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Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Learner-centred'
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Гнаповська, Людмила Вадимівна, Людмила Вадимовна Гнаповская, and Liudmyla Vadymivna Hnapovska. "Learner-centred Language Teaching: Teacher-Learner interaction Formats." Thesis, ХНУ ім. В.Н. Каразіна, 2015. http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/60131.
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The abstract dwells on the key issues related to the necessity of changing teacher-student partnership formats in the context of learner-centred approach to teaching foreign languages. The interpretation of "learner-centredness" as a concept is put into the humanistic perspective, the perspective of practical necessity, and the curriculum design perspective.Тези розглядають основні питання взаємодії викладача та студента у контексті студентоцентричного підходу до викладання іноземних мов. "Студентоцентризм" як концепт інтерпретується з точки зору гуманістичної перспективи, практичної необхідності зміни форматів співробітництва викладача та студента та перспектив розробки навчальних робочих програм з іноземних мов.
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Malone, Todd Sarti. "What do you mean by 'learner-centred'?" Master's thesis, University of Cape Town, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/11427/3647.
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Millwood, Richard. "The design of learner-centred, technology-enhanced education." Thesis, University of Bolton, 2014. http://ubir.bolton.ac.uk/1304/.
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This dissertation presents a thesis in the form of three analyses to support creative decision making in the design of learner-centred, technology-enhanced education. The thesis was developed through use and improvement in practice over three decades. The dissertation also describes the action research methodological approach & methods employed and explores a framework based on concepts of design, learner, technology as a foundation for framing the thesis. Finally it evidences the claim for an original contribution to knowledge through an annotated selection from a portfolio of practice. The experience gained through increasingly responsible work rôles, in which the author was expected to guide other designers, shaped the articulation of the three analyses which were made for evaluating designs as a springboard for iterative improvement. These analyses are: • an 'expressive constructivist' model of learning; • an account of how technology can support such learning; • a learner-centred breakdown of questions to focus on progress in education more holistically. This thesis arose from growing tacit and experiential understanding and has been informed by a theoretical and conceptual framework based on academic literature. It is argued that the successful application of these analyses in the practice cited has generated the validity of the thesis, and to a limited extent, reliability.
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Aljasmi, Lamya Mohammed. "A learner centred CASE tool for software engineering." Thesis, University of Sussex, 2000. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.310660.
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Koma, V. "Learner-centred facilitation of learning - a possibility for Financial Accounting I." Interim : Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol 8, Issue 1: Central University of Technology Free State Bloemfontein, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/11462/361.
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Published ArticleThe Academic Planning Committee of the Central University Of Technology, Free State stated in April 2003 that academic success depends on academic institutions to create a learner-centred educational environment. In a learner-centred approach to the facilitation of learning, curriculum design, instruction and assessment focuses on what the learner should be able to do successfully. The mentioned Learner-centeredness is closely related to the principles of outcomes-based education (OBE). The purpose of this article is, therefore, to explore the feasibility of a learner-centred approach to the facilitation of learning in the context of Financial Accounting I, by considering the possible implementation of the four essential principles of OBE.
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Msonde, Charles Enock. "Enhancing teachers' competencies on learner-centred approaches throughlearning study in Tanzanian schools." Thesis, The University of Hong Kong (Pokfulam, Hong Kong), 2011. http://hub.hku.hk/bib/B47229858.
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Despite being exposed to the Learner-Centred Approach (LCA) through
traditional teacher professional development since 2000, teachers in Tanzania have
generally failed to implement LCA in secondary schools. However, previous studies
on the learning study in different parts of the world have shown encouraging results
in developing teachers’ competencies. This study investigates how the learning study
guided by the variation theory can enhance teachers’ competencies using the LCA in
Tanzania secondary schools. It addresses two questions: what are the changes of
teachers’ understanding of LCA through learning study rounds in a Tanzanian
secondary school? And, what are the changes of teachers’ capability of
implementing LCA through learning study rounds in bringing about student learning
in a Tanzanian secondary school?
A group of three teachers (John, Benja & Peter) in a school implemented
learning studies for a period of one year. All forms two (N= 255) and three (N=240)
students took part in three research lessons. The study adopted case study and
phenomenographic research approaches. It used teachers’ interview protocols, lesson video recordings, lesson preparatory meetings, teacher’s journals, and students’ tests
as research instruments. The teachers’ experiences and implemention of the LCA
were studied before and during the three rounds of learning studies. Data were
analysed using variation framework and SPSS version 16.0 for students’ tests.
The study has two main findings. First, teachers involved in the three
learning study rounds changed their understanding of LCA. They changed from
seeing LCA as methodological (before the learning study) to treating it as subject
content and even as far as seeing it as object of learning (during the learning studies)
orientations. These changes were gradual and differed slightly, depending on the
particular aspect(s) (the method, the content or the object of learning) a teacher
focused more on than other aspects at a given time.
Second, guided by the variation theory through learning studies, teachers’
capability to implement LCA improved progressively in slightly different ways,
which in turn improved student learning. The teachers changed from simply making
classroom pedagogical arrangements before the learning study to engaging the
learners in either the content or the object of learning and enabling them to discern
critical aspects of the objects of learning in terms of variation and invariance of those
aspects during the learning studies.
The study concludes that implementing learning study - guided by the
variation theory - may be effective in enhancing teachers’ ways of conceiving and
practicing LCA with a primary focus on student learning. In addition, as teachers
increase their understanding of learning study and the use of variation theory they
may advance their understandings in designing and teaching LCA lessons, thereby
increasing possibilities for student learning. Such a conclusion lends credence to
the variation theory which purports that powerful ways of acting originates from
powerful ways of seeing. It also extends this theory to teacher learning of the LCA
pedagogy.published_or_final_version
Education
Doctoral
Doctor of Philosophy
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Nyambe, Kamwi John. "Teacher educators' interpretation and practice of learner-centred pedagogy : a case study." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1008260.
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The objective of this study was to understand how teacher educators in a Namibian college of education interpret and practice the learner-centred pedagogy underpinning the Basic Education Teachers Diploma (BETD) program. In order to achieve this objective, a case study approach was adopted, qualitative-interpretive in orientation and drawing upon interviews, naturalistic non-participant observation and document analysis. Bernstein's theory of pedagogy - in particular his notion ofrecontextualization - offered ideas and concepts that were used to generate and analyse data. The data indicated that, at the level of description, teacher educators interpreted leamercentred pedagogy as a pedagogic practice based on weak rules of regulative discourse, or a weak power relation between themselves and their student teachers. The weakening of the rules of regulative discourse and the waning of educator authority were indicated in the interview narratives, which evoked a pedagogic context characterized by a repositioning of the student teacher from the margins to the centre of the classroom, where he or she enjoyed a more active and visible pedagogic position. Contrary to the dis empowering dynamic within classroom practice under the apartheid dispensation, the repositioning of the student teacher suggested a shift of power towards him or her. Similarly, the identification of the teacher educator as afacilitator, which featured prominently in the interview narratives, further suggested a weakening or diminishing of the pedagogic authority of the teacher educator. With regard to rules pertaining to the instructional discourse, the data revealed an interpretation of leamer-centred pedagogy as a pedagogic practice based on strong framing over the selection of discourses, weak framing over pacing, and strong framing over sequencing and criteria for evaluation. When correlated with the interview data, the data generated through lesson observation and teacher educator prepared documents such as lesson plans revealed a disjuncture between teacher educators' ideas about leamer-centred pedagogy and their practice of it. Contrary to the interviews, lesson observation data revealed that teacher educators implemented leamer-centred pedagogy as a pedagogic practice based on strong internal framing over rules of the regulative discourse. Data further indicated strong internal framing over the selection, sequencing, pacing and evaluation. The study concluded that while some teacher educators could produce an accurate interpretation oflearner-centred pedagogy at the level of description, most of them did not do so at the level of practice. Findings revealed structural and personal-psychological factors that constrained teacher educators' recontextualization of the new pedagogy. A narrow understanding of leamercentred pedagogy that concentrated only on changing teacher educators' pedagogical approaches from teacher-centred to learner-centred, while ignoring structural and systematic factors, tended to dominate not only the interview narratives but also official texts. Learner-centred pedagogy was understood as a matter of changing from teachercentredness to leamer-centredness while frame factors, for instance regarding the selection, pacing or sequencing of discourses, still followed the traditional approach. The study recommends the adoption of a systematic and deliberate approach to address the multiplicity of factors involved in enabling teacher educators to interpret and implement leamer-centred pedagogy at the micro-level of their classrooms.KMBT_363
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Brinkmann, S. "The role of teachers' beliefs in the implementation of learner-centred education in India." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2016. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/1532842/.
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International education has witnessed a widespread push for promoting Western-originating ‘learner-centred’ approaches, often without adequately considering the challenges involved in crossing cultures. Like many developing countries, India for decades has been attempting a paradigm shift from predominantly ‘teacher-centred’ to more ‘learner-centred’ classrooms, particularly through in-service teacher education, yet most Indian classrooms remain dominated by rote-learning. One possible reason suggested by scholars is that Indian teachers’ pedagogy is grounded in deeply-rooted cultural beliefs resistant to change. However, research and training have rarely attempted to identify and address these underlying beliefs. This study explores how Indian teachers’ beliefs relate to their practice, whether there are prevalent beliefs that conflict with a learner-centred paradigm, and how these can be addressed within teacher education. The beliefs of 60 government primary teachers in 3 Indian states are explored through questionnaires, semi-structured interviews and open-ended life-narratives, while their pedagogy is analysed through classroom observations. Insights are also drawn from interviews with 73 teacher educators. Findings suggest eight prevalent beliefs that contradict learner-centred assumptions of policy documents, and that indeed correlate with less learner-centred practice. These include beliefs about equality, democratic relationships, diversity, knowledge, purpose of education, responsibility for outcomes, professional commitment, and change. A critical realist lens is used to analyse causal mechanisms accounting for teachers’ beliefs, practice, and the relationship between the two, revealing many of these beliefs to be rooted in dominant caste ideology. Drawing from transformative learning theory and Freirean problem-posing, the study proposes a new framework for Indian teacher educators seeking to empower teachers as rational agents capable of bringing changes in their own beliefs and practices. This research offers insights for teacher educators and policymakers in India and other developing countries, regarding the need for engaging with teachers’ beliefs, the need for contextualising Western-originating progressive pedagogies, and suggestions for doing both.
