11613 research outputs found
Sort by
Investigating the use of podcasts in an open, distance and e-learning environment
No full textIn a world where the podcast stands out as one of the important support technologies for online learning, lecturers face great challenges in delivering podcasts qualitatively and productively. The introduction of technology into distance teaching and learning has often failed to meet the expected outcomes, and the educational landscape contains evidence of students who have been unable to benefit from this particular innovation (Dede, 2008). The increasing importance of the podcast as a support technology for online learning has led to intense discussions about how to preserve and enhance its use for all kinds of expected student knowledge. Therefore, this paper aimed to explore the types of podcasts that lecturers at an open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) institution use for teaching and learning. The focus was to explore the practices of the lecturers in the use of podcasts for teaching and learning in an ODeL institution.In a world where the podcast stands out as one of the important support technologies for online learning, lecturers face great challenges in delivering podcasts qualitatively and productively. The introduction of technology into distance teaching and learning has often failed to meet the expected outcomes, and the educational landscape contains evidence of students who have been unable to benefit from this particular innovation (Dede, 2008). The increasing importance of the podcast as a support technology for online learning has led to intense discussions about how to preserve and enhance its use for all kinds of expected student knowledge. Therefore, this paper aimed to explore the types of podcasts that lecturers at an open, distance and e-learning (ODeL) institution use for teaching and learning. The focus was to explore the practices of the lecturers in the use of podcasts for teaching and learning in an ODeL institution.
From 200 participants, a total of 431 podcast scripts (generated during staff development sessions) from different modules, departments and subjects at an ODeL institution were collected for data use. The number of podcasts per purpose or type was tallied and recorded in a table. Results provided readers with a snapshot of how an ODeL institution uses podcasts for teaching and learning, the gaps in the effective use of podcasts were discussed and recommendations were provided for a better and future use of podcasts for teaching and learning. The paper offers guidance to better utilisation of podcasts in ODeL environments in higher education institutions.Publisher's versio
Synthesis and characterisation of ferrocenylalkoxy-functionalised polyphosphazenes for biomedical applications
No full textA series of known ferrocene-containing alcohols of the type Fc(CH2)mOH, where m = 1, 2, 3, and 4 and Fc = FeII[(η5 – C5H5) (η5 – C5H4)], were obtained in multiple synthetic steps and characterised with the aid of infra-red (IR) spectroscopy and 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy. A series of new poly[tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)(ferrocenylalkoxy)phosphazene] derivatives, [(P(OCH2CF3)2=N)-(P(OCH2CF3)(O(CH2)mFc)=N]- with m = 1, 2, 3, or 4, were also synthesised in yields of 11.6 %, 13.5 %, 12.2 %, and 10.3 %, respectively. All synthesised ferrocenylalkoxyfunctionalised polyphosphazenes were characterised with IR spectroscopy, and 1H, 19F, and 31P NMR spectroscopy. Gel permeation chromatography (GPC) was used to determine number average molecular masses relative to poly(methylmethacrylate) standards for the new poly[tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)- (ferrocenylalkoxy)phosphazene] derivatives; they were determined to be 6307 (m = 1), 3410 (m = 2), 7421 (m = 3), and 3310 (m = 4) daltons respectively. Increasing monomer to initiator ratios of Cl3P=N(SiMe3):PCl5 = 33:1, 50:1 and 100:1 generated polymer molecular masses of 126 554, 168 475, and 213 731 daltons respectively against polystyrene standards. Dilute solution viscometry measurements were used to determine the Mark-Houwink constants “a” and “K” for poly[tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)(ferrocenylalkoxy)phosphazenes] in the equation [η] = K���visa; “a” was determined to be 0.87 and “K” was determined to be 0.0000634 dl/gm. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopic (XPS) analyses of the synthesised ferrocenylalkoxy-functionalised polyphosphazenes resulted in elemental compositions of P2.0N2.1O4.2F7.8C9.4HxFe0.7 (theoretical P2N2O4F9C17H17Fe), P2.0N2.0O3.4F9.3C5.6HxFe0.6 (theoretical P2N2O4F9C18H19Fe), P2.0N2.1O3.7F9.0C6.7HxFe0.7 (theoretical P2N2O4F9C19H21Fe) and P2.0N2.1O2.3F7.4C3.9HxFe0.5 (theoretical P2N2O4F9C20H23Fe) for ferrocenylalkoxy chain lengths of m = 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. XPS cannot measure hydrogen and the lower than expected carbon content is amongst others ascribed to the evaporation of cyclopentadienyl fragments that are liberated during irradiation while the analysis takes place. The full width at half maximum value for phosphorus and nitrogen photoelectron