A Mobile social networking framework to create a virtual community of practice in aid of rural small , medium and macro-sized enterprise support and development
- Authors: Muwunga-Zake, Oliva Jullian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Communication in economic development Information technology -- Social aspects Social media Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5785 , vital:29393
- Description: Rural community media are identified as a critical component of the rural community communication process. These SMMEs are however struggling to achieve sustainability and operate effectively due to the various challenges and constraints impacting them. This study seeks to address this by developing a Rural Community Media Mobile Social Networking Framework that will create a virtual community of practice for the purposes of support of rural entrepreneurs in small, medium and macro enterprises (SMMES) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The author has specifically scoped this research to focus on Rural Community Media as a specialised subsegment of entrepreneurs operating in rural areas. The reasons for this decision were in part due to the effect and impact of community media on socio-economic development due to the role they play in enabling access to information and knowledge and giving a voice to poor and isolated communities The study proposes that provision of access to relevant information and knowledge via a mobile social networking framework would assist in cutting implementation costs through utilisation of a platform that is already there (known as rural community media). This study is scoped to focus specifically on rural community media with fieldwork conducted in the province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In summary the Research Methodology applied is as follows: - Research Philosophy: The interpretive research philosophy was chosen for this study - Research Design: This study will apply qualitative design - Research Approach: The case study approach will be used in the study - Data Collection Techniques: Source data will be comprised of primary and secondary data. Primary data will be collected through implementation of a questionnaire and expert reviews, while the secondary data will be collected through literature review. Hermeneutics will be used as the data collection technique in this study. - Data analysis: Cross-case data analysis will be applied Key findings included that rural community media already utilise mobile technology and social media/networking to conduct business. Rural community media required access to information and knowledge pertaining to internal business process, funding, governance, training and access to skilled resources. Mobile social networking is identified as a suitable vehicle for delivery. A Rural Community Media Social Networking Framework was developed as a result of this study. Framework elements were supported, and in some cases modified, by case study findings and expert review feedback.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Muwunga-Zake, Oliva Jullian
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Communication in economic development Information technology -- Social aspects Social media Rural development
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5785 , vital:29393
- Description: Rural community media are identified as a critical component of the rural community communication process. These SMMEs are however struggling to achieve sustainability and operate effectively due to the various challenges and constraints impacting them. This study seeks to address this by developing a Rural Community Media Mobile Social Networking Framework that will create a virtual community of practice for the purposes of support of rural entrepreneurs in small, medium and macro enterprises (SMMES) in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The author has specifically scoped this research to focus on Rural Community Media as a specialised subsegment of entrepreneurs operating in rural areas. The reasons for this decision were in part due to the effect and impact of community media on socio-economic development due to the role they play in enabling access to information and knowledge and giving a voice to poor and isolated communities The study proposes that provision of access to relevant information and knowledge via a mobile social networking framework would assist in cutting implementation costs through utilisation of a platform that is already there (known as rural community media). This study is scoped to focus specifically on rural community media with fieldwork conducted in the province of the Eastern Cape, South Africa. In summary the Research Methodology applied is as follows: - Research Philosophy: The interpretive research philosophy was chosen for this study - Research Design: This study will apply qualitative design - Research Approach: The case study approach will be used in the study - Data Collection Techniques: Source data will be comprised of primary and secondary data. Primary data will be collected through implementation of a questionnaire and expert reviews, while the secondary data will be collected through literature review. Hermeneutics will be used as the data collection technique in this study. - Data analysis: Cross-case data analysis will be applied Key findings included that rural community media already utilise mobile technology and social media/networking to conduct business. Rural community media required access to information and knowledge pertaining to internal business process, funding, governance, training and access to skilled resources. Mobile social networking is identified as a suitable vehicle for delivery. A Rural Community Media Social Networking Framework was developed as a result of this study. Framework elements were supported, and in some cases modified, by case study findings and expert review feedback.
