The effectiveness of training educators on implementing the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) in the intersen phases (grades 4-7) in Wattville primary schools.
- Authors: Malesa, Gladness Matsela
- Date: 2008-09-26T07:09:37Z
- Subjects: Training of teachers , competency based eduaction , effective teaching , Gauteng ( South Africa ) , teachers' training curricula
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1042
- Description: M. Ed. (Education Management) , The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of training educators on implementing the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) in the Intersen (Grades 4-7) phases in Wattville primary schools. The problem is that there is lack of effective implementation of RNCS due to the lack of proper and adequate training received by educators in this area. The general research question is “What is the importance of implementing the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) in schools?” The aims of the current study are to provide educators with strategies and techniques on implementing RNCS, equip educators with skills and knowledge for the effective implementation of RNCS, to outline a theoretical description of the support needed subsequent the GDE training and to provide educators with staff development programmes for the effective implementation of RNCS. The objectives were to determine the strategies and techniques employed in schools in implementing RNCS and to determine the degree of knowledge and support the participants have received subsequent the GDE training. The study is based on qualitative research, since it sets out to develop an understanding of individuals and events in their natural state. The researcher employed observations, interviews and document analysis as methods of collecting data by personally interacting with the participants in their natural settings. Purposive sampling was employed, where only information-rich participants were chosen for the purpose of the study. The researcher selected participants who were knowledgeable and informative about RNCS so that the best information could be provided for the purpose of the research information. The findings indicated that there is lack of knowledge, skills and understanding on implementing RNCS; the training provided by the GDE was insufficient and inadequate; lack of parental involvement in their children’s learning; lack of Learner v and Teacher Support Materials; lack of educator support subsequent GDE training and finally, lack of staff development programmes in schools. To the findings arrived at, recommendations to the GDE were made as follows: • Intensive educator training by curriculum specialists on RNCS should be conducted. • More educators should be employed to address the issue of learner-educator ratio and overcrowded-ness, which impact negatively on RNCS implementation. • Hands-on training in the form of in-service training and workshops should be provided on continuous basis. • Staff development programmes should be drawn by all educators and conducted by the SMTs, to enhance effective RNCS implementation. , Mr. S.T. Hlongwane
- Full Text:
- Authors: Malesa, Gladness Matsela
- Date: 2008-09-26T07:09:37Z
- Subjects: Training of teachers , competency based eduaction , effective teaching , Gauteng ( South Africa ) , teachers' training curricula
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:10910 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1042
- Description: M. Ed. (Education Management) , The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of training educators on implementing the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) in the Intersen (Grades 4-7) phases in Wattville primary schools. The problem is that there is lack of effective implementation of RNCS due to the lack of proper and adequate training received by educators in this area. The general research question is “What is the importance of implementing the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) in schools?” The aims of the current study are to provide educators with strategies and techniques on implementing RNCS, equip educators with skills and knowledge for the effective implementation of RNCS, to outline a theoretical description of the support needed subsequent the GDE training and to provide educators with staff development programmes for the effective implementation of RNCS. The objectives were to determine the strategies and techniques employed in schools in implementing RNCS and to determine the degree of knowledge and support the participants have received subsequent the GDE training. The study is based on qualitative research, since it sets out to develop an understanding of individuals and events in their natural state. The researcher employed observations, interviews and document analysis as methods of collecting data by personally interacting with the participants in their natural settings. Purposive sampling was employed, where only information-rich participants were chosen for the purpose of the study. The researcher selected participants who were knowledgeable and informative about RNCS so that the best information could be provided for the purpose of the research information. The findings indicated that there is lack of knowledge, skills and understanding on implementing RNCS; the training provided by the GDE was insufficient and inadequate; lack of parental involvement in their children’s learning; lack of Learner v and Teacher Support Materials; lack of educator support subsequent GDE training and finally, lack of staff development programmes in schools. To the findings arrived at, recommendations to the GDE were made as follows: • Intensive educator training by curriculum specialists on RNCS should be conducted. • More educators should be employed to address the issue of learner-educator ratio and overcrowded-ness, which impact negatively on RNCS implementation. • Hands-on training in the form of in-service training and workshops should be provided on continuous basis. • Staff development programmes should be drawn by all educators and conducted by the SMTs, to enhance effective RNCS implementation. , Mr. S.T. Hlongwane
- Full Text:
The marketing of independent schools in Gauteng.
- Authors: Malherbe, Pierre Jacques
- Date: 2008-04-23T13:03:22Z
- Subjects: private schools , marketing of private schools , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/289
- Description: The very mention of the word marketing sends chills down the backs of many educationalists. Preconceptions and myths abound about what marketing of private schools is. Much of the general fear and antagonism towards marketing in private schools is due to a misunderstanding of what marketing is about. One widely held myth in private schools is that “marketing is selling”. Another myth is that marketing is advertising. It is undoubtedly true that private schools are inextricably interwoven into the environment in which they are situated and that the future development and survival of private schools is dependant on the adoption of a holistic view and development of a marketing culture. Marketing at private schools are prerequisites for its survival in a growing and competitive industry. Thus, research into the marketing of private schools and its implications on high quality education was both relevant and opportune. The marketing of private schools is a relatively new concept in South Africa. Many people detest the wholesale importation of the language of business viz., customers and suppliers into the practice of schooling. It therefore suggests a need for a change in attitude and perceptions about the concept of marketing of private schools. The study started with an overview of the historic evolvement of private schools in South Africa and from the discussion it could be gathered that the British public school system seemed to have had a significant impact on the establishment and current day status of private schools in South Africa. ii The evolution of marketing and the basic marketing principles are briefly explained in Chapter three in order to set the scene for the study of marketing in private schools. A whole chapter is devoted to the literature study on the marketing of private schools. Here the focus was on investigating what other researchers and authors of marketing principles have found to be relevant in the marketing of a service industry like private schools. Chapter five elaborated on the qualitative research methodology followed in order to arrive at research findings. A discussion guide comprising of semi-structured in-depth interviews with the principles and or their marketing representatives of 6 randomly selected private schools in Gauteng, was used to form the basis of the research. Some of the important aspects pertaining to and emanating from the literature study was integrated in the analysis of the qualitative research data providing insight into the linkage between data and the available literature on the subject of marketing of private schools. The study concluded with the findings of this research study. It indicated that while private schools have adopted a marketing culture to some degree, the ability to market themselves effectively would depend on the manner in which they included a marketing culture into their ethos and every day existence as private educational institutions. Interaction between the marketing approaches of private schools and the community and industry in South Africa would encourage and promote not only more effective school facilities and resources but also promote quality learner achievements. , Prof. F.J. Herbst
- Full Text:
- Authors: Malherbe, Pierre Jacques
- Date: 2008-04-23T13:03:22Z
- Subjects: private schools , marketing of private schools , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8605 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/289
