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2. Science Teacher Educators' Engagement with Pedagogical Content Knowledge and Scientific Inquiry in Predominantly Paper-Based Distance Learning Programs
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Fraser, William J.
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This article focuses on the dilemmas science educators face when having to introduce Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) to science student teachers in a predominantly paper-based distance learning environment. It draws on the premise that science education is bound by the Nature of Science (NOS), and by the Nature of Scientific Inquiry (NOSI). Furthermore, science educators' own PCK, and the limitations of a predominantly paper-based distance education (DE) model of delivery are challenges that they have to face when introducing PCK and authentic inquiry-based learning experiences. It deprives them and their students from optimal engagement in a science-oriented community of practice, and leaves little opportunity to establish flourishing communities of inquiry. This study carried out a contextual analysis of the tutorial material to assess the PCK that the student teachers had been exposed to. This comprised the ideas of a community of inquiry, a community of science, the conceptualization of PCK, scientific inquiry, and the 5E Instructional Model of the Biological Sciences Curriculum Study. The analysis confirmed that the lecturers had a good understanding of NOS, NOSI and science process skills, but found it difficult to design interventions to optimize the PCK development of students through communities of inquiry. Paper-based tutorials are ideal to share theory, policies and practices, but fail to monitor the engagement of learners in communities of inquiry. The article concludes with a number of suggestions to address the apparent lack of impact power of the paper-based mode of delivery, specifically in relation to inquiry-based teaching and learning (IBTL).
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- 2017
3. Transforming Academic Library Operations in Africa with Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges: A Review Paper
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Echedom, Anthonia U. and Okuonghae, Omorodion
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This paper focuses on the opportunities and challenges associated with the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in academic library operations. In the quest to render fast, effective and efficient services, academic libraries have adopted different technologies in the past. Artificial intelligence technologies is the latest among the technologies currently being introduced in libraries. The technology which is considered an intelligent system, come in the form of robots and expert systems which have natural language processing, machine learning and pattern recognition capabilities. This paper examined the features of AI, the application of AI to library operations, examples of academic libraries with AI technologies in Sub-Saharan Africa, the need for AI in libraries and the challenges associated with the adoption of AI in libraries. The study concluded that AI holds a lot of prospects for the improvement of information services delivery in African academic libraries. Consequently, its adoption is a sinequanon to delivering robust library services in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR).
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- 2021
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4. Justice through Higher Education: Revisiting White Paper 3 of 1997
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Kumalo, Siseko H.
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Interrogating the White Paper 3 of 1997 which upholds academic freedom, institutional autonomy and public accountability, I make the case for justice through higher education using public accountability. I argue that the higher education system in South Africa is capable of fulfilling such a role in the context of extreme injustices but not without a critical engagement of the extent and causes of these injustices and an understanding of their implications for academic curricula, practices and deeply embedded conceptions of knowledge. A redefinition of higher education institutions' public accountability in terms of responsibility to their 'institutional locale' or community (the populations whose needs they should be meeting) can be an effective 'proactive tool' with which higher education can redress social injustices. This requires an interrogation of the social, political and economic conditions of possibility that either inhibit or aid educational desire and attainment. An investigation of this nature entails a rigorous reappraisal of all three of the key principles within which higher education systems operate--academic freedom, institutional autonomy and public accountability--if they are to guard against the continued perpetuation of epistemic and social injustices.
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- 2021
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5. Developmental TVET Rhetoric In-Action: The White Paper for Post-School Education and Training in South Africa
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Akoojee, Salim
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This paper explores the extent to which latest developments in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training System in South Africa respond to key principles espoused for a developmental, democratic and inclusionary ideal. The White Paper for post school education and training approved by Cabinet in November, 2013 is referred to by the Minister as the "definitive statement of the governments vision for the post school system" and as such represents a crucial strategy document intended to chart the TVET direction to 2030. Using key theoretical constructs from development theory, this paper provides an assessment of the TVET strategy contained is the paper and explores the extent to which it does respond to the agenda defined by the promise. It is argued that the challenges outlined are not yet able to provide the blueprint for a TVET transformative vision. It is concluded that while the development rhetoric contained in the paper is plausible, the creative tinkering of the system is unlikely to lead to the radical revisioning necessary for a truly transformative TVET system. The underlying assumptions regarding purpose, impact and outcome will need to be carefully reconsidered if the system is to be responsive to the promises of the democratic developmental ideal to which the government is committed.
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- 2016
6. Are e-Books Effective Tools for Learning? Reading Speed and Comprehension: iPad®[superscript i] vs. Paper
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Sackstein, Suzanne, Spark, Linda, and Jenkins, Amy
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Recently, electronic books (e-books) have become prevalent amongst the general population, as well as students, owing to their advantages over traditional books. In South Africa, a number of schools have integrated tablets into the classroom with the promise of replacing traditional books. In order to realise the potential of e-books and their associated devices within an academic context, where reading speed and comprehension are critical for academic performance and personal growth, the effectiveness of reading from a tablet screen should be evaluated. To achieve this objective, a quasi-experimental within subjects design was employed in order to compare the reading speed and comprehension performance of 68 students. The results of this study indicate the majority of participants read faster on an iPad, which is in contrast to previous studies that have found reading from tablets to be slower. It was also found that comprehension scores did not differ significantly between the two media. For students, these results provide evidence that tablets and e-books are suitable tools for reading and learning, and therefore, can be used for academic work. For educators, e-books can be introduced without concern that reading performance and comprehension will be hindered.
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- 2015
7. 'I Am Asking the Scope of the Paper': Negative Washback and Examination (Under)Preparedness in South Africa
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Hove, Muchativugwa Liberty and Hlatshwayo, Abigail
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University education has been massified in South Africa and this has disrupted conventions and practices of assessment. Universities are perceived as promoting complex achievements and complex skills through rigorous curriculum specifications and assessment instruments. Due to experiences in high school and the novelty of university education, students have begun to enquire about the "scope of the paper." This enquiry has tended to destabilise the reliability of assessments and judgments in universities in South Africa. Grades and symbols certified by some universities have become both indeterminate and ambiguous. A qualitative, quantitative design was adopted to identify and interrogate university research participants' views on experiences about examinations at university level. In the process, the meanings that first-year degree-level test-takers ascribed to the concept of "the scope of the paper" were unpacked. It was determined which aspects of the test scope students had studied in order to prepare for tests. Inferences were made about the concepts that the students marginalised because they were perceived to be "out of the scope" of the examination. A holistic and broad educational experience for university students is recommended in spite of the daunting numbers enrolled in certain university courses.
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- 2015
8. Invited Paper: Teaching Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, and Design Thinking--Preparing IS Students for the Future
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Matthee, Machdel and Turpin, Marita
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Critical thinking and problem solving skills are included in the IS curriculum as foundational skills. IS education researchers recognize the importance of these skills for future IS practitioners given the complexity of the technology based society and economy of the future. However, there is limited work on how these skills are best taught in IS. This research reports on a course focusing on the explicit development of critical thinking and problem solving skills of first-year IS students at the University of Pretoria. The critical thinking part of the course focuses on the analysis, evaluation of, and response to arguments. Class discussions and assessments are based on local, authentic arguments. In the problem solving skills component of the course, students are taught to understand the nature of a problem and to classify it as belonging to one of three categories: puzzles, problems, and messes. For each category, appropriate problem solving approaches are suggested and practiced. To illustrate the role of design and creativity in problem solving, students have to create an artefact using the Maker Space of the university. They have to apply the five phases of design thinking as suggested by the Stanford d.school design thinking approach. The course has been presented since 2016, and feedback is collected from students annually. Based on a feedback questionnaire that the students complete at the end of each course, we have reason to believe that they find the course valuable and consider those skills to be applicable to other courses as well as elsewhere in their lives. They also point out the value it holds for their future as IS practitioners. As part of our ongoing research, we are investigating ways to develop a critical disposition amongst students, an important component of critical thinking.
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- 2019
9. Paper-Based Theses as the Silver Bullet for Increased Research Outputs: First Hear My Story as a Supervisor
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Pretorius, Marius
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With increased pressure to publish, academics are pursuing creative ways to achieve enhanced research outputs. One such process is the publication-based thesis (PBT) for both masters and PhD candidates, rather than monographs. While this process is not novel in the sciences, it has not been widely applied by economic and management schools, particularly in South Africa. Despite the apparently limited institutional guidelines and policies, some academics have pursued an article-based thesis writing process. Doing so has several consequences of special interest for supervisors and candidates. This research set out to identify the impediments to the PBT process, so as to guide future consideration by academics. This is an auto-ethnographic study by one senior academic with experience in both masters and PhD supervision, who has embarked on the PBT process purposively, and reflects on a deliberate choice to change from standard monograph thesis writing to the PBT approach. Member-checking interviews with 12 senior academics in management sciences (some supporting and others not supporting PBT) to some extent validated the generalizability of the liabilities expressed here as concerns. I conclude with a conceptual framework containing the experienced and envisaged realities of PBT writing. The aim of the framework is to assist and warn newcomers to the process with guidelines for considering the associated impediments. Five main liabilities that may "bind" progress, covering 13 antecedents to consider, were identified. The findings led to improved understanding by contextualizing the issues underlying the PBT supervision process, giving structure and meaning to possible solutions to overcoming the liabilities.
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- 2017
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10. Education for Sustainable Development: Insights from Canadian and South African Universities
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Saudelli, Mary Gene and Niemczyk, Ewelina K.
