Enhancing Teacher Support for the effective implementation of inclusive education: A case of selected Districts in South Africa
- Authors: Pateka Pamella Jama
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Inclusive Education
- Language: English
- Type: D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2199 , vital:40913
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Pateka Pamella Jama
- Date: 2019
- Subjects: Inclusive Education
- Language: English
- Type: D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/2199 , vital:40913
- Full Text: false
Perceptions of school based support teams about providing support to Foundation Phase Teachers in two Butterworth Primary Schools, Eastern Cape
- Authors: Luningo, Mziwonke
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School based support--Teams Foundation phase--Teachers--Eastern Cape Education support--Primary schools
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1410 , vital:34373
- Description: The policy on Inclusive Education acknowledges that all children can learn if they are given the necessary support. In order to achieve this goal, the Department of Education (DoE) introduced the establishment of SBSTs whose main function is to support teaching and learning in schools. This study used interpretive paradigm to explore perceptions of SBST about providing support to foundation phase (FP) teachers and to interpret what they said. Nonetheless, there seemed to be challenges on how to support learners experiencing barriers to learning among the members of the SBST. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of the School-Based Support Teams (SBSTs) about providing support to the foundation phase teachers in two Butterworth Primary Schools in the Eastern Cape. This study used the qualitative mode of inquiry and a case study as a research design. Semi-structured interviews using one on one, observations and document analysis were used to collect the data from the SBSTs about their perceptions of providing support to the FP teachers. Purposeful sampling was used where two mainstream primary schools were conveniently selected with six SBST participants from each school, making a total of six participants. Twelve SBST members were interviewed. Data were analysed and common themes emerged. The findings revealed that the SBSTs did not have enough knowledge and skills to support the FP teachers. Some of the challenges they cited included inadequate training, lack of communication, overcrowding and lack of support from the parents. In an attempt to alleviate the above-raised challenges, a model was proposed. These are some of the recommendations that resulted from the findings: all schools should have SBSTs, they should be composed of all the important stakeholders as proposed by the DoE, frequent SBST meetings should be held and further recommendations are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
- Authors: Luningo, Mziwonke
- Date: 2018
- Subjects: School based support--Teams Foundation phase--Teachers--Eastern Cape Education support--Primary schools
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1410 , vital:34373
- Description: The policy on Inclusive Education acknowledges that all children can learn if they are given the necessary support. In order to achieve this goal, the Department of Education (DoE) introduced the establishment of SBSTs whose main function is to support teaching and learning in schools. This study used interpretive paradigm to explore perceptions of SBST about providing support to foundation phase (FP) teachers and to interpret what they said. Nonetheless, there seemed to be challenges on how to support learners experiencing barriers to learning among the members of the SBST. The aim of this study was to explore the perceptions of the School-Based Support Teams (SBSTs) about providing support to the foundation phase teachers in two Butterworth Primary Schools in the Eastern Cape. This study used the qualitative mode of inquiry and a case study as a research design. Semi-structured interviews using one on one, observations and document analysis were used to collect the data from the SBSTs about their perceptions of providing support to the FP teachers. Purposeful sampling was used where two mainstream primary schools were conveniently selected with six SBST participants from each school, making a total of six participants. Twelve SBST members were interviewed. Data were analysed and common themes emerged. The findings revealed that the SBSTs did not have enough knowledge and skills to support the FP teachers. Some of the challenges they cited included inadequate training, lack of communication, overcrowding and lack of support from the parents. In an attempt to alleviate the above-raised challenges, a model was proposed. These are some of the recommendations that resulted from the findings: all schools should have SBSTs, they should be composed of all the important stakeholders as proposed by the DoE, frequent SBST meetings should be held and further recommendations are made.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2018
An exploration of financial conscientiousness among School Governing Bodies and School Management Teams and its impact on Boundary Spanning Management on selected Section 21 High Schools in the Eastern Cape Province
- Authors: Sifuba, Mpilo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Financial conscientiousness Finacial statements -- Standards -- School governing bodies and school management teams Charter Schools -- Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/878 , vital:29940
- Description: The study investigated the underlying factors which induce the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and School Management Teams (SMTs) to boundary cross into each other’s finance functional domain despite the fact that their responsibilities are demarcated in the South African Schools Act No. 84 of 1996. The study also intended to examine financial conscientiousness as a critical strategy, which was aimed at achieving the following: restricting the boundary spanning management among School Governing Bodies and School Management Teams, giving direction and strengthening the relationship between the two structures in section 21 high schools. Pragmatism was used as a paradigm for this study as it has been hailed as one of the best paradigms for justifying the use of mixed methods research. The researcher located the study within mixed methods research and employed the convergent parallel design characterised by collecting concurrently both qualitative and quantitative data. The study used a nonprobability sampling strategy – a purposive sampling technique. The study focused on 147 participants. The sample consisted of the following participant sub-groups: (a) 138 questionnaires participants (46 school principals, 46 SGB chairpersons and 46 school finance officers) sampled from 46 high schools, and (b) 9 face-to-face interviews participants (3 school principals, 3 SGB chairpersons) and purposively sampled from 3 different section 21 high schools located in rural, semi-urban and urban areas of the Butterworth District, and 3 Departmental Officials (The District Director, An Education Development Officer, and District National Norms and Standards for School funding coordinator) sampled from the Butterworth Education District. The study was guided by the following research question: What ideas of consciousness raising strategies could help alleviate the crossing over of boundaries between SGBs and SMTs on financial matters of the section 21 high schools? The financial conscientiousness conceptual framework for this study hinged on the conscious raising concept of Paulo Freire supported by philosophical ideas of theorists of school-based management concept, school-based participative partnership concept, school-based participative management concept and teamwork concept. These theories are expected to encourage the inclusive participation when finances are handled in section 21 high schools. The study used a survey questionnaire to collect quantitative dataset and interviews for the qualitative dataset to find answers to the research question and also to enhance the reliability and validity of the research findings. The quantitative data were presented in tables with frequencies and percentages as well as pie charts. Themes and Natural Meaning Units (NMUs) were used to analyse the qualitative data. The overall findings backed by the extant literature and research data indicated that there was lack of trust among SGBs and SMTs. Owing to this mistrust the day to day activities of the school were compromised. There were power struggles between SGBs and SMTs in schools for the control of school finances. There were corrupt practices by both SGBs and SMTs in the management of school finances. The findings also revealed lack of capacity building by the department of education. Furthermore, the SGBs parent component was characterised by high illiteracy level – a systemic weakness worsened by the manipulation perpetrated by both school governing bodies and school management teams during school finance management processes. Resulting from the data analysis, the study recommended the utilisation and application of Sifuba’s School Finance Management Awareness Model (SSFMA) as a new model that could be adopted and adapted by the Department of Education for the school finance management. This will create educational sound atmosphere and realities at school level – a model that is capable of inducing the participative and inclusive behaviour of the SGBs and SMTs when they perform their financial responsibilities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Sifuba, Mpilo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Financial conscientiousness Finacial statements -- Standards -- School governing bodies and school management teams Charter Schools -- Finance -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/878 , vital:29940
