Rural students' local knowledge of learning in formal and informal contexts
- Authors: Visser, Alvin-Jon
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Non-formal education -- South Africa , Education and state -- South Africa , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa , Black people -- Education -- South Africa , Community and school -- South Africa , Education, Rural -- Social Aspects -- South Africa , Rural schools -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3079 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002588 , Non-formal education -- South Africa , Education and state -- South Africa , Rural children -- Education -- South Africa , Black people -- Education -- South Africa , Community and school -- South Africa , Education, Rural -- Social Aspects -- South Africa , Rural schools -- South Africa
- Description: The general aim of this thesis is to illuminate the process of learning as it occurs in formal and informal contexts. The study focuses on South African scholars attending school in rural areas where the contrast between learning in formal and informal learning contexts is more pronounced than that in urban areas. The research draws on rural scholars' local knowledge of formal and informal learning contexts in order to gain a rich insight into how cognition is situated in different learning contexts. This is accomplished through investigating the structure of the respective learning tasks, the mediators involved, the task objectives and the means for achieving these objectives in the different learning contexts. The thesis draws on a socio-cultural approach to the study of cognitive development to probe the activity of learning in a formal and informal learning context. Through the use of a context sensitive methodological methods especially Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) tools and techniques, it was possible to illuminate tacit local knowledge structures and to get participants to actively explicate their understandings related to learning in different contexts The research results illustrate the assertion that the activity of learning is fundamentally situated in the learning context from which it arises. Learning is framed by the community of practice which structures affordances for situated learning, through mediation, within zones of proximal development. Learning in a formal context such as the school is often abstract, rule-based, standardised and theory related. Learners also find it difficult to reflect on the learning tasks and the mediational means used in a formal learning context. In contrast, the learning which takes place in an informal setting is often practical, individualised, flexible and environment based. This learning is structured around everyday activities and is dynamically defined and supported. In a situation where a learner is exposed to dislocated learning contexts, the essential goal of educational initiatives is to bridge the gap between the two. This can be achieved through mediators creating effective zones of proximal development which facilitate the individuals adaptation between learning contexts. Exposing rural scholars' local knowledge of learning in formal and informal contexts allows for a fuller understanding of the cognitive development structured within formal and informal communities of practice. It is this understanding that is necessary to address the situation where learning contexts, drawing on different knowledge bases find ways of thinking, prove challenging and/or conflicting to the scholar.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Rural underdevelopment in the former Ciskei with specific reference to Glenmore Village
- Authors: Malila, Brett
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Glenmore (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3288 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003076 , Rural development -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Poverty -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Eastern Cape (South Africa) -- Social conditions , Glenmore (South Africa) -- Economic conditions
- Description: This thesis examines development changes that took place in Glenmore after 1994. To examine such change one needs to have a concise historical understanding of the situation in Glenmore before democracy. The aim of the work is to critique development at a local, rural level, pinpointing the major changes, if any, that came with the incorporation of the former homeland of Ciskei (and thus Glenmore village) with South Africa. These people were forcibly resettled in 1979 for political and economic reasons. Their situation then was one of dire poverty; it is argued here that even with democracy, their history of underdevelopment has continued. The reason for this continued underdevelopment is the structure of the former reserves. The overall political context has changed in South Africa but the most important aspect with regard to the development of the homelands: land, has not. At the central level, the government has churned out a wide variety of development policies, which due to the prevailing political and economic context of the times are fraught with inconsistencies. The example used here to show some of these inconsistencies is the 1997 White Paper on Land Reform. This confusion at the central level with regard to the perceived future of South Africa has managed to adversely affect the rural areas and their development. There very well might be policies in abundance to improve the life-world of the rural poor, but there are inconsistencies between this policy and actual practice. With regard to Glenmore the confusion in the present government’s central development policy is arguably the main reason for the underdevelopment of the village. The inconsistencies in policy such as the 1997 White Paper on Land Reform, have meant that the structure of the reserves has not changed. Vital issues such as land tenure and ownership have not been dealt with. The study thus shows that unless the structure of the homeland system which is predominantly based on issues of land, is changed, genuine social and economic development will not take place in areas like Glenmore.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Searching for new relevance in the 1990s: the Organization of African Unity as an instrument of conflict resolution
- Authors: Dlamini, Thandeka Lungile
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Organization of African Unity , Africa -- Foreign relations , Conflict management -- Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2770 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002980 , Organization of African Unity , Africa -- Foreign relations , Conflict management -- Africa
