Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Graaf van'

The objective with this research was to establish the correlation between problem solving and the teaching and learning of mathematics in grade 4. The results of the Third International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) showed that South Africa is behind other countries in terms of the teaching and learning of mathematics, especially with regard to problem solving. Because problem solving is an integral part of the teaching and learning of mathematics, a literature study was conducted (1) to investigate the learning of school mathematics and (2) to describe the manner in which problem solving can take place in the classroom. The learning of school mathematics was studied by focusing on different approaches to the learning of mathematics. The constructionist approach to learning was identified as the appropriate approach towards learning, which correlates with outcomes-based education (OBE) and with the approach currently taught in South African schools. Factors which contribute towards the meaningful learning of school mathematics, namely mathematical knowledge and skills, meta-cognition, learning strategies and tasks and assignments in mathematics, have been discussed. The role of problem solving in the learning of mathematics was studied by means of a possible problem-solving model which may be developed together with the learners. The teaching of problem solving was investigated by referring to the planning of a problem-based lesson and attention was paid to the learning content of the lesson and the planning of the teaching-learning activities. Together with the learners a problem-solving model was developed for the teaching of problem solving. The implementation of the teaching of problem solving was described with reference to the use of big-group presentations as well as problem solving in small groups. Attention was also paid to problem solving, and the use of different assessment techniques was discussed. The empirical investigation was done by means of a case study, and the focus was firstly on the influence of problem solving on the learning of mathematics, and secondly on the manner in which problem solving may be taught. Information was collected during the qualitative investigation by using a questionnaire which was completed by the learners, as well as an interview and observation schedule. The class work, homework and group work books of the learners were studied and transcribed. Video recordings were made of the learners' participation in the big group, small groups and written work, and the transcribed information was used to make deductions about the teaching of problem solving to the learners. From the empirical investigation it became clear that there is a correlation between problem solving and the teaching and learning of mathematics. Problem solving may be taught to learners by means of a problem-solving model, although this does not necessarily result in successful problem solving by all learners. While learners are solving problems, they are also learning mathematical concepts and acquiring and applying mathematical skills.
Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

The report by the National Reading Panel (2002) in the USA and Department of Basic Education identified critical components of reading skills learners should master should they wish to progress from preschool non–readers to competent readers by the end of Grade 3. These components are phonological awareness, fluency, vocabulary, decoding and comprehension. Reading literacy profiles combine information from tests of the above–mentioned reading components to give an overview of a learner’s strengths and needs with regard to reading for purposes of teaching intervention and support. A reading programme cannot be successful without continuous assessment, because the effectiveness of teaching and learning needs to be measured. Assessment not only enables teachers to determine to which extent objectives are met, but this process also identifies learners who need additional support and who can possibly even benefit from alternative teaching methods. Furthermore, it is important for teachers to differentiate regarding learners’ reading abilities and to group them accordingly, to identify the shortcomings in the reading programme and to improve it, and finally, to ensure that each learner masters the skills required for successful reading. This research was aimed at determining the reading literacy profile of Grade 3 learners regarding phonological awareness, reading fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension and also to determine the relationship between phonological awareness, reading fluency, vocabulary and reading comprehension. In addition, an attempt was made to establish what the best predictor of reading comprehension is, as well as what the implications of these results are for teaching support and progress monitoring of grade 3 learners. Data collection was characterised by the use of screening assessments that were developed as part of the international SANPAD project. Pearson product moment Inhoudsopgawe correlations were used to determine the relationship between phonological awareness, reading fluency, vocabulary, word recognition and reading comprehension, ANOVA was used to establish whether three or more means of classes in schools were statistically different from one another. A post hoc Tukey test was done to determine where the differences between the different classes were. Multiple and stepwise regression analyses were used to determine the best predictor of reading comprehension. The results indicated that the profiles of the Grade 3 learners were divers with particularly differences in schools. The profiles showed learners’ achievement in reading comprehension and fluency was not up to standard. The Grade 3 learners also had difficulty with decoding and vocabulary. The results showed that the best indicators of reading comprehension of Grade 3 learners are fluency and vocabulary. By using the assessment information correctly, teachers can adapt teaching and assessment based on each learner’s unique reading profile and make adaptations accordingly, which will immediately benefit learning and progress.
Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012.

The anti-matter counterpart to the electron, the positron, can be used for a myriad of different scientific research projects to include materials research, energy storage, and deep space flight propulsion. Currently there is a demand for large numbers of positrons to aid in these mentioned research projects. There are different methods of producing and harvesting positrons but all require radioactive sources or large facilities. Positron beams produced by relatively small accelerators are attractive because they are easily shut down, and small accelerators are readily available.

A 4MV Van de Graaff accelerator was used to induce the nuclear reaction ¹²C(d,n)¹³N in order to produce an intense beam of positrons. 13N is an isotope of nitrogen that decays with a 10 minute half life into ¹³C, a positron, and an electron neutrino. This radioactive gas is frozen onto a cryogenic freezer where it is then channeled to form an antimatter beam. The beam is then guided using axial magnetic fields into a superconducting magnet with a field strength up to 7 Tesla where it will be stored in a newly designed Micro-Penning-Malmberg trap.

Several source geometries have been experimented on and found that a maximum antimatter beam with a positron flux of greater than 0.55×10 ⁶ e+s^-1 was achieved. This beam was produced using a solid rare gas moderator composed of krypton. Due to geometric restrictions on this set up, only 0.1-1.0% of the antimatter was being frozen to the desired locations. Simulations and preliminary experiments suggest that a new geometry, currently under testing, will produce a beam of 107 e+s^-1 or more.

Thesis (MEdPsych)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In the twenty years since Namibia declared independence many changes have taken place, especially in die educational system. One of these changes has been in pre-school education. Public pre-school institutions have been done away with. Only private institutions remain to attempt to furnish the demand in this field. Limited access to pre-school education has an impact on school-readiness as learners from different educational backgrounds start Grade 1 together. The primary purpose of this study is to collect the experiences of Grade 1 teachers, to analise those experiences and to describe them with reference to the diverse pre-school backgrounds of the learners. Grade 1 teachers interact with learners from three backgrounds: those with formal pre-school education; those with non-formal pre-school education; and those with no pre-school education. The Grade 1 teacher's experiences is the problem studied and it is done with reference to these forms of pre-school education. It focuses on the opinions of the teachers as formulated in their own words. A child's environment and early experiences, especially the level of education - or deprival thereof - has a marked effect on learning and development. Education in the early years of childhood can deliver an outstanding return on investment for a country. Phases of education should build on one another using syllabusses and working methods that work together. The logic is that a child should first be able to crawl before learning to walk and thus follow the right steps to the phonetics, spelling and writing required in Grade 1. The cost of neglecting some of the elementary steps will be borne by the Grade 1 teacher when he/she is forced to set time aside to repair the foundation that should have been in laid in the pre-school years. A qualitative research method was used to attain and analise the information in this study. Data was collected by studying relevant literature, using questionaires in interview situations and by conducting interviews with stakeholders. Data was analysed by doing content analysis of the transcripts from individual interviews and focus groups. The research takes the form of an interpretative epistemological construct as it focuses on the essence of the experiences of the Grade 1 teacher. It is an exploratory study that made use of a sample of the designated group. Contributing factors, such as government policy, the curriculum, training of teachers, language, poverty, school, parents and learners, reveal guidelines for improving the classroom experiences of Grade 1 teachers. This can be applied advantageously to the development of the educational sector. The study suggests that teachers and parents should collaborate more closely. It is further suggested that the curriculum be ammended to accommodate learners from diverse backgrounds leading to a more positive experience for Grade 1 teachers. The findings show that the experiences of Grade 1 teachers are not taken into account by many people, especially judging by the available literature. It is important to acknowledge what these teachers experience as well as the role it plays in their classrooms. Their experiences lead to certain reactions and changes. The point made by this study is that Grade 1 teachers display a definitive experience in their classrooms and that it has an effect on their learners. The point of departure is to let the Grade 1 teacher distinguish between the different groups of learners in the classroom and empower him/her to support each individual to ensure a positive experience. Not all teachers will have such a positive experience with a diverse group. Before the burden becomes too heavy alternative teaching methods should be employed. There is a shortage of research in this field and further study on the experiences of the Grade 1 teacher is needed to deepen the provision of support. Although this is a limited study, it can possibly encourage further research.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: In die twintig jaar sedert Namibië se onafhanklikheidswording het baie veranderinge in die land plaasgevind, veral in die onderwysstelsel. Een van die veranderinge was die afskaf van openbare voorskoolse instellings. Slegs die private sektor voorsien steeds in dié behoefte. Die beperkte toegang tot voorskoolse onderrig het egter 'n invloed op skoolgereedheid. Die leerders wat Graad 1 betree, kom uit verskillende onderrigsagtergronde. Die primêre doelwit van hierdie studie is om die ervaringe van Graad 1-onderwysers te ondersoek, te analiseer en te beskryf aan die hand van hierdie diverse voorskoolse agtergronde van die leerders. Die Graad 1-onderwyser het te doen met leerders uit drie agtergronde: dié met formele voorskoolse onderrig; dié met nie-formele voorskoolse onderrig; en dié met geen voorskoolse onderrig nie. Met verwysing na dié vorme van voorskoolse onderrig word die probleem van die Graad 1-onderwyser se ervaring in die klaskamer ondersoek. Dit fokus op die opinies van die Graad 1-onderwysers geformuleer in hul eie woorde. 'n Kind se omgewing en vroeë ervaringe, veral die vlak van opvoeding - of die ontneming daarvan - het 'n groot effek op 'n kind se leer en ontwikkeling. Opvoeding in die vroeë kinderjare is 'n belegging wat uitstaande resultate vir die land kan oplewer. Onderwysfases behoort op mekaar te volg met leerplanne en werkmetodes wat aanvullend saamwerk tot die kind se opvoeding. Die logika daaragter is dat 'n kind eers moet kruip voordat hy kan loop en net so behoort 'n kind die regte stappe te volg ten einde gereed te wees vir die klank-, spel- en skryfwerk wat in Graad 1 vereis word. Die afskeep van sekere elementêre stappe kan tot gevolg hê dat die Graad 1-onderwyser waardevolle tyd sal moet afstaan om die basis, wat gedurende die pre-primêre fase (of in die voorskoolse instelling) gelê moes word, dan nou in Graad 1 te lê. Dit beklemtoon die groot taak wat op die Graad 1-onderwyser se skouers rus. 'n Kwalitatiewe navorsingsontwerp is gebruik vir die verkryging en ontleding van inligting vir hierdie studie. Die data insamelingsmetodes sluit 'n literatuuroorsig, onderhoudsvraelyste en onderhoude met die betrokke rolspelers in. Data is geanaliseer met behulp van inhoud-analise van die transkripte uit die individuele en fokusgroep-onderhoude. Die navorsingstipe is 'n interpretatiewe epistemologiese konstruk omdat dit fokus op die essensie van die ervaringe van die Graad 1-onderwyser. Dit is 'n verkennende ondersoek en daar is gebruik gemaak van 'n doeldienende streekproefneming. Uit die aanleidende faktore soos regeringsbeleid, kurrikulum, opleiding van onderwysers, taal, armoede, skool, ouers en leerders kom daar riglyne na vore vir die verbetering van die ervaringe van die Graad 1-onderwyser in die klas. Dit kan met vrug aangewend word in die ontwikkeling van die onderwyssektor. Die studie maak die aanbeveling dat daar 'n nouer samewerking tussen onderwysers en ouers moet wees. Verder word voorgestel dat die kurrikulum aangepas word om diverse leerders te akkommodeer wat positiewe ervaringe vir die Graad 1-onderwyser tot gevolg sal hê. Die bevindinge toon aan dat die ervaringe van Graad 1-onderwysers in hul klaskamers nie deur baie mense in ag geneem word nie, veral as daar gekyk word na die literatuur. Dit is belangrik om te sien wat hul ervaar en watter rol dit speel in hul klaskamers. Hul ervaringe lei tot sekere reaksies en aanpassings wat hulle daagliks beleef. Die punt wat met hierdie studie gemaak word, is dat Graad 1-onderwysers 'n definitiewe ervaring in hul klaskamers openbaar wat só weer 'n uitwerking op die leerders het. Die uitgangspunt is om die Graad 1-onderwyser te laat onderskei tussen die verskillende groepe leerders in die klaskamer en sodoende in staat te stel om elkeen in die klas so te ondersteun vir 'n positiewe ervaring. Nie alle onderwysers gaan altyd met diverse leerders so 'n positiewe siening en ervaring hê nie. Voordat dit vir hul te veel raak moet alternatiewe benaderings en metodes gebruik word om leerders te onderrig. Ook wat hierdie aspek betref, is daar 'n tekort aan navorsing en is verdere ondersoeke oor die ervaringe van die Graad 1-onderwyser nodig, om sodoende die nodige ondersteuning te kan bied. Alhoewel hierdie 'n beperkte studie is, kan dit moontlike verdere navorsing aanmoedig.

Thesis (MTech(Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009
The importance of phonological awareness in the reading process is acknowledged, but that it is inadequate stems from a number of learners who still have reading problems in schools. Therefore, the influence of a motoric programme as an intervention method to improve the reading level of ten grade 2 learners by means of action research. The research group consisting of five boys and five girls with differing ages between 7 and 8 years receives mother t~unge: education in a primary school in the northern suburbs of Cape Town. Learners in the research group could not meet the national assessment standards as stated in the NCS for Reading and Looking (LO 3:3,4). The reading level of the research group was determined during a pre-evaluation phase by five Foundation phase educators using grade 2 reading material and professional observation recorded by means of open coding. These qualitative remarks were qualitively analysed to determine the impact the rnotoric prograrnrne had on the reading level of the group. The research group was subjected to a motoric plan consisting of big and small motoric movements over a period of ten weeks, three days a week for 30 minutes at a time. The programme was designed so that sensory systems and perceptual motoric processes would develop simultaneously as a unit as both are regarded as determinants of an improved reading level. Evaluation after completion of the motoric programme was conducted in the same way as the pre-evaluation phase, but with more advanced grade 2 reading material. Analysis of the data showed that the motoric programme improved reading levels with regard to fluency, speed, accuracy, synthesis/analysis and self correction. Additional observations such as extensive head movements, finger reading, bent posture, rhythmical swaying movements and conclusions made from sketches show a decrease with the best improvement at girls. The study shows that a motoric programme as intervension method supplies the necessary support needed to improve reading levels.

Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
A depressive mood disorder has been for the past decade the mood disorder with the highest prevalence in the general population. Independent studies done in South Africa indicated a prevalence of depression between 13% to 53%. These results do not concur with official published statistics indicating a prevalence of depression in 16% of the general population over a lifetime. Depression is probably under diagnosed by general practitioners and only a small proportion of adolescents with depression are recognised and even less receive any support for their depression. The aim of this study was to explore the following: the prevalence of symptoms of depression in grade 10 learners in schools in Stellenbosch, gender differences regarding the prevalence of depression symptoms in grade 10 learners, the prevalence of specific symptoms of depression and to explore similarities between symptoms of depression and the adolescent developmental phase. The study was conducted by means of the Beck Depression Inventory. The survey was conducted with 201 grade 10 learners with the necessary permission. The results regarding the prevalence of depression symptoms and gender differences regarding the prevalence of depression correlate with international statistics. This study found that more respondents indicated one or more symptom of depression at the given time than indicated by the literature. It was also found that some adolescent developmental tasks are similar to some symptoms of depression. Further research in South Africa regarding the prevalence of symptoms of depression was recommended.

Die tesis is voorgelê ter verwerwing van die graad: Magister in Opvoedkunde aan die KAAPSE SKIEREILAND UNIVERSITEIT VAN TEGNOLOGIE Fakulteit Onderwys en Sosiale Wetenskappe, 2012
The aim of the research was to examine the development of writing skills through drawing in order to identify skills and strategies needed by grade R learners of a rural multi-grade school for motor development and invented writing. Appropriate teaching was researched according to which an intervention programme was developed, applied and evaluated. Literature was examined to establish what is already being taught in this development phase and context. When drawing, children not only go through the same universal development stages and inherent biological processes, but their mark-making has meaning regarding communication and writing. During the drawing process children develop control of large and small motor muscle groups. Through daily drawing activities on different levels through interesting presentation these muscle groups are developed, skills mastered and concentration on the learning process improved. When, however, children come from a home context where a stimulating milieu of learning is lacking, it leads, not only to weak sosio-emotional and cognitive development, but can also be linked to weak health and physical growth, which includes large and small motor skills. These large and small motor skills are required for the development of writing skills which in turn are required for future formal teaching. The following questions were answered: Which characteristics of drawing are important in writing skills? What appropriate teaching is necessary for drawing and writing competence? How are teaching of drawing and writing skills currently applied in grade R classes in multi-grade schools? Of what components should an intervention programme consist so that grade R learners of a multi-grade school can benefit with regard to writing skills? What requirements must the intervention programme for this special group meet to implement drawing and writing skills in a sustainable way? Design based research was used as methodology. A literature study was done during the preliminary phase and an intervention programme was designed. During the prototype phase the intervention programme was implemented and honed by repeated design cycles. Assessment showed that the intervention met the preconceived specifications by achieving remarkable results in respect of the general poise, action of drawing, position of drawing, posture, dominance and grip. The development levels of the children were increased by daily drawing accompanied by conversation and writing modelling. During the three phases data was collected in the following ways: informal conversations with the teacher; a semi-structured interview with the teacher; check-lists; a pre and post test; participatory observation; artefacts (children’s art); video recordings and field-notes. A needs analyses and expert appraisal were used as strategies. To be able to write is a basic skill, and without it the future prospects of the children are seriously hampered. Early stimulation and exposure to drawing media and instruments, the manipulation thereof and the development of large and small motor skills to enhance writing skills, therefore play a decisive role in the optimal development of the children. When children have the ability to write it leads to a future of opportunities for schooled and highly schooled labour which in turn contributes to the economic stability of the country.

Thesis (DEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Language is central to everyone's life, forms part of personal growth, interaction with others, and provides access to learning and development. In a multilingual country like South Africa a learner is not only expected to have a high level of proficiency in his mother tongue, but also in a second language. Investigations into the literacy proficiency of learners in the Foundation Phase, reveal that learners cannot read sufficiently well at the end of Grade 3. These investigations therefore focus attention on the instruction of literacy. The Revised National Curriculum Statement (2002) proposes that a balanced approach be adapted so that learners can develop skills and strategies to decipher the "code" of written language. The object of this study is to develop a theoretically founded Literacy programme for Grade R learners, which will equip them, in an informal and enjoyable manner, with an understanding of the concept of writing and getting to know the symbols of writing. This can be used as an alternative system of indications in initial reading for Grade 1. The focus of literary review is specifically directed towards two approaches in literacy, namely the holistic approach and the phonics approach. The holistic approach deals with literacy development unitarily and emphasizes concept formation, following a topdown process in reading instruction. The point of departure of the proponents of the phonics approach is that preparation for reading is done directly with written language. This approach proposes a bottom-up process. Phonemic awareness with letter-sound correspondence is instructed explicitly, directly and systematically prior to, and independently, of reading instruction. A positive attitude regarding reading and books is very important in the development of literacy and as much as 50% of attention in presentations ought to focus on establishing positive attitudes. To accomplish this, presentations should be planned according to the principles of early child development in terms of which the learners' level of development, capabilities, needs and fields of interest are taken as the point of departure. The empirical investigation in this study comprises a case study of a Grade R class. An intervention programme, in which the focus fell upon letter-sound correspondence, was implemented during the case study. The lessons introduced letter-sound correspondence, which was directly linked to the existing Literacy Curriculum being applied in Grade R at the time. A balanced approach, in terms of which components of both approaches in literacy development were incorporated, was followed. How a young child learns and attains a grasp of the world about him was thoroughly taken into account in the design of the intervention programme. No formal supervision was included in the intervention programme, but objective data were obtained through a thorough literature study, participatory observation by different observers and interviews with several role players. Grade R learners are eager to learn, are at a very impressionable stage of their lives and want to know more about writing and books. These learners were motivated so that they participated enthusiastically in the programme. Positive attitudes were inculcated and they eagerly commenced Grade 1.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Taal staan sentraal in elkeen se lewe; nie aileen vorm dit deel van sy persoonlike groei en sy interaksie met ander nie, maar dit is ook sy toegang tot leer en ontwikkeling. In 'n veeltalige land soos Suid-Afrika word nie net 'n hoe taalbevoegdheidsvlak in die leerder se huistaal verwag nie, maar ook in 'n tweede taal. Ondersoeke na die geletterdheidsvermoens van leerders in die Grondslagfase, wat bevind dat leerders aan die einde van Graad 3 nie behoorlik kan lees nie, vestig die aandag op die onderrig van geletterdheid. Die Hersiene Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring (2002) stel voor dat 'n gebalanseerde benadering gevolg word sodat die leerder vaardighede en strategiee kan ontwikkel om die "kode" van geskrewe taal te ontsluit. Die doelstelling van hierdie studie is om 'n teoreties gefundeerde Geletterdheidsprogram vir Graad R-Ieerders te ontwikkel wat die jong leerder toerus om die konsepte van skrif te verstaan, skrifsimbole op 'n informele en genotvolle wyse te leer ken sodat dit as 'n alternatiewe aanwysingsisteem gebruik kan word in aanvangslees in Graad 1. Die literatuuroorsig vestig die aandag veral op twee benaderings in die geletterdheidsveld, naamlik die holistiese benadering en die fonetiese benadering (phonics). Die holistiese benadering hanteer geletterdheidsontwikkeling as 'n eenheid, beklemtoon begripsvorming en volg 'n bo-na-onder-proses in leesonderrig. Voorstanders van die fonetiese benadering gaan egter van die standpunt af uit dat voorbereiding vir lees direk met geskrewe taal gedoen word en beveel 'n onder-na-boproses aan. Dit word aanbeveel dat fonemiese bewustheid met letter-klankkorrespondering eksplisiet, direk en sistematies onderrig word voor en onafhanklik van leesonderrig. . 'n Positiewe ingesteldheid ten opsigte van lees en boeke is krities belangrik in. die ontwikkeling van geletterdheid en tot soveel as 50% van die klem in aanbiedinge behoort op die vestiging van positiewe houdings te fokus. Om dit te bewerkstellig word aanbiedinge volgens die beginsels van vroeekindontwikkeling beplan deurdat die leerder se ontwikkelingsvlak, sy verrnoens, behoeftes en belangstellingsveld as vertrekpunt geneem word. Die empiriese ondersoek van hierdie studie behels 'n gevallestudie by 'n Graad R-klas. 'n Intervensieprogram wat op letter-klankkorrespondering fokus, is tydens die gevallestudie ge"lmplementeer. Die lesse het letter-klankkorrespondering bekend gestel en sluit direk aan by die bestaande Geletterdheidskurrikulum wat alreeds in Graad R toegepas word. 'n Gebalanseerde benadering is nagestreef deurdat komponente van albei benaderings ge·inkorporeeris. Die wyse waarop die jong kind leer en hoe hy begrip van die wereld am hom verkry, is deeglik in die antwerp van die intervensieprogram in ag geneem. Geen formele toetsing is in die intervensieprogram ingesluit nie, maar objektiewe data is verkry deur 'n grondige literatuurstudie, deelnemende observasie deur verskillende waarnemers asook onderhoude met verskillende rolspelers. Die Graad R-Ieerders wat leergierig en op 'n baie ontvanklike stadium van hul lewe is en graag van skrif en boeke wil weet, was gemotiveerd en het met oorgawe aan die program deelgeneem. Positiewe houdings is gekweek en die leerders kon Graad 1 met entoesiasme aanpak.

Die afskaffing van lyfstraf in Suid-Afrikaanse skole het tot groter dissipline probleme onder leerders gelei. Onderwysers raak toenemend gefrustreerd aangesien min praktiese oplossings vir hierdie probleem bestaan. Hierdie studie bestudeer die rol wat agtergrondmusiek in die klaskamer kan speel om die leerling se konsentrasievermoë te verhoog, sy gedrag positief te verander en so die algehele dissipline in die klassituasie te verbeter. Agtergrondmusiek vorm deel van elke kind se leefwêreld aangesien moderne tegnologie dit maklik maak om musiek oral en altyd te luister. Leerders luister ’n groot gedeelte van elke dag na musiek, ook terwyl hulle huiswerk doen. Daarom was dit nodig om die tipe agtergrondmusiek te vind wat voordelig kan wees vir die leerder in ’n klassituasie. In hierdie studie is van praktiese aksienavorsing binne ‘n kwalitatiewe navorsingsontwerp gebruik om die ervarings van leerders tydens die aanwending van verskillende tipes agtergrondmusiek in die klaskamer te bepaal. Uit die verband tussen die leerders se gedragspatrone en waarnemings nadat klassieke instrumentale musiek in die klaskamer gespeel is, kan bevind word dat hierdie tipe agtergrondmusiek as potensiële tegniek gebruik kan word om dissipline in die klassituasie te verbeter. The abolition of corporal punishment in South African schools led to greater discipline problems among students. Teachers are becoming increasingly frustrated as few practical solutions to this problem exist. This study examines the role that background music in the classroom can play in the child's ability to concentrate, increasing his positive behavior and so the improvement of discipline in the classroom. Background music is part of every child's world as modern technology makes listening to music part of everyday living. Learners listen to a large portion of music every day, even while they are doing homework. Therefore it was necessary to study the influence of background music as to what extend it can benefit the student in the classroom. This study used practical action research within a qualitative research design. From the relationship between the learner's behaviour and observations after classical instrumental music was played in the classroom, this type of background music can be used as a potential technique to improve discipline in the classroom.
Dissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2014.
am2014
Music
unrestricted

The study focuses on the role of water activities in the advancement of environmental literacy in grade six learners. The study is important as South Africa is experiencing a water crisis due to below average rainfall, overpopulation and poor management of water sources. The implementation of water activities in primary and secondary school education is needed for the development of environmentally literate citizens who understand the connection between the environment, available water and poverty and who possess the skills to sustain water sources. Environmental problems can be solved through environmental literacy (UNESCO, 1994:11). The purpose of the study is to determine how environmental literacy can be advanced by means of water activities carried out by grade six learners. The study is quantitative and a before- and after test questionnaire was used to compile data from an experimental and control group. Five schools that are located near water sources took part in the research. The biotic water testing methods and light intensity measurements were used as water activities. Active participation of learners in water activities contributed to the expansion of knowledge, skills and values regarding water in the environment.
Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Development))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