- Description: The very mention of the word marketing sends chills down the backs of many educationalists. Preconceptions and myths abound about what marketing of private schools is. Much of the general fear and antagonism towards marketing in private schools is due to a misunderstanding of what marketing is about. One widely held myth in private schools is that “marketing is selling”. Another myth is that marketing is advertising. It is undoubtedly true that private schools are inextricably interwoven into the environment in which they are situated and that the future development and survival of private schools is dependant on the adoption of a holistic view and development of a marketing culture. Marketing at private schools are prerequisites for its survival in a growing and competitive industry. Thus, research into the marketing of private schools and its implications on high quality education was both relevant and opportune. The marketing of private schools is a relatively new concept in South Africa. Many people detest the wholesale importation of the language of business viz., customers and suppliers into the practice of schooling. It therefore suggests a need for a change in attitude and perceptions about the concept of marketing of private schools. The study started with an overview of the historic evolvement of private schools in South Africa and from the discussion it could be gathered that the British public school system seemed to have had a significant impact on the establishment and current day status of private schools in South Africa. ii The evolution of marketing and the basic marketing principles are briefly explained in Chapter three in order to set the scene for the study of marketing in private schools. A whole chapter is devoted to the literature study on the marketing of private schools. Here the focus was on investigating what other researchers and authors of marketing principles have found to be relevant in the marketing of a service industry like private schools. Chapter five elaborated on the qualitative research methodology followed in order to arrive at research findings. A discussion guide comprising of semi-structured in-depth interviews with the principles and or their marketing representatives of 6 randomly selected private schools in Gauteng, was used to form the basis of the research. Some of the important aspects pertaining to and emanating from the literature study was integrated in the analysis of the qualitative research data providing insight into the linkage between data and the available literature on the subject of marketing of private schools. The study concluded with the findings of this research study. It indicated that while private schools have adopted a marketing culture to some degree, the ability to market themselves effectively would depend on the manner in which they included a marketing culture into their ethos and every day existence as private educational institutions. Interaction between the marketing approaches of private schools and the community and industry in South Africa would encourage and promote not only more effective school facilities and resources but also promote quality learner achievements. , Prof. F.J. Herbst
- Full Text:
The role of the school governing body in managing fundraising for public primary schools in disadvantaged communities.
- Authors: Maruma, Matsatsi Annah
- Date: 2008-10-14T07:06:03Z
- Subjects: school boards , school management and organization , primary education finance , educational fundraising , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11796 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1151
- Description: M.Ed. , Since the first democratic election in South Africa in 1994, there has been significant change and development in all spheres of our lives. Democracy and the implementation of a new Constitution have brought about changes, even in the education system. The democratic system of education is characterised by the new Act that is, the South African Schools Act (SASA) No. 84 of 1996 (RSA, 1996b). This Act acknowledges the importance of parents as stakeholders in the school governing bodies (SGBs). It also outlines the other important responsibilities of school governing bodies such as taking the responsibility of managing school funds. Section 36 of the South African Schools Act (RSA,1996b) states that “… a governing body of a public school must take all reasonable measures within its means to supplement the resources supplied by the state in order to improve the quality of education provided by the school to all learners at the school.” It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that schools are fully resourced, be it financial, human or physical resources. There is a perception amongst educators and other stakeholders such as parents that resources allocated by the state are inadequate. If the state funds schools fully, more children will receive quality education as the new funding method or formula is applied. Fundraising is necessary to supplement the resources allocated by the state. The lack of funds in disadvantaged communities is the cause of schools being ineffective institutions of teaching and learning. The aim of this research study was to explore the role of the SGB in managing fundraising for public primary schools in disadvantaged communities. This was undertaken in order to formulate guidelines for SGBs to effectively manage fundraising. A qualitative research design that was explorative, descriptive and contextual was employed. The researcher conducted focus group interviews in order to collect data. The data collected was analysed and interpreted and various themes and categories were identified. Quotations from the prescribed interviews were given to substantiate the themes and categories identified through data analysis. According to the literature review and responses from focus group interviews, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that schools are fully resourced. However, this is not possible and it is for this reason that school governing bodies must supplement funds through fundraising. Since this research study was limited to Tembisa West in Ekurhuleni District (D6) one of the recommendations made by the researcher is that further research should be undertaken on managing fundraising in all Gauteng Province public primary schools. Future research studies on this phenomenon must be broader with special emphasis on the experiences and perceptions of SGBs in disadvantaged communities in the Gauteng Province. , Prof. R. Mestry
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maruma, Matsatsi Annah
- Date: 2008-10-14T07:06:03Z
- Subjects: school boards , school management and organization , primary education finance , educational fundraising , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11796 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1151
- Description: M.Ed. , Since the first democratic election in South Africa in 1994, there has been significant change and development in all spheres of our lives. Democracy and the implementation of a new Constitution have brought about changes, even in the education system. The democratic system of education is characterised by the new Act that is, the South African Schools Act (SASA) No. 84 of 1996 (RSA, 1996b). This Act acknowledges the importance of parents as stakeholders in the school governing bodies (SGBs). It also outlines the other important responsibilities of school governing bodies such as taking the responsibility of managing school funds. Section 36 of the South African Schools Act (RSA,1996b) states that “… a governing body of a public school must take all reasonable measures within its means to supplement the resources supplied by the state in order to improve the quality of education provided by the school to all learners at the school.” It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that schools are fully resourced, be it financial, human or physical resources. There is a perception amongst educators and other stakeholders such as parents that resources allocated by the state are inadequate. If the state funds schools fully, more children will receive quality education as the new funding method or formula is applied. Fundraising is necessary to supplement the resources allocated by the state. The lack of funds in disadvantaged communities is the cause of schools being ineffective institutions of teaching and learning. The aim of this research study was to explore the role of the SGB in managing fundraising for public primary schools in disadvantaged communities. This was undertaken in order to formulate guidelines for SGBs to effectively manage fundraising. A qualitative research design that was explorative, descriptive and contextual was employed. The researcher conducted focus group interviews in order to collect data. The data collected was analysed and interpreted and various themes and categories were identified. Quotations from the prescribed interviews were given to substantiate the themes and categories identified through data analysis. According to the literature review and responses from focus group interviews, it is the responsibility of the state to ensure that schools are fully resourced. However, this is not possible and it is for this reason that school governing bodies must supplement funds through fundraising. Since this research study was limited to Tembisa West in Ekurhuleni District (D6) one of the recommendations made by the researcher is that further research should be undertaken on managing fundraising in all Gauteng Province public primary schools. Future research studies on this phenomenon must be broader with special emphasis on the experiences and perceptions of SGBs in disadvantaged communities in the Gauteng Province. , Prof. R. Mestry
- Full Text:
An investigation into the quality of service delivered by the South African Police Service in the North Rand, Gauteng.
