11613 research outputs found
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Exploring teachers’ experiences of teaching reading in the Foundation Phase classrooms
No full textThe aim of this study was to explore teachers' experiences of teaching reading in Foundation Phase classrooms in terms of understanding their applications of strategies towards the successful teaching of reading. A qualitative research methodology was adopted in a case study design. Data was generated using semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. Teaching reading has been an ongoing challenge in Foundation Phase classrooms. The research study focused on three schools from different settlement areas in the Limpopo Province of South Africa. These findings revealed that teachers' classroom practice was not consistent with current best practice and the modern theories of teaching reading. This factor negatively affects their expertise in teaching reading using the CAPS (2011) recommended reading methodologies in general. The challenges faced by applying different reading methodologies might be the reason for learners' inability to achieve successful reading outcomes in the Foundation Phase classrooms
Grade 8 and 9 township learners’ response to a problem-based mathematics extension programme
No full textA need to nurture learners so that they are ready for the demands of the future suggests the need for a re-evaluation of traditional teaching approaches that tend to be teacher-centred and promote rote learning and routine drill procedures. In contrast, learner-centred problem-based teaching approaches are aimed at enabling learners to think critically, regulate their own learning, shift the boundaries of their own capabilities and be more receptive to meaningful and long-lasting learning. However, skilful guidance and scaffolding from the teacher is a key determining factor for the success of such an approach. It is, therefore, unsurprising that, in South African schools, particularly in the townships, where teachers’ mathematics pedagogical and content knowledge is known to be low, problem-based teaching is rarely practiced. Further, the cognitively taxing and time-consuming problem-based teaching approach seems incompatible with training for high-stakes examinations, which is prevalent in this context. Little is known about the way learners in this context respond to problem-based extension programmes. To contribute to filling this gap in the literature, I conducted this research using a case study design informed by the pragmatic paradigm and the framework for integrated methodology. A mixed methods research design comprising qualitative and quantitative data and using inductive analysis to produce rich, detailed accounts of learners’ responses, was used. This was done to investigate how 27 Grades 8 and 9 learners responded cognitively and affectively to a problem-based mathematics extension programme that lasted two hours a day for five days. The learners were selected by applying non-probability purposive sampling. Triangulation and peer examination were used to strengthen validity and reliability. Data analysis was inductive, iterative and pragmatic, and guided by the research questions. Content analysis was performed using existing codes from Carlson and Bloom's (2005) multidimensional problem-solving framework to code the various data sources using NVivo software. This was followed by thematic analysis, in which themes were derived inductively from the coded data in answer to the research questions. This was done in the form of five assertions. I assert that the learners employed resources, many of which were incorrect, and displayed a diverse repertoire of heuristics, but generally needed to be prompted. Furthermore, across the intervention period, the learners responded to the teacher’s modelling of monitoring by increasingly posing Why and How questions but appeared unable to apply these questions to direct engagement in iterative problem-solving. Additionally, the learners engaged in the first three phases of the problem-solving process, but showed no engagement in the checking phase, nor were mathematical intimacy and integrity evident, although strong affective responses throughout the programme were visible. This study is not representative of Grades 8 and 9 South African learners at township schools; therefore, subsequent studies are needed to explore the extent to which the study could be generalisable to the broader population and more typical contexts. The significance of this study is that it demonstrates that it is possible to conduct problem-based extension programmes effectively to engage at least a sub-population of South African township learners both cognitively and affectively. A rich description of this programme is provided to serve as a model for the creation of similar programmes
The effect of mindfulness and vocational identity on career adaptability among graduates in the early career stage
No full textThe primary purpose of this study was to investigate the extent to which mindfulness and vocational identity predict career adaptability. For purely exploratory purposes, the present study also investigated the possibility that mindfulness influences career adaptability via vocational identity. The secondary aim was to determine whether gender differences exist with regard to the level of career adaptability. A non-experimental, quantitative survey research design was used to obtain data on the constructs under investigation along with relevant biographical information. Electronic self-administered questionnaires were used to gather information from the participants. Results of the present study were based on a convenience sample of 200 respondents from a higher education institution in the Free State who were in the early career stage and have completed, or were in the process of completing, some form of tertiary education. Correlational analysis indicated a statistically significant positive correlation between vocational identity and career adaptability. In a similar sense, the results from the multiple regression analysis indicated that vocational identity was the only statistically significant predictor of career adaptability and its associated dimensions. More specifically, the results of the current study indicated the correlation between the concern dimension of career adaptability and vocational identity to be the highest. On the other hand, no statistical significant correlation or relationship was found between mindfulness and career adaptability. Interestingly, the PLS results indicated that vocational identity acted as a significant mediator between mindfulness and career adaptability. Furthermore, the results of the current study indicated that males displayed higher levels of career adaptability than females did. However, the difference was not found to be statistically significant. Recommendations were made to replicate the study with a larger sample size that is more representative in terms of demographics. Additionally, alternative research methodologies such as an experimental pre-test post-test design with a standardised career intervention were proposed in order to investigate the dynamic relationships between the variables in greater depth
