa utgörs av betydelsefulla personer i och utanför skolan, motivation och självbestämmande, samt strategier och verktyg. Undervisningens betydelse belyses främst av specialpedagog och speciallärare. Betydelsefulla kunskapsbidrag är elevernas markering att de extra anpassningar och särskilt stöd som är framgångsrikt är ytterst individuellt och att detta måste utvecklas i dialog med den enskilda eleven. / Thepurpose of this survey is to provide understanding of what students in grade7-9 with verified reading and writing difficulties, also known as dyslexia, aswell as special educators and special needs teachers who work in the same gradeexperience success factors in teaching practice. The study is based on aphenomenological theory and method, which means that it is the pupils, specialeducators and special needs teachers experiences of the phenomenon of successfactors that are focused. Five students, a special educator and a special needsteacher have been interviewed and the results have been analyzed on the basisof a phenomenological method. The results of the study show some themes thatthe five students, the special educator and special needs teacher consider tobe important in order to achieve success. These consist of significant people inside and outside school, motivation and self-determination, as well as strategies and tools. The importance of teaching is primarily highlighted byspecial educator and specialist teacher. Significant knowledge contribution is the students' markthat the additional adjustments and special support that are successful areextremely individual and that this must be developed in dialogue with the individual student.

The combination of technology and inclusive education practices are two new phenomena in the education sector. As a teacher in the 21st century, one must be better equipped to cope with new challenges. The learning environment has changed, and weaker children or children with learning disabilities have become part of the system. More diversity in classrooms provides possibilities for unique relationships and equality. Technology can improve and transform teaching in a way that will benefit weaker children specifically. In this research study, I attempted to determine what kind of experiences primary school teachers in Namibia have about technology and inclusive education. This research study also examined the teachers’ perceptions when technology was used as a pedagogical tool in the classroom, the challenges when technology was used in the learning environment to develop inclusive education, and how these two phenomena complemented each other. This study therefore focused on teachers’ experiences, technology, and inclusive education. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to clarify the teachers’ experiences about technology and inclusive education. In addition, participant classroom observations were conducted to see and hear how teachers used technology to assist learners in an inclusive classroom as well as the challenges they faced when technology was used. The study built a case for technology as a developer of inclusive education in primary schools of Namibia. Results showed that technology significantly complemented inclusive education. / Inclusive Education / M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)

No description available.