- Authors: Mofomme, Audrey Leah
- Date: 2007-10-24T13:43:30Z
- Subjects: Gauteng ( South Africa ) , customer services , South African Police Service
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6398 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/115
- Description: An investigation was conducted into the level and quality of service delivered by the South African Police Service in the Client Service Centres. The problem identification was based on the fact that the Police are the first representatives of the Criminal Justice System with which victims of crime come into contact. It is therefore important that they are not treated bad or victimised by the officials. Quality was measured in terms of the principles of batho pele. The concept of ubuntu was introduced to see how it could be used to enhance these principles. A customer service model was developed and used to evaluate the quality of service rendered by the SAPS. Interviews were conducted with staff, customers and managers. The results of the study showed that employees of the SAPS do not experience internal quality. It was also found that customers were satisfied with the administrative services they received from the police officials. However, the quality of the service rendered is very poor as principles of batho pele are not applied. Police management must apply the principles of batho pele to the employees and empower them to be able to render quality service to the community. , Dr. N.R. Barnes
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mofomme, Audrey Leah
- Date: 2007-10-24T13:43:30Z
- Subjects: Gauteng ( South Africa ) , customer services , South African Police Service
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:6398 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/115
- Description: An investigation was conducted into the level and quality of service delivered by the South African Police Service in the Client Service Centres. The problem identification was based on the fact that the Police are the first representatives of the Criminal Justice System with which victims of crime come into contact. It is therefore important that they are not treated bad or victimised by the officials. Quality was measured in terms of the principles of batho pele. The concept of ubuntu was introduced to see how it could be used to enhance these principles. A customer service model was developed and used to evaluate the quality of service rendered by the SAPS. Interviews were conducted with staff, customers and managers. The results of the study showed that employees of the SAPS do not experience internal quality. It was also found that customers were satisfied with the administrative services they received from the police officials. However, the quality of the service rendered is very poor as principles of batho pele are not applied. Police management must apply the principles of batho pele to the employees and empower them to be able to render quality service to the community. , Dr. N.R. Barnes
- Full Text:
Effects on housing supply of the fragmented administration and expenditure methodology of the Gauteng government.
- Authors: Oosthuizen, A. G
- Date: 2008-06-20T13:42:15Z
- Subjects: Gauteng ( South Africa ) , housing , squatters , construction industry
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/651
- Description: The objective of this dissertation is to examine and evaluate the effects on housing supply of the fragmented administration and expenditure methodology of the Gauteng government. The interrelationship between the supply and demand for houses in a country such as South Africa with its dualistic economy is for historical, as well as socioeconomic reasons, complex. Differences in the supply and demand of housing for the racial groups as identified in the socio-economic policy, known as apartheid, determined expenditure of all administrations up to the beginning of the nineties. Not only were the policy objectives of that time mainly aimed at looking after the interests of the white component of the population, but the outspoken objective for many years, if not for decades, was to keep the standard of accommodation for blacks at a level that would enhance their desire to return to the so-called Homelands or National States. Migrant workers, mostly blacks from the Homelands, were accommodated in hostels run by government (in most cases) or the private sector (mainly mines). It was single-sex accommodation (men only). Their families had to remain in the homelands as their permanent residence. The living conditions in these hostels were poor with an approximate bed:person ratio of 1:2,8 and toilet:person ratio of 1:100. The aims of the hostels were to keep wages low as well as to control black urbanisation. (Rust 1996:139) In its “Policy for the Upgrading of Public Sector Hostels” of 1994, the Department of Housing defined several objectives for the upgrading of the hostels. , Prof. A.G. Nieuwenhuizen
- Full Text:
- Authors: Oosthuizen, A. G
- Date: 2008-06-20T13:42:15Z
- Subjects: Gauteng ( South Africa ) , housing , squatters , construction industry
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3102 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/651
- Description: The objective of this dissertation is to examine and evaluate the effects on housing supply of the fragmented administration and expenditure methodology of the Gauteng government. The interrelationship between the supply and demand for houses in a country such as South Africa with its dualistic economy is for historical, as well as socioeconomic reasons, complex. Differences in the supply and demand of housing for the racial groups as identified in the socio-economic policy, known as apartheid, determined expenditure of all administrations up to the beginning of the nineties. Not only were the policy objectives of that time mainly aimed at looking after the interests of the white component of the population, but the outspoken objective for many years, if not for decades, was to keep the standard of accommodation for blacks at a level that would enhance their desire to return to the so-called Homelands or National States. Migrant workers, mostly blacks from the Homelands, were accommodated in hostels run by government (in most cases) or the private sector (mainly mines). It was single-sex accommodation (men only). Their families had to remain in the homelands as their permanent residence. The living conditions in these hostels were poor with an approximate bed:person ratio of 1:2,8 and toilet:person ratio of 1:100. The aims of the hostels were to keep wages low as well as to control black urbanisation. (Rust 1996:139) In its “Policy for the Upgrading of Public Sector Hostels” of 1994, the Department of Housing defined several objectives for the upgrading of the hostels. , Prof. A.G. Nieuwenhuizen
- Full Text:
Self-esteem in delinquent-prone adolescents in Gauteng
- Authors: Prag, Geeta Manicklal
- Date: 2009-01-28T09:40:59Z
- Subjects: self-esteem in adolescence , deviant behaviour , juvenile delinquency , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14837 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1960