The relationship between household-generated food waste in rural and urban Lesotho: an investigation
No full textFood waste has received substantial attention from industry and research communities in the previous decade. To develop sustainable food systems, and possibly ensure food security for the world population, food waste should be minimised. Food waste is related to economic, environmental, and social challenges. There are many culprits in the food supply chain that add to the food waste dilemma, as food is wasted and lost during different stages. These stages include production, processing, transport, retail, and consumption; of which consumption is of importance in this research. Consumers are significant contributors to food waste, and it is therefore essential to have a clear understanding of the factors that influence household food waste related to consumer perceptions and behaviour. Food waste is particularly important from a developing country’s point of view, especially as a potential mitigating factor for food insecurity. Sub-Saharan Africa is considered vulnerable and continues to experience challenges related to inadequate infrastructure, lack of support from government, and very little intervention. One such country, Lesotho, is a small country surrounded by the Republic of South Africa. To the knowledge of the researcher, there is a considerable void in data regarding household food waste research in Lesotho. This is especially true when considering the types of food waste generated by households, the household practices that could be driving food waste, and how it differs between urban and rural settings. It was therefore the aim of this study to compare the household food waste in rural and urban areas of Lesotho. This study further sought to explore reasons for household food waste with specific attention to households’ behaviour, purchasing habits, attitudes, and lifestyle in both the rural and urban areas of Lesotho. A quantitative approach with an exploratory and descriptive design was adopted. Data were collected from February 2019 to May 2019 from both urban (Maseru and Botha Bothe) and rural (Mokhotlong) areas of Lesotho. Randomised probability sampling was employed, and the unit of analysis in this study was households. Consumers who participated in the survey were chosen on the premise that they were older than 18 years, they were also responsible for food purchase and food preparation in households, and they were regarded as being aware of all the food that is consumed and not consumed within the household, regardless of gender (male, female, or other). The number of households sampled in Botha Bothe was 150, Maseru 250, and Mokhotlong 150. A total of 550 consumers therefore participated in the study, representing 550 households. The data were collected by utilising structured questionnaires. The questionnaire was designed in English and translated to the local language, Sesotho, to ensure that the consumers have a clear understanding of the questions asked, as it is the language understood by the majority of citizens in Lesotho. The questionnaire took approximately 30 minutes to complete. No incentive was provided to the participating consumers. The data were analysed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). The results indicate that education is a significant indicator (p=0.019) of food waste. Regarding the relationship between food waste generation and income, it seems that income is a significant indicator of food waste. Consumers who reside in both rural and urban areas are fully aware of the negative consequences of food waste. Consumers apply a great deal of effort to minimise the amount of discarded food in their households, which was also statistically significant (p=0.022). Approximately three-quarters (76%) of the consumers in urban areas undertake their main shopping from a supermarket, while it is the case with just more than half (52%) of consumers in rural areas. In rural areas, consumers do not discard the food if the “best before” date has expired, regardless of its appearance or smell, whereas most of the consumers in urban areas discard the food if the “best before” date has expired. Lesotho, being a low-income country with scarce resources, could benefit from food waste reduction and intervention programmes to assist in alleviating food insecurity. It is therefore recommended that the Lesotho government supports educational campaigns aimed at reducing food wastage and to enhance household planning skills and routines regarding food preparation
Development of a brachytherapy treatment planning module for cervix cancer utilising biological dose metrics