It is estimated that five million adults and children are subjected to HIV and AlDS in South Africa. The prevalence of Aids in children between the ages of 2 and 4 years is estimated at 5,6%, and in child bearing vertical transmission of HIV between mother and child can be as high as 40%. In households where one or both of the parents are affected by AIDS, it is estimated that 13% of the children are severely affected by loss of income and food deprivation. Caregivers experience increasing strain because recurrent hospitalizations of children are taking place due to opportunistic infections. As a result there is a shift in focus towards community-based care. A need exist for non-professional caregivers which are able to give effective preventative community based care on a continual basis. The lack of non professional caregivers imply that the necessary support for children with AlDS is absent which means that life expectation and quality of life is reduced. The non-professional caregiver has none or minimal health training to care for children with AIDS, and non-scientific and cultural based methods for caring are practiced. The end result is that caregivers experience tension and psychological stress. This research was undertaken to determine the needs of the non-professional caregivers and also determine if they possess the necessary knowledge to care for children with AIDS. The aim is then to develop criteria for training the non-professional caregivers in the Potchefstroom district. A survey design with quantitative methodology was utilized. The population consisted out of 165 listed non-professional caregivers of which 11 2 were willingly included in the availability sample. Utilizing a structured questionnaire compiled from literature performed data collection. Data analysis was performed using frequency analysis and the calculation of effect sizes. The results indicated that some non-professional caregivers do have a basic knowledge of caring for children with AIDS. However the following problem areas were identified: the effective handling of conditions such as chronic respiratory problems, coughing, diarrhoea, increased temperature and pain in the child with AIDS. The non-professional caregivers who have completed a healthcare programme showed increased knowledge if compared to those who did not take part in such a programme. The results thus showed that there is a definite need for the training of caregivers in the Potchefstroom district. From this research recommendations are formulated which should be implemented in nursing education, research and practice. Also, guidelines are formulated for the implementation of a training programme for non-professional caregivers, enabling them to give quality care to children with AIDS, which will improve their quality of life.
Thesis (M.Cur.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Many authors have expressed concern regarding the extent of underachievement in mathematics. The role of language proficiency as a causal factor in this underachievement has been neglected. Researchers found sufficient evidence to conclude that language proficiency is related to mathematics achievement. In mathematics, symbolic language fills a dual role: It serves as an instrument of communication and as an instrument of thought by making the representation of mathematical concepts, structures and relationships possible (Esty & Teppo, 1996:45). According to Van Hiele (1988:5), language structure is a critical factor in the progression through the Van Hiele levels from the visual, concrete structures to the abstract structures. In this study, the influence of language proficiency on geometric thinking is investigated. 152 grade 8 and 9 learners completed two tests each. One test measured language proficiency in the learners' mother tongue. The second is a geometric test based on a Mayberry-type Van Hiele test for assessing learners' geometric thinking levels. Language proficiency was taken as the independent variable, and geometric thinking as the dependent variable. In the analysis of the results, the top 25 % and bottom 25% performers in the language proficiency test were chosen. Cohen's (1988) d-value was used to determine if there was a practical significant difference in the performance of the more proficient language learners and the less proficient language learners with respect to each of the first three Van Hiele levels. Results showed a practical significant difference between the performance of the more proficient language learners and the less proficient language learners with respect to each of the first three Van Hiele levels, but also with respect to the geometry test as a whole. In particular, two aspects of language proficiency, namely reading comprehension and vocabulary, appeared to be very strong predictors for geometric thinking on the first three Van Hiele levels (d ≥ 0,8). Key terms for indexing: geometry, geometry learning, mathematics learning, geometric thinking, language, language proficiency, geometry and language, mathematics and language.
Thesis (M.Sc. (Education)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Thesis (DPhil)--Stellenbosch University, 2004.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study involves a qualitative and quantitative investigation into the promotion of reading by means media reading instructional strategies to Afrikaans grade 7 learners at one school. The research methodology used is a case study supported by a literature study. The aim of this study is five-fold. Firstly, based on the literature study, the study sets out to establish a theoretical framework for reading at school. This is related to three problem areas: poor reading comprehension, limited fluency in reading, and a negative attitude to reading. Underlying assumptions are that reading problems occur even in learners with above-average intellectual ability and that many learners cannot function optimally in society because they are poor readers. Instructional models and different approaches to teaching reading are explored. This study questions the efficacy of traditional approaches to reading instruction and makes a strong case for a balanced approach in which both topdown and bottom-up approaches are integrated in an interactive approach. Secondly, drawing on the literature survey the study provides a theoretical framework for using the media and technology in developing and improving reading. The role of visual literacy in the development of reading is also examined. It seems that learners have a strong interest in the media as well as technological aids so educators who have access to these should use them in the classroom. Thirdly, the study sets out to design media reading instructional strategies based on learners' interest in mass media, as well as technological aids. This is so that learners can be empowered with strategies that will enable them to successfully address their reading problems. The use of media reading instructional strategies is applied as an alternative to the traditional approach to reading instruction. The case study explores the use of media reading instructional strategies developed for grade 7 learners studying Afrikaans as a primary language and the extent to which this is successful. The learners are exposed to an instructional reading programme consisting of media reading strategies (designed by the researcher) for a period of 16 weeks. Data generation comprises individual diagnostic reading tests for learners, interviews with educators and learners and questionnaires administered to educators and learners. The literature study provides evidence that poor readers do not necessarily lack the intellectual ability to make sense of what they read or to read independently. Results from the case study support the findings that these learners have the ability to learn a variety of reading strategies which help them to apply the reading skills that enable them to read successfully. Although the learners in the experimental group still experienced problems with comprehension, they had made significant gains in reading fluency and developed a more positive attitude towards reading. The main conclusion is that interactive media reading instructional activities can make a meaningful contribution to learners with reading problems. According to the findings of this study, learners are more likely to read successfully and follow a successful academic career if their problems are diagnosed early and they receive the necessary help and support.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie was 'n kwalitatiewe en kwantitatiewe ondersoek na die bevordering van lees in Afrikaans by die graad 7-leerders van een skool deur die daarstelling van media-leesonderrigstrategieë. Die navorsingsmetode was 'n gevallestudie ondersteun deur 'n literatuurstudie. Die doelwit van die ondersoek was vyfvoudig. Ten eerste het die studie gepoog om op grand van die literatuurondersoek 'n teoretiese begranding van lees te verskaf. Dit sluit drie problematiese aspekte van lees in, naamlik gebrekkige leesbegrip en leesvlotheid en 'n negatiewe leeshouding. Die studie wys daarap dat leesprobleme manifesteer ten spyte van 'n bo-gemiddelde intellek en dat baie leerders nie optimaal in die samelewing kan fungeer nie omdat hulle swak lesers is. Verskillende benaderings tot die onderrig van lees is ondersoek. Die studie bevraagteken die effektiwiteit van tradisionele benaderings tot leesonderrig. Dit word ten sterkste aanbeveel dat 'n interaktiewe benadering gevolg word waar beide die top - down en bottom - up -benaderings geïntegreer word. Tweedens het die studie gepoog om vanuit die literatuurandersoek 'n teoretiese begranding van katalisators wat lees kan bevorder, naamlik media en tegnologiese hulpmiddele, te ondersoek. Die rol van visuele geletterdheid in die onderrig van lees is ondersoek. Die uitgangspunt was leerders se belangstelling in die media en tegnologiese hulpmiddele en dat opvoeders vandag toegang het tot 'n verskeidenheid media en tegnologiese hulpmiddele wat hulle van hulp kan wees met leesonderrig. Opvoeders moet hulself hiervan vergewis ten einde dit sinvol by die bestaande leesonderrigprogram te kan integreer. Derdens het die studie ten doel gehad om media-leesonderrigstrategieë te ontwerp wat gebaseer is op leerders se belangstelling in die media en tegnologiese hulpmiddele wat die swak leser in staat sal stel am sy / haar leesprobleme suksesvol aan te spreek. Die gebruik van die media-leesonderrigstrategieë is derhalwe aangewend as 'n alternatief tot die tradisionele benaderings van leesonderrig. Vierdens is hierdie media-Ieesonderrigstrategieë by wyse van 'n gevallestudie op die vlak van graad 7 in die vak Afrikaans geïmplementeer om die sukses daarvan te bepaal. Leerders is vir 16 weke aan 'n intervensie, 'n program bestaande uit media-leesonderrigstrategieë, in die Afrikaansperiode blootgestel. Datagenerering tydens hierdie tydperk van ses maande het behels individuele diagnostiese leestoetse vir leerders, onderhoude met opvoeders en leerders, en vraelyste wat deur opvoeders en leerders voltooi is. Uit die literatuurstudie was dit duidelik dat daar geen probleem was met die intellektuele vermoëns van die leerders nie en dat hulle wel oor die vermoë beskik om met begrip en onafhanklik te lees. Die resultate van die gevallestudie ondersteun hierdie bevinding dat die swak leser wel die vermoë het om strategies aan te leer wat hulle in staat sal stel om hul leesvaardighede te verbeter en met sukses te lees. Ten slote is daar tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat media-leesonderrigstrategieë wat deur middel van 'n interaktiewe benadering onderrig word, 'n betekenisvolle bydrae kan maak tot die bevordering van lees by leerders met leesprobleme. Alhoewel die leerders steeds met leesbegrip gesukkel het, het hulle leesvlotheid heelwat verbeter terwyl hulle ook 'n meer positiewe houding jeens lees gehad het. Daar is bevind dat ten spyte van leerders se leesprobleme hulle 'n baie goeie kans het om met sukses te lees en 'n suksesvolle loopbaan te volg, mits hulle betyds die nodige hulp en ondersteuning ontvang.

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
Includes bibliography
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The political and social changes that occurred after 1994 in South Africa, inevitably led to the emergence of a new educational era. Life Orientation (LO) was introduced as a new learning area within the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) and seeks to preventatively empower learners to take up their legitimate place as citizens within the national and international society (DoE, 2003:2). LO cannot only be liable for the holistic development of individual learners. The community in which learners grow up are faced with unique challenges that will inescapably influence their development. I highlight the influence of “Ubuntu” and “Ukama” on the process of becoming of each individual and therefore use the ecosystemic perspective as a theoretical framework for this study. I reflect on my own experiences within the LO classroom that led to the creation of fictional characters and case studies as a teaching strategy. In this study I distinguish between case study as a teaching strategy and a research methodology. I determine the lived experiences of Grade 8 learners in a secondary school where this teaching strategy was used within the LO classroom. A case study as research methodology is used where qualitative data was produced through personal documentation. A random sample of ten participants from the case study is used to obtain a thorough understanding of their lived experiences. Qualitative data was further produced by twenty individual and two focus group interviews with the sample group. I used the constant comparative method to ensure that I identify the units of meaning and discuss the findings on the basis of three categories. First, the data indicated that the participants found guidance through the case studies of the characters. Secondly, it appeared that the experiences of the characters influenced the participants’ decision making processes. Thirdly, the data indicated that participants used this teaching strategy as a platform to voice their own personal emotions and experiences. On the basis of Gilles Deleuze (in Wallin, 2010) and Magdeleine Grumet (1981) this study emphasizes the potential role that an evolving, active form of curriculum can play in the becoming processes of each individual learner and teacher. I conclude by recommending that uniqueness and diversity must be encouraged within the classroom to ensure that curriculum will not be a homogeneous policy document, but that it will be active and developmental in nature. I use the work of Wallin (2010), Sutton and Martin-Jones (2008) and Grumet (1981) to offer new insights about the pedagogical making process within the South African context.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die politiese en sosiale veranderinge wat na 1994 binne Suid-Afrika plaasgevind het, het onvermydelik gelei tot die ontstaan van ʼn nuwe opvoedkundige era. Lewensoriëntering (LO) was as ʼn nuwe leerarea binne die Hersiene Nasionale Kurrikulumverklaring (HNKV) bekendgestel en poog om op ʼn voorkomende wyse leerders te bemagtig om hul geregmatige plek as burgers binne die nasionale, sowel as internasionale samelewing op te neem (DvO, 2003:2). LO kan nie alleen aanpreeklik gehou word vir die holistiese ontwikkeling van individuele leerders nie. Die gemeenskap waarbinne die individuele leerders groot word het sy unieke uitdagings en sal daarom onwillekeurig hierdie ontwikkelingsproses beïnvloed. Ek beklemtoon daarom “Ubuntu” en “Ukama” se invloed op die individu se wordingsproses en gebruik die ekosistemiese perspektief as ʼn teoretiese raamwerk vir hierdie studie. Ek reflekteer oor my eie ervarings binne die LO-klaskamer wat aanleiding gegee het tot die ontstaan van fiktiewe karakters en gevallestudies as onderrigstrategie. In hierdie studie onderskei ek tussen gevallestudies as onderrigstrategie en navorsingsmetodologie. Ek bepaal die geleefde ervaring van graad 8-leerders in een sekondêre skool waar dié onderrigstrategie in die LO-klaskamer gebruik word. ʼn Gevallestudie word as navorsingsmetodologie gebruik waar kwalitatiewe data deur persoonlike dokumentasie geproduseer is. Ten einde ʼn deeglike begrip te verkry van die gevallestudie se geleefde ervaring is ʼn ewekansige steekproef van tien deelnemers gebruik. Kwalitatiewe data is verder deur twintig individuele en twee fokusgroeponderhoude met hierdie steekproef geproduseer. Ek het deurgaans die konstante vergelykende metode om eenhede van betekenis te identifiseer gebruik en bespreek my bevindinge aan die hand van drie kategorieë. Eerstens dui die data aan dat deelnemers leiding uit die gevallestudies van karakters ontvang het. Tweedens blyk dit of die ervarings van die karakters die deelnemers se besluitnemingsproses beïnvloed het. Derdens dui die data aan dat deelnemers hierdie onderrigstrategie as ʼn platform gebruik het wat hulle in staat gestel het om uiting aan hul persoonlike emosies en ervarings te gee. Ten slotte beklemtoon hierdie navorsingstudie aan die hand van Gilles Deleuze (in Wallin, 2010) en Magdeleine Grumet (1981) se werk die potensiële rol wat ʼn ontwikkelende, aktiewe vorm van kurrikulum in die wordingsproses van elke individuele leerder en opvoeder kan speel. Ek beveel daarom aan dat uniekhede en diversiteit binne die klaskamer aangemoedig moet word ten einde te verseker dat kurrikulum nie as ʼn homogene beleidsdokument aanvaar word nie, maar dat dit aktief en ontwikkelend van aard sal wees. Ek gebruik die werk van Wallin (2010), Sutton en Martin-Jones (2008) en Grumet (1981) om nuwe insigte rondom die pedagogiese wordingsproses binne die Suid-Afrikaanse konteks aan te bied.

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research explored the influence of the rural multi-grade context on the nature of the work of the principal of a rural multi-grade school. I specifically looked at the job description of the school principal as set out in the South African Schools Act (84 of 1996) and how the rural multi-grade context affects the nature of the work of four principals in the Western Cape. The relationship between the interpretation of policy and its implementation has always been complex because policies are open to different interpretations by the implementers thereof. This complex relationship can be observed with the implementation of the South African Schools Act of 1996, with specific reference to articles 16(1), 16A(2) and 16(3), in the South African school community. This disjunction between the policy as formulated by policy makers and the implementation thereof by implementers is often traced to the fact that policy makers do not consider the context of the implementers of the policy properly (Bell & Stevenson, 2006:14-15). In my attempt for a better understanding of this disjunction (and the factors that contribute to it), I found the interpretive qualitative investigation the most suited methodology for this study. In this case, I used the case study as a qualitative research method. According to Patton en Cochan (2002:2), qualitative research is characterised by the goals of the research question, which relates to the understanding of certain aspects of social life and methodologies; therefore, words are generated instead of numbers for data analysis. Merriam (1998:21) defines a qualitative case study in terms of the end product as an intensive, holistic description and analysis of a single case, phenomenon or social unit. By defining and conceptualising rural multi-grade schools, I found that these schools are characterised by (a) remote areas with a sparse population and (b) poverty. Joubert (2009:4) defines rural teaching (read rural multi-grade schools) as teaching in remote areas with a sparse population, such as on farms, far from towns and cities, where learners are not exposed to the luxuries of shopping malls or industries. These environments are characterised by inaccessibility, poor or inadequate infrastructure, poverty and a lack of skills, resources, knowledge and community involvement. I conducted interviews with four principals of rural multi-grade schools. Based on results of the research study, I found that the rural multi-grade context indeed has an effect on the nature of the work of the principal. To assist principals of rural multi-grade schools, I recommend that the national education department review the staff establishments of rural multi-grade schools with regard to teachers and non-teaching staff. Furthermore, the provincial department needs to increase the monetary allocation for rural multi-grade schools by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). In order to address the lack of support to the principals of rural multi-grade schools, specialists on multi-grade teaching should be appointed to support these schools in terms of curriculum delivery and school management.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie het die invloed van die landelike multigraad-agtergrond op die aard van die werk van die hoof van ’n landelike multigraadskool verken. Ek het spesifiek gekyk na die posbeskrywing van die skoolhoof soos verwoord in die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet (84 van 1996) en hoe die landelike multigraad-agtergrond die aard van die werk van vier skoolhoofde in die Wes-Kaap beïnvloed. Die verband tussen interpretasie van beleid en die toepassing daarvan was nog altyd ʼn komplekse verhouding omdat beleid oop is vir uiteenlopende interpretasies deur die toepassers daarvan. Hierdie komplekse verhouding kom aan die lig wanneer daar byvoorbeeld gekyk word na die toepassing van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet van 1996 (met spesifieke verwysing na artikels 16(1), 16A(2) en 16(3)) op die Suid-Afrikaanse skoolgemeenskap. Die disjunksie tussen die beleid soos deur ‘beleidmakers’ geformuleer en die toepassing daarvan deur beleidstoepassers of implementeerders van beleid kan dikwels herlei word tot die feit dat beleidmakers nie die agtergrond van beleidstoepassers of implementeerders van die beleid na behore in ag neem nie (Bell & Stevenson, 2006:14-15). In my poging om dié disjunksie (en die faktore wat daartoe aanleiding gee) beter te verstaan, het ek bevind dat die interpretatiewe kwalitatiewe ondersoek die geskikste metodologie vir hierdie studie sou wees. In hierdie geval het ek gebruik gemaak van die gevallestudie as kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetode. Kwalitatiewe navorsing word gekenmerk deur die doelstellings van die navorsingsvraag, wat verband hou met die begrip van sekere aspekte van die maatskaplike lewe en die metodes, wat woorde in plaas van getalle genereer vir data-analise (Patton & Cochan, 2002:2). Merriam (1998:21) definieer ʼn kwalitatiewe gevallestudie met betrekking tot die eindproduk as ʼn intensiewe, holistiese beskrywing en analise van ʼn enkele geval, fenomeen of maatskaplike eenheid. Met die definiëring en konseptualisering van landelike multigraadskole het ek tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat hierdie skole gekenmerk word deur twee pertinente kenmerke: (a) dit is afgeleë met ylbevolkte omgewings en (b) armoede. Joubert (2009:4) omskryf landelike onderrig (lees landelike multigraadskole) as onderrig wat meestal in afgeleë en ylbevolkte omgewings soos op plase, gewoonlik ver van hoofroetes, dorpe en stede plaasvind, waar leerders nie aan luukshede soos inkopiesentrums of nywerhede blootgestel word nie. Hierdie omgewings word gekenmerk deur ontoeganklikheid, swak infrastruktuur, armoede en gebrekkige vaardighede, bronne, kennis en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid. Onderhoude is met hoofde van vier landelike multigraadskole gevoer. Op grond van die navorsingresultate het ek bevind dat die landelike multigraad-agtergrond wel die aard van die skoolhoof se werk beïnvloed. Ek beveel dus onder andere aan dat die provinsiale onderwysdepartement die diensstate van landelike multigraadskole hersien wat betref onderwysers en niedoserende personeel asook dat die monetêre toekenning van landelike multigraadskole deur die Wes-Kaapse Onderwysdepartement (WKOD) verhoog word. Verder bevel ek aan dat bekwame distriksamptenare aangestel word om die skoolhoof van ʼn landelike multigraadskool ten opsigte van die bestuur van die skool en die onderwysers ten opsigte van kurrikulumlewering te ondersteun.