- Description: D.Ed. , Delinquent-prone behaviour amongst the adolescent school population has become a serious problem in South Africa. From the reports in the media, it would seem that many adolescents cannot conform to the demands of society and, consequently, become involved in acts, which may be punishable by law. These acts include illegal substance abuse, stealing, fighting, aggravated assault and bullying of both educators and learners. In this respect, it must be noted that, although society at large tends to highlight delinquent acts of adolescents, very little is discussed about adolescents’ self-esteem or the factors that may have influenced them to perform these acts. Therefore, in order to prevent delinquent behaviour from escalating in our society and perpetuating the vicious cycle, educational psychologists will have to devise ways to understand and identify self-esteem and its contribution to violent behaviour in adolescents, and to prevent these behaviours before they become too ingrained in youths at risk. Taking the above into account, the research problem focused on the nature of self-esteem in delinquent-prone adolescents and how it manifests in their behaviour. Furthermore, the question arose as to what intervention programme could be developed for educational psychologists to render assistance and support to delinquent-prone adolescents, in order to prevent or to change problematic behaviour. This research aimed at exploring and describing the nature of self-esteem in delinquent-prone adolescents, how the self-esteem manifests itself in their behaviour, and to examine the factors that influence the self-esteem of delinquent-prone adolescents. Based on the findings of the study, an intervention programme was developed for educational psychologists to render assistance and support to delinquent-prone adolescents in order to prevent or change problematic behaviour. The research was done through the use of qualitative research strategies, which included a literature review, delinquent-prone adolescents’ written life stories, their responses to an incomplete sentence questionnaire and interviews conducted with participants, and which included the delinquent-prone adolescents themselves, their parents/guardians and housemothers, their educators and principal, the social worker and other parents/guardians of delinquent-prone adolescents who were not selected for this study. For this study, a sample of twenty adolescents, who were between the ages of fourteen and eighteen years, was selected from two secondary schools for this study. The only criteria that were used in the selection of these secondary school adolescents were that they presented with delinquent-prone behaviour. This sample was selected by the social worker at the orphanage and the principal of one of the schools, because they knew these adolescents well. Five categories were identified through data analysis, namely the nature of the self-esteem, feelings, internalised thoughts, delinquent-prone behaviour and significant relationships. The findings indicated that these delinquent-prone adolescents do have low self-esteem. Their feelings and internalised thoughts revealed attitudes and experiences commonly linked with low self-esteem in relevant literature. This low self-esteem manifested itself in their delinquent-prone behaviour, which was categorised as disobedient, covert and overt behaviour. The significant relationships highlighted that, although their peers influenced them to some extent, it was the significant adults in their lives, namely their housemothers, parents/guardians, caregivers and educators who were mentioned mostly in their responses. These significant adults do not appear to have fulfilled their responsibilities adequately, either because they do not know how to or because they do not have sufficient time, or because they themselves are overwhelmed with problems surrounding these adolescents. The findings of this study may not be generalised to other delinquent-prone adolescents, due to the small sample size. However, the research-design chapter did provide an audit trail, which may enable other researchers to determine to what extent their situation is similar to that in this study. What was significant to note was that primary caregivers of these adolescents (housemothers and parents/guardians) and educators seem to be in an ideal position to improve the adolescents’ internal and external environment, in order to enhance their self-esteem. A school-based intervention programme, based on the findings, was developed for educational psychologists to render assistance and support to delinquent-prone adolescents, their primary caregivers (parents/guardians, housemothers or caregivers) and educators in order to prevent or change the adolescents’ delinquent-prone behaviour. The principal areas aimed at enhancing self-awareness, motivation and empowerment, communication, assertiveness, conflict resolution and anger management skills. Other important areas aimed at helping adolescents with grieving and improving emotional intelligence. There are not many (if any) school-based intervention programmes for primary caregivers, educators and delinquent-prone adolescents, to assist the latter to enhance their self-esteem. While the implementation of the suggested programme may be costly, schools need to take the initiative in finding practical solutions at little or no cost by using the voluntary services of social workers or psychologists completing their internships. Measures are needed urgently to curb delinquent-prone behaviour in adolescents. What also became clear, however, was that many delinquent-prone adolescents experience a lack of love, and rejection. It seems justified to argue that support for, and acceptance of, children, maintained constantly, would prevent unacceptable behaviour, at least in some instances. One should not have to hear any child say, “I am tired of looking for love”.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Prag, Geeta Manicklal
- Date: 2009-01-28T09:40:59Z
- Subjects: self-esteem in adolescence , deviant behaviour , juvenile delinquency , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14837 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1960
- Description: D.Ed. , Delinquent-prone behaviour amongst the adolescent school population has become a serious problem in South Africa. From the reports in the media, it would seem that many adolescents cannot conform to the demands of society and, consequently, become involved in acts, which may be punishable by law. These acts include illegal substance abuse, stealing, fighting, aggravated assault and bullying of both educators and learners. In this respect, it must be noted that, although society at large tends to highlight delinquent acts of adolescents, very little is discussed about adolescents’ self-esteem or the factors that may have influenced them to perform these acts. Therefore, in order to prevent delinquent behaviour from escalating in our society and perpetuating the vicious cycle, educational psychologists will have to devise ways to understand and identify self-esteem and its contribution to violent behaviour in adolescents, and to prevent these behaviours before they become too ingrained in youths at risk. Taking the above into account, the research problem focused on the nature of self-esteem in delinquent-prone adolescents and how it manifests in their behaviour. Furthermore, the question arose as to what intervention programme could be developed for educational psychologists to render assistance and support to delinquent-prone adolescents, in order to prevent or to change problematic behaviour. This research aimed at exploring and describing the nature of self-esteem in delinquent-prone adolescents, how the self-esteem manifests itself in their behaviour, and to examine the factors that influence the self-esteem of delinquent-prone adolescents. Based on the findings of the study, an intervention programme was developed for educational psychologists to render assistance and support to delinquent-prone adolescents in order to prevent or change problematic behaviour. The research was done through the use of qualitative research strategies, which included a literature review, delinquent-prone adolescents’ written life stories, their responses to an incomplete sentence questionnaire and interviews conducted with participants, and which included the delinquent-prone adolescents themselves, their parents/guardians and housemothers, their educators and principal, the social worker and other parents/guardians of delinquent-prone adolescents who were not selected for this study. For this study, a sample of twenty adolescents, who were between the ages of fourteen and