South African Journal of Education最新文献

{"title":"Primary school teachers’ knowledge of differentiation for students with giftedness and learning disabilities in mixed-abilities classrooms in Saudi Arabia","authors":"Yasir A. Alsamiri, Malik A. Hussain, Mansour M. Aljohani, Ibraheem M. Alsawalem","doi":"10.15700/saje.v43n1a2181","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n1a2181","url":null,"abstract":"Primary school students with both giftedness and learning disabilities (SGLD) in inclusive educational settings may not always receive a differentiated curriculum. Differentiation in all-level classrooms is necessary for consistently meeting the needs of SGLD. There is insufficient research on teachers’ knowledge of SGLD and differentiation in Saudi Arabia and the Middle East. To fill this knowledge gap, we interviewed 9 primary school teachers in Madinah, Saudi Arabia. The interview data were analysed using content analysis. Our conceptual framework is based on the theories of Howard Gardner, who believe that all students learn in different ways. We also considered Lev Vygotsky’s view that students learn best with instructions that meet their individual developmental level and address their zone of proximal development. Our findings suggest that teachers are willing to teach SGLD along with other students in the same classroom. Although they understand that differentiation is important, they were not implementing it for SGLD. Professional training and development related to teaching SGLD can improve the educational outcomes for SGLD. These results can assist teachers and educational personnel to seek optimal methods to identify and assist SGLD in Saudi Arabia and other regions. Finally, we provide recommendations for accommodations, strategies, and a differentiated curriculum for SGLD in primary schools.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46025298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Learner support for reading problems in Grade 3 in full-service schools in the Gauteng province","authors":"T. Phala","doi":"10.15700/saje.v43n1a2144","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n1a2144","url":null,"abstract":"In South Africa, the issue of learning to read is an area of concern. While studies have focused on reading problems in the Foundation Phase, little is known about this issue in full-service schools. In light of this, the aim of this study was to explore how Grade 3 teachers supported learners who experienced reading problems in full-service schools. Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory was used to understand the meaning-making of Grade 3 teachers in the context of reading. This qualitative study with a case study design was conducted in 3 full-service schools in the Tshwane North district in the Gauteng province. Participants included 6 learner-support teachers and 11 Grade 3 class teachers. Data were produced using semi-structured interviews. The findings show that the methods of reading and modes of working to support learners are complex, varied, and largely teacher-driven. This set of circumstances highlight the need for co-construction of reading with learners and the addressing of specific barriers to learning to read. This was somewhat evident among the specialist teachers but not sufficiently robust. This study raises questions for professional development for reading problems in the Foundation Phase.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"44024015","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Intrinsic teaching challenges relating to practical investigations in some classrooms: An instructional design perspective","authors":"Fru Vitalis Akuma, E. Gaigher","doi":"10.15700/saje.v43n1a2132","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n1a2132","url":null,"abstract":"The inquiry-based strategy in science education is widely recommended and incorporated in practical work. However, contextual and intrinsic teaching challenges associated with practical investigations (inquiry-based practical work), occur in resource-constrained physical sciences classrooms in South Africa. The intrinsic challenges have previously been identified from the perspective of the pedagogical content knowledge framework and the concerns-based adoption model. In this article we present a novel approach, investigating the intrinsic challenges from a viewpoint of instructional design. The multi-method technique was used to collect data which was analysed by combining the deductive and the inductive approaches in thematic analysis. The findings consist of intrinsic teaching challenges in the initiation, planning, and implementation phases of practical investigations. Examples of the challenges include practical work being considered to have a confirmatory role, inadequacies linked to addressing learner safety, and unfamiliarity with well-known instructional models. While new challenges were identified, the findings add a new perspective to intrinsic challenges relating to practical investigations in the context of physical sciences education in South Africa. Also, the findings enhance global knowledge about the complexity of intrinsic teaching challenges linked to practical investigations. In addition, the findings inform teacher support while suggesting lines of future research linked to practical investigations in resource-constrained physical sciences classrooms in South Africa and beyond.