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Naruemon, Darett. "Thai pre-service teachers' beliefs about the learner-centred approach and their classroom practices." Thesis, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, 2013. http://hdl.handle.net/10443/2428.
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The learner-centred approach has been widely used, not only in general education, but also in language teaching, since the 1960s. However, the meaning of this approach has been interpreted differently by practitioners. Since 1999, the educational reform in Thailand, which was inspired by the 1997 Constitution and the 1999 Thai National Education Act, has made it mandatory for the learner-centred approach to be applied to teaching at all levels. To date, much research on the implementation of the learner-centred approach by in-service teachers has been undertaken. However, little research has been conducted on pre-service teachers’ beliefs about the learner-centred approach and their classroom practices. Understanding pre-service teachers’ beliefs will contribute to the improvement of their teaching practices and of teacher education programmes. The study explored six Thai pre-service English teachers’ understanding and the extent to which their classroom practices reflected learner-centredness during their internship, and determined the relationship between their beliefs and classroom practices. The investigation adopted a qualitative approach, including semi-structured interviews, non-participant observations, and document analysis. The findings reveal that the Thai pre-service teachers possessed varying degrees of understanding of the learner-centred approach and its application. They had a superficial and fragmented understanding of and some misconceptions about the learner-centred approach. They therefore adopted this approach to teaching in a limited fashion during their internship. The divergences between their beliefs and their classroom practices may have been caused by their shallow understanding of and their misconceptions about this approach. Other factors, such as personal background and cognitive, affective, experiential and contextual issues could also have impacted on classroom practices, inhibiting the translation of their beliefs into practice. iii This study has important and far-reaching curriculum implications for pre-service teacher training in Thailand with regard to the new model of pre-service teacher training. The findings also have pedagogical implications for pre-service teacher training beyond Thailand, and add to the literature new insights into pre-service teachers’ understanding of the learner-centred approach, their pedagogical practices, and factors facilitating and hindering the application of the learner-centred approach. The findings demonstrate that research on teachers’ beliefs makes the most noteworthy contributions to a better understanding of teachers’ pedagogical practices.
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Da, Costa Alipio Jaime. "Learner-centered approach in the teaching of mathematics: a consideration of teachers’ perceptions." Thesis, University of Zululand, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10530/1499.
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A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Doctor of Education in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at the University of Zululand, 2014This research was designed to ascertain teachers‟ perceptions on learner-centered teaching in the discipline of mathematics in basic education. The first aim of the study was to determine the extent to which teachers background training contributes to perception of learner-centred approach in the teaching of mathematics. The second aim sought to determine the extent to which teachers’ professional experience contributes to perception of learner centered approach in the teaching of mathematics. The third aim of the study was to determine the extent to which teachers background training contributes to learner-centred practices in the teaching of mathematics. Lastly, the fourth aim was to determine the extent to which teachers’ professional experience contributes to practices of learner-centred approach in the teaching of mathematics. To achieve the aims, a questionnaire and observation schedule was designed to collect the data. The questionnaire was primarily subjected to validation by the researcher through Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA). This instrument was first administrated to three hundred and nine primary school teachers of the provinces of Inhambane, Gaza and Maputo. After the piloting was performed the final version of the questionnaire was then applied to four hundred eight six primary school teachers and from this sample three hundred seventy three completed and returned the questionnaires. The returned questionnaires were then correctly analyzed. Three of four aims were connected to four hypotheses. To evaluate whether teacher background training and type of training have significant effects on teacher perceptions of learner-centred teaching approach an ordinal regression analysis was performed. To test whether would there be a relationship between teachers‟ professional experience and their approach to teaching mathematics and whether will there be a relationship between teachers‟ background training and their approach to teaching mathematics, a Chi-square test of independence was used. To evaluate whether teachers use learner-centred teaching an observation schedule was also used. The results show that teachers teaching experiences as well as type of training did not have significant effect on their perceptions of learner-centred teaching. The results of this study have also shown that teachers‟ professional experience as well as the type of training teachers have received in teaching methods has no significant effects on the type of approach (teacher or learner-centred approach). Teachers of basic education prefer to use both approaches when they teach mathematics. Results from observation schedule show that teachers do not use learner-centred approach. Instead, they use teacher-centred teaching. Lastly, the results were discussed taking in account the literature reviewed within the framework of educational psychology applied to mathematics teaching. Finally suggestions were made on how to understand more deeply the question of teachers‟ perceptions of learner-centred teaching. The most important suggestion is that research should be done regarding teachers mathematics self-efficacy, how teachers perceive their own knowledge of learner-centred approach and how do they practice it.
Scientific Council of UDEBA-LAB
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Ходцева, Алла Олександрівна, Алла Александровна Ходцева, and Alla Oleksandrivna Khodtseva. "A Learner-Centered Approach In Teaching." Thesis, Дніпропeтровськ, 2005. http://essuir.sumdu.edu.ua/handle/123456789/61952.
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Метою абстракції є включення учня-орієнтованого підходу в середовищі ділової англійської мови.The purpose of the abstract is to incorporate learner-centred approach in business English environment.
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Berhe, Senait Ghebru. "The effect of an argumentation-based training programme on pre-service science teachers’ ability to implement a learner-centred curriculum in selected Eritrean Middle Schools." Thesis, University of the Western Cape, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/4317.
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Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThis study is part of a larger school-based research project aimed at training science teachers to integrate argumentation into K-12 science instruction. The current study examined the effect of an argumentation-based training programme on pre-service science teachers’ ability to use an argumentation-based instructional model (ABIM) to implement a learner-centred curriculum in selected Eritrean middle school science classrooms. The study was situated within the social constructivist and argumentation theoretical frameworks. A predominately qualitative research approach was utilized to address the purpose and the research questions of this study. The research design was primarily a case study of a cohort of 25 undergraduate middle school pre-service science teachers, enrolled in a teaching practice course in January, 2013 under the auspices of the Department of Science, College of Education at Eritrea Institute of Technology (EIT). None of the pre-service teachers involved in the study had taken a formal course work, workshops or seminars on argumentation instruction. Six of the 25 pre-service teachers were selected for an in-depth qualitative analysis using purposive sampling technique (Groenewald, 2004; Flyvbjerg, 2006). This study utilized multiple data collection instruments including, questionnaire, argument-based tasks, classroom observation, interview, reflective questionnaire, video-tape class lessons and field notes. Argumentation framework as espoused in the work of Toulmin (1958) and Ogunniyi (2004) were utilized as the units of analysis for the data collected in the study. Furthermore, the study considered a variety of validity and ethical protocols to ensure the findings and interpretation generated from the data were valid.
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De, Wet M. A. "The introduction of problem based learning in Hospitality Management at the Central University of Technology, Free State, South Africa." Interim : Interdisciplinary Journal, Vol 8, Issue 1: Central University of Technology Free State Bloemfontein, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/11462/359.
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Published ArticleProblem-based learning (PBL) is a learner-centred strategy that can be used to achieve the objectives of Outcomes Based Education (OBE). The Hospitality management program has no evidence of a fixed learner-centred didactic approach such as PBL, E-learning or Resource-based learning (RBL). In considering PBL, we raised questions: Why PBL? To what extent are staff and learners prepared for PBL? What are the characteristics of the curriculum when implementing PBL etc? This paper highlights these and other questions. The outcome shows that principles of PBL are extremely applicable to Hospitality but that timetabling within the program is a concern.
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Amanah, Siti, of Western Sydney Hawkesbury University, of Science Technology and Agriculture Faculty, and School of Agriculture and Rural Development. "A learner-centred approach to improve teaching and learning in an agricultural polytechnic in Indonesia." THESIS_FSTA_ARD_Amanah_S.xml, 1996. http://handle.uws.edu.au:8081/1959.7/296.
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This thesis was generated from an action research project, the aim of which was to improve the learning process at the Polytechnic of Agriculture, University of Jember, East Java. The proposition argued is that the implementation of learner-centred approaches in a formal tertiary education setting will assist educators and learners to meet their needs. Further, the approaches will motivate participants in the learning process to be both self-responsible and self-directed learners. Participatory approaches were utilised to induce improvement in the Polytechnic's practices, student satisfaction and contributions to learning by the outside community. Participants included students, the Director, the Associate Director for Academic and Head of School. Information was also collected from outsiders. The outcomes from the project were: students were responsible for their own learning; staff were able to act as professional facilitators; and curriculum development. There are still some unresolved issues, and it was recommended that further research of effectiveness of learning approaches in formal tertiary education needs to be carried out.Master of Science (Hons)
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Amanah, Siti. "A learner-centred approach to improve teaching and learning in an agricultural polytechnic in Indonesia /." View thesis View thesis, 1996. http://library.uws.edu.au/adt-NUWS/public/adt-NUWS20030529.141402/index.html.
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Thesis (M.Sc. Sch. of Ag. & Rural Devel.) --University of Western Sydney, Hawkesbury, 1996."A thesis submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements of the Degree of Master of Science (Honours)--T.p.
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Al-Nouh, Nowreyah A. A. "Are Kuwaiti primary EFL teachers implementing a CLT-based learner-centred method in their classrooms?" Thesis, University of Newcastle Upon Tyne, 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/10443/613.
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The Communicative Approach in language teaching is based on a theory of language as communication. The objective of language teaching, according to this approach, is to develop what Hymes (1972) calls learners' communicative competence. The literature review on EFL primary, secondary, and post secondary teachers' practices in the classroom has shown teachers focusing on form and using traditional methods, e. g. GTM, ALM and TPR, and techniques, e. g. PPP. However, those studies did not examine teachers' practices, teachers' knowledge and the curriculum, including textbooks/materials,a ssessmenat nd teachert raining programmes,a ll at the samet ime and at one point in time. Thus, the purpose of this study is to take Kuwait as a case study of primary EFL to find out whether EFL primary teachers implement a CLTbased, learner-centred method in their classrooms, knowing that education is centralized in Kuwait, i. e. the curriculum, textbook/materials,a ssessmenat nd teacher training are provided by one authority: the Ministry of Education. To achieve this objective, first a classroom observation was conducted on twenty three primary EFL Kuwaiti female teachers using the COLT (Communicative Orientation of Language Teaching) Observation Scheme, with its four categories derived from the literature on CLT to find out whether the methodology used is communicative or not. Secondly, an examination of the curriculum document, textbook/materials,a ssessmenat nd teacher training programmes was conducted to find out whether they work in harmony towards the fulfilment of curriculum goals, i. e. to develop learners' communicative and linguistic competence in using English fluently and accurately. Finally, an interview was conducted on the same twenty three teachers to find out about teachers' knowledge and beliefs of CLT, its practicality, land their perception of their own practice. Qualitative and quantitative analysis of the data indicated that teachers do not implement a CLT-based learner-centred method for various reasons, e.g. formfocused assessmenat nd textbooks, although teachers'i nterviews and the examination of teacher training programmes have shown teachers know CLT and were prepared to teach communicatively. Implications and recommendations of the study are made in the concluding chapter.