- Description: The study investigated the underlying factors which induce the School Governing Bodies (SGBs) and School Management Teams (SMTs) to boundary cross into each other’s finance functional domain despite the fact that their responsibilities are demarcated in the South African Schools Act No. 84 of 1996. The study also intended to examine financial conscientiousness as a critical strategy, which was aimed at achieving the following: restricting the boundary spanning management among School Governing Bodies and School Management Teams, giving direction and strengthening the relationship between the two structures in section 21 high schools. Pragmatism was used as a paradigm for this study as it has been hailed as one of the best paradigms for justifying the use of mixed methods research. The researcher located the study within mixed methods research and employed the convergent parallel design characterised by collecting concurrently both qualitative and quantitative data. The study used a nonprobability sampling strategy – a purposive sampling technique. The study focused on 147 participants. The sample consisted of the following participant sub-groups: (a) 138 questionnaires participants (46 school principals, 46 SGB chairpersons and 46 school finance officers) sampled from 46 high schools, and (b) 9 face-to-face interviews participants (3 school principals, 3 SGB chairpersons) and purposively sampled from 3 different section 21 high schools located in rural, semi-urban and urban areas of the Butterworth District, and 3 Departmental Officials (The District Director, An Education Development Officer, and District National Norms and Standards for School funding coordinator) sampled from the Butterworth Education District. The study was guided by the following research question: What ideas of consciousness raising strategies could help alleviate the crossing over of boundaries between SGBs and SMTs on financial matters of the section 21 high schools? The financial conscientiousness conceptual framework for this study hinged on the conscious raising concept of Paulo Freire supported by philosophical ideas of theorists of school-based management concept, school-based participative partnership concept, school-based participative management concept and teamwork concept. These theories are expected to encourage the inclusive participation when finances are handled in section 21 high schools. The study used a survey questionnaire to collect quantitative dataset and interviews for the qualitative dataset to find answers to the research question and also to enhance the reliability and validity of the research findings. The quantitative data were presented in tables with frequencies and percentages as well as pie charts. Themes and Natural Meaning Units (NMUs) were used to analyse the qualitative data. The overall findings backed by the extant literature and research data indicated that there was lack of trust among SGBs and SMTs. Owing to this mistrust the day to day activities of the school were compromised. There were power struggles between SGBs and SMTs in schools for the control of school finances. There were corrupt practices by both SGBs and SMTs in the management of school finances. The findings also revealed lack of capacity building by the department of education. Furthermore, the SGBs parent component was characterised by high illiteracy level – a systemic weakness worsened by the manipulation perpetrated by both school governing bodies and school management teams during school finance management processes. Resulting from the data analysis, the study recommended the utilisation and application of Sifuba’s School Finance Management Awareness Model (SSFMA) as a new model that could be adopted and adapted by the Department of Education for the school finance management. This will create educational sound atmosphere and realities at school level – a model that is capable of inducing the participative and inclusive behaviour of the SGBs and SMTs when they perform their financial responsibilities
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
Complementary of Curriculum design and development process and Curriculum implementation in the South African education system: Teachers’ experiences in the Libode Education Mega-District
- Authors: Nobanda, Vusumzi Zwelandile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Curriculum design -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Curriculum implementation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/834 , vital:29935
- Description: The dawn of democracy in South Africa necessitated some changes in many spheres of government including education. There was a dire need for educational transformation from the apartheid education system, which favoured white South Africans, to an inclusive education system. This transformation was crucial to address and/or redress the neglect and/or exclusion of certain learning areas and methods in the school curriculum, especially in South African rural schools. Furthermore, it was needed in order to provide a uniform education system for all South Africans under one Department of Education. The first South African curriculum restructuring innovation resulted in Curriculum 2000 which was later renamed Curriculum 2005 (C2005). The review of C2005, in an attempt to assess progress in its implementation, revealed enormous challenges. Thus, in an attempt to strengthen C2005 the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS): grades R-9 and the National Curriculum Statement (NCS): grades 10-12 were introduced. These two curricula were followed by the National Curriculum Statement (NCS): grades R-12. There is, however, overwhelming evidence that C2005 and the curricula that followed thereafter faced huge problems in their implementation. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the complementarity between curriculum design and development processes, and curriculum implementation in the South African education arena. This study was located within the pragmatic paradigm and used mixed methods research design. In this study complementarity of curriculum design and development and curriculum implementation refers to the ability of curriculum design and development processes to have comprehensive provisions for curriculum implementation. The investigation of this complementarity was conducted through the exploration of the main research question: What complementarity existed between the process of curriculum design and development, and curriculum implementation in South Africa? Other subsidiary questions were also derived from the above main research question.ii Thirty schools from the population of schools in the Libode Mega-District were randomly sampled from which sixty participants in the study had been selected. All data in the study were obtained from these participants. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were the instruments used to collect data. In-depth interviews were conducted with fifteen participants after the researcher had collected all questionnaires. Data collected through the use of questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics obtained through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Data collected through interviews were first coded to form units according to similarities and/or differences among units. Units were thereafter grouped into clusters to form domains in order to discover relationships between these domains. Challenges that faced curricula implementation, as per the findings of this study, included: inadequate teacher training, ineffective methods used in curricula dissemination, lack of infrastructure, lack of adequate support from other stakeholders, lack of teacher involvement in curricula design processes, and lack of teaching and learning material. The present study concluded that there was no complementarity in the curriculum design and development processes and curriculum implementation. This study recommended, among other things, that the DBE should provide effective programmes on teacher training in preparation for curricula implementation, ensure availability of human and material resources and infrastructure and also teacher involvement in the curricula designing processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