- Description: The 1960's and the 1970's marked a great Pan-African movement in Africa, that saw the liberation of most African states. This Pan-African movement, was spearheaded by a quest to unite Africa, and to abate foreign occupation. Amidst the spirit of unity, lay a promise of an organization that would embody the hopes and aspirations of a continent undergoing a re-birth; a progression towards self-determination, economic development and integration, and the maintenance of peace. Therefore, the inception ofthe Organization of African Unity (OAD) was not only a symbol of a unifying force for Africans, but a diplomatic platform that would promote African needs on the international arena. In effect the OAU, at its inception, was for specific ideals that would guarantee liberation and unity of African states. The outcome of these ideals would be greater regional economic integration and the achievement of peace and stability. These ideals mirrored the structural definition of regional organization, with the inclusion of a Commission for Mediation Arbitration and Conciliation under the OAU Charter, to handle disputes among member states. However, the mere fact that this commission lacked the political wherewithal to resolve conflicts, by its sheer lack of a standing peacekeeping force, contributed to the inefficiency of the organization to play an effective role in conflict management. This study attempts to examine the role ofthe OAU in settling disputes. The study sought to accomplish this, in the following manner. Firstly, an investigation into the nature of conflict and why it persists in Africa was conducted. Further, an examination ofthe tools that practitioners utilize not only to study conflict, but to prevent, manage and resolve it, was done. During the investigation it was found that, although the OAU's greatest successes have come from preventive diplomacy, its structural foundations limit the capabilities of the organization to become more relevant. The Charter of the OAU alludes vaguely to the settlement of disputes, but without an executive political decision-making body able to deploy peacekeepers, its principles are largely meaningless. Amidst the growing concerns, the OAU as a matter of survival, developed initiatives it hopes will make it more effective and relevant. The focus ofthe study was the evolving role ofthe OAU, from its inception to its new role as an instrument of conflict resolution. Most of the scholarly work conducted on the OAU, is concerned with depicting a terminal organization, with little or no hope of surviving. Little emphasis is placed on prescribing remedies on how to improve and restructure the organization. The findings included, inter alia, that the organization is faced with enormous challenges, as the sources of conflict are varied and complex. Africa is now the landscape of collapsed states, economic stagnation, environmental degradation, disease and chronic conflicts. The OAU shoulders much ofthe responsibility for not sanctioning governments that contribute to the decay and suffering of the African peoples. Most ofthe criticism of the OAU, stem from the inability of the organization to play an effective role in resolving conflicts in Africa. Most of Africa's conflicts stem from a lack of political legitimacy, lack of democratic institutions, uneven distribution of resources, ethnic tensions and economic stagnation. Until such problems are addressed, Africa will continue to host the world's deadliest conflicts.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Serotonin-melatonin interactions in acetaminophen and N,N-dimethylformamide toxicity
- Authors: Anoopkumar-Dukie, Shailendra
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Serotonin , Acetaminophen , Melatonin
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3898 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003957 , Serotonin , Acetaminophen , Melatonin
- Description: Acetaminophen and N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF) are compounds which are extremely toxic to the liver. Acetaminophen is a drug which is well known for its analgesic and antipyretic properties. However, the abuse potential of this agent as a non-narcotic analgesic in alcoholics is well known. It is also the leading cause of overdose in England. DMF toxicity results mainly from occupational exposure. At present there are no known reports of an antidote for DMF poisoning, while N-acetylcysteine, the antidote for acetaminophen poisoning, is known to produce adverse effects. The present study evaluates the potential of melatonin as an antidote for acetaminophen and DMF poisoning. This study also investigates the mechanism underlying acetaminophen addiction and abuse. Initial studies involved in vitro techniques in an attempt to remove the complexities of organ interactions. The photodegradation studies, using ultraviolet (UV) light, revealed that melatonin accelerates the rate of acetaminophen degradation in the presence of air, and reduces the rate of degradation in the presence of nitrogen. This study also revealed that melatonin is rapidly degraded in the presence of air, following UV irradiation. The effect of DMF on hydroxyl radical generation was also determined. DMF was shown to act as a free radical scavenger, rather that a generator of free radicals. The in vitro studies were followed by lipid peroxidation determination. DMF (0.4ml/kg and 0.8ml/kg) did not produce any significant increases in lipid peroxidation in the liver. Three different doses of acetaminophen (30mg/kg, 100mg/kg, and 500mg/kg) were administered to rats for seven days. Acetaminophen (500mg/kg) was shown to significantly increase (p<0.05) lipid peroxidation in the liver. Melatonin (2.5mg/kg) was not able to significantly reduce the damage. The lower doses of acetaminophen (30mg/kg and 100mg/kg) did not increase lipid peroxidation. Electron microscopy studies showed that DMF adversely affects the liver, and in particular, the endoplasmic reticulum. Co administration of melatonin (2.5mg/kg) was able to reduce the damage. Further experiments need to be performed before an accurate assessment can be made on the ability of melatonin as an antidote for DMF and acetaminophen poisoning. Several experiments were done in an attempt to uncover the biochemical mechanism underlying acetaminophen addiction and abuse. The first experiment targeted the liver enzyme tryptophan-2,3-dioxygenase (TDO). This enzyme is the major determinant of tryptophan levels in vivo. Acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours) was shown to significantly inhibit (p<0.05) the activity of TDO, indicating increased peripheral levels of tryptophan. This experiment was followed up with determination of brain serotonin and pineal melatonin. Brain serotonin was determined using the ELISA technique. Melatonin was estimated using this technique as well as with pineal organ culture. Acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours) significantly increased (p<0.05) brain serotonin levels. Using organ culture where exogenous (3H) tryptophan is metabolised to (3H) melatonin, acetaminophen (100mg/kg for three hours) was shown to significantly increase (p<0.05) pineal melatonin concentrations. However, the ELISA technique did not reveal any changes in endogenous pineal melatonin levels. The final experiment was the determination of urinary 5-hydroxyindole acetic acid (5- HIAA), the major metabolite of serotonin, following acetaminophen administration (100mg/kg for three hours). Acetaminophen was shown to significantly reduce 5-HIAA levels (p<0.05) suggesting reduced catabolism of serotonin. The findings of this study indicate that acetaminophen mimics the actions of an antidepressant. This compelling finding has important clinical implications, and needs to be examined further.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Settler women's experiences of fear, illness and isolation, with particular reference to the Eastern Cape Frontier, 1820-1890
- Authors: Dampier, Helen
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Women -- South Africa -- History , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- History , British settlers of 1820 (South Africa) , Frontier and pioneer life -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2537 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002389 , Women -- South Africa -- History , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Social conditions , Women -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- History , British settlers of 1820 (South Africa) , Frontier and pioneer life -- South Africa