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Angula, Adelheid. "nvestigating grade 10 geography teachers' implementation of a learner-centred approach in selected Namibian schools." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004459.
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Geography, more than other subjects in the curriculum, plays a central role in general education in equipping learners with skills and competencies needed for modern living and global citizenship. A learner-centred education in Namibia was adopted to provide more opportunities for learners to develop the required skills and competencies irrespective of their different cultural background. This small-scale case study investigated three Grade 10 geography teachers' understanding and implementation ofa learner-centred approach to gain insights into how leamer-centred education is being implemented in the context of Geography. The research design adopted a qualitative approach within an interpretative orientation. Data were collected through interviews, classroom observations and documentary analysis. The research was conducted at three selected schools in Oshikoto Region with three Grade 10 geography teachers The findings revealed, firstly, that teachers have a limited understanding of the key ideas ofLCE, such as, prior knowledge, role of questioning, and social interaction in learning; use of resources and the types of assessment activities which comply with the aims of LCE. Seconclly, the findings revealed that the policy documents, such as syllabuses, that are being used by the participants are not in line with the tenets ofLCE. Thirdly, teachers appeared to have limited subject knowledge, as revealed by their lack of understanding of how to translate the aims and assessment objectives into their daily lessons. The study therefore raises some possibilities for improving the implementation of LCE in the selected schools if the gaps as identified by this study are reduced.
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Mohammed, A. M. M. "Error-based interlinguistic comparisons as a learner-centred technique of teaching English grammar to Arab students." Thesis, University of Salford, 1991. http://usir.salford.ac.uk/2143/.
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English is taught as a compulsory subject in general education and some higher education institutions in Sudan. Students are totally dependent on the five to six hours per week of language input provided through formal classroom instruction. Besides limited exposure to the language, there are other factors confounding the teaching and learning of English such as large classes, lack of books, untrained teachers, examination _oriented teaching and learning, and teaching grammarians' grammar. Such factors have contributed to the decline of standards in English to the extent that the pass mark in English has been reduced to 30 percent in the secondary school certificate examination. The students' interlanguage exhibits features indicating heavy reliance on literal translation from Arabic. At least 50% of their errors could be attributed to this interlinguistic transfer, a strategy which is frequently employed due to the lack of the requisite knowledge of the target language. Of all the detrimental factors, the teaching of grammar seems to be the one that is most directly related to the deterioration of the standard in English. It usually takes the form of giving rules, facts and explanations couched in metalinguistic terms, which is at variance with the learners' hypotheses formation process. Reciting rules and facts about the language is the only one thing that untrained teachers can do. Trained teachers also resort to giving rules and facts due to the fact that the situation in the schools and universities is not conducive to developing the language as a skill. Based on the fact that the effectiveness of foreign language teaching in general and the teaching of grammar in particular is greatly reduced when the focus is on giving rules and complicated grammatical analysis, it is the purpose of this study to explore the possibility that the teaching of grammar could profitably be based on the findings of recent studies on interlanguage and learning strategies. The study focusses on the interlinguistic transfer strategy through translation errors in an attempt to arrive at a learnercentred technique of teaching grammar. Based on the analysis of errors, providing students with simple contrastive comparisons between the native and the target language was articipated to be more effective than giving them abstract rules and metalinguistic explanations. The study provides empirical data verifying the effectiveness of simple interlinguistic comparisons in minimizing translation errors. An experiment was conducted in eight secondary schools and the University of Gezira in Wad Medani, Sudan. A total of 714 male and female Arabicspeaking students were pretested, matched and divided into two equal groups in each school. Based on the results of error analysis, two lessons, one normal and one experimental, were developed to teach the relative clauses in English. The normal lesson followed the traditional format of examples, rules and explanations couched in metalinguistic terms. The experimental lesson included terminology-free comparisons of relative clauses in English and Arabic. The two groups were taught by the same teacher in each school and the university. The same pretest was administered as a post-test. The matched group t test was used to compare the means of the active object relative clauses correctly produced by the two groups in each school. A significant difference was observed between the two groups. The experimental group performed better than the normal group. The t values were 6.387 (df=83), 3.240 (df=54), 1.969 (df=29), 1.758 (df=28), 3.043 (df=41), 4.586 (df=35), 2.651 (df=23), 3.030 (df=14), and 3.747 (df=41). The probability that the difference was due to chance was less than 5% in all cases. The findings supported the hypothesis that the error-based interlinguistic comparisons techniques would be more efficient than the currently used traditional technique in minimizing negative transfer errors. The implications of the findings on the teaching of grammar, error correction, materials development and teacher training are discussed together with the limitations of the study and the need for further research to confirm the findings before they can be generalized.
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Amakali, Amram. "Implementation of learner-centred education by Grade 4 BETD in-service teachers in selected Namibia schools." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2007. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1004457.
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Before independence Namibia's education system was predominantly teacher-centred. Soon after its independence Namibia embarked on education restructuring and transformation. A new education system, leamer-centred education, was introduced to cater for the needs of all Namibian learners. It was seen as an effective antidote to the stifling teacher-centred practices of the previous education system. A new programme, the Basic Education Teacher Diploma (BETD) was introduced to prepare teachers to teach in a leamer-centred approach. Research has, however, indicated that many Namibian teachers have a somewhat shallow or naIve understanding oflearner-centred education. This small-scale case study, conducted in Oshikoto region, focuses on two Grade 4 teachers. The study examined the two teachers ' perceptions and experiences oflearnercentred education and the teaching strategies they use to develop learners' understanding. The study uses a qualitative approach in its exploration of teachers ' lived experiences of becoming learner-centred. The data emerging from this case study identify a number of misconceptions and understandings of leamer-centred education and its implementation. The findings suggest that teachers ' misconceptions are caused by a lack of deep understanding about the epistemology and theory of learning which underpins Namibia's reform policies and principles.
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Kavari, Jackson-Hain Jakavaza Katjiuanjo. "Examining the knowledge and practices of selected Namibian accounting teachers about learner-centred methods of teaching." Thesis, Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1009428.
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Learner-centred education has been in force in all schools in the Republic of Namibia since 1996. Progress towards adoption of learner-centred methods of teaching by teachers has been slow. The main purpose of this study is to examine how teachers understand the principles of learner-centred education in selected Secondary Schools in Omaheke Education Region. The secondary purpose of this study is to determine how teachers could be helped to improve the implementation of learner-centred education (LCE). The study used a qualitative approach. Data were collected from a purposively selected sample of Grade 10 accounting teachers in a specific region in Namibia by means of interviews, classroom observations and a qualitative questionnaire. Data were analysed thematically. The results indicated that, although the teachers had a positive attitude towards learner-centred education, they did not have the skills to adapt their teaching in an appropriate way to cope with the learner‟s lack of English literacy. The teachers possessed basic knowledge of learner-centred education practices, but found it very difficult to implement them in resource-poor environments. In addition, factors that hindered the effective implementation of learner-centred education in the classroom were identified. The study suggests ways to improve the knowledge and practices of teachers with regard to learner-centred teaching practices.
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Awases, Cherly Lydia. "Secondary school Geography teachers' understanding and implementation learner-centred eof ducation and enquiry-based teaching in Namibia." Thesis, Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015. http://hdl.handle.net/10019.1/97002.
Full textAbstract:
Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2015.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study investigates the understanding of and experiences in the implementation of learner-centred education (LCE) and enquiry-based teaching of Grade 10 Geography teachers against the backdrop of curriculum reform in Namibia. The Namibian curriculum is premised on the view that there is a need for the holistic development and preparation of learners for a knowledge-based society. Globally, LCE, with its potential for broadening access to quality education, has been a recurring theme of national reform policies and has been promoted as an innovative way of teaching. The usefulness of the LCE approach and associated enquiry-based teaching is embedded in constructivism and is introduced with the promise that it will enable learners to develop investigative and critical thinking skills that will put them at the centre of learning. This interpretative study employed a case study approach that utilised qualitative methods to gather information on the experiences of the three Geography teachers at the sampled schools as they implement LCE and enquiry-based teaching. The main data-gathering techniques in phases 1 and 2 of the research respectively were semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. The findings revealed that the teachers have different understandings of what LCE and enquiry-based teaching approaches are, although their teaching employs some elements of it. The research also indicated that there is one big factor that impinges on their implementation of LCE and enquiry-based teaching approaches. The teachers admitted that, due to the pressure of learner success in the end-of-year Grade 10 examination, they rather teach to the test. This diverts their teaching from focusing on implementing approaches that actively involve learners in the learning process and nurture enquiry skills when these skills are not formally assessed in examinations. Consequently, teachers fail to implement the syllabus as intended by policy makers and curriculum developers. Even though the findings of this study may be specific to the sampled schools and the participating teachers, it can be assumed that similar situations exist in schools with comparable contexts. It is therefore important that education policy makers and relevant stakeholders strive to allocate sufficient support and resources for teachers to implement LCE and enquiry-based teaching effectively in schools.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie ondersoek die verstaan van en ervarings met die implementering van leerder-gesentreerde en ondersoek-gebaseerde onderrig van Graad 10 Geografie-onderwysers teen die agtergrond van kurrikulumhervorming in Namibië. Die Namibiese leerplan berus op die siening dat daar „n behoefte is aan die holistiese ontwikkeling en voorbereiding van leerders vir „n kennis-gebaseerde samelewing. Leerder-gesentreerde onderrig met sy potensiaal om toegang tot gehalte onderwys te verbreed, is „n tema wat wêreldwyd herhaaldelik in nasionale hervormingsbeleid voorkom en as „n innoverende wyse van onderrig bevorder word. Die nut van die leerder-gesentreerde benadering en gepaardgaande ondersoek-gebaseerde onderrig is in konstruktivisme gebaseer en word voorgestel met die belofte dat dit leerders in staat sal stel om ondersoekende en kritiese denkvaardighede te ontwikkel, wat hulle sentraal in die leerproses sal plaas. Hierdie interpretatiewe studie het 'n gevallestudie-benadering gevolg en kwalitatiewe metodes gebruik om inligting in te samel oor die ervarings van drie Geografie-onderwysers se implementering van leerder-gesentreerde en ondersoek-gebaseerde onderrig by skole wat as steekproef gekies is. Die belangrikste onderskeidelike data-insamelingstegnieke in fases 1 en 2 van die navorsing was semi-gestruktureerde onderhoude en klaskamerwaarneming. Die bevindinge toon dat die onderwysers verskillende begrippe handhaaf van wat leerder-gesentreerde en ondersoek-gebaseerde onderrigbenaderings behels, hoewel hulle onderrig sommige elemente daarvan toon. Die navorsing het ook aangedui dat een belangrike faktor inbreuk doen op hul implementering van leerder-gesentreerde en ondersoek-gebaseerde onderrigbenaderings. Die onderwysers het erken dat die druk van leerdersukses in die graad 10-eksamen aan die einde van die jaar hulle eerder met die oog op die toets laat onderrig gee. Dit verplaas die fokus van hul onderrig weg van die implementering van benaderings wat leerders aktief by die leerproses betrek en die koestering van ondersoekvaardighede, veral ook omdat hierdie vaardighede nie formeel in eksamens beoordeel word nie. Onderwysers slaag gevolglik nie daarin om die leerplan soos beleidmakers en kurrikulum-ontwikkelaars dit bedoel, te implementeer nie. Selfs al sou die bevindinge van hierdie studie slegs spesifiek op die betrokke skole en die deelnemende onderwysers betrekking hê, kan aanvaar word dat soortgelyke situasies in skole in vergelykbare kontekste bestaan. Dit is dus belangrik dat onderwysbeleidmakers en relevante rolspelers daarna moet streef om voldoende ondersteuning en hulpbronne vir onderwysers beskikbaar te stel om leerder-gesentreerde en ondersoek-gebaseerde onderrig effektief in skole te implementeer.