- Authors: Nobanda, Vusumzi Zwelandile
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Curriculum design -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Curriculum implementation -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Education -- Curricula -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/834 , vital:29935
- Description: The dawn of democracy in South Africa necessitated some changes in many spheres of government including education. There was a dire need for educational transformation from the apartheid education system, which favoured white South Africans, to an inclusive education system. This transformation was crucial to address and/or redress the neglect and/or exclusion of certain learning areas and methods in the school curriculum, especially in South African rural schools. Furthermore, it was needed in order to provide a uniform education system for all South Africans under one Department of Education. The first South African curriculum restructuring innovation resulted in Curriculum 2000 which was later renamed Curriculum 2005 (C2005). The review of C2005, in an attempt to assess progress in its implementation, revealed enormous challenges. Thus, in an attempt to strengthen C2005 the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS): grades R-9 and the National Curriculum Statement (NCS): grades 10-12 were introduced. These two curricula were followed by the National Curriculum Statement (NCS): grades R-12. There is, however, overwhelming evidence that C2005 and the curricula that followed thereafter faced huge problems in their implementation. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to examine the complementarity between curriculum design and development processes, and curriculum implementation in the South African education arena. This study was located within the pragmatic paradigm and used mixed methods research design. In this study complementarity of curriculum design and development and curriculum implementation refers to the ability of curriculum design and development processes to have comprehensive provisions for curriculum implementation. The investigation of this complementarity was conducted through the exploration of the main research question: What complementarity existed between the process of curriculum design and development, and curriculum implementation in South Africa? Other subsidiary questions were also derived from the above main research question.ii Thirty schools from the population of schools in the Libode Mega-District were randomly sampled from which sixty participants in the study had been selected. All data in the study were obtained from these participants. Questionnaires and in-depth interviews were the instruments used to collect data. In-depth interviews were conducted with fifteen participants after the researcher had collected all questionnaires. Data collected through the use of questionnaires were analysed using descriptive statistics obtained through the use of the Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS). Data collected through interviews were first coded to form units according to similarities and/or differences among units. Units were thereafter grouped into clusters to form domains in order to discover relationships between these domains. Challenges that faced curricula implementation, as per the findings of this study, included: inadequate teacher training, ineffective methods used in curricula dissemination, lack of infrastructure, lack of adequate support from other stakeholders, lack of teacher involvement in curricula design processes, and lack of teaching and learning material. The present study concluded that there was no complementarity in the curriculum design and development processes and curriculum implementation. This study recommended, among other things, that the DBE should provide effective programmes on teacher training in preparation for curricula implementation, ensure availability of human and material resources and infrastructure and also teacher involvement in the curricula designing processes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2016
An assessment of the management of the quality of Education and its impact on Learners’ academic performance in selected Schools in Mthatha, South Africa
- Authors: Kariyana, Israel
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Quality education -- Schools -- South Africa Academic performance -- Learners -- South Africa -- Mthatha School management – Teaching and learning School management team (SMT)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1302 , vital:30800
- Description: The study sought to assess the impact on learners‘ academic performance of the management of the quality of education in South African schools. The study was conducted in ten independent and ten public schools in Mthatha. The study elicited information for quantitative data from 60 school management team (SMT) members, 200 educators and 400 learners who were randomly sampled from the participating purposively sampled schools. Qualitative data and document analysis were used to triangulate quantitative findings. Data collected was coded and analysed thematically. Quantitative data were analysed with the aid of the SPSS version 22 and qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. Quantitative data were presented through a blend of both descriptive and inferential statistics using tables and graphs. The study found that school management teams (SMTs) and educators were more aware than learners that there are national and provincial legislation mandates that guide the management of quality in education. However, stakeholders were of the view that schools did not use relevant national, provincial and school-based policies and procedures to guide the provision and management of quality in education. It also emerged that learners did not conduct themselves in a manner that promoted the provision of quality education. Participants were, nevertheless agreeable on the indicators of high-quality education. SMTs and educators held stronger views than learners about schools having clear vision and mission statements (VMS) in place but neither were displayed for all to see nor were they well known to and supported by the ii SMTs, educators and learners, thus they were not implemented. The study also established that respondents were aware of the educator-centred, SMT-centred as well as learner-centred factors that affected the quality of education and that factors that promote high-quality education were largely absent in schools. Stakeholders also agreed about the effects of factors that affected the quality of education on learner performance such as poor training and development of educators. It emerged that there were positive SMT-centred factors such as promoting professional development of staff; educator-centred factors including maintaining exceptional lesson planning standards and presentation skills; learner-centred factors being geared towards school work while high parental involvement in school activities emerged as the overriding home-based factor noted to have a strong, positive impact on the provision of quality education and learner performance. It also emerged from the study that inter-alia, stakeholders viewed performance measurement and management as important and holding SMTs and educators accountable for poor school performance as an imperative measure for the provision of quality education. Recommendations for practice and for further research were made with a view to improving the management of the quality of education in schools. In light of that, a model for the management of the quality of education and learner performance was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Kariyana, Israel
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Quality education -- Schools -- South Africa Academic performance -- Learners -- South Africa -- Mthatha School management – Teaching and learning School management team (SMT)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/1302 , vital:30800