No full textThe contouring uncertainties associated with the use of computed tomography imaging for brachytherapy planning creates the need to investigate an alternative planning method for Image-Guided Adaptative Brachytherapy. This alternative method needs to be more robust against imaging and contouring uncertainties compared to the original GEC-ESTRO prescription regarding dose-volume histogram criteria. This study evaluates the utilisation of biological dose metrics (equivalent uniform dose (EUD)) during Image-Guided Adaptive Brachytherapy (IGABT) treatment planning and optimisation. A retrospective planning study was conducted. The eighteen patients that were included in the planning study received CT-based Image-Guided Brachytherapy (IGBT) in combination with external beam radiotherapy (EBRT) between 2014 and 2015. A novel biological optimisation model was developed and used to efficiently and automatically optimise brachytherapy (BT) plans by utilising either dose-volume, biological metrics/indexes or both for fast treatment plan generation. The module was refined to allow forward and inverse planning and optimisation of combined interstitial and intracavitary brachytherapy. Additionally, the utilisation of OAR total dose constraints during the planning process was applied and evaluated. The results of the study showed that the inverse optimisation tool could produce better target volume coverage compared to the manual optimisation tool. In some cases, the inverse optimisation tool led to higher OAR doses; however, the values recorded were still within set constraints. When comparing the conventional and biological planning methods, the biological planning produced superior CTV-T doses and dose distributions within the CTV-T. The inverse biological approach reported significantly higher average CTV-THR D98 % , D100 % values and CTV-TIR EUD, D90 % D98 % and D100 % values compared to inverse conventional planning approach. With this, the inverse biological approach also had the ability to record significant lower average bladder wall EUD and D0.1cm3D0.1cm3 values. Even though the inverse conventional planning approach reported significant lower average small bowel D2cm3 values compared to the IBG approach, both approaches were still well below the D2cm3 hard constraint of 75 Gy. Dose escalation was achieved in the CTV-T with a reduction in OAR dose with the combination of interstitial/intracavitary brachytherapy. It was concluded from the study that the incorporation and utilisation of biological metrics, which incorporates the entire dose distribution in the organ of interest, is the preferred approach when compared to the conventional physical dose-volume approach
Death due to hanging: a retrospective descriptive study of the socio-economic and demographic profiles of hanging victims in central South Africa
No full textPurpose Hanging by the neck is the leading method of suicide globally. Practitioners of forensic medicine are in a unique position to study the epidemiological risk factors for suicidal hanging. This information can be used to construct a sociodemographic profile of victims of hanging. This study aimed to describe the socioeconomic and demographic profiles of hanging victims in Bloemfontein for the period between 1 January 2008 and 31 January 2015. The socioeconomic and demographic profile can then be used in the future to identify those individuals who are at the highest risk of committing suicide by hanging for a referral to a suicide prevention programs. Method A retrospective descriptive study was performed using data from the Bloemfontein Forensic Mortuary. Results During the study period, 9085 autopsies were performed at the Bloemfontein Forensic Mortuary. Three hundred and fifty-five (355) hanging victims were identified and included in the study. This number accounted for 3.91% of the total amount of autopsies performed. The median age of hanging victims were 31.39 years, with an age range of 11 to 78. The majority of cases (38.92%) were in the age group of between 21 and 30 years. Men predominated the study population at 90.99%. In our study, 63.94% of the individuals were single, and 56.62% of the individuals were unemployed. Of our study population, 36,34% completed their high school education. The most common location where the victims of hanging were found was at home. Conclusion Males between the ages of 21 to 40, who are single and unemployed are at the highest risk for committing suicide by hanging. The population group at the lowest risk appears to be individuals who are older than 60 years of age, people who are married, people who are employed, and those with tertiary education. These results offer the first sociodemographic profile of individuals who die due to hanging in central South Africa. It calls for the implementation of a National Suicide Prevention Program via a multidisciplinary team approach
Speaking to the city beyond thresholds: an industrial design department that dematerializes the institutional boundaries in Bloemfontein
No full textThe Central University of Technology (CUT) is an innovative institution that aims to be a centre of knowledge that will produce an excellent group of innovators who WILL contribute directly to society as well as the 4th Industrial Revolution society (CUT, 2019: online). It is an important institution that focuses on technological fields of studies including engineering, information systems and, health and environmental studies, etc. CUT also has various research units which include a CRPM (Centre for Rapid Prototyping and Manufacturing), PDTS (Product Development Technology Station), FabLab, etc (CUT. 2019.online). These units are equipped with advanced machinery that makes it possible for the development of new products and technologies. So far, these units are mainly used by lecturers and researchers and not by students or the public. Industrial design is an ideal course that will allow students to make use of these machines and equipment. This will give CUT the opportunity to expand its course selections and allows students to participate in a course that offers the opportunity to be part of cutting-edge designs and inventions. An industrial design department on the campus of CUT is proposed which will contain all the equipment and expertise from CUT’s research units that students can learn from. This new department will be situated on the edge of the campus along President Ave nue which is close to the FabLab and CRPM units. The proximity to the public street will give students and the public to interact and
share (exchange) knowledge. The focal point of the building should be that the department is structured in such way that the public can enter parts of the building and learn about industrial design. The public should be allowed to test the student’s designs and give feedback on how it can be improved or even re-designed. There should be constant exchange and collaboration between the public and the students. This will encourage critical thinking and foster life – long learning which are all competencies needed in the 4th Industrial Revolution.
