Edublox is an educational training facility with headquarters in Pretoria, with branches nationally and their programme marketing internationally. Their latest development was the Edublox Online Tutor (EOT) programme that claims to enhance cognitive functioning in children. This retrospective study thus seeks to establish whether exposure to the EOT programme has an impact on the cognitive functioning (specifically working memory - comprising of visual working memory, auditory memory, and logical reasoning) of primary school children. The conceptual structure for this study was formed using The Cognitive Information Processing Theory and Vygotsky’s Social Cognitive Theory. A convenience sampling method was chosen and comprised of grade 2 children (n=64) who formed 3 groups; 2 experimental groups (EOT and educational computer games) and a control group (usual schooling). A quantitative, experimental research design was adopted throughout the study and included pre-and post-assessments of cognitive performances. Varying data analysis techniques, such as mean plots, paired samples t-tests, and one-way repeated measures ANOVA tests were utilised. Overall, analyses revealed that exposure to the EOT programme significantly improved children's conceptual skills in one out of the 4 variables tested in cognitive performance. Other findings revealed that while there were overall improvements in mean post-test scores, there were no significant differences in mean post-test scores between the experimental groups and the control group. The differences in strength of changes between the pre-and post-test scores were influenced by the length of exposure, the type of intervention, the delivery environment, and the sample size, among other factors. It was recommended that the treatment period is lengthened, a multimodal approach is adopted, and the treatment environment is varied to investigate effect sizes and enhance the validity and comparability of this study. / Dissertation (MA (Research Psychology))--University of Pretoria, 2020. / Psychology / MA (Research Psychology) / Unrestricted

abstract: Languages, specially gestural and sign languages, are best learned in immersive environments with rich feedback. Computer-Aided Language Learning (CALL) solu- tions for spoken languages have successfully incorporated some feedback mechanisms, but no such solution exists for signed languages. Computer Aided Sign Language Learning (CASLL) is a recent and promising field of research which is made feasible by advances in Computer Vision and Sign Language Recognition(SLR). Leveraging existing SLR systems for feedback based learning is not feasible because their decision processes are not human interpretable and do not facilitate conceptual feedback to learners. Thus, fundamental research is needed towards designing systems that are modular and explainable. The explanations from these systems can then be used to produce feedback to aid in the learning process. In this work, I present novel approaches for the recognition of location, movement and handshape that are components of American Sign Language (ASL) using both wrist-worn sensors as well as webcams. Finally, I present Learn2Sign(L2S), a chat- bot based AI tutor that can provide fine-grained conceptual feedback to learners of ASL using the modular recognition approaches. L2S is designed to provide feedback directly relating to the fundamental concepts of ASL using an explainable AI. I present the system performance results in terms of Precision, Recall and F-1 scores as well as validation results towards the learning outcomes of users. Both retention and execution tests for 26 participants for 14 different ASL words learned using learn2sign is presented. Finally, I also present the results of a post-usage usability survey for all the participants. In this work, I found that learners who received live feedback on their executions improved their execution as well as retention performances. The average increase in execution performance was 28% points and that for retention was 4% points. / Dissertation/Thesis / Doctoral Dissertation Engineering 2020

Dans les CRL en milieu universitaire français des moniteurs orientent leurs semblables à l’apprentissage en autonomie des langues. Ces moniteurs sont évalués lors d’un entretien, afin de remplir diverses fonctions, au sein d’une structure corrélativement récente où, face au public la mise à disposition des ressources matérielles, technologiques et humaines se réalise.Cependant, la responsabilité qui leur est confiée découle de types distincts d’interventions qui évoluent au-delà de la fonction du monitorat, plus précisément liés à la gestion et l’animation du centre. Il s’agit, dans certains cas, d’exercer une médiation de tutelle pour l’autonomisation des apprenants. Des compétences très précises unies à l'ingérence humaine puis à la gestion des ressources matérielles s’impliquent par ce profil.Malgré cette polyvalence des fonctions, les moniteurs ne reçoivent pas de formation spécifique pour exercer l’accompagnement en langue. Il en découle une proposition de formation de notre part qui mêle une analyse sur les profils, les compétences que le tuteur doit détenir pour exercer le tutorat. / In the Language Resource Labs of the French university system, monitors direct their fellows in the independent learning of languages. These monitors are assessed during an interview in order to fulfill diverse tasks, within a correlative recent structure where, the provision to the general public of the equipment as well as the technological and human resources come true. However, the responsibility which is trusted to them stems from different types of interventions which evolve beyond the function of instructing, but more precisely bound to the management and the organization of the Lab; It is a matter, in certain cases of practicing a mediation of supervision of the self-learning process of the learners. Very specific skills, along with human intervention, then the management of material resources are involved in this job profile. In spite of this functional flexibility, monitors do not receive any particular training in order to exercise this language learning support. As a result, we propose a training, which analyzes the job profile as well as the skills that the instructor must have in order to practice the instruction.