In 2006, Outcomes Based Education (OBE) was introduced into Grade 10 (as part of the FET band) for the first time. For the Grade 10 History teacher, this new teaching approach implied modified assessment practices, setting new demands and challenges. It brought about an adjusted assessment strategy through which the focus of formal assessment was shifted to an interactive and learner-centred approach of "doing" History rather than "facts" simply being assessed. Whether outcome based assessment (OBA) is executed meaningfully, is determined by the Grade 10 History teacher's ability to develop learning and assessment strategies that can integrate the critical outcomes, the development outcomes, the learning outcomes and the assessment standards meaningfully with the facilitation of the historic content. The overarching aim of this research was to investigate the assessment practices of History teachers in Grade 10. It was undertaken within the framework of an extensive literature study on OBE and OBA as teaching processes - internationally and nationally. In order to determine the assessment practices of Grade 10 History teachers, an empirical investigation was undertaken that was based on both quantitative and qualitative research methods, with a view to: • establish to what extent the Grade 10 History teacher followed the guidelines/ prescriptions of OBA; • determine the Grade 10 History teacher's knowledge, attitudes and skills regarding OBA; • identify deficiencies and problems that prevent the Grade 10 History teacher from implementing OBA effectively; and • design an OBA model for the Grade 10 History teacher. A random sample of schools was drawn nationally. A structured questionnaire was sent to the Grade 10 History teachers of these schools [n = 424], of which a total of 122 was received back. The results were analysed quantitatively and qualitatively and the following are but a few findings of this research: • Most of the teachers were positively inclined towards OBA because it is aimed at developing the entire learner. • Most of the teachers had sufficient knowledge of the assessment documents made available to them, and it was comprehensible. • Most of the teachers were convinced that the training they had received, had not sufficiently empowered them professionally speaking for implementing OBA. • Most of the teachers expressed the need for more support from the Department of Education concerning better in-service training programmes, more support from subject and curriculum advisors and more resources and learning and teaching support material being made available. • Generally speaking, the theoretical knowledge of OBA of most of the teachers was good, but they desired more and longer practice oriented in-service training in specific aspects regarding OBA. Based on the results proceeding from the research, recommendations were made in order to promote the practical implementation of OBA in schools. A holistic OBE quality model for teaching History was also designed that will empower the History teacher to implement OBA effectively to then especially complement the critical outcomes.
Thesis (Ph.D. (Education))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

The aim of this study was to investigate and describe the description of negative peer pressure by grade nine learners. The study took place within the context of adolescence, which is often described as a phase where negative peer pressure plays a significant role in the lives of adolescents. A literature study on the topic showed that peer pressure is a complex phenomenon that is experienced by all adolescents at some point. Literature also indicated that the voice of adolescents regarding their own unique and subjective description of negative peer pressure has not been recorded often enough. It became evident that especially grade nine learners are vulnerable to negative peer pressure. This grade or age group forms part of the middle adolescent phase, which is especially characterised by the forming of an own identity. The forming of an own identity is influenced by the different develop-mental tasks that are associated with adolescence, namely their emotional, cognitive, moral and social development. During this developmental phase the membership of a peer group becomes increasingly important and exclusion from the group is feared. This fear often leads to conforming to negative group norms and behaviour. From this context, the study is necessary. The researcher has undertaken a qualitative, phenomenological study, during which unstructured interviews were conducted with twelve grade nine learners from public high schools in the Drakenstein area of the Boland, Western Cape. These interviews were transcribed and the data analysed so that specific themes concerning negative peer pressure could be identified. From these empirical findings it was evident that the mutual relationships of the participants as well as the dynamics and norms within their respective groups, impacted severely on their description of negative peer pressure. Group formation in the middle adolescent years seems to be a complex process. It appears as if the smaller, more intimate group of friends can protect adolescents against negative peer pressure on the one hand, but can also exert pressure on group members to partake in negative activities. Therefore smaller groups often change as members move in and out of the group to find a group where they feel at home. According to the participants, conforming to negative behaviour and norms takes place more readily in the bigger or wider and more diverse peer group. Within these bigger groups it is easier for individuals to lose their identity, and therefore adolescents that are still in search of a personal identity and value system, give in to negative pressure and behaviour easier. A wide range of causes are named for this giving in to pressure, but according to the participants, their need for acceptance and recognition by the peer group as well as the accompanying fear of exclusion are the most important causes. From the study it was further evident that the relationships that adolescents find themselves in, play a deciding role in their description of negative peer pressure. The participants indicated that their relationship with their parents, their peer group, as well as the relationship with themselves, all influence their ability to handle negative peer pressure. From these findings the description of participants of negative peer pressure is explained in full. Suggestions are made to better equip parents, teachers and other professional people who work with adolescents in order to support and advise grade nine learners more successfully in their handling of negative peer pressure.
Thesis (MA (Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Thesis (MEdPsych (Educational Psychology)--University of Stellenbosch, 2009
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research study was done in order to get a better picture of the meaning that Grade 12 learners attach to the systemic influences with regard to their initial career choice. The researcher also inquired into the contribution that the subject Life Orientation plays in the Grade 12 learners' initial career choice. Since the start of the twentieth century career choice has been viewed as the most important decision in an individual's life. Post modern career theoreticians allege that the process of decision-making regarding a career is a constant one in which an individual must adapt to changes in the world of work throughout the course of his/her life. The individual is a system of intrapersonal variables which are constantly in interaction with the variables in his/her environment. Due to this interaction the Systems of Influence influences the individual in the making of his/her career choice during the whole course of his/her life. The Individual, Social and Environmental/Societal Systems of Influence also interact with one another. Since the circumstances of South Africans are so diverse, it is probable that learners from different circumstances will experience different influences when making career choices. It is necessary that these systems of influence must be examined so insight can be gained into the way learners make career choices. This information can help career counsellors and teachers to successfully assist learners when making career choices. The research was done at the hand of a qualitative study. Data was gathered by means of three data sources, namely focus group interviews, the drawing of lifelines and the completing of My Systems of Career Influences (MSCI) questionnaires. The responses gathered from the Grade 12 participants produced meaningful insights with regard to the role of systemic influences in the making of their initial career choices. The important impact of especially socio-economic restrictions, the lack of career information and the shortcomings in the presentation and implementing of the subject Life Orientation was pointed out by the participants. The findings of the study hold important implications for the implementing of the Life Orientation curriculum, especially in schools in low socio-economic communities. In these communities there are few information sources and little exposure and consequently learners often make uninformed and incorrect career choices. Since for many of these learners school is their only opportunity to get career education and guidance, it is necessary that the Life Orientation programme be presented in such a way that it will be meaningful to learners. In this study it was however revealed that the presentation of Life Orientation falls short of the mark. Recommendations for the use of the Systems Theory Framework (STR) of career development in Life Orientation programmes, as well as the presentation of subjects and subject information have been made.

The aim of this study was to describe ways in which Grade 1 teachers use creative teaching practice in Mathematics. An interpretivistic approach was used with qualitative research principles guiding the research process. The research design was a case study design. Three primary school teachers at an Afrikaans private school were purposefully selected. A multi-method approach to data gathering was taken. Firstly, the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (Foundation Phase): Mathematics was analysed to determine the guidelines of the Department of Basic Education regarding creative teaching practice in Mathematics. Secondly, the three participants each made a visual representation (poster) of their understanding of creative teaching practice in Mathematics, where after each participant's poster was discussed with her. Thirdly, a total of five Mathematics lessons were observed and one semi-structured interview was conducted with each participant. Fourthly, personal opinions, reflective thoughts and impressions of the research study were noted in the researcher's research journal. Results were derived from inductive thematic analysis of the documented data. After member checking, four themes were identified. Firstly, some fundamental principles for the use of creative teaching practice in Mathematics were deducted, which included sensitivity for learner differences, the use and development of learners' current knowledge, active learner participation in lessons, interest and joy in Mathematics lessons, and the inclusion of the life world of the learners in the Mathematics lessons. Secondly, the participants suggested possible implementation strategies for creative teaching practice in Mathematics, namely the implementation of problem solving skills, concrete experiences and resources, group learning and social interaction. Thirdly, some teacher qualities that promote creative teaching practice in Mathematics were indicated, namely teachers as specialist subject experts in Mathematics, motivators of learners, creators of a positive learning and teaching environment, interpreters and designers of learning programmes and material, and adaptability. The fourth theme emphasized the challenges regarding the use of creative teaching practice in Mathematics where environmental factors were indicated. Based on the findings the conclusion can be made that domain relevant skills, skills regarding creativity, intrinsic task motivation and the social environment are components that can be incorporated to promote the successful use of creative teaching practice in Mathematics.
Die doel van hierdie studie was om te beskryf op welke wyses Graad 1-onderwysers kreatiewe onderrig in Wiskunde gebruik. Die studie is vanuit 'n interpretivistiese benadering onderneem met kwalitatiewe navorsingsbeginsels wat die navorsingsproses onderlê het. 'n Gevalstudie-ontwerp is as navorsingsontwerp gebruik. Drie laerskoolonderwysers, verbonde aan 'n Afrikaanse privaatskool, is deur 'n gerieflikheidseleksie geselekteer. Data is deur 'n multi-metodiese benadering versamel. Eerstens is die Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (Foundation Phase): Mathematics ge-analiseer, om sodoende die Department van Basiese Onderwys se riglyne betreffende kreatiewe onderrigpraktyk in Wiskunde te identifiseer. Tweedens het die drie deelnemers elk 'n visuele voorstelling (plakkaat) gemaak wat hul begrip aangaande kreatiewe onderrigpraktyk in Wiskunde uitbeeld, waarna elke deelnemer se plakkaat met haar bespreek is. Derdens is vyf Wiskunde-lesse in totaal waargeneem en een semi-gestruktureerde onderhoud met elke deelnemer gevoer. Vierdens is persoonlike opinies, reflektiewe gedagtes en indrukke van die navorsingstudie aangeteken in die navorser se navorsingsjoernaal. Induktiewe tematiese analise van die gedokumenteerde data het gedien as basis vir die resultate. Deelnemerkontrole is uitgevoer en vier temas is geïdentifiseer. Eerstens is van die fundamentele beginsels vir die gebruik in kreatiese onderrigpraktyk in Wiskunde afgelei, wat insluit sensitiwiteit vir leerderverskille, die gebruik en ontwikkeling van leerders se bestaande kennis, aktiewe leerderbetrokkenheid by lesaanbieding, interessantheid en genotvolheid van Wiskunde-lesse, en die insluiting van leerders se leefwêreld by Wiskunde-lesse. Tweedens het die deelnemers moontlike implementeringstrategieë vir kreatiewe onderrigpraktyk in Wiskunde aangedui, naamlik die implementering van probleemoplossingsvaardighede, konkrete ervaringe en hulpbronne, groepsleer en sosiale interaksie. Derdens is sommige onderwyserkwaliteite ter bevordering van kreatiewe onderrigpraktyk in Wiskunde aangedui, naamlik onderwysers as spesialis vakkenners in Wiskunde, leerder-motiveerders, skeppers van 'n positiewe leer- en onderrigomgewing, interpreteerders en ontwerpers van leerprogramme en -materiaal, en aanpasbaarheid. Die vierdie tema het die uitdagings rondom die gebruik van kreatiewe onderrigpraktyk in Wiskunde beklemtoon, waar onder andere omgewingsfaktore aangedui is. Op grond van die bevindinge kan die gevolgtrekking gemaak word dat domein-relevante vaardighede, kreatiwiteitsvaardighede, intrinsieke taakmotivering en die sosiale omgewing komponente van die samestellende teorie van kreatiwiteit (Amabile, 2012) is, wat ingesluit kan word om die suksesvolle gebruik van kreatiewe onderrigpraktyk in Wiskunde te bevorder.
Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
Educational Psychology
MEd
Unrestricted

The modern computerised era in which we live means that all areas of society are subjected to information technology. Children are increasingly exposed to and have access to computers, which necessarily have an influence on their education and development. Seeing that children are the most receptive group when it comes to exposure to new technology, this may have enriching effects on computer literacy, which is often considered part of general literacy. With regards to literacy, reading is one of the skills which pose a high challenge. It is also a key skill that opens the world of information, as most information is received through reading. Any reading stimulation via electronic or printed media that encourages learners to read is considered to improve reading ability, reading speed, reading comprehension and phonetic awareness. The aim of this study was to determine whether there was a correlation between early computer exposure and experience (both computer access and use) and reading ability of grade 1 learners. In this study a one shot cross-sectional survey design was used. Schools with grade 1 learners in the Umvoti district of Kwa Zulu Natal were selected to participate in the study - stratified sampling was used. The grade 1 classes were selected on the basis of random sampling. The selected classes (N=4; 85 learners) participated 'intact' in the study. The data was analysed using descriptive as well as inferential statistics (e.g. MANCOVA).
Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2007.

