Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Combination of grades – Namibia'

The Namibian curriculum favours knowledge with understanding and application of knowledge and skills, because facts that are learned with understanding are easier to remember. This made learners to be able to represent mathematical situations in different ways and for different purposes. It also motivates teachers to contextualise the content to make mathematics teaching and learning more interesting and enjoyable to teachers and learners. However, some mathematics teachers are challenged by being required to teach multigrade classes, due to a massive response to improved access to education.Multigrade teaching is seen as a difficult practice especially when teachers are not well prepared to teach combined grades. This case study focused on the teaching of mathematics at Upper Primary Phase. An Interpretive paradigm was used to understand the teachers’ experiences and their teaching ethods. Hence the study aimed to investigate how teachers deliver their mathematics lessons in multigrade classrooms, considering the good practices and challenges that may occur. The findings revealed that teachers mostly use their monograde pedagogical knowledge,resulting in using quasi-monograde with a common timetable approach when teaching mathematics in multigrade settings. Although learners have access to the common mathematics syllabus, the quality of teaching the subject in multigrade classrooms seems to be affected due to the lack of teacher training in multigrade teaching. Also, equity and democracy need to be considered more than it currently is in terms of resource distribution to multigrade schools. Good practice of multigrade teaching existed in building on lower grade competencies, introducing lessons with common activities, as well as the concentration on lower grades which make learners independent. However, insufficient time, lack of knowledge in multigrade and curriculum knowledge in particular seem to challenge teachers and learners. Therefore, multigrade teachers need to be part of curriculum development for them to master the syllabus. These teachers will assist in developing multigrade resources for integration, contextualisation and more enrichment activities for high achievers.

This study examines multigrade teaching in selected schools in Canada and its implications for improving multigrade teaching in South Africa, where over 50 % of primary schools are multigrade and the teachers have not received preparation in multigrade teaching. The case study method was adopted because it allowed for 'an intensive, holistic description and analysis' of the multigrade classroom. The approach is interpretivist, based on the assumption that social phenomena are 'socially constituted' and 'valuationally based'. Research techniques included a literature review, interviews and observations. Four classrooms with grade combinations ranging from two grades to eight grades (Kindergarten to grade 7) were studied. Despite problems such as the lack of official recognition, inadequate teacher education and support - problems common to both Canada and South Africa - the Canadian teachers managed their classrooms effectively. This was indicated by their understanding of the children's needs, their integration of the curriculum for teaching across the grades and the learning areas, their use of effective instructional strategies and their involyement of parents in the classroom. A reason for their success may be that their teacher education includes child-centred, activity based approaches, integration of the curriculum, critical thinking, flexibility and effective instructional strategies, which they may adapt for effective multigrade teaching. The study found that successful multigrade teaching depended on the teacher. For South Africa, this may imply that intervention programmes should focus on relevant preparation and support for multigrade teachers. The emphasis on material resources in the implementation of Curriculum 2005 has not been balanced with adequate training on policy, curriculum and instructional strategies. Teacher education should include methodologies that are experiential, reflective and participatory. A variety of instructional strategies should be employed in the multigrade classroom. The respondents in the study believed further that multigrade teaching is more beneficial than single-grade teaching because it caters for the diversity of needs amongst children and allows for peer tutoring, thereby exploiting Vygotsky's theory of the 'zone of proximal development'. Thus, instead of viewing multigrade teaching as a temporary phenomenon, it should be viewed as an opportunity for improving school effectiveness.

This interpretive exploratory case study investigated the challenges and barriers to the multi-grade context in general, as well as to Information and Communication Technology (ICT) implementation in a multi-grade context. Possible solutions based on teacher perceptions were generated inductively within a three-level typology. The research took place in three phases. Pre-training data were gathered in the first phase, using an open-ended questionnaire (all participants: n=20); personal interviews (n=9); and two focus group interviews, which consisted of three participants per focus group. Training on the Intel® Teach ICT programme and the provision of laptops (one per teacher) constituted the second phase. The third phase included post-training data generation using an open-ended questionnaire (all participants) and two focus group interviews, which consisted of three participants per focus group, to elicit teacher perceptions of the training programme and their use of the laptops in the classroom after the training. The findings suggest that first order (school or meso level) challenges pertaining to multi-grade teaching relate to the lack of resources; curriculum challenges; learner related challenges; isolation, impact on communication and teaching; time constraints; and a work overload as a result of the multiple roles. Second order challenges (self or micro level) related to the perceived uncaring attitude of the Department of Basic Education that left teachers feeling hurt and neglected; the unpreparedness for the multi-grade context which demotivated teachers; and the negative perceptions the teachers had about their learners. Third order challenges (system level, beyond the school level or micro level) were related to the lack of Departmental support from officials; the lack of curriculum training for the multi-grade context; and the lack of support on various fronts. Regarding ICT related challenges, the findings suggest that first order barriers related to the lack of suitable infrastructure for ICT implementation; lack of peer support; lack of access to appropriate hardware and software; and lack of time. Second order barriers related to the negative beliefs in the self; negative perceptions about the learners’ ability to use the laptop; and negative beliefs related to teaching and learning. The third order barriers were related to the lack of support and assistance from the Department of Basic Education for ICT implementation. The findings suggest that the participants viewed the provisioning of enabling programmes for parents as an important solution to first order challenges, and a change in mindset as the most important solution for second order problems. Third order solutions included a “multi-grade Renaissance” towards a new model for multi-grade teaching; re-thinking the curriculum requirements regarding multi-grade teaching by the Department of Basic Education; increased support and training from the Department; incentives to teach with ICT in the multi-grade context; encouraging further research inmulti-grade teaching; providing sufficient resources; establishing partnerships with stakeholders; and the closure and merger of multi-grade schools. There was evidence that the laptops provided were used in a variety of ways after the Intel® Teach training by the participants, including email as a tool to communicate with their fellow multi-grade peers, which serve to break their sense of isolation. Quantitative data from the open-ended questionnaire confirmed an increase in the usage of the laptop after the Intel® Teach training intervention. Although the participants generally experienced the Intel teach training intervention as positive, they also identified negative experiences. These findings enabled the embedding of ‘self and sustainable support from stakeholders’ more explicitly in the professional teacher development ICT implementation framework of Du Plessis and Webb (2012b), which suggests that the Intel® Teach training intervention can be used as a vehicle to address ICT implementation within the multi-grade context. It is suggested that the Department of Basic Education should consider exposing all teachers to the Intel® Teach programme and assist multi-grade teachers by providing better on-going support and putting the necessary policies, implementation and infrastructure in place.

