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:
The effectiveness of the developmental appraisal system in Thokoza primary schools.
- Authors: Seheshe, Molapisi Jacob
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:12:04Z
- Subjects: rating of teachers , primary school teachers , school management teams , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8082 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2011
- Description: M.Ed. , Educators face the pressure of accountability from parents, employers, the state and the society. The success of teaching and learning at schools depends on the educator’s commitment and capabilities. The central question was : How can we describe the effectiveness of the developmental appraisal system at Thokoza primary schools and what are the reasons for a lack of commitment, capabilities and performance in the teaching staff? The focus of the study was a package of factors including the network of relationships in which educators are involved, which may be addressed to revitalize educators’ performances. The study was geographically confined to Thokoza Primary Schools in the East Rand. A convenient sample was chosen. Tools used were, questionnaires and interviews among educators and principals, and a critical review of the related literature. The project did not aim at generalization of the results but a sample, in depth understanding of the education situation concerning the developmental appraisal system at Thokoza Primary Schools.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Seheshe, Molapisi Jacob
- Date: 2009-02-05T07:12:04Z
- Subjects: rating of teachers , primary school teachers , school management teams , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:8082 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/2011
- Description: M.Ed. , Educators face the pressure of accountability from parents, employers, the state and the society. The success of teaching and learning at schools depends on the educator’s commitment and capabilities. The central question was : How can we describe the effectiveness of the developmental appraisal system at Thokoza primary schools and what are the reasons for a lack of commitment, capabilities and performance in the teaching staff? The focus of the study was a package of factors including the network of relationships in which educators are involved, which may be addressed to revitalize educators’ performances. The study was geographically confined to Thokoza Primary Schools in the East Rand. A convenient sample was chosen. Tools used were, questionnaires and interviews among educators and principals, and a critical review of the related literature. The project did not aim at generalization of the results but a sample, in depth understanding of the education situation concerning the developmental appraisal system at Thokoza Primary Schools.
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The design and effective implementation of a financial school policy for school improvement.
- Authors: Naidoo, Parvathy
- Date: 2008-10-21T12:34:33Z
- Subjects: school boards , school management teams , school management and organization
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13026 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1290
- Description: M.Ed. , The design and implementation of a financial school policy is an important function of the School Governing Body. Although every public school designs a financial school policy, the success of managing the school’s finances effectively and efficiently is dependent on how the policy is implemented. The aim of this research was to investigate the role played by the School Governing Body (SGB) and the School Management Team (SMT) in the design and effective implementation of the financial school policy. The impact of the South African Schools Act together with the Norms and Standards for Funding on state funding, school fees and school fees exemptions were also explored. The functions of the SGB in respect of financial matters and the role played by the finance committee emphasizes the devolution of financial matters from the state to communities. By virtue of the Schools Act the principal is responsible for the professional management of the school and together with the SGB is directly responsible for the effective use of all funds belonging to the school. It is incumbent upon the SGB and the SMT to take accountability for all their financial activities by being transparent and responsible in the management of school funds. The design of a financial school policy and the effective implementation thereof will ensure school funds being managed effectively and efficiently. The quantitative research method was used to elicit the perceptions of SGBs, SMTs and educators with regards to the designing and implementing of the financial school policy. This research study was confined to primary and secondary schools in the district D9, D10, D11 and D12 areas of the Gauteng Province. A structured questionnaire was distributed to members of the SGB, SMT and educators in the above-mentioned districts. The empirical study resulted in mean scores of the thirty-two items ranging between 2,63 and 5,34. An analysis of the data revealed that the financial school policy is central to all financial activities in schools and it must be designed and implemented by all stakeholders. , Prof. R. Mestry
- Full Text:
- Authors: Naidoo, Parvathy
- Date: 2008-10-21T12:34:33Z
- Subjects: school boards , school management teams , school management and organization
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:13026 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1290