- Description: This thesis is an exploration of diaries and letters written by middle-class English-speaking settler women living on the Eastern Cape frontier between 1820 and 1890. By according primacy to these women’s experiences and perceptions, it aims for a greater understanding of women’s encounters with the frontier, and how these were articulated in their personal writing. An emphasis on the recurrent themes of ill-health, fearfulness and solitude undermines the popular myth of the brave, conquering, invincible pioneers which dominates settler historiography to date. The tensions felt by white women living on the frontier disrupted their identities as middle-class Victorian ‘ladies’, and as a result these women either constantly re-established a sense of self, or absorbed some aspects of the Eastern Cape, and thus redefined themselves. Settler women’s experiences of the frontier changed little during the seventy year period spanned by this study, indicating that frontier life led to a rigidification and reinforcement of old, familiar values and behaviours. Rather than adapting to and embracing their new surroundings, settler women sought to duplicate accepted, conventional Victorian ideals and customs. White Victorian women identified themselves as refined, civilized, moral and respectable, and perceived Africa and Africans as untamed, immoral, uncivilized and threatening. To keep these menacing, destabilizing forces at bay, settler women attempted to recreate ‘home’ in the Eastern Cape; to domesticate the frontier by rendering it as familiar and predictable as possible. The fear, illness and solitariness that characterise settler women’s personal writings manifest their attempts to eliminate alienating difference, and record their refusal to truly engage with the frontier landscape and its inhabitants.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Significance of corporate social investment within the field of public relations with specific reference to selected Kwazulu Natal corporations
- Authors: Rampersad, Renitha
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Public relations -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10779 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/35 , Investments -- Moral and ethical aspects -- South Africa , Public relations -- South Africa
- Description: This study is a qualitative investigation into the areas of corporate social investment and public relations. The study examines the significance of corporate social investment within the field of public relations with specific reference to selected KwaZulu Natal corporations. The study looks at the corporate social investment and public relations departments of five corporations in the KwaZulu Natal region. The corporations that were interviewed were selected based on their location, and the number of years of experience in the field. The five companies, namely, The South African Sugar Association, NBS Boland Bank, Hillside Aluminium (Alusaf), McCarthy Retail and Richards Bay Minerals received immense coverage on their corporate social investment initiatives, in the Mail and Guardian’s April 1998 issue, ‘Investing in the future, special focus on social investment.’ The report presents an in-depth literature review, which examines the history of both corporate social investment and public relations. It thereafter examines the current practices of public relations and corporate social investment from a South African perspective. The prevalent approach to corporate social investment is also addressed. Apart from the study of the five corporations, the report also comments on other dedicated corporate social investment programmes. The programmes of each of the five companies are contrasted with current and relevant documentation from the 1999 Business and Marketing Intelligence report. Graphs and tables complement this information. The findings reveal that there is little public relations involvement in corporate social investment initiatives because corporate social investment practitioners do not see the need for the involvement of public relations practitioners in all areas of their corporate social investment initiatives. The results of the interviews gives the reader a broad perspective of corporate social investment and public relations within each company. The findings suggest that the role of public relations needs to be re-examined in the new millennium.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Social change and shifting paradigms: the choice of healer among black South Africans in psychological counselling
- Authors: Johnson, Alexandra Blythe
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Healers -- South Africa , Psychotherapy Cross-cultural studies , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2998 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002507 , Healers -- South Africa , Psychotherapy Cross-cultural studies , Xhosa (African people) -- Psychology
- Description: Social change in South Africa brings to light the multiplicity of world-views operating in our society, which individuals encountering a variety of social contexts are faced with. This raises questions about the choices black South Africans face in response to influences from Western and traditional African culture. This issue was approached through examining helpseeking choices made between different health care sectors that stem from different world-views. This would indicate whether individuals are drawing on a variety of belief systems. The sources of their beliefs are put into context by looking at the communities of practice that influence their local knowledge. Help-seeking is also influenced by the identities the individual may ascribe to, which are derived from the multiple positions held by them in different social contexts. In this research the use of health-care sectors by four black women attending psychotherapy is examined. Their use of these sectors reflects a potential multiplicity of world views. Semistructured interviews were conducted, focusing on participants' prior experience of different help options, and their current perceptions of traditional African healing and psychology. The texts were analysed using a qualitative hermeneutic method, the reading guide. Data was looked at through three main themes, the individual's relationship to the health care sectors, their knowledge of different world views, and the identities they adopted which may be influential in their choice of a healer. It was found that in two participants there was some movement away from traditional beliefs, with one rejecting the traditional healers who did not help her, once she has discovered therapy, and another identifying herself completely with Western medicine. In contrast, one participant illustrated a rediscovery of traditional healing, whilst still attending psychotherapy. This suggests that shifts in knowledge are not necessarily away from traditional beliefs. It was also found that the two participants who had experienced a broader variety of social contexts and identified with multiple belief systems, tended to use a variety of Western and traditional healing sources and selected the healing option they felt was most appropriate to a particular problem. It is argued therefore that having a variety of knowledge and beliefs places individuals in a more powerful position to determine their choice of action than those with a limited range of knowledge.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Social workers perceptions on unionisation and collective bargaining : an exploratory study of the central region of the Eastern Cape