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Allybokus, Bibi Sabina. "The implementation of learner-centred teaching in Mauritian state secondary schools : examining teachers' beliefs and classroom practice." Thesis, University College London (University of London), 2015. http://discovery.ucl.ac.uk/10021912/.
Full textAbstract:
The Mauritian Education system is a highly elitist and examination-oriented system where teachers in state secondary schools enjoy complete autonomy in the selection of their teaching methods. Despite education policies recommending learner-centred teaching (LCT) for a more inclusive, integrated and holistic approach to education (NCF, 2009, p. 7), most secondary education teachers generally use teacher-centred teaching (TCT) methods even after having learned LCT in professional teaching courses. In this study I examine how 30 professionally trained teachers from eight state secondary schools in Mauritius understand LCT and how they implement it in class. I also explore why those teachers choose this approach and which skills they think are necessary for effective LCT. This qualitative study uses a social-constructivist approach. It was carried out in two phases. In the first phase I looked into teachers’ understandings of LCT and in the second phase I observed teachers enactment of LCT in their classrooms. Data gathering tools were questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, focus groups, class observations and debriefing sessions. The findings point towards two perspectives of LCT: the first perspective is a cognitive perspective, which is more achievement-oriented, and the second one is an emancipatory perspective, which focuses on re-engaging learners with their studies. The study also shows that their work contexts, their beliefs and the pressure of an exams-oriented system shape teachers’ understanding of LCT and in its actual form LCT in Mauritian schools is only partially learner-centred with a mix of LCT and TCT. The main contribution of this thesis is the acknowledgment of the kind of LCT that teachers can achieve without any form of support and the potential of our teachers in transforming our classrooms with authentic and effective forms of LCT provided continuing professional development and school support become regular features of our education system.
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Uworwabayeho, Alphonse. "Investigating Rwandan towards learner-centred mathematics teachers shifts approaches when using ICT : a participatory collaborative action-oriented inquiry." Thesis, University of Bristol, 2012. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.601197.
Full textAbstract:
This study developed through a process of narrowing down the objectives from a wider EdQual project that was concerned with implementing basic education quality in low income countries, Rwanda included. It aimed at investigating a shift in mathematics teachers' practices towards more learner-centred classrooms, using ICT as a tool for learning. Research findings from the literature show that there are many challenges to developing a learner-centred approach to teaching. These challenges accrue from various sources and relate to the overall national context in which the teaching and learning occurs. This study was based on the view that ICT can be used to support learner-centred classroom interactions. In this approach the teacher plays more of a facilitator's role than an instructional role, thus supporting students' mathematical exploration. The overall research consisted of two studies, namely, Study 1 and Study 2. Observations from lessons taught by EdQual teacher partners within Study I showed that the use of ICT alone did not provoke teachers to shift from teacher-centred practices towards a more learner-centred approach to the teaching of mathematics. Based on these findings, participatory collaborative action-oriented inquiry was chosen as the research methodology in Study 2. Through teaching classes and communication between two teachers working in the same school and myself, we gave meaning to our practices. Data collected included researcher's diaries, video/audio-recorded lessons, and interviews and discussions with participant teachers. Depth analysis carried out using joint action theory in didactics of mathematics revealed that in contrast to Study 1, teachers in Study 2 did not present mathematical knowledge to students at the beginning of the lesson; rather they involved them in exploiting ICT to engage with the targeted knowledge. The overall study shows that an ICT-enabled participatory professional approach can support teachers to shift from teacher-centred practices towards a more learner-centred approach to the teaching of mathematics. However the thesis recognises that the question remains about how such a participatory model could be scaled up in Rwanda.
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Khan, Beebi Hajar Jhan. "An investigation of learner centred techniques in delivering the teaching programmes at the college of education in Sri Lanka." Thesis, University of Hull, 2005. http://hydra.hull.ac.uk/resources/hull:5632.
Full textAbstract:
This study focused on the teaching approaches that help the development and consistent application of learner centred techniques in teacher education in Sri Lanka. More specifically, investigation was undertaken to find out 'Are teachers in ITE institutions using learner-centred techniques and if not, what are the best ways of implementing such 'changes'? This study attempted to provide a treatment of the issues that pertained to the application and relationship between teaching method and learner interaction. The literature was reviewed on learner centredness and management of change. Importantly, Sri Lankan teacher education context was analysed in order to understand the suitable learner centred approach for their own settings. An in-depth review of literature revealed that an emergent research design case-study approach would help to explore the present practice in adopting learner centred techniques regarding the delivery of teaching programmes. Firstly, a quantitative approach (questionnaire) was deployed to gather the preliminary data. Then, the qualitative approach was deployed in this study and appropriate data were gathered through focus group discussions, interviews, observation and documentary sources. The outcomes of the study suggested that the teachers understood and recognised learner centerdness in their own context. Almost all of them expected a certain degree of respect and control. The above values are borne out of their own Sri Lankan culture. The Sri Lanka teacher education system is nurtured by Buddhist philosophy. Moreover, the entire education system expects 'respect' and 'guru' status. Even though teachers understood the theory of learner centredness, they prefer to impart certain changes in implementing it in the Sri Lankan context. Therefore the study suggested that this college needed to change its teaching approaches in order to maintain effective learner centred practices. Final recommendations were made based on the empirical findings and literature implications.
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Haingura, Rudolph. "Enhancing learner centred education through the eco-schools framework: case studies of eco-schools practice in South Africa and Namibia." Thesis, Rhodes University, 2009. http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003391.
Full textAbstract:
Since the early 1990’s both South Africa and Namibia have been engaged in educational reform processes to address the discriminatory impacts and orientations of education under Bantu Education which were implemented in both countries prior to independence (Namibia in 1990, and South Africa in 1994). A feature of both educational reform processes is the underpinning theory of learning which draws on social constructivism, and which is articulated as learner centred education. This approach to teaching and learning infuses both policy frameworks. Another common feature is the introduction of environmental education into the formal education systems of both countries, a process which has been championed by development assistance, and which has been supported by programmes such as the Eco-Schools programme which is an international environmental education initiative started after the Rio Earth Summit in 1992, and implemented in a number of countries, including South Africa. The programme has also been piloted in some schools in Namibia. To date no research has been done on the way in which the Eco-Schools framework (its practices, organizing principles, evaluation processes etc.) enhance learner centred education. This study therefore aimed to investigate and understand how the Eco-Schools framework can enhance learner centred education. The study was conducted in 2007 in three Eco-Schools in Namibia and four Eco-Schools in South Africa in the context of the broader national programmes of implementing learner centred education policies, and environmental education histories. The study used a case study methodology, using observation, interviews, and document analysis as the main methods for data generation. The analytical process followed two stages: the first involved an inductive analysis using categories which were organized into a series of analytical memos. The second phase of data analysis involved recontextualising the data drawing on theory and contextual insights to provide insights that address the research question, using analytical statements. The main findings of the study are that the Eco-Schools framework provides numerous opportunities to enhance learner centred education, through contextualization of learning, through strengthening school-community interactions, and through enabling active involvement of learners in decision making and a range of contextually meaningful Eco-Schools practices. The study also showed that the Eco-Schools framework allows for empowerment of learners in relation to diverse needs, and also allows for learner initiated contributions, although this aspect was not well developed in the schools that were included in this study. The study also found that the benefits of Eco-Schools in terms of enhancing learner centred education were limited to only a few learners who were involved in club activities or who were being taught by enthusiastic teachers who were participating in the Eco-Schools programme. The study showed that these benefits can be more widely shared if more teachers were to get involved, and if the Eco-Schools programme were better understood in relation to the curriculum requirements of various subjects and learning areas, and if the Eco-Schools practices could be more successfully integrated across the curriculum. The study also showed that various forms of support were required for implementing the Eco-Schools programme, most notably the support of the Principal, and the Department of Education. The study also identified that parents and other stakeholders in the school were supportive of the Eco-Schools programme since it was perceived to have relevance to learning, as well as the community. The results broadly confirmed that the implementation of Eco-Schools using a whole school, values based and active learning approach promotes a school culture which enhances learner centred education more broadly across the school. The study also found that the Eco-Schools programme added a new dimension to existing discourses on learner centred education, which could be described as a community linked or situated approach to learner centred education.
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Colin, Mindy Lee. "Improving the quality of teaching and learning in Mauritian primary schools : the role of learner-centred pedagogy in current educational reform." Thesis, University of Bristol, 2015. http://ethos.bl.uk/OrderDetails.do?uin=uk.bl.ethos.682354.