eighteen years, was selected from two secondary schools for this study. The only criteria that were used in the selection of these secondary school adolescents were that they presented with delinquent-prone behaviour. This sample was selected by the social worker at the orphanage and the principal of one of the schools, because they knew these adolescents well. Five categories were identified through data analysis, namely the nature of the self-esteem, feelings, internalised thoughts, delinquent-prone behaviour and significant relationships. The findings indicated that these delinquent-prone adolescents do have low self-esteem. Their feelings and internalised thoughts revealed attitudes and experiences commonly linked with low self-esteem in relevant literature. This low self-esteem manifested itself in their delinquent-prone behaviour, which was categorised as disobedient, covert and overt behaviour. The significant relationships highlighted that, although their peers influenced them to some extent, it was the significant adults in their lives, namely their housemothers, parents/guardians, caregivers and educators who were mentioned mostly in their responses. These significant adults do not appear to have fulfilled their responsibilities adequately, either because they do not know how to or because they do not have sufficient time, or because they themselves are overwhelmed with problems surrounding these adolescents. The findings of this study may not be generalised to other delinquent-prone adolescents, due to the small sample size. However, the research-design chapter did provide an audit trail, which may enable other researchers to determine to what extent their situation is similar to that in this study. What was significant to note was that primary caregivers of these adolescents (housemothers and parents/guardians) and educators seem to be in an ideal position to improve the adolescents’ internal and external environment, in order to enhance their self-esteem. A school-based intervention programme, based on the findings, was developed for educational psychologists to render assistance and support to delinquent-prone adolescents, their primary caregivers (parents/guardians, housemothers or caregivers) and educators in order to prevent or change the adolescents’ delinquent-prone behaviour. The principal areas aimed at enhancing self-awareness, motivation and empowerment, communication, assertiveness, conflict resolution and anger management skills. Other important areas aimed at helping adolescents with grieving and improving emotional intelligence. There are not many (if any) school-based intervention programmes for primary caregivers, educators and delinquent-prone adolescents, to assist the latter to enhance their self-esteem. While the implementation of the suggested programme may be costly, schools need to take the initiative in finding practical solutions at little or no cost by using the voluntary services of social workers or psychologists completing their internships. Measures are needed urgently to curb delinquent-prone behaviour in adolescents. What also became clear, however, was that many delinquent-prone adolescents experience a lack of love, and rejection. It seems justified to argue that support for, and acceptance of, children, maintained constantly, would prevent unacceptable behaviour, at least in some instances. One should not have to hear any child say, “I am tired of looking for love”.
- Full Text:
The impact of non-payment of fees on the school budget in selected Gauteng schools.
- Authors: Pullinger, Maria Johanna
- Date: 2009-01-28T09:38:31Z
- Subjects: school budgets , educational finance , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14833 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1957
- Description: M.Ed. , In 1994 a new era based on equality and non-discrimination dawned on South Africa, which spelt radical reform in all spheres of government and society. In Education, the challenge was to provide schooling that is uniform in standard and accessible for all learners - a paradigm shift from that of separation of race groups. This shift to redress past inequalities was done through the mechanism of the South African Schools Act that implemented funding reforms to meet the philosophical ideas of the constitutional age. The mechanics of reform is a recurrent cost subsidy, a subsidy to redress previous inequalities and protection of indigent parents, through the exemption clause. It is the unforeseen ramifications of social stigma on the working of the exemption clause, and a culture of non-payment of fees that impacted heavily on the cash flow of schools leaving them technical insolvent. This research paper focuses on the impact of non-payment of fees on schools. The literature study identified causes for the great inequality between schools and the purpose and effect of the Act. The research is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive deconstruction of the factual actuality at issue. This was achieved through individual interviews with the principals of different schools. The factual complex devolves under four categories: - Finances: especially calculation of subsidies and payment thereof, as well as, communication between schools and the provincial departments in this respect. - Budgeting: to cover the liquidity needs of the school, new managerial skills have been acquired by principals coupled with fee collection to maintain liquidity as required by the Act. - Matters pertaining to the Schools Act: arising from the application of the exemption clause in specific and prevalent scenarios and of the limitations of the Act. -Collection of fees: to maintain liquidity.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Pullinger, Maria Johanna
- Date: 2009-01-28T09:38:31Z
- Subjects: school budgets , educational finance , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:14833 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1957
- Description: M.Ed. , In 1994 a new era based on equality and non-discrimination dawned on South Africa, which spelt radical reform in all spheres of government and society. In Education, the challenge was to provide schooling that is uniform in standard and accessible for all learners - a paradigm shift from that of separation of race groups. This shift to redress past inequalities was done through the mechanism of the South African Schools Act that implemented funding reforms to meet the philosophical ideas of the constitutional age. The mechanics of reform is a recurrent cost subsidy, a subsidy to redress previous inequalities and protection of indigent parents, through the exemption clause. It is the unforeseen ramifications of social stigma on the working of the exemption clause, and a culture of non-payment of fees that impacted heavily on the cash flow of schools leaving them technical insolvent. This research paper focuses on the impact of non-payment of fees on schools. The literature study identified causes for the great inequality between schools and the purpose and effect of the Act. The research is a qualitative, exploratory, and descriptive deconstruction of the factual actuality at issue. This was achieved through individual interviews with the principals of different schools. The factual complex devolves under four categories: - Finances: especially calculation of subsidies and payment thereof, as well as, communication between schools and the provincial departments in this respect. - Budgeting: to cover the liquidity needs of the school, new managerial skills have been acquired by principals coupled with fee collection to maintain liquidity as required by the Act. - Matters pertaining to the Schools Act: arising from the application of the exemption clause in specific and prevalent scenarios and of the limitations of the Act. -Collection of fees: to maintain liquidity.
- Full Text:
Problems experienced by educators in the training of technology at Etwatwa schools.