The aim is to explore boundaries on the CUT campus and dematerialize them without removing them. It is important for the interested persons from the public to learn from CUT without being enrolled at the institution. The department should be planned in such way that the public is always cognisant of what is happening inside. The main question asked during this investigation is: Can an industrial design department architecturally break the institutional ter tiary boundaries on a South African campus?
The dissertation is structured into four parts. The first part looks at the problems and aims identified through topology, typology, morphology and tectonics. The second part explores the conceptual frame and theoretical underpinnings of the disserta tion. Part three explores the design process and its technical resolutions. A reflection of this dissertation concludes the fourth part. introduction and orientation
Industrial design is the application of both art and science to improve the usability, appearance and ergonomics of an object or product (Fig.01). Industrial design aims to innovate the future. It is a field which requires one to analysis current trends and technologies to improve. Industrial design looks at: feasibility and manufacturing, human centred design, sustainable design, economics of the design,
methodology research, and lastly future research. Industrial design aims to improve the lives of society while also focusing on aesthetics
Training for interpersonal communication skills relevant to neurological practice in South Africa
No full textTraining in proper communication between doctor and patient is not a requirement for the training of neurologists in South Africa. This is not the case in neurology training in countries such as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia, where communication is taught and tested in the final neurology examination. The aim of this study was to assess how qualified neurologists and neurology doctors in training (registrars) view their ability to communicate with patients, and how they view such communication as an item in the neurology-training syllabus. The researcher conducted a survey to investigate the opinions of neurology doctors by using a questionnaire completed either via the internet or on printed forms. The target groups were neurology registrars and qualified neurologists working in private practice, public and academic hospitals. The results of this study will be made available to the seven neurology-training units in South Africa, as well as the College of Neurology, which is the neurology examining body of the College of Medicine of South Africa. The study found that neurology registrars and qualified neurologists are not adequately skilled in communication and, therefore, the study will motivate for the introduction of proper training and testing of communication in the objectively structured clinical examination of the final neurology exam. After all, if students are not tested in doctor-patient communication, it is unlikely that they will possess the required skills in doctor-patient communication
The use of entrepreneurial games as a pedagogical application in teaching entrepreneurship in Grade 10 business studies
No full textDissertation (M.Ed.(Curriculum Studies))--University of the Free State, 2020The study advocates the incorporation of Entrepreneurial games in teaching entrepreneurship to create learner interest and promote a better understanding of this topic. However, this topic is predominantly taught in a more teacher-centred and theoretical approach, leaving a wide wedge between theory and practice, lower levels of learner interest, and an inability of learners to perform well in this topic. The study also focused on identifying the suitable conditions for incorporating entrepreneurial games in Business Studies Class and how best to mitigate the possible challenges that may hinder using these games in the class.
Therefore, this study aims to explore using entrepreneurial games as a pedagogical application in teaching entrepreneurship in grade 10 Business Studies to address the preceding challenges. Social Constructivism by Levy Vygotsky is selected as the theoretical framework underpinning the study. In this theory, knowledge is co-constructed through social interaction. This study used an exploratory case study that allowed for a far-reaching review of an unclear or new phenomenon. At the same time, it retains the complete and meaningful characteristics of real-life events. Semi-structured interviews were used to collect data with four grade 10 Business Studies teachers.