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Under sjökaptensutbildningen ska teoretiska studier varvas med fartygsförlagdutbildning. Detta görs för att utöver skolans teori få känna på verkligheten och att ipraktiken ta till sig de kunskaper som behövs för att efter examen vara vakthavandebefäl ombord. Under den fartygsförlagda praktiken ska eleven bli lotsad av enhandledare som guidar och hjälper för att tiden ombord skall bli så effektiv och givandesom möjligt. Vi ville undersöka hur elever upplever handledarskapet ombord med fokuspå om det eventuellt är några skillnader beroende på vilken praktikperiod eleven befannsig i. Detta gjordes med hjälp av en kvalitativ metod genom fokusgrupper med syfte attfå utförliga och ingående svar. Det framkom vissa skillnader mellan den tredjepraktikperioden kontra de andra två sett till vilka arbetsuppgifter man fick göra samt hurbesättningen såg på eleven i form av förväntade kunskaper och vilket fritt ansvar somgavs eleven. Dock blev det tydligt att en god relation till sin handledare, oavsett vilkenpraktikperiod eleven befann sig i, var av väsentlighet för en lyckad praktik. Eventuellinverkan i handledarskapet beroende på kön och ålder hos handledaren var också någotvi ville undersöka. Kvinnliga handledare visade sig vara något mer sympatiska men denstörsta skillnaden fanns beroende på vilken ålder handledaren hade. En yngrehandledare ansågs generellt som mer uppskattad då denne hade ett större engagemangoch en större vilja att lära ut. / During their time at the “captain’s program”, students alternate theoretical studies with practical experience aboard ships. This combination aims to give them a taste of real-world situations alongside classroom learning, helping them develop the skills they need to be in charge on a ship after graduation. During their time at sea, students areguided by mentors who help them make the most of their experience onboard. Wewanted to investigate how students feel about this mentorship, particularly if it differsdepending on which stage of practical training, they're in. We used a qualitative methodusing focus groups to get detailed and thorough answers. We noticed some differencesbetween the third training period and the earlier ones, like the tasks students were givenand how they were viewed by the crew. But what mattered most was having a goodrelationship with their mentor, no matter at what stage they were in their teaching. Wealso investigated whether the mentor's gender and age had any impact on their teaching.Female mentors were seen as a bit more sympathetic, but the biggest difference wasage. Younger mentors were generally more appreciated because they were moreengaged and eager to teach.

Research has shown that academic under-performance in higher education can be attributed inter alia to psychosocial difficulties arising from students’ under-preparedness for the rigours of university life, the struggle to accommodate diverse cultural worldviews and poor proficiency in the language of learning and teaching (Chang 1999). As internationalisation of higher education institutions has became more common worldwide, the need for support systems to deal with problems of a multicultural student body has become essential if students are to have equitable opportunities for success. In this regard, Monash South Africa (MSA), an international multicultural higher education institution, introduced a tutor-mentor programme to improve academic outcomes among mathematics students in the Foundation Programme (FP). The impact of this programme was investigated by means of an empirical investigation and framed by a bricolage of learning theories which served as a conceptual framework for the study under the metaphors of acquisition and participation. The literature study showed that tutoring and mentoring programmes tend to be successful pedagogical supports. The empirical inquiry took the form of a mixed-method case study which explored the impact of participation in the tutor-mentor programme on mathematical performance among FP mathematics students at MSA. The participants in the study, which was carried out in two phases, were mathematics students, tutor-mentors and lecturers in the FP. Phase 1 quantitatively explored the extent of effectiveness of the tutor-mentor intervention, using a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design. Two formal tests were used to gather data, which were analysed by an analysis of covariance and the Johnson-Neyman technique. Quantitative findings supported the initial assumption of the study: that participation in the tutor-mentor programme as an intervention strategy improved the mathematics scores of FP students at MSA. Phase 2, a qualitative study, used purposive sampling. Data was gathered through focus group and individual interviews, observation, spontaneous conversations and photographs. Interpretation of the quantitative and qualitative data was presented according to the phases and thereafter integrated. Qualitative findings provided information about the dynamics of the tutor-mentor programme in providing academic and psychosocial support to students. Finally, a situation-producing theory was developed from the integrated findings, and recommendations made for improvement of practice. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Comparative Education)