- Authors: Dyakala, Tumeka
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Labor unions -- South Africa , Collective bargaining -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:695 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1006405 , Social workers -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape -- Attitudes , Labor unions -- South Africa , Collective bargaining -- South Africa
- Description: This study explores primarily the views of social workers in the Central region of the Eastern Cape on unionisation and collective bargaining, and at a secondary level the views of their employers and of the trade unions organising social workers, regarding social workers' involvement and non-involvement in these processes. It examines the paradox of compatibility of professionalism and unionism. There are two schools of thought regarding compatibility of professionalism and unionisation one views these concepts as antagonistic whilst the other views these concepts as complementary. Some social workers have been reluctant to participate in trade unions in the past until recently. Reasons advanced for their recent accelerated involvement in trade unions are explored in this study. Social workers views on the Labour Relations Act 66 of 1995 as the source of the legal framework, within which trade unions and employers interact, through the process of collective bargaining are explored. Proposed alternative mechanisms to these processes as perceived by social workers are closely examined. Semi-structured, self administered questionnaires were distributed to social workers whilst semi-structured interviews were conducted with employer representatives and trade union officials. This helped the researcher to have a broader view of the situation. Findings point to a scenario of disunity of both employers and employees in the social work profession. The study is a pioneering effort in the Central region and sets a way forward for further exploration of this subject. It is hoped that this study will make a worthwhile contribution to the social work profession's industrial relations field
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- Date Issued: 2000
South Africa's growth, employment and redistribution strategy in the context of structural adjustment programmes in the South
- Authors: Lehloesa, Thembinkosi L
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Growth, Employment And Redistribution Programme (South Africa) , South Africa -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1989-1994
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2794 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003004 , Growth, Employment And Redistribution Programme (South Africa) , South Africa -- Economic policy , South Africa -- Politics and government -- 1989-1994
- Description: This study is a contribution to the ongoing debate concerning the future of South Africa’s macro-economic policy known as the Growth, Employment and Redistribution (GEAR) strategy. The study attempts to draw parallels between the GEAR macro-economic policy framework and structural adjustment programmes in the South. By making use of this comparison, the study argues that the outcome of the GEAR will be no different from structural adjustment programmes in that it will fail to reduce poverty and cause government to meet the basic needs of the people. These conclusions are drawn from the fact that the GEAR policy is premised on the faith that the market is capable of redistributing income and wealth, and providing people with their basic needs.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Southern African Development Community foreign policy behaviour: the case of trade with external actors
- Authors: Tebu, Perminus Waithaka
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Southern African Development Community , International trade , Africa, Southern -- Foreign relations
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:2834 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003044 , Southern African Development Community , International trade , Africa, Southern -- Foreign relations
- Description: This thesis is structured around two main and interwoven assumptions operating at two levels. On the one level the external dimension of security threat in Southern Africa is assumed to be the most critical factor for regional renewal and stability. It hinges on pertinent regional issues such as negative trade balances, economic dependence, poverty, unemployment, poor economic growth rates and so forth. The corollary of this assumption is that within the operative framework of SADC, Southern African states are assumed capable of effectively integrating their economies through trade and related arrangements with dominant external actors in the highly competitive global economy. The European Union (EU) and the United States (US) are used as the focal points for illumination. A structured interaction between SADC and the EU within a revised North-South framework of interaction is hypothesized and critically examined. On the other hand, SADC-US interactions are assessed within the context of the new US Africa policy. At another level, the assumption is also made that the post-apartheid democratic state possesses both the political will and the wherewithal to provide regiol].al Leadership. This latter assumption is put to test within the framework of South Africa's regional foreign policy. Adopting an explicit regional unit of analysis, the study utilizes international regime theory as the theoretical and conceptual point of departure. The realist conception of the international system and the underlying assumptions usually considered as obstacles to international cooperation are critically examined in the context of the post-Cold War expanded security agenda. Regime theory is used to provide insight on the motivations that lead states to cooperate in situations of mutual dilemma by institutionalizing patterns of interaction at the regional and international systemic levels. Interstate economic relations at these levels are explained as state actions that are influenced by certain norms and that such norm-governed behaviour is wholly consistent with the pursuit of national interest. Application of the theory explains why such foreign policy behaviour of states is particularly relevant in the post-Cold War era. The thesis has argued that SADC states are capable of conducting a coordinated trade foreign policy in which regional positions are elaborated and adopted. It is argued further that a regional capacity to institute trade and economic policies that reflect local circumstances (necessary for effective integration with the world economy) calls for strong regional developmental democracies in the tradition of social market economy. Regional leadership by South Africa is considered indispensable where Sbuth Africa must find a sustainable balance between its national and regional interests.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Spirulina as a bioremediation agent : interaction with metals and involvement of carbonic anhydrase
- Authors: Payne, Rosemary Anne
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Spirulina , Bioremediation , Carbonic anhydrase
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:3909 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003968 , Spirulina , Bioremediation , Carbonic anhydrase