- Description: M.Ed. , The design and implementation of a financial school policy is an important function of the School Governing Body. Although every public school designs a financial school policy, the success of managing the school’s finances effectively and efficiently is dependent on how the policy is implemented. The aim of this research was to investigate the role played by the School Governing Body (SGB) and the School Management Team (SMT) in the design and effective implementation of the financial school policy. The impact of the South African Schools Act together with the Norms and Standards for Funding on state funding, school fees and school fees exemptions were also explored. The functions of the SGB in respect of financial matters and the role played by the finance committee emphasizes the devolution of financial matters from the state to communities. By virtue of the Schools Act the principal is responsible for the professional management of the school and together with the SGB is directly responsible for the effective use of all funds belonging to the school. It is incumbent upon the SGB and the SMT to take accountability for all their financial activities by being transparent and responsible in the management of school funds. The design of a financial school policy and the effective implementation thereof will ensure school funds being managed effectively and efficiently. The quantitative research method was used to elicit the perceptions of SGBs, SMTs and educators with regards to the designing and implementing of the financial school policy. This research study was confined to primary and secondary schools in the district D9, D10, D11 and D12 areas of the Gauteng Province. A structured questionnaire was distributed to members of the SGB, SMT and educators in the above-mentioned districts. The empirical study resulted in mean scores of the thirty-two items ranging between 2,63 and 5,34. An analysis of the data revealed that the financial school policy is central to all financial activities in schools and it must be designed and implemented by all stakeholders. , Prof. R. Mestry
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Co-operative governance in schools in Gauteng district 11.
- Mulibana, Ndivhudzannyi Lancelort
- Authors: Mulibana, Ndivhudzannyi Lancelort
- Date: 2008-10-14T11:26:10Z
- Subjects: school boards , school management teams , school management and organization , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12116 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1185
- Description: M.Ed. , The need for co-operative governance in schools is reflected in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and also in the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996. Although the need for co-operative governance is highlighted in the legislation, it does not mean it is taking place in our schools as advocated. This research provides an analysis and critique of the roles of the stakeholders represented in the SGB in co-operative school governance as elucidated in the literature and also advocated by the legislation. The aim of this research is to probe the perceptions of various members of the SGB’s regarding co-operative school governance as mandated by the legislation, that is the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996. This research starts with the introduction and contextualisation of the problem. The literature study undertaken in chapter two revealed the importance of working together. It was discovered that co-operative governance is important to establish and maintain partnerships and teamwork between the school governors and other stakeholders. Subsequent to the literature review was the method and design of the study. These were undertaken using the qualitative research through the focus group interviews. The study drew responses from respondents who were organised according to categories of parents, principals, educators, learners and non-educator staff members. The interviews were tape-recorded. Transcriptions of tape-recorded interviews are included in this research as appendices. The qualitative data was analysed. The results of the data obtained clearly reflect that there are still many problems that need to be addressed. The important findings were discussed at length and thereafter conclusions and recommendations were made based on the findings. Recommendations and topics of further research were finally given. , Prof. T.C. Bischoff
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mulibana, Ndivhudzannyi Lancelort
- Date: 2008-10-14T11:26:10Z
- Subjects: school boards , school management teams , school management and organization , Gauteng (South Africa)
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:12116 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1185