The research in this study focuses on the role of environmental education activities in the clarification of environmental values in Grade 6 learners. The much discussed environmental crisis arose as a result of man's negative environmental behaviour. Human behaviour is a matter of choices based on environmental values. Environmental value clarification aims to raise learners' awareness of their own values and to increase their effect on the environment. It helps learners to explore their own values, to consider advantages and disadvantages, to accept that others' beliefs may vary from their own, and to align their own actions and behaviours with their personal beliefs. Using environmental education activities the researcher aims to help learners clarify their environmental values as environmental education activities can not only be interesting and fun, but can also have a powerful impact on students' interest in and awareness of environmental problems. As the clarification of environmental values contains a highly subjective component, use is made of a combined method research strategy. The quantitative research component takes place through a pre- and post-test test with an experimental and a control group. During the pre- and post-test a standardised questionnaire is used whilst the interventions take the form of an environmental education activity. A qualitative, collective case study design forms the qualitative part of the combined method, through observation during the activity and focus group interviews thereafter. Three schools that are part of the project "Education for sustainable living", where schools pay attention to the environment through the implementation of environmental management principles, were selected for participation. The findings indicate that learners that were exposed to the activity are confronted with their own environmental values and attitudes whilst being forced to seriously, honestly andcritically reflect on his / her own values regarding specific environmental issues in the activity.
Thesis (MEd (Curriculum Development))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2013.

Problems with students’ performance in Mathematics at tertiary level are common in South Africa − as it is worldwide. Pass rates at the university of technology where the researcher is a lecturer, are only about 50%. At many universities it has become common practice to refer students who do not have a reasonable chance to succeed at university level, for additional support to try to rectify this situation. However, the question is which students need such support? Because the Grade 12 marks are often not perceived as dependable, it has become common practice at universities to re-test students by way of an entrance exam or the "National Benchmark Test"- project. The question arises whether such re-testing is necessary, since it costs time and money and practical issues make it difficult to complete timeously. Many factors have an influence on performance in Mathematics. School-level factors include articulation of the curriculum at different levels, insufficiently qualified teachers, not enough teaching time and language problems. However, these factors also affect performance in most other subjects, but it is Mathematics and other subjects based on Mathematics that are generally more problematic. Therefore this study focused on the unique properties of the subject Mathematics. The determining role of prior knowledge, the step-by-step development of mathematical thinking, and conative factors such as motivation and perseverance were explored. Based on the belief that these factors would already have been reflected sufficiently in the Grade 12 marks, the correlation between the marks for Mathematics in Grade 12 and the Mathematics marks at tertiary level was investigated to assess whether it was strong enough for the marks in Grade 12 Mathematics to be used as a reliable predictor of success or failure at university level. It was found that the correlation between the marks for Mathematics Grade 12 and Mathematics I especially, was strong (r = 0,61). The Mathematics marks for Grade 12 and those for Mathematics II produced a correlation coefficient of rs = 0,52. It also became apparent that failure in particular could be predicted fairly accurately on the basis of the Grade 12 marks for Mathematics. No student with a Grade 12 Mathematics mark below 60% succeeded in completing Mathematics I and II in the prescribed two semesters, and only about 11% successfully completed it after one repetition. The conclusion was that the reliability of the prediction based on the marks for Grade 12 Mathematics was sufficient to refer students with a mark of less than 60% to receive some form of additional support.
MEd, Learning and Teaching, North-West University, Vaal Triangle Campus, 2011

Thesis (MA)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie het die invloed van die implementering van `n intervensieprogram ten opsigte van interaktiewe skryf op die skryfgedrag en skryfstrategieë van graad twee-leerders ondersoek. Ek het spesifiek gekyk na interaktiewe skryf as benadering om leerders se skryfvermoë te verbeter. Volgens Wood (1994:117) is die doel van die onderrig van skryf in die Grondslagfase om leerders as skrywers te help ontwikkel met die vermoë om hul gedagtes en idees in skrif te artikuleer asook die vaardighede om dit op `n gepaste manier aan te bied deur gebruik te maak van leesbare skryfstyl, standaardspelling en punktuasie en korrekte sinskonstruksie. Volgens navorsing gedoen deur die Weskaapse Onderwysdepartement met graad drie-leerders in die Wes-Kaap is bewys dat net ses en dertig persent van die leerders wat die taal- en wiskunde-toetsing doen, slaag (WKOD: 2006). Met die analisering van die uitslae het ek bevind dat die graad twee-leerders van ons skool sukkel met skryf. Om hierdie probleem aan te spreek en vir hierdie studie het ek besluit om op interaktiewe skryf te fokus omdat ek van mening is dat dit verskil van tradisionele skryfonderrigmetodes. McCarrier, Pinell & Fountas (2000:4) definieer interaktiewe skryf as `n dinamiese, geïntegreerde aksie waar die leerder aktief besig is om die deur middel van letters, woorde, en frases `n teks te beplan en organiseer. Fountas & Pinnell (2006:440) beskryf interaktiewe skryf as `n benadering waar jonger leerders saam met die onderwyser `n teks skryf en ontwikkel. Die onderwyser dien as fasiliteerder terwyl die leerders die teks ontwerp, skryf en herlees. Die navorsingsgroep bestaan uit ses graad twee-leerders wat aan `n intervensieprogram oor interaktiewe skryf blootgestel is. Die intervensieprogram het bestaan uit `n pretoets, `n hulpverleningsprogram en `n posttoets. Die data-analise het getoon dat die gemiddelde persentasies van die leerders in die posttoets in vergelyking met die pretoets 20% hoër is. Die studie het dus aangetoon dat die skryfintervensie die ses leerders se skryfvaardigheid verbeter het.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research explored the influence of the implemention of an intervention program with regards to interactive writing as a strategy to improve writing behaviour and writing strategies of grade two learners. I specifically looked at interactive writing as a strategy to improve the writing abilities of learners. The purpose of the teaching of writing in the Foundation Phase is to develop learners into writers with the ability to articulate their thoughts and ideas in writing and to present it in the correct way by using legible writing styles, standard spelling and punctuation and the correct grammitical construction (Wood 1994:117). Recent research done by the Western Cape Education Department proved that only thirty six percent of grade three learners in the Western Cape can pass Language and Mathematics at a passrate of 50%. With the analyses of the results I found that the grade two learners struggled with writing. To address the problem and for this study I decided to focus on interactive writing to improve the writing abilities of grade two learners. McCarrier, Pinell & Fountas (2000:4) define interactive writing as a dynamic, integrated action where the learner is actively busy organizing a text through letters, words and phrases. Fountas & Pinnell (2006:440) describe interactive writing as an approach where younger learners work together with the educator to write the text. The educator is the fasilitator in the development of the text. The sample group consisted of six grade two learners who were exposed to the intervention program on interactive writing. The intervention program was divided into three parts, the pre-test, the support program and the post-test. The data-analysis showed that the average percentages the six learners obtained in the two tests improved by 20%. The study showed that the writing intervention had improved the writing abilities of the six learners through the use of interactive writing as a strategy.

Thesis (MSL and HT (Interdisciplinary Health Sciences. Speech-Language and Hearing Therapy))--Stellenbosch University, 2008.
The study investigated the effect of two shared reading programmes on the print awareness of 102 Afrikaans-speaking Grade R learners with language delays. The first shared reading programme focussed on print awareness while the second shared reading programme focussed on content and observable entities. Participants’ print awareness was measured subjectively and objectively, before and after intervention programmes. Results indicated that (i) both methods of shared reading affected and improved the print awareness of the participants; (ii) the participants’ print awareness did not improve optimally in order to acquire reading skills in Grade 1, even after taking part in the 10 week shared reading programme with a focus on print awareness; (iii) participants performed better in an evaluation where demonstration of skills and no verbal response was required; and (iv) participants with poor receptive vocabulary skills demonstrated limited carry-over of print awareness to other artefacts of print, such as the packaging of an iron.

Thesis (MA)--University of Stellenbosch, 2000.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this study was to measure the influence of a logotherapy activity, the mountain range exercise on the purpose in life and values of Grade 11 scholars of a specific culture community in the Western Cape. Two research hypotheses were formulated; firstly, that the logotherapy activity will help to heighten the meaning in the lives of Grade 11 scholars and, secondly, that the logotherapy activity would influence the values of Grade 11 scholars. The fifty-nine subjects used in the study were Grade 11 scholars at Macassar High School in the Western Cape. The subjects were divided into an experimental and control group. Two questionnaires were used in the study: the Purpose in Life-test (PIL) and the Allport-Vernon-Lindzey Study of Values (AVL). After the experimental group completed the logotherapy activity they were divided into four discussion groups, each group consisting of seven or eight subjects. The groups underwent two discussion sessions. The experimental group completed the logotherapy activity and a post-test was carried out on both groups. Results showed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test of the experimental group on the Purpose in Life-test. The first research hypotheses is hereby supported; that is the implementation of the logotherapy activity heighten the meaning in the lives of the experimental group. The pre-test and post-test results of the experimental group differed significantly with regard to the economic value. The second research hypotheses is hereby supported, that is, the implementation of the logotherapy activity will influence the values of Grade 11 scholars.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die doel van die ondersoek was die meting van die invloed van die logoterapeutiese groepsaktiwiteit, naamlik die bergreeks-oefening, op die doel van die lewe en waardes van Graad 11 leerlinge van en bepaalde kultuurgemeenskap in die Wes-Kaapland. Twee navorsingshipoteses is geformuleer, naamlik dat die logoterapeutiese groepsaktiwiteit die sin en betekenis in die lewe van Graad 11 leerlinge sal verhoog en tweedens dat die groepsaktiwiteit die waardes van die leerlinge betekenisvol sal beïnvloed. Die nege-en-vyftig subjekte was Graad 11 hoërskool leerlinge van Macassar Sekondêr in die Wes-Kaapland. Die ondersoekgroep is ewekansig in en eksperimentele en kontrole groep verdeel. Twee vraelyste is toegepas: Die Betekenis in die lewe-vraelys (PIL) en die Allport-Vernon-Lindzey Waardeskaal (AVL). Nadat die eksperimentele groep die logoterapeutiese groepsaktiwiteit voltooi het, is hulle in vier diskussiegroepe verdeel, elk met sewe of agt lede. Die diskussiegroepe het twee groepsbesprekings ondergaan. Die nameting is op albei groepe gedoen om sodoende te bepaal of die logoterapeutiese groepsaktiwiteit die navorsingshipoteses ondersteun. Die eksperimentele groep se voor- en nametingsresultate ten opsigte van hulle sinsbelewing het beduidend verskil. Die eerste navorsingshipotese is hierdeur ondersteun, naamlik dat die implimentering van die logoterapeutiese groepsaktiwiteit die sin van die lewe van die eksperimentele groep verhoog. Die eksperimentele groep se voor- en nametingsresultate ten opsigte van die ekonomiese waarde het beduidend verskil. Die tweede navorsingshipotese is ierdeur ondersteun, naamlik dat die implimentering van die logoterapeutiese groepsaktiwiteit die waardes van die lewe van die Graad 11 leerling beïnvloed.

Thesis (MEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: It is a well known phenomenon that people from historically disadvantaged communities, tend to do well in society despite the numerous risk factors that complicate life for them. This study has this phenomenon as it's subject. The unit of analysis of the study was Grade 12 achievers from a historically disadvantaged community. The main purpose of this study was to determine why these Grade 12 learners managed to excell academically despite the risk factors present in their community. The secondary focus of the study was to identify the risk factors that the learners had to face to eventually achieve academic success and the protective factors which contributed to their academic success. The literature review focussed on the concept "resilience" and related concepts such as risk factors, protective factors and the adolescent development phase within the framework of positive psychology, eco-systemic and asset based approaches. The research was conducted using a qualitative interpretive study approach. Seven achievers from the coloured community in the Western Cape, were interviewed. The data was analysed using qualitative content analysis. The data was discussed by placing the risk factors and the protective factors in five different systems namely, the individual, the family, the school, the peergroup and the community. The findings of the study indicate that the above systems are in constant interaction with one another and that the protective factors can be utilized to overcome the risk factors. The study thus proves that, although the participants were exposed to risk factors, they managed to display great resilience in using protective factors. The community was identified as one of the biggest risk factors, but by utilizing certain protective factors as are found in the individual, the family, the school and the peergroup, the participants were able to protect themselves against the risk factors resulting in their academic success. The personal strengths of the participants proved to be the most important protective factor in a historically disadvantaged community.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Dit is 'n bekende fenomeen dat persone wat in histories benadeelde omstandighede grootgeword het, ten spyte van risikofaktore, suksesvolle produktiewe lede van die samelewing word. Dit is juis hierdie fenomeen wat dié studie ondersoek het. Hierdie studie het pertinent bruin graad 12-presteerders uit 'n histories benadeelde gemeenskap as eenheid van analise geteiken. Die doel van hierdie studie was om uit te vind waarom graad 12-leerders ten spyte van verskeie risikofaktore binne 'n histories benadeelde gemeenskap daarin geslaag het om akademies goed te presteer. Die newevraagstellings van die studie was om uit te vind watter risikofaktore die deelnemers moes trotseer ten einde akademiese sukses te behaal en ook watter beskermingsfaktore tot hierdie deelnemers se akademiese sukses bygedra het. Die literatuuroorsig het die konsep "veerkragtigheid" en aanverwante begrippe soos risikofaktore, beskermingsfaktore en die adolessente ontwikkelingsfase binne die raamwerk van positiewe sielkunde, die ekosistemiese en bategebaseerde benaderings ondersoek. 'n Kwalitatiewe interpretatiewe studie is geloods om die navorsing uit te voer. Individuele onderhoude is met sewe presteerders uit 'n bruin gemeenskap in die Wes-Kaapprovinsie gevoer. Die data is met behulp van kwalitatiewe inhoudsanalise ontleed. Die data is bespreek deur risikofaktore en beskermingsfaktore binne vyf sisteme naamlik die individu, die gesin, die skool, die portuurgroep en die gemeenskap te plaas. Die bevindings van die studie toon dat bogenoemde sisteme in voortdurende wisselwerking met mekaar is en dat die beskermingsfaktore gebruik kan word om die risikofaktore te bowe te kom. Die bevindinge toon derhalwe dat, alhoewel die deelnemers voortdurend risikofaktore ervaar het, hulle met behulp van sekere beskermingsfaktore veerkragtigheid aan die dag kon lê. Die gemeenskap is as een van die grootste risikofaktore uitgelig, maar met behulp van sekere beskermingsfaktore soos gevind in die individu, die gesin, die skool, en die portuurgroep, kon die deelnemers hulleself teen risikofaktore buffer en akademiese sukses behaal. Die persoonlike sterktes van die deelnemers het as die belangrikste beskermingsfaktor in 'n histories benadeelde gemeenskap na vore getree.