- Description: Heavy metal contamination from mining and other industrial operations is becoming an increasing problem with regards to the depleting water resources in South Africa. This study involved the investigation of the use of an algal biomass as a possible alternative to the traditional chemical means of removing these metals. When the toxic effects of metals were investigated, Spirulina was found to have a threshold level of about 30 μM for copper, zinc and lead. Copper and zinc appeared to have a direct effect on the photosynthetic pathway, thereby causing a rapid decline in cell growth. Lead on the other hand seemed to affect surface properties and hence took longer to cause deterioration in growth. Although relatively low concentrations of metal may have a toxic effect on the cyanobacterium, Spirulina may have potential as a precipitation agent. The role of Spirulina in the precipitation of heavy metals appears to be through its ability to maintain a high pH in the surrounding medium, possibly through the enzyme carbonic anhydrase. Subsequent studies therefore focused on the assay and isolation of this enzyme. Two different radiotracer assays, in which carbonic anhydrase converts radiolabelled bicarbonate to carbon dioxide, were investigated, but were found to have several problems. Results were insensitive and could not be reproduced. The standard Wilbur-Anderson method subsequently investigated also proved to be insensitive with a tremendous degree of variability. Although not quantitative, SDS-PAGE proved to be the most reliable method of detection, and was therefore used in subsequent procedures. Chlamydomonas reinhardtii was the subject of initial enzyme isolation studies as these procedures are well documented. Although the published protocols proved unsuccessful, affinity chromatography of a membrane stock solution from Chlamydomonas reinhardtii yielded two relatively pure protein bands. These bands were presumed to represent two subunits of carbonic anhydrase, although Western blot analysis would be required to confirm their identity. Purification of carbonic anhydrase from Spirulina, however, proved unsuccessful and results obtained were very inconclusive. Hence, further analysis of Spirulina is required. The possibility of cloning CA from a genomic library was also considered, but suitable primers could not be designed from the aligned sequences.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Stability of prochlorperazine in solution and in the solid-state
- Authors: Antunes, Edith Martins
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Phenothiazine
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:4536 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1016399
- Description: Prochlorperazine, a member of the piperazine subclass of phenothiazines, widely used as an anti-emetic, is susceptible to oxidation to sulfoxides. These are main metabolites and degradants of all phenothiazines which are found to be inactive at the dopamine receptors. Prochlorperazine causes photosensitivity effects in patients attributed to dechlorination at C2 with the release of HCI (Huang and Sands, 1967; Nejmeh and Pilpel, 1978; Moore and Tamat, 1980). The aim of this study is to investigate the thermal and photostability of prochlorperazine edisylate and mesylate salts in the solid state and in solution. Prochlorperazine is available as a fine chemical and in a variety of dosage forms, including injectables and tablets. According to ICH guidelines, any degradants greater than 0.1 % are required to be isolated and identified. In order to assess the photostability of the two salts, an HPLC method was developed and validated for linearity, accuracy and precision, selectivity, limit of detection, quantitation and ruggedness. Sulfoxides were synthesised for use as standards in the rate studies according to the well-known hydrogen peroxide method (Owens et al., 1989). The rate of prochlorperazine degradation in solution under various light sources (254 nm UV light, diffuse light and sunlight) was studied. The light sources used abovF were quantified using potassium ferrioxalate as a chemical actinometer). The photodegradation rate was found to be greater in ampoules sealed under nitrogen than air, but the thermal degradation was faster in ampoules sealed with air than those purged with nitrogen. Amber ampoules retarded the rate of degradation under all photolytic conditions. This is a vital consideration for the packaging and storage of prochlorperazine in injectables. Degradation was found to occur mainly by first-order kinetics and the degradation rate decreased in the following order: sunlight » UV light 254 nm > fluorescent I diffuse light. Solid state samples, however, were found to be relatively stable to the various light / heat conditions over a 6 month period when compared to prochlorperazine solutions, but still considerably unstable. Thus both storage and packaging is a vital consideration for prochlorperazine injectables. The thermal behaviour of mixtures of prochlorperazine with standard excipients, was assessed for potential interactions, using differential scanning calorimetry. For most of the excipients (magnesium stearate, stearic acid, Explotab®, AC-Di-Sol®, Encompress® and Ludipress®, lactose and Starch 1500®) disappearance or broadening of the melting endotherm of the drug indicated interactions. Lubritab®, however, was the only 'inert' excipient tested. Liquid chromatography - mass spectrometry (LC-MS) was used to determine the nature of the degradation products. The major degradation pathways included dechlorination and demethylation of the parent drug, as well as sulfoxidation and Noxidation. Prochlorperazine underwent dechlorination and sulfoxidation with subsequent photosubstitution to yield the 2-hydroxy derivative. The solid state photostudies showed the formation of dealkylated, oxidised and hydroxylated products, sulfoxides and dimers. Since N-demethylation, N-oxidation, sulfoxidation and aromatic hydroxylation are reported to occur in the in vitro metabolism of perazine derivatives, it does appear that there is some relationship between metabolites and photoproducts (Breyer, 1974). This study has been successful in providing understanding of the photolytic and thermal degradation pathways of prochlorperazine.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Strategic analysis of the South African motor manufacturing industry's changing business environment
- Authors: Stockwell, Cecil
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- Management
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10840 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/36 , Automobile industry and trade -- South Africa , Automobile industry and trade -- Management
- Description: Introduction: The South African economy has shown very little economic growth and car sales declined steadily from 1988 till they increased slightly in 1999. 2000 saw the economy recovering from a recession, and motor vehicle sales increasing. In order for the South African motor manufacturing industry to remain viable, the manufacturers, who must operate within the framework of the Motor Industry Development Plan, face increasing international competition as the large motor firms from around the world strive to gain a foothold in Africa in anticipation of an “African Renaissance.” South African manufacturers have to develop appropriate strategies to ensure profitability and survival in the new millennium. This entails a thorough analysis of the changing business environment the industry finds itself trading in.