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Universities can play a key role in contributing to a sustainable future for our planet and its inhabitants. In times of constant changes, there is a growing urgency to reflect on the vision of universities as well as their respective practices and projects that can promote the creation of sustainable societies. As is evident in scholarly literature, there is a need to empower universities and enhance their ability to prepare individuals who can confront global sustainability challenges and pursue sustainable development. The United Nations' adoption of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development in 2015 recognised that societal problems were territorially blind, meaning that no country has sufficient knowledge or research capacity to solve all challenges on its own. To that end, this qualitative, comparative research study represents the unified effort of two very different countries to explore the topic of education for sustainable development (SD) at universities. The study employed a document analysis of selected publicly funded universities in Canada and South Africa. Gathered documents are from the past seven years and include the universities' mission and vision statements, annual reports, and strategic plans. The three main questions addressed in this work are: (a) What is the status and role of higher education for SD in Canada and South Africa? (b) What areas of SD are on the agenda of universities under investigation in Canada and South Africa? (c) What are the main similarities and differences between the two contexts under investigation? Findings indicate that universities focus on several aspects of SD, namely sustainable education, sustainable relationships, and sustainable initiatives. The paper discusses these areas for each country in connection to their contextual setting. Although the study's findings cannot be generalised, they can be informative for other universities and contexts and thus contribute to the body of knowledge about education for SD in higher education.
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- 2022
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11. A Pilot Study of MBA Programmes in South Africa
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Muposhi, Asphat, Dhurup, Manilall, Martin, Robert L., and Bhadury, Joyendu
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In recent years, Master of Business Administration (MBA) programmes and their curricula have been subjected to substantial scrutiny. However, the majority of studies have been confined to business schools in Western countries. By comparison, much less research is available on MBA programmes in developing countries, particularly those in Africa. In an effort to address this gap, this article examines MBA programmes in South Africa by first situating them within the global MBA curriculum debate. It then notes the need to move away from a generalist MBA programme to a specialized MBA in line with emerging global trends. Finally, it suggests a multidisciplinary approach to the redesign of the MBA curriculum.
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- 2019
12. Proceedings of the International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS) International Conference on Mobile Learning (13th, Budapest, Hungary, April 10-12, 2017)
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International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS), Sánchez, Inmaculada Arnedillo, and Isaías, Pedro
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These proceedings contain the papers and posters of the 13th International Conference on Mobile Learning 2017, which was organised by the International Association for Development of the Information Society (IADIS), in Budapest, Hungary, April 10-12, 2017. The Mobile Learning 2017 Conference seeks to provide a forum for the presentation and discussion of mobile learning research which illustrates developments in the field. Full papers presented in these proceedings include: (1) Design of a Prototype Mobile Application to Make Mathematics Education More Realistic (Dawid B. Jordaan, Dorothy J. Laubscher, and A. Seugnet Blignaut); (2) Tablets and Applications to Tell Mathematics' History in High School (Eduardo Jesus Dias, Carlos Fernando Araujo, Jr., and Marcos Andrei Ota); (3) Assessing the Potential of LevelUp as a Persuasive Technology for South African Learners (Nhlanhla A. Sibanyoni and Patricia M. Alexander); (4) #Gottacatchemall: Exploring Pokemon Go in Search of Learning Enhancement Objects (Annamaria Cacchione, Emma Procter-Legg, and Sobah Abbas Petersen); (5) A Framework for Flipped Learning (Jenny Eppard and Aicha Rochdi); (6) The Technology Acceptance of Mobile Applications in Education (Mark Anthony Camilleri and Adriana Caterina Camilleri); (7) Engaging Children in Diabetes Education through Mobile Games (Nilufar Baghaei, John Casey, David Nandigam, Abdolhossein Sarrafzadeh, and Ralph Maddison); (8) A Mobile Application for User Regulated Self-Assessments (Fotis Lazarinis, Vassilios S. Verykios, and Chris Panagiotakopoulos); and (9) Acceptance of Mobile Learning at SMEs of the Service Sector (Marc Beutner and Frederike Anna Rüscher). Short papers presented include: (1) Possible Potential of Facebook to Enhance Learners' Motivation in Mobile Learning Environment (Mehwish Raza); (2) D-Move: A Mobile Communication Based Delphi for Digital Natives to Support Embedded Research (Otto Petrovic); (3) Small Private Online Research: A Proposal for a Numerical Methods Course Based on Technology Use and Blended Learning (Francisco Javier Delgado Cepeda); (4) Experimenting with Support of Mobile Touch Devices for Pupils with Special Educational Needs (Vojtech Gybas, Katerina Kostolányová, and Libor Klubal); (5) Mobile Learning in the Theater Arts Classroom (Zihao Li); (6) Nomophobia: Is Smartphone Addiction a Genuine Risk for Mobile Learning? (Neil Davie and Tobias Hilber); (7) Analysis of Means for Building Context-Aware Recommendation System for Mobile Learning (Larysa Shcherbachenko and Samuel Nowakowski); (8) RunJumpCode: An Educational Game for Educating Programming (Matthew Hinds, Nilufar Baghaei, Pedrito Ragon, Jonathon Lambert, Tharindu Rajakaruna, Travers Houghton, and Simon Dacey); (9) Readiness for Mobile Learning: Multidisciplinary Cases from Yaroslavl State University (Vladimir Khryashchev, Natalia Kasatkina, and Dmitry Sokolenko); and (10) The M-Learning Experience of Language Learners in Informal Settings (Emine Sendurur, Esra Efendioglu, Neslihan Yondemir Çaliskan, Nomin Boldbaatar, Emine Kandin, and Sevinç Namazli). Reflection papers presented include: (1) New Model of Mobile Learning for the High School Students Preparing for the Unified State Exam (Airat Khasianov and Irina Shakhova); (2) Re-Ment--Reverse Mentoring as a Way to Deconstruct Gender Related Stereotypes in ICT (Kathrin Permoser); (3) Academic Success Foundation: Enhancing Academic Integrity through Mobile Learning (Alice Schmidt Hanbidge, Amanda Mackenzie, Nicole Sanderson, Kyle Scholz, and Tony Tin); (4) Using Tablet and iTunesU as Individualized Instruction Tools (Libor Klubal, Katerina Kostolányová, and Vojtech Gybas); (5) DuoLibras--An App Used for Teaching-Learning of Libras (Erick Nilson Sodré Filho, Lucas Gomes dos Santos, Aristóteles Esteves Marçal da Silva, Nidyana Rodrigues Miranda de Oliveira e Oliveira, Pedro Kislansky, and Marisete da Silva Andrade); (6) Educators Adopting M-Learning: Is It Sustainable in Higher Education? (Nicole Sanderson and Alice Schmidt Hanbidge); and (7) M-Kinyarwanda: Promoting Autonomous Language Learning through a Robust Mobile Application (Emmanuel Bikorimana, Joachim Rutayisire, Mwana Said Omar, and Yi Sun). Posters include: (1) Design of Mobile E-Books as a Teaching Tool for Diabetes Education (Sophie Huey-Ming Guo); and (2) Reading While Listening on Mobile Devices: An Innovative Approach to Enhance Reading (Aicha Rochdi and Jenny Eppard). The Doctoral Consortium includes: How Can Tablets Be Used for Meaning-Making and Learning (Liv Lofthus). Individual papers include references, and an Author Index is included.
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- 2017
13. Current Business and Economics Driven Discourse and Education: Perspectives from around the World. BCES Conference Books, Volume 15
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Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES), Popov, Nikolay, Wolhuter, Charl, Kalin, Jana, Hilton, Gillian, Ogunleye, James, Niemczyk, Ewelina, Chigisheva, Oksana, Popov, Nikolay, Wolhuter, Charl, Kalin, Jana, Hilton, Gillian, Ogunleye, James, Niemczyk, Ewelina, Chigisheva, Oksana, and Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES)
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This volume contains selected papers submitted to the 15th Annual International Conference of the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES), held in June 2017 in Borovets, Bulgaria, and papers submitted to the 5th International Partner Conference of the International Research Centre (IRC) "Scientific Cooperation," Rostov-on-Don, Russia, organized as part of the BCES Conference. The 15th BCES conference theme is "Current Business and Economics Driven Discourse and Education: Perspectives from Around the World." The 5th International Partner Conference theme is "Science and Education in Modern Social, Economic and Humanitarian Discourse." This volume consists of 38 papers written by 69 authors. Following a Preface entitled BCES: A Fifteen-Year Conference Tradition, the following papers are included in this volume: (1) Introduction: The Current Business and Economics Driven Discourse and Education--Perspectives from Around the World (Johannes L. van der Walt). Part 1: Comparative Education & History of Education: (2) Economics and Comparative and International Education: Past, Present, Future (Charl Wolhuter); (3) Spontaneous Responses to Neoliberalism, and Their Significance for Education (Johannes L. van der Walt); (4) Affirmative Action in Education and Black Economic Empowerment in the Workplace in South Africa since 1994: Policies, Strengths and Limitations (Harold D. Herman); (5) Commodity versus Common Good: Internationalization in Latin-American Higher Education (Marco Aurelio Navarro Leal); (6) Education and Communities at the "Margins": The Contradictions of Western Education for Islamic Communities in Sub-Saharan Africa (Obed Mfum-Mensah); and (7) Resilience and Intercultural Education on Secondary School: A Comparative Study in Mexico and Germany (Octaviano García Robelo and Ileana Casasola Pérez). Part 2: Teacher Education: (8) Status of Teachers and the Teaching Profession: A Study of Elementary School Teachers' Perspectives (Jana Kalin, Renata Cepic, and Barbara Šteh); and (9) The Internationalization of Teacher Education: Different Contexts, Similar Challenges (Bruno Leutwyler, Nikolay Popov, and Charl Wolhuter). Part 3: Education Policy, Reforms & School Leadership: (10) Disappearing Teachers: An Exploration of a Variety of Views as to the Causes of the