Electronic Theses and Dissertations (Masters)
Permanent URI for this collectionhttps://hdl.handle.net/10539/37945
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Item Management of teaching and learning material in no-fee schools: The case of Ekangala Township in Tshwane Municipality(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Maimela, Joyce Matome; Wotela, KambidimaThe gist of this quantitative study was to empirically establish how no-fee schools manage their teaching and learning material (TLM), employing the case of Ekangala Township in Tshwane municipality. To accomplish this, the study seeks to empirically determine the functionality of financial resources, human resources, and procurement processes of TLM in no-fee schools. A cross-sectional design was adopted. A combination of purposive and stratified random sampling techniques was used to draw HODs, Deputy Principals, Principals, SGBs, educators and administrative officers, yielding a total sample of 101 respondents. Data was collected using a questionnaire and inferential statistics were used to establish validity. The study was framed on the general systems theory, and the programme theory, used for converting research results to research findings. The preliminary findings revealed a linear relationship between effective management and budget processes of TLM, although not strong. However, there was no statistically significant linear relationship between management and procurement processes. The results concluded that there is ineffective management of TLM in no-fee schools in Ekangala Township. The researcher recommends that periodic audits be conducted when required, to ensure appropriate application and compliance with the policy. A further recommendation is the use of a Resource Management System (RMS), a web-based system designed to facilitate planning, online procurement, inventory updates and budget tracking of all TLM at schools at both district and provincial levelsItem The role of the South African council for educators in regulating the teaching profession(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2021) Mokgalane, Mapula Ella; Mapitsa, Caitlin; Poltera, JacquiAs a professional self-regulatory body, the South African Council for Educators (SACE) has a responsibility to set, protect and maintain ethical standards in the teaching profession. In doing so, it ought to safeguard the interests, rights and welfare of the public and children alike. Nevertheless, numerous studies, the public, media and parliament’s Portfolio Committee on Basic Education criticised SACE for its dependency, as well as incoherent, overlapping and multiple systems and processes in its endeavour to regulate the teaching profession through the enforcement of the code of professional ethics in Gauteng. Equally, past and recent studies have failed to understand the dynamics and complexities in professional regulation discipline when enforcing the code of professional ethics in the teaching profession. To investigate SACE’s enforcement regulatory role in Gauteng, a qualitative approach has been followed to collect data through semi-structured interviews with 15 participants representing SACE and Gauteng stakeholders in the basic education sector, and the teaching profession. The study findings revealed complexities and a paradox in SACE’s regulation of the teaching profession in Gauteng, based on identified regulatory enforcement enablers, as well as internal and external barriers. Some of the enablers identified included SACE’s legal regulatory framework, its establishment as professional self-regulatory body, compliance monitoring processes, and existence of the legislated administrative and punitive sanctions. On the other hand, the identified internal barriers were: limited enforcement scope and jurisdiction; ineffective sanctioning; insufficient financial and human resources; and contraventions to principles of good governance, good regulation and enforcement. Additionally, external barriers identified were: weak institutional arrangements and network in enforcing the code; and multiple regulatory processes and overlapsItem South Africa’s Basic Education Curriculum and Social Transformation of Learners in Underdeveloped Communities(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2022) Magcayi, Sincedise; Murambadoro, RuthSeveral studies on curriculum and social transformation in the basic education sector indicate that there is inadequate research on how education, through curriculum policy, can be instrumental in fostering social change among learners from underdeveloped communities. This research explored education policy and its contribution to social transformation, looking into ways in which teachers teach civic values to children in underdeveloped settings. Making use of qualitative research methods the study engaged with Life Skills (LS) and Life Orientation (LO) teachers from Phumelela Primary School based in Sicelo community of Meyerton in Gauteng, as a case study to understand the effect of South Africa‟s education policy in fostering social transformation through the curriculum. A total of fourteen LS and LO teachers were sampled to participate in focus group discussion as means to obtain primary data around the subject. Research findings indicate that varying pedagogies are being used by teachers to transmit civic values such as respect, social cohesion and