The purpose of this research study was to examine the effectiveness of training for college work study students who participated in an America Reads program, which was designed to help at-risk children struggling with reading. Two groups participated in this research study. One group of college tutors had minimal training in reading strategies at the beginning of the study and the other group of college tutors had continuous training and feedback throughout the study. The research study sought to answer the following questions: 1) Will training for college student tutors in the area of reading, more specifically in the strategies and skills, help improve their comprehension and vocabulary? And 2) Will training for college student tutors in the area of reading, more specifically in strategies and skills, significantly improve the comprehension and vocabulary scores of the children being tutored? This was a quasi-experimental research design, used to examine the effectiveness of training college students participating in the America Reads program. The tutors were pre-and post-tested, measuring both their vocabulary and comprehension knowledge at the beginning and the end of the study. The children being tutored were also pre- and post-tested, measuring both their vocabulary and comprehension knowledge at the beginning and the end of the study. The statistical analysis for this design was the analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The ANCOVA was used to handle the main threat to the internal validity of this research design, due to the fact that the tutors for the control and experimental group were not selected randomly. The tutors and the children were randomly assigned to two groups. The control group of tutors received minimal training (11 hours) and the experimental group received the same minimal training with extra (21 hours) weekly training added. The study began in October 1999 and ended in December 1999. The tutoring sessions were 1 ½ hours long, three days a week. The training for the experimental group was for 1 ½ to 2 hours weekly. The results from this study found no significant difference between the control and experimental groups on comprehension, as measured by the assessment instruments. The results from this study did find, however, a significant difference between the control and the experimental groups on vocabulary, as measured by the assessment instruments.

Research has shown that academic under-performance in higher education can be attributed inter alia to psychosocial difficulties arising from students’ under-preparedness for the rigours of university life, the struggle to accommodate diverse cultural worldviews and poor proficiency in the language of learning and teaching (Chang 1999). As internationalisation of higher education institutions has became more common worldwide, the need for support systems to deal with problems of a multicultural student body has become essential if students are to have equitable opportunities for success. In this regard, Monash South Africa (MSA), an international multicultural higher education institution, introduced a tutor-mentor programme to improve academic outcomes among mathematics students in the Foundation Programme (FP). The impact of this programme was investigated by means of an empirical investigation and framed by a bricolage of learning theories which served as a conceptual framework for the study under the metaphors of acquisition and participation. The literature study showed that tutoring and mentoring programmes tend to be successful pedagogical supports. The empirical inquiry took the form of a mixed-method case study which explored the impact of participation in the tutor-mentor programme on mathematical performance among FP mathematics students at MSA. The participants in the study, which was carried out in two phases, were mathematics students, tutor-mentors and lecturers in the FP. Phase 1 quantitatively explored the extent of effectiveness of the tutor-mentor intervention, using a quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design. Two formal tests were used to gather data, which were analysed by an analysis of covariance and the Johnson-Neyman technique. Quantitative findings supported the initial assumption of the study: that participation in the tutor-mentor programme as an intervention strategy improved the mathematics scores of FP students at MSA. Phase 2, a qualitative study, used purposive sampling. Data was gathered through focus group and individual interviews, observation, spontaneous conversations and photographs. Interpretation of the quantitative and qualitative data was presented according to the phases and thereafter integrated. Qualitative findings provided information about the dynamics of the tutor-mentor programme in providing academic and psychosocial support to students. Finally, a situation-producing theory was developed from the integrated findings, and recommendations made for improvement of practice. / Educational Studies / D. Ed. (Comparative Education)