Problems Affecting Teacher Recruitment and Retention in England (Gillian L. S. Hilton); (11) Government Policy in England on the Financing of ITT: Value for Money or a Waste of Resources? (Gillian L. S. Hilton); (12) The Roles of Teacher Leadership in Shanghai Education Success (Nicholas Sun-keung Pang and Zhuang Miao); (13) Capitalism and Public Education in the United States (Peter L. Schneller); (14) STEM Education Policies and their Impact on the Labour Market in Latvia (Rita Kiselova and Aija Gravite); (15) Reading Partridge's "The Goblet Club" as an Integral Part of a Secondary School's Anti-Bullying Programme (Corene De Wet); (16) Implementation of School Uniform Policy and the Violation of Students' Human Rights in Schools (Vimbi Petrus Mahlangu); (17) Influence of International Organisms in the School Management Autonomy as an Education Policy (Amelia Molina García, José Antonio Sáenz Melo, and José Luis H. Andrade Lara); and (18) The Reorganisation of the Curriculum in Educational Cycles in Codema College: A Positive Step (Claudio-Rafael Vasquez-Martinez, Felipe González-Gonzalez, Francisco Flores, Josefina Díaz, Jose-Gerardo Cardona-T., Hector Rendon, Jorge Chavoya, Sandra-Milena Gutiérrez-Cardenas, María-Ines Álvarez, Joaquín Torres-Mata, Erik-Moises Betancourt-Nuñez, María Morfín, Miguel Álvarez, and Carlos Anguiano). Part 4: Higher Education, Lifelong Learning & Social Inclusion: (19) Training Middle Managers of South African Public Schools in Leadership and Management Skills (Sharon Thabo Mampane); (20) The Higher Education Policy of Global Experts Recruitment Program: Focused on China (Hanna Kim); (21) Job Motivation and Job Satisfaction among Academic Staff in Higher Education (Gordana Stankovska, Slagana Angelkoska, Fadbi Osmani, and Svetlana Pandiloska Grncarovska); and (22) Comparative Analysis of English Language Student's School Paths at a Mexico University (Octaviano García Robelo, Jorge Hernández Márquez, and Ileana Casasola Pérez). Part 5: Law and Education: (23) Integrating Art and Creative Practices into a Programme of Support for Nigerian Students Studying in UK Higher Education Institutions (Elizabeth Achinewhu-Nworgu); (24) Comparing Student Retention in a Public and a Private College: Implications for Tackling Inequality in Education (Elizabeth Achinewhu-Nworgu); and (25) Legal Understanding of "Quid Pro Quo" Sexual Harassment in Schools (Vimbi Petrus Mahlangu). Part 6: Research Education: (26) Burke's Dramatism Framework: A Lens to Analyse Bullying (Lynette Jacobs); (27) Is It Necessary to Articulate a Research Methodology When Reporting on Theoretical Research? (Juliana Smith and Rosalie Small); and (28) Early Support Development of Children with Disorders of the Biopsychosocial Functioning in Poland (Anna Czyz). Part 7: Educational Development Strategies in Different Countries and Regions of the World--National, Regional and Global Levels: (29) Analytical Overview of the European and Russian Qualifications Frameworks with a Focus on Doctoral Degree Level (Oksana Chigisheva, Anna Bondarenko, and Elena Soltovets); (30) Tutor System as a Source of Harmonizing the Educational System with the Needs of Economics (Tatiana Korsakova and Mikhail Korsakov); (31) Psychological Counseling Services in the Universities of Russia and the West (Elena Kirillova, Boris Kuznetsov, Vasiliy Aleshin, and Evgeniy Vodolazhskiy); (32) Experience of Teaching Drawing in German Schools by A. Ažbe and S. Hollósy (on the Example of the Image of Human Head) (Svetlana Melnikova and Ludmila Petrenko); (33) Short Cycle Higher Education Development in Latvia (Intra Luce); (34) Peculiarities of Teaching Medical Informatics and Statistics (Sergey Glushkov); and (35) The Role of Social Practice for the Development of Educational and Professional Standards (Irina Bobyleva and Olga Zavodilkina). Part 8: Key Directions and Characteristics of Research Organization in the Contemporary World: (36) Some Aspects of Developing Background Knowledge in Second Language Acquisition Revisited (Galina Zashchitina and Natalia Moysyak); (37) On the Theoretical and Practical Consistency of Neoclassicism as a Theoretical Platform of Economic Disciplines (Lyudmila Dyshaeva); and (38) Terrorism as a Social and Legal Phenomenon (Anna Serebrennikova and Yekaterina Mashkova). Individual papers contain references. [For Volume 14, Number 1, see ED568088. For Volume 14, Number 2, see ED568089.]
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- 2017
14. Towards Enhancing Open Distance Learning Students' Roles and Responsibilities: An African Epistemological Perspective
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Kgati, Noziphiwo Cleopatra and de Beer, Zacharias L.
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South Africa requires an educated population to sustain her economic development. Higher education institutions are under pressure to produce graduates with skills and competencies to fulfil such an aspiration. Distance education is an essential avenue through which more South Africans can have the much-needed education without necessarily displacing themselves. Distance education is facilitated and regulated by the White Paper on e-Education which is a generic policy document to serve the needs of the system-wide use of ICT integration at all levels of education. It falls short of conceptualising the implications of ICT in distance education particularly the North-West University's (NWU) open distance learning (ODL) multi-mode of education content delivery. The conceptualisation shortfall facilitates a Western-oriented understanding of knowledge while ODL students' traditional understanding of their roles and responsibilities is ignored. The concepts of roles and responsibilities are critically important for the effective functioning of ODL, and they are essential to the attainment of students' education aspirations. At the NWU, approximately seventy per cent of ODL students are Africans whose worldviews do not harmonise with the vision of universities. The research question which underpinned this study was "What are the experiences of the roles and responsibilities of open distance students at a higher education institution?" This study followed an interpretivist research paradigm, which would draw on a qualitative research approach. A systematic literature review was utilised and subsequently the views of ODL students were explored. Purposive sampling was employed to select ODL students as research participants for focus-group interviews. The collected data were analysed using the computer-assisted qualitative data analysis software (a CAQDAS), ATLAS tiTM. Due attention was given to ethical considerations throughout the study. The findings revealed that ODL students have several ways in which they understand their roles and responsibilities which were shaped by their African worldview, Africanisation. The findings that emerged from the analyses of roles and responsibilities were task orientation; time management; personal growth; social roles; financial responsibilities; personal responsibilities; family responsibilities; and social responsibilities. [For the complete Volume 21 proceedings, see ED629259.]
- Published
- 2023
15. Challenges Associated with Implementation of Sustainability-Oriented Principles and Practices: Lessons Learnt from South African Universities
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Daniels, Carlo, Niemczyk, Ewelina K., and de Beer, Zacharias L.
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As evident in scholarly literature, universities worldwide embrace Sustainable Development Goals initiated by United Nations. Yet, regardless institutions' commitment, many countries, especially developing ones, struggle to effectively implement sustainability-oriented principles and practices in higher education. To that end, this paper, based on the qualitative document analysis, brings attention to main challenges associated with the implementation of sustainability-orientated principles and practices in seven South African universities. The findings show that several challenges exist due to the holistic nature of sustainable development (SD) as it is a concept that not only connects different areas of knowledge but also articulates knowledge from distinctive disciplines. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the strategy with the most potential of enhancing the implementation of sustainability-orientated principles and practices and ensuring longevity and improvement require support from top management of higher education institutions (HEIs). In addition, in order to strengthen SD, HEIs need to adapt a holistic approach and implement sustainability principles, knowledge, and practices within all academic activities. In alignment with the theme of the conference, this study provides reflections and recommendations towards the improvement of education considering the experiences and lessons learnt in a specific context. [For the complete Volume 21 proceedings, see ED629259.]
- Published
- 2023
16. Non-Monetary Poverty: Addressing Issues of Student Deprivation in South African Higher Education
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Gore, Oliver Tafadzwa and Ruswa, Anesu Sam
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South African higher education experiences low outcomes regardless of the significant financial investments made into the sector to address student poverty through financial aid. Concerning is that more than half of the low-income students who receive funding from the government do not graduate which points to the presence of other deprivations that are not financial. Despite the well documented adverse impacts of multidimensional poverty and non-monetary deprivations, there has been limited research on it in South African higher education. This study fills in this knowledge gap by exploring non-monetary deprivation and ways of addressing multidimensional poverty without necessarily increasing funding. The study uses the Capabilities Approach to argue for universities to give attention to non-monetary deprivation in their interventions aimed to address multidimensional student poverty. The study employed a sequential-mixed methodology that collected data using four focus group discussions, followed by an online survey that collected quantitative and qualitative data using a questionnaire. A total of 2306 undergraduate students who were selected from one university using a simple random sampling technique completed the questionnaire. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the qualitative data. This paper only focuses on the data from the qualitative survey, which indicates that nonmonetary deprivation is manifesting in the following dimensions: being able to live stress-free lives, dignity, participation, self-determination and motivation, social networks and being safe and secure. The study recommends that universities should consider reducing the effects of the non-material deprivations, such as mental health in order for students to flourish in higher education. [For the complete Volume 21 proceedings, see ED629259.]