Die tesis is voorgelê ter verwerwing van die graad: Magister in Opvoedkunde in die Fakulteit Onderwys en Sosiale Wetenskappe aan die Kaapse Skiereiland Universiteit van Tegnologie 2014
This study attempted to address the extremely poor results for Mathematics and total lack of relevant teaching and learning material in multi-grade schools. In the case of multi-grade classes, the teacher has to cope with a large variety of development levels, grades and subjects in one classroom. Challenges that arise as a result of multi-grade teaching require instructional materials with unique characteristics and learners and teachers who develop the skills to put this material to use successfully. During the study of the relevant literature, evidence was found that proved that the learner–material approach offers the best outcomes within the unique circumstances of multi-grade teaching. This approach shifts the focus to the teaching materials and the learners while the teacher facilitates the process. In both multi-grade teaching and Mathematics teaching, this method holds benefits for learners and teachers. It teaches the learners to accept responsibility for their own learning and to know at all times what to do because the material provides clear guidance, giving the teacher more time in class to help those who need it. After a literature study and a context analysis, design principles were established with which the above material should comply. By this means, scientific criteria can be developed against which future materials would be measured. The Centre for Multigrade Education (CMGE) has undertaken to develop the necessary prototype Mathematics material. Using this material, the researcher could put the validity of the design principles and the expected usefulness of the material to the test. This brings together the theory and practice in a remarkable manner. The primary objective of the study was to improve quality, not only of the prototype, but also of future teaching and learning material.

Thesis (DTech (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2009
The phenomena of multi - grade schools has been absent both in educational policy making, educator training and only represented in a few local educational curriculum research projects. However, the practice of multi-grade is common in South Africa and especially in rural and farming South Africa. Our National Curriculum Statements implies that all schools are the same. This study addresses this anomaly. Farm schools, which started as a political means of cheap labour (Act 47 of 1953) presented a further complication to the ministry: public schools on private property govern by section 14 contract failed farm education (Forgotten Schools, 2004; Ministerial report on rural education, 2005; Commission on Human Rights, 2006). The political and ideological shift from People's Education, which, at first envision human rights in line with international treaties such Education For All, Convention on the right of the child, Africa Charter on the Rights of the Child to Human Capital Development has marginalize the farm and rural learner. Curriculum changes since Curriculum 2005 accepted the same political and economic vision. The first world technical National Curriculum Statements mismatch farm education as systemic results since 2004 has shown. The government’s deficit view and national curriculum influence farm and rural teaching and learning negatively. This study focuses on curriculum delivery (intended I implemented) planning. How the educator adapted the curriculum to suit the needs of third world farm learner, its multi-grade context and the ideology of the hegemony. The qualitative paradigm will be that of the critical theory and grounded theory methodology with the goal of uncovering the educators' views and practice. This has been done by holding interviews with various foundation phase educators and looking at the seating arrangements and planning. The sample was from the Breede River District. A focus group of nineteen ACE students with 312 collective years experience has been involved in the coding and analysing. Current practice and planning have been juxtaposed with international multi-grade practice. The research questions were aimed at uncovering how rural and farm educators plan for their multi-grade classes when faces with a national mono-grade curriculum. Various research methodologies were used.

The purpose of this study was to examine the training and development of teachers in multi-grade teaching in selected Eastern Cape primary schools with a particular focus on the integration of vertical and horizontal knowledge in post-training. Multigrade teaching is the combining of learners of different grade levels in one classroom taught by one teacher. To gain better understanding of the construct of vertical and horizontal integration of knowledge within post-training environment, this qualitative case study design sampled eight teachers, four school principals and three trainers, purposively. In order to evaluate the training and development provided for teachers in multi-grade classrooms the researcher examined the training programmes, the training curriculum and transfer of training inputs. The results of the study indicate that post-training is the determinant of the extent of the effectiveness of the transfer of training skills, knowledge and attitudes gained in multi-grade teaching training. The study found a massive gap that currently exists between training in multi-grade teaching and the actual transferability of such training in multi-grade contexts. Positive transfer of training in multi-grade teaching strategies was found to be skills related to teaching strategies, lesson management, curriculum integration and social components of multi-grade teaching. Negative transfer of training included classroom organisation, lesson planning, timetabling, curriculum adaptation and assessment. Although multi-grade teacher training programme is assumed to change behaviours, attitudes, impart knowledge and improve teaching skills, the results of the study indicate that training inputs might not necessarily transform into classroom practice. In order to facilitate and ensure vertical and horizontal integration of knowledge and skills and transfer of training to classroombased teaching, recurrent training in multi-grade teaching is therefore, suggested.