- Description: The study sought to assess the impact on learners‘ academic performance of the management of the quality of education in South African schools. The study was conducted in ten independent and ten public schools in Mthatha. The study elicited information for quantitative data from 60 school management team (SMT) members, 200 educators and 400 learners who were randomly sampled from the participating purposively sampled schools. Qualitative data and document analysis were used to triangulate quantitative findings. Data collected was coded and analysed thematically. Quantitative data were analysed with the aid of the SPSS version 22 and qualitative data were analysed through content analysis. Quantitative data were presented through a blend of both descriptive and inferential statistics using tables and graphs. The study found that school management teams (SMTs) and educators were more aware than learners that there are national and provincial legislation mandates that guide the management of quality in education. However, stakeholders were of the view that schools did not use relevant national, provincial and school-based policies and procedures to guide the provision and management of quality in education. It also emerged that learners did not conduct themselves in a manner that promoted the provision of quality education. Participants were, nevertheless agreeable on the indicators of high-quality education. SMTs and educators held stronger views than learners about schools having clear vision and mission statements (VMS) in place but neither were displayed for all to see nor were they well known to and supported by the ii SMTs, educators and learners, thus they were not implemented. The study also established that respondents were aware of the educator-centred, SMT-centred as well as learner-centred factors that affected the quality of education and that factors that promote high-quality education were largely absent in schools. Stakeholders also agreed about the effects of factors that affected the quality of education on learner performance such as poor training and development of educators. It emerged that there were positive SMT-centred factors such as promoting professional development of staff; educator-centred factors including maintaining exceptional lesson planning standards and presentation skills; learner-centred factors being geared towards school work while high parental involvement in school activities emerged as the overriding home-based factor noted to have a strong, positive impact on the provision of quality education and learner performance. It also emerged from the study that inter-alia, stakeholders viewed performance measurement and management as important and holding SMTs and educators accountable for poor school performance as an imperative measure for the provision of quality education. Recommendations for practice and for further research were made with a view to improving the management of the quality of education in schools. In light of that, a model for the management of the quality of education and learner performance was proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Challenges faced by Teachers in applying reading strategies when teaching English reading in the foundation phase in the Mthatha District
- Authors: Cweba, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Reading(Foundation phase) English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/856 , vital:29938
- Description: This study sought to investigate challenges faced by teachers in applying reading strategies when teaching reading in the Foundation Phase in the Mthatha District in South Africa. The study was conducted at Four Junior Secondary Schools. It was prompted by a deep concern about challenges faced by teachers in applying reading strategies required in the Foundation Phase. While studies have been carried out on applying reading strategies in the Foundation Phase, few studies have looked at the factors impacting on reading in South African schools, especially in the Mthatha District where isiXhosa is the mother tongue. The method used in this study involved a qualitative approach. The study addressed the following research questions: What strategies are used in the Foundation Phase? What type of challenges are faced by teachers? To what extent are educators trained to teach reading in the Foundation Phase? Does the lack of resources affect the performance of learners? To what extent does the use of a second language affect the performance of Foundation Phase learners? Do teachers receive enough support from the Department of Education to teach reading? The study is a multiple-case study and data were collected through individual interviews and focus group interviews (sixteen teachers were interviewed). Content analysis guided the data analysis through themes derived from the subsidiary questions. Data reporting took the form of thick description and verbatim quotations in line with the qualitative approach of the study. A pilot study was conducted in two Junior Secondary Schools for the purpose of validity and reliability. ii The study`s findings revealed that: Different reading strategies were used by teachers in the Foundation Phase, teachers faced many challenges in applying reading strategies such as teacher training in the teaching of reading. This suggests that intervention is needed by the Department of Education such as providing relevant resources which are essential in order to address the problem of reading. Improvisation by teachers to improve reading material, insufficient allocation of time, multilingualism, teacher competence, lack of motivation and parental involvement in relation to learner performance in reading all need attention in order to solve problems. Furthermore, lack of resources hinders the reading ability of learners. The use of home language as a medium of instruction in teaching reading is highlighted. There is insufficient support by the Department of Education for Foundation Phase teachers to teach reading. Based on the study findings, the researcher has recommended that teachers should be urged to use reading strategies in a way that benefits learners. The use of reading strategies, therefore, needs more attention. Libraries should be built in these schools to enable learners to develop a culture of reading. Education development officers, subject advisors, lead teachers and parents should work together to improve the reading ability of Foundation Phase learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Cweba, Vuyokazi
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Reading(Foundation phase) English language -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/856 , vital:29938
- Description: This study sought to investigate challenges faced by teachers in applying reading strategies when teaching reading in the Foundation Phase in the Mthatha District in South Africa. The study was conducted at Four Junior Secondary Schools. It was prompted by a deep concern about challenges faced by teachers in applying reading strategies required in the Foundation Phase. While studies have been carried out on applying reading strategies in the Foundation Phase, few studies have looked at the factors impacting on reading in South African schools, especially in the Mthatha District where isiXhosa is the mother tongue. The method used in this study involved a qualitative approach. The study addressed the following research questions: What strategies are used in the Foundation Phase? What type of challenges are faced by teachers? To what extent are educators trained to teach reading in the Foundation Phase? Does the lack of resources affect the performance of learners? To what extent does the use of a second language affect the performance of Foundation Phase learners? Do teachers receive enough support from the Department of Education to teach reading? The study is a multiple-case study and data were collected through individual interviews and focus group interviews (sixteen teachers were interviewed). Content analysis guided the data analysis through themes derived from the subsidiary questions. Data reporting took the form of thick description and verbatim quotations in line with the qualitative approach of the study. A pilot study was conducted in two Junior Secondary Schools for the purpose of validity and reliability. ii The study`s findings revealed that: Different reading strategies were used by teachers in the Foundation Phase, teachers faced many challenges in applying reading strategies such as teacher training in the teaching of reading. This suggests that intervention is needed by the Department of Education such as providing relevant resources which are essential in order to address the problem of reading. Improvisation by teachers to improve reading material, insufficient allocation of time, multilingualism, teacher competence, lack of motivation and parental involvement in relation to learner performance in reading all need attention in order to solve problems. Furthermore, lack of resources hinders the reading ability of learners. The use of home language as a medium of instruction in teaching reading is highlighted. There is insufficient support by the Department of Education for Foundation Phase teachers to teach reading. Based on the study findings, the researcher has recommended that teachers should be urged to use reading strategies in a way that benefits learners. The use of reading strategies, therefore, needs more attention. Libraries should be built in these schools to enable learners to develop a culture of reading. Education development officers, subject advisors, lead teachers and parents should work together to improve the reading ability of Foundation Phase learners.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Working Towards Improved Facilitation of Research Capacity Development at Walter Sisulu University (WSU) Using Action Research (AR) Methodology