- Authors: Sibisi, Lovington
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:12:25Z
- Subjects: technology study and teaching , training of teachers , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2013
- Description: M.Ed. , The study was geographically confined to Etwatwa Primary and Secondary Schools in the East Rand. The purpose of the study was to benefit the educators especially at Etwatwa Schools with the knowledge on how they can be effective and to get proper training in the facilitation of technology, and how they can equip themselves in acquiring knowledge on Technology Education. In order to remedy the situation at Etwatwa Schools in conjunction with the effects on the training of technology educators employed there, a platform was prepared to conduct a research. The relevant literature was thoroughly studied and basic data were collected through interviews. The interview schedule consisted of open-ended questions that were administered among the technology educators at primary and secondary schools at Etwatwa. Permission for conduction interviews in schools was requested from Gauteng Department of Education and was granted. The research findings revealed that most of the technology educators were not trained to facilitate technology, and even those few who got formal training were not in a position of handling or dealing with the challenges, that this new learning area is offering. The project did not aim at generalization of results but a simple, in-depth understanding of the education situation at Etwatwa Schools in regard to the effects on the training of Technology educators. A set of recommendations was therefore made to remedy the situation at Etwatwa Schools concerning the training of technology educators. One of the recommendations was that technology educators could engage themselves in programmes like F.D.E (technology education) that runs for two years on part-time bases at our local universities.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Sibisi, Lovington
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:12:25Z
- Subjects: technology study and teaching , training of teachers , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8084 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2013
- Description: M.Ed. , The study was geographically confined to Etwatwa Primary and Secondary Schools in the East Rand. The purpose of the study was to benefit the educators especially at Etwatwa Schools with the knowledge on how they can be effective and to get proper training in the facilitation of technology, and how they can equip themselves in acquiring knowledge on Technology Education. In order to remedy the situation at Etwatwa Schools in conjunction with the effects on the training of technology educators employed there, a platform was prepared to conduct a research. The relevant literature was thoroughly studied and basic data were collected through interviews. The interview schedule consisted of open-ended questions that were administered among the technology educators at primary and secondary schools at Etwatwa. Permission for conduction interviews in schools was requested from Gauteng Department of Education and was granted. The research findings revealed that most of the technology educators were not trained to facilitate technology, and even those few who got formal training were not in a position of handling or dealing with the challenges, that this new learning area is offering. The project did not aim at generalization of results but a simple, in-depth understanding of the education situation at Etwatwa Schools in regard to the effects on the training of Technology educators. A set of recommendations was therefore made to remedy the situation at Etwatwa Schools concerning the training of technology educators. One of the recommendations was that technology educators could engage themselves in programmes like F.D.E (technology education) that runs for two years on part-time bases at our local universities.
- Full Text:
Selected socio-cultural issues in 1 Corinthians 5 to 11 applied to pastors of the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng.
- Authors: Thomas, Arieshad Patrick
- Date: 2008-04-15T07:57:22Z
- Subjects: Corinthians ( Bible ) , Church of the Nazarene , Christianity and culture , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8211 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/223
- Description: The researcher started the study with the premise that Theological Docetism which is defined as the tendency to theologise or spiritualise apparent social issues without due regard for other possible factors (Hawthorne & Martin 1993: 893), is widespread among pastors. This hypothesis, based on intuition and observation rather than on science, required investigation and the researcher set about doing so with the aim of showing how some social and cultural practices of the first century influenced the issues in the church at Corinth and then to do a parallel study on the way issues are dealt with by pastors in the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng in particular. The purpose of the study is to create awareness of the practice of Theological Docetism among pastors in the Church of the Nazarene and to encourage a change in attitude and conduct with regard to dealing with church related problems. Selected issues in 1 Corinthians chapters 5 to 11 were used as reference for possible socio-cultural influence. A literary review of the work of notable scholars in the field of the socio-cultural and historical background of the New Testament such as Wayne Meeks, Victor Furnish, Bruce Malina, Abraham Malherbe, and others, was done to determine their findings on what influenced the issues in the church at Corinth. The issues under scrutiny in the church at Corinth were incidences of immorality and 5 lawsuits, questions concerning marriage, the apparent abuse of Christian freedom, uncertainty about whether to consume meat offered to idols, the conduct of some women during worship and the sharing of food at the love feast. Based on the literary review, a socio-historical summary revealed that the congregation’s understanding of their “newness in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5: 14 – 20) was compounded or seriously influenced by their socio-cultural environment. For instance, the researcher focused attention on the issues of lawsuits, the immoral man, food sacrificed to idols and the factions at the love feast and found that the way the members of the Corinthian congregation thought and acted was habitual because they had learnt to do so from others before them (Nolan 1995: 73). The immoral man (1 Corinthians 5: 1 – 13) was tolerated by the congregation because he was a patron to some of them and the rest were afraid to offend him because of the social ramifications inherent in patron – client relationships. The love of honour (Neyrey 1998: 15 – 34) fuelled the dispute between the Christian brothers (1 Corinthians 6: 1 – 11) because public attestation and consent to claims of honour was best obtained in courts of law. Class, status and honour contributed significantly to the issue surrounding the eating of meat sacrificed to idols (1 Corinthians 8: 1 – 13) while class distinctions was at the root of the problems experienced at the love feast or common meal (1 Corinthians 11: 17 – 34). It is the researcher’s conclusion that the issues or problems at Corinth did not have purely spiritual origins and that this needs to be taken into account when the text is interpreted by modern readers. 6 The parallel study relating to Theological Docetism in the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng was done by means of a survey in which a questionnaire containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions was used as the primary tool for collecting data. There are rules that govern the design and use of questionnaires and the researcher was careful to follow these very closely. The research process for this section was done in three stages. The first stage involved the identification of the intended respondents and the construction of the survey questionnaire. The intended respondents were pastors of the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng who are presently involved in pastoring churches on the District. The questionnaire was carefully and objectively designed for gathering data surrounding demographics, Scriptural information and church information. Since data in descriptive survey research is susceptible to distortion through the introduction of bias into the design of the questionnaire, the researcher was careful to state questions that fulfil his specific research objective and that they were constructed in such a way that only the most important and relevant data was generated. The second stage involved the pilot test of the questionnaire, the creation of the cover letter that accompanied it and a discussion with the District Superintendent of the Gauteng churches during which the aims and purpose of the study was explained and permission sought to conduct the survey. The pilot test was conducted among ordained elders of the Church of the Nazarene who are all former full time pastors and are now serving as faculty and staff at the academic institution where the researcher is employed. The third stage involved the distribution and collection of the questionnaire. A full sampling of the intended respondents resulted in a fifty percent response and return rate. 7 Data generated by the survey led to the conclusion that pastors of the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng knew of the problems in the church at Corinth but understood the causes of the problems to be fundamentally spiritual in nature. Responses generally referred to “unsanctified people, lack of love for each other and compromise with sin”. The respondents know what the cultural background of the Christians at Corinth was but indicated that the major influences on the problems were, again, essentially spiritual. Present application indicated that the pastors know and can communicate the doctrine of Sanctification (fundamental to the Church of the