Managing discipline in the developing world where corporal punishment has been abolished in schools in line with the human rights agendas, has led to teachers battling with implementing alternative peaceful discipline measures. Namibia is no exception. Data gathered from six purposively selected secondary schools served as the case of this research were textually analysed using open coding. Data used in this inquiry were gathered through qualitative open-ended questionnaire and semi-structured individual interviews from 24 participant teachers at the six secondary schools. In order to view learner discipline in a holistic way, the intention of this inquiry was to explore how teachers experience the management of learner discipline; the factors contributing to learner discipline; the challenges faced by teachers in managing learner discipline; the Namibian government policy in managing learner discipline; and strategies adopted by the teachers in managing learner-learner behaviour in Namibian secondary schools in the region of the Hardap of Namibia. Most of the existing body of knowledge on the phenomenon of learner discipline was confirmed by this study. The inquiry further analysed, presented and discussed the findings in light of the literature review and theories and models that guided the study. The results of this inquiry highlighted that the problem of the Namibian education system is compounded by lack of learner discipline among both learners and teachers. During this inquiry, it was revealed that there is a rampant breakdown of discipline among secondary school learners in the Auob Circuit of the Region of Hardap of Namibia. It was also revealed that participant teachers are trying their best to maintain learner discipline by involving other educational stakeholders. The conclusions were consistent with the main results from the semi-structured individual interviews as well as those from the qualitative open-ended questionnaire resulting in different recommendations being directed at the Education, Arts and Culture Ministry, secondary schools, teachers, parents and learners. It was found that school rules and classroom rules serve as a guideline for teachers and learners when maintaining learner behaviour in schools. Most schools have introduced a demerit system where learners are allocated different points for different offences that they commit, like if they come late for school, come to school without a doctor’s certificate after being absent, if they are disrupting the classes or walking around the school aimlessly. Teamwork among teachers is really lacking when it comes to learner behaviour management in schools. Undisciplined learners take chances as they know that even if they misbehave, nothing will happen to them. The management of learner discipline at some schools has become a very difficult task since most of the learners are troublesome. Learners are affected by the circumstances at home to schools which lead to many problems at schools. Lack of parental involvement is a challenge that teachers face in maintaining learner discipline in schools. Some learners misbehave because of peer pressure. Teachers are also sometimes to blame for disciplinary problems experienced in the Hardap secondary schools of Namibia, taking out their frustrations on the learners or themselves indulging in acceptable behaviour such as drunkenness or sexual molestation. Alcohol and drug abuse are a challenge which is predominant in the Hardap secondary schools, particularly in the Auob Circuit. The results of this inquiry revealed that the challenge that teachers are facing in schools is that learners are defiant, break the law and often become violent. The study recommends that workshops or in-service trainings on learner behaviour management should be conducted by the Education, Arts and Culture Ministry at least twice a year. Teachers should involve learners in drafting a set of school rules. / Die bestuur van dissipline - in die meeste ontwikkelende wêreld waar lyfstraf in skole afgeskaf is in ooreenstemming met die menseregte-agendas, waar die onderwysers sukkel met die implementering van alternatiewe maatreëls vir vreedsame dissipline, insluitend Namibië is 'n baie slegte ervaring vir die meeste onderwysers in die hoërskool. Data wat versamel is uit ses kriteria wat geselekteerde sekondêre skole was, het gedien as die geval van hierdie ondersoek, is met behulp van 'n oop kodering tekstueel ontleed. Data wat in hierdie ondersoek gebruik is, is versamel deur middel van die kwalitatiewe ope vraelys en semi-gestruktureerde individuele onderhoude van vier en twintig deelnemende onderwysers van die ses sekondêre skole. Om die leerderdissipline op 'n holistiese wyse te beskou, was die bedoeling van hierdie ondersoek om te ondersoek hoe onderwysers die korrekte bestuur van leerderdissipline ervaar, die faktor wat bydra tot leerderdissipline, die uitdagings wat onderwysers in die bestuur van leerderdissipline in die gesig staar, die Namibiese regeringsbeleid in bestuur van leerderdissipline en strategieë wat deur die onderwysers aangeneem is vir die bestuur van gedrag van leerder-leerder in Namibiese sekondêre skole in die streek Hardap van Namibië. Die grootste deel van die bestaande kennis oor die verskynsel van leerderdissipline is deur hierdie studie bevestig. Die ondersoek het die bevindings verder ontleed, aangebied en bespreek in die lig van die oorsig van literatuur en teorieë en modelle wat die studie gelei het. Die resultate van hierdie ondersoek het aan die lig gebring dat die probleem van die Namibiese onderwysstelsel vererger word deur 'n gebrek aan leerderdissipline onder leerders en onderwysers. Tydens hierdie ondersoek is aan die lig gebring dat die dissipline onder sekondêre skoolleerders in die Auob-kring in die Hardap-streek in Namibië wydverspreid is. Dit is ook aan die lig gebring dat deelnemende onderwysers hul bes probeer om leerderdissipline te handhaaf deur ander opvoedkundige belanghebbendes te betrek. Die gevolgtrekkings stem ooreen met die belangrikste resultate van die semi-struktuur individuele onderhoude, sowel as dié uit die kwalitatiewe ope vraelys wat gemaak is met betrekking tot elk van die ses ondersoekvrae, verskillende aanbevelings gerig aan die Ministerie van Onderwys, Kuns en Kultuur., sekondêre skole, onderwysers, ouers en leerders, wat noodsaaklike bestanddele is vir verdere ondersoek en studiebeperkings, word duidelik uiteengesit.. Daar is gevind dat skoolreëls sowel as die klaskamerreëls 'n riglyn is vir beide onderwysers en leerders wanneer die leerdergedrag in skole gehandhaaf word. meerderheid skole het 'n stelsel van aflewering ingestel waar leerders verskillende punte kry vir verskillende misdrywe wat hulle begaan, soos as hulle laat kom vir die skool, sonder 'n doktersertifikaat skool toe kom, as hulle die klasse ontwrig of doelloos in die skool rondloop. spanwerk onder onderwysers ontbreek regtig as dit kom by die bestuur van leerdergedrag in skole. dat leerders wat nie gedissiplineerd is nie, kanse waag in skole omdat hulle weet dat al sou hulle hulself gedra, niks met hulle sal gebeur nie. die bestuur van leerderdissipline by sommige skole het 'n baie moeilike taak geword omdat die meeste van die leerders lastig is. leerders bring hul omstandighede tuis na skole wat baie probleme by skole veroorsaak deur mekaar en selfs onderwysers te beledig en te bestry. sommige leerders gedra hulself verkeerd in skole as gevolg van die invloed wat hulle van hul maats kry, en gevolglik vind sommige leerders hulself besig om iets te doen wat daar nie van hulle verwag is om te doen nie. sommige onderwysers is die skuld vir sommige dissiplinêre probleme van sommige leerders wat ondervind word in die Hardap-hoërskole in Namibië. Die uitkomste het ook aan die lig gebring dat baie onderwysers gefrustreerd is weens die werklas en ander sosiale probleme, omdat hulle uiteindelik hul frustrasies op hul leerders loslaat. Weereens dui die resultate daarop dat sommige onderwysers hulself toespits op drank- en dwelmmisbruik, hulle dronk skool toe kom en hul leerders misbruik gebruik. 'n gebrek aan ouerbetrokkenheid is 'n uitdaging wat onderwysers ondervind om leerderdissipline in skole te handhaaf. swak gedissiplineerde leerders is 'n bedreiging vir die vrede en veiligheid van die leerinstellings. drank- en dwelmmisbruik is 'n uitdaging wat veral in die Hardap-hoërskole, veral in die Auob-kring, oorheersend is. Die resultate van hierdie ondersoek het aan die lig gebring dat die uitdaging waarvoor onderwysers in skole te staan kom, is dat leerders alkohol en dwelmmiddels misbruik en dagga op die skoolterrein rook nadat hulle so arrogant geword het dat hulle gewelddadig geraak het. Die studie beveel aan dat minstens twee keer per jaar werkswinkels of indiensopleidings oor die bestuur van leerdergedrag deur die Ministerie van Onderwys, Kuns en Kultuur aangebied word. Onderwysers moet leerders betrek by die opstel van 'n stel skoolreëls. / Educational Management and Leadership / Ph. D. (Education Management)