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43158023","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Partnership to promote school governance and academic experience: Integration of remote learning in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic in the uMkhanyakude district","authors":"B. Ntuli, D. Mncube, G.M. Mkhasibe","doi":"10.15700/saje.v43n1a2023","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n1a2023","url":null,"abstract":"Despite high hopes that schools are institutions of integrity and are properly governed, very few have demonstrated this with distinction. With this article we argue that good governance depends on the partnership between schools and parents in times of emergency. The theoretical framework from Epstein’s theory of overlapping spheres of influence was used to alarm stakeholders to guard against overlapping one’s roles during an emergency. In the study reported on here we used a qualitative research method, which allows data to be collected using semi-structured interviews and focus-group discussions as research instruments. The data were collected from stakeholders of school governing bodies (SGBs) and school management teams (SMTs) through WhatsApp and Zoom meetings. Thematic analysis was used to analyse qualitative data. The research findings reveal, among other problems, that most parents are digital immigrants who refuse to participate in virtual platforms for fear of endorsing remote learning, and that poor teaching and learning is due to a lack of access to digital technology, data, and poor connectivity. We recommend that parents should support remote learning for learners to achieve quality education beyond the Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46833790","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Mainstream teachers’ lived experiences of adolescents with behavioural difficulties: An exploratory study","authors":"Puleng A. Masedi, R. G. Pila-Nemutandani, Patricia S. Kolobe, Wandile F. Tsabedze","doi":"10.15700/saje.v43n1a2108","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n1a2108","url":null,"abstract":"Globally, mainstream teachers have been experiencing intense challenges of behavioural difficulties by learners in schools. For decades, scholars have intensified the relational impact of behaviour with regard to academic progression. However, there is limited knowledge on the experiences and coping strategies of teachers regarding these challenges. Using an exploratory research approach in the study reported on here, we focused on the lived experiences (psychological well-being and coping strategies) of teachers of adolescents with behavioural difficulties. A phenomenological research design and qualitative approach to enquiry were used to conduct the study. Purposive and stratified sampling techniques were used to select 8 participants (3 female and 5 male teachers) for the study. Qualitative data were analysed thematically, and 2 major themes emerged: poor psychological well-being and inadequate coping strategies of teachers. Depressive symptoms reported by participants included the following: anhedonia, burnout, reduced job performance, and demotivation. These challenges primarily lead to negative mood regulation and maladaptive coping, such as displacement – a defence mechanism. Behavioural difficulties experienced by adolescents have a profound impact of intense stress and negative emotions, leading to poor psychological well-being of teachers. Thus, there is a need for the Department of Education to create structures, guidelines and support systems for schools on behavioural difficulties for the well-being of teachers.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"43695316","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Humanising life orientation pedagogy through environmental education","authors":"P. Swarts","doi":"10.15700//saje.v43n1a2208","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700//saje.v43n1a2208","url":null,"abstract":"In this article I focus on an initiative to determine how a group of 7 purposefully recruited Grade 10 in-service life orientation teachers in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda district of the North West province conceptualise socio-environmental issues and aim to determine whether their teaching-learning practices are aligned with the expectations of the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement. A qualitative research design was used to generate data through semi-structured interviews. The data were analysed thematically. A critical finding was that a need exists to include a situated knowledge approach to real-life socio-environmental issues for the purpose of humanising life orientation for learners. With this article, I wish to contribute to a particular discourse with regard to real-life socio-environmental issues through humanising life orientation pedagogies through environmental education. The potential merits of such a transformative approach, which is grounded in a critical pedagogical paradigm, are discussed as well.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"47315586","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Perceived effects of background noise on the learning experiences of English first- and second-language female learners","authors":"Paul Goldschagg, Tanya L. Bekker, K. Cockcroft","doi":"10.15700/saje.v43n1a2153","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n1a2153","url":null,"abstract":"Noise, although ubiquitous, is seldom considered as a factor that may impede learning. In South Africa, most learners are multilingual and learn in English, which is their second language. Most noise studies have been conducted in the Global North, where the school context differs from the Global South. In this article, using questions selected from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, we present a quantitative evaluation of the perceptions of background noise on learning of a purposive sample of 154 Grade 10 to 12 female learners attending 2 all-girls schools, who were either learning through English as their second, or as their first language. The responses of first language and second language learners were compared using Mann-Whitney U tests with Hodges-Lehman estimates. Second language learners reported greater interference and annoyance from noise, compared to their first language peers. This may be due to the additional cognitive demands required when processing complex information in a second language. Given the high proportion of learners who are learning through a language that is not their mother tongue, we highlight the importance of a good acoustic environment to counteract the negative effects of the increased cognitive demand when processing information in a second language. Educators should consider ways to mitigate interference from noise and to improve the saliency of the acoustic signal in their classrooms.