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- Date Issued: 2000
Strike comparison of the compositional variations of the lower group and middle group chromitite seams of the critical zone, Western Bushveld complex
- Authors: Doig, Heather Leslie
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Chromite -- South Africa , Geology -- South Africa , Mineralogy -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5005 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005618
- Description: The variations in the composition, specifically the Cr20 S content and the Cr:Fe ratio, and the morphology of the Lower Group (LG) and Middle Group (MG) chromitite seams of the Critical Zone (CZ) across the western Bushveld Complex, including the Ruighoek and Brits sections, is investigated by means of whole-rock chemical data, both major and trace elements analysis, XRD and electron microprobe data. As a result ofthe paucity of exposed or developed LG1 - LG5 chromitite seams in the western Bushveld Complex, this study is confined to the investigation of the compositional variations of the LG6 to MG4 chromitite seams. In only one section, the Ruighoek section, was the entire succession of chromitite seams, from the LG1 - MG4, exposed. The silicate host rocks from the LG6 pyroxenite footwall to the collar of the CC2 drillcore (lower uCZ) in the Rustenburg section were sampled. This study reviews the compositional trends of the silicate host rocks, as the compositional variations of the chromitite seams reflect the chemical evolution of the host cumulate environment and, to a lesser degree, the composition onhe interstitial mineral phases in the chromitite seams. The compositional variations of the LG and MG chromitite seams are attributed to the compositional contrast between the replenishing magma and the resident magma. The chemical trends of the LG and MG chromitite layers and the host cumUlate rOCKS do not support the existence of two compositionalfy dissimilar magmas in the CZ, rather the cyclic layering of the CZ and the chemical variations of the chromitite seams are attributed to the mixing of primitive magma with the resident magma, both of which have essentially similar compositions. The compositional variations of the LG and MG chromitite seams along strike away from the supposed feeder site (Union section) to the distal facies (Brits section) are attributed to the advanced compositional contrast between the resident magma and the replenishing primitive magma pulses. The CZ is characterized by reversals in fractionation trends and this is attributed to the compositional evolution of the parental magma and not to the replenishment of the resident magma by influxes of grossly dissimilar magma compositions. The Cr20 S content and the Cr:Fe ratio of the MG chromitite layers increase from the Ruighoek (near proximal) section to the Brits section (distal facies). This is attributed to the advanced compositional contrasts between the resident magma and the replenishing primitive magma. In contrast, the Cr20 3 content and Cr:Fe ratios ofthe LG6 and LG8a chromitite seams decreases eastwards from the Ruighoek section. The average Cr:Fe ratio for the western Bushveld Complex is between 1.5 and\2.0, nonetheless, a progressively lower Cr:Fe ratio is noted from the LG1 chromitite up through to the MG4 chromitite seam in the Ruighoek section. tn the LG2 - LG4 chromitite interval a deviation to higher.lratios is encountered. A progressive substitution of Cr by AT and Fe in the Cr-spinel crystal lattice characterizes the chromitite succession from the LG1 seam up through the chromitite succession to MG4. The petrogeneSiS of the chromitite seams of the CZ is attributed to magma mixing and fractional crystallization of a single magma type.
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- Date Issued: 2000
The analysis of trace gas emissions from landfills
- Authors: Rubidge, Gletwyn Robert
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Gases, Asphyxiating and poisonnous , Gases -- Analysis , Sanitation -- Environmental engineering
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MTech
- Identifier: vital:10983 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1006341 , Gases, Asphyxiating and poisonnous , Gases -- Analysis , Sanitation -- Environmental engineering
- Description: Numerous informal houses have been built on and adjacent to a landfill in iBayi, Port Elizabeth, South Africa, which accepted domestic and industrial waste. Formal housing surrounds most of the site at a greater distance - some 60 m, or further, from the landfill. Both formal and informally housed residents complain of odours, burning eyes, sore throats and headaches - symptoms which they believed were caused by the landfill. The landfill gas and ambient air were analyzed to classify and quantify the VOCs (volatile organic compounds) emitted and then to compare the quantitative data with recognised standards to establish if the residents are at risk. Eighteen target (potentially hazardous) VOCs were quantified. A wide variety of compounds were detected in both the ambient air and landfill gas. The results of the VOC analyses were similar to those of other workers in both the qualitative and quantitative studies. The concentrations of the VOCs were mostly lower than the TLV (threshold limit values) values, but exceeded the MRLs (minimum recommended levels). The combined concentrations of the VOC’s in the ambient air either approached or exceeded the limit values for combined exposure thus indicating that a potential health hazard exists. One third of the VOCs were detected in both the ambient air and the subsurface gas, however, external pollution sources also appear to contribute to the VOC concentrations ambient air. Dangerously high methane concentrations were repeatedly detected in the landfill gas amongst the informal houses. There was a vast improvement in the aesthetic qualities of the landfill since the disposal restriction to accept only domestic refuse and building rubble in July 1997. The ambient air was less odorous and landfill site littered. Fewer informal recyclers were present and their concomitant squabbling over valuables had almost vanished. The management of the iBayi landfill holds much room for improvement. There is potential for serious injury or even death if no action is taken to remedy the problems at the iBayi landfill. A holistic solution will have to be found to make the landfill a safe neighbour. Some complementary analyses (such as pH, heavy metal concentrations in the water and sediments etc.) were performed on the leachate and water surrounding the landfill.
