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The preparedness of student teachers in open and distance learning environments for the classroom
Get PDFTeaching practice is crucial to preparing teachers for teacher education globally. Studies
on open and distance learning (ODL) environments, in which collaboration and discussion play a crucial role, ought to inform the design of distance learning. They should also force a more in-depth examination of and interest in teaching practice in higher education. Learning is seen as a positive experience, whether entirely lecturer-room-based or distance-based. It is essential to combine theory and practice with efficient distance training as part of work-integrated learning. Consequently, this study aimed to determine the perceived classroom skills of ODL student teachers during the teaching practice sections associated with their Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) course. The
objective of ascertaining the preparedness of ODL student teachers after their PGCE program carries substantial importance in guaranteeing the quality, efficiency, and influence of the education system by cultivating competent and well-equipped teachers. A qualitative research approach was used to gather, analyse, and interpret data. Fifteen (15) student teachers registered at a College of Education of an ODL organisation were invited to participate in the research voluntarily. In the light of the research findings, it is suggested that extra care be given to the collaboration between academic lecturers, mentor teachers and student teachers, as well as to the expectations and duties of these role-players.Curriculum and Instructional StudiesN/
Becoming and being a person through others : African philosophy`s ubuntu and Aquinas` mutual indwelling in comparative discourse
Get PDFAfrican Philosophy and St Thomas Aquinas have both been taught in African universities, but the engagement between the continent’s indigenous philosophical tradition and the Catholic intellectual tradition’s preeminent strand, has not been thorough. Presupposing that plural philosophical traditions contribute to the search to better understand, this research embarks upon a comparative analysis of the perspectives of the African ubuntu philosophy and Thomist philosophical conceptualisations of human becoming and being. Through analysis of dimensions of both traditions, it is contended that human fulness arises through relationality. It is argued that in centring on the interpersonal encounter and the consequent recognition of another’s being through mutual engagement, these philosophical traditions open to each other. Further, both traditions contribute toward the ontology of personhood in ubuntu and the good of mutual indwelling, respectively. (Words: 130)Philosophy, Practical and Systematic Theolog
Professional ethical conduct in the South African public sector: a case of municipality
Get PDFProfessional ethical conduct is a concern in South African Public Sector, particularly in local government. The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, 1996 (Constitution) offer legislations which guide governance. As municipalities became an agent for the delivery of basic goods and services to local communities, Professional ethical conduct became a significant managerial tool for municipalities in ensuring good governance.
The central objective of this research was to investigate the theoretical perspective on Professional ethical conduct, explore the research topic and its correlation with the provision of public goods and services in the municipality under review. The analysis this study dealt with the differential aspects in Public Administration as a scientific field and practice, and the core reason for this create grounds for understanding the differences, fundamental relations, how does the public sector operates and so forth.
The analysis of this study revolved around the research subject: Professional ethical conduct in the public service sector with a particular interest in the CJMM. Data were collected from academic research documents and government-endorsed document, document analysis was used (i.e., Auditor General of South Africa, CJMM Integrated Annual Reports and Public Service Commission of South Africa). The key findings revealed how in the CJMM there is a lack of consequence management, officials are not apolitical, competent staff members should be appointed, and that procurement and tendering processes should consider and prioritise bidders with effective and efficient experience, public accountability must be promoted and how findings for poor Professional ethical conduct are disregarded.M. Admin. ( Public Administration)Public Administration and Managemen
Teachers’ readiness in supporting learners with learning impairments in mainstream secondary schools in rural areas