- Full Text:
An assessment of the role of guidance and counselling in promoting learner discipline in secondary schools in the Oshikoto region of Namibia:a case study of learners with discipline problems
- Authors: Mbongo, Emelia Ndapandula
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Educational counseling Counseling in secondary education -- Namibia School discipline -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5358 , vital:29215
- Description: The study assessed the role of guidance and counselling in promoting learner discipline in secondary schools in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. The study used the mixed methods approach, which resulted in providing qualitative and quantitative data to provide an understanding of the problem. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires for principals, teachers, teacher counsellors and learners, as well as one-on-one interviews with learners. Thirty-one (31) principals, ninety-eight (98) teachers, thirty-seven (37) teacher counsellors and four hundred and eighty-nine (489) learners participated in the study. Results from the questionnaires were analysed by using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages. Data presentation took the form of tables and bar graphs. Qualitative data collected from interviews were transcribed and put into themes and categories. The study revealed that schools experienced a wide range of disciplinary problems. It was further revealed that learners are affected by issues emanating from the environment, namely, schools and societies which influence their behaviour negatively. The principals and teachers believe that exclusionary and punitive methods are effective in managing learner indiscipline, while teacher counsellors and learners were against the use of such methods. In addition, principals, teachers and teacher counsellors all have a major role to play in maintaining discipline in schools through guidance and counselling. Suggestions were thus made to strengthen the use of guidance and counselling in promoting learner discipline in secondary schools by: improving training for teacher counsellors/Life Skills teachers in guidance and counselling, sensitisation of school managers about the roles and responsibilities of teacher counsellors, including the role played by teacher counsellors in learner discipline, improved leadership from school principals, strengthening the co-ordination and communication among the school personnel, and by strengthening the referral system from teachers to teacher counsellors and from teacher counsellors to outside agencies. It was recommended that the use of guidance and counselling in promoting learner discipline would be strengthened if teacher counsellors’ training is improved, school principals are sensitised on the roles of teacher counsellors, including their role in learner discipline as well as improved co-ordination and communication among school personnel regarding learner discipline. The study further recommended that the referral system of learners experiencing problems from teachers to teacher counsellors and from teacher counsellors to outside agencies should be strengthened.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbongo, Emelia Ndapandula
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Educational counseling Counseling in secondary education -- Namibia School discipline -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5358 , vital:29215
- Description: The study assessed the role of guidance and counselling in promoting learner discipline in secondary schools in the Oshikoto region of Namibia. The study used the mixed methods approach, which resulted in providing qualitative and quantitative data to provide an understanding of the problem. The instruments for data collection were questionnaires for principals, teachers, teacher counsellors and learners, as well as one-on-one interviews with learners. Thirty-one (31) principals, ninety-eight (98) teachers, thirty-seven (37) teacher counsellors and four hundred and eighty-nine (489) learners participated in the study. Results from the questionnaires were analysed by using descriptive statistics in the form of frequencies and percentages. Data presentation took the form of tables and bar graphs. Qualitative data collected from interviews were transcribed and put into themes and categories. The study revealed that schools experienced a wide range of disciplinary problems. It was further revealed that learners are affected by issues emanating from the environment, namely, schools and societies which influence their behaviour negatively. The principals and teachers believe that exclusionary and punitive methods are effective in managing learner indiscipline, while teacher counsellors and learners were against the use of such methods. In addition, principals, teachers and teacher counsellors all have a major role to play in maintaining discipline in schools through guidance and counselling. Suggestions were thus made to strengthen the use of guidance and counselling in promoting learner discipline in secondary schools by: improving training for teacher counsellors/Life Skills teachers in guidance and counselling, sensitisation of school managers about the roles and responsibilities of teacher counsellors, including the role played by teacher counsellors in learner discipline, improved leadership from school principals, strengthening the co-ordination and communication among the school personnel, and by strengthening the referral system from teachers to teacher counsellors and from teacher counsellors to outside agencies. It was recommended that the use of guidance and counselling in promoting learner discipline would be strengthened if teacher counsellors’ training is improved, school principals are sensitised on the roles of teacher counsellors, including their role in learner discipline as well as improved co-ordination and communication among school personnel regarding learner discipline. The study further recommended that the referral system of learners experiencing problems from teachers to teacher counsellors and from teacher counsellors to outside agencies should be strengthened.
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Assessment of the implementation of the National Certificate (Vocational) plant production modules
- Langa, Phakama Perry Macmillan
- Authors: Langa, Phakama Perry Macmillan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Technical education -- Curricula Vocational education -- Curricula Curriculum planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5391 , vital:29229
- Description: This study investigates the implementation of Language in Education Policy (LiEP) in learning and teaching in grades six from two schools. It critically examines the teachers’ practices and experiences towards English as the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) at two different primary schools from the eMalahleni in the Lady Frere Education District in the Eastern Cape. The study is guided by the fact that most learners use their mother tongue (isiXhosa) in classroom as well as outside classroom contexts. Furthermore, some teachers use the translation method of teaching language as they code-switch to their home language when teaching content subjects as well as English. Despite this practice in class, learners are expected to answer their test and examination questions in English. Theoretically, this study is underpinned by the constructivist view of language learning (Gaserfeld, 2003) and English as an international language (Sivasubramaniam, 2011). On the basis of the ecological and the constructivist approaches to language learning, Sivasubramaniam (2011 p.53) views language as a creative instrument of meaning which ‘has the power to create meaning anew and afresh’ each time that someone uses it. The study makes use of the qualitative research method with a case study design that is placed within the interpretive paradigm. The data collected will be analysed through the use of critical discourse analysis. The findings from the study suggest some instrumental motivations to use English as LOLT which is informed by Language policy. Some of these motivations are: studying abroad, business with foreign investors and integrative motivations as the learner will be able to communicate with people from different countries. The study concludes that there is need for schools to stick to the English medium because this acts as an open door to the upward economic mobility among the previously disadvantaged. Based on this, it can be recommended that schools stick to English first additional language as their language of teaching and learning.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Langa, Phakama Perry Macmillan
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Technical education -- Curricula Vocational education -- Curricula Curriculum planning
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5391 , vital:29229
- Description: This study investigates the implementation of Language in Education Policy (LiEP) in learning and teaching in grades six from two schools. It critically examines the teachers’ practices and experiences towards English as the language of learning and teaching (LoLT) at two different primary schools from the eMalahleni in the Lady Frere Education District in the Eastern Cape. The study is guided by the fact that most learners use their mother tongue (isiXhosa) in classroom as well as outside classroom contexts. Furthermore, some teachers use the translation method of teaching language as they code-switch to their home language when teaching content subjects as well as English. Despite this practice in class, learners are expected to answer their test and examination questions in English. Theoretically, this study is underpinned by the constructivist view of language learning (Gaserfeld, 2003) and English as an international language (Sivasubramaniam, 2011). On the basis of the ecological and the constructivist approaches to language learning, Sivasubramaniam (2011 p.53) views language as a creative instrument of meaning which ‘has the power to create meaning anew and afresh’ each time that someone uses it. The study makes use of the qualitative research method with a case study design that is placed within the interpretive paradigm. The data collected will be analysed through the use of critical discourse analysis. The findings from the study suggest some instrumental motivations to use English as LOLT which is informed by Language policy. Some of these motivations are: studying abroad, business with foreign investors and integrative motivations as the learner will be able to communicate with people from different countries. The study concludes that there is need for schools to stick to the English medium because this acts as an open door to the upward economic mobility among the previously disadvantaged. Based on this, it can be recommended that schools stick to English first additional language as their language of teaching and learning.