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- Date Issued: 2000
The biology of commercially important fish species and a preliminary assessment of the fisheries potential of Katse Dam, Lesotho
- Authors: Nthimo, Mokitinyane Francis
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Fishes -- Lesotho -- Katse dam , Fishes -- Physiology , Rainbow trout , Barbus aeneus , Labeo , Katse dam (Lesotho) , Fisheries -- Lesotho -- Katse dam , Fishery management -- Lesotho
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5238 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005081 , Fishes -- Lesotho -- Katse dam , Fishes -- Physiology , Rainbow trout , Barbus aeneus , Labeo , Katse dam (Lesotho) , Fisheries -- Lesotho -- Katse dam , Fishery management -- Lesotho
- Description: The construction of the Katse dam was completed in 1996. The dam started filling in 1995 and reached full capacity in early 1998. It forms part of Phase 1A of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP). The main aim of the project is to provide revenue to Lesotho, by transferring water from the catchment of the Senqu (Orange) River in Lesotho to South Africa’s major industrial and population centres. During the implementation of the project, an estimated 130 people were displaced. However, the most serious impact has been the loss of the traditional way of life in the form of arable and grazing land as a consequence of inundation. One of the obligations of the project is to ensure that the standard of living of those affected by the project is not impaired. The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority identified a number of rural development projects, which included fisheries development. This study is an integral part of fisheries development in Lesotho. The aim of this study was to gain an understanding of the biology and the demographics of the fish species in the lake. This information would serve as the basis for the development of a management plan for the sustainable utilisation of the fisheries resources. To achieve this aim, the following specific objectives were addressed: 1. Investigation of the biology of the three principal species. 2. Description of the key population parameters (growth, mortality & recruitment). 3. Investigation of the distribution and relative abundance of the three species. The three principal species in the Katse dam are rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss, and the two cyprinids, Barbus aeneus and Labeo capensis. Sectioned otoliths were used to age O. mykiss while both otoliths and scales were used to age B. aeneus and L. capensis. Marginal zone analysis revealed that slow growth was experienced in winter for the three species. The maximum-recorded age for both B. aeneus and L. capensis was 12 years while O. mykiss reached 4 years. There was no significant difference in growth rates of the different sexes and growth was best described by the 3 parameter Von-Bertalanfy growth model as Lt = 603[1-e⁻°·¹⁵⁽t ⁺ °·°³⁾] for B. aeneus, Lt = 526[1-e⁻°·²¹⁽t ⁺ °·⁹⁾] for O. mykiss and Lt = 521[1-e⁻°·¹⁷⁽t ⁺ °·²¹⁾] for L.capensis. Male and female O. mykiss attained 50% sexual maturity (Lm₅₀) at 235 and 275mm FL, respectively. There was no difference in Lm₅₀ for male and female B. aeneus and L. capensis. B. aeneus reached sexual maturity at 285mm FL while L. capensis reached sexual maturity at 244mm. Both cyprinid species spawned in summer (November to January) while O. mykiss spawned in winter (May to August). The mean total mortality rate (Z) estimated from catch curves and Butterworth et al (1989) equation was 0.72 yr⁻¹ for B. aeneus, 0.62 yr⁻¹ for L. capensis and 1.32 yr⁻¹ for O. mykiss. The estimate of natural mortality was 0.41 yr⁻¹ for both B. aeneus and L. capensis and 0.81yr⁻¹ for O. mykiss.
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- Date Issued: 2000
The development of a geographic information systems based atlas of southern African freshwater fish, and its application to biogeographic analysis
- Authors: Scott, Lucy Elizabeth Powell
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern , Freshwater fishes -- Geographical distribution -- Atlases , Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern -- Geographical distribution -- Atlases , Geographic information systems
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSc
- Identifier: vital:5256 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1005099 , Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern , Freshwater fishes -- Geographical distribution -- Atlases , Freshwater fishes -- Africa, Southern -- Geographical distribution -- Atlases , Geographic information systems
- Description: A Geographic Information Systems (GIS) atlas of southern African freshwater fish was developed for the SADC countries from natural history collection specimens, hydrological, topographical and climatological data. The primary purpose of the development of the atlas of freshwater fish was the construction of a practical framework to transform vast amounts of existing biological data for use in research and management of aquatic resources. The database of freshwater fish collection specimens that was incorporated into the atlas, was developed in association with ALCOM (Aquatic Resources Management for Local Community Development Programme). The development of advanced computing and GIS technology has increased the scope of biological atlas projects by facilitating the integration of large amounts of spatial data to produce derived databases for specific applications. The atlas of freshwater fish was constructed using TNTmips GIS software as the most practical system available for managing and analysing biological data with a spatial component. The atlas contains 35 180 comprehensive distribution records of 735 species of fish. It has many applications as an inventory of ichthyofaunal spatial biodiversity, including those of conservation planning, environmental assessment and biogeographic research. Biogeographic studies have traditionally been subjective due to the logistical problems of working with large amounts of distribution data, although some small-scale quantitative research has been carried out in the past. The content of the atlas of freshwater fish is tested with respect to these previous studies, on known patterns of freshwater fish distributions, and the analytical capability of the atlas is tested and demonstrated with some new preliminary approaches to the analysis of freshwater fish distributions in southern Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2000
The development of a pro forma document for use in police rape investigations in South Africa
- Authors: Netto, Lauren Joy
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Interviewing in law enforcement , Criminal investigation , Police questioning -- Forms , Rape -- Investigation -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MA
- Identifier: vital:3031 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002540 , Interviewing in law enforcement , Criminal investigation , Police questioning -- Forms , Rape -- Investigation -- South Africa
- Description: This research developed a pro forma document for use in police rape investigations in South Africa. The immediate context for the research is the alarmingly high incidence of rape in South Africa. The rape statistics vary to an extent, largely due to the fact that a large proportion of the rapes that occur in South Africa are not reported to the police. These statistics expose the limited success of the South African Police Services (SAPS) in terms of investigating rape cases in this country, as well as the public perception of the effectiveness of the South African Police Services in this regard as evidenced by the non or under-reporting of rape in South Africa. The pro forma document is an investigative tool designed to standardise and systematise rape investigations by providing set guidelines for obtaining the essential information about each rape case. This is a prerequisite for Tender profiling, which involves predicting the relationship between offence and offender variables. Profiling can only be successful if the investigator obtains all the information about a crime. Hence the pro forma document, as an investigative instrument designed to access essential information about a crime, is a key requirement for the development of informed and accurate profiles of offenders. As a standardised form, the document will allow for systematic and thorough rape investigations in South Africa. The researcher employed the qualitative methodology of action research. This entailed involving the participants in all stages of the research process. The data was collected by means of focus group interviews with detectives from the Serious and Violent Crimes Unit and the Child Protection Unit in Grahamstown. Additional sources of data were various investigative documents that originated from a number of different countries. Analysis of the data followed a number of procedural steps specifically suggested for focus group interview research and involved a process of coding. The codes identified during the analysis provided the foundation for the items that were included in the pro forma document. In keeping with the action research approach, the participants were caned upon to evaluate the progress of the research after the initial data collection and analysis were completed, and a draft version of the pro forma document had been compiled. This feedback provided another source of data which contained suggestions for amendments to the pro forma document which the researcher implemented. The research process was hindered to a certain extent by the unpredictable nature of police work which influenced the data gathering procedure. This could point to a possible limitation of the research. Furthermore, the aim of the research was to develop a pro forma document for use in rape investigations in South Africa. This aim did not encompass marketing the document. Herein lies another possible limitation of the research in that the document has not yet been used and tested in real cases. A discussion of the research process includes issues involved in practically implementing the pro forma document in rape investigations.
