The Role of Departmental Heads in the Procurement of Teaching and Learning Resources to Enhance Learner Performance

2021 ◽  
pp. 112-126
Author(s):  
Sizwe Blessing Mahlambi ◽  
Ailwei Solomon Mawela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Transformative Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Learning Resources ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learner Performance

This chapter introduces transformative learning as a helpful theory to consider the role of departmental heads in the procurement of teaching and learning resources in selected secondary schools in Alexandra Township, South Africa. South Africa felt the effects of the pandemic as the country was ill-prepared for the devastation the pandemic brought to its learning systems. The Department of Basic Education tried to implement various strategies to ensure that teaching and learning continue to save the academic year. In this qualitative study, the interpretive paradigm and a purposive convenient sampling technique were employed to sample five mathematics DH from five secondary schools. The thematic data analysis was used to interpret and discuss data obtained from the document and semi-structured interviews. It was found that the schools did not have teaching and learning resources that could allow remote learning. Moreover, there is a need to improve retrieval practices as resources loaned to learners remain unaccounted for.

Open Distance E-Learning Student Teaching Practice Mentorship Experience in Selected Secondary Schools in South Africa

2019 ◽  
pp. 256-277
Author(s):  
Ailwei Solomon Mawela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Student Teaching ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
E Learning ◽  
The University

Open distance learning (ODeL) approach is used worldwide to offer different qualifications. In studying towards obtaining a teaching qualification at UNISA, students are required to participate in teaching practice sessions before they can obtain their teaching qualification. This study aims at exploring ODeL institution student teachers' teaching practice experience in selected secondary schools in Vhembe District of South Africa. This qualitative single case study employed an interpretivism paradigm and personal theory of teaching practice. Convenient purposive sampling technique was used to sample six (n=6) student teachers from the University of South Africa who were currently conducting teaching practice in secondary schools during this study. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data that was later analyzed through the use of themes and categories. The findings indicate a lack of knowledge, which requires ODeL student teachers to be trained prior teaching practice. Mentor teachers require professional development.

scholarly journals The role of Cooperative Learning in Attaining Inclusive Education in the Classroom, Creativity and Innovation in Secondary schools in Mwanza Region- Tanzania

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Mahona Joseph Paschal ◽  
Thobias Thobias Nyoni ◽  
Demetria Gerold Mkulu
Keyword(s):  
Cooperative Learning ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Inclusive Education ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Positive Interaction ◽  
Inclusive Learning ◽  
Teachers And Students ◽  
Creativity And Innovation

Cooperative learning is a strategy that teachers can use in the classroom to help students achieve better performance and also help in building positive interaction among students, giving all the learners chances to be active in the learning process. The world today is facing challenges in attaining inclusive education for all. The aim of this study is to examine the role of Cooperative learning in attaining Inclusive Education in the classroom. During presentation the presenters will present on the importance of Cooperative learning in attaining Inclusive Education in the classroom. Also the presenter will present on the challenges that hinder cooperative Learning in attaining inclusive learning in the classroom. Lastly, this paper discusses the basic strategies that would be employed to improve Cooperative learning as the strategies to attain inclusive Education in the classroom. The study employed qualitative methods in data collection. The targeted population was teachers and students in five secondary schools, purpose sampling technique employed to select English teachers while randomly sampling to select students. This paper concludes that, in Oder to attain inclusive Education, it is a vital for every educator to attain training on how to develop cooperative Learning. Also teachers should invest more in research and accept radical changes in the teaching and learning processes.

scholarly journals Exploring Teachers' Views on Code-Switching as a Communicative Technique to Enhance the Teaching of Mathematics in Grade 4

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (4) ◽  
pp. 637-6478
Author(s):  
Ailwei Solomon ◽  
Sizwe Blessing
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Social Constructivism ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Single Case ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Further Education ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning And Teaching

<p style="text-align: justify;">The teaching and learning of mathematics in South Africa are conducted through the authorised Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT). South Africa has eleven official languages, and English is a Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) from the Intermediate and Further Education and Training (FET) Phase. This study explores teachers' views on code-switching as a communicative technique to enhance teaching mathematics in Grade 4 in selected primary schools in South Africa. This qualitative single case study employed the interpretivist paradigm and social constructivism theory. A convenient purposive sampling technique was used to sample six grade 4 mathematics teachers from three primary schools in the Alexandra township in South Africa. Researchers collected data through the use of semi-structured interviews, which were later analysed and discussed using themes. Findings indicate that teachers often code-switch from LoLT (English First Additional Language) into Home Language (H.L.) to enhance learners' understanding of the mathematics concepts. Researchers suggested the integration of code-switching into the curriculum policy and followed by in-service training for Grade 4 mathematics teachers in code-switching.</p>

scholarly journals Exploring Grade 6 mathematics teachers' use of the language of learning and teaching in assessment for learning

