scholarly journals An evaluation of the Science Learner Assisted Program (SLAP) at the University of Limpopo Science Centre, South Africa

2021 ◽  
Vol 26 ◽  
pp. 278-293
Author(s):  
M. J. Potgieter ◽  
A. Potgieter ◽  
P. R. Ramaila ◽  
L. Wildschut
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Social Action ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Major Activity ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Science Centre ◽  
The University ◽  
Science Learner

This paper is an evaluation of the Science Learner Assisted Programme (SLAP) at the University of Limpopo Science Centre. The evaluation is intended to be useful for improving the program and informing social action aimed at amending educational problems (related to science education faced by schools in the Limpopo Province (South Africa). The purpose of the evaluation was to evaluate the design of SLAP and how it was being delivered to the target group (Grade 10-12 learners). Data were collected from August to October 2016. Data were collected via documentation review, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and observations. Forty-five learners completed the questionnaires. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were employed during the data analysis process. In terms of program design, the evaluation found that SLAP is aligned with the goals of the University of Limpopo Science Centre. With regard to program delivery, the evaluation found that the program's major activity is performing experiments. Methods of engaging learners include class discussions, presentations, and group discussions. The methods proved to be effective as the level of participation was high during lessons. Affordability of lessons, the performance of experiments, and information sharing was mentioned as aspects of implementation facilitating the success of the program, while overcrowding, small labs, insufficient resources, and learners being unprepared for lessons were reported as impeding the success of service delivery. Teachers reported that the program was of great assistance to them as they learn to simplify topics and improve their methods of engaging learners in class

scholarly journals Socio-Economic Benefits Stemming from Bush Clearing and Restoration Projects Conducted in the D’Nyala Nature Reserve and Shongoane Village, Lephalale, South Africa

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (12) ◽  
pp. 5133
Author(s):  
Tshepiso Mangani ◽  
Hendri Coetzee ◽  
Klaus Kellner ◽  
George Chirima
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Indirect Benefit ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Community Members ◽  
Similar Nature ◽  
Thematic Content Analysis ◽  
Grazing Capacity

This study aimed to investigate the socio-economic benefits stemming from bush clearing and restoration projects conducted in the Lephalale municipality, within the Limpopo Province of South Africa. The study was conducted at two sites: the D’Nyala Nature Reserve and a nearby local village, Shongoane. A qualitative thematic content analysis approach and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data from 14 purposively selected participants between the ages of 22 and 55 (male = 9 and female = 5). The results indicated that the nature reserve benefited from the project via the improved visibility of the landscape features and game viewing, which made the reserve more attractive for tourists and resulted in increased revenue. The costs of buying feed for game could also be curbed since the grazing capacity increased. Since the nature reserve sourced temporary labour from the local village to execute the project, the community benefited in terms of members being able to earn a wage, which led to an improvement in their livelihoods. Another indirect benefit was the morale and behavioural changes observed amongst community members. It was obvious that the socio-economic benefits derived from projects such as these far outweigh the negatives and that there is every reason to institute projects of a similar nature elsewhere.

Factors affecting the information-seeking behaviour of postgraduate students at the University of South Africa Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre

2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (3) ◽  
pp. 362-373 ◽  
Author(s):  
Addisalem Gebrekidan Desta ◽  
Madely du Preez ◽  
Patrick Ngulube
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Information Seeking ◽  
Information Needs ◽  
Personal Factors ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Electronic Information ◽  
Postgraduate Students ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Information Seeking Behaviour ◽  
The University

The purpose of this study was to investigate some of the factors affecting the information-seeking behaviour of postgraduate students registered at the University of South Africa (Unisa) as represented by its Ethiopia Regional Learning Centre, with particular emphasis on their use of electronic information resources. A qualitative case study approach was adopted. In semi-structured interviews, eight conveniently selected postgraduate students shared their information-seeking experiences. The data was analysed thematically. The findings identified contextual and personal factors which gave rise to the respondents’ information needs and in turn prompted information activities such as information seeking. Of these, a lack of ICT infrastructure, frequent interruptions in electricity supply, old computers and the location of the Akaki Branch Library proved to be the main factors affecting postgraduate students’ electronic information-seeking behaviour. The findings showed the effect that inadequate facilities have on postgraduate students’ information behaviour.