A full dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Masters in Education Presented to the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences 2015
In Africa, throughout the history of schooling, many teachers have been confronted by the demanding situation of teaching two or more year groups in the same classroom although data on this multi-grade phenomenon is scarce. Although reading is a fundamental competency and the core of our curriculum, a gap exists in practice. In multi-grade classes the gap is wider as a result of the different grades and varying abilities within the grades. The present study was motivated by the researcher’s concern for the status of reading in all Foundation Phase classes. This study answers one main question: How do teachers in two urban multi-grade classrooms teach reading in the Foundation Phase? The two sub-questions are: What are the current reading practices in urban multi-grade classrooms in the Foundation Phase? What challenges do teachers of urban multi-grade classes face when teaching reading in the Foundation Phase? The conceptual framework that was central to answering the two sub questions includes four theorists namely: Lave and Wenger’s (1991) Vygotsky’s (1978); Bronfenbrenner’s (1990) and finally Piaget’s (1972) stages of cognitive development including pre-operational stage and concrete operational stage. The literature review highlights the physical setting of the multi-grade classrooms, debates the advantages and limitations of urban multi-grade teaching, compares the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) 2005 and the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) reading curriculum, briefly deliberates the stages of reading development and finally discusses the variety of reading practices. A qualitative interpretive case study research design was formulated to explore the complex phenomenon of urban multi-grade reading practices in the Foundation Phase. The first research question explored the reading practices found in two urban multi-grade classes, and the findings include four themes which are: stories, vocabulary, comprehension and reading. The second sub-question, focussed on the challenges the urban multi-grade teachers experienced. In conclusion this study reveals that reading can be taught successfully in urban multi-grade classes. Teaching reading in multi-grade classes may foster the emotional, intellectual, social and academic well-being of learners. Secondly although the two urban multi-grade teachers faced many challenges, with the necessary support structures in place, these challenges could be minimized.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Master of Education in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2014
Educationists and political leaders are concerned about the high dropout rates experienced in South African high schools. For the purposes of this research, “dropout” is defined as “one who has not graduated from high school”. Research indicates that the high school dropout rates, both in South Africa and globally, culminate in challenges for the school, the community and society. The multigrade primary school environment sees learners doing well academically, but when these learners move on to high school, the dropout rates increase for these learners. The purpose of this study is two-fold: to determine the reasons for dropout of learners who have ably and successfully completed their primary education within the multigrade system; and to propose a strategy to assist rural multigrade primary schools in reducing the foreseen dropout rates in high schools. A sequential explanatory mixed-method approach was designed in order to determine what strategy could assist rural multigrade schools in Circuit 2 of the West Coast Education District to prevent the dropout rate experienced in high schools. During the preliminary research a scrupulous literature study was done, to determine global trends and to determine which current intervention programmes exist. The quantitative phase of this study was conducted first and consisted of a content analysis of school documents to determine which learners did not complete high school. The qualitative phase followed and the data was collected through face-to-face interviews with principals of rural multigrade primary schools, and learners who had dropped out. This was done in order to determine the perceptions of the principals, and the former learners who had dropped out of the schooling system. This research elucidates the challenges – the inexorable odds – that these multigrade learners have had to overcome in order to complete Grade 12. In closing, it proposes pragmatic strategies which may decrease the high dropout rates that learners, from a multigrade primary setting, experience in future.

Thesis (MTech (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2010.
This research investigates the influence of a 12 week holistic fitness programme on learner attitudes in three multi-grade schools in the Wellington area of the Western Cape. A sample of 38 (N= 21 males and N=17 females), grade 4 multi-grade learners participated in the study. The study also tests whether an evaluation model as applied in this research: a) Can give insight into how to develop a fitness programme and assist to refine and improve such a program; b) Assists, through evaluation and attitudinal evaluation questionnaires to identify the various components of a fitness programme that can be modified to optimise the outcomes of the programme. It was found that the structure provided by the holistic fitness programme encouraged in significant positive attitudes toward all seven sub-domains of the CATPA inventory. It is concluded that the participation in a structured fitness programme is confidently associated with the development of more positive attitudes.

Thesis (DTech (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2008.
Multi-grade teaching is a worldwide phenomenon. Meeting the basic needs of rural people in developing countries is a major challenge to achieve the Millennium Development Goals of the Education for All programmes. Situation analyses carried out by Little (1995, 2001, 2003, 2004 and 2005), Juvane (2005), Taylor and Mulhalll (1997) and Atchoarena and Gasperini (2003) indicate that multi-grade schools are common in impoverished, low population settlements such as remote areas and small villages. Researchers like Berry (2001), Pratt (1986) and Bryk (1994) report evidence that multi-grade schools can be positive places for learners and teachers. Observations done by Rao (2004), McGinn (1996) and McEwan and Benveniste (2001) show that successful models of multi-grade teaching already exist. Examples of addressing the isolation of multi-grade settings are found in Finland and Greece, where ICT is utilized to address this challenge. The "active" pedagogy which researchers like Little (1995, 2003 and 2005), Juvane (2005), Miller (1999) and McEwan and Benveniste (2001) promote for multigrade schools expects teachers to guide activities to be completed, and allows for free activities, which require application of the knowledge gained. It also involves creative exploration and application of regional-specific knowledge and relies upon learners to acquire and construct knowledge for themselves, guided by the teacher. Atchoarena and Gasperini (2005:6) believe in an integrated learning concept which bases its focus on the notion that effective learning is not limited to the classroom, but that, through use of community resources the curricula can "come alive."The "active" pedagogy and the expected participation of communities in the teaching and learning process should not only be for the benefit of the multi-grade class but should also be applicable to teaching and learning in mono-grade classes. This contributes to Bingham's (1995:6) view that a natural community of learners is inclusive of experiences outside school boundaries in the larger world. According to the Ministerial Committee on Rural Education (2005:12), South Africa's first ten years of democracy, are after 1994, characterized by an overwhelming commitment to equality, to treat everyone in the same way no matter what his or her differences are. Hence, the management and funding of rural schools are similar to the principles and formulas of those of urban schools. So too, curriculum and pedagogies of rural schooling are planned to be the same as those found in rural settings. Emerging Voices (2205:12) and Joubert (2005:3) agree that rural education has to provide the means to enable generations to break out of the recurring cycle of unskilled labour and resultant poverty. State education must deliver learners who are able to read, write and are numerate and furthermore deliver trained teachers for the multigrade Irural school system. In the literacy reviewed, it is clear that curricula, learning materials, teacher education and assessment are necessary components of an integrated strategy for learning and teaching in multi-grade settings. Surrounding these strategies is the need for national policies for curriculums, materials, teacher education and assessment that recognize, legitimate and support learners and teachers in multi-grade settings. The researcher identified two interventions, which addressed the above mentioned multi-grade phenomenon in South Africa, namely the Kgatelopele project of the Limpopo Education Department launched in 2000 and the Multi-grade Rural School Intervention (MGRSI) in the Western Cape Province launched in 2001. Both these interventions focused on the needs of multi-grade schools, and ways to address those needs. The MGRSI was structured according to a logic model, which provided the objectives of the intervention and the strategy, which it intended to follow in order to reach the stated outcomes. This study provided the opportunity to do a case study, which revealed the successes and the challenges of the intervention implemented from 2001 to 2006.