Thesis (MBA)--Stellenbosch University, 2006.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Grains are generally considered to be low risk products. However food safety laws and consumer demands require companies to implement programs that will ensure food safety. To comply with these demands, South African grain handling companies are required to implement appropriate risk management systems. Companies that do not adopt such systems will not only exclude themselves from international grain markets but also from the whole food industry with related losses in market share. This study involved consultation with various roieplayers in the grain industry and a literature study to determine the current status of food risk management systems in South Africa. The survey investigated the food risk management requirements of local grain handling companies, and how local and international companies manage food risks. Existing food risk management practices currently implemented by Overberg Agri were also analysed. Although Overberg Agri's grain division has been handling grain for many years, attention to quality, safety en food risk factors has been infonnal and fragmented. No formal documented food risk management system has been implemented. This study presents an integrated food risk management system for managing food quality and food safety. The management system aims at identifying all important processes which are to be managed, to formally document the processes and to provide guidelines for implementing the system. Adoption of such an approach would ensure that the system is implemented in a structured way and that processes are regularly reviewed and updated as required in an ever-changing business environment. The management system contains the implementation of a system that includes food quality~ safety and risk, but includes more than just the minimum requirements of the ISO 9001 and Codex standards. The proposed management system focusses on an approach based on logical sequence of the daily business, to involve everyone and keep them involved. This will ensure that processes are executed in a manner that will identify all food risks to limit or exclude them, rather than analysing each element of an existing standard and repeating it as a requirement. The existing management system of Overberg Agri is not effective in managing food risks because several losses still occure. This is because there are insufficient formal systems, documentation and records available to determine wheter losses can be ascribed to structures, work instructions, management or latent grain defects. The proposed system will ensure that the above mentioned will be implemented to supply the company, stakeholders en clients with sound information which is needed for continuous improvement of the company.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Oor die algemeen word graan as veilige voedsel beskou. Verbruikers dring al meer daarop aan dat ondememings moet bewys dat hulle stelsels in plek het vir die versekering van veilige voedsel. Om aan die vereistes te voldoen, moet ondememings in Suid-Afrika wat graan hanteer, die gepaste risikobestuurstelsels implementeer. Ondernemings wat dit nie doen, stel hulself bloot aan verliese sowel as uitsluiting, nie net van die intemasionale graanhandel nie, maar ook die hele voedselindustrie. Vir die studie is rolspelers in die graanindustrie genader en literatuur bestudeer om vas te stel wat in Suid-Afrika ten opsigte van voedselrisikobestuur bestaan. Daar is ook vasgestel wat die behoeftes ten opsigte van risikobestuur is vir ondememings wat graan opberg en hanteer en wat plaaslike en internasionale ondememings doen om voedselrisiko's te bestuur. Ook is bepaal wat alreeds in Overberg Agri se graanafdeling rakende voedselrisikobestuur bestaan. Alhoewel die afdeling al jare funksioneer is daar heelwat plekke waar op informele wyse aandag aan kwaliteit, veiligheid en voedselrisiko gegee word, maar nie formeel nie. Die werkstuk poog daarin om 'n geintegreerde bestuurstelsel vir voedselkwaliteit en - veiligheid daar te stel. Die bestuurstelsel het dit ten doel om alle belangrike prosesse wat bestuur word, te identifiseer en op 'n formele wyse te dokumenteer en te implementeer. Sodoende word seker gemaak dat dit reelmatig gebeur en dat sulke prosesse gereeld hersien word om te sien of hulle noodsaaklik vir die bedryf is. Die bestuurstelsel behels die implementering van 'n stelsel wat voedselkwaliteit, -veiligheid en -risiko insluit, maar meer is as net die absolute minimum vereistes van die ISO 9001 en die Codex standaard. Hiervoor kombineer die voorgestelde bestuurstelsel die ISO 9001 en HACCP standaarde. Die bestuurstelsel konsentreer meer op 'n benadering gebaseer op 'n logiese volgorde soos die besigheid daagliks vloei, en om almal betrokke te kry en te hou, en dan te verseker dat prosesse so uitgevoer word dat alle voedselrisiko's geidentifiseer en beperk of uitgesluit word, eerder as om elke element van 'n bestaande standaard te ontIeed en weer te gee as 'n vereiste. Die bestaande bestuurstelsel van Overberg Agri is nie effektief in die bestuur van voedselrisiko's nie, aangesien te veel verliese steeds voorkom. Dit is waarskynlik omdat daar nie genoeg stelsels, dokumentasie en rekords beskikbaar is, sodat oorsake toegeskryf kan word aan strukture, werksinstruksies, bestuur of graan nie. Die voorgestelde stelsel wil verseker dat bogenoemde geimplementeer word om vir die ondememing self, aandeelhouers en kliente konkrete inligting te gee sodat verbetering voortdurend aangebring kan word.

After a long struggle, the State of Mississippi founded and funded the Industrial Institute and College in 1884. The school, located in Columbus, Mississippi, was the first state-supported institution of higher education for women in the United States, and it quickly became a model for similar schools in many other states. The Industrial Institute and College was distinguished from other women’s colleges in the nineteenth century by the fact that its graduates were expected to be fully prepared to support themselves. This curriculum required students to complete coursework in both liberal arts and vocational training. There was much conflict and controversy between factions that wanted the school to focus exclusively on either vocational training or liberal studies. Pauline Van de Graaf Orr served as Mistress of English from 1884-1913. Under her leadership, the Department of English set a high standard for its students. While there was considerable attrition among the students, many of whom were as young as fifteen and most of whom had no adequate secondary preparation, the Industrial Institute and College also graduated students, such as Blanche Colton Williams and Rosa Peebles, who went on to distinguished academic careers. Frances Ormond Jones Gaither was the best fiction writer the school graduated. After finding some success as a writer of children’s books in the 1930s, Gaither wrote a trilogy of novels about the Old South in the 1940s. Follow the Drinking Gourd (1941) follows the establishment and development of the Hurricane Plantation in Alabama. The Red Cock Crows (1944) addresses the then-unexplored topic of a slave revolt in antebellum Mississippi. In Double Muscadine (1949), a best-seller, Gaither explores the causes and consequences of miscegenation.

Curriculum 2005 was originally implemented in grade 1 in 1998. In 2002 it was implemented in grade 9. Similar problems and questions, which arose during the initial implementation, arose again during the implementation in grade 9. Implementation gave rise to many questions and uncertainties. Only in October 2001 was it finally decided to implement the curriculum for grade 9 in 2002. The result was that publishers, the national as well as provincial education departments as well as schools were not ready for the implementation in January 2002. This treatise aims to determine the amount of support offered to educators and the degree of uncertainty still being experienced by them. Information regarding these unnecertainties and problems has been obtained from educators by means of questionnaires, circulated to 38 schools in the Northern Cape Province, offering Natural Science. This sampling of schools is representative of schools offering Natural Science in the region. Data regarding the uncertainties from educators have been obtained from the SOC (Stages of Concern) questionnaires of Hall, George and Rutherford. The rest of the questionnaire concerned the biographical information regarding the educators as well as the support that educators have received during the implementation of the learning area. It emerged from the questionnaire that educators understand the importance of a new Natural Science curriculum for SA. They are however sceptical regarding the hasty manner in which the learning area was implemented; the fact that no textbooks or educational teaching aids were available prior to implementation was of concern. Educators are similarly concerned about the inadequate training prior to implementation and lack of support during implementation. Educators are also concerned about the administrative liability that the new curriculum will bring about.

Grade 7-learners are continuously exposed to challenges that influence their developmental tasks and general social adaptation. Mastering these challenges sculpt the learners and will influence the ways in which learners develop to adults. Through developing and improving the emotional intelligence skills of learners, learners can be enabled to maintain a successful subsistence. Learners with adequate emotional intelligence will demonstrate effective functioning in many areas of life. The aim of this investigation was to determine what emotional intelligence is and how it relates to wellbeing in the early development of adolescents, the state of a certain Grade 7-learner group's emotional intelligence and the relation in terms of race and gender. In the study, 50 learners from the Grade 7-classes of four schools were selected randomly based on availability. The schools involved were Swartruggens Combined School, Swartruggens Primary, Koster Combined School and Koster Primary. The BarOn EQ-i:YV was conducted on the learners. The quantitative data was processed by the Northwest University's Statistical Consultation Services. Results indicate that, amongst other things, the girls in the study posses more adequate emotional intelligence and skills than the boys in the study. Black boys show the least adequate emotional intelligence and skills. Thus, race and gender play an important role in the development of emotional intelligence of the group of learners.
Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2009.

Society is a natural source of anxiety. Learners from different communities are grouped together in a school environment and as the circumstances of individual learners are different, the causes of anxiety will also differ. Within the school environment the teacher can be regarded as the natural manager in the learners development to cope with anxiety. Situations leading to abnormally high levels of anxiety may include, among others, environmental and social factors. As learners attend school for at least twelve years of their childhood, it stands to reason that the school is a natural environment generating sources of anxiety. School-related situations may include the disposition of both learners and teachers, school and classroom structure, and the influence of peers. Most adolescents show signs of fear and anxiety during normal development. However, should the anxiety continue, it may be referred to as a high level of anxiety or an anxiety disorder. In order to better understand human nature and related human phenomena such as anxiety, a meta-approach should be followed when analysing and synthesising the problem. It is important to understand both the role of anxiety and the development of the adolescent. Anxiety should be viewed in totality and therefore the clinical signs, symptoms and exposition of anxiety should be considered. Knowledge regarding the causes of and factors maintaining anxiety is essential in order to interpret the influence of anxiety. Coping, intervention and intervention strategies are needed to guide the adolescent to more normal levels of anxiety which can be managed and maintained without interfering with normal development. Stress Inoculation Management as an intervention programme has been made available to teachers as a means to help adolescent cope with anxiety. Findings from this study show this programme to be an effective strategy for anxiety management.
Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.

Magister Educationis - MEd
Lees le die grondslag van leer en studie en is deel van elke opgevoede mens se toerusting (Meyer, 1987). Die fokus en hoof doelwit van die navorsing was om die verband tussen leesvaardighede en leerdervordering van Graad 10 leerders in n Afrikaans medium hoërskool in die Wes-Kaap na te vors. Die navorsing poog ook om strategie te identifiseer vir die bevordering van effektiewe leesonderrig en leervaardighede om leerderprestasie te verbeter. n Gevallestudie benadering was toegepas om n indiepte studie van die spesifieke hoërskool te verseker. Die twee groepe leerders in Graad 10 was volgens hulle leesvermoëns en leerdervordering op akademiese gebied gekies.
South Africa

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2012.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The main objective of this study was to determine the effects of an intervention programme on the reading levels of ten grade two learners. A case study was used as research method. The research group of five boys and five girls between the ages of 7 and 8 years were Grade 2 learners at a Boland primary school. These learners did not meet the Assessment Standards for reading and looking (LO3: 3, 4) The research process consisted of a pre evaluation phase, the intervention and a post evaluation phase. The learner’s reading levels were determined during the evaluation phases. The observation during the intervention was coded and recorded. The group was taught during a period of 10 weeks, 3 times a week for 30 minutes at a time. Ananlysis of data showed improvement of reading levels with regards to fluency, speed, accuracy analysis and self correction. The study thus shows that the intervention was effective for improving reading levels.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die hoofdoel van die studie was om die invloed van ‘n intervensie op tien graad 2- leerders se leespeil te bepaal. ‘n Gevallestudie is as navorsingsmetode gebruik. Die navorsingsgroep, bestaande uit vyf seuns en vyf dogters tussen sewe en agt jaar oud, was almal in graad 2 aan ‘n Bolandse laerskool. Die leerders het nie voldoen aan die Nasionale Assesseringstandaarde vir lees en kyk (LU3: 3.4) nie. Die navorsing het uit twee evalueringsfases en ‘n intervensieprogram bestaan. Tydens die evalueringsfases is die leespeil van die leerders voor en na die intervensie bepaal. Tydens die intervensie is waarneming gedoen en met behulp van ‘n koderingstelsel aangeteken. Die navorsingsgroep is oor ‘n periode van tien weke drie keer per week vir 30 minute aan ‘n program blootgestel. Die data-analise het ‘n verbetering getoon ten opsigte van vlotheid, spoed, akkuraatheid, analise en selfkorrigering. Die studie het dus aangetoon dat die intervensie die leespeil van die tien leerders verbeter het.

Thesis (MEdPsych)--University of Stellenbosch, 2002.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The primary goal with this research project was to investigate the psychosocial development of a group grade 8 boys before adolescence in terms of the four developmental crisis according to Eriksson's' theory. The study proceeded through two phases. A questionnaire investigation with a larger study group (N=221) was done in phase 1, and this (quantitative) data was analysed. Phase 2 comprised a further investigation, which took place 2 years later. Based on the results of the questionnaire investigation, a small group (N=ll) experiencing a potencial low self-consciousness was identified and focus group interviews were conducted with them. The researcher made the assumption that individuals' experiences of the first four stages of Erikson's psychosocial developmental model form the basis for later identity development during adolescence, as well as continuing personality development. Current research indicates that the total scale and two of the sub-scales ('Industry vs Inferiority' and 'Autonomy vs Shame') show sufficient reliability (Alpha-coefficients are greater than 0.70). The distributions of the sub-scales were in all cases skew to the left, which indicate that most of the scores for each sub-scale are closer to the maximum value than the minimum value. A negative measure of skewness is reported. All the sub-scales relate significantly to each other (p < 0.01). Therefore, one can conclude with relative certainty that this scale is valid. Age does not correlate significantly with any of the sub-scales (p > 0.05 in all cases), but a significant correlation was not expected given the small age variance. From the qualitative responses of phase 2 it appeared that the present level of expectations, which learners experience, is not appropriate. They would benefit from more positive feedback on their successes. The responses reflect that feedback is not always constructive, nor given in a positive, non-judgemental spirit.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die primêre doel met hierdie navorsingsprojek is om ondersoek in te stel na psigososiale ontwikkeling voor adolessensie by 'n groep graad 8-seuns in terme van die eerste vier ontwikkelingskrisisse volgens Erikson se teorie. Die ondersoek het in twee fases verloop. In Fase 1 is 'n vraelysondersoek met 'n groter ondersoekgroep (N=221) gedoen, en hierdie (kwantitatiewe) data is verwerk. Fase 2 het twee jaar later uit 'n verdere ondersoek bestaan. vraelysondersoek verkry is, Op grond van die resultate wat uit die is 'n klein ondersoekgroep (N=ll) geïdentifiseer wat 'n lae fokusgroeponderhoude gevoer is. selfbelewing ervaar, met wie Die ondersoeker het van die veronderstelling uitgegaan dat individue se belewing van die eerste vier fases van Erikson se psigososiale ontwikkelingsmodel die basis vorm vir latere identiteitsontwikkeling tydens adolessensie asook vir verdere persoonlikheidsontwikkeling. Die huidige navorsing dui daarop dat die totale skaal en twee van die subskale ('Arbeidsaamheid vs Minderwaardigheid' en 'Outonomie vs Skaamte') oor voldoende betroubaarheid beskik (Alfa-koëffisiënte is groter as 0.70). Die verspreiding van die subskaaltellings is in alle gevalle skeef na links, wat beteken dat die meerderheid tellings vir elke subskaal nader aan die maksimumwaarde as aan die minimumwaarde lê. 'n Negatiewe maatstaf van skeefheid word gerapporteer. AI die subskale hou beduidend met mekaar verband (p < 0.01). Dus kan daar met redelike sekerheid die gevolgtrekking gemaak word dat hierdie skaal geldig is. Ouderdom hou nie beduidend verband met enige van die subskale nie (p > 0.05 in alle gevalle), maar 'n beduidende korrelasie is nie verwag nie as gevolg van die klein ouderdomsvariansie. Vanuit Fase 2 se kwalitatiewe response wil dit voorkom asof die leerders se huidige vlak van uitdagings wat aan hulle gestel word nie toepaslik is nie. Hulle sou kon baat vind by meer positiewe terugvoer ten opsigte van hul suksesse. Terugvoer blyk uit die response nie altyd konstruktief en in 'n positiewe, nie-veroordelende gees te wees nie.