- Description: M.Ed. , The need for co-operative governance in schools is reflected in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and also in the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996. Although the need for co-operative governance is highlighted in the legislation, it does not mean it is taking place in our schools as advocated. This research provides an analysis and critique of the roles of the stakeholders represented in the SGB in co-operative school governance as elucidated in the literature and also advocated by the legislation. The aim of this research is to probe the perceptions of various members of the SGB’s regarding co-operative school governance as mandated by the legislation, that is the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa and the South African Schools Act 84 of 1996. This research starts with the introduction and contextualisation of the problem. The literature study undertaken in chapter two revealed the importance of working together. It was discovered that co-operative governance is important to establish and maintain partnerships and teamwork between the school governors and other stakeholders. Subsequent to the literature review was the method and design of the study. These were undertaken using the qualitative research through the focus group interviews. The study drew responses from respondents who were organised according to categories of parents, principals, educators, learners and non-educator staff members. The interviews were tape-recorded. Transcriptions of tape-recorded interviews are included in this research as appendices. The qualitative data was analysed. The results of the data obtained clearly reflect that there are still many problems that need to be addressed. The important findings were discussed at length and thereafter conclusions and recommendations were made based on the findings. Recommendations and topics of further research were finally given. , Prof. T.C. Bischoff
- Full Text:
The role of school management teams in the transformation of Ivory Park primary schools
- Authors: Mokoena, Zanele Reineth
- Date: 2008-10-14T11:25:59Z
- Subjects: school management teams , primary school teachers , educational change
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/378473 , uj:12105 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1184
- Description: M.Ed. , The South African education system has undergone radical changes since the democratic elections in 1994. This phenomenon (democratic elections) brought along its own challenges to educational leaders and managers. The vital principles underpinning the new approach focus mainly on transforming the education system, which is presently characterized by hierarchical and authoritarian structures and culture, into a more participatory system. This is therefore the critical time for School Management Teams (SMTs) in Ivory Park primary school to effect and manage changes in such a way that quality education will be the eventual outcome. This study has highlighted the following: • The SMTs in Ivory Park primary schools view vision as one of the most prominent aspects in the larger picture of transformational leadership. They realize that the vision will only be a reality when it has been shared with staff members. • Decentralization of power plays a vital role: this means that the line between the SMTs and educators is not tightly drawn, and roles are shared by leaders with stakeholders. • Some aspects of the centralization of power – such as lack of open communication and transparency – lead to dissatisfaction and frustration among educators. • The principal practice the principles of power investment by understanding that the staff members need to be empowered through workshops so that they (the staff) can function to the best of their abilities. • The SMTs realize that teams are an essential part of effective schools; therefore, in order for them to excel in both effectiveness and efficiency they have to build and integrate teams with complementary skills which are committed to a common purpose. • The major concern voiced by the respondents was the autocratic management approach applied by principles. , Mr. T.S. Hlongwane
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mokoena, Zanele Reineth
- Date: 2008-10-14T11:25:59Z
- Subjects: school management teams , primary school teachers , educational change
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: http://ujcontent.uj.ac.za8080/10210/378473 , uj:12105 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1184
- Description: M.Ed. , The South African education system has undergone radical changes since the democratic elections in 1994. This phenomenon (democratic elections) brought along its own challenges to educational leaders and managers. The vital principles underpinning the new approach focus mainly on transforming the education system, which is presently characterized by hierarchical and authoritarian structures and culture, into a more participatory system. This is therefore the critical time for School Management Teams (SMTs) in Ivory Park primary school to effect and manage changes in such a way that quality education will be the eventual outcome. This study has highlighted the following: • The SMTs in Ivory Park primary schools view vision as one of the most prominent aspects in the larger picture of transformational leadership. They realize that the vision will only be a reality when it has been shared with staff members. • Decentralization of power plays a vital role: this means that the line between the SMTs and educators is not tightly drawn, and roles are shared by leaders with stakeholders. • Some aspects of the centralization of power – such as lack of open communication and transparency – lead to dissatisfaction and frustration among educators. • The principal practice the principles of power investment by understanding that the staff members need to be empowered through workshops so that they (the staff) can function to the best of their abilities. • The SMTs realize that teams are an essential part of effective schools; therefore, in order for them to excel in both effectiveness and efficiency they have to build and integrate teams with complementary skills which are committed to a common purpose. • The major concern voiced by the respondents was the autocratic management approach applied by principles. , Mr. T.S. Hlongwane
- Full Text:
The implementation of an institutional support team in a rural primary school in KwaZulu-Natal.