Tesis voorgelê volgens die vereistes van die M.Ed. vir die Fakulteit van Onderwys en Sosiale Wetenskappe te Kaapse Skiereiland Universiteit van Tegnologie, 2012
Onderwys moet gesien word as ‘n sosialiseringsproses en leer in groepe as ‘n primêre leerbeginsel. Leerders moet deur interaksie hul sosiale, akademiese en geletterdheids-vaardighede verbeter. Die navorsing het gepoog om antwoorde te verkry op die volgende vrae: In watter mate word groepwerk tans in die Intermediêre Fase-multigraadklas toegepas? Wat is die faktore wat groepwerk as ‘n onderrigstrategie vir geletterdheid in die Intermediêre Fase-multigraadklas ondersteun of verhinder? Wat is die effektiwiteit van ’n intervensieprogram om opvoeders te ondersteun in groepwerk as onderrigstrategie? Hierdie navorsing wil bydra tot die implementering van geskikte groeponderrigstrategieë om goeie beplanning en organisasie in die multigraadklas te verseker. Dit wil opvoeders bemagtig om deur groepwerk multigraadklasse in die Intermediêre Fase effektief te onderrig, om sodoende verbetering in leerders se leer te bewerkstellig. Daar moet ook ‘n bewusmaking by die beleidmakers geskep word wat betref die uitdagings wat multigraad-onderwys inhou vir opvoeders. Die navorser het met dié navorsing bepaal hoe groepwerk as ‘n onderrigstrategie in multigraadklasse in die Intermediêre Fase geïmplementeer kan word. Daar is egter in multigraadklasse waargeneem dat leerders nie oor die nodige vaardighede beskik om in groepe te werk en verantwoordelikheid vir hul eie leer en die van ander te aanvaar nie. Die opvoeders in die multigraadklasse is ook onkundig wat betref gepaste klaskamer-organisasie, beplanning, groeperingstegnieke en groepaktiwiteite vir die implementering van groepwerk. Die ontwerpgebaseerde navorsingsmetode is in die navorsing gebruik. Dié navorsings-metode bestaan uit drie fases, naamlik: voorlopige navorsingsfase, prototipe-fase en die assesseringsfase.

ABSTRACT Education should be seen as a socializing process and learning in groups as a primary principle of learning. Through interaction learners must improve their social, academic and literacy skills. The research endeavoured to find answers to the following questions: To what extent is group work currently applied in the Intermediate Phase multi-grade class? What are the factors enhancing or hindering group work as an educational strategy for literacy in the Intermediate Phase multi-grade class? How effective is an intervention programme in supporting educators in group work as an educational strategy? This research aims at contributing to implementing suitable group work strategies to ensure good planning and organization in the multi-grade class. It wants to empower educators in the Intermediate Phase to teach multi-grade classes effectively through group work, and in so doing bring about improvement in the way learners learn. Policy makers should also be made aware of the challenges facing educators of multi-grade education. With this research the researcher determined how group work as an educational strategy can be implemented in multi-grade classes in the Intermediary Phase. It was, however, found that in multi-grade classes learners do not have the necessary skills to work in groups and take responsibility for their own learning and that of others. The educators in multi-grade classes are also ignorant concerning suitable classroom organization, planning, grouping techniques and group activities in implementing group work. The design based research method was used in this research. The research method consists of three phases, namely: preliminary research phase, prototyping phase and assessment phase.