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the perception of Creative Arts educators in the Intermediate Phase with regard to their own competency levels to teach Creative Arts effectively. Creative Arts consists of four art forms, namely Dance, Music, Drama and Visual Arts. The ideal is that all Creative Art educators are competent enough to teach the different art forms effectively. To answer the research question in order to achieve the goal of the study, the researcher made use of a qualitative research design from within an interpretive research paradigm. A case study strategy has also been applied by the researcher in order to obtain data pertaining to the specific aspect of the study, namely Creative Arts educators. Various sources were used to generate the data, namely semi-structured interviews, questionnaires and document analysis. Various precautionary measures were taken to ensure the validity and reliability of the data. During the course of the investigation, ethical issues were in question. However, the researcher followed the necessary guidelines to ensure that all endeavours were ethically acceptable. In the literature study the curriculum review process as well as the inclusion of Arts and Culture and Creative Arts in the curriculum is analysed. The training of Creative Arts educators and the challenges that this subject poses to schools and other mainstream educators are also considered. It was established that mainstream educators are often unable to teach this subject with the required confidence, knowledge and skills. Taking the results of this study into account, it appears that Creative Arts educators are not trained sufficiently in the four art forms, which influences the way in which the subject is taught. Educators who have received training in only one of the art forms tend to emphasise that particular art form only. The results of the study clearly indicate that the educators will only be able to do justice to Creative Arts as a subject if they are trained sufficiently to teach it with the necessary confidence and skill.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie fokus op die persepsies van Skeppende Kunste-onderwysers in die Intermediêre Fase rakende hul eie bevoegdheidsvlak om Skeppende Kunste doeltreffend te onderrig. Skeppende Kunste bestaan uit vier kunsvorme, naamlik Dans, Drama, Musiek en Visuele Kunste. Die ideaal is dat elke Skeppende Kunste-onderwyser bevoeg genoeg is om elkeen van hierdie kunsvorme doeltreffend aan te bied. Om die navorsingsvraag te beantwoord om die doel van die studie te verwesenlik, het die navorser ʼn kwalitatiewe navorsingstudie vanuit die interpretatiewe navorsingsparadigma onderneem. Die navorser het ook gebruik gemaak van ʼn gevalle-studiestrategie om data oor die spesifieke geval, naamlik Skeppende Kunste-onderwysers, in te samel. Daar is gebruik gemaak van veelvuldige bronne, naamlik semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude, vraelyste en dokumentontleding, om data te genereer. Verskillende stappe is gedoen om die geldigheid en betroubaarheid van die data te verseker. Tydens die ondersoek het etiese kwessies na vore getree, en die navorser het die nodige riglyne gevolg om seker te maak alle handelinge is eties. In die literatuurstudie word die kurrikulumhersieningsproses asook die insluiting van Kuns en Kultuur en Skeppende Kunste in die kurrikulum van naderby beskou. Verder word daar gekyk na die opleiding van Skeppende Kunste-onderwysers en die uitdaging wat hierdie vak aan skole en algemene opgeleide onderwysers bied. Daar is bevind dat algemene opgeleide onderwysers dikwels nie bevoeg voel om hierdie vak met die nodige selfvertroue, kennis en vaardighede aan te bied nie. Uit die resultate van die studie blyk dit dat Skeppende Kunste-onderwysers nie voldoende opgelei is in al vier kunsvorme nie, en dat dit wel ʼn invloed het op die manier waarop die vak aangebied word. Die onderwysers is geneig om die kunsvorm waarin hul wel opleiding ontvang het, te beklemtoon. Uit die studie is dit duidelik dat die vak Skeppende Kunste slegs tot sy reg sal kom indien onderwysers wat dit aanbied voldoende opgelei is om die vak met die nodige selfvertroue en bekwaamheid te onderrig.

Thesis (PhD)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Reading problems have become a worldwide phenomenon, even in a first world country like America. Literacy figures in South Africa are even worse. Results of the PIRLS study indicated that the reading skills of 80% of South African children are not fully developed by the time they reach grade 5. In recent literacy tests South African children did worse than children from African countries like Mozambique, Botswana, Swaziland and Tanzania. Despite everything that is being done to improve literacy and numeracy, South African children do not reach their potential. Many South African schools are labeled as being „dysfunctional‟ and 79% of schools do not have libraries. This is a complex matter with multiple causes. Reading programs may contribute to addressing this issue. There are different types of reading programs and it can take place at different levels. One type of program includes the use of pets. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of an animal-assisted reading program on the reading skills of grade 3 children in an Afrikaans medium primary school in the Western Cape. The secondary aim was to determine whether this type of reading program could also have an influence on other factors related to reading, like reading self-concept, self-efficacy, anxiety and school attendance of grade 3 children. All the grade 3 children were assessed with a series of tests. Those who were identified by the ESSI Reading Test as unskilled readers (N=102) were randomly assigned to three experimental groups and one control group. The Dog Group (n=27) read to a dog with a facilitator present, the Facilitator Group (n=24) read to a facilitator while the Teddy Bear Group (n=26) read to a teddy bear with a facilitator present. The Control Group (n=25) continued with their normal school activities. Collection of the data took place before the start of the reading program (Time 1) and directly after completion of the program (Time 2) with a follow-up measurement eight weeks later (Time 3). Once a week during the 10 week animal-assisted reading program all the children read for approximately 20 minutes from grade 1, grade 2 and grade 3 level reading books which they chose themselves. The children were called from their classrooms, individually, to another room where they could read calmly and peacefully to either a dog and a facilitator, or to a facilitator, or to a teddy bear and facilitator, depending on the group they were in. During Time 2 and Time 3 the Dog Group performed significantly better in the ESSI Reading Test than the other three groups. The reading comprehension of the Dog Group, as measured by the Neale Individual Reading Test, also improved significantly compared to that of the other three groups. Mixed results were found regarding reading self-concept, self-efficacy and anxiety. The shortcomings of the present study and recommendations for further research are also discussed.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Leesprobleme is ʼn wêreldwye probleem, selfs in eerstewêreldlande soos Amerika. In Suid-Afrika is die geletterdheidsyfers selfs baie swakker. Die resultate van die PIRLS-studie dui daarop dat 80% van Suid-Afrikaanse kinders se leesvaardighede nie ten volle ontwikkel is wanneer hulle graad 5 bereik nie. Suid-Afrikaanse kinders het ook swakker gevaar in ʼn geletterdheidtoets as kinders van lande soos Mosambiek, Botswana, Swaziland en Tanzanië. Ten spyte van alles wat gedoen word om geletterdheid en syfervaardigheid te verbeter, vaar Suid-Afrikaanse kinders baie swakker as hul potensiaal. Baie Suid-Afrikaanse skole word geëtiketteer as „disfunksioneel‟ en 79% van skole het geen biblioteke nie. Hierdie saak is kompleks en die oorsake veelvuldig. Leesprogramme mag moontlik ʼn bydrae lewer om hierdie kwessie aan te spreek. Dit kan verskeie vorms aanneem en kan op verskillende vlakke plaasvind. Een tipe program behels die gebruik van troeteldiere. Die doel van die huidige studie was om die effek van ʼn troeteldier-ondersteunde leesprogram (TOL) op die leesvaardighede van graad 3-kinders in ʼn Afrikaansmedium laerskool in die Wes-Kaap te bepaal. Verdere doelstellings was om te bepaal of hierdie tipe leesprogram ook ʼn invloed kon hê op ander leesverwante faktore soos leesselfkonsep, self-effektiwiteit, angs en ook die skoolbywoning van graad 3-kinders. Al die graad 3-kinders is getoets met ʼn reeks instrumente en dié wat deur die ESSI Leestoets geïdentifiseer is as nievaardige lesers (N=102) is verder ewekansig toegewys aan drie eksperimentele en een kontrolegroep. Die Leeshondgroep (n=27) het vir ʼn leeshond en leesfasiliteerder gelees, die Leesfasiliteerdergroep (n=24) het vir ʼn leesfasiliteerder alleen gelees terwyl die Teddiebeergroep (n=26) vir ʼn teddiebeer en ʼn leesfasiliteerder gelees het. Die Kontrolegroep (n=25) het voortgegaan met hul normale skoolaktiwiteite. Data-insameling het plaasgevind voor die aanvang van die leesprogram (Tyd 1), direk ná voltooiing van die leesprogram (Tyd 2) en ʼn opvolgmeting het ag weke later (Tyd 3) plaasgevind. Tydens die 10-weke-troeteldier-ondersteunde leesprogram (TOL) het die kinders in elk van die groepe vir ongeveer 20 min. gelees uit graad 1-, 2- en 3-vlak boekies wat hulle self gekies het. Die kinders is individueel uit die klas geneem na ʼn ander lokaal in die skool waar hulle rustig vir óf die leeshond en ʼn leesfasiliteerder, óf die leesfasiliteerder alleen óf ʼn teddiebeer met ʼn leesfasiliteerder gelees het, afhangende van die groep waarin hulle was. Kinders in die Leeshondgroep het beduidend beter gevaar in die ESSI Leestoets tydens Tyd 2 en Tyd 3 as die kinders in die ander drie groepe. Die leesbegrip van die Leeshondgroep, soos gemeet deur die Neale Individuele Leestoets, het ook beduidend verbeter in vergelyking met dié van die ander drie groepe. Gemengde resultate is gevind met leesselfkonsep, self-effektiwiteit en angs. Die tekortkominge en aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing word ook bespreek.

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The increasing number of isiXhosa learners in Afrikaans medium schools gave rise to this investigation. According to our Constitution, all citizens have the right to receive education in one of the official languages. Some isiXhosa parents exercise their democratic right by enrolling their children in English- or Afrikaans-medium schools. They are of the opinion that the level of education is of a higher standard in these schools. Consequently, some isiXhosa learners in Afrikaans-medium schools develop barriers to learning due to the fact that they have little or no knowledge of Afrikaans. The purpose of this study was to develop a literacy intervention programme to improve the vocabulary and reading comprehension of isiXhosa mother tongue speakers in grade 4 to 6 Afrikaans-medium classes. Secondly, the aim of the study was to determine whether the literacy intervention programme would lead to the improvement of the Afrikaans vocabulary and reading comprehension of isiXhosa learners in grade 4 to 6 Afrikaans-medium classes. The research was conducted in a previously disenfranchised Afrikaans-medium school in Stellenbosch. The research methods employed comprised a literature review supported by an empirical investigation that included pre- and post-tests with learners, interviews with educators and the development and implementation of a literacy intervention programme. A mixed method research design was used, because quantitative data alone would have supplied inadequate answers to the research question. The theoretical basis of the study was Piaget’s theory of cognitive development, as well as Vygotsky’s social constructivist language acquisition theory. Both Piaget and Vygotsky emphasised the importance of social interactions in cognitive development. They regarded the development and use of vocabulary as an integral part of these interactions. Research indicates that the field of second language acquisition is multifaceted and is not supported by a singular theory. Three theories of second language acquisition were explored in this study. They are the communicative approach, shared reading and the schema theory. The role that the language-in-education policy, motivation and social economic status play in second language acquisition was also investigated. Another goal of the literature review was to collect data to develop a literacy intervention programme in which the above-mentioned theories of second language acquisition were utilised. The marsh at the school served as the context for the activities in the programme. Twenty isiXhosa mother tongue speakers in grade 4 to 6 Afrikaans-medium classes were subjected to an intervention programme over a period of six months to determine the success of the intervention programme. Data gathering included quantitative data (pre- and post-tests) as well as qualitative data (interviews with Afrikaans educators) to determine whether the learners’ vocabulary and reading comprehension had improved. The results of the study indicate that the implementation of the literacy intervention programme can lead to the improvement of the Afrikaans vocabulary and reading comprehension of isiXhosa mother tongue speakers in grade 4 tot 6 Afrikaans-medium classes. This is substantiated by previous research. The results also support findings that the Afrikaans vocabulary and reading comprehension of isiXhosa learners in the Afrikaans-medium intervention school can improve if the appropriate intervention is offered timeously.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie ondersoek is onderneem weens die toenemende getal Xhosa-moedertaalsprekers in Afrikaansmediumskole. Volgens die Grondwet het elkeen die reg om onderrig in enige van die amptelike tale te ontvang. Sommige Xhosasprekende ouers oefen hierdie reg uit deur hulle kinders in Afrikaansmediumskole te plaas. Hulle is van mening dat onderrig van 'n hoёr gehalte daar plaasvind. Gevolglik is daar 'n toename van leerders wat struikelblokke tot leer ondervind, omdat hulle min of geen begrip van Afrikaans het nie. Eerstens, is die fokus van hierdie studie die ontwikkeling van 'n geletterdheidsintervensieprogram om die Afrikaanse woordeskat en leesbegrip van graad 4 tot 6 Xhosa-moedertaalsprekers in 'n Afrikaansmediumskool te bevorder. Ten tweede is dit om te bepaal of die geletterdheidsintervensieprogram 'n verbetering in die woordeskat en leesbegrip van graad 4 tot 6 Xhosa-moedertaalsprekers tot gevolg gehad het. 'n Voorheen benadeelde Afrikaansmediumskool in die Stellenbosch-omgewing is deur die navorser gekies vir die implementering van die geletterdheidsintervensieprogram. Hierdie projek het 'n literatuurstudie ondersteun deur 'n empiriese ondersoek wat voor- en natoetse met leerders, onderhoude met onderwysers en die ontwerp en toepassing van 'n geletterdheidsintervensieprogram ingesluit het, behels. Daar is van 'n gemengde navorsingsontwerp gebruik gemaak, omdat die gebruik van slegs kwantitatiewe data onvoldoende antwoorde op die navorsingsvraag sou verskaf. 'n Literatuurondersoek is gedoen om 'n teoretiese grondslag vir die studie te verkry. Piaget se teorie van kognitiewe ontwikkeling en Vygotsky se sosiaal-konstruktivistiese taalverwerwingsteorie is gebruik om die verwerwing van 'n tweede taal te beskryf. Beide Piaget en Vygotsky het die belangrikheid van sosiale interaksies in kognitiewe ontwikkeling beklemtoon. Hulle het die ontwikkeling en gebruik van woordeskat as 'n integrale deel van hierdie interaksies beskou. Die studie dui daarop dat die aard van tweedetaalverwerwing kompleks is en nie deur 'n enkele teorie ondersteun kan word nie. Drie verskillende benaderings tot tweedetaalverwerwing, naamlik die kommunikatiewe benadering, gedeelde lees en die skema-teorie, is ondersoek. Die rol wat die taal-in-onderwysbeleid (TiOB), motivering en sosio-ekonomiese status in tweedetaalverwerwing speel, is ook ondersoek. 'n Verdere doel van die literatuurondersoek was om inligting te versamel om 'n geletterdheidsintervensieprogram te ontwerp waarin bogenoemde benaderings tot tweedetaalverwerwing gebruik is. Die vleiland by die skool het die konteks geskep waarbinne die onderskeie aktiwiteite beplan is. Die geletterdheids-intervensieprogram is vir ses maande in 'n klas met 20 graad 4 tot 6 Xhosa-moedertaalsprekers toegepas om die sukses daarvan te bepaal. Datagenerering het bestaan uit kwantitatiewe data (voor- en natoetse) asook kwalitatiewe data (onderhoude met die opvoeders wat Afrikaans onderrig) om vas te stel of die leerders se woordeskat en leesbegrip verbeter het al dan nie. Die resultate van hierdie studie toon dat die toepassing van die geletterdheidsintervensieprogram tot die verbetering van die Xhosa-moedertaalsprekers in graad 4 tot 6 Afrikaansmediumklasse se Afrikaanse woordeskat en leesbegrip kan lei. Dit stem ooreen met bevindinge van vorige navorsing, naamlik dat die verbetering van leerders se woordeskat tot die verbetering van leesbegrip lei. Verder ondersteun die resultate die bevindinge dat Xhosa-moedertaalsprekers in die Afrikaansmedium intervensieskool se Afrikaanse woordeskat en leesbegrip kan verbeter, mits hulle die nodige, gepaste ondersteuning betyds ontvang.