Nazarene) which is defined as a subsequent work of grace by the Holy Spirit that cleanses the believer from the principle of sin, enabling him or her to live in harmony with God and man. Problems (specifically moral and interpersonal) would generally be construed to be due to an unsanctified spirit or compromise with sin. Respondents further indicated that cultural values that are in conflict with the Bible and Christian values should be rejected but there is reservation with regard to whether a sanctified person should struggle with moral and interpersonal issues. The persuasion in this regard is that as the believer grows in grace these issues that cause struggle will become less. However, more pastors believe unreservedly that a sanctified believer should not struggle with moral and interpersonal issues. The implication is that if the sanctified struggles there must be something wrong with the consecration or there is compromise with sin. People who cause problems are generally told to pray and ask God for guidance. This advice generally corresponds with the understanding of the origin of 8 problems. The belief surrounding this understanding is that moral and interpersonal struggles which generally result in problems in the church stem from persons who are unsanctified and compromising with sin. It is further postulated that Sanctification or the second / subsequent work of grace cleanses the heart from the principle or inclination to sin. Therefore, if the person sins, he or she cannot be sanctified and must be encouraged to seek the experience by asking God for guidance. The hypothesis of the study was proven to be correct by the data generated through the survey. Recommendations to remedy the current practice of Theological Docetism in the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng involve the pastors making a conscious effort to learn the cultural backgrounds of their increasingly diversified congregants, gaining crosscultural communication skills and embarking on lifelong learning endeavours. , Prof. J. A Du Rand
- Full Text:
- Authors: Thomas, Arieshad Patrick
- Date: 2008-04-15T07:57:22Z
- Subjects: Corinthians ( Bible ) , Church of the Nazarene , Christianity and culture , Gauteng ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8211 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/223
- Description: The researcher started the study with the premise that Theological Docetism which is defined as the tendency to theologise or spiritualise apparent social issues without due regard for other possible factors (Hawthorne & Martin 1993: 893), is widespread among pastors. This hypothesis, based on intuition and observation rather than on science, required investigation and the researcher set about doing so with the aim of showing how some social and cultural practices of the first century influenced the issues in the church at Corinth and then to do a parallel study on the way issues are dealt with by pastors in the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng in particular. The purpose of the study is to create awareness of the practice of Theological Docetism among pastors in the Church of the Nazarene and to encourage a change in attitude and conduct with regard to dealing with church related problems. Selected issues in 1 Corinthians chapters 5 to 11 were used as reference for possible socio-cultural influence. A literary review of the work of notable scholars in the field of the socio-cultural and historical background of the New Testament such as Wayne Meeks, Victor Furnish, Bruce Malina, Abraham Malherbe, and others, was done to determine their findings on what influenced the issues in the church at Corinth. The issues under scrutiny in the church at Corinth were incidences of immorality and 5 lawsuits, questions concerning marriage, the apparent abuse of Christian freedom, uncertainty about whether to consume meat offered to idols, the conduct of some women during worship and the sharing of food at the love feast. Based on the literary review, a socio-historical summary revealed that the congregation’s understanding of their “newness in Christ” (2 Corinthians 5: 14 – 20) was compounded or seriously influenced by their socio-cultural environment. For instance, the researcher focused attention on the issues of lawsuits, the immoral man, food sacrificed to idols and the factions at the love feast and found that the way the members of the Corinthian congregation thought and acted was habitual because they had learnt to do so from others before them (Nolan 1995: 73). The immoral man (1 Corinthians 5: 1 – 13) was tolerated by the congregation because he was a patron to some of them and the rest were afraid to offend him because of the social ramifications inherent in patron – client relationships. The love of honour (Neyrey 1998: 15 – 34) fuelled the dispute between the Christian brothers (1 Corinthians 6: 1 – 11) because public attestation and consent to claims of honour was best obtained in courts of law. Class, status and honour contributed significantly to the issue surrounding the eating of meat sacrificed to idols (1 Corinthians 8: 1 – 13) while class distinctions was at the root of the problems experienced at the love feast or common meal (1 Corinthians 11: 17 – 34). It is the researcher’s conclusion that the issues or problems at Corinth did not have purely spiritual origins and that this needs to be taken into account when the text is interpreted by modern readers. 6 The parallel study relating to Theological Docetism in the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng was done by means of a survey in which a questionnaire containing both open-ended and closed-ended questions was used as the primary tool for collecting data. There are rules that govern the design and use of questionnaires and the researcher was careful to follow these very closely. The research process for this section was done in three stages. The first stage involved the identification of the intended respondents and the construction of the survey questionnaire. The intended respondents were pastors of the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng who are presently involved in pastoring churches on the District. The questionnaire was carefully and objectively designed for gathering data surrounding demographics, Scriptural information and church information. Since data in descriptive survey research is susceptible to distortion through the introduction of bias into the design of the questionnaire, the researcher was careful to state questions that fulfil his specific research objective and that they were constructed in such a way that only the most important and relevant data was generated. The second stage involved the pilot test of the questionnaire, the creation of the cover letter that accompanied it and a discussion with the District Superintendent of the Gauteng churches during which the aims and purpose of the study was explained and permission sought to conduct the survey. The pilot test was conducted among ordained elders of the Church of the Nazarene who are all former full time pastors and are now serving as faculty and staff at the academic institution where the researcher is employed. The third stage involved the distribution and collection of the questionnaire. A full sampling of the intended respondents resulted in a fifty percent response and return rate. 7 Data generated by the survey led to the conclusion that pastors of the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng knew of the problems in the church at Corinth but understood the causes of the problems to be fundamentally spiritual in nature. Responses generally referred to “unsanctified people, lack of love for each other and compromise with sin”. The respondents know what the cultural background of the Christians at Corinth was but indicated that the major influences on the problems were, again, essentially spiritual. Present application indicated that the pastors know and can communicate the doctrine of Sanctification (fundamental to the Church of the Nazarene) which is defined as a subsequent work of grace by the Holy Spirit that cleanses the believer from the principle of sin, enabling him or her to live in harmony with God and man. Problems (specifically moral and interpersonal) would generally be construed to be due to an unsanctified spirit or compromise with sin. Respondents further indicated that cultural values that are in conflict with the Bible and Christian values should be rejected but there is reservation with regard to whether a sanctified person should struggle with moral and interpersonal issues. The persuasion in this regard is that as the believer grows in grace these issues that cause struggle will become less. However, more pastors believe unreservedly that a sanctified believer should not struggle with moral and interpersonal issues. The implication is that if the sanctified struggles there must be something wrong with the consecration or there is compromise with sin. People who cause problems are generally told to pray and ask God for guidance. This advice generally corresponds with the understanding of the origin of 8 problems. The belief surrounding this understanding is that moral and interpersonal struggles which generally result in problems in the church stem from persons who are unsanctified and compromising with sin. It is further postulated that Sanctification or the second / subsequent work of grace cleanses the heart from the principle or inclination to sin. Therefore, if the person sins, he or she cannot be sanctified and must be encouraged to seek the experience by asking God for guidance. The hypothesis of the study was proven to be correct by the data generated through the survey. Recommendations to remedy the current practice of Theological Docetism in the Church of the Nazarene in Gauteng involve the pastors making a conscious effort to learn the cultural backgrounds of their increasingly diversified congregants, gaining crosscultural communication skills and embarking on lifelong learning endeavours. , Prof. J. A Du Rand
- Full Text:
The utilisation of psychological support services by schools in Gauteng.