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sizwe B Mahlambi ◽  
Ailwei S Mawela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Language Proficiency ◽  
Mathematics Teachers ◽  
Primary Schools ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Assessment For Learning ◽  
Code Switching ◽  
Home Language ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Learning And Teaching

In this study, we aimed to explore Grade 6 mathematics teachers' use of English, the language of learning and teaching in assessment for learning in selected primary schools in Alexandra Township, South Africa. From Grade 4, English is the language of teaching and learning for most learners, despite English being the home language of a minority of learners. Results of studies have shown that in South Africa, in Grades 1 to 3, in which learners are taught using their home-language performance appears to be better than in Grades 4 to 6 where English as a First Additional Language (EFAL) is used for teaching and learning. Guided by qualitative case study design, we used semi-structured interviews and non-participatory observation to collect data from nine purposefully sampled Grade 6 mathematics teachers. In conjunction with the literature reviewed and the theory underpinning the study, we used themes to analyse, interpret, and discuss the data we collected. This research revealed that learners in Grade 6 struggle to understand English as the language of learning and teaching, so, to augment concept development and understanding, teachers and learners use code-switching. In the classrooms observed, this practice has become the norm to improve the performance of learners with limited language proficiency. However, because of the differences between the home language of learners and that of teachers in mathematics classrooms, code-switching is often not enough to ensure understanding.

scholarly journals AMALAN KEPIMPINAN INSTRUKSIONAL GURU BESAR DI SEKOLAH VERNAKULAR NEGERI SELANGOR DAN WILAYAH PERSEKUTUAN

2018 ◽  
pp. 109-132
Author(s):  
DONNIE ADAMS ◽  
RAVADHI PERIASAMY ◽  
EDWARD DEVADASON ◽  
SATINAH AWANG
Keyword(s):  
Instructional Leadership ◽  
Leadership Practices ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
School Leaders ◽  
Cultural Influences ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
School Leader ◽  
Instructional Leader ◽  
Leadership Roles ◽  
Structured Interviews

Abstrak Kajian kualitatif ini bertujuan untuk mengkaji amalan kepimpinan instruksional guru besar di Sekolah Vernakular Negeri Selangor dan Wilayah Persekutuan. Kajian ini menggunakan temu bual separa berstruktur terhadap 14 orang guru besar di dua jenis sekolah vernakular, iaitu Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Tamil (SRJK (T)) dan Sekolah Rendah Jenis Kebangsaan Cina (SRJK(C)) yang terletak di kawasan bandar dan pinggir bandar. Teknik persampelan bertujuan yang dijalankan di dua jenis sekolah ini mendapati bahawa guru besar memahami tugas mereka untuk meningkatkan amalan pengajaran melalui penyeliaan guru. Dapatan juga menunjukkan amalan kepimpinan guru besar dalam memantau kualiti pengajaran dan pembelajaran di sekolah dijalankan dalam pelbagai kaedah. Kajian ini turut menunjukkan bahawa sebahagian daripada tugas dan harapan guru besar di Malaysia adalah selari dengan ciri-ciri dalam kepimpinan instruksional. Dalam konteks lain pula, beban kerja seorang guru besar dan keperluan untuk membuat pelaporan telah mendatangkan pelbagai cabaran berterusan kepada mereka semasa menjalankan tugas sebagai seorang pemimpin instruksional. Implikasi daripada kajian ini mempamerkan realiti kontemporari peranan guru besar dan amalan kepimpinan instruksional mereka di sekolah vernakular di Malaysia. Kesimpulannya, kajian ini menunjukkan kepimpinan instruksional dibina atas pengaruh sosial, politik dan budaya. Kata kunci: Amalan kepimpinan instruksional, pemimpin instruksional, guru besar. Abstract The purpose of this qualitative study is to outline school leaders’ instructional leadership practices in Selangor and Federal Territory Vernacular Schools. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 14 primary school leaders from Chinese Schools (SRJK(C)) and Tamil Schools (SRJK (T)) in urban and suburban areas in Malaysia. The sampling technique utilised in two of these schools generated findings which showed that the school leaders understood their duties in improving instructional practice through supervision of teachers. Findings also showed school leaders’ leadership practices in monitoring the quality of teaching and learning in schools was done in many ways. The research also demonstrated some of the duties and hope of the school leaders’ in Malaysia as being particularly congruent with the features of instructional leadership practices. In another context, the workload of a school leader and the need for reporting has led to a series of challenges for them in carrying out their duties as instructional leaders. The implication of this study demonstrates the current reality of the roles of school leaders and their instructional leadership roles in vernacular schools in Malaysia. In conclusion, this research shows that instructional leadership is built on social, political and cultural influences. Keywords: Instructional leadership practices, instructional leader, school leader.