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Effect of organisational policies on school management teams' job performance at Maluti District, Eastern Cape , South Africa
- Authors: Leboea, Paulos Dipholo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School management teams Total quality management in higher education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Performance standards -- South Africa --Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5315 , vital:29188
- Description: Most school management teams (SMTs) do not do their tasks either due to lack of time or inability to fulfil this obligation. Should this be true for South African schools, it would reflect negatively on the SMT job performance. This led to undertaking research in order to ascertain the fit between organisational policies of induction, mentoring, curriculum assessment training and curriculum supervision and the SMT job performance by way of establishing the effect of organisation policy on SMTs’ job performance. The research adopted a descriptive survey research design of the correlational type. Two sets of questionnaires, one for independent variables and the other for the dependent variable, were used to elicit information from the respondents. Some of the findings show that aspiring SMT members need some training so as to know what will be expected of them to do once they get selected as SMT members. It was further proven that common tests that are normally set at the provincial and district and/or school based levels are invariably not of the standard that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) prescribes nationally. The foregoing led to the conclusion that the SMT job practice is invariably not informed by the relevant organisational policies. Hence a cascade model of SMT training is recommended, as is the notion that training toward organisational policies under review should be done cohesively.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Leboea, Paulos Dipholo
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School management teams Total quality management in higher education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Performance standards -- South Africa --Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5315 , vital:29188
- Description: Most school management teams (SMTs) do not do their tasks either due to lack of time or inability to fulfil this obligation. Should this be true for South African schools, it would reflect negatively on the SMT job performance. This led to undertaking research in order to ascertain the fit between organisational policies of induction, mentoring, curriculum assessment training and curriculum supervision and the SMT job performance by way of establishing the effect of organisation policy on SMTs’ job performance. The research adopted a descriptive survey research design of the correlational type. Two sets of questionnaires, one for independent variables and the other for the dependent variable, were used to elicit information from the respondents. Some of the findings show that aspiring SMT members need some training so as to know what will be expected of them to do once they get selected as SMT members. It was further proven that common tests that are normally set at the provincial and district and/or school based levels are invariably not of the standard that the Department of Basic Education (DBE) prescribes nationally. The foregoing led to the conclusion that the SMT job practice is invariably not informed by the relevant organisational policies. Hence a cascade model of SMT training is recommended, as is the notion that training toward organisational policies under review should be done cohesively.
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Examining the nature and extent to which learners with special educational needs are included in regular schools: the case of four primary schools in Cape Town, South Africa
- Authors: Shadaya, Girlie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Special education Inclusive education -- South Africa -- Cape Town Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5346 , vital:29214
- Description: The study is premised on the assumptions that learners with special educational needs are not fully included in regular schools and that perceptions of teachers influence their behaviour toward and acceptance of learners with special educational needs in regular classes. In light of this, the aim of the current study was to examine the nature and extent to which learners with special educational needs are included in regular schools with the ultimate aim of assisting learners with special educational needs to be fully catered for by schools and teachers. The researcher opted for the mixed method approach which is embedded in the post positivist research paradigm. The mixed method approach makes use of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, presentation and analysis. Data were generated from a sample of 60 teachers and 4 principals from 4 regular primary schools mainly through questionnaires. Data were also generated from interviews, observation and documents. These data from interviews, observation and documents were used to buttress results from the questionnaires. The findings of this present study showed that many schools are now moving towards inclusivity. There is a relative prevalence of learners with disability in schools. The study also established that the inclusion of learners with special educational needs in regular schools was faced with a number of problems. There were inadequate professionally-trained teachers in schools. Shortage of classrooms, large class sizes, equipment and materials affected the quality of access to education for learners with special educational needs. Although there was significant support at school level, it emerged that there was inadequate quality in-service training programmes for teachers conducted by district officials. Overall, the findings of the study have confirmed the assumptions of the study. For learners with special educational needs to be fully included in regular schools, the study would recommend that the government improve the quality of teachers through in-service training programmes. Moreover, schools must be adequately resourced and government should commit itself to the alleviation of large class sizes. The study further revealed that, gaps still exist in the inclusion of learners with special educational needs between the intended and the actual practice. The study, therefore, recommends that research be conducted with the possibility of establishing strategies for the inclusion of learners with special educational needs in regular schools. This might improve the actual practice of including learners with iii special educational needs in regular schools. In turn, learners with special educational needs can be said to have equal access to education.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Shadaya, Girlie
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Special education Inclusive education -- South Africa -- Cape Town Children with disabilities -- Education -- South Africa -- Cape Town
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5346 , vital:29214