lines (P 2p and N 1s) were observed to be directly proportional to the alkyl chain length of the ferrocenylalkoxy groups. Results were consistent with greater polymer conformation flexibility in polymers with longer ferrocenylalkoxy side chain lengths. An electrochemical study of the poly[tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)(ferrocenylalkoxy)phosphazene] derivatives resulted in ferrocenyl formal reduction potentials of E°' = 23.5, -24.5, -35.5, and -51.1 mV versus FcH/FcH+ for m = 1, 2, 3, and 4 respectively. Electrochemical reversibility (expressed as a function of ∆Ep values) for this redox process was found to decrease as the alkyl chain length on the ferrocenylalkoxy groups increased. Chemical reversibility of these ferrocenyl-based redox processes were observed to be directly proportional to the alkyl chain length of the ferrocenylalkoxy groups implying that as the alkyl chain length increased, the ferrocenyl redox processes became more chemically reversible. The ipc/ipa ratios for poly[tris(2,2,2trifluoroethoxy)(ferrocenylalkoxy) phosphazenes], with alkyl chain lengths of m = 1, 2, 3, and 4, were determined to be 0.288, 0.387, 0.676, and 0.839 respectively at a scan rate of 100 mV s-1. UV/Vis spectroscopy was used to investigate the kinetics of hydrolysis of poly[tris(2,2,2trifluoroethoxy)(ferrocenylmethoxy)phosphazene] into 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol, ferrocenylmethanol, phosphates and ammonia. Pseudo first order reaction conditions were used whereby THF polymer solutions with a polymer concentration of 2.377 mM were allowed to react with THF solutions with an H2O content of 18.51 M. Kinetic results are consistent with three equivalents of 2,2,2-trifluoroethanol being cleaved first from the polymeric main chain followed by hydrolysis of the ferrocenylmethoxy group. Observed pseudo first order rate constants are 2.0x10-4 and 1.29x10-4 s-1 respectively. The remaining polymer main chain fragments then isomerises and recoils into a new folding pattern. Finally, the remaining polymer main chain fragments hydrolyse to (NH4)3PO4 with kobs = 2.6x10-6 s-1. The second order rate constant for this main chain hydrolysis is 1.38x10-7 M-1s-1. Increasing the concentration of water from 18.52 M to 27.28 M increased the rate of main chain hydrolysis by an order of magnitude. Differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) was utilised to evaluate the thermal properties of poly[bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] and poly[tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)(ferrocenylalkoxy) phosphazene] derivatives. Poly[bis(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)phosphazene] exhibited thermoplastic properties with indications of thermal cracking of the polymer main chain after multiple heating and cooling cycles. A glass transition temperature of 220 K was estimated. The onset melting temperature of this polymer was 68.46 °C. DSC thermograms for poly[tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)(ferrocenylalkoxy)phosphazene] derivatives exhibited melting temperatures at 38.3 (m = 1), 42.4 (m = 2), 70.1 (m = 3), and 38.7 °C (m = 4) respectively. Phase separation between higher and lower molecular mass fractions of poly[tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)(ferrocenylbutoxy)phosphazene] was also observed. Cytotoxicity studies for all poly[tris(2,2,2-trifluoroethoxy)(ferrocenylalkoxy)phosphazene] derivatives against a human HeLa cervical cancer cell line resulted in half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) of 18.24 (m = 1), 40.15 (m = 2), 67.85 (m = 3), and 59.09 μM (m = 4) respectively. The IC50 value of cisplatin under the same conditions was 1.21 μM. It is concluded that polyphosphazenes are successful in acting as drug delivery devices, although cisplatin is 15 – 50 times more effective
NGO governance: the King IV Report on Corporate Governance as a servant leader
No full textThe 2016 Life Esidimeni tragedy, which claimed the lives of more than 140 mental health care patients in South Africa’s Gauteng province, was a “wake-up call” for civil society to reform and improve the sector (USAID 2018: 210). The Life Esidimeni tragedy highlighted the lack of governance in civil society organisations and specifically in NGOs that operate in the health sector, where a people-centred approach is crucial. The aim of the study was to investigate the link between ethical leadership and good governance in the NGO sector by comparing the traits of servant leadership with the principles of the King IV Report on Corporate Governance with the aim of demonstrating how the traits of servant leadership are embedded into the King IV Report, thus linking leadership and good governance in one practical instrument that could assist NPOs operating in the health sector in establishing and maintaining a record of good governance while at the same time keeping a people-centred approach. The analysis was conducted at the hand of five themes found in the structure of the King IV Report, and the conclusion was reached that the main traits of servant leadership intersect with the principles the King IV Code in a manner that could ensure improved governance in the non-profit sector, which in turn could broaden democracy in South Africa