- Sotshangane, Nkosinathi Owen
- Authors: Sotshangane, Nkosinathi Owen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Capacity development -- Research Research -- Higher education Research development -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Education, higher -- Action Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/901 , vital:30009
- Description: This study was originally undertaken to change and improve the way I do my practice at Walter Sisulu University as a Research Associate whose responsibility is to facilitate research capacity development and research excellence within the University, amongst academics and postgraduate students. The success of the Research Resource Centre that I manage depends on the way I promote research culture and research productivity amongst academics and postgraduate students. According to Leedy and Ormrod (2013, p. 2), research is a systematic process that is used to collect, analyse, and interpret data in order to increase my understanding of the phenomenon about interest and concern about a given/identified phenomenon. In this case my own practice changed and improved for the better. The main objective of this study, therefore, was to examine the reasons behind the decline in research productivity in terms of research output and how this could be reversed through action research study intervention in order to enhance research productivity at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). The Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) allocation of research output units for WSU indicated that there was a decline in research output from 2005 to 2010. The extent to which my practice improvement could contribute towards changing or improving research productivity was a question which this study addressed through a quantitative, qualitative and self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry. I organized sample strategies of this study as follows: For quantitative data, I used 120 lecturers as my respondents through questionnaires (females = 47 and males = 73) who were randomly selected; For qualitative data, I used 24 lecturers as respondents who were randomly selected with whom I conducted interviews; and For self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry I used 7 Transformative Education/al Studies (TES) project group members as my focus group. My research findings concluded that the heavy teaching workload at WSU was problematic and lecturers/academics could not devote time to do research. My recommendation is that research should be made compulsory so that academics become aware that at least one or two published articles are required from them, for the benefit of annual university research productivity. Some research participants also recommended that the Research Resource Centre must include programs that focus directly on active participation in research in order to increase the capacity of individual researchers so as to build a critical mass of competent researchers, perhaps by even including incentives as a reward for doing research. According to Koshy (2010), action research is a specific method of conducting research by professionals and practitioners with the ultimate aim of improving practice. My new knowledge, therefore, in respect of how a concerned Research Associate, from a Historically Disadvantaged Institution (HDI), provided the impetus to create a collaborative practice in a higher education institution which was forced to merge with two former technikons (which lacked understanding of what a university means by research productivity and research output). I consequently developed the Nkosinathi Sotshangane’s cyclic practice improvement model through self-reflective action research, from which I believed other research practitioners could learn by doing something similar in their own context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
- Authors: Sotshangane, Nkosinathi Owen
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Capacity development -- Research Research -- Higher education Research development -- Study and teaching -- South Africa Education, higher -- Action Research -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/11260/901 , vital:30009
- Description: This study was originally undertaken to change and improve the way I do my practice at Walter Sisulu University as a Research Associate whose responsibility is to facilitate research capacity development and research excellence within the University, amongst academics and postgraduate students. The success of the Research Resource Centre that I manage depends on the way I promote research culture and research productivity amongst academics and postgraduate students. According to Leedy and Ormrod (2013, p. 2), research is a systematic process that is used to collect, analyse, and interpret data in order to increase my understanding of the phenomenon about interest and concern about a given/identified phenomenon. In this case my own practice changed and improved for the better. The main objective of this study, therefore, was to examine the reasons behind the decline in research productivity in terms of research output and how this could be reversed through action research study intervention in order to enhance research productivity at Walter Sisulu University (WSU). The Department of Higher Education and Training’s (DHET) allocation of research output units for WSU indicated that there was a decline in research output from 2005 to 2010. The extent to which my practice improvement could contribute towards changing or improving research productivity was a question which this study addressed through a quantitative, qualitative and self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry. I organized sample strategies of this study as follows: For quantitative data, I used 120 lecturers as my respondents through questionnaires (females = 47 and males = 73) who were randomly selected; For qualitative data, I used 24 lecturers as respondents who were randomly selected with whom I conducted interviews; and For self-reflective action research cyclic inquiry I used 7 Transformative Education/al Studies (TES) project group members as my focus group. My research findings concluded that the heavy teaching workload at WSU was problematic and lecturers/academics could not devote time to do research. My recommendation is that research should be made compulsory so that academics become aware that at least one or two published articles are required from them, for the benefit of annual university research productivity. Some research participants also recommended that the Research Resource Centre must include programs that focus directly on active participation in research in order to increase the capacity of individual researchers so as to build a critical mass of competent researchers, perhaps by even including incentives as a reward for doing research. According to Koshy (2010), action research is a specific method of conducting research by professionals and practitioners with the ultimate aim of improving practice. My new knowledge, therefore, in respect of how a concerned Research Associate, from a Historically Disadvantaged Institution (HDI), provided the impetus to create a collaborative practice in a higher education institution which was forced to merge with two former technikons (which lacked understanding of what a university means by research productivity and research output). I consequently developed the Nkosinathi Sotshangane’s cyclic practice improvement model through self-reflective action research, from which I believed other research practitioners could learn by doing something similar in their own context.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2015
Developing teaching and learning skills at a Higher education institution: a collaborative action research study
- Authors: Mokhele, Paul Rampaola
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Learning -- Study and teaching (Tertiary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18456 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007960