Full textAbstract:
This study examines the international transfer of learner-centred pedagogy as a means to improve the quality of teaching and learning in developing countries, with special reference to detailed fieldwork in the Small Island Developing State (SIDS) of Mauritius. Specifically, this' case study critically examines a primary schooling initiative in Mauritius called 'Zones d'Education Prioritaires' (ZEP). This education reform was conceptualised in the light of international agendas calling for a Quality Education For All. Such initiatives often promote social justice for marginalised children through the integration of learner-centred pedagogy in schools and classrooms. This research investigates efforts to shift from formalistic to learner-centred pedagogy in the ZEP Initiative, with reference to the history of Mauritian education reforms, the evolution of ZEP policy, alid a detailed and empirically grounded case study of one ZEP school. The study explores the successes achieved, along with the challenges and barriers encountered, in implementing learner-centred pedagogy in the Mauritian context. Fieldwork engaged directly with ZEP Initiative staff at the Mauritius Ministry of Education and Human Resources, support organisations present at ZEP schools, ZEP teachers, pupils, school administrators, and communities. The findings suggest that there is slow, but unsustainable, movement towards learnercentred pedagogy in the ZEP Initiative. Progress is restricted by hierarchical social norms that have perpetuated competition in the country's formalistic education system. The study's major findings indicate that sustainable progress may depend upon greater practical attention to quality-oriented policies and processes that underlie learnercentred pedagogy. In concluding, the study explores the implications of the research for the case study school, for the ZEP Initiative, for related government policy and practice, and for the theoretical literature on the international transfer of learner-centred pedagogy and educational reform processes in SIDS.
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Nonkukhetkhong, Kittiporn. "Teachers' perceptions and implementation of the learner-centred approach in teaching English as a foreign language (EFL) in Thai secondary school contexts /." [St. Lucia, Qld.], 2006. http://www.library.uq.edu.au/pdfserve.php?image=thesisabs/absthe19545.pdf.
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Magaji, Adewale. "Classroom discourse with both student-led questions and feedback : enhancing engagement and attainment of students in a learner-centred Key Stage 3 science classroom." Thesis, University of Greenwich, 2015. http://gala.gre.ac.uk/18155/.
Full textAbstract:
This study focuses on the use of student-led questions and feedback to improve students’ engagement and attainment in Key Stage 3 science. My interest in Assessment for Learning has arisen from working as a science teacher for over 9 years in several secondary schools in London and Kent. My aim has been to support Key Stage 3 science students to improve their engagement and attainment by means other than the use of science practical. The purpose of this study is to find out how students’ awareness of questions and feedback can be used to improve their engagement. This includes examining students’ contribution to the classroom discourse through developing their own questions and giving peer feedback, and assessing how this has improved their attainment. This study also sought teachers’ perceptions on the role of questions and feedback in engaging students in science lessons. This mixed methods study was inspired by a constructivist paradigm approach to learning (Creswell 2011; Savasci and Berlin, 2012). The study used six techniques of enquiry for data collection to support triangulation of my data. The students were involved in problem solving activities which led to developing their own questions using Bloom’s taxonomy question prompts and giving feedback to other students. The interaction was audio recorded to examine the quality of questions and feedback in order to ascertain how this has led to an improvement in their engagement and attainment, in addition to other data collection methods used. This study found that students were capable of developing high level questions and giving constructive feedback that will move other students’ learning forward just like their teachers aim to do. There was an improvement in the high level questions developed which influenced the quality of feedback given to other students. 98% of the students were engaged in the questions and feedback which contributed to over 92% of the students achieving their target levels in the end of unit science test. These outcomes are contributions to knowledge. Other contributions to knowledge include the new model of discourse presented in this thesis, and two factors that constitute engagement in learning. Pupil voice was a dominant factor as students were in charge of the classroom discourse which was encouraged by the questions and feedback. Some recommendations are made for professional practice and further research.
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Abel, Lydia. "Teacher Development Mediation: A Cognition-based Reconsideration." University of the Western Cape, 1997. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/8320.
Full textAbstract:
Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThe research was prompted by two main issues prevalent in South African education in the last decade. These were particularly the critical state of the schooling system, especially in the educationally disadvantaged schools (mainly ex-Department of Education and Training) and the relationship of the teacher to teaching and the related issue of teacher upgrading. The resultant effect was that the educationally disadvantaged communities became more and more disadvantaged over time because of decreasing mental stimulation and mental development. The answer lay in finding a theory of intellectual growth and development which takes into account the learning environment of the disadvantaged child. The Educational Support Services Trust (ESST) has been active in addressing this very issue since 1986. It provides appropriate learner-centred mediational texts to disadvantaged pupils around the country. These materials concentrate on the development of practical intelligence by relating leaming to everyday experience. The Teachers' Methodology Project was designed to change the teachers who were using the ESST materials from being disseminators of information to being managers of a learning-centred classroom environment. The idea was to change the way that teachers thought about teaching and learning. This was accomplished by sharing the methodology of the existing pupils' materials and theories of cognition and mediation with them so that they could become adept at mediating at the level of deconstruction of complex ideas and using this knowledge in the construction and development of their own learning materials, thereby contributing to the mental development of their pupils. My experience as a staff member of the ESST and my background in education provided an entry point to this research via Feuerstein et at's (1980,1991) criteria for mediation, Haywood's (1993) mediational teaching style and a range of other theories and ideas including group work and co-operative learning, graphic organisers, and the ESSTs own theory of mediatory text (Sinclair, 1991). These were consolidated into a learning-centred approach to teaching in which the learner, the teacher and the task become part of the total learning-centred environment. The research began as an investigation of the Teachers' Methdology Project (TMP) and an effort to track teachers' development but grew to include the development of the conceptual mediational framework on which the project was based. This resulted in the development of a classroom observation instrument which was used to evaluate how teachers mediated in their classrooms and how they interacted with pupils. The TMP was implemented through a series of workshops during which teachers examined their assumptions about teaching and learning: explored new avenues for facilitating learning; experienced a learning-centred approach to teaching; acquired new strategies for and knowledge of, theories and atttitudes to teaching and learning and were able to reflect on and practise newly acquired skills in a supportive collegial environment. The research employed a qualitative approach and therefore the documentation of the process took considerable effort. An experiential framework (Kolb, 1974) was used to analyse the process and the results. This mediational experiential framework resulted in a methodology which addressed teachers' attitudes and cognition in a life-related way, taking into account their personal knowledge and experience. The methodology is replicable and has been used in basic adult education and other settings. In addition, the methodology can contribute to the understanding of how Outcomes-based Education could be implemented in South Africa.
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Kundema, Imani Bakari. "Teaching for visual literacy by mathematics teachers in Tanzanian secondary schools." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/60951.
Full textAbstract:
In this study, I examined the topic of teaching for visual literacy by mathematics teachers in Tanzanian secondary schools. One of the goals of teaching mathematics in these schools is for learners to acquire mathematical knowledge and skills, which will be useful in their daily lives and future careers. Several studies have shown that visual literacy enables learners to acquire knowledge and skills that are also useful in their lives and future careers.
It is a well-known fact that mathematics plays an important role in human endeavours, and life in general. On the one hand, research persistently reports that mathematical concepts are too abstract and complex for learners, which makes it difficult for teachers to teach these concepts effectively. On the other hand, the literature suggests that teaching mathematics for visual literacy could assist learners in understanding mathematical concepts easily, and developing visual literacy skills. Learners could better understand the mathematical concepts being taught and acquire visual literacy skills through the use of both teacher-centred and learner-centred teaching styles and various teaching strategies, including traditional teaching; group work, in particular cooperative learning; discovery; problem-based learning; multimedia instruction; as well as providing an opportunity for learners to interpret visual information and use visual media.
Using a case study of three mathematics teachers from three schools, this study examined how Tanzanian secondary school mathematics teachers taught for visual literacy in Form 2 classrooms. The data was collected using classroom observations and interviews. The findings from the collected data have suggested that Tanzanian mathematics teachers do not meet the requirements for teaching mathematics for visual literacy due to various factors, such as the length of the syllabus, lack of pedagogical content knowledge, insufficient technology and dynamic media in schools, teachers' beliefs, National Examinations rules and regulations, and overcrowded classrooms. Recommendations for further studies based on this study have also been made.Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2016.
Science, Mathematics and Technology Education
MEd
Unrestricted
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Shihiba, Salama Embark S. "An investigation of Libyan EFL teachers’ conceptions of the communicative learner-centred approach in relation to their implementation of an English language curriculum innovation in secondary schools." Thesis, Durham University, 2011. http://etheses.dur.ac.uk/878/.
Full textAbstract:
This phenomenographical investigation explores conceptions of the communicative learner-centred approach (CLCA) held by a sample of Libyan English foreign language teachers (EFL) in relation to their implementation of an English language curriculum innovation in secondary schools. A mixed approach employing quantitative (survey questionnaire) and qualitative (semi-structure interview) research methods was used for data collection during the first phase of this research. Martons’ (1981)phenomenographical approach was employed for analysing the qualitative data and the Statistical Package of Social Sciences (SPSS) programme was used for analysing the quantitative data. Content analysis was used for analysing qualitative data gathered through an open-ended questionnaire completed by ten English language inspectors during the second phase of this research. Fourteen conceptions and misconceptions of the CLCA have been explored through this investigation. School location and place of graduation did not have significant effect on teachers’ conception of the principles and practices of the CLCA and the teachercentred approach (TCA). However, the less experienced teachers were more positive about those related to the TCA than were the experienced ones. Influential barriers related to individual, contextual and cultural considerations have been identified as responsible for limiting the success of the teachers’ attempts to implement this approach. Nevertheless, the majority of the participants (teachers and inspectors) were positive about the notion of implementing the CLCA for teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL) in the Libyan context. However, the current conditions and realities in Libya seem to fit a weak version of this approach but not a strong one. i This study is significant because it adds to the literature new insights about EFL teachers’ conceptions and practices of the CLCA as a Western teaching methodology for TEFL in developing countries and challenges the argument of considering this approach inappropriate in these contexts. The findings of this study also have potential implications for school reform, curriculum design, EFL teacher education and training and for developing the role of language inspectors in Libya. These implications may be applied in similar contexts. Moreover, this study provides empirical evidence for the possibility of employing both qualitative and quantitative approaches in phenomenographical investigations.
