Exploring student teachers’ self-reflections on implementation of IsiXhosa literacy strategies with Grade 3 learners : a single case study approach
- Authors: Magangxa, Pretty Neliswa
- Date: 2020
- Subjects: Primary school teachers -- South Africa -- Xhosa language , Education -- Curricula
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10948/46251 , vital:39528
- Description: Reflection is the core aspect in many teacher education programmes around the world, South Africa included. The Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) regards reflection as a vital tool in integrating theoretical and practical knowledge gained in university coursework with practical knowledge obtained in the school classroom context. Literature highlighted that student teachers do not engage in reflection effectively, especially within the context of African language literacy teaching, thus they feel unprepared to deal with the complexities in classrooms. This has negative repercussions on how learners are taught and achieve their educational attainments. The main aim of this study was to explore and describe student teachers’ selfreflections on implementing isiXhosa literacy strategies with Grade 3 learners. This study further sought to understand their reflections on integrating theory and practice as well as their successes and challenges of implementing theoretical knowledge. The main argument of this study is that reflective thinking is a complex and valuable tool that can be utilised to provide quality teaching and learning. In this qualitative single case study premised on an interpretivist paradigm, I purposively selected student teachers and generated data through classroom observations, individual semi-structured interviews and reflective journals. Data was analysed through thematic analysis and two themes emerged. The findings revealed that student teachers used a learner-centred approach to teach isiXhosa literacy in Grade 3 classrooms. Moreover, it revealed that student teachers experienced curriculum demands that inhibited them from implementing isiXhosa literacy strategies efficiently. Conclusions were made based on ideas of sociocultural theory, the reflective thinking model and literature. From these findings, several recommendations were made for student teachers, literacy teacher educators, mentor teachers and policy makers.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2020
Narratives of curriculum adaptations: teacher challenges in the face of curriculum reform
- Authors: Harricharan, Romila
- Date: 2011
- Subjects: Curriculum change , Basic education , Education -- South Africa , Education -- Curricula , Education and state
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:9449 , http://hdl.handle.net/10948/d1008618 , Curriculum change , Basic education , Education -- South Africa , Education -- Curricula , Education and state
- Description: Prior to the landmark 1994 democratic elections the South African education system was unequal and departmentalised. The transformation in South African politics was reflected in the changes implemented in the education curriculum. A massive shift in the basic education process was put into operation, in an attempt to create an amalgamated system which would equally benefit all learners (Hackenberg, 2002:20). These curriculum alterations created a lot of dissatisfaction and a sense of frustration among the teaching fraternity (Maphalala, 2006:7 and Knight, 2005:27). The basis of this study focuses on my concern that teachers, already tense and overworked, face many challenges when curriculum modifications occur, and may find it extremely difficult to cope with them. The associated challenges may lead to excess stress, adversity and teachers becoming ill. For this research study I evaluated how teachers confront and cope with the challenges associated with changes to curriculum. The method and success of these coping skills and the management of curriculum revision is directly linked to certain issues, which may exacerbate problems stemming from these changes and have negative effects of on the teachers themselves. This study is a narrative of teachers’ experiences and was primarily conducted in the Umlazi Circuit of the KwaZulu Natal Department of Education. Purposive sampling was utilised by me, whereby the respondents, teachers who had over twenty years of teaching experience, were carefully selected from four primary schools and one secondary school. The study used the qualitative research approach within the interpretive paradigm, allowing for an in-depth insight into the challenges faced by teachers with changes to the curriculum. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and observation. The data was later analysed using codes, themes and categories. This analysis revealed that curriculum changes cause teachers to experience many challenges in the classroom. These challenges include, amongst others, lack of resources; discipline problems; excessive workloads; overcrowded classrooms; and insufficient professional development workshops.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 2011
A survey of the curricula for the pre-service education of secondary school geography teachers in South Africa, with special reference to Transkei
- Authors: Mniki, Claribel Pumzile
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: Education -- Curricula , Education -- South Africa -- Transkei , Black people -- Education -- South Africa -- Transkei , Geography -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Transkei , Teachers -- Training of -- South Africa -- Transkei
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1340 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001406
- Description: Programmes designed for the pre-service education of secondary school geography teachers reflect the assumptions held by programme designers regarding the nature of education, teaching in general and geography teaching in particular. The general practice is that in universities, individual method lecturers design their programmes and in colleges within a department of education the programmes are centrally planned. Each programme focuses on a specific context. This, together with the autonomy enjoyed by university method lecturers in designing their courses, has resulted in the variations found in geography teacher education programmes. The evidence of this is found in the structure and duration of courses, the course content, the strategies used to educate teachers and the way in which the course is evaluated. This thesis is an attempt to establish consensus and divergence in pre-service education programmes for secondary school geography teachers regarding their organisation, specific knowledge imparted to student teachers; skills, values and attitudes developed. The pre-service education of secondary school geography teachers in South Africa is revealed in an analysis of views held by method lecturers, practising teachers in secondary schools, and student teachers and an analysis of course outlines , teaching practice assessment forms and geography method examination papers. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations made for improving the initial education of secondary school geography teachers in Transkei
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987