- Description: The study is premised on the assumptions that learners with special educational needs are not fully included in regular schools and that perceptions of teachers influence their behaviour toward and acceptance of learners with special educational needs in regular classes. In light of this, the aim of the current study was to examine the nature and extent to which learners with special educational needs are included in regular schools with the ultimate aim of assisting learners with special educational needs to be fully catered for by schools and teachers. The researcher opted for the mixed method approach which is embedded in the post positivist research paradigm. The mixed method approach makes use of quantitative and qualitative methods of data collection, presentation and analysis. Data were generated from a sample of 60 teachers and 4 principals from 4 regular primary schools mainly through questionnaires. Data were also generated from interviews, observation and documents. These data from interviews, observation and documents were used to buttress results from the questionnaires. The findings of this present study showed that many schools are now moving towards inclusivity. There is a relative prevalence of learners with disability in schools. The study also established that the inclusion of learners with special educational needs in regular schools was faced with a number of problems. There were inadequate professionally-trained teachers in schools. Shortage of classrooms, large class sizes, equipment and materials affected the quality of access to education for learners with special educational needs. Although there was significant support at school level, it emerged that there was inadequate quality in-service training programmes for teachers conducted by district officials. Overall, the findings of the study have confirmed the assumptions of the study. For learners with special educational needs to be fully included in regular schools, the study would recommend that the government improve the quality of teachers through in-service training programmes. Moreover, schools must be adequately resourced and government should commit itself to the alleviation of large class sizes. The study further revealed that, gaps still exist in the inclusion of learners with special educational needs between the intended and the actual practice. The study, therefore, recommends that research be conducted with the possibility of establishing strategies for the inclusion of learners with special educational needs in regular schools. This might improve the actual practice of including learners with iii special educational needs in regular schools. In turn, learners with special educational needs can be said to have equal access to education.
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External financial flows, domestic savings and economic growth in the Southern African development community (SADC)(1980-2013)
- Authors: kapingura, Forget Mingri
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: International finance Saving and investment -- South Africa Capital movements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5198 , vital:29100
- Description: .Most countries in the SADC region experience low levels of domestic savings. This calls for the need to explore other sources of financial flows to bridge the gap between domestic capital demand and supply, and one such source is external financial flows. It is with this background that this study examined the relationship between the different forms of external financial flows, domestic savings and economic growth in the SADC region for the period from 1980 to 2013. Firstly the study examined the impact of the different forms of external financial flows on economic growth in the region. The empirical results revealed that FDI, CBF and remittances have a significant impact on economic growth in the SADC region. ODA was however found to be insignificant. When the different types of external financial flows were interacted with institutions they all became significant in explaining economic growth in the region. The second aspect was to examine the extent to which external financial flows complement or displace domestic saving. The empirical results revealed that external financial flows with the exception of ODA complement domestic savings in the region. In addition, there is evidence of investment generating additional savings in the region, which is likely to be through the economic growth channel. The last objective of the study was to examine the determinants of external financial flows to the SADC region. The empirical results revealed that both push and pull factors are important in determining external financial flows in the region. Of great importance was the observation that events in the source country determine financial flows to the region. Proxy for financial integration was found to be positive though insignificant, pointing out that the region may not be benefiting from cross-border bank flows due to the region being disintegrated. This suggests that the region may benefit from increased cross-border bank flows if the region is integrated. Overall, the results from the study suggest that external financial flows are important to the region in providing the much needed development finance. However this also suggests that the foreign capital channel is another source in which a crisis from a developed country can be transmitted to the SADC region.
- Full Text:
- Authors: kapingura, Forget Mingri
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: International finance Saving and investment -- South Africa Capital movements
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5198 , vital:29100
- Description: .Most countries in the SADC region experience low levels of domestic savings. This calls for the need to explore other sources of financial flows to bridge the gap between domestic capital demand and supply, and one such source is external financial flows. It is with this background that this study examined the relationship between the different forms of external financial flows, domestic savings and economic growth in the SADC region for the period from 1980 to 2013. Firstly the study examined the impact of the different forms of external financial flows on economic growth in the region. The empirical results revealed that FDI, CBF and remittances have a significant impact on economic growth in the SADC region. ODA was however found to be insignificant. When the different types of external financial flows were interacted with institutions they all became significant in explaining economic growth in the region. The second aspect was to examine the extent to which external financial flows complement or displace domestic saving. The empirical results revealed that external financial flows with the exception of ODA complement domestic savings in the region. In addition, there is evidence of investment generating additional savings in the region, which is likely to be through the economic growth channel. The last objective of the study was to examine the determinants of external financial flows to the SADC region. The empirical results revealed that both push and pull factors are important in determining external financial flows in the region. Of great importance was the observation that events in the source country determine financial flows to the region. Proxy for financial integration was found to be positive though insignificant, pointing out that the region may not be benefiting from cross-border bank flows due to the region being disintegrated. This suggests that the region may benefit from increased cross-border bank flows if the region is integrated. Overall, the results from the study suggest that external financial flows are important to the region in providing the much needed development finance. However this also suggests that the foreign capital channel is another source in which a crisis from a developed country can be transmitted to the SADC region.