- Description: The thesis which was originally undertaken to improve my teaching skills and determine ways of allowing me space to live my academic values also turned out to become the enquiry to investigate students’ learning and study skills. Students and I collaborated in a year-long self-study action research where we were trying different teaching-learning strategies in order to improve our practice(s). Throughout the study I kept a reflective journal and students also reflected in a portfolio of learning their impressions about the new teaching-learning strategies. In addition to these data gathering methods data from students were gathered using chats, observation, and open-ended questionnaire. Data was analysed using a narrative method, reflexivity principle, and grounded theory. There are two major steps I followed in this study which are aimed at improving students’ basic study and learning skills, and my teaching skills. The first relates to action research into student learning at the school of Mathematics Science and Technology (MSTE) at a rural university. The study reveals that: Students have their own different and unique styles of learning, implementing various learning styles afford students an opportunity to find a style that matches their own. The second action step relates to my own self-study research trying different teaching methods based on my academic and personal values. Here, the study reveals that: The best teaching-learning practice is the one developed and agreed upon between the teacher educator and his or her students. These ‘action’ steps were not mutually exclusive – they were conducted in parallel. After the description of developing student learning skills at undergraduate level my reflections on the study followed in relation to theories and methods of teaching-learning and further revealed that what works with one group of students will not necessarily work with another group. The best teacher educator is constantly seeking ways of improving the learning experience of his or her students. The recommendations that teacher educators should become self reflective practitioners and improve their professions using self-study collaborative approach will benefit other teacher educators who are keen to study and improve their practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
- Authors: Mokhele, Paul Rampaola
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Learning -- Study and teaching (Tertiary) -- South Africa
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18456 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007960
- Description: The thesis which was originally undertaken to improve my teaching skills and determine ways of allowing me space to live my academic values also turned out to become the enquiry to investigate students’ learning and study skills. Students and I collaborated in a year-long self-study action research where we were trying different teaching-learning strategies in order to improve our practice(s). Throughout the study I kept a reflective journal and students also reflected in a portfolio of learning their impressions about the new teaching-learning strategies. In addition to these data gathering methods data from students were gathered using chats, observation, and open-ended questionnaire. Data was analysed using a narrative method, reflexivity principle, and grounded theory. There are two major steps I followed in this study which are aimed at improving students’ basic study and learning skills, and my teaching skills. The first relates to action research into student learning at the school of Mathematics Science and Technology (MSTE) at a rural university. The study reveals that: Students have their own different and unique styles of learning, implementing various learning styles afford students an opportunity to find a style that matches their own. The second action step relates to my own self-study research trying different teaching methods based on my academic and personal values. Here, the study reveals that: The best teaching-learning practice is the one developed and agreed upon between the teacher educator and his or her students. These ‘action’ steps were not mutually exclusive – they were conducted in parallel. After the description of developing student learning skills at undergraduate level my reflections on the study followed in relation to theories and methods of teaching-learning and further revealed that what works with one group of students will not necessarily work with another group. The best teacher educator is constantly seeking ways of improving the learning experience of his or her students. The recommendations that teacher educators should become self reflective practitioners and improve their professions using self-study collaborative approach will benefit other teacher educators who are keen to study and improve their practice.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2013
The effect of a guided enquiry based learning approach on mechanical engineering students' understanding of thermodynamics
- Authors: Louw, Christoffel
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Thermodynamics -- Mechanical engineering -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18474 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011523
- Description: Personal experiences of almost 17 years as an academic in engineering education in South Africa indicate that with the current teaching methods which are in use, course outcomes as required by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) are not achieved in learning Thermodynamics 2 (MTHE 2). The purpose of this research was to investigate alternative methods of teaching and learning MTHE 2 which would assist to improve the students’ academic performance. The population for this research was students registered for National Diploma Mechanical Engineering and the accessible population was 40 students registered for MTHE 2 from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst campus. Out of these 40 students, 20 voluntarily agreed to be the sample. The theoretical framework for this study was social constructivism. Social constructivism states that learning is an active process and the process of knowledge construction occurs in a socio-cultural context where the student and environment actively interact. The student involves himself/herself and does neither remain nor be allowed to remain just as a passive observer. This was an action research where students were exposed to Guided Enquiry Based Learning (GEBL) in groups. From a social constructivists approach to learning, GEBL was used to engage students in social groups during the teaching-learning process with specific focus on selected academic discipline. All ethical considerations applicable to a study of the present nature were adhered to and in addition, signed informed consent forms were obtained from participants prior to the study. Students were given an introduction to the concepts and principles as per the pre-set syllabus for MTHE 2 and this was followed by problem solving sessions in which they were divided into four groups of five students each. The students were given a guided enquiry- and work-based example with an additional list of questions on each module of the syllabus. They had to select the most relevant questions from the list to analyse and develop a solution for each problem. The lecturers’ role was that of a facilitator who assisted each group with problems which the group encountered. This approach engaged students more actively in the learning process and placed more responsibility on them for their own progress in learning. This process also created an atmosphere for interaction with peers and assisted them to develop interpersonal and group communication skills. Key performance indicators were developed to measure the extent to which these outcomes were achieved. The researcher made use of an instrument structured in terms of Likert-type scale in order to objectively assess the extent of achievement. Data collected from the pilot study done in 2009 indicated that GEBL improved the students’ understanding of course content and problem analysis. Quantitative data were collected by means of standard assessment i.e. semester tests, an oral test, final examination and a KPI instrument. The KPIs were formulated to measure the extent to which the outcomes for MTHE 2 had been achieved. Qualitative data were collected through 30-minute interviews, using an open-ended interview schedule, with each member of the sample. The interviews were done by a person who qualified both as an ‘insider and outsider’ in order to minimize the risk of bias and to maintain rigour in the research. In order to qualify as an ‘insider and outsider’, one ought to be as an insider: (a) from the same ethnic group, (b) qualified in Mechanical Engineering with Thermodynamics as a major course, (c) had no power disposition e.g. a former student or a laboratory assistant (excluding staff members within the mechanical engineering department) and as an outsider, one who was not part of the GEBL process. The quantitative scores from the assessments were analysed with Predictive Analysis Software (PASW) to determine the extent to which interventions had assisted student performance. The qualitative data from the interviews were analysed with N-Vivo to reveal the impact of GEBL on student learning and understanding of MTHE 2. The results indicated that with GEBL, the students’ overall scores improved from the first assessment score of 46% written on half of the first module to the final assessment score of 55% written on all seven modules. Students could handle larger volumes of work and still obtain a higher percentage. GEBL assisted students’ in recalling factual MTHE 2 concepts, understanding of MTHE 2 concepts, principles and applications. GEBL also enhanced students’ ability to communicate procedures and processes related to MTHE 2. KPIs formulated to measure the extent to which the outcomes were met in terms of student achievement indicated a 57% achievement thereof. The KPIs developed gave a percentage achievement of the specified outcomes for MTHE 2 with GEBL. Theses KPIs can be used in future to measure the effectiveness of different teaching and learning methods in terms of achieving the outcomes. It is therefore recommended that GEBL be introduced into other engineering courses also to assist students in understanding course content and in achieving the course outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Louw, Christoffel
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Thermodynamics -- Mechanical engineering -- Students
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18474 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011523
- Description: Personal experiences of almost 17 years as an academic in engineering education in South Africa indicate that with the current teaching methods which are in use, course outcomes as required by the South African Qualification Authority (SAQA) are not achieved in learning Thermodynamics 2 (MTHE 2). The purpose of this research was to investigate alternative methods of teaching and learning MTHE 2 which would assist to improve the students’ academic performance. The population for this research was students registered for National Diploma Mechanical Engineering and the accessible population was 40 students registered for MTHE 2 from Walter Sisulu University, Chiselhurst campus. Out of these 40 students, 20 voluntarily agreed to be the sample. The theoretical framework for this study was social constructivism. Social constructivism states that learning is an active process and the process of knowledge construction occurs in a socio-cultural context where the student and environment actively interact. The student involves himself/herself and does neither remain nor be allowed to remain just as a passive observer. This was an action research where students were exposed to Guided Enquiry Based Learning (GEBL) in groups. From a social constructivists approach to learning, GEBL was used to engage students in social groups during the teaching-learning process with specific focus on selected academic discipline. All ethical considerations applicable to a study of the present nature were adhered to and in addition, signed informed consent forms were obtained from participants prior to the study. Students were given an introduction to the concepts and principles as per the pre-set syllabus for MTHE 2 and this was followed by problem solving sessions in which they were divided into four groups of five students each. The students were given a guided enquiry- and work-based example with an additional list of questions on each module of the syllabus. They had to select the most relevant questions from the list to analyse and develop a solution for each problem. The lecturers’ role was that of a facilitator who assisted each group with problems which the group encountered. This approach engaged students more actively in the learning process and placed more responsibility on them for their own progress in learning. This process also created an atmosphere for interaction with peers and assisted them to develop interpersonal and group communication skills. Key performance indicators were developed to measure the extent to which these outcomes were achieved. The researcher made use of an instrument structured in terms of Likert-type scale in order to objectively assess the extent of achievement. Data collected from the pilot study done in 2009 indicated that GEBL improved the students’ understanding of course content and problem analysis. Quantitative data were collected by means of standard assessment i.e. semester tests, an oral test, final examination and a KPI instrument. The KPIs were formulated to measure the extent to which the outcomes for MTHE 2 had been achieved. Qualitative data were collected through 30-minute interviews, using an open-ended interview schedule, with each member of the sample. The interviews were done by a person who qualified both as an ‘insider and outsider’ in order to minimize the risk of bias and to maintain rigour in the research. In order to qualify as an ‘insider and outsider’, one ought to be as an insider: (a) from the same ethnic group, (b) qualified in Mechanical Engineering with Thermodynamics as a major course, (c) had no power disposition e.g. a former student or a laboratory assistant (excluding staff members within the mechanical engineering department) and as an outsider, one who was not part of the GEBL process. The quantitative scores from the assessments were analysed with Predictive Analysis Software (PASW) to determine the extent to which interventions had assisted student performance. The qualitative data from the interviews were analysed with N-Vivo to reveal the impact of GEBL on student learning and understanding of MTHE 2. The results indicated that with GEBL, the students’ overall scores improved from the first assessment score of 46% written on half of the first module to the final assessment score of 55% written on all seven modules. Students could handle larger volumes of work and still obtain a higher percentage. GEBL assisted students’ in recalling factual MTHE 2 concepts, understanding of MTHE 2 concepts, principles and applications. GEBL also enhanced students’ ability to communicate procedures and processes related to MTHE 2. KPIs formulated to measure the extent to which the outcomes were met in terms of student achievement indicated a 57% achievement thereof. The KPIs developed gave a percentage achievement of the specified outcomes for MTHE 2 with GEBL. Theses KPIs can be used in future to measure the effectiveness of different teaching and learning methods in terms of achieving the outcomes. It is therefore recommended that GEBL be introduced into other engineering courses also to assist students in understanding course content and in achieving the course outcomes.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
The evaluation of an instructional framework using the Van Hiele levels for learning and teaching geometry: a study in five rural senior secondary schools
- Alex, Jogymol Kalariparampil
- Authors: Alex, Jogymol Kalariparampil
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Teaching and learning -- Geometry -- Education (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18470 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011278
- Description: The Constitution (1996) of the Republic of South Africa forms the basis for social transformation in our new society. The Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) and the amendments that followed provided a basis for curriculum transformation and development in South Africa. The Department of Education introduced the present curriculum known as the National Curriculum Statement, which is modern and internationally benchmarked, in grade 10 in 2006. It required the learners to do seven subjects in grades 10 to 12 of which mathematics or mathematical literacy was prescribed as compulsory subjects. To attain social transformation, the South African Government attached a great deal of importance to the learning and teaching of mathematics and sciences in the South African schools. This study was undertaken in an effort to improve the understanding of geometry and, consequently, the performance and achievement of senior secondary school learners in geometry. The study was inspired by the van Hiele theory. The study made use of the different levels of the van Hiele theory for the development of an instructional framework for geometry in senior secondary schools. The research was conducted in a previously disadvantaged area in South Africa. Given the setting of this study and the wider application of it, the use of ‘hands-on’ and practical approach to use manipulatives and worksheets to improve the geometric understanding was tried and tested in this study. The assumption was that such experiences would make the learning of geometry more relevant and enjoyable for learners from limited financial and underprivileged circumstances. A quasi-experimental design was chosen. A total of 359 learners from five purposively selected schools in Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape Province participated in this study. Qualitative data through interviews were gathered. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Version 19 and Microsoft Excel. Findings indicated that there was a notable improvement in the performance of learners who were taught by the application of the van Hiele theory. The results revealed that most of the learners were not ready for the application of deductive principles of geometry in terms of formal proof in senior secondary school geometry. Based on the results, some recommendations are made to enhance the teaching and learning of geometry in senior secondary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