Thesis (MEd)--Stellenbosch University, 2014.
ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This research explored the influence of the rural multi-grade context on the nature of the work of the principal of a rural multi-grade school. I specifically looked at the job description of the school principal as set out in the South African Schools Act (84 of 1996) and how the rural multi-grade context affects the nature of the work of four principals in the Western Cape. The relationship between the interpretation of policy and its implementation has always been complex because policies are open to different interpretations by the implementers thereof. This complex relationship can be observed with the implementation of the South African Schools Act of 1996, with specific reference to articles 16(1), 16A(2) and 16(3), in the South African school community. This disjunction between the policy as formulated by policy makers and the implementation thereof by implementers is often traced to the fact that policy makers do not consider the context of the implementers of the policy properly (Bell & Stevenson, 2006:14-15). In my attempt for a better understanding of this disjunction (and the factors that contribute to it), I found the interpretive qualitative investigation the most suited methodology for this study. In this case, I used the case study as a qualitative research method. According to Patton en Cochan (2002:2), qualitative research is characterised by the goals of the research question, which relates to the understanding of certain aspects of social life and methodologies; therefore, words are generated instead of numbers for data analysis. Merriam (1998:21) defines a qualitative case study in terms of the end product as an intensive, holistic description and analysis of a single case, phenomenon or social unit. By defining and conceptualising rural multi-grade schools, I found that these schools are characterised by (a) remote areas with a sparse population and (b) poverty. Joubert (2009:4) defines rural teaching (read rural multi-grade schools) as teaching in remote areas with a sparse population, such as on farms, far from towns and cities, where learners are not exposed to the luxuries of shopping malls or industries. These environments are characterised by inaccessibility, poor or inadequate infrastructure, poverty and a lack of skills, resources, knowledge and community involvement. I conducted interviews with four principals of rural multi-grade schools. Based on results of the research study, I found that the rural multi-grade context indeed has an effect on the nature of the work of the principal. To assist principals of rural multi-grade schools, I recommend that the national education department review the staff establishments of rural multi-grade schools with regard to teachers and non-teaching staff. Furthermore, the provincial department needs to increase the monetary allocation for rural multi-grade schools by the Western Cape Education Department (WCED). In order to address the lack of support to the principals of rural multi-grade schools, specialists on multi-grade teaching should be appointed to support these schools in terms of curriculum delivery and school management.
AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie studie het die invloed van die landelike multigraad-agtergrond op die aard van die werk van die hoof van ’n landelike multigraadskool verken. Ek het spesifiek gekyk na die posbeskrywing van die skoolhoof soos verwoord in die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet (84 van 1996) en hoe die landelike multigraad-agtergrond die aard van die werk van vier skoolhoofde in die Wes-Kaap beïnvloed. Die verband tussen interpretasie van beleid en die toepassing daarvan was nog altyd ʼn komplekse verhouding omdat beleid oop is vir uiteenlopende interpretasies deur die toepassers daarvan. Hierdie komplekse verhouding kom aan die lig wanneer daar byvoorbeeld gekyk word na die toepassing van die Suid-Afrikaanse Skolewet van 1996 (met spesifieke verwysing na artikels 16(1), 16A(2) en 16(3)) op die Suid-Afrikaanse skoolgemeenskap. Die disjunksie tussen die beleid soos deur ‘beleidmakers’ geformuleer en die toepassing daarvan deur beleidstoepassers of implementeerders van beleid kan dikwels herlei word tot die feit dat beleidmakers nie die agtergrond van beleidstoepassers of implementeerders van die beleid na behore in ag neem nie (Bell & Stevenson, 2006:14-15). In my poging om dié disjunksie (en die faktore wat daartoe aanleiding gee) beter te verstaan, het ek bevind dat die interpretatiewe kwalitatiewe ondersoek die geskikste metodologie vir hierdie studie sou wees. In hierdie geval het ek gebruik gemaak van die gevallestudie as kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetode. Kwalitatiewe navorsing word gekenmerk deur die doelstellings van die navorsingsvraag, wat verband hou met die begrip van sekere aspekte van die maatskaplike lewe en die metodes, wat woorde in plaas van getalle genereer vir data-analise (Patton & Cochan, 2002:2). Merriam (1998:21) definieer ʼn kwalitatiewe gevallestudie met betrekking tot die eindproduk as ʼn intensiewe, holistiese beskrywing en analise van ʼn enkele geval, fenomeen of maatskaplike eenheid. Met die definiëring en konseptualisering van landelike multigraadskole het ek tot die gevolgtrekking gekom dat hierdie skole gekenmerk word deur twee pertinente kenmerke: (a) dit is afgeleë met ylbevolkte omgewings en (b) armoede. Joubert (2009:4) omskryf landelike onderrig (lees landelike multigraadskole) as onderrig wat meestal in afgeleë en ylbevolkte omgewings soos op plase, gewoonlik ver van hoofroetes, dorpe en stede plaasvind, waar leerders nie aan luukshede soos inkopiesentrums of nywerhede blootgestel word nie. Hierdie omgewings word gekenmerk deur ontoeganklikheid, swak infrastruktuur, armoede en gebrekkige vaardighede, bronne, kennis en gemeenskapsbetrokkenheid. Onderhoude is met hoofde van vier landelike multigraadskole gevoer. Op grond van die navorsingresultate het ek bevind dat die landelike multigraad-agtergrond wel die aard van die skoolhoof se werk beïnvloed. Ek beveel dus onder andere aan dat die provinsiale onderwysdepartement die diensstate van landelike multigraadskole hersien wat betref onderwysers en niedoserende personeel asook dat die monetêre toekenning van landelike multigraadskole deur die Wes-Kaapse Onderwysdepartement (WKOD) verhoog word. Verder bevel ek aan dat bekwame distriksamptenare aangestel word om die skoolhoof van ʼn landelike multigraadskool ten opsigte van die bestuur van die skool en die onderwysers ten opsigte van kurrikulumlewering te ondersteun.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Education in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013
Teacher education for multigrade education in South Africa is poor, since multigrade teachers and principals involved in multigrade education have not received formal training in this form of education, and therefore lack support. Owing to this lacuna in multigrade pedagogy, and teachers' limited knowledge of such pedagogy, multigrade teachers and principals struggle to interpret subject matter and settle for different ways to present and make it accessible to learners. This has a severe impact on the potential of multigrade schools to play an important role as educational units in underserved rural areas. Research shows that pre-service and in-service training does not enable multigrade teachers and principals to develop a knowledge base within the complexities of the actual classroom situation. Such a knowledge base would enable them to solve the endemic problems of multigrade education, thereby enhancing their task as multigrade teachers and principals. Training can have an impact on trainee teachers, but the successful transfer of this newly acquired knowledge to learners in the classroom is questionable. Owing to the extent of the problem experienced at each level of multigrade education in the educational system in South Africa, chances are slight that support to multigrade teachers and principals will emanate from officials and curriculum advisers. It is clear that the problem of supporting multigrade teachers and principals is substantial and daunting, and that a solution to the problem will lead to significant advances in learning, or at least a significant reduction in malfunction in the multigrade educational system. Therefore, bridging the gap between newly-acquired teacher competence and teachers' performance in the classroom is a major concern for the future. This research aims to understand the dilemmas and address the shortcomings as teachers implement new practices within classrooms. There needs to be a transitional process through which multigrade teachers and principals move as they gradually learn, come to understand, and become skilled and competent in novel ways of education. This research introduces a Professional Learning Community (PLC) as a model of support and guidance to multigrade teachers and principals, bridging the gap between knowledge acquired at a workshop, and concomitant support and guidance, in order to understand and address the dilemmas that emerge as they implement new practices within multigrade classrooms. This research employs a design research approach to determine design guidelines and principles to facilitate the process of supporting and guiding multigrade teachers and principals, working together as a network cluster for collective learning and its implementation. The research process in design research encompasses educational design processes and is therefore cyclical in character: analysis, design, evaluation and revision activities are iterated until a satisfying balance between ideals ('the intended') and realisation has been achieved. To develop solutions for this research, a prototyping approach was employed towards a final deliverable. The Prototyping Phase in this research comprised three cycles, and focused during the evolutionary prototyping process on elaborating on the components of the possible support system to multigrade teachers and principals. It was envisaged that this would concretise the situation, and obviate problems before implementation in the day-to-day user setting. Formative evaluation was applied in order to uncover shortcomings during the development process, in order to generate suggestions for improvement. The results of the evaluation of each preceding prototype were used in the development of the next prototype. Design research is an effective method of developing various prototypes in collaboration with multigrade teachers and principals to ensure contextual appropriateness of what works at a given time, as well as solutions to the specific problems of multigrade teachers and principals in South Africa. Keywords: Design research, Educational design processes, Educational design research, Multigrade, Multigrade pedagogy, Network cluster, Professional Learning Community, Support system.