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Fathers' involvement in the social development of children under six years: a social capital perspective and implications for early childhood development in the East London Education District
- Authors: Adams, Clyde Glenith Graham
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Child development-- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Father and child -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fatherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5116 , vital:29077
- Description: The experiences of twenty fathers were explored to understand the involvement in the social development of children under six years. The main research question that guided the study was: what are fathers’ experiences with involvement in the social development of their children under the age of six years and what implications do these have for early childhood development? A social capital perspective was followed. The qualitative data was collected through the use of semi-structured interviews. The data was then analysed qualitatively. Results show that although most of the respondents could not give a definition of the concept of social development, they, however, understood the importance of parents playing a role in the development of a child. Fathers understood their role as supportive, nurturing and being there for their children. Fathers also understood their basic role as being the provider and protector. They also perceived their role as being authoritative and see themselves as the main disciplinarians. Results reveal that most schools do not offer programs specifically designed to encourage fathers to participate. Most importantly, results indicate that fathers’ interest in a variety of sporting activities, information sharing and talking about challenges both the schools as well as fathers face, are some of the ways fathers would like to be involved. Findings also indicate that although fathers acknowledged the role of the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) as mainly that of financial contributor in order to facilitate the skills development as well as that of information dissemination. However, fathers who took part in the study did not understand how the DoBE skills development agenda is envisaged for fathers. Notwithstanding, the respondents were quite clear that a father has an influential role to play in their children’s development. It also emerged that the greater the involvement, the more positive the influence on the child’s development. This study concludes that the presence of fathers in children’s lives is known to contribute significantly to their chances of experiencing positive developmental outcomes. Although the father-child relationship’s influences on children’s social competence have received increased attention in general, research on fathers’ understanding of their roles, involvement with their children as well as challenges confronting them with their involvement is scant. Based this the above, a number of recommendations have been made.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Adams, Clyde Glenith Graham
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Child development-- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Father and child -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Fatherhood -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5116 , vital:29077
- Description: The experiences of twenty fathers were explored to understand the involvement in the social development of children under six years. The main research question that guided the study was: what are fathers’ experiences with involvement in the social development of their children under the age of six years and what implications do these have for early childhood development? A social capital perspective was followed. The qualitative data was collected through the use of semi-structured interviews. The data was then analysed qualitatively. Results show that although most of the respondents could not give a definition of the concept of social development, they, however, understood the importance of parents playing a role in the development of a child. Fathers understood their role as supportive, nurturing and being there for their children. Fathers also understood their basic role as being the provider and protector. They also perceived their role as being authoritative and see themselves as the main disciplinarians. Results reveal that most schools do not offer programs specifically designed to encourage fathers to participate. Most importantly, results indicate that fathers’ interest in a variety of sporting activities, information sharing and talking about challenges both the schools as well as fathers face, are some of the ways fathers would like to be involved. Findings also indicate that although fathers acknowledged the role of the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) as mainly that of financial contributor in order to facilitate the skills development as well as that of information dissemination. However, fathers who took part in the study did not understand how the DoBE skills development agenda is envisaged for fathers. Notwithstanding, the respondents were quite clear that a father has an influential role to play in their children’s development. It also emerged that the greater the involvement, the more positive the influence on the child’s development. This study concludes that the presence of fathers in children’s lives is known to contribute significantly to their chances of experiencing positive developmental outcomes. Although the father-child relationship’s influences on children’s social competence have received increased attention in general, research on fathers’ understanding of their roles, involvement with their children as well as challenges confronting them with their involvement is scant. Based this the above, a number of recommendations have been made.