- Published
- 2023
17. Education Provision to Every One: Comparing Perspectives from around the World. BCES Conference Books, Volume 14, Number 1
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Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES), Popov, Nikolay, Wolhuter, Charl, Kalin, Jana, Hilton, Gillian, Ogunleye, James, and Niemczyk, Ewelina
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Papers from the proceedings of the 14th Annual Conference of the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society was submitted in two volumes. Volume 1 contains papers submitted at the conference held in Sofia, Bulgaria, June 14-17, 2016. Volume 2 contains papers submitted at the 4th International Partner Conference of the International Research Centre (IRC) "Scientific Cooperation," Rostov-on-Don, Russia. The overall conference theme was "Education Provision to Every One: Comparing Perspectives from Around the World" and included six thematic sections: (1) Comparative Education & History of Education; (2) Pre-service and In-service Teacher Training & Learning and Teaching Styles; (3) Education Policy, Reforms and School Leadership; (4) Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Social Inclusion; (5) Law and Education: Legislation and Inclusive Education, Child Protection & Human Rights Education; and (6) Research Education: Developing Globally Competent Researchers for International and Interdisciplinary Research. The book contains a Preface: "Bulgarian Comparative Education Society: 25 Years of Being International" (Nikolay Popov); an Introduction: "Education Provision to Everyone: Comparing Perspectives from Around the World" (Lynette Jacobs) and papers divided into the respective thematic sections. Part 1: "Comparative Education & History of Education": (1) Jullien: Founding Father of Comparative and International Education Still Pointing the Way (Charl Wolhuter); (2) Presentation of Marc-Antoine Jullien's Work in Bulgarian Comparative Education Textbooks (Teodora Genova & Nikolay Popov); (3) "Teach Your Children Well": Arguing in Favor of Pedagogically Justifiable Hospitality Education (Ferdinand J. Potgieter); (4) Theory for Explaining and Comparing the Dynamics of Education in Transitional Processes (Johannes L. van der Walt); (5) Nordic Internationalists' Contribution to the Field of Comparative and International Education (Teodora Genova); (6) International Research Partners: The Challenges of Developing an Equitable Partnership between Universities in the Global North and South (Karen L. Biraimah); (7) Providing Books to Rural Schools through Mobile Libraries (Lynette Jacobs, Ernst Stals & Lieve Leroy); (8) South African Curriculum Reform: Education for Active Citizenship (Juliana Smith & Agnetha Arendse); (9) Universities Response to Oil and Gas Industry Demands in South Texas (USA) and Tamaulipas (Mexico) (Marco Aurelio Navarro); (10) Goals That Melt Away. Higher Education Provision in Mexico (Marco Aurelio Navarro & Ruth Roux); (11) How the Issue of Unemployment and the Unemployed Is Treated in Adult Education Literature within Polish and U.S. Contexts (Marzanna Pogorzelska & Susan Yelich Biniecki); (12) Contribuciones de un Modelo Multiniveles para el Análisis Comparado de Impactos de Políticas Educativas en la Educación Superior (Mirian Inés Capelari) [title and paper are provided in Spanish, abstract in English]; and (13) Internationalization, Globalization and Relationship Networks as an Epistemological Framework Based on Comparative Studies in Education (Amelia Molina García & José Luis Horacio Andrade Lara). Part 2: "Pre-service and In-service Teacher Training & Learning and Teaching Styles": (14) The Goals and Conditions of Qualitative Collaboration between Elementary Schools and Community -- A Challenge for the Professional Development (Jana Kalin & Barbara Šteh); (15) South African Heads of Department on Their Role in Teacher Development: Unexpected Patterns in an Unequal System (André du Plessis); (16) Do Teachers, Students and Parents Agree about the Top Five Good Teacher's Characteristics? (Marlena Plavšic & Marina Dikovic); and (17) Personality Traits and Learning Styles of Secondary School Students in Serbia (Gordana Djigic, Snežana Stojiljkovic & Andrijana Markovic). Part 3: "Education Policy, Reforms & School Leadership": (18) Routes into Teaching: Does Variety Aid Recruitment or Merely Cause Confusion? A Study of Three Different Programmes for Teacher Training in England (Gillian Hilton); (19) The Status of Teaching as a Profession in South Africa (Corene de Wet); (20) Initial and Continuing Professional Development of Adult Educators from an Educational - Policy Perspective: Rethinking from Croatia (Renata Cepic & Marijeta Mašic); (21) Educational Reform from the Perspective of the Student (Claudio-Rafael Vasquez-Martinez, Felipe Gonzalez-Gonzalez, Jose-Gerardo Cardona-Toro, MaríaGuadalupe Díaz-Renteria, Maria-Ines Alvarez, Hector Rendon, Isabel Valero, Maria Morfin, Miguel Alvarez); (22) Leadership and Context Connectivity: Merging Two Forces for Sustainable School Improvement (Nylon Ramodikoe Marishane); (23) Approaches to In-servicing Training of Teachers in Primary Schools in South Africa (Vimbi P. Mahlangu); (24) Social Justice and Capacity for Self-development in Educational Systems in European Union (Bo-Ruey Huang); (25) Social Justice and Capacity for Self-Development in Educational System in Japan (Yu-Fei Liu); and (26) Emotions in Education Generated by Migration (Graciela Amira Medecigo Shej). Part 4: "Higher Education, Lifelong Learning & Social Inclusion": (27) Ambivalent Community: International African Students in Residence at a South African University (Everard Weber An); (28) Internationalization of Higher Education Institutions in Latvia and Turkey: Its Management and Development during the Last Decade (Sibel Burçer & Ilze Kangro); (29) Lifelong Learning: Capabilities and Aspirations (Petya Ilieva-Trichkova); (30) Where Have All the Teachers Gone: A Case Study in Transitioning (Amanda S. Potgieter); (31) An Overview of Engineering Courses in Brazil: Actual Challenges (Alberto G. Canen, Iara Tammela & Diogo Cevolani Camatta); (32) Multiculturalism and Peace Studies for Education Provision in Time of Diverse Democracies (Rejane P. Costa & Ana Ivenicki); (33) Social Inclusion of Foreigners in Poland (Ewa Sowa-Behtane); (34) An Autistic Child Would Like to Say "Hello" (Maria Dishkova); (35) Research Approaches for Higher Education Students: A Personal Experience (Momodou M Willan); (36) Social Networks Use, Loneliness and Academic Performance among University Students (Gordana Stankovska, Slagana Angelkovska & Svetlana Pandiloska Grncarovska); and (37) The Personal Characteristics Predictors of Academic Success (Slagana Angelkoska, Gordana Stankovska & Dimitar Dimitrovski). Part 5: "Law and Education: Legislation and Inclusive Education, Child Protection & Human Rights Education": (38) An Exploration of the Wider Costs of the Decision by the Rivers State Government in Nigeria to Revoke International Students' Scholarships (Elizabeth Achinewhu-Nworgu & Queen Chioma Nworgu); (39) Strategies for Improving the Employability Skills and Life Chances of Youths in Nigeria (Elizabeth Achinewhu-Nworgu, Steve Azaiki, Shade Babalola & Chinuru Achinewhu); (40) Examining the Role, Values, and Legal Policy Issues Facing Public Library Resources in Supporting Students to Achieve Academic Success (Elizabeth Achinewhu-Nworgu, Steve Azaiki & Queen Chioma Nworgu); (41) Peer Exclusion at Physical Education (Gorazde Sotosek); (42) Exclusion and Education in South Africa: An Education Law Perspective of Emerging Alternative Understandings of Exclusion (Johan Beckmann); and (43) Educational and Social Inclusion of Handicapped Children. Polish Experiences (Anna Czyz). Part 6: "Research Education: Developing Globally Competent Researchers for International and Interdisciplinary Research": (44) Observations about Research Methodology during 15 Years of Presenting Capacity-Building Seminars (Johannes L. van der Walt); and (45) Using a Play-Based Methodology in Qualitative Research: A Case of Using Social Board to Examine School Climate (Anna Mankowska). Following the presentation of the complete conference papers, the following abstracts are provided: (1) Project-Based Learning in Polish-American Comparative Perspective (Marzanna Pogorzelska); (2) Teaching and Researching Intervention and Facilitation in a Process of Self-reflection: Scrutinity of an Action Research Process (Juliana Smith); (3) Investigating Perceptions of Male Students in Early Childhood Education Program on Learning Experiences (Ayse Duran); (4) Teacher Professional Development and Student Achievement in Turkey: Evidence from TIMSS 2011 (Emine Gumus & Mehmet Sukru Bellibas); (5) The Usage of CBT and Ayeka Approach at the Kedma School (Yehuda Bar Shalom & Amira Bar Shalom); (6) Factors Affecting Turkish Teachers' Use of ICT for Teaching: Evidence from ICILS 2013 (Mehmet Sukru Bellibas & Sedat Gumus); (7) Application of Big Data Predictive Analytics in Higher Education (James Ogunleye); (8) The Pursuit of Excellence in Malaysian Higher Education: Consequences for the Academic Workplace (David Chapman, Sigrid Hutcheson, Chang Da Wan, Molly Lee, Ann Austin, Ahmad Nurulazam); (9) Challenging the Value and Missions of Higher Education: New Forms of Philanthropy and Giving (Pepka Boyadjieva & Petya Ilieva-Trichkova); (10) The Effects of Major-changing between Undergraduates and Postgraduates on the Major Development of Postgraduates (Jinmin Yu & Hong Zhu); (11) Spotlight on Canadian Research Education: Access of Doctoral Students to Research Assistantships (Ewelina Kinga Niemczyk); (12) Regulation or Freedom? Considering the Role of the Law in Study Supervision (J. P. Rossouw & M. C. Rossouw); (13) The Subjectivity-Objectivity Battle in Research (Gertrude Shotte); and (14) Interdisciplinary Approach to Teaching Chemistry: Electrochemical Biosensors Case Study (Margarita Stoytcheva & Roumen Zlatev). A Name Index is included. (Individual papers contain references.) [For Volume 2, "Education Provision to Every One: Comparing Perspectives from around the World. BCES Conference Books, Volume 14, Number 2" see ED568089.]
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18. Evaluation of Final Examination Papers in Engineering: A Case Study Using Bloom's Taxonomy
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Swart, A. J.
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Questions are used to obtain information, stimulate thinking, and redirect reasoning. Academics in higher education use questions on a daily basis to stimulate thinking and reasoning in students. Final examination papers are used by academics to assess the retention and application skills of students. The assumption, however, exists that questions relating to application skills at universities of technology should start to dominate the higher academic levels in education, with a subsequent drop in questions regarding retention skills. These questions may be categorized as either higher order or lower order questions. This article attempts to distinguish between these two types of questions in light of Bloom's taxonomy, with similar concepts such as deep and surface learning being examined. The literature review is applied to an electrical engineering module titled Electronics, which serves as the case study. The results of this study indicate that a high percentage of the final examination papers dealt with the objective "Application," where students had to make use of numerous mathematical equations to solve various unknowns. The results also indicated that academics in electronics are using more lower order than higher order questions in their final examination papers. A balance is suggested between these two types of questions for various academic levels at universities of technology. (Contains 3 tables and 1 figure.)