- Authors: Wasielewski, Tanya Natasha
- Date: 2009-02-27T07:14:12Z
- Subjects: schools , school management teams , school psychology , Gauteng ( South Africa ) , Gauteng Dept of Education
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8205 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2208
- Description: M.Ed. , The educational system in South Africa has undergone several changes in the last few years, with an emphasis on providing quality education for all. These changes are in line with international trends towards an inclusive approach to education and learners. Within this framework, a long-term goal of the education system is to investigate and address barriers to learning, while recognising and accommodating the diverse range of learning needs in this country. The new Education Support Services will be the cocoordinating structure which facilitates this process. At school level, school-based support teams are being created in order to provide the link between schools and these support services. Although all these changes have been documented, it has become necessary to investigate whether the new support services are indeed achieving their goals. In light of this, a qualitative study was conducted in four Gauteng primary schools, to assess the utilisation of psychological support services. The methods used were individual interviews and focus group interviews. The individual interviews were conducted with principals or life orientation coordinators. The focus group interviews included life skills educators, life orientation coordinators, members of the school-based support teams, and school management teams. There appeared to be minimal utilisation of Psychological Support Services in this study, and this was attributed to lack of staff within the support services, an abundance of paperwork, staff turnover and unavailability, and inefficient response time to requests. Difficulties identified within the schools were academic and social issues, as well as parental and staff challenges. Trauma was also a significant problem encountered by schools. The schools in the study highlighted their needs in terms of support. These were related to intervention, including prevention and consistent ongoing support, and staff professional development. From this study it is evident that primary schools in Gauteng are not utilising the Psychological Support Services, and that the new support structures are not reaching the learners. Recommendations for improving this are made.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Wasielewski, Tanya Natasha
- Date: 2009-02-27T07:14:12Z
- Subjects: schools , school management teams , school psychology , Gauteng ( South Africa ) , Gauteng Dept of Education
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8205 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2208
- Description: M.Ed. , The educational system in South Africa has undergone several changes in the last few years, with an emphasis on providing quality education for all. These changes are in line with international trends towards an inclusive approach to education and learners. Within this framework, a long-term goal of the education system is to investigate and address barriers to learning, while recognising and accommodating the diverse range of learning needs in this country. The new Education Support Services will be the cocoordinating structure which facilitates this process. At school level, school-based support teams are being created in order to provide the link between schools and these support services. Although all these changes have been documented, it has become necessary to investigate whether the new support services are indeed achieving their goals. In light of this, a qualitative study was conducted in four Gauteng primary schools, to assess the utilisation of psychological support services. The methods used were individual interviews and focus group interviews. The individual interviews were conducted with principals or life orientation coordinators. The focus group interviews included life skills educators, life orientation coordinators, members of the school-based support teams, and school management teams. There appeared to be minimal utilisation of Psychological Support Services in this study, and this was attributed to lack of staff within the support services, an abundance of paperwork, staff turnover and unavailability, and inefficient response time to requests. Difficulties identified within the schools were academic and social issues, as well as parental and staff challenges. Trauma was also a significant problem encountered by schools. The schools in the study highlighted their needs in terms of support. These were related to intervention, including prevention and consistent ongoing support, and staff professional development. From this study it is evident that primary schools in Gauteng are not utilising the Psychological Support Services, and that the new support structures are not reaching the learners. Recommendations for improving this are made.
- Full Text:
Implications for educational managers during the implementation of outcomes-based education in Gauteng West district.
- Authors: Zengele, Vincent Thulani
- Date: 2009-02-27T07:14:06Z
- Subjects: Gauteng ( South Africa ) , educational leadership , curriculum planning , competency- based education
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2207
- Description: M.Ed. , The implementation of Outcomes-based education by the Department of Education in 1998 has shown adverse implications on the ability of educational managers to manage the curriculum effectively because most of them were not reskilled and ready during implementation. This has far reaching implications for educational management in general and therefore requires a review in order to maintain high levels of efficiency and effectiveness in management. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which educational managers were equipped with professional skills and knowledge for successful implementation of OBE. It also aimed at determining the involvement of stakeholders during the implementation of OBE. Educational managers and educators who were purposely selected from primary schools were interviewed during focus group interviews using a tape recorder. Verbatim-transcribed data was analysed using the constant comparative method. The research findings suggest that transformation in educational management is necessary for the successful implementation of OBE.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Zengele, Vincent Thulani
- Date: 2009-02-27T07:14:06Z
- Subjects: Gauteng ( South Africa ) , educational leadership , curriculum planning , competency- based education
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8204 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2207
- Description: M.Ed. , The implementation of Outcomes-based education by the Department of Education in 1998 has shown adverse implications on the ability of educational managers to manage the curriculum effectively because most of them were not reskilled and ready during implementation. This has far reaching implications for educational management in general and therefore requires a review in order to maintain high levels of efficiency and effectiveness in management. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which educational managers were equipped with professional skills and knowledge for successful implementation of OBE. It also aimed at determining the involvement of stakeholders during the implementation of OBE. Educational managers and educators who were purposely selected from primary schools were interviewed during focus group interviews using a tape recorder. Verbatim-transcribed data was analysed using the constant comparative method. The research findings suggest that transformation in educational management is necessary for the successful implementation of OBE.
- Full Text:
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