The Effects of Second Life on the Motivation of EFL Student Teachers

2019 ◽  
pp. 86-114 ◽  
Author(s):  
Galip Kartal ◽  
Cem Balçıkanlı
Keyword(s):  
Student Teachers ◽  
Second Life ◽  
Virtual World ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Real Life ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Group Interviews ◽  
Free Environment

This study aimed at investigating the effects of using a virtual world, Second Life (SL), on the motivation of Turkish EFL student teachers. First, a 10-week real-life task syllabus was designed and conducted in SL. Focus-group interviews were utilized to enhance the quality of the tasks. Then, the effects of SL on motivation were tracked via qualitative research tools, namely semi-structured interviews, weekly evaluation forms, and observations. The findings showed that SL was effective in increasing motivation of the participating student teachers. The characteristics of the virtual world that were reported to have an effect on motivation were as follows: natural environment, realistic places, anxiety-free environment, excitement, and visual support. This chapter provides possibilities for those who are interested in employing virtual world technologies in foreign/second language teaching and learning and finally describes an investigation into the role of the virtual world in relation to affordances such technologies present across the globe.

Cost of Poor Quality Management on Organizational Performance in Educational Settings

2021 ◽  
pp. 1334-1354
Author(s):  
Shuti Steph Khumalo
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Quality Improvement ◽  
Quality Management ◽  
Secondary Schools ◽  
Organizational Performance ◽  
Basic Education ◽  
Poor Quality ◽  
Teacher Absenteeism ◽  
Improvement Strategies

The purpose of this case study was to explore teacher absenteeism in both primary and secondary schools administered by the Department of Basic Education (DoBE) in South Africa. Further, the chapter focuses on how this phenomenon of teacher absenteeism is managed in schools and by the departmental authorities and its implications on the organization. This chapter proposes a number of quality improvement strategies that can be employed to mediate teacher absenteeism and enhance quality management of the problem.

scholarly journals “A Little Less Conversation, a Little More Action Please”: Examining Students’ Voices on Education, Transgression, and Societal Change

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (15) ◽  
pp. 6231
Author(s):  
Annika Manni ◽  
Eva Knekta
Keyword(s):  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Educational Experiences ◽  
Learning Model ◽  
Personal Life ◽  
Education For Sustainability ◽  
Societal Change ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Thematic Content Analysis ◽  
Contemporary Education

Education for sustainability is urgent but also challenging when aiming for transformation, transgression, and action-oriented societal change. It is important to take into consideration students’ voices in order to enhance education, and this study used semi-structured interviews to explore students’ voices on the role of contemporary education, in society, in relation to urgent issues related to sustainability. Thematic content analysis was applied, as a first step, to analyse the students’ answers. Then a T-learning model was applied on the themes to further analyse the results in relation to transformative, transgressive, and action-oriented learning. The students reflected on a diversity of important issues in society and the possibilities of action for change, many of them related to their personal life and experiences. They also talked about diverse educational experiences, but our analysis indicated that their current education did not always meet the needs of a more transgressive and change-oriented learning. Finally, we have found that the T-learning model has the potential to be used for educational reflection and for developing new understandings of teaching and learning.

scholarly journals The perceived role of ward-based primary healthcare outreach teams in rural KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

2017 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Landiwe S. Khuzwayo ◽  
Mosa Moshabela
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Primary Healthcare ◽  
Sampling Technique ◽  
Limited Information ◽  
Chronic Patients ◽  
Group Discussions ◽  
Healthcare Facilities ◽  
User Perceptions ◽  
Kwazulu Natal

Background: The aim of ward-based outreach teams (WBOTs) is to improve access to primary healthcare (PHC) services including health promotion and disease prevention in South Africa. Limited information is available in South Africa on user perceptions of services provided by WBOTs in rural households.Aim: The study aimed to explore community awareness and perception of WBOTs, as well people’s motivation to engage and use WBOT services.Setting: The study was conducted between July and September 2015 in iLembe district, KwaZulu-Natal.Methods: This was exploratory-descriptive qualitative research. Purposive sampling technique was used in this study. A total of 16 key informant interviews and 4 focus group discussions were conducted. The voice recordings were transcribed in isiZulu and translated into English.Results: Four themes emerged from the data analysis, namely bringing services closer, organising services, expanding services and forming bridges. Respondents demonstrated insightful knowledge and understanding of services provided by WBOTs. They expressed an appreciation of the way WBOT services brought healthcare closer to people and serve to bridge the gap between the community and local healthcare facilities. Respondents identified unclear WBOT work schedules and the failure to carry medication other than vitamin A as the main challenges. However, WBOTs did deliver medication for controlled chronic patients in their households.Conclusion: The study suggests that WBOTs provide a commendable service, but need to expand their service package to further increase access to PHC services and cater for community health needs.

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