morality. However, these are not easy to coordinate because of the complexity of the learning environment and backgrounds that learners emanate from. Instead, pedagogic strategies can be used conditionally as learners are different. While teachers use pedagogies in their teachings, government and local communities remain key stakeholders that need to assist in the teaching of civic values, and in the social transformation process of learners.Item An impact evaluation of the School of Specialisation program at Curtis Nkondo Secondary school for the period 2016-2020(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Zambara, NicholasThis study investigates the impact of the School of Specialisation program at Curtis Nkondo Secondary School in Soweto. It explores the nature of STEM education, identifies the pillars underpinning a STEM curriculum then compares outcomes from a STEM school with those of an ordinary school. This mixed methods study collects data from both the experimental group and the control group. Quantitative data is in the form of test scores over the period 2016 to 2020. Qualitative data obtained from key informant in-depth interviews is used to gain contextual understanding of the study. This report presents result based on the learners at Curtis Nkondo and Freedom Park Secondary Schools. Mathematics and Science results of the 2016 Cohorts before and after the intervention were captured and documented. The intervention was mainly through the School of Specialisation program offered at Curtis Nkondo secondary school. This is based on content delivery focused on the eight pillars of a STEM school namely interactive content, design pedagogy, authentic experiences, student engagement, creative problem solving, innovation and communication and collaboration. Baseline assessment was conducted to show that both Curtis Nkondo and Freedom Park Secondary schools were similar and that the only significant difference being the intervention. Analysis of results obtained showed that there was a significant difference between educational outcomes in Mathematics and Science for learners who went to the School of Specialisation program at Curtis Nkondo. The Implication here being that using the STEM education framework for teaching mathematics and Science works to improve the outcomes in the subjects. Some investigations for further study were suggested.Item Examining the extent which the SAIVCET support institute for TVET colleges in South Africa has accomplished its primary roles one to six(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Tutu, Bongiwe; Motsepe, DikgangThe National Development Plan (NDP) envisions South Africa’s economic transformation by focusing on higher education and skills development. Since its adoption in 2012, it has emphasised the crucial role of Technical, Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges as the major institutions to improve education, skills development and to enhance economic growth. Despite this realization, there are shortfalls that remain within TVET colleges, whereupon the NDP states, “the FET (TVET) system is not effective, it is too small and the output quality is poor” (NDP, 2012: 40). The Department of Higher Education and Training (DEHET) established the South African Institute for Vocational and Continuing Education and Training (SAIVCET) to support the TVET colleges. The SAIVCET was established on six primary roles and three implementation objectives. Using the qualitative survey research approach, adopting questionnaires and semi-structured interviews to gather and assess data, this research examines the extent to which the institute has accomplished the six primary roles and fulfilled the purpose behind its establishment. Through the purposive sampling of the research participants used, this research has found that the rationale and importance for the SAIVCET to strengthen the TVET and CET sector is unquestionable. However, research findings and conceptual analysis indicates that there have been challenges to the formal implementation of the SAIVCET. The institute was projected for 2012, however has yet to be established due to funding and governance constraints. As a result, SAIVCET has no governance structure. In the interim, a “SAIVCET Project” which is an informal body was formed to fulfil some of the functions and primary roles of the main SAVICET body. In a recent 2020/21 DHET Annual Performance Plan, the SAIVCET is still presented as a planned initiative, which has been projected for implementation in the period 2020 – 2025 (DHET, 2020: 10). In examining the primary roles of the SAIVCET support institute for TVET colleges in South Africa, this research has found that, the extent to which the SAIVCET, even as acting through the SAIVCET Project, fulfilled its primary roles is poor. The findings indicate that the SAIVCET has attained average to poor results in effectively fulfilling of its primary roles. Each of the primary roles received consolidated scores that are below average (below 50 percent) from the participants’ primary data. The conceptual framework and analysis further indicates the lacking impact of the institute, particularly under assessments of the Good governance framework and the Education policy implementation framework. This research recommends DHET uphold publishing annual reports to the functions and progress of the SAIVCET and SAIVCET Project, in