Thesis (MScSportSc)-- Stellenbosch University, 2013.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The premise of this study focused on the holistic approach to the human body, mainly the connection between the brain and the body. According to Sibley and Etnier (2003:243) both the brain and the body are involved in all forms of learning and should not be considered as separate entities. Therefore, interdependent entities, in other words, what happens to one will affect the other. It is important to realize that learners attend school as holistic beings and that both the body and the brain require sufficient stimulation throughout the day. The purpose of this study focused on the effect of intervention programmes ([1] an integrated academic skills and physical development programme and [2] a moderately intensive physical activity programme) on Grade 2 learners' academic abilities, particularly with regard to literacy and numeracy skills. The study took place at two Afrikaans primary schools (a Quintile 5 school [School A] and a Quintile 1 school [School B]) in the Stellenbosch area. Six Grade 2 classes these schools were used for the purpose of this study. These six groups served as the sample. In this study a quasi-experimental design was used where participants were selected through a convenience sample. The participants that were divided into already existing class groups were made available by the schools. It was thus not possible to select learners randomly. Two Grade 2 groups (the experimental groups) from each school [A1 (n = 25), A2 (n = 26), B1 (n = 23) and B2 (n = 23)], took part in the two intervention programmes, whereas one Grade 2 group from each school (the control group) [A3 (n = 25), and B3 (n = 27)], did not participate in the intervention programmes. The Grade 2 groups consisted of both boys and girls. In the experimental group 48 boys and 49 girls took part in two intervention programmes (N = 97). The control group consisted of 22 boys and 30 girls participants (N = 52). Data was collected by means of a questionnaire and a pre- and post-test. The experimental and control groups completed the questionnaire and pre-test before the start of the intervention and the post-test after the intervention. The measuring instruments that were used during the pre- and post-tests were the VASSI Mathematical skills test and the ESSI Reading and Spelling Test. The two research schools used for the purpose of this study are located in diverse communities. School A is embedded in a more affluent community and School B in a less affluent community. School A is largely regarded as a functional and School B as a dysfunctional school. This means that in School A good school management, discipline and order, good knowledge of the curriculum content, low teacher / pupil absenteeism, good opportunities and resources, low repetition rates and little or no early school leaving by learners takes place. School B complies with the opposite characteristics and find it difficult to uphold the above-mentioned standards. Before the start of the study it became clear that the participants of the respective schools’ differed in literacy and numeracy abilities, as well as in participation in physical activities. Test results using the VASSI Mathematical skill test and the ESSI Reading and Spelling Test indicated that School A and B’s participants’ abilities differed in relation to literacy and numeracy skills. School A did better than School B in both literacy and numeracy during the pre-test. Through the information gathered using the questionnaire, it can be concluded that the two schools offer different opportunities to their learners with respect to movement experiences. School A's learners take part in sport and physical education (PE) throughout the year whereas School B did not offer these opportunities to learners. After the intervention programmes and through the use of the post-tests the results indicated that School A and B both showed progress in literacy and numeracy, although it was not statistically significant (p <0.01). Compared to the pre-test results and information gathered through the questionnaire the post-test results indicated that School B, with the least amount of movement opportunities, showed the greatest progress. Specifically the experimental group that took part in the moderately intensive physical activity programme indicated good progress in spelling. The afore-mentioned was not statistically significant and is only regarded as a tendency that warrants further research. Based on the results obtained by the current study general recommendations were made for education practice. It is essential that the importance of physical activity must be recognised. Physical activities can have an effect on the holistic development of the child. Hacker (2008:1) supports the afore-mentioned and believes that physical activities facilitate the development of the building blocks upon which learning processes rests. Thus, policy makers, education departments, teachers, parents and students need to understand the role of physical activity in the learning process. It is also of importance that teachers receive the necessary training in PE. It could be beneficial if refreshment courses or workshops with information regarding gross motor development are offered annually (or more) to PE teachers. Another recommendation eludes to the amount of time spent in schools on PE. The intense focus as on other scholastic subjects should be applied with the same intensity to PE. Additionally, in the South African education system PE should enjoy greater prominence. Thus, it is important that PE should have a daily slot in the school timetable. Recommendations for further research that could have played a role in the results of the present study refers to the sample size. The sample of the present study does not necessarily represent the rest of the Grade 2 groups in South Africa. Therefore, it is proposed that similar studies in future make use of larger samples sizes. It is important to choose the appropriate period in which the study should take place. It could be beneficial to perform a similar study later in the year, especially with regard to the transition from Grade 1 to Grade 2. This will enable the participants to have the necessary reading skills to complete the pre-and post-tests. Specific arrangements regarding space should be cleared up with schools and teachers. A schedule should be drawn up for the duration of the study. It is also recommended that the study be carried out over a longer period. The assumption is that if the intervention takes place over a longer period of time the effect of physical activity on several domains (cognitive, emotional, social and physical) may have been greater. With all the information put forward by the study, it is strongly recommended that the role of PE in schools be reconsidered.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die uitgangspunt van hierdie studie het op die holistiese benadering tot die menslike liggaam gefokus, hoofsaaklik die verbintenis tussen die brein en die liggaam. Volgens Sibley en Etnier (2003:243) betrek enige vorm van leer beide die brein en die liggaam en word beide nie as aparte entiteite beskou nie. Dus, interafhanklike entiteite, met ander woorde wat met die een gebeur sal die ander affekteer. Dit is van belang om te besef dat ‘n leerder skool as ‘n totaliteitswese bywoon en dat beide die liggaam en die brein genoegsame stimulering gedurende die dag moet ontvang. Die doel van hierdie studie het op die invloed wat intervensieprogramme ([1] ‘n geïntegreerde akademiese vaardigheid en fisieke ontwikkelingsprogram en [2] ‘n matig-intensiewe fisieke aktiwiteitsprogram) op Graad 2-leerders se akademiese vermoëns, spesifiek in terme van geletterdheid en syfervaardighede, gefokus. Die studie het by twee Afrikaanse laerskole (‘n Kwintiel 5 [Skool A] en ‘n Kwintiel 2 skool [Skool B]) in die Stellenbosch omgewing plaasgevind. Ses Graad 2-klasse in hierdie skole is vir die doel van hierdie studie gebruik. Hierdie ses groepe het as die steekproef gedien. In hierdie studie is daar van ‘n kwasi-eksperimentele ontwerp gebruik gemaak waar deelnemers deur middel van ‘n gerieflikheidsteekproef geselekteer is. Die deelnemers wat in reeds bestaande klasgroepe verdeel was, is deur die skole beskikbaar gestel. Dit was dus nie moontlik om leerders ewekansig te selekteer nie. Twee Graad 2-groepe (die eksperimentelegroepe) uit elke skool [A1 (n=25), A2 (n=26), B1(n=23) en B2 (n=23)] het aan die twee intervensieprogramme deelgeneem, terwyl een Graad 2-groep uit elke skool (die kontrolegroepe) [A3 (n=25) en B3 (n=27)] nie aan die intervensieprogramme deelgeneem het nie. Die Graad 2-groepe het uit seuns sowel as meisies bestaan. In die eksperimentelegroepe het 48 seuns en 49 meisies aan die twee intervensieprogramme deelgeneem (N=97). Die kontrolegroepe het uit 22 seuns en 30 meisies bestaan (N=52). Data is deur middel van ‘n vraelys en ‘n voor- en na-toets ingesamel. Die eksperimentele- en kontrolegroepe het voor die aanvang van die intervensieprogramme ‘n vraelys en voor-toets voltooi en na afloop van die intervensieprogramme ’n na-toets. Die meetinstrumente wat gedurende die voor- en na-toets gebruik is, was die VASSI-Wiskundige vaardigheidstoets en die ESSI-Lees- en Speltoets. Die twee navorsingskole wat vir die studie gebruik is, is in uiteenlopende gemeenskappe geleë. Skool A is in ‘n meer welvarende gemeenskap geleë en Skool B in ‘n minder welvarende gemeenskap. Skool A kan hoofsaaklik as ‘n funksionele skool bestempel word en Skool B as ‘n disfunksionele skool. Dit beteken dat Skool A vir goeie skoolbestuur, dissipline en orde, goeie kennis van die kurrikuluminhoud, lae onderwyser/leerder-afwesigheid, goeie geleenthede en hulpbronne, lae herhalingsyfers en min of geen vroeë skoolverlating deur leerders bekend is. Skool B voldoen aan die teenoorgestelde eienskappe en sukkel om aan laasgenoemde standaarde te voldoen. Voor die aanvang van die studie het dit duidelik geblyk dat die deelnemers in die onderskeie skole se vermoëns in geletterdheid en syfervaardigheid, asook deelname aan fisieke aktiwiteite, verskil het. Voor-toets resultate wat met behulp van die VASSI-Wiskundige vaardigheidstoets en ESSI-Leesen Speltoets bekom is, het daarop gedui dat Skool A en B se deelnemers se vermoë met betrekking tot geletterdheid en syfervaardighede verskil. Skool A het beter as Skool B in beide geletterdheid en syfervaardigheid gedurende die voor-toets gevaar. Vanuit die inligting wat met behulp van die vraelyste ingesamel is, kan daar afgelei word dat die twee skole verskillende geleenthede ten opsigte van bewegingservarings aan hulle leerders bied. Skool A se leerders neem regdeur die jaar aan sport en Liggaamlike Opvoeding (LO) deel, terwyl Skool B nie hierdie geleenthede aan die leerders bied nie. Na afloop van die intervensieprogramme en met behulp van die na-toets het resultate getoon dat vordering in geletterdheid en syfervaardigheid by Skool A en B voorgekom het, alhoewel nie statisties beduidend (p<0.01) nie. In vergelyking met die voor-toets resultate en die inligting wat uit die vraelys bekom is, het die na-toets resultate getoon dat Skool B wat oor die minste bewegingsgeleenthede beskik, die grootste vordering getoon het. Spesifiek die eksperimentelegroep wat aan die matig-intensiewe fisieke aktiwiteitsprogram deelgeneem het, het goeie vordering in spelvermoëns getoon. Laasgenoemde is nie statisties beduidend nie en word slegs as ‘n tendens beskou wat verdere navorsing regverdig. Op grond van die resultate is algemene aanbevelings vir die onderwyspraktyk vanuit die studie gemaak. Dit is van belang dat die belangrikheid van fisieke aktiwiteite herken word. Fisieke aktiwiteite kan ‘n effek op die holistiese ontwikkeling van die kind hê. Hacker (2008:1) ondersteun laasgenoemde en is van mening dat fisieke aktiwiteit die ontwikkeling van die boustene waarop die leerproses gebou word fasiliteer. Dus, moet beleidmakers, onderwysdepartemente, onderwysers, ouers en leerders die rol van fisieke aktiwiteite in die leerproses verstaan. Dit is ook van belang dat onderwysers die nodige opleiding in LO ontvang. Dit kan voordelig wees as opknappings kursusse of werkswinkels met inligting aangaande grootmotoriese ontwikkeling jaarliks (of meer) aan LO onderwysers aangebied kan word. Nog ‘n aanbeveling dui op die tyd wat aan LO by skole gespandeer moet word. Die intense fokus op ander skolastiese vakke moet met dieselfde erns op LO toegepas word en in die Suid-Afrikaanse onderwyssisteem moet LO groter prominensie geniet. Dus, is dit van belang dat LO daagliks ‘n tydgleuf op die skoolrooster moet hê. Aanbevelings vir verdere navorsing wat ‘n rol in die resultate van die huidige studie kon gehad het, verwys na die grootte van die steekproef. Die steekproef van die huidige studie verteenwoordig nie noodwendig die res van die Graad-2 groepe in Suid-Afrika nie. Dus, word daar voorgestel dat toekomstige soortgelyke studies groter steekproewe gebruik. Dit is van belang om die regte tydperk waarin die studie gaan plaasvind te kies. Dit kan voordelig wees om soortgelyke studie later in die jaar uit te voer, veral met betrekking tot die oorgang van Graad 1 na Graad 2. Dit sal die deelnemers in staat stel om oor die nodige leesvaardighede te beskik wat hulle benodig om die voor- en na-toets te voltooi. Vasgestelde logistieke ten opsigte van ruimte moet met die skole en onderwysers uitgeklaar word. ‘n Skedule moet opgestel word vir die tydperk waarin die studie gaan plaasvind. Daar word ook sterk aanbeveel dat die studie oor ‘n langer tydperk uitgevoer word. Die veronderstelling is dat indien die intervensieprogramme oor ‘n langer tydperk plaasvind die moontlike effek van fisieke aktiwiteite op verskeie domeine (kognitief, emosioneel, sosiaal en fisiek) groter kan wees. Met al die inligting wat deur die studie na vore gebring is, word daar sterk aanbeveel dat die rol van LO in skole heroorweeg word.