- Authors: Alex, Jogymol Kalariparampil
- Date: 2012
- Subjects: Teaching and learning -- Geometry -- Education (Secondary)
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18470 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1011278
- Description: The Constitution (1996) of the Republic of South Africa forms the basis for social transformation in our new society. The Constitution (Act 108 of 1996) and the amendments that followed provided a basis for curriculum transformation and development in South Africa. The Department of Education introduced the present curriculum known as the National Curriculum Statement, which is modern and internationally benchmarked, in grade 10 in 2006. It required the learners to do seven subjects in grades 10 to 12 of which mathematics or mathematical literacy was prescribed as compulsory subjects. To attain social transformation, the South African Government attached a great deal of importance to the learning and teaching of mathematics and sciences in the South African schools. This study was undertaken in an effort to improve the understanding of geometry and, consequently, the performance and achievement of senior secondary school learners in geometry. The study was inspired by the van Hiele theory. The study made use of the different levels of the van Hiele theory for the development of an instructional framework for geometry in senior secondary schools. The research was conducted in a previously disadvantaged area in South Africa. Given the setting of this study and the wider application of it, the use of ‘hands-on’ and practical approach to use manipulatives and worksheets to improve the geometric understanding was tried and tested in this study. The assumption was that such experiences would make the learning of geometry more relevant and enjoyable for learners from limited financial and underprivileged circumstances. A quasi-experimental design was chosen. A total of 359 learners from five purposively selected schools in Mthatha district in the Eastern Cape Province participated in this study. Qualitative data through interviews were gathered. The data were analysed using IBM SPSS Version 19 and Microsoft Excel. Findings indicated that there was a notable improvement in the performance of learners who were taught by the application of the van Hiele theory. The results revealed that most of the learners were not ready for the application of deductive principles of geometry in terms of formal proof in senior secondary school geometry. Based on the results, some recommendations are made to enhance the teaching and learning of geometry in senior secondary schools.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2012
An evaluation of the effectiveness of Walter Sisulu University's teaching practice as a context for student teachers' competence development
- Authors: Ntsaluba, Doris Nomonde
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teaching practice -- Student teacher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18455 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007761
- Description: This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of teaching practice as a context for the development of student teachers’ competences at Walter Sisulu University. The study was necessitated by the lack of information on whether teaching practice really provides an effective context or not. A literature study focusing on planning of teaching practice, preparation of student teachers for teaching practice, placement of student teachers for teaching practice, mentoring during teaching practice as well as supervision and assessment of teaching practice was conducted. The activity and situated learning theories provided a theoretical framework for studying teaching practice. The mixed-methods approach consisting of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used and data was collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The participants in the study were: thirty (30) student teachers in their third year of study; ten (10) host teachers who were hosting student teachers at the time of data collection for this study and ten (10) university supervisors responsible for teaching practice supervision. Data from closed-ended questionnaire items were analysed statistically. Frequencies and percentages were derived. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results of the study revealed that there was a serious lack of communication between the university and the schools used for teaching practice and as a result student teachers were subjected to a wide range of treatment when they arrived at the schools. The findings also showed that student teachers were inadequately prepared for teaching practice. Student teachers were faced with serious challenges with regard to placement and there was no common programme of mentoring. The schools, as a result, did not provide a sufficiently-appropriate environment for teaching practice to become an effective context for student teachers‘ competence development. The recommendations made include suggestions for the improvement of the general organisation of teaching practice with the university and the schools working as partners in all the activities of teaching practice. The introduction of a formal programme for the preparation of student teachers for teaching practice is suggested and a teaching practice model is also proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- Authors: Ntsaluba, Doris Nomonde
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Teaching practice -- Student teacher
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , D Ed
- Identifier: vital:18455 , http://hdl.handle.net/11260/d1007761
- Description: This study was aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of teaching practice as a context for the development of student teachers’ competences at Walter Sisulu University. The study was necessitated by the lack of information on whether teaching practice really provides an effective context or not. A literature study focusing on planning of teaching practice, preparation of student teachers for teaching practice, placement of student teachers for teaching practice, mentoring during teaching practice as well as supervision and assessment of teaching practice was conducted. The activity and situated learning theories provided a theoretical framework for studying teaching practice. The mixed-methods approach consisting of quantitative and qualitative approaches was used and data was collected through questionnaires and focus group discussions. The participants in the study were: thirty (30) student teachers in their third year of study; ten (10) host teachers who were hosting student teachers at the time of data collection for this study and ten (10) university supervisors responsible for teaching practice supervision. Data from closed-ended questionnaire items were analysed statistically. Frequencies and percentages were derived. Content analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The results of the study revealed that there was a serious lack of communication between the university and the schools used for teaching practice and as a result student teachers were subjected to a wide range of treatment when they arrived at the schools. The findings also showed that student teachers were inadequately prepared for teaching practice. Student teachers were faced with serious challenges with regard to placement and there was no common programme of mentoring. The schools, as a result, did not provide a sufficiently-appropriate environment for teaching practice to become an effective context for student teachers‘ competence development. The recommendations made include suggestions for the improvement of the general organisation of teaching practice with the university and the schools working as partners in all the activities of teaching practice. The introduction of a formal programme for the preparation of student teachers for teaching practice is suggested and a teaching practice model is also proposed.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
- «
- ‹
- 1
- ›
- »