Analysing student affairs research within higher education through Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological model lens
No full textThrough Bronfenbrenner’s Person, Process, Context and Time (PPCT) model lens, this study identified the most important student affairs research themes for transforming student (including postgraduate students) learning and development in higher education, as well as how these themes might be managed or implemented best by higher education institutions. In order to address these questions, this five-article doctoral journey is situated within the parameters of Higher Education Studies, Student Affairs, Student Development Theory, and Ecology of Learning. All these fields of study and theories play a fundamental role in accomplishing student learning and development. However, this study predominantly is positioned within the field of student affairs, with special reference to Jones and Asbes’ (2017:143) third student development theory category. The motivation for this is that the study specifically concentrated on the ecological aspects of student development, reinforcing the applicability of Bronfenbrenner’s (2005) bio-ecological systems theory (i.e. the PPCT model) as a theoretical lens. Mainly qualitative data generation methods were employed in this study. The research findings are put forth in the format of five articles, which present a kaleidoscope of research that focused on the historical interval of 2008-2019: In Article 1 four North American directives and Kuh’s High Impact Educational Practices provided a development trajectory of the student affairs profession. Although Bronfenbrenner’s PPCT model lens has signposted four historical movements (in loco parentis, service providers, out-of-class development officers, and multiple educators), the reader should note that these student affairs practitioners’ roles are evolutionary. This study also found that scholarly student affairs practitioners should be flexible and theory-based in their praxis. Also, because student affairs function under a contemporary umbrella with broad and diverse responsibilities, there is substantial scope for further development in this field. Article 2 explores the student affairs research position worldwide between 2008 and 2019 in the light of an extensive document analysis of 926 student affairs research articles published in 91 peer-reviewed journals. The thematic categorisation of the Council for the Advancement of Standards in Higher Education (CAS) was used to determine nine prominent and five new international publication trends as derived from the document analysis (CAS 2019). Thereafter, Bronfenbrenner's PPCT model, particularly the chrono-system, provided critical insights in this study about how and why student affairs manifest in worldwide higher education. Article 3 established an increase in and emphasis on African student affairs research. This provoked the significance of mapping African student affairs research during the past interlude (2008-2019) through Bronfenbrenner’s lens. The document analysis of 121 articles (published in 34 selected academic journals) confirmed nine of CAS’s prominent African student affairs research trends, while four new local themes were observed. Finally, postgraduate programmes and services requiring future exploration to extend and promote student affairs as a field of research and studies in the African context were identified. Article 4 focused on the interrogation, namely: In what way can scholarly article style postgraduate studies specifically enrich the field of student affairs? In this qualitative research journey, taken through Bronfenbrenner’s theoretical microscope, higher education experts and supervisors agreed that well-defined institutional policies, faculty/departmental guidelines, and assessment are essential for success. Subsequently, article option training and support for postgraduate students, supervisors, and student affairs practitioners are essential. This study’s final, proposed outcome is postgraduate attribute indicators for quality assessment of article style postgraduate studies, which require extensive future exploration. Finally, in Article 5 the findings of a 360-degree circle reflection on the four intervention guideposts are presented and analysed (through Bronfenbrenner’s PPCT model). Lessons learned to promote postgraduate student development could serve as catalyst for further research
Health literacy of Sesotho-speaking patients with end-stage renal disease in the Free State province