A full dissertation submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master in Education Presented to the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2014
Writing in rural multigrade Foundation Phase schools is a largely negelected area for research and teacher development. Even those teaching multigrade classes are not sure how to approach it. There are almost no regulations or guidelines in PIRLS or government documents and reports. Nevertheless multigrade rural schooling is prevalant throughout South Africa. This gap between widespread practice and lack of theoretical acknowledgement or knowledge prompted this study. For the purposes of this study two rural multigrade Foundation Phase classes were selected in the Northern District of the Western Cape. This study answers one main question: What writing practices are being implemented in these two rural Foundation Phase multigrade classes? Two sub-questions are: How do the two Foundation Phase teachers teach writing skills to rural multigrade learners? What challenges do these two Foundation Phase teachers experience when teaching writing? Lack of research in this area required considerable time to consolidate an appropriate research methodology. To establish a scientific structure for this research certain theoretical approaches were adopted. Socio-cultural theories of learning, particularly focusing on Bronfenbrenner’s socio-ecological model, Vygotsky’s Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and social constructivism were used. Piaget’s developmental contributions add to this research project. Cambourne’s principles and strategies were invaluable in understanding constructivism in a language classroom. Because this was a pioneering research project it took over four years to complete analysis of data from the schools and link it to the theoretical framework. A qualitative interpretative case study research design was specifically formulated to provide an objective understanding of the research questions. The data were analysed qualitatively. Four themes emerged from sub-question one and include: the pedagogy of teaching writing in a multigrade class, the importance of creating a writing ethos in the classroom, elements of writing and supporting learners in the writing process. The following six themes were identified in answering sub-question two: teacher challenges, poor socio-economic backgrounds, writing support from the WCED, creating a writing ethos including discipline, parental literacy and learner challenges. In conclusion, this research indicates that multigrade education is, far from being a recalcitrant problem or cause for apology, useful as a template for curriculum development in many other areas of education. Multigrade education provides a realistic and flexible tool for meeting urgent educational problems.

Thesis submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree Doctor of Education in the Faculty of Education and Social Sciences at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology 2013
Parental involvement in rural multigrade schools in South Africa is poor. This is mainly due to a lack of support for and insufficient knowledge regarding the development of a programme that would increase parental involvement at rural multigrade schools in South Africa. The context of multigrade education in South Africa reflects the reality of a lack of parental involvement. South African rural multigrade education is beset by a variety of internal and external challenges which have a detrimental effect on effective parental involvement. However, in the rural multigrade school context, parents have untapped potential that needs to be identified and acted upon in order to empower parents; this could provide the rural marginalised children with meaningful access to quality education. Research has proved that parental involvement has a positive effect on the quality of education. According to research, the six types of parental involvement are parenting, communicating, volunteering, learning at home, decision-making and collaborating with the community. In this study the focus was on involving parents in learning and allowing them to become active partners in education. To increase parental involvement in learning at rural multigrade schools in South Africa, an intervention was needed. This intervention came in the form of a school, community and family partnership programme. The core elements of a school, community and family partnership programme (SCAF partnership programme) were the creation of partnerships and communication channels between the school, community and family, as well as the utilisation of existing community resources. These core elements had a specific focus on learning. This study used Bourdieu's (1986) theory on capital and Epstein's (1995) theory of overlapping spheres of influence. The purpose of this study was to determine the characteristics of an effective school, community and family partnership programme that would increase parental involvement in learning at rural multigrade schools in South Africa. Design-based research was employed in order to design, develop and test the proposed programme. Research was conducted in two phases. During the preliminary phase, a needs and content analysis, review of literature, and the development of a conceptual or theoretical framework for the study were conducted. This was followed by a prototyping phase which is an iterative design phase consisting of iterations, each being a micro-cycle of research with formative evaluation as the most important research activity, and which is aimed at improving and refining the intervention. Summative evaluation was conducted during the prototype phase in order to determine whether the solution or intervention met the pre-determined specifications. Data gathered during this study indicated: 1. The SCAF partnership programme can increase parental involvement in learning at rural multigrade schools if certain product and process characteristics are active. 2. The SCAF partnership programme allows utilising school, home and community capital through interaction and collaboration to increase parental involvement in learning. 3. A SCAF partnership programme should focus on learning through creating partnerships and opportunities for communication, and utilising community resources. 4. A SCAF partnership programme should be employed through a specific process. 5. Design research offers an appropriate and powerful approach to design, develop and implement a SCAF partnership programme that increases parental involvement in learning at rural multigrade schools. Keywords: Parental involvement, Parents, Design Research, Rural multigrade schools, Rural multigrade education

The Namibian curriculum is premised on the view that there is a need for a holistic development and preparation of learners for a knowledge-based society. The draft National Environmental Education policy, the basic education policy and curriculum development processes in Namibia devolved the power and responsibility to implement environmental learning practice to schools. This research focus on the extent to which schools coordinate environmental education (EE) activities, educators’ perception of their environment, knowledge of EE processes, assessment approaches, the out-door activities, learning support materials, community involvement and EE school policy issues. Wickenburg (2000:56) affirms that “for substantial learning to take place, stakeholders should work actively and establish local supportive structures for EE in Schools”. Educators are expected to deal with practical issues which create opportunities for learners to develop environmentally responsive knowledge, skills and attitudes. The research design is a mixed methods research approach, which includes aspects of the quantitative and qualitative approach. The methodology involved data collection methods such as interviews with educators and a local EE officer, focus group discussions with learners and a self-assessment questionnaire for educators. The data was then analysed and interpreted in relation to a set of theoretical perspectives. The research concluded that educators have knowledge of factual information about environmental learning topics such as population, biodiversity and environmental degradation. Educators have the comprehension of indigenous knowledge and continuously assess learners. Educators however, seldom communicated the way people’s cultural activities affect the environment and did not value cultural practice and indigenous knowledge. Many educators did not use the local environments to do practical activities with learners. Schools did not have EE school policy, rarely practised outdoor activities and local communities are not involved school EE activities. Learners are knowledgeable of their local environmental issues. Based on the finding of the research I came up with a list of recommendations to guide the process of implementation of environmental learning at schools.
Environmental Education
(M. Ed. (Environmental Education))