No full textTeachers’ skills and knowledge in supporting learners with learning impairments in Inclusive mainstream schools remain a perquisite without which learners with learning impairments can be placed at risk of being marginalised. This study aimed to investigate whether teachers in mainstream secondary schools in rural areas were ready to support learners with learning impairments. The study used a qualitative research methodology, which focuses on comprehending the core beliefs, attitudes and motives that underlie how people construct their worlds and interpret their experiences. It is based on the methodological foundations and epistemic philosophy of the interpretivist paradigm. In-depth, face-to-face interviews, classroom observations and document analysis were used to gather data with the intention of gaining a thorough knowledge of teachers’ readiness in supporting learners who have learning impairments. A purposive sampling strategy was used to select ten (10) mainstream secondary school teachers who were teaching learners with learning impairments in Grade 7 to Grade 12. The study's findings showed that even though teachers had attended workshops on Inclusive Education, and had learned about it during their on-the-job training, most teachers in mainstream secondary schools still struggle to support learners with learning impairments. The study recommends that all in-service and pre-service teachers should study and practice a combination of special needs and Inclusive Education teaching strategies, be equipped to meet the learning and participation needs of learners with different types of learning impairments, and that all in-service teachers must participate in ongoing and rigorous workshops on Inclusive Education. The study further recommends that all stakeholders in the education fraternity should provide adequate support to teachers for enhancement of support for learners with learning impairments, specifically in mainstream secondary schools of rural areas.M. Ed. (Inclusive Education)Inclusive Educatio
The contribution of emerging farmers towards food security in Makhado local municipality, Limpopo province
No full textFood security has become one of the most important items on today’s international political agenda and a serious issue for governments around the world. The aim of this study was to assess the contribution of emerging farmers towards food security within Makhado Local Municipality, Limpopo Province mainly through the quantitative research design. To achieve this, a structured questionnaire which had three sections (socio-economic characteristics of respondent, farm characteristics, and challenges encountered by respondent) was used to collect data from 182 emerging farmers within MLM. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were employed to analyse the collected data. Variables that were used to determine the socio-economic characteristics of the respondents included age, gender, marital status, household size, education level, and employment status of an emerging farmer together with their access to irrigation water. In general, the descriptive statistics results have shown that only 20.4% of emerging farmers were food secure. The study also established that emerging farmers within MLM are educated at different levels, while the sector is male dominated, with few young people, and most of the farmers without access to irrigation water. Inferential statistics have illustrated that variables such as gender (females), age (young and middle adults) had a negative but significant impact on the net income (as proxy for food security) generated by emerging farmers from the various farming practices. On the other hand; age, household size and access to irrigation water have shown a positive and significant impact on the food security status of the emerging farmers. Based on the findings of the study; it is recommended that strategies that will encourage young people to participate more in agriculture as a way of food production and income generation be introduced. To address the issue lack of markets among emerging farmer; both big and small markets need to communicate their product expectations with the emerging farmers. Besides focusing solely on farming, emerging farmers can also venture into other means of generating income in order to enhance food security.M. Sc. (Agriculture)Agriculture and Animal Healt
Terms which LGBTQI+ individuals prefer or hate to be called by
Get PDFAbstract
Introduction
The evolution of the abbreviation LGBTQI+ comes on the backdrop of numerous studies that were conducted as a form of advocacy to promote the inclusion of LGBTQI+ individuals into society.
Objective
This study sought to explore the terms that LGBTQI+ individuals prefer to be called and those they hate to be called by.
Methods
The study adopted a qualitative approach underpinned by Husserl's descriptive phenomenological research design. Data was collected through WhatsApp-based semi-structured individual interviews from a 19 participants who were sampled using purposive and snowballing sampling methods. Data analysis was done using Collaizzi's phenomenological analysis method, and all ethical considerations to safeguard participants were adhered to.
Results
The analysis yielded two main themes as preferred terminologies and terms that are hated by the LGBTQI+ persons. The findings show an evolution in the terminologies used in relation to the LGBTQI+ identifying persons. Terms such as Queer, LGBTQI+ community, terms confirming gender identity, SOGI neutral, and preferred pronouns emerged as terms that LGBTQI+ people preferred to be called or addressed by. On the other side of the coin, the findings revealed terms that the LBGTQI + people hated as these were perceived to be discriminatory and derogatory, such as terms like “moffie” and “stabane”.