- Authors: Mbatha, Philile Nomusa
- Date: 2008-10-14T07:07:38Z
- Subjects: KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) , primary education , parent-teacher relationships , inclusive education , school management teams
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1162
- Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the implementation of an IST in a rural primary school of Northern KZN. The ISTs within an inclusive education context have not existed in the said area, due in part to the way the district support structure was implemented. Previously, the main focus had been on psycho-educational assessment, which was done in a more traditional way, with no specific interventions after assessment. This, however, was not in accordance with the ex-KwaZulu Department of Education modus operandi. Although the Education Support Services (ESS) of the past era provided some support for learners with barriers to learning in Northern KZN, it was not enough. The research site is nestled in a valley amidst rocky land in Northern Zululand, with sparsely populated communities around the school. Acculturation, that is the absorption of other cultures, prevails among the local people, with influences noticeable in some community houses being built in the semi-urban style of neighbouring Swaziland and Mozambique. However, the majority of the community continue to live in traditional houses and the area still operates as a subsistence economy. This is evident along the roadsides, where there are a number of informal small business sites from which the local community sell their wild fruits, arts, crafts and/or firewood to passers-by, including tourists. Many learners assist their parents with these sales after school, over weekends and on public holidays. Some have large fields for growing vegetables, mealies and other crops. It is significant that the majority of the community is illiterate, with this becoming a challenge to the school because the same parents are expected to support their children with their schoolwork, as well as participating in the school activities. The cooperation between the home and the school should be improved, as many learners are not staying with their natural parents but with members of the extended family, including their grandparents. For much of the time these guardians (grandparents and care-givers) have their own personal commitments. The School Governing Body (SGB), including parent representatives, is instrumental in improving educator-parent relationships. , Mrs. O.R. Pettipher
- Full Text:
- Authors: Mbatha, Philile Nomusa
- Date: 2008-10-14T07:07:38Z
- Subjects: KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa) , primary education , parent-teacher relationships , inclusive education , school management teams
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1162
- Description: The purpose of this study is to explore the implementation of an IST in a rural primary school of Northern KZN. The ISTs within an inclusive education context have not existed in the said area, due in part to the way the district support structure was implemented. Previously, the main focus had been on psycho-educational assessment, which was done in a more traditional way, with no specific interventions after assessment. This, however, was not in accordance with the ex-KwaZulu Department of Education modus operandi. Although the Education Support Services (ESS) of the past era provided some support for learners with barriers to learning in Northern KZN, it was not enough. The research site is nestled in a valley amidst rocky land in Northern Zululand, with sparsely populated communities around the school. Acculturation, that is the absorption of other cultures, prevails among the local people, with influences noticeable in some community houses being built in the semi-urban style of neighbouring Swaziland and Mozambique. However, the majority of the community continue to live in traditional houses and the area still operates as a subsistence economy. This is evident along the roadsides, where there are a number of informal small business sites from which the local community sell their wild fruits, arts, crafts and/or firewood to passers-by, including tourists. Many learners assist their parents with these sales after school, over weekends and on public holidays. Some have large fields for growing vegetables, mealies and other crops. It is significant that the majority of the community is illiterate, with this becoming a challenge to the school because the same parents are expected to support their children with their schoolwork, as well as participating in the school activities. The cooperation between the home and the school should be improved, as many learners are not staying with their natural parents but with members of the extended family, including their grandparents. For much of the time these guardians (grandparents and care-givers) have their own personal commitments. The School Governing Body (SGB), including parent representatives, is instrumental in improving educator-parent relationships. , Mrs. O.R. Pettipher
- Full Text:
Managing the implication of inclusion in schools.