No full textBackground: End-stage renal disease is a global health concern, and health literacy is essential for managing this complex disease. In South Africa, the health literacy status of Sesotho-speaking patients is unknown. Meaningful data will only be generated if health literacy is tested and local context, and cultural and dialectal diversity is taken into consideration. Aim: This study aimed to assess the health literacy of Sesotho-speaking patients with end-stage renal disease in the Free State province of South Africa. Objectives: The objectives were to establish the health literacy association between Sesotho-speaking patients with end-stage renal disease in the Free State province who received haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis at private and public dialysis centres in this province. Methodology: The researcher followed a quantitative, descriptive, cross-sectional design. The research technique used was the culture- and context-sensitive Sesotho Health Literacy Test (SHLT). Patients receiving haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis in the private and public healthcare sectors in four towns of the Free State province were included in the study (N=420). Convenience sampling (n=263) was used to collect data. Frequencies and percentages for categorical data and medians and percentiles for numerical data were calculated per group. Associations were calculated utilising the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests for categorical data and the Kruskal-Wallis test for numerical data. Results: The researcher studied 263 respondents: 57.4% (n=151) were from the public sector, 74.9% (n=197) received haemodialysis, and 25.1% (n=66) were on peritoneal dialysis. Male gender predominated, with 60.3% (n=158) men, and the median age of respondents was 49 years. The majority (58.4%) of respondents had an education level between Grade 9 and 12. Hypertension (91.3%) and diabetes mellitus (27%) were the highest reported comorbidities. Respondents had been on renal replacement therapy for a median of four years, and 46.8% reported having problems reading due to inadequate eyesight. Low health literacy levels were identified in 12.9% (n=34), moderate health literacy levels in 49.4% (n=130), and high health literacy levels in 37.6% (n=99) of the respondents. Low health literacy levels were significantly associated (p<0.01) with lower education levels. Lower health literacy levels were not associated with healthcare sector groups (p=0.58), treatment modalities (p=0.80), gender (p=0.20), age (p=0.06), years on dialysis (p=0.50) or with a higher number of comorbidities (p=0.81). However, a significant association (p<0.01) was reported between lower health literacy levels and the scores obtained in appraisal and understanding questions. Recommendations: The South African Renal Society could possibly implement context- and culture-related health literacy assessment for end-stage renal disease patients when they are diagnosed. Training institutions could integrate health literacy training into the education of healthcare workers in the dialysis field. End-stage renal disease patients could benefit if they received education and training from dialysis role players in their home language. End-stage renal disease patients’ health outcomes could improve if the staff-to-patient ratio was 1:4. Health literacy levels of end-stage renal disease patients should be considered when selection for renal replacement therapy in the public sector, and selection for transplant in both sectors take place. Education and training of end-stage renal disease patients should be related to the language, cultural and environmental context of living of the patient, education level and age of the patient, whether the patient has inadequate eyesight, and the patients’ health literacy level. Knowledge about emergencies, the influence of lifestyle, understanding of prescriptions, volume measurement, tuberculosis and hepatitis B, and the impact of nephrotoxic medications have to be reinforced during patient training. Conclusion: The health literacy of Sesotho-speaking end-stage renal disease patients was unknown. The SHLT was applicable for assessing the health literacy of these patients. Almost 50% of Sesotho-speaking end-stage renal disease patients have difficulties with measurement, possess inadequate knowledge about health, nutrition and exercise, and experience problems following medication prescriptions. This study suggests that end-stage renal disease patients’ health literacy status should be known, to improve self-management and health outcomes.B Braun Avitum (Pty) Lt
Spider ecology in southwestern Zimbabwe, with emphasis on the impact of holistic planned grazing practices
No full textThe current information on Zimbabwean spiders is fairly poor and is mostly restricted to taxonomic descriptions, while their ecology remains largely unknown. While taxonomic studies are very important, as many species are becoming extinct before they are described, a focus on the ecology of spiders is also essential, as it helps with addressing vital questions such as the effect of anthropogenic activities on spider fauna. Therefore, in order to address this research gap, assessment of the response of spiders to holistic management practises within Debshan Ranch, Shangani, Zimbabwe was done. Additionally, in order to establish baseline data on spider fauna, the standardised South African National Survey of Arachnida sampling protocol was utilised to assess its efficacy within the Khami World Heritage Site. Spider sampling was done in three sub-projects: the first included sampling in several geographic distances around previously kraaled inclusions and control sites