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- 2010
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19. Managing Racial Integration in BRICS Higher Education Institutions
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Naidoo, Shantha and Shaikhnag, Noorullah
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The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) were developed by the United Nations in 2015 to encompass universal respect for equality and non-discrimination regardless of race, gender, ethnicity, and cultural diversity. Since 2000, Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) have aligned with SDG 4.3 by developing higher education institutions (HEIs) which aims to "By 2030, ensure equal access for all women and men to affordable and quality technical, vocational and tertiary education, including university". This was intended to create equal opportunities and permit full realisation and prosperity of human rights and human dignity. This paper explores the effectiveness of managing racial integration in BRICS HEIs and illustrates remarkable progress in research and policy enactment. Particular attention is devoted to the period from the mid-2000s when evidence around the globe exposed the presence of many forms of violence, which inhibit management of effective racial integration. Based on case studies from selected BRICS countries (South Africa, Russia, and Brazil), this paper explores how the management of racial integration is being addressed within these contexts. [For the complete Volume 20 proceedings, see ED622631.]
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- 2022
20. Institutional Autonomy and Academic Freedom in the Light of National Regulatory Frameworks: Glance at Hungary and South Africa
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Rónay, Zoltán and Niemczyk, Ewelina K.
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Having reviewed several pieces of strategy documents, policy papers, and literature, we concluded that there is no uniform definition of either institutional autonomy or academic freedom (AF). Many different points of view determine the interpretation of these terms. Furthermore, the policymakers (e.g., governments, legislators) can ignore the theories connecting to autonomy and AF and separate from them the legislation-level realization. This paper aims to overview different interpretations of autonomy and AF, highlighting the most important standpoints and presenting how autonomy and AF are realized in the national legislation. Considering the limited length of this paper, we focus on our respective countries, namely Hungary and South Africa. Our previous findings show that in many aspects, our countries face similar challenges despite the different historical antecedents. In previous research we compared the factors, which can influence research activities, however, we did not investigate the legislative framework. To that end, in this paper, we go further and look specifically at legal frameworks within our respective countries. Our results illustrate that without a homogenous content, the State may use the concepts of autonomy and AF in its legislation as it sees fit. This in turn may lead to autonomy and AF or some of their components, while being formally safeguarded, they may lose the guarantee character that corresponds to their actual content. [For the complete Volume 20 proceedings, see ED622631.]
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- 2022
21. Novice Doctoral Supervision in South Africa: An Autoethnographic Approach
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Makoni, Patricia Lindelwa
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This paper presents an autoethnographic, narrative analysis through self-reflection of my own personal transition from doctoral student to doctoral supervisor. An evaluation of the importance of the PhD in South Africa, the role of doctoral supervisors, and characteristics of good supervisors was undertaken; against which my personal experience was assessed. This paper was important in challenging whether institutions of higher learning in the country are adequately preparing young academics to become independent, effective doctoral supervisors. Some of my recommendations include the need for universities to come up with PhD supervision development programmes, as well as to consider alternative supervision models so as to facilitate mentorship of new doctoral supervisors, to ensure the attainment of PhD standards. The limitations of this paper are that, the researcher and subject, are one and the same person, hence there may be concerns of objectivity.
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- 2022
22. Combing Online and Paper Assessment in a Web-Based Course in Undergraduate Mathematics
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Engelbrecht, Johann and Harding, Ansie
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Online assessment in mathematics is becoming more prominent as mathematics and the internet become more compatible. This paper is based on a case study of a web-based calculus course in which a combination of paper and online assessment is used for assessing various activities. The paper first investigates what student assessment preferences are and shows that there is a leaning towards a preference for online assessment, yet students still show a preference for a combination of online and paper assessment for term tests. Secondly, the paper shows that standards are maintained when incorporating an equally weighted online component into the assessment model for the case under consideration. The investigations are conducted from a background of having been involved in teaching online mathematics courses for the last four years.
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- 2004
23. English With or Without G(u)ilt: A Position Paper on Language in Education Policy for South Africa.
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Granville, S., Janks, H., Mphahlele, M., Reed, Y., Watson, P., Joseph, M., and Ramani, E.
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Investigates the implications of language in education policy in post apartheid South Africa, for both schools and universities, examining recommendations of the Language Task Action Group (LANGTAG), which was delegated to establish South Africa's language-related needs and policies across different societal domains. The paper supports a proposed national policy but challenges LANGTAG's implementation strategies, making several of its own recommendations for implementation. (SM)
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- 1998
24. Sustaining Opportunities and Mutual Partiality through Collaborative Online International Learning in South Africa
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Ashika Naicker
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The value of internationalization within the limits of mobility has become more pronounced during the COVID-19 pandemic. As reflection occurs on our own history, navigating a period of reset and renewal, this paper examines how to advance our thinking, and explore and transverse essential differences within the digital space. Hence, recalibrating the global north and south agenda to create inclusionary principles through virtual exchange. First, this ethnographic paper explores the sympoeitic relationship of creating opportunities and a sense of agency toward morphogenesis. Second, it focuses on the contextual rationale for Collaborative Online International Learning (COIL) within higher education. Third, it explores equity in the digital space through multiple engagements in COIL. The paper offers associated conclusions for critical virtual exchange to advance equity, inclusion, and social justice and suggests responsible pluralistic internationalization.
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- 2024
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25. Microteaching Networks in Higher Education
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Sonia Santoveña-Casal, Javier Gil-Quintana, and José Javier Hueso-Romero
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Purpose: Microteaching is a teacher training method based on microclasses (groups of four or five students) and microlessons lasting no more than 5-20 min. Since it was first explored in the late 20th century in experiments at Stanford University, microteaching has evolved at the interdisciplinary level. The purpose of this paper is to examine the networks found via an analytical bibliometric study of the scientific output related with microteaching in teacher training, through a study and examination of the Web of Science database. Design/methodology/approach: This research was conducted with the VOSviewer tool for content analysis through data mining and scientific network structure mapping by means of the normalisation technique. This technique is based on the association strength indicator, which is interpreted as a measurement of the similarity of the units of analysis. Findings: Two hundred and nine articles were thus obtained from the Web of Science database. The networks generated and the connections among the various items, co-authorship and co-citation are presented in the results, which clearly indicates that there are significant authors and institutions in the field of microteaching. The largest cluster is made up of institutions such as Australian Catholic University. The most often-cited document is by Rich and Hannafin. Allen (1968), who defines microteaching as a technique based on microclasses and microlessons, is the author most often cited and has the largest number of connections. Research limitations/implications: This research's limitations concern either aspects that lie beyond the study's possibilities or goals that have proved unattainable. The second perspective, which focuses on skill transfer, contains a lower percentage of documents and therefore has a weaker central documentary structure. Lastly, the authors have also had to bear in mind the fact that the scientific output hinges upon a highly specific realm, the appearance and/or liberalisation of digital technologies and access to those technologies in the late 20th century. Originality/value: This research shows that microteaching is a promising area of research that opens up vast possibilities in higher education teacher training for application in the realm of technologies. This paper could lead to several lines of future research, such as access to and the universal design of learning from the standpoint of different communication and pedagogical models based on microteaching.
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- 2024
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26. Pre-Service Teacher Investment through Dialogic Action Learning
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Ilse Fouché
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Background: A lack of student 'buy-in' and engagement are often major obstacles in academic literacy courses. To create a dialogic learning environment which encourages student investment and challenges traditional student-lecturer hierarchies of power, the curriculum of a first-year academic literacy course at a South African university was reconceptualised around an action-learning project. Objectives: The aim is to determine whether the reconceptualised course enabled dialogic learning that fostered a sense of investment in students. Method: An interpretivist paradigm was followed, drawing on a qualitative research approach. To explore the nature of student investment, discourse analysis was used to analyse group reflections submitted at the end of the 21-week course. Student reflections were coded thematically using an inductive approach. Results: These reflections indicate that specific mechanisms need to be in place for effective dialogic engagement. If in place, findings suggest that the dialogic approach could encourage critical thinking, help students to develop problem-solving skills, lead to cognisance of multiple perspectives, deepen understanding of course material and expectations, promote inclusivity, and encourage reflection on the learning process. Conclusion: This study indicates that purposefully embedding a dialogic approach into a curriculum through purpose-driven group activities, can lead to more engaged learning. Contribution: The paper contributes to the field of academic literacy studies by showing how academic literacy practitioners may use the now-established pedagogies of action-learning and dialogic teaching and learning to design courses that create an enabling environment for students to draw on deep approaches to learning.