A sociolinguistic analysis of the use of English loanwords inflected with Arabic morphemes as slang in Amman, Jordan

2019 ◽  
Vol 2019 (260) ◽  
pp. 155-175
Author(s):  
Aseel Zibin ◽  
Khawlah M. AL-Tkhayneh
Keyword(s):  
Data Analysis ◽  
Qualitative Data ◽  
Group Membership ◽  
Economic Status ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Socio Economic Status ◽  
Linguistic Behaviour ◽  
Major Factors ◽  
The University ◽  
Insight Into

Abstract This study aims to examine the use of English loanwords inflected with Arabic morphemes by young people in Amman, Jordan. It adopts a quantitative corpus-based approach supported by qualitative data. We collected data from young Facebook male and female users who come from families with different socio-economic status, and we conducted semi-structured interviews with 60 students at the University of Jordan to get more insight into the attitudes of young individuals in Jordan who use these English loanwords, and to account for the reasons that drive these individuals to use them. Data analysis shows that the participants’ gender and socioeconomic status are major factors that affect the use of these loanwords. Data analysis also reveals that these English loanwords could be used as a form of slang by a certain group of young individuals in Amman to claim a specific social identity and an in-group membership that distinguishes them from another group of young individuals who do not use these words. We argued that a number of symbolic values could be attached to the use of English loanwords inflected with Arabic morphemes by that group and analysed the reasons behind such linguistic behaviour.

scholarly journals Explanation of the Perceptions of Women with Prediabetes Affecting Physical Activity: A Qualitative Study

2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 95-104
Author(s):  
Seyed Saeed Mazloomy Mahmoodabad ◽  
Fereshteh Sohrabi Vafa ◽  
Ali Akbar Vaezi ◽  
Hamid Karimi ◽  
Hosein Fallahzadeh
Keyword(s):  
Physical Activity ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Model Material ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Main Category ◽  
Analysis Process ◽  
Purposeful Sampling ◽  
Negative Perceptions ◽  
The Individual ◽  
The Way

Background and aim: a healthy and active lifestyle is an essential determinant of any individual’s health. And the individual’s perceptions of the diseases will impact the way preventive behaviors are adopted, the way the individual adapts to the disease, disease management and, overall, the prevention of disease progress. The aim of the present study was explaining women’s perception of regular physical activity based on PEN-3 model. Material and Method: this study is qualitative and of directed content analysis type. 41 women with prediabetes and 9 employees of health centers, using purposeful sampling, were entered into this study. The data were obtained using individual semi-structured interviews based on PEN-3 model. Graneheim and Lundman’s method was used for data analysis. Result: during the data analysis process, a main category that included perceptional factors regarding physical activity and 6 sub-categories including knowledge, attitude, perceived benefits, perceived threat, perceived barriers and Self-efficacy were extracted from the data text. Conclusion: The findings obtained were positive and negative perceptions of women with prediabetes regarding physical activity in a sociocultural scope that can be considered in designing interventions based on PEN-3 model for changing and improving exercise behavior in women with prediabetes.  

scholarly journals Study protocol: Strengthening understanding of effective adherence strategies for first-line and second-line antiretroviral therapy (ART) in selected rural and urban communities in South Africa

PLoS ONE ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (12) ◽  
pp. e0261107
Author(s):  
Siphamandla Bonga Gumede ◽  
John Benjamin Frank de Wit ◽  
Willem Daniel Francois Venter ◽  
Samanta Tresha Lalla-Edward
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
South Africa ◽  
Systematic Review ◽  
Data Analysis ◽  
Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Secondary Data ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Second Line ◽  
First Line

Multiple factors make adherence to antiretroviral therapy (ART) a complex process. This study aims to describe the barriers and facilitators to adherence for patients receiving first-line and second-line ART, identify different adherence strategies utilized and make recommendations for an improved adherence strategy. This mixed method parallel convergent study will be conducted in seven high volume public health facilities in Gauteng and one in Limpopo province in South Africa. The study consists of four phases; a retrospective secondary data analysis of a large cohort of patients on ART (using TIER.Net, an ART patient and data management system for recording and monitoring patients on ART and tuberculosis (TB)) from seven Johannesburg inner-city public health facilities (Gauteng province); a secondary data analysis of the Intensified Treatment Monitoring Accumulation (ITREMA) trial (a randomized control trial which ran from June 2015 to January 2019) conducted at the Ndlovu Medical Center (Limpopo province); in-depth interviews with people living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (PLHIV) who are taking ART (in both urban and rural settings); and a systematic review of the impact of treatment adherence interventions for chronic conditions in sub-Saharan Africa. Data will be collected on demographics, socio-economic status, treatment support, retention in care status, disclosure, stigma, clinical markers (CD4 count and viral load (VL)), self-reported adherence information, intrapersonal, and interpersonal factors, community networks, and policy level factors. The systematic review will follow the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) reporting and Population, Interventions, Comparisons and Outcomes (PICO) criteria. Analyses will involve tests of association (Chi-square and t-test), thematic analysis (deductive and inductive approaches) and network meta-analysis. Using an integrated multilevel socio-ecological framework this study will describe the factors associated with adherence for PLHIV who are taking first-line or second-line ART. Implementing evidence-based adherence approaches, when taken up, will improve patient’s overall health outcomes. Our study results will provide guidance regarding context-specific intervention strategies to improve ART adherence.