Conclusion
LGBTQI+ terms are forever evolving and there is a need to raise community awareness and conscientisation towards moving away from the use of derogatory and hateful terms. The hated terms continue to perpetuate verbal abuse, stigmatisation and discrimination of the LGBTQI+ community. Therefore, a nuanced approach to develop and adopt inclusive language policies to promote diversity in public and private spheres.College of Human Science
Challenges facing small and medium enterprises at the Lephalale Local Municipality of Limpopo Province in South Africa
Get PDFSmall and medium enterprises (SMEs) development is significant for employment, wealth distribution, and innovation advancement. SMEs struggle to survive in the commercial world despite the availability of government programmes. This study was to identify the factors that hinder SMEs in Lephalale Local Municipality from succeeding. The phenomenological research design was used to investigate the current state of SMEs. The objectives were achieved by employing a qualitative approach and using unstructured interviews from a population of 318 participants. The data were analysed using Atlas. ti 8 software. SMEs struggle to sustain their businesses because of a lack of access to equipment and financial resources. SMEs consider attending bookkeeping training. SMEs find it difficult to compete with large businesses because they lack the resources. SMEs should consider collaborating with other businesses to acquire business skills and the government should review the current standards to help SMEs meet the requirements for business development.U bveledzwa ha mabindu maṱuku na a vhukati (dzi SME) ndi zwa ndeme kha mushumo, u kovhela lupfumo na u bvela phanḓa na vhubveledzi. Dzi SME dzo konḓelwa u bvela phanḓa kha ḽifhasi ḽa mbambadzo naho hu na mbekanyamushumo dza muvhuso. Ngudo heyi yo itwa u topola zwiṱaluli zwine zwa thivhela dzi SME kha Masipala Wapo wa Lephalale kha u bvelela. Nḓila ya ṱhoḓisiso ya zwibveleli yo shumiswa u ṱoḓisisa tshiimo tsha zwino tsha dzi SME. Zwipikwa zwo swikelelwa nga u shumisa ngona ya khwaḽithethivi na u shumisa inthaviwu dzine mbudziso dza hone dza sa thome dza dzudzanywa kha vhathu vha vhadzheneli vha 318. Data yo saukanywa hu tshi khou shumiswa sofuthiwee ya Atlas.ti 8. Dzi SME dzi a konḓelwa u bvela phanḓa na mabindu adzo ngauri dzi a konḓelwa u swikelela zwishumiswa na zwiko zwa masheleni. Dzi SME dzo dzhiela nṱha u dzhenela vhugudisi ha u vhulunga rekhodo dza masheleni. Dzi SME dzi wana zwi tshi konḓa u ṱaṱisana na mabindu mahulwane ngauri a vha na zwiko. Dzi SME dzi fanela u dzhiela nṱha tshumisano na maṅwe mabindu u wana zwikili zwa bindu, na muvhuso u fanela u sedzulusa hafhu zwilinganyo zwa zwino u thusa dzi SME u swikelela ṱhoḓea dza mveledziso ya bindu.Go hlongwa ga dikgwebopotlana le dikgwebo tša magareng (di-SME) go bohlokwa go tlhomo ya mešomo, go kabaganyo ya lehumo le go tšwetšopele ya boitlhamelo. Di-SME di swara bothata go tšwela pele ka kgwebo ka lefaseng la kgwebo le ge e le gore go na le mananeo a mmušo. Dinyakišišo tše di dirilwe ka nepo ya go tseba mabaka ao a šitišago di-SME ka Masepaleng wa Selegae wa Lephalale go atlega. Tlhamo ya dinyakišišo tša boleng bja maitemogelo di šomišitšwe go nyakišiša seemo sa bjale sa di-SME. Maikemišetšo a ile a fihlelelwa ka go diriša mokgwa wa boleng le go šomiša dipoledišano tše dipotšišo tša tšona di sego tša hlangwa peleng go bakgathatema ba 318. Tshedimošo e ile ya sekasekwa ka go šomiša softewere ya Atlas.ti 8. Di-SME di swara bothata bja go tšwetša pele dikgwebo tša tšona ka lebaka la tlhokego ya phihlelelo ya ditlabelo le methopo ya ditšhelete. Di-SME di nyaka go tsenela tlhahlo ya mabapi le go beakanya dipuku tša ditšhelete. Di-SME di bona go le boima go phadišana le dikgwebo tše kgolo ka ge di hloka methopo. Di-SME di swanetše go nagana ka go dirišana le dikgwebo tše dingwe go hwetša mabokgoni a bophelo, gomme mmušo o swanetše go lekodišiša maemo a bjale a go thuša di-SME gore di fihlelele dinyakwa tša tlhabollo ya kgwebo.M. Comm. (Business Management)Business Managemen
The experiences of combined school principals in managing Y-generation teachers in schools in Umzinyashana Circuit in Kwazulu Natal
Get PDFThis qualitative research study establishes the experiences of combined school principals in managing Y-generation teachers in Umzinyashana Circuit in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. With the emergence of the Y-generation as a significant cohort within the teaching profession, it is essential to understand how school principals navigate the unique characteristics, aspirations and challenges presented by these young educators. A combined school is a school that is approved and established by a member of the executive council where it is not practicable to have a separate primary and secondary school. This means that it is a school that starts from Grade R to Grade 12 (South African Schools Act 84 of 1996: Regulation relating to minimum uniform norms and standards for public school infrastructure).