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"45478663","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring information and communication technology integration among teachers in township public primary schools","authors":"Lebohang Mahlo, Z. Waghid","doi":"10.15700/saje.v43n1a2160","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n1a2160","url":null,"abstract":"Despite significant capability deprivation existing among the teachers in historically disadvantaged schools in the Western Cape province of South Africa, information and communication technologies (ICTs) have had a significant positive effect on teaching and learning. In the case study reported on here we investigated the benefits of using ICTs by public primary school teachers in teaching and learning. Sen’s capability approach was used to frame this study. We employed a qualitative research method in which 8 teachers were involved in lesson observations and semi-structured interviews. The findings reveal that, to some extent, through the teachers’ use of ICTs (commodities) in smart classrooms, the influence of personal conversion factors (ICT skills obtained through a community of practice and university training), had created the capabilities for teachers to use ICTs for curriculum delivery, although to a limited extent. Through this process, teachers benefited with specific vital achievements. From the study we recommend that holistic and annual professional development training programmes should be made mandatory for both novice and seasoned teachers.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42515168","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Your feedback procedure, my inspiration: Enhancing student achievement through assessment","authors":"Magda Kloppers, E. Potgieter","doi":"10.15700/saje.v43n1a2124","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n1a2124","url":null,"abstract":"Lecturers often claim that time constraints cause tension regarding feedback on students’ assessment opportunities. Assessment strategies for effective feedback procedures can lead to early identification of problem areas in student performance. Numerous students at higher education institutions (HEIs) do not complete their qualifications or take up to 6 years to complete a 3-year qualification. Situations like these may be avoided if lecturers provide informative feedback fostering self-directed learning, overall enhancing student achievement. In the quantitative, non-experimental descriptive research study reported on here, a set of questions was used to determine the following: (i) feedback procedures; (ii) feedback inspiration; and (iii) reflection on feedback. The data were collected from undergraduate and postgraduate students at a South African university. The 3 categories above revealed 3 tiers that form part of a metacognitive methodology which indicates that feedback procedures do play a role in student achievement. This study contributes to the body of knowledge on assessment and feedback as well as the implications for feedback on current practices of university lecturers and students’ future learning endeavours.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46075780","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder and anger in children with ADHD","authors":"R. M. Mphahlele, B. Pillay, A. Meyer","doi":"10.15700/saje.v43n1a2136","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v43n1a2136","url":null,"abstract":"With the research reported on here we sought to determine whether children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) displayed more symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD), conduct disorder (CD) and anger, which are categorised as externalising disorders, when contrasted to the control group and, also, whether gender and age impacted these ADHD comorbidities. ADHD is a neurodevelopmental disorder that presents before the age of 12 years according to which an individual displays a recurrent pattern of extreme inattentiveness, overactivity, and impulsiveness that inhibits performance, and is not age-appropriate. ODD is defined as a psychological syndrome characterised by disruptive behaviour, a pattern of anger and irritability, confrontational, and spiteful behaviour. CD is a psychological and behavioural syndrome characterised by difficulties with following rules, recurrent patterns of hostility, destruction, and dishonesty. Anger is a frequent reaction (contrasted to ordinary irritable mood), intense and long-lasting defensive or retaliatory response to perceived provocation or threat, which interferes with normal functioning. Both teacher and parent ratings on the Disruptive Behavior Disorders Scale, and self-report on the Anger Inventory of the Beck Youth Inventories were employed in this investigation. The sample (n = 216) consisted of 216 school children aged 6 to 15 years that were divided into an ADHD group and a matched control group without ADHD (50 boys and 58 girls in each group). The results indicate that children with ADHD displayed notably elevated symptoms of ODD, CD and anger. The externalising disorders are more pronounced in boys with ADHD than in girls. Age had no effect on the results. We recommend that externalising comorbidities should be the target of early interventions. Our findings contribute to the debate about how best to conceptualise ADHD regarding related behavioural and emotional disturbances, and the treatment thereof. Since these symptoms occur during childhood and progress to adolescence, early identification and management may improve the livelihood of those affected.","PeriodicalId":47261,"journal":{"name":"South African Journal of Education","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.8,"publicationDate":"2023-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42812133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"教育学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}