within the ranch, using sweep nets and pitfall traps, in six sampling periods from July 2017 until April 2018; the second included sampling that was done inside the previously kraaled inclusions and their surrounding areas dating back to at least ten months since cattle occupation in two sampling intervals early summer (November 2017) and late summer (March 2018), using pitfall traps; the third entailed sampling within Khami in three sampling periods (summer, winter and spring 2018) using six sampling methods, namely pitfall traps, beating sheets, litter sifting, sweeping, day hand collecting and night hand collecting. The model that best explained changes in mean grass height (cm), as well as percentage grass cover around previously kraaled inclusions and the control sites, was that which included time since kraal removal, whereas inside the inclusions and their surroundings was that which included season and short duration kraaling. At the functional group level, only the web builder‟s genera richness responded negatively to short duration kraaling around the previously kraaled inclusions and their control sites. On the other hand, inside the previously kraaled inclusions and their surroundings only ground dwelling abundance responded negatively and significantly to short duration kraaling. The most important predictor amongst the vegetation structure variables around the previously kraaled inclusions and control sites was mean grass height (cm), which impacted genera richness and abundance of both ground dwellers and web builders. In contrast, genera richness and abundance of plant wanderers were positively associated with mean grass height (cm). However, inside the previously kraaled inclusions and their surroundings the most important predictor was time since kraal removal and the vegetation structure variable percentage coarse woody debris cover, which responded positively to the ground dwellers. In addition, the late sampling season had significantly lower ground dwelling abundance compared to the early sampling season. Within the Khami World Heritage Site the riparian woodland had the highest species richness compared to the other biotopes. Similarly, the summer period also produced the highest diversity, with winter recording the lowest species richness. Night and day hand collecting had the highest observed species richness with adult individuals. In order to sample 50% of the spider assemblages, 15 samples were required to be collected in the mixed woodland, which represented the biotope requiring the fewest samples. Seasonality effects explained a significant amount of variation in changes of mean grass height (cm) and percentage cover around previously kraaled sites and their control sites. However, when inter-seasonal variation was excluded by sampling previously kraaled sites within one season, short duration kraaling explained a significant amount of variation. Standardised sampling protocols aid in establishing databases of spider fauna which will in the long run ensure inclusion of spiders in biodiversity reports in Zimbabwe, which has historically not been the case, due to limited information.University of the Free StateDeBeers Oppenheimer GroupDr Duncan McFadde
Characterising and mapping a potential new source of wheat stem rust resistance
No full textStem or black rust caused by Puccinia graminis f. sp. Pers. tritici Eriks. & E. Henn (Pgt) is an important disease of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) as outbreaks of the disease contribute to increased input costs through the application of fungicides and often result in lower yield and quality of the crop. Upon appearance of Pgt race Ug99 in Uganda, known for its virulence against the once widely deployed stem rust resistance (Sr) gene Sr31, there has been an increased urgency among wheat scientists to identify and deploy new sources of resistance. The aim of this study was to characterise and map a potential new source of stem rust resistance in two durum derived wheat lines M3283_4 and M3192_7. Parental lines, M3283_4 and M3192_7 (resistant) and Line 37-07 (susceptible) were screened with molecular markers for the presence of 13 designated Sr-genes (Sr2, Sr13, Sr22, Sr25, Sr26, Sr31, Sr32, Sr36, Sr39, Sr42, Sr55, Sr57 and Sr58). Of these only Sr13, located on chromosome 6A, was detected in the two resistant parental lines. Crosses were made between Line 37-07 and the resistant lines (M3283_4 and M3192_7) to produce F2 mapping populations. To determine how rust resistance segregated in these populations, phenotypic evaluation was performed by inoculating the seedlings with urediniospores of Pgt race PTKST, the most virulent member of the Ug99 race group in South Africa. The phenotypic evaluation of the F2 populations and F3 families produced Mendelian segregation ratios evident of a single dominant Sr-gene. Consequently, an allelism test was performed by making a top cross between the two resistant parents. Phenotyping of the derived F2’s indicated that either the same Sr-gene or a closely linked gene is present in the two resistant parents. Genotyping was performed to detect polymorphic loci between the three parental lines. In total, 170 