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Smith, Angela Maria. "How do the pedagogical beliefs of primary school teachers affect the implementation of learner centred instruction in the early childhood education curriculum? : a case study of two primary schools in Barbados." Thesis, University of Sheffield, 2016. http://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/16693/.
Full textAbstract:
This qualitative case study was undertaken due to concerns about Barbadian pupils’ continuous challenges in answering higher order questions and thinking creatively and critically. Learner centred instruction (LCI) has been deemed by the Barbadian government as an effective approach to counteract these difficulties from the early years. This study therefore aimed to explore and analyze the pedagogical beliefs of teachers in the context of implementing LCI in the Barbadian Early Childhood Education (ECE) Curriculum. The sample consisted of eight teachers purposively selected from the 4-6 age groups of two primary schools, four of whom were observed in their classrooms after being interviewed. An author designed semi-structured interview schedule and two author-designed checklists comprised the data collection tools. Follow-up interviews were also conducted after observing the lessons. The data were analyzed descriptively. The findings of the research indicated that all the teachers expressed the belief that LCI in ECE should be implemented as it was important, relevant and beneficial to both teachers and pupils with the pupils deriving long-term benefits and experiencing a greater level of motivation to learn. However interpretation of the data from the classroom observations suggested a “belief-practice gap” (Li, Wang and Wong, 2011, p. 6) in that there was some discrepancy between the teachers’ espoused and enacted practices. The main discrepancy concerned the extent to which the teachers demonstrated traditional teaching. They accounted for the inconsistencies as being largely due to contextual factors such as insufficient classroom space, materials, mentorship and training. Implications are drawn about understanding teachers’ beliefs about implementing innovations, about formal teacher education, curriculum reassessment, clear understanding of contextual factors that impact innovations, teacher collaboration and collegiality, administrative support and understanding changes in learning and teaching approaches by partners in education. The findings of this study can provide a reference for other Caribbean islands wishing to implement LCI in ECE.
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Van, Aswegen Sonja-Mariè. "An analysis of learner-centredness within teacher education institutions : case study / Sonja-Mariè van Aswegen." Thesis, North-West University, 2004. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/49.
Full textAbstract:
Over the past few years many changes have taken place in the content and presentation of teacher
education programmes in South Africa due to the paradigm shift from teaching to learning. As a result,
the primary learning environment for undergraduate students, the fairly passive lecture-discussion format
where teacher educators talk and most students listen, is contrary to almost every principle of an optimal
student learning setting. The current view in teacher education is that teacher educators should create
learner-centred and learner-controlled environments where student learning and success determine the
boundary.
The idea of focusing on learning rather than teaching requires that teacher educators rethink their role
and the role of students in the teaching and learning process. When focussing on learning rather than
teaching, teacher educators must challenge their basic assumptions about how people learn and what
the roles of teacher educators should be. It may be necessary to unlearn previously acquired teaching
habits, and rethink the role of assessment and feedback in learning.
Meaningful, formative assessment can play a key role in shifting to a learner-centred approach because
it provides important information to both students and teacher educators at all stages of the learning
process. To achieve this, it is essential that teacher educators do not simply add assessment as an extra
to an existing, non-interactive scheme of work, but that they integrate assessment effectively and
efficiently with their instruction. This requires a major shift in how assessment is planned and integrated
and a working framework for integrating assessment with instruction can be most valuable to teacher
educators.
The purpose of this study was to:
Determine the nature and scope of ESL teacher educators' tasks, within a Faculty of Education Sciences, at a tertiary institution. Determine the extent to which ESL teacher educators are implementing a learner-centred approach to teaching and learning. Identify the factors, if any, that impede the transition to a learner-centred approach to teaching and learning. Provide recommendations to facilitate the implementation of a learner-centred approach to teaching
and learning.
Determine how, when and how often ESL teacher educators are currently conducting assessment.
Identify possible shortcomings of the existing assessment system of ESL teacher educators.
Provide a framework for implementing assessment within a learner-centred approach to teaching and
learning.
A one-shot cross-sectional survey design was used in this study. The participants included all the
teacher educators (N=5) within the Subject Group English in the Faculty of Education Sciences .at the
Potchefstroom University.
Three data collection techniques were used in this study, namely a questionnaire, semi-structured
interviews and classroom observations. The purpose was to triangulate the data in order to get as
complete a picture as possible of the extent to which the teacher educators' teaching and learning
~racticesre flected a focus on learner-centredness.
The results of the study can be summarised as follows:
Descriptive statistics (means and percentages) were used to analyse the data. The data collected during
the interviews were reported as narratives.
The results indicated that the teacher educators in this study spent a significant percentage of their time
on preparation for class meetings and assessment. Each teacher educator taught for the full twelve
weeks of each semester and, therefore, did not have one week free of teaching the entire year.
Although the teacher educators embraced some learner-centred methods such as group work and
interactive class discussions, they still assumed most of the responsibility for the learning processes and
classroom behaviour of the students. They mainly focused on what to present in the contact sessions
and spent time organizing presentations of information rather than developing materials to facilitate
learning. The teacher educators often reverted to more familiar, traditional approaches and emphasized
the following issues as affecting the effective and efficient transition to learner-centredness: curriculum
coverage and lack of time, lack of proper training, size of student groups, other teacher educators'
cynical attitudes and students' attitudes towards learning. The teacher educators made use of a variety of assessment methods and assessed students continuously, but these assessments were not used for promoting student learning, but rather for grading purposes. Students received traditional feedback such as grades, marks and scores, but they seldom received feedback on what they did wrong and how they could rectify it. Overall, it was assessment of
learning and not assessment for learning.
A major factor impeding the implementation of a learner-centred assessment approach was the demand
formative assessment methods placed on the professional time of the teacher educators. In order to
utilise time effectively and integrate assessment with the instructional design, teacher educators expressed the need for a workable framework to assist them in planning their assessment practices.Thesis (M.Ed.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2004.
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Silva, Maria Antónia Pinto Soares Duarte. "A dimensão intercultural do inglês como língua estrangeira em contexto de formação profissional - estudo de caso." Doctoral thesis, Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas, Universidade Nova de Lisboa, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10362/10102.
Full textAbstract:
Trabalho de Projecto apresentado para cumprimento dos requisitos necessários à obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ensino do InglêsEste estudo de caso foi conduzido com um grupo de adultos de diferentes graus de Inglês que participaram num curso profissional de Comércio Internacional no Centro de Formação CECOA em Lisboa. O curso consistiu em 125 horas de ensino de Inglês. A finalidade do projecto foi a de aproveitar este curso de 6 meses para experimentar/ pôr em prática algumas das ideias apresentadas durante os seminários de Mestrado, nomeadamente: Intercultural Awareness e Intercultural Competence, Learner-Centred Learning e Task-based Learning/Teaching. Os objectivos do projecto foram: explorar de que forma (professor e alunos) podem desenvolver a competência intercultural e centrar-se nas responsabilidades comunicativas no contexto do ensino do Inglês num curso de Comércio Internacional; explorar de que forma a abordagem e metodologia usadas podem facilitar a aquisição de aptidões de competência intercultural e linguagem profissional. O curso foi desenhado de forma a incluir o desenvolvimento da consciencialização intercultural e de aptidões de comunicação num contexto profissional. Considerando os principais princípios teóricos implicados na planificação do curso, este estudo descreve (e analisa) o conjunto de tarefas e simulações usadas para desenvolver a autonomia e as competências linguística e intercultural dos formandos, aptidões exigidas nas organizações internacionais. Por último é analisada a representação final de uma conferência internacional, trabalhada e simulada pelos formandos, como preparação para uma carreira no âmbito negocial.
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Golightly, Aubrey. "Kriteria en strategieë vir die optimering van kontaktyd in die bereiking van leeruitkomste in die geografie-opleiding van onderwysstudente / Aubrey Golightly." Thesis, North-West University, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10394/656.
Full textAbstract:
With the acceptance of Outcomes-based Education (OBE) in South Africa, the
emphasis shifted from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred instruction approach.
The learner-centred teaching approach of OBE is based on the social constructivistic
teaching view. This view is based on the fundamental acceptance that people
construe knowledge through interaction between their existing knowledge and beliefs
and new ideas or situations within a social environment or milieu. It is thus essential
that future Geography education students receive training in a similar manner as that
which is expected of them as future practising teachers.
Lecturers' and students' beliefs and perceptions of how instruction must take place,
in the majority of cases, still support the traditional direct instruction approach where
lecturers transfer knowledge to students mainly through formal lectures. The
acceptance of the social constructivistic teaching approach for the training of
Geography education students implies that the beliefs of lecturers and students as
well as their roles in the teaching learning process, must change. This means that
the purpose of contact time between lecturer and students must necessarily change.
Contact time should not just be used by the lecturer for presenting content. It is the
task of the Geography lecturer to create a learning environment where students are
actively involved in cooperative learning environments in the learning process. The
lecturer acts as facilitator, guide, enabler and fellow-explorer in the learning process.
Contact sessions must be used to offer the students the opportunity to report back on
the learning assignments and activities or to reflect on what has been learnt.
Continuous formative assessment takes place during contact and non-contact times
to give quick feedback on learning. The lecturer and students are involved in the
assessment process. Clear assessment criteria must be compiled by the lecturer in
cooperation with students so that the students will know precisely what is expected of
them.
Together with the learner-centred teaching approach, certain universities worldwide
have been obliged to decrease contact time between lecturer and student. Reasons
for this can mainly be ascribed to an increase in student numbers and to effectively
vii
manage the lecturers' time so that more time can be spent on research. The lecturer
is supposed to design and plan a specific module so that the set learning outcomes
could be achieved within the reduced time. Different guidelines are identified in the
context of reducing contact time so as to ensure the effective achievement of
learning outcomes. The lecturer should prepare, plan and manage contact time.
Students must also accept larger responsibility for independent learning and attain
some of the learning outcomes during non-contact times. To support students during
non-contact times and to guide them in the attainment of learning outcomes and
completion of assignments, students must make use of resource-based learning.
The interactive study guide and work planning, as developed and compiled by the
lecturer, is necessary for providing students with assistance and guidance so that
students know precisely what is expected of them, what resources to use and when.
It is furthermore necessary that the assessment strategies, that are used in the
teaching of Geography, support the decrease in contact time. Bigger responsibility is
given to students in the assessment process and is included in self and peer group
assessment of and feedback to assignments. The Geography education lecturer
involved in the development of the different Geography modules must make sure that
over-assessment does not take place, but that students are exposed to multiple
assessment methods.