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Teachers' perceptions on the effects of frequent change in curriculum on effective teaching in junior secondary schools at Libode Education District, Eastern Cape
- Ngibe, Nondwe Cynthia Phelokazi
- Authors: Ngibe, Nondwe Cynthia Phelokazi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5587 , vital:29349
- Description: Worldwide educational change has been a topic of discussion. South Africa is among the countries having issues with the implementation of a new curriculum and its impact on effective teaching and learning in junior secondary schools. The country (South Africa) experienced frequent changes in education curriculum. The new curriculum was seen as the means to address poor state of education. It is common knowledge that teachers were and are presently still confused and stressed being unsure on how to apply some techniques to meet the requirements of the new curriculum. That led to underperformance of learners in their work at school. Hence, this study was conducted to explore the perceptions of teachers in South Africa regarding the effects that frequent changes in curriculum has on the effective teaching and learning in junior secondary schools. The change in curriculum is frequent in the sense that, from 1997 to 2016, the curriculum in South Africa was revised four times: Curriculum 2005 (C2005) in 1997, Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) in 2002, National Curriculum Statement (NCS) in 2007 as well as Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) in 2012. The study does not leave behind some literatures on concept of education, teaching and learning in junior secondary schools, curriculum in South Africa, an overview of curriculum policy in South Africa, curriculum changes to mention a few. Qualitative research methodology was used by the researcher so as interview participants (teachers) in their workplace. The case study was chosen as the design, whereby two junior secondary schools from the population of schools in Libode district were purposely sampled. Data was collected from teachers in these schools, that is, six teachers from each school. Four teachers from each phase were targeted, that is, (four from foundation phase, four from intermediate phase and four from senior phase). Semi-structured interviews were used as the instrument to collect information from the participants. From the study, the researcher found confusion and frustration due to the frequent changes in curriculum; negative influence on effective teaching and learning, by the fact that teachers ultimately do not know what to do to meet the requirements of the curriculum; and not much continuity or links between phases in as far as content and subjects are concerned. The study recommended the appointment of professional facilitators, revisiting of the language policy in GET band (with focus in LOLT in foundation phase), encouraging continuity across phases, actively involvement of teachers in formulating or drafting of any policy that will affect curriculum since they are the implementers of curriculum. The study established that frequent change in curriculum had negative effects on teaching and in junior secondary schools. This is the perception of the majority of participants. As far as literature regarding teachers is concerned, changing curriculum without changing teachers’ understanding and attitude has negative impact on learning especially in South Africa, with special focus on rural schools such as those of Libode district in the Eastern Cape Province.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Ngibe, Nondwe Cynthia Phelokazi
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Curriculum change -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape Educational change Education -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5587 , vital:29349
- Description: Worldwide educational change has been a topic of discussion. South Africa is among the countries having issues with the implementation of a new curriculum and its impact on effective teaching and learning in junior secondary schools. The country (South Africa) experienced frequent changes in education curriculum. The new curriculum was seen as the means to address poor state of education. It is common knowledge that teachers were and are presently still confused and stressed being unsure on how to apply some techniques to meet the requirements of the new curriculum. That led to underperformance of learners in their work at school. Hence, this study was conducted to explore the perceptions of teachers in South Africa regarding the effects that frequent changes in curriculum has on the effective teaching and learning in junior secondary schools. The change in curriculum is frequent in the sense that, from 1997 to 2016, the curriculum in South Africa was revised four times: Curriculum 2005 (C2005) in 1997, Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) in 2002, National Curriculum Statement (NCS) in 2007 as well as Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) in 2012. The study does not leave behind some literatures on concept of education, teaching and learning in junior secondary schools, curriculum in South Africa, an overview of curriculum policy in South Africa, curriculum changes to mention a few. Qualitative research methodology was used by the researcher so as interview participants (teachers) in their workplace. The case study was chosen as the design, whereby two junior secondary schools from the population of schools in Libode district were purposely sampled. Data was collected from teachers in these schools, that is, six teachers from each school. Four teachers from each phase were targeted, that is, (four from foundation phase, four from intermediate phase and four from senior phase). Semi-structured interviews were used as the instrument to collect information from the participants. From the study, the researcher found confusion and frustration due to the frequent changes in curriculum; negative influence on effective teaching and learning, by the fact that teachers ultimately do not know what to do to meet the requirements of the curriculum; and not much continuity or links between phases in as far as content and subjects are concerned. The study recommended the appointment of professional facilitators, revisiting of the language policy in GET band (with focus in LOLT in foundation phase), encouraging continuity across phases, actively involvement of teachers in formulating or drafting of any policy that will affect curriculum since they are the implementers of curriculum. The study established that frequent change in curriculum had negative effects on teaching and in junior secondary schools. This is the perception of the majority of participants. As far as literature regarding teachers is concerned, changing curriculum without changing teachers’ understanding and attitude has negative impact on learning especially in South Africa, with special focus on rural schools such as those of Libode district in the Eastern Cape Province.
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The implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) intergrated teaching and learning in textiles and clothing programmes at one University of Science and Techology in Zimbabwe
- Authors: Chipo, Dzikite
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Internet in education -- Zimbabwe Information technology -- Study and teaching -- Zimbabwe Internet in education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5226 , vital:29115