- Authors: Maphula, Madumi Freddy
- Date: 2008-10-14T07:05:37Z
- Subjects: school management teams , school management and organization , inclusive education , Soweto ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1148
- Description: M.Ed. , The problem in this research lied in the lack of clear guidelines, training and resources in the management of the implementation of inclusion in schools. The research’s aim was to provide guidelines for the School Management Teams in managing the implementation of inclusion in schools. This will be achieved through a qualitative research method. The qualitative research included descriptive and exploratory research methods. The researcher collected data using multiple means of data collection, namely, interviews, survey and observations. The selection comprised of the members of the School Management Teams – the school principal, deputy principal, two Heads of Department and three teachers from each of the five selected schools. The interpretations of data led to the research findings, recommendations and the conclusion. The findings of the study described the participants’ perceptions and experiences of the management of the implementation of inclusion as a process for school improvement. The perceptions and the experiences of the teachers and the principals suggested that the participants had limited understanding, knowledge and skills in managing and implementing inclusion in schools. Thus guidelines for managing the implementation of inclusion were provided. In addition, guidelines for the educational psychologists that could facilitate the successful management of the implementation of inclusion were developed. , Dr. B.V. Nduna
- Full Text:
- Authors: Maphula, Madumi Freddy
- Date: 2008-10-14T07:05:37Z
- Subjects: school management teams , school management and organization , inclusive education , Soweto ( South Africa )
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:11763 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/1148
- Description: M.Ed. , The problem in this research lied in the lack of clear guidelines, training and resources in the management of the implementation of inclusion in schools. The research’s aim was to provide guidelines for the School Management Teams in managing the implementation of inclusion in schools. This will be achieved through a qualitative research method. The qualitative research included descriptive and exploratory research methods. The researcher collected data using multiple means of data collection, namely, interviews, survey and observations. The selection comprised of the members of the School Management Teams – the school principal, deputy principal, two Heads of Department and three teachers from each of the five selected schools. The interpretations of data led to the research findings, recommendations and the conclusion. The findings of the study described the participants’ perceptions and experiences of the management of the implementation of inclusion as a process for school improvement. The perceptions and the experiences of the teachers and the principals suggested that the participants had limited understanding, knowledge and skills in managing and implementing inclusion in schools. Thus guidelines for managing the implementation of inclusion were provided. In addition, guidelines for the educational psychologists that could facilitate the successful management of the implementation of inclusion were developed. , Dr. B.V. Nduna
- Full Text:
A psycho-educational approach to facilitate synergy with respect to teaching and learning in a secondary school.
- Authors: Hennings, Sandra Audrey
- Date: 2008-08-21T12:49:39Z
- Subjects: school environment , school management teams , mathematics study and teaching (secondary) , teacher- student relationships
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/900
- Description: The goal of this research study was to provide psycho-educational guidelines that will facilitate synergy between the stakeholders involved with the teaching and learning of mathematics at a school. The stakeholders in this research study are members of the management team, the educators and the learners. Synergy simply defined means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Covey (in Moore, 2003:1) states that synergy is the fruit of mutual respect, of understanding and valuing the differences in one another as well as different approaches to problem solving. I believe that when one creates an environment that is more open, more trusting, less judgemental, more loving and more caring in the classroom synergy will occur. This environment will produce learning outcomes beyond expectation. In other words, when the members of the groups of stakeholders at a school participate synergistically the results that are produced and outcomes that are achieved will be much higher then the total results of the inputs of their individual efforts. It is evident from the description, evaluation and interpretation of the collected data that learners and educators do not experience their interactions as situations where their potential is acknowledged and improved. Once again: if there is no effective interaction and appreciative understanding between the different stakeholders, successful integration cannot take place. There is almost no indication of any collaboration between the participants in the teaching and learning situation. In fact, the analysis of the data show that educators and learners experience the teaching and learning process as a process of disempowerment, which is Theme One of the analysed data. Almost all the sub-categories under Theme One provide evidence that the input of the different role players in the teaching and learning environment is not considered. These categories are: • learners experience that they have to do activities without the necessary pre-knowledge; • learners experience the teaching and learning of Mathematics as a process of victimization; • learners experience that educators ignore their learning needs; • learners experience inadequate communication and inappropriate guidance in the classroom; • educators portray an uncaring