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- 2024
27. Education in One World: Perspectives from Different Nations. BCES Conference Books, Volume 11
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Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES), Popov, Nikolay, Wolhuter, Charl, Almeida, Patrícia Albergaria, Hilton, Gillian, Ogunleye, James, Chigisheva, Oksana, Popov, Nikolay, Wolhuter, Charl, Almeida, Patrícia Albergaria, Hilton, Gillian, Ogunleye, James, Chigisheva, Oksana, and Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES)
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This volume contains papers submitted to the 11th Annual International Conference of the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES), held in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, 14-17 May 2013, and papers submitted to the 1st International Distance Partner Conference, organized by the International Research Centre "Scientific Cooperation," Rostov-on-Don, Russia. The 11th BCES Conference theme is "Education in One World: Perspectives from Different Nations." The Distance Partner Conference theme is "Contemporary Science and Education in a Globally Competitive Environment." The book consists of 92 papers, written by 141 authors, and grouped into 7 parts. Parts 1-4 comprise papers submitted to the 11th BCES Conference, and Parts 5-7 comprise papers submitted to the Distance Partner Conference. Studies presented in the book cover all levels of the educational system--preschool, primary, secondary, postsecondary, and higher education. Topics in the field of general, special, and vocational education are examined. Methodologies used in the studies represent a multiplicity of research methods, models, strategies, styles, and approaches. Various types of studies can be seen--national and international, case and comparative, descriptive and analytical, theoretical and empirical, historical and contemporary, scientific and essayistic, and critical and indifferent. The following papers are included in this volume: (1) Editorial Preface (Nikolay Popov, Charl Wolhuter, Patrícia Albergaria Almeida, Gillian Hilton, James Ogunleye, and Oksana Chigisheva); and (2) Introduction: Globalization in the One World--Impacts on Education in Different Nations (Nicholas Sun-Keung Pang). Part 1: Comparative Education & History of Education--(3) William Russell on Schools in Bulgaria (Nikolay Popov and Amra Sabic-El-Rayess); (4) Prolegomena to an International-Comparative Education Research Project on Religion in Education (Charl Wolhuter); (5) Perspectives on Tolerance in Education Flowing from a Comparison of Religion Education in Estonia and South Africa (Johannes L. van der Walt); (6) Perspectives on Tolerance in Education Flowing from a Comparison of Religion Education in Mexico and Thailand (Ferdinand J. Potgieter); (7) Do Teachers Receive Proper In-Service Training to Implement Changing Policies: Perspective from the South African Case? (Elize du Plessis); (8) Towards understanding different faces of school violence in different "worlds" of one country (Lynette Jacobs); (9) Transforming Life Skills Education into a Life-Changing Event: The Case of the Musical "The Green Crystal" (Amanda S. Potgieter); (10) Accessing Social Grants to Meet Orphan Children School Needs: Namibia and South Africa Perspective (Simon Taukeni and Taole Matshidiso); (11) Educational achievement as defining factor in social stratification in contemporary Spain (Manuel Jacinto Roblizo Colmenero); and (12) From Times of Transition to Adaptation: Background and Theoretical Approach to the Curriculum Reform in Estonia 1987-1996 (Vadim Rouk). Part 2: Pre-Service and In-Service Teacher Training & Learning and Teaching Styles--(13) What lessons to take from educational reforms in Asia-Pacific region? Factors that may influence the restructuring of secondary education in East Timor (Ana Capelo, Maria Arminda Pedrosa, and Patrícia Albergaria Almeida); (14) The Culture of Experiential Community Based Learning: Developing Cultural Awareness in Pre-Service Teachers (Alida J. Droppert); (15) Theory in Educational Research and Practice in Teacher Education (Leonie G. Higgs); (16) Comparative study of learning styles in higher education students from the Hidalgo State Autonomous University, in Mexico (Emma Leticia Canales Rodríguez and Octaviano Garcia Robelo); (17) Equity and Competitiveness: Contradictions between the Identification of Educational Skills and Educational Achievements (Amelia Molina García); (18) Adult Reading in a Foreign Language: A Necessary Competence for Knowledge Society (Marta Elena Guerra-Treviño); (19) The teaching profession as seen by pre-service teachers: A comparison study of Israel and Turkey (Zvia Markovits and Sadik Kartal); (20) Teaching/learning theories--How they are perceived in contemporary educational landscape (Sandra Ozola and Maris Purvins); (21) Learning Paths in Academic Setting: Research Synthesis (Snežana Mirkov); (22) Innovation Can Be Learned (Stanka Setnikar Cankar and Franc Cankar); (23) Rethinking Pedagogy: English Language Teaching Approaches (Gertrude Shotte); (24) Repercussions of Teaching Training in the Sociology of Work in Mexico (Claudio-Rafael Vasquez-Martinez, Graciela Giron, Magali Zapata-Landeros, Antonio Ayòn- Bañuelos, and Maria Morfin-Otero); (25) Listening to the Voices of Pre-Service Student Teachers from Teaching Practice: The Challenges of Implementing the English as a Second Language Curriculum (Cathrine Ngwaru); (26) In-Service Training and Professional Development of Teachers in Nigeria: Through Open and Distance Education (Martha Nkechinyere Amadi); (27) Symbols of Hyphenated Identity Drawing Maps (IDM) for Arab and Jewish Students at the University of Haifa (Rachel Hertz-Lazarowitz, Abeer Farah, and Tamar Zelniker); (28) The contemporary transdisciplinary approach as a methodology to aid students of humanities and social sciences (Petia Todorova); (29) Instructional Objectives: Selecting and Devising Tasks (Milo Mileff); and (30) Problem Orientated Education on the Basis of Hyper-Coded Texts (Play and Heuristic) (Valeri Lichev). Part 3: Education Policy, Reforms and School Leadership--(31) Using e-learning to enhance the learning of additional languages--A pilot comparative study (Gillian L. S. Hilton); (32) Challenges of Democratisation: Development of Inclusive Education in Serbia (Vera Spasenovic and Slavica Maksic); (33) Nurturing child imagination in the contemporary world: Perspectives from different nations (Slavica Maksic and Zoran Pavlovic); (34) The abusive school principal: A South African case study (Corene de Wet); (35) Thinking Styles of Primary School Teachers in Beijing, China (Ying Wang and Nicholas Sun-Keung Pang); (36) Breaking the cycle of poverty through early literacy support and teacher empowerment in Early Childhood Education (J. Marriote Ngwaru); (37) Designing Cooperative Learning in the Science Classroom: Integrating the Peer Tutoring Small Investigation Group (PTSIG) within the Model of the Six Mirrors of the Classroom Model (Reuven Lazarowitz, Rachel Hertz-Lazarowitz, Mahmood Khalil, and Salit Ron); and (38) The Effects of Educational Reform (Claudio-Rafael Vasquez-Martinez, Graciela Giron, Ivan De-La-Luz-Arellano, and Antonio Ayon-Bañuelos). Part 4: Higher Education, Lifelong Learning and Social Inclusion--(39) Interactions between vocational education and training and the labour market in Europe: A case study of Ireland's formalised feedback mechanisms (James Ogunleye); (40) At the Intersections of Resistance: Turkish Immigrant Women in German Schools (Katie Gaebel); (41) Intellectual capital import for the benefit of higher education (Airita Brenca and Aija Gravite); (42) Lessons from the training programme for women with domestic violence experience (Marta Anczewska, Joanna Roszczynska-Michta, Justyna Waszkiewicz, Katarzyna Charzynska, and Czeslaw Czabala); (43) Loneliness and depression among Polish university students: Preliminary findings from a longitudinal study (Pawel Grygiel, Piotr Switaj, Marta Anczewska, Grzegorz Humenny, Slawomir Rebisz, and Justyna Sikorska); (44) Psychosocial difficulties experienced by people diagnosed with schizophrenia--Barriers to social inclusion (Marta Anczewska, Piotr Switaj, Joanna Roszczynska-Michta, Anna Chrostek, and Katarzyna Charzynska); (45) Lifelong Learning from Ethical Perspective (Krystyna Najder-Stefaniak); (46) Contemporary perspectives in adult education and lifelong learning--Andragogical model of learning (Iwona Blaszczak); (47) Examining the reasons black male youths give for committing crime with reference to inner city areas of London (Elizabeth Achinewhu-Nworgu, Chioma Nworgu, Steve Azaiki, and Helen Nworgu); (48) Restructuring Nigerian Tertiary (University) Education for Better Performance (Stephen Adebanjo Oyebade and Chika Dike); (49) Keeping abreast of continuous change and contradictory discourses (Marie J. Myers); (50) Process Management in Universities--Recent Perspectives in the Context of Quality Management Oriented towards Excellence (Veronica Adriana Popescu, Gheorghe N. Popescu, and Cristina Raluca Popescu); (51) Greek Primary Education in the Context of the European Life Long Learning Area (George Stamelos, Andreas Vassilopoulos, and Marianna Bartzakli); (52) Bologna Process Principles Integrated into Education System of Kazakhstan (Olga Nessipbayeva); (53) Methodology of poetic works teaching by means of innovative technologies (Bayan Kerimbekova) [title provided in English and Bulgarian, paper is in Bulgarian]; (54) About the use of innovations in the process of official Kazakh language teaching in level on the basis of the European standards (Kuralay Mukhamadi) [title provided in English and Bulgarian, paper is in Bulgarian]; and (55) A Study of Para-Verbal Characteristics in Education Discourse (Youri Ianakiev) [title provided in English and Bulgarian, abstract in English, and paper in Bulgarian]. Part 5: Educational Development Strategies in Different Countries and Regions of the World: National, Regional and Global Levels [title is in English and Bulgarian]--(56) Establishing sustainable higher education partnerships in a globally competitive environment (Oksana Chigisheva); (57) Modernising education: International dialogue and cooperation (Elena Orekhova and Liudmila Polunina); (58) The communication between speech therapist and parents as a way of correction work improvement with children having poor speech (Elena Popova) [title is in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (59) ESP teaching at the institutions of higher education in modern Russia: Problems and perspectives (Nadezhda Prudnikova); (60) Competency-based approach to education in international documents and theoretical researches of educators in Great Britain (Olga Voloshina-Pala); (61) EU strategies of integrating ICT into initial teacher training (Vitaliya Garapko); (62) Socialisation channels of the personality at the present development stage of the Russian society (Evgenii Alisov) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (63) Perspectives of competence approach introduction into the system of philological training of language and literature teachers (Elena Zhindeeva and Elena Isaeva) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (64) Organization of special education in the primary school of the European Union (Yelena Yarovaya) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (65) Formation of professionally-innovative creative sphere of future Master degree students in the Kazakhstan system of musical education (Gulzada Khussainova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (66) Ethnocultural component in the contemporary musical education of the Republic of Kazakhstan (Gulnar Alpeisova) [title in English and Bulgarian, abstract in English, and paper in Bulgarian]; (67) The main tendencies of scientific research within doctoral studies of PhD (Yermek Kamshibayev) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (68) Organizational and pedagogical conditions of education quality improvement in the professional college (Igor Artemyev and Alexander Zyryanov) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (69) The imperative of responsibility in a global society as a determinant of educational strategy development (Irina Rebeschenkova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (70) Pedagogical understanding of diversification of mathematical education as a strategy of development of vocational training at the university (Irina Allagulova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (71) Prerequisites of the establishment and evolution of concepts and categories on the problem of ethnic and art competence formation (Leonora Bachurina and Elena Bystray) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (72) Education institutionalization as a stratification manipulator (Oksana Strikhar) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (73) The Concept of Teaching Musical Art on the Basis of Using Interscientific Connections at the Lessons (Oksana Strikhar) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; and (74) The key strategic priorities of the development of the additional professional education at the Economic University. Regional aspect (Evelina Pecherskaya) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]. Part 6: Key Directions and Characteristics of Research