This study aims to explore the experiences of teaching foundation phase multi-grade classes in rural settings. I am interested in understanding how teachers teach multi-grade classes so that I am able to make sense of the challenges and opportunities that they encounter. This is a qualitative case study and is guided by the interpretive paradigm. Purposeful sampling was used to select participants. I collected data by using qualitative research methods including interviews and observations. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed and interpreted through an open coding process. Data was synthesised and resulted in the formulation of five themes. The findings show that teachers were faced with challenges which include lack of proper training, insufficient support from stakeholders, no workshops organised for multi-grade teachers, lack of resources at school which makes teaching and learning difficult, conditions of the school and the community that are not conducive to effective teaching and learning. Recommendations include that multi-grade teachers need to receive ongoing support from stakeholders. They also need to be given pre- and in-service training so that they are aware of strategies they can use to overcome challenges that they encounter when teaching. The Department of Education needs to provide relevant support for the benefit of the learners and the community.
Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood, 2011.

碩士
國立臺灣體育學院
體育研究所
98
This research aimed to investigate the current situation and relationship of physical learning styles and leisure activity types for 5th and 6th grade elementary school students. The tool used in this research was “The Questionnaire of Physical Learning Styles and Leisure Activity Types”. The research subjects were 569 children who were 5th and 6th grade students of Chingshui elementary school. Collected data was examined and analyzed by these statistical methods: ANOVA and Pearson correlation analysis. The conclusions acquired from this research have been indicated in the following: 1.Different grade students’ physical learning styles in all various factors had significant difference. 2.Different gender students’ physical learning styles in reflector factor had significant difference, but in activitist, theorist, and pragmatist hadn’t. 3.Different grade students’ leisure activity types in all various factors had significant difference. 4.Different gender students’ leisure activity types in sports, social and knowledge factors had significant difference, but in leisure hadn’t. 5.Students’ physical learning styles and leisure activity types were positively related, and students’ physical learning styles would affect leisure activity types. Based on the findings of this research, suggestions for administrators, and future researches were discussed.

Rural schools in South Africa often face numerous challenges that are largely aggravated by low numbers of learners, low numbers of teachers and a shortage of teaching and learning resources, to mention a few. Hence, the provision of one teacher per grade is perceived as a luxury in many rural schools. Consequently, such challenges have led to many rural schools being affected by multi-grade teaching. Multi-grade classes have more than one grade in one classroom, usually those grades that are close to each other. For instance, Grade R and Grade One learners will be taught in one class by the same teacher. This research study therefore focused on teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge for teaching literacy in a multi-grade foundation phase class. The teaching of reading in isiZulu Home Language was singled out as the literacy component to be investigated. Teachers at the foundation phase need to have a distinctive body of knowledge as they have to be able to blend content in literacy and the appropriate methods of teaching each literacy component. They need to understand how to organize each component of the content and how to deliver it accurately to learners through appropriate methodologies. Moreover, it is imperative to understand that it is a complex process for teachers to intersect content knowledge and pedagogical knowledge. The process becomes even more complex for teachers who teach in a multi-grade class. Reading as a literacy component was put under a particular lens as teaching and assessing this literacy component in a multi-grade context is highly challenging. This was an exploratory case study that was embedded in a qualitative research methodology. A primary school from Ndwedwe Circuit in the KwaZulu-Natal province was purposively sampled. Empirical data for this study were collected from this rural school because it was practising multi-grade teaching in all phases. To collect the data, teachers teaching multi-grade classes were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. Observations were also done during the teaching process and relevant documents were analysed. The documents that were interrogated included daily, weekly and monthly work plans, class timetables, and the school’s calendar. The findings suggested that teachers relied on traditional methods of teaching as the context was complex and beyond their professional capabilities. This study was therefore aimed at contributing to the discourse of how teachers in rural contexts can be trained on multi-grade teaching in order to provide them with appropriate pedagogical knowledge and skills that will empower them to support teaching and learning across grades.
Thesis (M. Ed.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2012.

MEd (Educational Management)
Department of Educational Management
The aim of this study was to investigate the merger of schools’ programmes in the Department of Basic Education (DBE) in Vhembe District for the academic years 2010 to 2016. When small schools are not merged, it is difficult for the Department of Basic Education to adequately allocate resources for effective and efficient teaching and learning. The study adopted Eisner’s Connoisseur Model of Enquiry as its theoretical framework. Besides the theoretical framework, the study also adopted a legal framework: SASA, Act No. 84 of 1996. This study was conceptualised within the interpretive paradigm, subsumed under a qualitative research design. Data was collected through interviews and document analysis. The population of the study was eighty-five (85) schools identified for merger in the Vhembe District. Purposive sampling was used to select nine (09) principals from the merging schools, three (03) Deputy Manager Governance officials from the identified circuits and one (01) district governance official in Vhembe District. Hence the sample of the study was thirteen (13) participants. Data was analysed thematically. The study revealed that most schools identified for merger were merged prematurely; that is, schools were merged before the provision of relevant infrastructure and resources in the merging centres and this caused the communities to reject mergers. The study recommends that proper consultation with relevant local structures like traditional leaders in particular is crucial to ensure that the merging of schools is implemented with minimal challenges. Correct interpretation, implementation of policies and effective monitoring of programmes should be ensured to advocate for school merging.
NRF