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- Date Issued: 2000
The development of a WAIS-III short form for use in South Africa
- Authors: Rust, Annegret L
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Intelligence tests -- South Africa , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MSocSc
- Identifier: vital:3047 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1002556 , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale , Intelligence tests -- South Africa , Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale -- South Africa
- Description: The Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale - 3rd Edition (WAIS-III) is the newest of the internationally recognised Wechsler family of intelligence tests. It has been improved in terms of its psychometric properties, neuropsychological assessment abilities and its content. This test is in the process of being standardised by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) in South Africa. As the adapted South African version will be available shortly for use in the multicultural circumstances of South Africa, the application of the various aspects of this test needs to be investigated. This test is very comprehensive and thorough, however its one disadvantage is that it takes on average three hours to administer in its entirety. Thus there is a need to find ways in which to abbreviate the test for particular purposes when time is limited, for example in research, brief clinical assessments or neuropsychological screenings. The concept of abbreviating tests, including the earlier Wechsler intelligence test can be traced back to 1917, when it was asked if all the items on the Binet-Simon scale were required to give an accurate assessment of IQ (Levy, 1968). Since then there have been many short form suggestions made, with many different considerations in mind. These can be divided into two main approaches or methods. Firstly, the number of subtests of the scale can be reduced. Thus with the WAIS-III which consists of 14 subtests in total, an option is to use, for example only four of the subtests to get an estimate of a person's IQ. Secondly, the number of items in each subtest can be reduced. Thus only half the items or even only a third of the items on a subtest can be administered to get an estimate of the persons' performance on each subtest and in this way estimate their overall IQ. Both methods have been used on the WAIS and WAIS-R, although the reduction of the subtests is favoured. Both should now be validated and considered for use with the WATS-III in South Africa. Wechsler tests and their constituent subtests have been found to be differentially effected by race, education, language and socio-economic status (Kaufman, McLean & Reynolds, 1988; Nell 1999). These differences have also been found to impact on the short forms which are suggested, as certain subtests are considered to be more biased towards particular groups than others. Vocabulary and Block Design in particular bias testees who are not as westernised or acculturated towards a largely American and European culture (Kaufman, McLean & Reynolds, 1988). These differences, although often ascribed to race, language or socio-economic status can best be understood more broadly in terms of degree of acculturation (i.e. westernisation) (Shuttleworth-Jordan, 1996) and test-wiseness (Nell, 1999). In South Africa in particular, with its extreme cultural diversity these factors need to be carefully considered when developing short forms. In the present study the development of a short form appropriate to South Africa's diverse cultural circumstances will be approached, through a sample which has been stratified according to gender, first language (English vs. African), quality of schooling received (Private/Model C vs. DET) and level of education achieved (Matric vs. Graduate). Both a subtest reduction method and an item reduction method will be considered to arrive at a short form. The subtest reduction method will be considered further in an attempt to clarify which subtests would be more or less appropriate to include in a short form considering group differences. Finally the thesis will develop suggestions as to which short forms would be best for use in South Africa.
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- Date Issued: 2000
The dynamics of an emerging outcomes-based educational approach in a second language English classroom
- Authors: Westphal, Vivian
- Date: 2000
- Subjects: English language -- Study and teaching -- Foreign speakers -- South Africa Competency-based education -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1502 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003384
- Description: Curriculum 2005 and outcomes-based education was introduced to South African educators in 1996 by the Minister of Education, Prof. S.M.E. Bengu as an alternative to the racially divided education system prior to the first democratic elections of 1995. The new curriculum was designed to transform the education system into a more equitable system by focussing on creating learners who would become creative thinkers, independent, productive workers and responsible, non-racial citizens. Learners would take a greater role in their own education and teachers would take on new roles as facilitators in the learning process. The new approach was introduced into grade 1 in 1998 and grade 2 in 1999. By using a modified ethnographic approach, this research project studies how one teacher has begun to think about Curriculum 2005 and implement an OBE approach to ESL teaching in a grade 2 classroom. It also focuses on gaining insights into how the teacher has attempted to make sense of the new curriculum in terms of her current practice and the training she has received in OBE. The ethnographic approach of the thesis has allowed the researcher to draw on many forms of data providing a holistic view. Tentative findings show that the teacher is experiencing difficulty in “unpacking” the underlying principles of OBE in terms of her current methods of teaching ESL. She continues to work from tacit knowledge. Because she has received very little training in OBE, she lacks the tools to become a more reflective practitioner. Despite this, her ESL lessons show a positive communicative approach to language teaching by focusing on stories, rhymes and songs as comprehensible input for the learners. The findings of this thesis tentatively suggest that unless teachers are given more adequate training and learning support materials, their classroom practices will remain relatively unchanged.
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- Date Issued: 2000