order to enable public awareness and engagement on developments within higher education. Further, this research recommends a two-year progress review of the SAIVCET once it has been established. Further, this research study recommends coordinated efforts among various ministries, stakeholders, public and private sectors and higher education institutions, on the functions and resources for SAIVCET. Furthermore, this study recommends an institutional push for shifts in mind-sets, particularly among employers with bias when selecting candidates from higher education institutions and TVET colleges. Furthermore, this research recommends funding and resources, which are allocated without reservations, but for the sole purpose of advancing progressItem Skills development programmes for Out-of-School Youth and learner failures(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Raphela, Raesetja AugustinaThis study investigates factors which resulted in learners dropping out of a skills development programme for out-of-school youth provided by the Mpumalanga Regional Training Trust (MRTT). this investigation plays a critical role in identifying the factors that result in out-of-school youth enrolling for the skills development programmes.This will assist the training providers to ensure learners complete the programme and be able to participate in economic activities of the country.Item Participation in Professional Learning Communities by female principals in Bojanala, Northwest Province(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Rabotapi, Tinti Enoch; Pillay, PundyThe study sought to determine the perceptions of female principals in secondary schools in the Bojanala district of the Northwest Province about the level of support they receive from each other through their networks and how this support impacts their confidence and motivation. The current study adopted a single case study to assess the PLC programme's implementation in the Northwest Bojanala District. The study combines qualitative and quantitative approaches to draw rich data. The study found that female principals used the PLC to exchange ideas and share best practices in a conducive and non-threatening environment. This enabled them to gain a lot of knowledge and improve the extent of their leadership and management skills. Improved knowledge and skills have had a ripple effect that has improved their confidence and motivation, resulting in the overall improvement of their schools and their learners' performance. The study concludes by recommending the model as an instrument that can address the under-representation of females at the managerial level. The recommendations also include how the model can be strengthened by providing additional support to participants. The study also recommends allocating time within the school timetable to create an opportunity for teachers to participate in the PLCsItem Exploring managers' experiences in complying with the infrastructure grant conditions at selected Gauteng TVET colleges(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Ngidi, Sindisiwe Thabile; Pillay, PundyThis study explores the experiences of the management in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in compliance with conditions attached to infrastructure grants allocated by the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The study discusses the participant’s experiences and explores suggestions on what the Department should do to enhance compliance with the grant conditions in TVET colleges. The literature review acknowledges that quality education in TVET colleges is hampered by dilapidated and inadequate infrastructure resulting from inadequate funding. Additionally, the causes of non- compliance and strategies for mitigation are discussed in the literature review. The study considers the importance of infrastructure in education in international, continental, and national contexts to understand how other countries worldwide regard the importance of infrastructure and how it is funded. The study used semi-structured interviews and questionnaires as instruments for data generation. The main instrument of data collection was semi-structured interviews. The case study approach was applied in the study to further examine the extent to which the infrastructure grant conditions impact the implementation of infrastructure projects at TVET colleges. It was found that the complexity of infrastructure grant conditions delays project implementation, which further interrupts teaching and learning. The study concludes by highlighting the strategies that DHET should implement to enhance compliance by TVET colleges with grant conditions. Such strategies include improving project approval turnaround time; continuous monitoring by DHET; adequate and continuous training of infrastructure grant personnel; establishing a stakeholder relations office; appointment of infrastructure personnel; and developing an infrastructure funding policy. Study participants believe that implementation of the highlighted strategies will improve compliance in TVET colleges.Item Effects of Restructuring on Technical and Vocational Education and Training College Lecturers(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2023) Molaudzi, Bellinah; Pillay, PundyThe aim of this study was to describe the effects that the restructuring (function shift process) of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges had on lecturers at the South-West Gauteng TVET College. The study sought to answer the main research question, namely, “What are the effects of the restructuring of TVET colleges on lecturers at the South- West Gauteng TVET College?”