- Description: challenges in effectively implementing ICT integrated teaching and learning. The aim of this study was to explore how ICT integrated teaching and learning was implemented in Textiles and Clothing programmes at one university of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, with a view to developing a suitable model to enhance effective implementation. The study was informed by the Activity theory and triangulated by the Technological pedagogical content knowledge framework (TPACK) and the Functionality framework. The study made use of the interpretive research paradigm, the qualitative approach and intrinsic case study design, to generate the necessary data. The participants of the study were purposively and quota sampled from the Textiles and Clothing department of the selected university of Science and Technology, and consisted of seven lecturers, three administrators, two ICT technicians and thirty-two students. Four methods were used to generate data namely in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. After coding, data were analysed for content using thematic analysis. The study established that there were no specific ICT hardware and software packages acquired by the universityfor the Textiles and Clothing programmes. Instead, general design related softwares such as CorelDraw, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Mac Paints were used to support the implementation of ICT integrated teaching and learning. The findings of the study further revealed that lecturers lacked thorough technological pedagogical knowledge to apply a variety of ICT in the teaching and learning of students. The study established that there was lack of an effective mechanism for providing monitoring and evaluation as the peer review and evaluation mechanism that was used in the Textiles and Clothing programmes did not identify the specific indicators for the implementation of ICT integrated teaching and learning. Among the conclusions emanating from the findings were that the Textiles and Clothing programmes suffered serious shortage of suitable ICT hardware and subject-specific ICT software applications to facilitate the teaching of practical components thereby compromising the effective implementation of ICT integrated teaching and learning to foster effective skill acquisition in relation to ICT among students. It was also concluded that lecturers were finding difficulties in implementing ICT integrated teaching and learning as they lacked thorough technological-pedagogical-content knowledge and skills that would enable them to select appropriate technological resources and technological pedagogical strategies to teach students appropriate content. The study recommended that the Textiles and Clothing department, through the support of the university, should acquire subject related educational hardware and software like Gerber or Lectra to teach the practical courses of the programmes. The university should organise professional development programmes focussing on TPACK to assist lecturers to develop competences in ICT necessary for implementing ICT integrated teaching and learning. A model was proposed to enhance the effective implementation of ICT integrated teaching and learning into the Textiles and Clothing programmes at the University.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Chipo, Dzikite
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Internet in education -- Zimbabwe Information technology -- Study and teaching -- Zimbabwe Internet in education -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5226 , vital:29115
- Description: challenges in effectively implementing ICT integrated teaching and learning. The aim of this study was to explore how ICT integrated teaching and learning was implemented in Textiles and Clothing programmes at one university of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe, with a view to developing a suitable model to enhance effective implementation. The study was informed by the Activity theory and triangulated by the Technological pedagogical content knowledge framework (TPACK) and the Functionality framework. The study made use of the interpretive research paradigm, the qualitative approach and intrinsic case study design, to generate the necessary data. The participants of the study were purposively and quota sampled from the Textiles and Clothing department of the selected university of Science and Technology, and consisted of seven lecturers, three administrators, two ICT technicians and thirty-two students. Four methods were used to generate data namely in-depth interviews, focus group interviews, participant observation, and document analysis. After coding, data were analysed for content using thematic analysis. The study established that there were no specific ICT hardware and software packages acquired by the universityfor the Textiles and Clothing programmes. Instead, general design related softwares such as CorelDraw, Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and Mac Paints were used to support the implementation of ICT integrated teaching and learning. The findings of the study further revealed that lecturers lacked thorough technological pedagogical knowledge to apply a variety of ICT in the teaching and learning of students. The study established that there was lack of an effective mechanism for providing monitoring and evaluation as the peer review and evaluation mechanism that was used in the Textiles and Clothing programmes did not identify the specific indicators for the implementation of ICT integrated teaching and learning. Among the conclusions emanating from the findings were that the Textiles and Clothing programmes suffered serious shortage of suitable ICT hardware and subject-specific ICT software applications to facilitate the teaching of practical components thereby compromising the effective implementation of ICT integrated teaching and learning to foster effective skill acquisition in relation to ICT among students. It was also concluded that lecturers were finding difficulties in implementing ICT integrated teaching and learning as they lacked thorough technological-pedagogical-content knowledge and skills that would enable them to select appropriate technological resources and technological pedagogical strategies to teach students appropriate content. The study recommended that the Textiles and Clothing department, through the support of the university, should acquire subject related educational hardware and software like Gerber or Lectra to teach the practical courses of the programmes. The university should organise professional development programmes focussing on TPACK to assist lecturers to develop competences in ICT necessary for implementing ICT integrated teaching and learning. A model was proposed to enhance the effective implementation of ICT integrated teaching and learning into the Textiles and Clothing programmes at the University.
- Full Text: false
The implementation of the inclusive education policy in sport: a case study of four secondary schools in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe
- Authors: Mudyahoto, Tapiwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Zimbabwe Educational equalization -- Zimbabwe Physical education and training -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5238 , vital:29117
- Description: The purpose of the present study was to explore the implementation of the inclusive education policy in sport in four secondary schools in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. The case study research design was employed; interviews, focus groups, document analysis and observations were used to collect data. Four school Heads, 4 sports masters, 4 team trainers, 4 team captains, 2 learners with disabilities and a district education officer were purposively selected to take part in this study. Data were presented, analysed/discussed, starting with demographic data in the first section followed by emerging themes. It emerged from the study that all the participants were not knowledgeable about inclusive education and the aspect of including learners with disabilities in mainstream sport. The major barriers identified include inadequate policy dialogue, unavailability of sporting equipment and attitudes. Further findings revealed that there is dire need for knowledge and skills in inclusive sport among teachers in regular schools. Findings also confirmed unavailability of policy circulars in schools. Most teachers were not afforded opportunities to attend workshops and seminars. Findings also revealed that teachers faced major challenges such as funding to undertake courses in SNE and inclusive sport. Teachers were reeled in with a lot of pressure due to congested timetables and large classes. Participants believed that the challenges they faced could be resolved through some proposed intervention strategies. The researcher concluded that teachers in regular schools were not equipped to teach sport to learners with special education needs in the mainstream. The MoPSE was not doing much in preparing teachers to be effective in including learners with disabilities in regular school sport. The study recommended that the MoPSE should put in place provisions to meet the inclusive needs of both teachers and learners. It also recommended that school Heads should be taught about SNE and inclusive sport for them to be able to guide teachers properly. Besides the national policy, schools should design inclusive policies specifically for their respective schools in line with the national policy. The study also recommended that the MoPSE should come up with a comprehensive framework in sport to counter some of these challenges.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mudyahoto, Tapiwa