attitude; • learners do not portray a positive attitude towards the teaching and learning of mathematics; • educators do not experience job satisfaction; and • educators do not experience support from the parents. However, all the stakeholders that participated in this research study made recommendations that could contribute to a constructive teaching and learning climate. These recommendations were: • educators should play a supportive role; • learners and educators must be motivated; • learners should participate in the teaching and learning situation; o educators should implement new teaching strategies; o educators and learners should value co-operative learning and group work; and • team work between educators and learners should be enhanced; These recommendations indicate that the stakeholders would like the teaching and learning situation to become more constructive and meaningful through active participation. These are essential ingredients for synergy to take place. Educators and learners also indicated that they experience frustrations due to the socio-economic situation of the learners that impact negatively on the teaching and learning of mathematics and contribute to disempowerment of these stakeholders. It seems therefore that the community as well as the parents of these learners are stakeholders that should be considered when the guidelines are formulated. I experienced this research study as an eye-opener with regard to the development of the teaching and learning process into a constructive and meaningful activity. I realised that for sustainable development it is essential to develop all the stakeholders and not only the educators. , Prof. C.P.H. Myburgh
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hennings, Sandra Audrey
- Date: 2008-08-21T12:49:39Z
- Subjects: school environment , school management teams , mathematics study and teaching (secondary) , teacher- student relationships
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3632 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/900
- Description: The goal of this research study was to provide psycho-educational guidelines that will facilitate synergy between the stakeholders involved with the teaching and learning of mathematics at a school. The stakeholders in this research study are members of the management team, the educators and the learners. Synergy simply defined means that the whole is greater than the sum of its parts. Covey (in Moore, 2003:1) states that synergy is the fruit of mutual respect, of understanding and valuing the differences in one another as well as different approaches to problem solving. I believe that when one creates an environment that is more open, more trusting, less judgemental, more loving and more caring in the classroom synergy will occur. This environment will produce learning outcomes beyond expectation. In other words, when the members of the groups of stakeholders at a school participate synergistically the results that are produced and outcomes that are achieved will be much higher then the total results of the inputs of their individual efforts. It is evident from the description, evaluation and interpretation of the collected data that learners and educators do not experience their interactions as situations where their potential is acknowledged and improved. Once again: if there is no effective interaction and appreciative understanding between the different stakeholders, successful integration cannot take place. There is almost no indication of any collaboration between the participants in the teaching and learning situation. In fact, the analysis of the data show that educators and learners experience the teaching and learning process as a process of disempowerment, which is Theme One of the analysed data. Almost all the sub-categories under Theme One provide evidence that the input of the different role players in the teaching and learning environment is not considered. These categories are: • learners experience that they have to do activities without the necessary pre-knowledge; • learners experience the teaching and learning of Mathematics as a process of victimization; • learners experience that educators ignore their learning needs; • learners experience inadequate communication and inappropriate guidance in the classroom; • educators portray an uncaring attitude; • learners do not portray a positive attitude towards the teaching and learning of mathematics; • educators do not experience job satisfaction; and • educators do not experience support from the parents. However, all the stakeholders that participated in this research study made recommendations that could contribute to a constructive teaching and learning climate. These recommendations were: • educators should play a supportive role; • learners and educators must be motivated; • learners should participate in the teaching and learning situation; o educators should implement new teaching strategies; o educators and learners should value co-operative learning and group work; and • team work between educators and learners should be enhanced; These recommendations indicate that the stakeholders would like the teaching and learning situation to become more constructive and meaningful through active participation. These are essential ingredients for synergy to take place. Educators and learners also indicated that they experience frustrations due to the socio-economic situation of the learners that impact negatively on the teaching and learning of mathematics and contribute to disempowerment of these stakeholders. It seems therefore that the community as well as the parents of these learners are stakeholders that should be considered when the guidelines are formulated. I experienced this research study as an eye-opener with regard to the development of the teaching and learning process into a constructive and meaningful activity. I realised that for sustainable development it is essential to develop all the stakeholders and not only the educators. , Prof. C.P.H. Myburgh
- Full Text:
The perceptions of the school management team regarding the institutional development and support officials.