. A qualitative phenomenological study was conducted. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews with lecturers at the college as well as officials at the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET). The data was analysed using thematic analysis. Four themes emerged from data analysis and these are trust in the process, communication of the process, participation and support, and effects/impact of the restructuring. This study showed that restructuring can have adverse effects on academic staff when their interests and well-being are not being recognised by those that are implementing the change process. The study also found that senior managers at the college that were the focus of this study were not actively involved in the implementation of the function shift process. The role of college senior management was blurred, hence their minimal involvement in the functionshift process. Therefore, the study recommended that there is a need to conduct in-depth research into the effects of lecturers’ work interests on the outcome of the change process. The study further recommends future research that should investigate the effects of TVET College senior management during restructuring. Lastly, it is important to research the role that College senior management can play in ensuring that DHET change initiatives are speedily implementedItem Participants’ Perceptions of the effectiveness of CLEAR-AA’s Development Evaluation Training Programme in Africa(University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, 2020-02-27) Ramasobana, Mokgophana; Morkel, CandiceIn the past few decades, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) capacity-building programmes and training budgets aimed at addressing the rising demand for M&E skills have been increasing. Over the same period, extensive research focusing on the broader evaluation capacity development (ECD) spectrum has been commissioned. However, insufficient research assessing the effectiveness of M&E capacity-building programmes has been conducted; therefore, their contribution towards building skills and knowledge is unknown. In this study, qualitative research aimed at assessing the effectiveness of the Development Evaluation Training Programme in Africa (DETPA), delivered by the Centre for Learning on Evaluation and Results – Anglophone Africa (CLEAR-AA), was used as a case study to begin to understand how Kirkpatrick’s (1959) training effectiveness model could be applied to understand the DETPA training programme implemented in Africa. This is informed by DETPA’s popularity in the region and plans to scale up and implement the programme on an annual basis. Therefore, conducting this assessment contributes towards the improvement of the programme. Using Kirkpatrick’s model, semi-structured interviews were conducted aimed at assessing participants’ perceptions on whether or not the DETPA programme has contributed towards building their individual capacities (skills and knowledge), influenced their individual behavioural change as well as organisational behavioural change. The interviews were also aimed at ascertaining their perceptions regarding the gaps of programmes such as the DETPA. This study focused on the participants of the 2017 programme, which also marked the launch of the DETPA. For the purpose of research rigour interviews with different categories of respondents were conducted as follows: ten (10) DETPA 2017 participants, one (1) DETPA facilitator, two (2) DETPA moderators and four (4) line managers of participants. The findings are not generalizable, as the purpose of the study was not to conduct a quantitative analysis of the perceptions of participants, but to better understand how individual participants personally experienced the potential effects of the DETPA on their individual and organisational capacities. Based on the participant’s perceptions, the programme has been perceived to have the following effects: generally, the findings indicate that the overall programme was perceived by participants to have contributed positively to their M&E capacity development. It was specifically perceived to have contributed towards improving their skills and knowledge as well as to some extent to have contributed towards sustaining the transfer of skills. In addition, there was mixed feedback on whether the programme has contributed towards improving participants’ organisational performance. In terms of the perceived gaps in the programme, it was significant that participants proposed that CLEAR-AA should consider integrating the Made in Africa Evaluation (MAE) philosophy throughout the entire DETPA, as it is currently only included as a single module. This elevates the role of local or contextual approaches in understanding the effectiveness of training programmes delivered in the African diaspora. In conclusion, this study recommends that further empirical research should be conducted to better understand the mechanisms by which training influences skills and knowledge acquisition as well as organisational effectiveness in M&E, as well as to allow for the generalisation of these findings.