Organization in Contemporary World [title in English and Bulgarian]--(75) Metaphors in the press: The effectiveness of working with newspaper tropes to improve foreign language competence (Galina Zashchitina); (76) Legal portion in Russian inheritance law (Roza Inshina and Lyudmila Murzalimova); (77) Formation of healthy (sanogenic) educational environment in innovative conditions (Anatoly Madzhuga and Elvira Ilyasova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (78) "The Sacred Truth" (T. Bondarev's teaching as an element of L. N. Tolstoy's philosophy) (Valentina Litvinova) [title in English and Bulgarian, abstract in English, paper in Bulgarian]; (79) The destiny of man (Vasiliy Shlepin) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (80) Diversity of the world in the culture of the city Astana (Gulnar Alpeisova) [title in English and Bulgarian, abstract in English, paper in Bulgarian]; (81) The study of self-expression and culture of self-expression in pedagogy and psychology in the context of the problems of tolerant pedagogical communication (Elizaveta Omelchenko and Lubov Nemchinova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (82) Infrastructural support of innovative entrepreneurship development in Ukraine (Iryna Prylutskaya) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (83) Guidelines and peculiarities of network mechanisms of an organization running (Natalia Fomenko) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (84) The influence of information technologies on medical activity and the basic lines of medical services (on the example of the portal of the state services) (Nataliya Muravyeva) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (85) Economic expediency of the integration cooperation between pharmaceutical complex of Russia and the CIS (Natalia Klunko) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (86) Research of prospects of the Russian tourism (Tatyana Sidorina, Marina Artamonova, Olga Likhtanskaya, and Ekaterina Efremova) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; and (87) The influence of globalization on contemporary costume changes (Julia Muzalevskaya) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]. Part 7: International Scientific and Educational Cooperation for the Solution of Contemporary Global Issues: From Global Competition to World Integration [title in English and Bulgarian]--(88) An overview on Gender problem in Modern English (Daria Tuyakaeva); (89) Focus-group as a qualitative method for study of compliance in cardiovascular disease patients (Olga Semenova, Elizaveta Naumova, and Yury Shwartz); (90) The development of the social and initiative personality of children in the system of additional education (Andrei Matveev) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (91) Proceedings in criminal cases in respect of juveniles in the Criminal Procedure Code of Russia and Ukraine: Comparative and legal aspect (Vitaliy Dudarev) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; (92) Some implementation issues of the UN Convention against transnational organized crime in the criminal legislation (A case of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Russian Federation) (Gulnur Yensebayeva and Gulnur Tuleubayeva) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]; and (93) Hepatitis B immunization in children with hematological malignancies (Umida Salieva, Lubov Lokteva, Malika Daminova, and Naira Alieva) [title and abstract in English and Bulgarian, paper in Bulgarian]. A list of contributors is included. (Individual papers contain references.) [For Volume 10 (2012), see ED567040.]
- Published
- 2013
28. Exploring Inequality in South African Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) through Vignettes
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Gore, Oliver and Botha, Johan
- Abstract
Vignettes, as a research method, presents short hypothetical stories to individuals to elicit their views on a particular topic. A review of the literature indicates that although vignettes have successfully gleaned detailed data on phenomena, few research studies have employed this valuable method in higher education institutions' (HEIs) contexts globally. This paper provides findings from a qualitative study that generated data through vignettes to understand students' perceptions of (dis)advantage. Twenty-four honours students from five faculties at one HEI in South Africa participated in the study. Findings indicate that vignettes more effectively glean rich qualitative data on sensitive or complex topics than other research methods. The method can prompt open discussions on topics usually regarded as sensitive by the participants because it helps them to reflect on their own lived experiences of (dis)advantage in HEIs. More importantly, this study shows that vignettes reveal the hidden and unexpected of what constitutes (dis)advantage, for example, low-income students have certain advantages that contributed to their success. This finding has direct implications for the design of interventions at HEIs aimed at reducing inequality. [For the complete Volume 20 proceedings, see ED622631.]
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- 2022
29. Critical Determinants for Learning Analytics Adoption in Higher Education
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Aaron Bere, Patrick Chirilele, and Rugare Chitiga
- Abstract
The purpose of this paper is to present an empirical investigation of the critical determinants for the adoption of learning analytics in higher education. A conceptual model was proposed to understand better the adoption of learning analytics in higher education by teaching staff. Structural equation modelling is used for testing and validating the proposed conceptual model based on the survey data collected from Australia, South Africa, and Zimbabwe. Five study hypotheses were statistically significant, while two were statically insignificant. A positive relationship was revealed between user preparedness, technology preparedness, perceived usefulness, and social influence with behavioural intentions to adopt learning analytics in higher education. Hypotheses between user preparedness and perceived usefulness as well as user preparedness and learning analytics adoption were rejected. This study contributes to the learning analytics adoption research by proposing and validating a research model for the adoption of learning analytics in higher education. [For the full proceedings, see ED639633.]
- Published
- 2022
30. Mobile Technologies Reinventing Teacher Preparation for Education 4.0 Outcomes in Marginalised Communities
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Tunjera Nyarai, Moyo Moses, Sadeck Osman, and Chigona Agnes
- Abstract
Mobile technology is a promising area of research post COVID-19 and helps the realisation of education 4.0 The purpose of this paper is to conceptualise mobile learning in Education 4.0 paradigm in the South African context. This descriptive study used a questionnaire made in a google form and distributed amongst pre-service teachers at a faculty of education. The survey questionnaire explored perspectives, ownership and use of mobile technologies by pre-service teachers. The data was analysed using the frequencies of the answers to the questionnaire. The findings establish the need for all stakeholders to holistically invest in the technical and capacity building of mobile technologies for learning purposes and help realise and develop the education sector to partake of the Education 4.0 opportunities. The study recommends the need for further studies that will explore additional knowledge on effective mobile technologies that make learning mobile aligning with the fourth industrial revolution innovations. [For the full proceedings, see ED638044.]
- Published
- 2022
31. Building a Risky-Safe-Space: Using Reflective Pedagogies and Values to Support Writing Development in Work Based Learning
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Boyd, Vic, Wilson, Colin, and Smith, Christopher
- Abstract
The concepts of 'graduateness' and graduate attributes became contested terrain before COVID-19 destabilised even the most assured of shared learning constructions. Indeed, for those of us immersed in the delivery of work-based learning (WBL), this has long been the case. Promotion of reductive notions of 'skills' acquisition to comply neatly with an employability agenda holds little relevance for those students already engaged in full time careers, and with a wealth of professional experience. What can hold influence and interest, however, is the opportunity to engage in meaningful, agentic, professionally-aligned reflective practices as a scaffolded route to promoting self-awareness and developing confidence in mapping competences from the professional domain to the academic (and vice versa). This paper shares an account of taking an embedded approach to supporting the development of academic literacies amongst work-based learners in one UK HEI. In particular, it will consider the use of reflective pedagogical tools and values in supporting work-based learners to become confident and adaptable writers. Discussion considers how work-based pedagogies and approaches may have far-reaching relevance in a post-pandemic landscape, where reskilling and professional agility are likely to become more prolific aspects of education and work. Writing itself is framed as an integrated communication practice that encompasses literature retrieval, reading, evaluation, synthesis and articulation of argument. The paper will describe pre-pandemic academic support activities and share qualitative survey data in which students consider their confidence as both professional and academic writers. It concludes with consideration of how some of the approaches outlined may have relevance for the wider academic community.
- Published
- 2023
32. Professional Development Needs for TVET College Novice Lecturers: Transitioning to Higher Education
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Buhle Stella Nhlumayo and Sbongile C. O. Shandu
- Abstract
The objective of this paper is to explore the professional development needs of novice lecturers in three selected Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges in South Africa as they transition from different industries into the higher education sector. The methodology of collecting data was individual face-to-face interviews. The study participants were six novice lecturers and three TVET college managers, who were selected purposefully. The study is underpinned by an adult learning theory, which argues that adult learners have accumulated life experiences and knowledge and require structured programs that have clearly defined outputs. The paper responded to two research questions: What are the professional development needs of novice lecturers in a TVET college, and how does college management respond to the professional development needs of novice lecturers? Data were analyzed using thematic content analysis. The findings indicate that pedagogic and classroom management skills were the basic needs of novice lecturers through professional development programs. In light of the findings, the study suggests capacity-building for college management to respond appropriately to the induction and mentoring needs of novice lecturers as well as the provision of internally conducted and structured professional development programs.
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- 2023
33. Eradicating a Culture of Public Mistrust in TVET College Education in South Africa: A Manifesto for the Sector's Sustainability Ahead of 4IR
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Bongani Innocent Nkambule and Sindile Amina Ngubane
- Abstract
The consumption of technical and vocational education and training has increased exponentially over the past two decades. In terms of inclusion, it is without a doubt that today's TVET sector is a far cry from what it was before the democratic government took over the baton from the apartheid government. TVET has become a refuge to many hopefuls from the historically disadvantaged sectors of society who, due to a range of apparent reasons, would ordinarily not have managed to partake in tertiary education. To many South African youth, TVET presents an avenue for the acquisition of a skill that will give them a fighting chance at escaping the harsh recurrence of poverty, economic inactivity and resource deprivation they are subjected to almost on a daily basis. However, beneath this silver lining lies a growing public disgruntlement over the TVET system's ability to steadfastly deliver quality education and transform the lives of students, by instilling in them agency for self-regulated and collaborative innovation that will turn them into formidable and assertive role players in the knowledge societies, come the fourth industrial revolution (4IR). To understand the crux of public mistrust in TVET college education in South Africa, an extensive body of literature was reviewed. The findings of the paper point to strategic factors (which in the main are attributed to a lack of effective leadership and managerial skills) and contextual factors that occur at a campus level, as major causes of public mistrust in TVET education. The paper concludes by tabling a manifesto for changing the status quo ahead of the advent of 4IR.