The study sought to examine the challenges experienced by teachers of multi-grade classes. Multi-grade teaching has become one of the priority topics in the Teaching profession agenda. The reason for bringing this issue onboard is the recognition that multi-grade teaching has a potential to improve quality of teaching. This study therefore seeks to identify the challenges experienced by teachers of multi-grade classes. A qualitative research was conducted in Nzhelele East Circuit. Six schools with multi-grade classes were purposively sampled. Data were collected through individual interviews with five teachers of multi-grade classes and six principals of the sampled schools and focus group interviews were conducted with three groups constituted of 3 teachers each from the 3 identified schools. Data were also collected through lesson observations. Data were categorised according to themes and then analysed inductively. The study revealed that multi-grade teachers experience a number of challenges. The study thus, recommends that the Department of Education should strengthen continued professional teacher development (CPTD) in teaching in multi-grade context. CPTD should also be extended to professionals like curriculum advisors to re-skill them on their advisory roles. The Department of Education should also ensure that the number of grades in multi-grade classes should not exceed two.
Curriculum and Instructional Studies
M. Ed. (Curriculum Studies)

Managing teaching and learning in multi-graded classrooms in Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District, Free State is a study undertaken to determine how teachers manage teaching and learning in multi-grade classrooms. A qualitative research design has been used. Literature review explored the origins of multi-grade teaching, its advantages and disadvantages, teaching and learning in multi-grade classrooms, the use of resources, difficulties faced by teachers teaching in multi-grade classrooms and overcoming these difficulties. Data revealed that teachers struggle to manage teaching and learning in multi-grade classrooms because they use curriculum policy documents which are meant for mono-grade classrooms. Teachers are overloaded with work. Peer tutoring, self-directed learning and cooperative learning help teachers to manage teaching and learning. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to the teachers, PED and DBE. The findings and recommendations will help the teachers in managing teaching and learning in multi-grade classrooms.
Curriculum and Instructional Studies
M. Ed. (Didactics)

Managing teaching and learning in multi-graded classrooms in Thabo Mofutsanyana Education District, Free State is a study undertaken to determine how teachers manage teaching and learning in multi-grade classrooms. A qualitative research design has been used. Literature review explored the origins of multi-grade teaching, its advantages and disadvantages, teaching and learning in multi-grade classrooms, the use of resources, difficulties faced by teachers teaching in multi-grade classrooms and overcoming these difficulties. Data revealed that teachers struggle to manage teaching and learning in multi-grade classrooms because they use curriculum policy documents which are meant for mono-grade classrooms. Teachers are overloaded with work. Peer tutoring, self-directed learning and cooperative learning help teachers to manage teaching and learning. Based on the findings, recommendations were made to the teachers, PED and DBE. The findings and recommendations will help the teachers in managing teaching and learning in multi-grade classrooms.
Curriculum and Instructional Studies
M. Ed. (Didactics)

The researcher investigated the management of multi-grade teaching for optimal learning in Gauteng West primary schools. Ten participants, including school principals, heads of departments and educators participated in individual and focus group interviews and in observation of multi-grade classroom contexts. Findings revealed that educators involved in multi-grade teaching feel overwhelmed by challenging work conditions pertaining to large learner numbers and a lack of adequate didactical resources. This is exacerbated by a lack of professional development by means of tailor-made training for multi-grade teaching and the presumption that educators teaching such classes must merely change the monograde teaching format of the curriculum themselves for applicable implementation in a multi-grade teaching context. This leaves educators socially, emotionally and professionally isolated. Recommendations include the involvement of seasoned educators with expert knowledge and experience of multi-grade teaching to present training sessions constituting advice and support to inexperienced educators involved in said teaching.
Die navorser het die bestuur van meergraadonderrig by laerskole in Wes-Gauteng vir optimale leer ondersoek. Afgesien van individuele en fokusgroeponderhoude met skoolhoofde, departementshoofde en opvoeders, is waarneming in meergraadklaskamers gedoen. Volgens die bevindings bemoeilik groot klasse en ʼn gebrek aan didaktiese hulpmiddels meergraadopvoeders se taak. Meergraadopvoeders voel hulle geensins opgewasse teen hierdie werksomstandighede nie. ʼn Gebrek aan opleiding in meergraadonderrig en die veronderstelling dat opvoeders die eengraadformaat van die kurrikulum in ʼn meergraadformaat kan omskakel, vererger sake. Opvoeders is van mening dat hulle maatskaplik, emosioneel en professioneel in die steek gelaat word. Daar word aanbeveel dat gesoute opvoeders met kennis van en ervaring in meergraadonderrig onervare opvoeders oplei en adviseer.
Monyakisisi o dirile dinyakisiso ka ga go ruta dikereiti tse fapanego go fihlelela bokgoni le tsebo tikologong ya go thekga dinyakwa tsa baithuti dikolong tsa phoraemari go la Gauteng Bodikela. Batseakarolo ba lesome, go akaretswa dihlogo tsa dikolo, dihlogo tsa dikgoro le barutisi ba tseere karolo ditherisanong ka botee le dihlopha tseo di nepisitswego gape le temogo dikemong tsa diphaposi tsa dikereiti tse di fapanego. Dikhwetso di utollotse gore barutisi bao ba rutago dikereiti tse fapanego ba imelwa ke maemo a modiro wo o nyakago gore ba ntshe bokgoni bja bona ka moka ka lebaka la dipalo tse ntsi tsa baithuti le tlhokego ya dithusi tsa thuto tse di lekanego. Se se thatafiswa ke tlhokego ya tlhabollo ya profesene ye ka go fa tlhahlo yeo e lebanego ya go ruta dikreiti tse fapanego le kgopolo ya go re barutisi bao ba rutago ba swanela go no fetola popego ya lenaneothuto la kereiti e tee ka bobona go re ba le dirise kemong ya go ruta dikereiti tse fapanego. Se se dira gore barutisi ba ikhwetse ba se na kgokagano le setshaba leagong, ba hloka bao ba ka llelago go bona le go se be le bao ba nago le kgahlego go profesene ya bona. Ditshisinyo di akaretsa go ba gona ga barutisi bao e lego kgale ba ruta ba nago le maitemogelo le botsebi go ruta dikereiti tse fapanego go hlagisa dipaka tsa tlhahlo tseo di fago maele le thuso go barutisi bao ba se nago maitemogelo.
Educational Management and Leadership
M. Ed. (Education Management)