- Authors: Aheer, Praneeta Chundranath
- Date: 2008-06-23T10:54:42Z
- Subjects: school management teams , school management and organization
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/671
- Description: Die Inrigting ontwikkelings en ondersteuningsbeampte ( IOOB) in die departement van onderwys vervul ‘n belangrike rol om te verseker dat onderwys transformeer en dat die skool se bestuurspan georiënteer word om ‘n kultuur van onderwys en onderrig te bewerkstellig. Onlangse konsepte van onderwysleierskap demonsteer ‘n beweging weg van tradisioneel-outoritêre modelle, na ‘n meer demokratiese en deelnemende wyse. Die doel van die navorsing was om die persepsies van die skool se bestuurspan ten opsigte van die rol van die Inrigting ontwikkelings en ondersteuningsbeampte (IOOB) in the Ekurhuleni-Oos Distrik 5, te ondersoek. Die IOOB’s moet die skole se bestuurspanne toerus en ontwikkel, sodat die gehalte van onderwys en onderrig kan verbeter. ‘n Gestruktureerde vraelys wat bestaan uit 32 items is aan distrik 5 se skole se bestuurspanne uitgedeel, sodat hulle persepsies van die IOOB’s vasgestel kon word. Vrae is geformuleer in verband met aspekte van onderwysbestuur en onderrig. Die voltooide vraelyste is aan STATKON by the Universiteit van Johannesburg oorhandig, waar die data verwerk is. Die ontleding en interpretasie van die empiriese data is bespreek. Die konstrukgeldigheid van die navorsingsinstrument is deur middel van twee opeenvolgende faktoranalitiese prosedures ondersoek en sodoende is die 32 items tot twee faktore gereduseer, naamlik: • Die doeltreffende leierskap en bestuur van die IOOB, bestaande uit 14 items met ‘n betroubaarheidskoëffisiënt van 0,967; • Die ingrypingstrategie en ondersteuning van die IOOB, bestaande uit 18 items met ‘n betroubaarheidskoëffisiënt van 0,964.Die statistiese ontleiding van die navorsing is beperk tot ‘n vergelyking van een voorbeeld van twee onafhanklike groepe en een voorbeeld van drie of meer onafhanklike groepe. Hipoteses is gestel en meervoudige statistiese tegnieke is gebruik om die data te ontleed en te interpreter. Na hierdie oorsigtelike opsomming van die aspekte wat in die huidige navorsing aangeraak is, word belangrike bevindings wat uit die navorsing voorspruit gemaak. , Prof. B.R. Grobler
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- Authors: Aheer, Praneeta Chundranath
- Date: 2008-06-23T10:54:42Z
- Subjects: school management teams , school management and organization
- Type: Thesis
- Identifier: uj:3317 , http://hdl.handle.net/10210/671
- Description: Die Inrigting ontwikkelings en ondersteuningsbeampte ( IOOB) in die departement van onderwys vervul ‘n belangrike rol om te verseker dat onderwys transformeer en dat die skool se bestuurspan georiënteer word om ‘n kultuur van onderwys en onderrig te bewerkstellig. Onlangse konsepte van onderwysleierskap demonsteer ‘n beweging weg van tradisioneel-outoritêre modelle, na ‘n meer demokratiese en deelnemende wyse. Die doel van die navorsing was om die persepsies van die skool se bestuurspan ten opsigte van die rol van die Inrigting ontwikkelings en ondersteuningsbeampte (IOOB) in the Ekurhuleni-Oos Distrik 5, te ondersoek. Die IOOB’s moet die skole se bestuurspanne toerus en ontwikkel, sodat die gehalte van onderwys en onderrig kan verbeter. ‘n Gestruktureerde vraelys wat bestaan uit 32 items is aan distrik 5 se skole se bestuurspanne uitgedeel, sodat hulle persepsies van die IOOB’s vasgestel kon word. Vrae is geformuleer in verband met aspekte van onderwysbestuur en onderrig. Die voltooide vraelyste is aan STATKON by the Universiteit van Johannesburg oorhandig, waar die data verwerk is. Die ontleding en interpretasie van die empiriese data is bespreek. Die konstrukgeldigheid van die navorsingsinstrument is deur middel van twee opeenvolgende faktoranalitiese prosedures ondersoek en sodoende is die 32 items tot twee faktore gereduseer, naamlik: • Die doeltreffende leierskap en bestuur van die IOOB, bestaande uit 14 items met ‘n betroubaarheidskoëffisiënt van 0,967; • Die ingrypingstrategie en ondersteuning van die IOOB, bestaande uit 18 items met ‘n betroubaarheidskoëffisiënt van 0,964.Die statistiese ontleiding van die navorsing is beperk tot ‘n vergelyking van een voorbeeld van twee onafhanklike groepe en een voorbeeld van drie of meer onafhanklike groepe. Hipoteses is gestel en meervoudige statistiese tegnieke is gebruik om die data te ontleed en te interpreter. Na hierdie oorsigtelike opsomming van die aspekte wat in die huidige navorsing aangeraak is, word belangrike bevindings wat uit die navorsing voorspruit gemaak. , Prof. B.R. Grobler
- Full Text:
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