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: Inclusive education -- Zimbabwe Educational equalization -- Zimbabwe Physical education and training -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5238 , vital:29117
- Description: The purpose of the present study was to explore the implementation of the inclusive education policy in sport in four secondary schools in Masvingo District, Zimbabwe. The case study research design was employed; interviews, focus groups, document analysis and observations were used to collect data. Four school Heads, 4 sports masters, 4 team trainers, 4 team captains, 2 learners with disabilities and a district education officer were purposively selected to take part in this study. Data were presented, analysed/discussed, starting with demographic data in the first section followed by emerging themes. It emerged from the study that all the participants were not knowledgeable about inclusive education and the aspect of including learners with disabilities in mainstream sport. The major barriers identified include inadequate policy dialogue, unavailability of sporting equipment and attitudes. Further findings revealed that there is dire need for knowledge and skills in inclusive sport among teachers in regular schools. Findings also confirmed unavailability of policy circulars in schools. Most teachers were not afforded opportunities to attend workshops and seminars. Findings also revealed that teachers faced major challenges such as funding to undertake courses in SNE and inclusive sport. Teachers were reeled in with a lot of pressure due to congested timetables and large classes. Participants believed that the challenges they faced could be resolved through some proposed intervention strategies. The researcher concluded that teachers in regular schools were not equipped to teach sport to learners with special education needs in the mainstream. The MoPSE was not doing much in preparing teachers to be effective in including learners with disabilities in regular school sport. The study recommended that the MoPSE should put in place provisions to meet the inclusive needs of both teachers and learners. It also recommended that school Heads should be taught about SNE and inclusive sport for them to be able to guide teachers properly. Besides the national policy, schools should design inclusive policies specifically for their respective schools in line with the national policy. The study also recommended that the MoPSE should come up with a comprehensive framework in sport to counter some of these challenges.
- Full Text:
The role of intergroup conflict in school-based violence in the Johannesburg Central Education District Schools: Towards a strategy for Peace Education implementation
- Authors: Mkhomi, Moses Sipho
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School violence School discipline -- South Africa -- Johannesburg School crisis management -- South Africa --Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5282 , vital:29183
- Description: School-Based Violence (SBV) is prevalent in South Africa and globally. SBV is one of the challenges that the South African education system is facing resulting in a new deep-rooted culture of unsafe and insecure schools. Teachers are expected to teach learners, who display antisocial behaviour. These learners swear, back chat, verbally and physically abuse and show total disrespect for teachers. The presence of such learners has turned schools into battle field. This violence is not exclusively directed to teachers, but learners are also the common victims of bullying in particular. This study therefore sought to investigate how intergroup violence impacts on the schoolbased violence. The concepts, Intergroup Conflict (IC) and gangs/gangsterism were used interchangeably to describe actions of individuals who take part in the social conflict, driven by competition, antagonism and aggression within the school context. A qualitative research method was used to capture the experiences and narratives of participants affected by school based violence. The study employed the interpretivist research paradigm the phenomenological research approach was preferred for the study to gain the meaning, structure, and essence of the lived experiences of the participants with regard to SBV. To extract participants’ experiences, perceptions and views, the study used a semi-structured interview, focus group interviews and nonparticipatory observation methods. The selected schools were purposefully selected because of historical and ongoing violent incidents, as well as the violent communities in which these schools are located. The researcher complied with and observed ethical principles during the research study. The research was conducted on sites (schools) and included seven learners, seven teachers, three principals, three parents who are members of the School Governing Body, three parents, as well as a District Official. Permission was sought and granted by the Provincial Education Department – Gauteng Province, as well as by the District Director.
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- Authors: Mkhomi, Moses Sipho
- Date: 2016
- Subjects: School violence School discipline -- South Africa -- Johannesburg School crisis management -- South Africa --Johannesburg
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Doctoral , Degree
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10353/5282 , vital:29183
- Description: School-Based Violence (SBV) is prevalent in South Africa and globally. SBV is one of the challenges that the South African education system is facing resulting in a new deep-rooted culture of unsafe and insecure schools. Teachers are expected to teach learners, who display antisocial behaviour. These learners swear, back chat, verbally and physically abuse and show total disrespect for teachers. The presence of such learners has turned schools into battle field. This violence is not exclusively directed to teachers, but learners are also the common victims of bullying in particular. This study therefore sought to investigate how intergroup violence impacts on the schoolbased violence. The concepts, Intergroup Conflict (IC) and gangs/gangsterism were used interchangeably to describe actions of individuals who take part in the social conflict, driven by competition, antagonism and aggression within the school context. A qualitative research method was used to capture the experiences and narratives of participants affected by school based violence. The study employed the interpretivist research paradigm the phenomenological research approach was preferred for the study to gain the meaning, structure, and essence of the lived experiences of the participants with regard to SBV. To extract participants’ experiences, perceptions and views, the study used a semi-structured interview, focus group interviews and nonparticipatory observation methods. The selected schools were purposefully selected because of historical and ongoing violent incidents, as well as the violent communities in which these schools are located. The researcher complied with and observed ethical principles during the research study. The research was conducted on sites (schools) and included seven learners, seven teachers, three principals, three parents who are members of the School Governing Body, three parents, as well as a District Official. Permission was sought and granted by the Provincial Education Department – Gauteng Province, as well as by the District Director.
- Full Text:
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