Decision-making by university management on decreased contact time was probably
taken without considering the full implications for learner-centred teaching. This
study is an attempt to implement a learner-centred teaching approach in the
Geography training of education students within the optimising of contact time
between lecturer and students. A concept model for the Geography training of
education students was developed to ensure the successful attainment of learning
outcomes. The perception and attitudes of the students regarding the concept model
in Geography-training within the optimising of contact time was analysed, after which
the examination results of the students were compared with results of previous years.
From the information required in the literature as well as in the implementation of the
concept model in Geography training, criteria and strategies for the effective training
of Geography teachers in the optimising of contact time were developed.Thesis (Ph.D.)--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.
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Williams, Anthony Marlon. "Investigating the use of computer tablets in the teaching of mathematics in a grade 9 classroom." UWC, 2020. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/7555.
Full textAbstract:
Philosophiae Doctor - PhDThe use of technology in mathematics education has many potentially positive outcomes. There is, however, little evidence to show where the use of technology has made a significant impact on mathematics education in South Africa. This study aims to address the issue of how computer tablets are currently used in the mathematics classroom. The researcher drew a comparison between learners who were taught with computer tablets and learners who were taught in the traditional way by evaluating the learners' progress after being taught on the topic of 3D images. This assessment was done in the form of a pre-test and a post-test that were administered to both classes on a topic of 3D images that was taught during this allocated time. The research is located in the third-generation activity theory. It is based on the socio-cultural theory of Lev Vygotsky, but it is blended with modern western theories as described by Engeström. The researcher made use of a mixed methods approach starting with a qualitative survey, followed by a pre-test, observations and concluding with a post-test. The pre-test and post-test determined whether cognitive knowledge was gained. The participants in the study were a group of 15-year-old learners at a private school where the one class was taught using computer tablets in the mathematics classroom, and the other class was taught the same content without computer tablets. A qualitative survey was sent to 27 schools within a particular school group where teachers indicated the popular Apps that were used in the mathematics classroom in this school group. Teachers also gave reasons why these were the Apps of choice and elaborated on how they were using these Apps. The quantitative part of this research was guided by the results of the survey and the 5 most popular Applications (Apps) were used in the teaching experiment. The quantitative part focused on two classrooms within the same school where the one class were taught with computer tablets and the other class were taught without the use of computer tablets. The t-test for this research showed that the group of learners who were taught with computer tablets achieved significantly better results than the class of learners who were taught using hard copy textbooks with traditional methods of teaching. This study showed that having computer tablets in schools can be effective in the mathematics classroom. The recommendations emanating from this study indicates that school who are planning to use computer tablets in the mathematics classroom should first plan their wi-fi capabilities with enough access points and internet access. These schools also need to decide on a type of computer tablet and what operating system to use. This decision has implications to the accessibility of quality Apps, battery life and storage space of the computer tablet. Schools are recommended to have a plan for training teachers in the use of this computer tablets especially regarding the pedagogical practice when interacting with learners. A last recommendation is to nurture a culture of computer tablet use amongst the learners to discipline themselves to charge and maintain their computer tablets and apply it to educational use. This study includes a pedagogical framework in respect of the effective use of computer tablets in the mathematics classroom.
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Strydom, Carina. "Two class teachers' experiences of group music therapy for intellectually impaired learners in Namibia." Diss., University of Pretoria, 2011. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/30600.
Full textAbstract:
This research study explored the impact of group music therapy at a school for intellectually impaired learners in Namibia. The research project generated qualitative data through individual interviews of two teachers at a school for intellectually impaired learners. Interviews were conducted with each teacher before and after participating in ten group music therapy sessions with their learners. The data was compared and discussed in terms of the teachers’ experience of the impact of group music therapy on (i) their perceptions of their learners and how this influenced their teaching approach, and (ii) their perception of music therapy as a profession. Results generated from the interviews indicated that, through participation in music therapy sessions, learners experienced and explored their individual capabilities through the medium of music. Teachers observed their learners’ potential in new areas and in this way obtained a more holistic view of their learners. As a result of noting learners’ diverse abilities, teachers also adapted their teaching approaches to work in a more learner-centred way. This complemented their classroom approach based on the Namibian educational policy of learner-centred education in which learners’ individual competencies are to be developed, requiring teachers’ sensitivity towards their learners’ needs and abilities. Findings of this study further indicated a more in-depth understanding of music therapy as an intervention by the teachers after participating in sessions with their learners. This suggests that first-hand experience provides an effective way of understanding the music therapy profession and the possibilities that it may hold in a special school for intellectually impaired learners. Findings further highlighted some challenges that may need to be overcome when implementing a music therapy programme in a special school. CopyrightDissertation (MMus)--University of Pretoria, 2011.
Music
unrestricted
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Mathew, Samuel K. "An investigation into the implementation of computer-assisted education in outcomes-based education a case study at Sterling Primary School in East London /." Diss., Pretoria : [s.n.], 2004. http://upetd.up.ac.za/thesis/available/etd-03302005-145607.
Full text
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Walker, Elly Marijke. "Motivation-centred andragogics for the female adult learner." Thesis, 2014. http://hdl.handle.net/10210/9541.
Full text
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Matsau, 'Mamonaheng Amelia. "Investigating the learner-centred approach in language teaching in Lesotho." 2007. http://eprints.vu.edu.au/1445/1/Matsau.pdf.
Full textAbstract:
In Lesotho the policy regarding language learning and teaching is spelt out in the syllabus. Inspired by the constitution and resulting from broad consultations the policy requires the active involvement of learners through a learner-centred mode of delivery. This study investigates the use of learner-centred approach in the teaching of English and Sesotho languages in Lesotho secondary schools. The researcher describes the learner-centred approach to teaching as it can be observed in the context of Lesotho; examines skills acquired through the learner-centred approach; inquires into the learning that is experienced in learner-centred classrooms; and considers how the approach can be improved. The findings, based on learners’ and teachers’ questionnaires, observations and focus group discussions, indicate that certain learner-centred strategies suggested in the syllabus as well as other methods are used; and certain skills and content knowledge are acquired from each learner-centred strategy simultaneously. Past experience is crucial in assisting learners to form and build new knowledge. Moreover, it is apparent that learners and teachers consider working alone (not always considered a learner-centred strategy) to be important in building confidence and independence skills. Suggestions are also forwarded as to how to improve and maximise the teaching of languages using the learner-centred approach.
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Keetshabe, Isaac Keoagile Masole. "The influence of teacher beliefs on their assessment practices." Diss., 2010. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/26770.
Full textAbstract:
After decades of implementing a teacher-centred curriculum in Botswana, a learner-centred curriculum was introduced into the education system in 1998. The course of this, teachers had to make a paradigm shift that radically affected the manner in which they were expected to assess learners. I utilised a qualitative case study as the basis for this research which sets out to investigate how the release of teachers influence their assessment practices. The following three findings emerged from this study: Firstly, although the curriculum recommended a learner-centred approach, teachers have been inadequately trained and prepared for learner-centred assessment. Secondly, despite their inadequate training, it seems that teachers had developed confidence in their ability to carry out these new assessment practices. Thirdly, despite this radical policy change, many teachers are still utilizing teacher-centred assessment practices. CopyrightDissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2010.
Humanities Education
unrestricted
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Labuschagne, Elizabeth Ellen. "Factors to consider in the transition from a teacher-centred model to a learner-centred model in a computer-rich learning environment." Diss., 2003. http://hdl.handle.net/2263/22843.
Full textAbstract:
This study reports on an exploration of one group’s experience of making the transition from a teacher-centred to a learner-centred computer-rich classroom. The learners’ experiences are investigated in the light of the premises of learner-centred learning as they are defined by the American Psychological Association. The researcher seeks to identify the factors that would make the transition to a more learner-centred learning environment easier for learners and provides some factors that teachers need to consider if they wish successfully to transform their classrooms to a learner-centred learning environment. A case study examines the reactions of one group of learners to the transition. Learners were required to complete three types of projects. These projects were on different levels of learner-centeredness. The data was collected in three main ways: from participant observation, interviews and focus-group discussions, and from an analysis of the assessment results on the projects. The study concluded that learners had to learn how to cope and perform well in a learner-centred class environment, and that the matriculation examination at the end of the year undermines the effectiveness of learning in a learner-centred learning environment.Dissertation (MEd(Computer-integrated Education))--University of Pretoria, 2005.
Curriculum Studies
unrestricted
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Shatumbu, Ndapanda Loide. "Teachers’ perceptions on learner-centred approach : a case of selected secondary schools in Namibia." Diss., 2019. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/27231.
Full textAbstract:
Namibia is one of the countries with distinct historical education systems that
shifted from the traditional teacher-centred approach to learner-centred
approach to improve learning outcomes. Despite for the call upon secondary
school teachers in Namibia to adopt the learner-centred approach, the pass
rates for Grade 10 Junior Secondary Certificate (JSC) in Namibia remains very
low with about 50% of the Grade 10 JSC learners failing to make it for senior
secondary level. Therefore, this study sought to explore science teachers’
knowledge, practice and perception of learner-centred approach. This study
employed a pragmatic approach using an explanatory sequential mixedmethods
design to collect quantitative data first and then explaining the
quantitative results with in-depth qualitative data. The structured questionnaire,
interview protocol and observation protocol were used as research instruments to collect data from a sample of 20 participants. The quantitative data analysis
was used for the data collected by the questionnaire while qualitative data
analysis was used for the data collected by interview and the observation
protocols. The results showed an understanding of learner-centred approach
and most teachers use a mixed approach to teaching that incorporates both
learner-centred approach and teacher-centred approach. Furthermore, results
showed that teachers view learner-centred approach as effective but its
effectiveness is reduced by poor participation of learners, large class sizes and
inadequate instructional materials. Following the results, it was recommended
that the Ministry of Education and education policy makers must consider
strategies to reduce challenges to the effectiveness of learner-centred approach to improve learner performance.Science and Technology Education
M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)
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Ramakhanya, Ephraim Takalani Happy. "Implications of continuous assessment for effective teaching and learning in a learner-centred curriculum." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/11602/42.
Full text
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Tshabalala, Gugulethu Precious. "Teacher development in preparation for pedagogical reform associated with the International General Certificate of Secondary Education (IGCSE) of Swaziland." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/11401.
Full textAbstract:
Swaziland changed its pedagogy from the teacher-centred O level to IGCSE which is learnercentred.