[pt] A pesquisa versa sobre a medida protetiva que determina o abrigamento de crianças vítimas de violência doméstica no âmbito das intervenções do Conselho Tutelar da Zona Sul I da cidade de Manaus/AM. O presente estudo tem por finalidade, identificar a aplicabilidade do Estatuto da Criança e do Adolescente (ECA) no âmbito dos Conselhos Tutelares. A metodologia de pesquisa empregada foi qualitativa e, para tal utilizou-se a entrevista semi-estruturada que foi aplicada aos Conselheiros da Zona Sul I da cidade de Manaus. Através delas pode-se verificar a existência de uma carência de serviços a ser prestado no campo assistencial, o que dificulta o atendimento feito aos casos de violência doméstica e a formação de uma rede assistencial.A realidade apresentada mostrou que os conselheiros têm dificuldades para realizar determinadas atividades que são de sua responsabilidade, tendo em vista os entraves que surgem durante o processo de atendimento das crianças vitimas de violência domestica, especialmente quando devem ser encaminhadas para os abrigos, conforme determina a Doutrina de Proteção Integral à Criança e ao Adolescente. / [en] The research focuses on the protective measure that determines the institutionalization of children victims of domestic violence within the operations of the Guardianship Board of South Zone I of the city of Manaus / AM. This study aims to identify the applicability of the Child and Adolescent (ECA) under the Guardianship Councils. The research methodology employed was qualitative and, to this end we used a semi-structured interview that was given to the Directors of the South Zone I of the city of Manaus. Through interviews can verify the existence of a lack of services being provided to health care, which makes the service done in cases of domestic violence and the formation of a healthcare network. The reality presented showed the problem that directors have to undertake certain activities that are your responsibility, in view of the obstacles that arise during the care of child victims of domestic violence, especially when they should be sent to shelters, as determined the Doctrine of Integral Protection of Children and Adolescents.

Cette recherche porte sur l’activité de travail des tuteurs à distance et ses opportunités de développement. S’inscrivant dans le champ de l’analyse de l’activité, elle combine uneapproche clinique (Clot, 1999) et une approche holistique (Engeström, 2000), au croisement de la psychologie du travail, de l’ergonomie et de la théorie de l’activité de troisième génération. L’analyse se centre sur l’activité de six tutrices à distance d’une entreprise privée de formation à distance. Après une enquête exploratoire, le recueil de données est composé d’entretiens d’instruction au sosie et d’autoconfrontation simple et croisée, complétés par des données ethnographiques, des données relatives à l’appareil prescriptif (guide du tuteur et entretien de formation), des traces de l’activité des tutrices à distance et des apprenants. Les résultats, qui mettent en évidence des écarts entre le prescrit et le réel de l’activité, révèlent plusieurs difficultés que les tutrices à distance rencontrent dans le cadre de leur travail. Celles-ci se manifestent par un certain nombre de contradictions notamment autour des règles qui régissent le système, entre prescription « infinie » et « sous-prescription ». Les outils associés à l’activité, tantôt source d’empêchement, tantôt à l’origine de processus développementaux, se révèlent aussi être au cœur de multiples contradictions. De la même manière, les résultats mettent en exergue le caractère nodal de l’activité alors même que les conditions organisationnelles semblent répondre à une logique industrielle. A ce niveau, l’absence d’échanges entre pairs notamment, interroge les opportunités de développement de l’activité de travail des tutrices à distance qui, à certains égards, semble participer au travail de « recréation » du genre professionnel « formateur » / This research focuses on the work of distance learning tutors and its development opportunities. The analysis of activity combines a clinical approach (Clot, 1999) and a holistic approach (Engeström, 2000) at the crossing of work psychology, ergonomics and third-generation Cultural Historical Activity Theory. It focuses on the activity of six distance learning tutors from a distance learning company. After an exploratory investigation, the data collection is composed of interviews “to a double”, simple self-confrontation and crossed self-confrontation interviews. At the same time, other data enrich the analysis: ethnographic data, prescriptive data, and traces data about distance learning tutors and e-learners. The results show differences between prescribed work and real work. They also reveal several contradictions and obstacles to the development mainly related to the rigidity of the prescriptive framework. Likewise, the major role of tools in developmental processes is highlighted. Then, the results underline the nodal nature of the activity even though organizational conditions seem to respond to an industrial logic. In this regard, the absence of peer-to-peer exchanges, in particular, questions the work development opportunities. This is all the more important given that distance learning tutors activity appears to contribute to the "recreation" of a specific professional genre:"trainer".