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were screened, of which 86 and 85 were polymorphic between M3283_4 and M3192_7, respectively. Bulk segregant analysis (BSA) was used to screen the polymorphic markers on the Line37-07/M3283_4 and Line37-07/M3192_7 F2 bulks, individuals within the bulks and the entire F2 populations to identify markers closely linked to stem rust resistance. Two markers, Sr13 and gwm427 (both located on chromosome 6A) were consistently found closely linked to the gene(s) conferring resistance. A partial linkage map was drawn depicting the position of the resistance gene(s) relative to the closely linked markers. Marker Sr13 explained 62% and 22% of the phenotypic variation for Pgt race PTKST in populations Line37-07/M3283_4 and Line37-07/M3192_7, respectively. Furthermore, marker gwm427 explained 76% and 39% of the phenotypic variation for Pgt race PTKST, in populations Line37-07/M3283_4 and Line37-07/M3192_7, respectively. The effectiveness of the two markers was successfully validated using F3 families. Semi-thermal asymmetric reverse polymerase chain reaction (STARP) marker analysis was also performed to detect which haplotype of Sr13 was present. The Sr13a haplotype was detected in both resistant parents. The combined results from phenotyping and genotyping suggest that Sr13 is present in both M3283_4 and M3192_7 as it is known to confer resistance to Pgt race PTKST. Furthermore, results from the SSR markers used to detect the Sr13 gene was supportive and the diagnostic STARP marker Rwgsnp37 confirmed the presence of Sr13. Future work should include fine mapping through screening molecular markers known to map in the distal region of chromosome 6A. The resistance gene could be combined with other known effective Sr-genes in an effort to prolong resistance
An mHealth communication framework for caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues
No full textThesis (Ph.D.(Nursing))--University of the Free State, 2020This study focused on developing an mHealth communication framework for rural caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues. Adolescents carry a high burden of mental health issues. Their caregivers, usually parents, relatives or community members, play a pivotal role in caring for these adolescents, which causes challenges for the caregivers. Caregivers in rural settings face specific challenges relating to adolescents with mental health issues, leading to unmet support needs. The potential value of using communication technology to support rural caregivers has been recognised by research. The aim of the study was to develop an mHealth communication framework for caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues in the Kopanong municipality of the Free State province of South Africa. This study is best conceptualised as the developmental phase of a complex intervention. A pragmatic study was undertaken by employing a multiple method design and harnessing a three-phase approach that was guided by the theory-of-change logic model, while the integrated model of behaviour prediction (IMBP) served as a conceptualisation of the programme that targeted rural caregivers. Phase 1 implemented a visual-based narrative inquiry that collected data through the Mmogomethod®, and aimed to explore caregivers’ interest in using communication technology in two towns of the Kopanong municipality in the Free State province of South Africa. The researcher collected data from rural caregivers (n=17) comprising three groups in the towns of Springfontein and Trompsburg. Through a stepwise literature-based process for investigating textual and visual data, the researcher identified four themes. Three themes represent challenges facing caregivers, namely, psychosocial, social resources and informational challenges. Interest in communication technology was the fourth theme. Caregivers favoured using SMS (short messaging service), phone calls and computers. In Phase 2, literature was reviewed systematically to find the best evidence available to strengthen positive behaviour by caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues by using communication technology interventions. Five articles out of an initial 1 746 articles met the eligibility criteria and were included in the data synthesis. The researcher derived three thematic conclusions: 1) The target population included parents and family members serving as caregivers; 2) Caregivers experienced improved IMBP determinants (self-efficacy, knowledge, parent/child communication, parental skills), which was reflected in positive behaviour; and 3) Caregivers used various types of communication technologies (SMS, emails, phone calls, online communication, social media). Findings from these two phases were triangulated to develop a draft framework based on the theory-of-change logic model components. The completed draft framework was presented to expert stakeholders in the third phase during a workshop. Phase 3 comprised a one-day validation workshop that was attended by nine expert stakeholders involved in various adolescent healthcare settings. An experienced facilitator coordinated the workshop, thereby enabling a discussion on each component