The study adopted a multiple case study research method and interpretivist paradigm. Herzberg’s Two-factor theory was employed as the theoretical framework. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and document analysis. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposively selected sample of four principals and four Y-generation teachers from different schools in Umzinyashana Circuit. Thematic analysis was employed to identify recurring patterns, themes, and insights from the interview data. Findings indicate that the combined school principals benefit from their experiences with Y-generation teachers and also encounter challenges in managing them. Benefits include their technological proficiency which benefits the school in many ways such as knowing the place of technology in education, researching more information to help students and data capturing in schools. However, challenges arise from potential clashes with more traditional teaching practices, job hopping, differences in work-life balance expectations, boasting, late submission of work, negative attitude, and absenteeism. This research contributes to the limited existing literature on the experiences of combined school principals in managing Y-generation teachers in the South African context. By exploring the experiences of combined school principals in Umzinyashana Circuit, this research offered valuable insights into the best practices for fostering a harmonious and productive work environment between principals and Y-generation teachers.M. Ed. (Educational Leadership and Management)Educational Leadership and Managemen
Transformation of digital government services in the public sector in South Africa
No full textBackground: It is well-documented that the 21st century is providing digital technologies in
an alarming rate. Their emergence promotes effectiveness, efficiency, accountability and
transparency of public services and internal governance. This study was conducted within the
government departments and state-owned agencies of South Africa.
Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the transformation of digital government
services in the public sector in South Africa.
Methods: This case study used qualitative approach where data were collected through semistructured
interviews from the national government departments and state-owned entities.
The target population comprised information technology officers, investigators or analysts
and administrative officers. Data collected were thematically analysed preceding the
transcription of audio-recordings.
Results: Some of the significant results of this study showed that the executives avoid playing their
role to drive Information and communications technology (ICT) through Corporate ICT Strategy.
Conclusion: Some of the challenges of adopting digital transformation are associated with low
digital literacy, poor digital infrastructure, unreliable power supply, among others.
Contribution: This study establishes that if the senior managers from ICT section become
members of the executive committee, the government can have successful implementation of
ICT projects without scepticism. This study also contributes to the awareness of considering
digital literacy skills to support digital transformation.Information Scienc
Role of continuing professional development in the digital transformation of selected university libraries in Uganda
No full textThe rapid transformation of university libraries is a result of advances in information and
communication technology (ICT). These developments led to vast amounts of digital
information and an increased number of internet users with diverse and evolving needs.
To survive and thrive in a technologically advanced academic setting, academic librarians
need to revamp their skills and knowledge through continuing professional development
(CPD). The purpose of this study was to examine the role of CPD in enhancing digital
transformation in selected university libraries in Uganda and propose a model to address
problems affecting CPD activities to support digital transformation in these libraries.
This study drew on Watkin and Marsick’s learning organisation model, andragogy theory,
the technology-organisation-environment framework, and concepts from extant literature
to formulate a conceptual framework to explain the phenomenon under study. A mixed
methods approach with a convergent parallel design was used to collect qualitative and
quantitative data from six universities in Uganda. Quantitative data were collected from
76 librarians with a minimum degree-level qualification from the six selected universities.
Qualitative data were obtained from six university librarians working in these universities.
Quantitative data were analysed using SPSS® version 28 and descriptive statistics were
generated. Qualitative data were analysed with ATLAS.ti® version 22 using an inductive
thematic approach.
The findings revealed that the selected university libraries were at the margin of meeting
the minimum requirements to facilitate a conducive environment for learning to effect
digital transformation. Participating librarians wanted to be engaged in the learning
process and noted that they preferred training activities that applied adult learning
concepts. The results also indicated that library management should be involved in the
selection of participants for training. In addition, the findings revealed that the selected
university libraries had generally implemented digital transformation. Barriers to the
enhancement/implementation of digital transformation as identified in this study included
inadequate funding, librarians’ failure to understand their changing roles, lack of
awareness of digital technologies, limited staff, absence of relevant policies or
frameworks, insufficient ICT infrastructure and limited management support. This study
concluded that CPD has a role in the implementation of digital transformation in university
libraries. The study proposed a model that can be used to promote academic librarians’
participation in CPD activities to enhance the implementation of digital transformation.
The model further highlights various stakeholders’ roles in promoting CPD activities and
how digital transformation can be achieved in university libraries.D. Litt. et. Phil. (Information Science)Information Scienc