A thematic analysis method was used to analyse the data generated. The data generated demonstrates that teachers still use teacher-centred teaching methods and a theoretical approach in the classroom because they are constantly pressured to complete the Annual Teaching Plan. Furthermore, the study found that using entrepreneurial games in the classroom creates an active learning environment that generates learner interest and an enhanced understanding of the topic. The study also found that these games bridge the gap between theory and practice and motivate learners through the practical elements they bring to the teaching and learning process
An ecological study of Tarchonanthus camphoratus L. in the Northern Cape Province of South Africa
No full textBush-thickening resulting in decreased agricultural productivity, inaccessible thickets and increased occurrence of pseudo-droughts is a common phenomenon in the semi-arid southern African savanna. Until recently, land owners paid little attention to T. camphoratus, but there is a growing awareness of the potential threat that this species presents, largely because it (1) increased significantly in numbers during the past few decades, (2) reduces the productivity of the herbaceous layer, (3) is semi-deciduous to evergreen, thus requiring water all year round in a water-limited environment, (4) is a less palatable woody plant species, (5) reproduces sexually and asexually and (5) is fire tolerant. The main objective of this study was to gain a better understanding of the ecological functioning of T. camphoratus to establish objective guidelines for the effective and ecologically responsible management of the species. The research was conducted in the Kimberley Thornveld on Rooipoort Nature Reserve in the Northern Cape Province on deep sandy soil and on shallow rocky soil. The influence of T. camphoratus on the soil nutrient status, its leaf and reproductive phenology, as well as shoot growth in relation to different climate variables, including temperature, day length and rainfall and its coppicing ability as influenced by season of disturbance, were studied. The existence of a soil seed bank and allelopathic effects in the soil, the effect of soil originating from different subhabitats on seedling growth and the response of T. camphoratus and co-dominant Senegalia mellifera to fire were also investigated. In addition, seed production was quantified and regression equations relating spatial canopy volume to leaf and wood biomass were developed from harvested undamaged and coppicing plants. It was established that, although some nutrients, including potassium, total nitrogen and organic carbon, differed significantly between the two soil types, the soil under the canopies of T. camphoratus had a higher soil nutrient status compared to soil in the open grassland. Climate, especially temperature and rainfall, were strongly correlated with the leaf carriage and shoot growth of T. camphoratus. T. camphoratus retained more leaves during the dry period compared to other woody species in the area. All T. camphoratus shrubs coppiced after cutting. However, shrubs cut during the active growth season (summer) coppiced less vigorously compared to those cut during winter.The seed production of female T. camphoratus shrubs was relatively high (40 469 ± 4504 seeds ETTE-1), but seeds did not persist in the soil seed bank for longer than one year. High seed densities of other plants, especially grasses, in the soil under the canopies of T. camphoratus suggested a high restoration potential in terms of herbaceous plant establishment, where T. camphoratus was removed in bush-thinning operations. No allelopathic effects limiting seed germination and seedling growth were evident. The seeds of T. camphoratus underwent a three- to four-month dormancy period before they germinated. Seedlings grew more vigorous in the nutrient-rich soil originating from the canopied subhabitat compared to the nutrient-poor soil originating from the open grassland. This has implications for tree-thinning operations, as areas where mature trees are removed may subsequently present ideal areas for the establishment and growth of T. camphoratus seedlings. Furthermore, it was found that T. camphoratus recovered more rapidly than S. mellifera after a hot fire and that, in areas where these two species are co-occurring, frequent fires may eventually result in the replacement of S. mellifera by T. camphoratus. Highly significant (p 0.8) relating spatial canopy volume to dry mass fractions of leaves and stems in three diameter classes ( 20 mm) were developed for undamaged and coppicing T. camphoratus shrubs. This will enable the accurate assessment of the phytomass for research purposes, wildlife management and biofuel production estimates. The positive attributes of T. camphoratus that include soil enrichment under their canopies, the provision of valuable browse during dry periods when deciduous woody species are leafless and a high density and species-rich seed bank in the soil under their canopies that ensure a high restoration potential after bush-thinning, may not be overlooked. Depending on the management objective, restoration of bush-thickened areas must take cognisance of the soil type, reproductive phenology (fruit maturation) and seasonal response of T. camphoratus to mechanical damage, as these may play an important role in the success of thinning operations and recruitment period influencing duration between follow-up treatments.University of the Free State (UFS