In preparation for a pedagogical change, some logistics were put into place; amongst
these, teacher development. Research points out that what the teacher does in class is
significant and has a bearing in the learner’s outcomes, therefore appropriate and adequate
teacher training should be afforded to the implementers of a new pedagogy.
This study seeks to find out how Swazi teachers were trained in preparation for the
pedagogical change. The study was done in a qualitative manner, whereby semi-structured
interviews were used as a method of collecting data.
The study revealed that even though teachers were trained for the implementation of the new
pedagogy, the training was not effective because it was for a few days, no effective follow up
was made and it also did not take into consideration the teachers’ pedagogical needs, it
assumed a one-size-fit all approach.
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Manqele, Clement Mandlenkosi. "An evaluation of learner-centred teaching as part of curriculum delivery in under-resourced schools." Thesis, 2017. http://hdl.handle.net/10500/23198.
Full textAbstract:
The educational changes introduced by the South African democratic dispensation after 1994 were meant to address the apartheid imbalances. The self-governing regime sought to bring and safeguard quality education for all, and to amend the previous education inequalities among all racial groups. Hence, the new curriculum that was introduced by the National Department of Basic Education was meant to be a drastic departure from the school curricula of the apartheid administration. One critical innovation sought was to replace a teacher-centred curriculum with a learner-centred curriculum.
The emphasis of this study, therefore, was to determine the level to which learner- centred teaching has been adopted by rural and underdeveloped schools. The selection of rural schools was informed by the obvious differences that still persist between the former Model C schools and those that were predominantly black and underdeveloped, particularly in terms of resources and the quality of teachers. Given the fact that the main feature of the Outcomes Based Education (OBE) that was introduced from 1996 is that it is resource-reliant, the main research question of the study was therefore: How do educators in rural and underdeveloped schools cope with a learner-centred teaching as part of the curriculum innovation?
In order to riposte to the study’s main question, the researcher used qualitative research methods to discern data from Physical Sciences teachers, learners and Physical Sciences Heads of Departments (Hods) from the selected schools. In addition, the researcher conducted classroom teaching observations, analysed relevant documents and interviewed some participants to determine their views and experiences on using a learner-centred approach.
The findings of the study revealed many challenges to rural schools in adopting and implementing a learner-centred approach. These include the lack of relevant resources, poor quality of teachers, insufficient and inappropriate teacher-support programmes for teachers as well as the rural environmental challenges. The overall conclusion of the study is that, after two decades since the introduction of a learner-centred approach in South Africa, rural schools have not yet managed to adopt and implement learner-centred pedagogy as an important part of the post-1994 educational innovations.
The researcher finds it ironic that apartheid education was demonized for promoting inequality around racial lines. Sadly, the post-apartheid innovations have yet to address equality among the racial groups and areas of resident. The inability of rural schools to adopt and implement learner-centred approach is depriving black and rural learners of quality learning. They are still subjected to a teacher-centred learning which does not assist them to acquire required skills which can help them to compete with those learners who are attending affluent urban schools.Curriculum and Instructional Studies
D. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)
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Mbuli, Lisa Jabulile. "Exploring the pedagogic modalities of Siswati and English teachers during teaching and learning in relation to the socio-cultural context of Swaziland." Thesis, 2016. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/20039.
Full textAbstract:
SUBMITTED IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF A DEGREE OF MASTER IN EDUCATION
Wits School of Education, Curriculum Studies
University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
2015This study presents an exploration of the pedagogic modalities displayed by SiSwati and English teachers during teaching and learning in two Swaziland government schools. The study further seeks to explore the links between the pedagogic choices teachers make in the classroom and the socio-cultural context of Swaziland. The idea of pedagogic modalities being classified as either learner-centred or teacher-centred is used as a starting point for the study but the dichotomy set up between these two modes is challenged. The study uses a phenomenological qualitative methodology. It uses semi-structured interviews and lesson observations of two teachers who teach both SiSwati and English in two different government high schools located in the Lubombo region of Swaziland. A major finding of the study was that both teachers’ understandings of learner-centred pedagogy only partially engaged with descriptions of learner-centred pedagogy as outlined in the literature reviewed for this research. This finding highlights the possibility that teachers are not empowered to confidently describe their own practice in teacher-centred terms. It was also found that the teachers’ perceptions of knowledge, their view of their own role and the learners’ role in the classroom influenced the pedagogic approaches selected by each teacher during teaching and learning. Additionally, some pedagogic moves could be linked to the socio-cultural context of Swaziland. The study also revealed that learner- and teacher-centred modalities are not mutually exclusive. It was found that despite being predominantly teacher-centred in their practice, teachers were able to draw on techniques classified in both modes. This means teachers displayed variety in their practice, exhibiting what Brodie, Lelliot and Davis (2002) describe as “hybrid practice” (p. 545), as they used a range of approaches that fit with local views about knowledge, learner participation and the teachers’ role in the classroom. Finally the study calls for further empirical research that documents teachers’ practices in order to generate a theory which would describe pedagogy from the perspective of teachers and their context. This would place sub-Saharan African teachers at the centre of the debate, rather than keeping them on the periphery, silenced as their practice is spoken over and interpreted by the dominant and hegemonic culture of those who would promote LCE in developing country contexts. Key words: pedagogy, pedagogic modality, learner-centred, teacher-centred, pedagogic choices, binary, socio-cultural context, Swaziland.
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Enos, Mukatuni Gumani. "The facilitation strategies used by three life science teachers to implement learner-centred teaching and learning." Thesis, 2012. http://hdl.handle.net/10539/11324.
Full textAbstract:
The study investigated the facilitation strategies that three Life Science teachers use to implement learner-centred teaching and learning within the context of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS). The following research questions guided the study:
How do FET Life Science teachers interpret and understand their role as facilitators in the classroom?
What facilitation strategies do three Life Science teachers use to implement learner-centred approaches to teaching and learning?
The descriptors of constructivist teaching behaviours used by Brook and Brooks (1993) were used to frame the study. The case study methodology was adopted for the study. Interviews and classroom observation were used as the sources of data. Research questions, commonsense, personal experience, literature reviewed and the theoretical and conceptual framework of the study were used to formulate initial categories to guide data analysis. The interpretive model of analyzing data was adopted.
The three teachers have a similar understanding of facilitation but emphasize different aspects. One of the teachers indicated that learners must be given a chance to practise, and shifts learning from the teacher to the learner’s needs and skills, while the other two teachers describe facilitation as learner-centred or teacher-centred, but do not elaborate to show their understanding of facilitation.
The interview shows that the teachers have a good theoretical background of their roles as facilitators in teaching and learning. Teachers viewed their role as facilitator as planning their lessons, engaging learners in the learning process, asking learners appropriate questions, listening and giving feedback, providing directions, and motivating the learners. The challenge is on the implementation of their roles in the classroom situation due to some contextual factors.
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Kapenda, Hileni Magano. "Translating policy into practice: aspects of learner-centred classroom practices in mathematics in Namibia secondary schools." 2008. http://hdl.handle.net/11394/3645.
Full textAbstract:
Philosophiae Doctor - PhD"This study is guided by theories about educational policy implementation and their implications for teaching. These theories underline the notion that educational reform is a progress and it iv comes in cycles. According to Tyack and Cuban (1995), the first cycle (policy talk) is for diagnosing problems and for advocacy of solutions. It is followed by policy action; then actual implementation of the plan. The implications for these theories therefore imply that teachers play an important role in any educational reform and as such should be involved in any decision making and policy implementation in order to make any change in education a worthwhile process (Fullan, 2001; Helsby, 1999; Tyack and Cuban, 1995). This study focused on the implementation of the policy document Towards education for All: A development brief for education, culture, and training and its implications on mathematics teachers at secondary schools. The policy document highlights the main features of Learner-Centered approaches. Therefore, the aim of the study is to investigate how mathematics teachers implement Learner-Centered Education in Mathematics classrooms in Namibia..."
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Khoboli, Benedict Mapere. "Changes in science teachers' practice of learner-centred education as a result of action research in Lesotho." Thesis, 2005. http://hdl.handle.net/10413/3621.
Full textAbstract:
The study looks at Lesotho Science teachers' understanding, practice and explanation of learner-centred education (LCE) prior to, during and after different activities. Six Physics teachers from Maseru were selected from 20 who attended an initial meeting and workshop. The selected teachers participated in the research for two years, completing a Baseline Study, then 3 cycles of planning, acting, observing, and reflecting in the action research on LCE. During the Baseline Study and each of the action research cycles, the teachers' explanations, understandings and practices of learner-centred education were determined through analyses of discussions and meetings, lesson plans, classroom practices, responses to the literature and other support activities, and interviews with the teachers. The process was collaborative, with the teachers and the researcher working as a team in the planning, observations of classrooms, reflections and analyses. The teachers changed their understanding and practices significantly in the course of the study. Consistent with the Concerns-based Adoption Model (CBAM), their primary concerns shifted from classroom management issues and impediments to learner-centred education in their schools at the start, to adaptation, innovation, and conducting teacher-workshops at the end. Early in the project, they opted for a model of learner-centred education comprised of three levels: caring for learners and their learning; adopting learner-centred teaching methods and allowing learners to influence the content and desired outcomes of the learning. During the research, within the team and in classrooms, the teachers developed each of these levels, though they applied the third level more in their own learning as part of the action research, than in their classrooms. At the end, the teachers co-constructed a model of LCE which they felt was doable under the conditions in Lesotho (including school constraints and competing demands on teachers and curriculum), and which would meet the expectations of principals, parents and learners. The teachers changed not only in their professional knowledge and skills, but in social-professional and self-professional aspects. For example, they began inviting other teachers to observe their classes, they conducted workshops in their schools, and enrolled for higher degrees. The teachers persisted with the study for two years, not because of school expectations or pressures, but because they wanted to participate. Their motivation was high, arising from a mix of personal, professional, career and school factors. Their motivations shifted during the research, as their knowledge and concerns changed, and they came to see different opportunities from what they had imagined at the start. Through participation and collaboration, they extended the objectives and outcomes of the study beyond its initial focus on learner-centred education in classrooms: they defined and addressed their own personal, social and professional interests. The data demonstrated that teachers' engagement with in-service activities that provide for long-term project-based learning, critical collaboration, support and reflection, can bring personal and group change more significantly than in conventional district and national workshops.Theses (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu Natal, 2005.