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 Usage of Implant Contraceptive Method by Sexually Active Women: An Exploration of The Factors Contributing To Implant Contraceptive Method Uptake in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province, South Africa.

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rhulani Caroline Shihundla ◽  
Rachel Tsakani Lebese ◽  
Sonto Maria Maputle
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Contraceptive Method ◽  
Negative Attitude ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Health Care Facilities ◽  
Limpopo Province ◽  
Sexually Active ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Data Saturation ◽  
Vhembe District

Abstract Background The estimation of unmet contraceptive needs triggered the National Department of Health in South Africa to introduced the Implant contraceptive method in 2014 to increase the range of contraceptive options for sexually active women. Implant contraceptive uptake remains low in the Vhembe District despite its effectiveness in preventing unintended pregnancy. Very little is known about the factors that affect the usage of this cost-effective device. Aim To explore sexually active women's knowledge, practices and attitudes related to the usage of the Implant contraceptive method in Vhembe District, Limpopo Province. Methods The study was qualitative, explorative, descriptive and contextual, conducted using a non-probability purposive technique to sample 62 sexually active women aged from 18–45 years. The sample size was determined by data saturation. Five (5) focus group discussions were conducted using semi-structured interviews, which lasted for 45–60 minutes. Tesch's eight steps of open coding were used to analyse data. Results Results revealed that sexually active women experience some challenges related to Implant Contraceptive Method. The majority of women had little knowledge about the device, making it difficult for them to use the method. The majority of sexually active women indicated that they are interested in the method and would like to enjoy the benefits. Conclusion Sexually active women's intentions to utilise the Implant contraceptive method was very low as the majority of them had a negative attitude towards the method, due to insufficient knowledge. Professional nurses should inform women and public members about newly introduced Implant contraceptive method at Primary Health Care facilities to enhance usage.

scholarly journals Strategies Used by UNISA Student Teachers in Teaching English First Additional Language

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Margaret Malewaneng Maja ◽  
Masilonyana Motseke
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
Student Teachers ◽  
Teaching Strategies ◽  
Teaching Practice ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Interactive Teaching ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
Bachelor Of Education ◽  
Qualitative Descriptive ◽  
The University

The teaching of English to non-English speakers in historically disadvantaged areas of South Africa is a difficult task for student teachers. This study was conducted in the township schools at Ekurhuleni North District, in the Gauteng province of South Africa. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which students at the University of South Africa (UNISA) used interactive teaching strategies in the teaching of English as a First Additional Language (EFAL). The study also intended to highlight the support provided by UNISA lecturers to these student teachers. The study was grounded in interpretivism with self-determination theory (SDT) informing it. The study was a qualitative descriptive case study with document analysis, observations and semi-structured interviews utilised to collect data. Purposive sampling assisted in selecting six student teachers, of which three were male and three were female. The student teachers were studying in their 3rd and 4th years of the Bachelor of Education degree (B.Ed.), specialising in English. Data collected were categorised into codes and themes. The findings reveal that student teachers only used pictures, charts and flashcards as interactive teaching strategies in teaching EFAL. It was concluded that student teachers were not well-prepared in the use of interactive teaching strategies in the teaching of EFAL and were not adequately supported by the university. It is recommended that UNISA lecturers should regularly visit student teachers during their teaching practice offering support, motivation and advice.

“We sing to touch hearts”: Choral musical culture in Pretoria East, South Africa

2018 ◽  
Vol 40 (2) ◽  
pp. 265-285 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah J. Bartolome
Keyword(s):  
South Africa ◽  
South African ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Cultural Backgrounds ◽  
Collective Case Study ◽  
African Identity ◽  
Staff Members ◽  
Bridging Social Capital ◽  
Wide Range ◽  
The University

The purpose of this study was to explore the culture of choral singing among children and youth in Pretoria East, South Africa. The philosophical underpinnings of the choirs, the roles of choirs within local and national communities, and the perceived values and benefits of participation were examined. This collective case study required the integration of standard ethnographic strategies employed over the course of a month-long period of fieldwork and two shorter follow-up visits. I observed approximately 40 hours of rehearsal and 25 hours of performance, focusing on five choirs in and around the University of Pretoria. I also conducted 22 semi-structured interviews with choristers, directors, staff members, and parents. Participants identified a philosophy of “message bearing” as the primary goal of choral performance. Innovation and diversity in programming and competition were additional emergent themes related to this philosophy. Choirs were found to have multiple roles, including recruiting and marketing, promoting diverse South African musical cultures, and cultivating a national, South African identity. Participants described a wide range of musical, social, educational, and personal benefits associated with participation, with choristers most commonly alluding to choir as a means of “relaxing.” Choir emerged as a source of bridging social capital, encouraging cooperation among participants from diverse racial and cultural backgrounds, promoting intercultural understanding and trust, and cultivating a broadened sense of national South African identity.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document