suggested in the theory-of-change logic model, using forward and backward mapping. Expert stakeholders contributed to three theory-of-change components depicted in the framework, specifically, community needs, desired results, and evidence-based strategies, to finalise the framework. This validation workshop concluded after consensus was reached on the final framework. Through evidence-based research, the framework can facilitate a programme for supporting caregivers through an mHealth initiative that results in positive caregiver behaviour change. This framework for an mHealth initiative for rural caregivers of adolescents with mental health issues illustrates the development phase of a complex intervention. Piloting this framework will be the next phase. The researcher will participate in the piloting, with the Free State Department of Health being a key stakeholder
Enhancing grade 4 learners’ mathematical problem-solving skills in word sums
No full textThe study aims to enhance problem-solving skills for grade 4 learners in word sums. According to the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements, mathematics helps to build up mental processes that improve critical thinking accuracy and problemsolving that will be conducive to decision-making. Focus was given to all content areas, namely: Numbers, Operations and Relationships, Patterns, Functions and Algebra, Space and Shape, Measurement and Data Handling. Each content area is aimed at equipping learners towards attainment of specific skills, such as communicating, investigating, representing and the skill of interpreting information. The study employed Bricolage model as a lens, which according to Aagard is a process of creating something new from resources available at hand. Bricolage is suitable for this study, because it uses a variety of methods, theories and perspectives, which assisted in interpreting suggested solutions to challenges grade 4 learners are experiencing in solving word sums. The Participatory Action Research (PAR) as research approach, was adapted and utilised to enhance problem-solving skills for grade 4 learners in word sums. PAR uses a range of qualitative methods, which allow people to interact in a shared social world. The study was conducted in a primary school in Dannhauser. The research team comprised of the School Management Team (SMT) of five members, namely: Principal, Deputy Principal and three Heads of Departments, grades 5, 6 and 7 Mathematics teachers, two School Governing Body (SGB) representatives, 40 learners and myself the researcher. The research team was chosen in no particular order, but the researcher felt it was imperative for all the SMT to be part of the research, as they are the managers of the school. The SGB represented the parents and the grade 4 leaners were the researched. Mathematics teachers were responsible for designing activities on how word sums should be taught in order to enhance grade 4 learners’ mathematical problem-solving skills. Critical Discourse Analysis (CDA) was used to analyse generated data. Findings revealed that grade 4 learners’ mathematical problem-solving skills in word sums would be enhanced when teachers employed the multiplicity of bricolage model that entails the multiple perspectives, multiple theories and multiple methods. This study will benefit teachers and learners in South African schools with the teaching and learning of word sums in mathematics classrooms
A history of African entrepreneurship in Southern Rhodesia, 1944 – 1979
No full textThe thesis examines the development of African entrepreneurship in Southern Rhodesia between 1944 and 1979. Using previously underutilized sources in the study of African entrepreneurship, such as the Native Trade and Production Commission of Inquiry (1944), business site application bundles from the Native Affairs Department and The African Businessman, amongst others, it contends that colonial policy on African commerce was ambiguous and at times contradictory. For the most part, Africans operated in a restrictive legislative environment, but they were able to carve, a niche for themselves within the grey areas of colonial policy ambivalence, albeit in a limited way. In excuse for its failure to open up commercial space for African entrepreneurs, the state often pointed to African business illiteracy. However, this was a mere red herring for deeper colonial legislative and deliberate structural challenges such as limited freehold rights, lack of capital, and a racialised business landscape that restricted African participation. The responses of African traders ranged from litigation to forming business associations. They reveal their resilience and desire for economic independence in a colonial and racist environment. The study begins in 1944 because of the centrality of the Godlonton Commission of 1944 in discussing African entrepreneurship and ends in 1979 at the end of colonial rule. It analyses these stories through critical junctures in colonial Zimbabwe`s past from 1944, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, the Unilateral Declaration of Independence, and the 1970s-armed struggle, up until 1979 on the cusp of Independence