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- 2023
34. Analysis of Difficult Concepts in Senior Phase Mathematics Baseline Assessments: First-Year Student Teachers' Reflections
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Folake Modupe Adelabu and Jogmol Kalariparampil Alex
- Abstract
This paper report on first-year student teachers' reflections on the difficulty levels of mathematics concepts in the senior phase baseline assessments. This paper emanated after first year student teachers completed the baseline assessments for each of the three grades in the senior phase, Grades 7, 8, and 9. One hundred and sixteen (116) first year mathematics student teachers were included in this study. Data were collected using purposive and convenience sampling methods. This qualitative research adopted a case-study design, using an interpretivist paradigm. Data was collected using an open-ended questionnaire as the research instrument. The questionnaire was designed to determine student teachers' thoughts about the difficulty levels of concepts of the mathematical content in the baseline assessments. The results of the study revealed that Algebra; Number Pattern; Statistics; Shapes; Geometry; Simplification; Sequences and Series; and Addition and Subtraction of numbers as easy topics to answer, Fractions, Mixed fractions, Factorisation, Probability, and Measurement were topics that were very difficult. The study recommended that teacher educators design instructions that will assist student teachers in constructing senior phase mathematical concepts to improve their understanding of these complex topics in higher education institutions.
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- 2023
35. Sustainable Development Policies as Indicators and Pre-Conditions for Sustainability Efforts at Universities: Fact or Fiction?
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Leal Filho, Walter, Brandli, Luciana Londero, Becker, Deisi, Skanavis, Constantina, Kounani, Aristea, Sardi, Chrysoula, Papaioannidou, Dimitra, Paço, Arminda, Azeiteiro, Ulisses, de Sousa, Luiza Olim, Raath, Schalk, Pretorius, Rudi Wessel, Shiel, Christine, Vargas, Valeria, Trencher, Gregory, and Marans, Robert W.
- Abstract
Purpose: There is a widely held belief that sustainable development (SD) policies are essential for universities to successfully engage in matters related to sustainability, and are an indicator of the extent to which they are active in this field. This paper aims to examine the evidence which currently exists to support this assumption. It surveys a sample of universities in Brazil, Germany, Greece, Portugal, South Africa and the UK and the USA to ascertain the extent to which universities that are active in the field of sustainable development have formal policies on sustainable development, and whether such policies are a pre-condition for successful sustainability efforts. Design/methodology/approach: The study involved 35 universities in seven countries (five universities respectively). A mixed-methods approach has been used, ranging from document analysis, website analysis, questionnaires and interviewing. Findings: Although only 60 per cent of the sampled universities had a policy that specifically addressed SD, this cannot be regarded as an indicator that the remaining 40 per cent are not engaged with substantial actions that address SD. Indeed, all of the universities in the sample, regardless of the existence of a SD formal policy, demonstrated engagement with environmental sustainability policies or procedures in some form or another. This research has been limited by the availability and ability to procure information from the sampled universities. Despite this, it is one of the largest research efforts of this kind ever performed. Research limitations/implications: This research has been limited by the availability and ability to procure information from the sampled universities. Practical implications: The findings provide some valuable insights into the connections between SD policies on the one hand and the practice of sustainable development in higher education institutions on the other. Social implications: Universities with SD policies can contribute to models of economic growth consistent with sustainable development. Originality/value: The study is the one of the largest research efforts of this kind ever performed.
- Published
- 2018
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Institutional and Individual Autonomy in Relation to Research Productivity in Hungarian and South African Higher Education Contexts
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Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES), Rónay, Zoltán, and Niemczyk, Ewelina K.
- Abstract
As scholars we navigate in the fast changing and demanding research environment. The pressure to produce tangible outputs, secure funding, and undertake international collaborations has high implications on individual researchers' work and well-being. The issues brought forefront in scholarly literature showcase the impact of research pressures on other academic duties such as teaching, scholarly service and community engagement. The attention is also drawn to the ways in which the above mentioned pressures influence choices researchers make regarding their research agenda. In this reflective paper we take the academic discourse a step further to explore how demands of research productivity intertwine with institutional and individual autonomy in our respective countries, Hungary and South Africa. Our conceptual framework is informed by commonly recognized levels of autonomy in HEIs, which relate to research activities. The three levels include: individual researcher, collaborative research teams and the institution at large. Considering the complexity of the topic and length restriction for this paper, we narrow our focus to how institutional and individual researcher's autonomy converge with two research productivity activities, namely dependence on funding and selection of outlets for research outputs.
- Published
- 2020
37. Understanding and Application of the Institutional Performance Management System within Higher Education Institution Departments
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Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES) and Mampane, Sharon Thabo
- Abstract
This conceptual paper draws on the understanding and application of institutional performance management system (IPMS) by managers in a higher education institution's department. Managers in HEIs [higher education institutions] are tasked to develop and support staff at all job levels and are accountable for their performance. The implementation of the IPMS in higher education institutions could enhance the growth and development of the department and its staff. The paper highlights practices of IPMS as well as identifies the successes and challenges in understanding and applying IPMS within HEIs, to provide a consolidated practical advice for universities in South Africa. Staff development and support are central to ensuring that commitments made, are seriously translated into relevant actions in the department. Such actions by the institution lay a strong foundation for improved performance. The purpose of the paper is to unpack and contextualise the understanding and application of institutional performance management system (IPMS) of staff, by recognising its merits depending on the context and circumstances where it is applied. This qualitative paper analysed literature studies that include books and articles written on performance management systems in higher education, to establish how performance data is used to improve institutional staff performance. Findings reveal that HEIs' performance criteria in IPMS, do not always serve to monitor and evaluate the department's progress on planned goals, objectives, and initiatives. The paper, therefore, serves as a foundational piece that highlights gaps in higher education institution managers' understanding and application of IPMS, for supporting and improving staff performance.
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- 2020
38. Developing a Faculty Research Culture in Higher Education: A South African Perspective
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Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES) and Rossouw, J. P.
- Abstract
An increase in research productivity is of vital importance in the development of countries worldwide. However, when research outputs are measured, many higher education faculties neither meet the expectations regarding quality nor quantity despite the increasing drive towards publications. This paper examines how academic managers can reform a prevailing weak or average research culture. Research and innovation managers such as deans, research directors and research professors may benefit from implementing the principles of the innovation value chain to transform a specific research culture characterised by low morale and a lack of outputs. Based on the author's experience and relevant scholarly literature, it is argued in this paper that a general passive or negative attitude amongst faculty members who are expected to produce research outputs, can be converted to a vibrant environment characterised by positive attitudes and increased research productivity.
- Published
- 2020
39. Exploring Academic Promotion Practices within Higher Education Institutions: Enablers and Constraints in the Physical Space
- Author
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Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES) and Mampane, Sharon Thabo
- Abstract
This paper explores academic promotion practices in higher education institutions. Promotion of faculty members of universities is one of the major mechanisms in maintaining and improving the quality and efficiency of higher education and research activities in the country. Appointment processes are therefore critical to institutional development; therefore, the study argues for the identification of successful practices by exploring the enablers and disablers within the institutional promotion process in South Africa. This qualitative conceptual paper used literature, not limited to books, articles and chapters written on higher education institutions' promotion practices. There is, however, limited research on institutional promotion practices for academic employees within the South African higher education institutions. The study argues for the identification of successful practices to ensure fair and equitable institutional promotion practices by exploring the enablers and disablers within the institutional promotion process in the South African higher education. The paper serves as a foundational piece in understanding that appointment practices can be regulated to ensure fairness and equity. The appointment practices highlight the importance of shifting academic staff profiles in ways that are more representative of a diverse democracy. The inclusion of South Africa demonstrates a gap that exists in the academic promotions within higher education institutions. Findings reveal power-play and micro-politicking within promotion practices in HEIs. The paper serves as a foundational piece in understanding the regulation of fairness and equity in academic appointment practices.
- Published
- 2020
40. Capabilities That Matter Most for Disadvantaged Students in South African Universities
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Bulgarian Comparative Education Society (BCES) and Gore, Oliver Tafadzwa
- Abstract
Inequality and inequity of outcomes persist in South African higher education despite policies to redress the effects of apartheid, which segregated black people from accessing good quality education. Policy in higher education uses the concept 'historically disadvantaged' in its interventions aimed to address inequality but the desired outcomes have not been achieved as higher education institutions particularly universities seem to struggle to create conducive environments for all students to participate successfully. Lack of clarity on what needs to be addressed and prioritised could be blamed for the ineffective interventions. Using the capability approach as advanced by Amartya Sen and Martha Nussbaum, the paper identifies the most significant capabilities for student disadvantage, which universities should focus on in their interventions. This paper draws from semi-structured qualitative interviews from 26 diverse students from one South African university to argue that when students lack the financial income, affiliation and personal tenacity and hard work capabilities, their lives were affected the most. To that end, it is recommended that higher education institutions should prioritise to address these capabilities to ensure equal access, participation and success for all students.
- Published
- 2020
41. Enhancing Postgraduate Learning and Development: A Participatory Action Learning and Action Research Approach through Conferences
- Author
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Wood, Lesley, Louw, Ina, and Zuber-Skerritt, Ortrun
- Abstract
As supervisors who advocate the transformational potential of research both to generate theory and practical and emancipatory outcomes, we practice participatory action learning and action research (PALAR). This paper offers an illustrative case of how supervision practices based on action learning can foster emancipatory and lifelong learning within a university context that is becoming ever more focused on throughput of students, rather than on the quality of their learning. Conference attendance offers an excellent opportunity for postgraduate students to develop as researchers and lifelong learners, yet anxiety often prevents them from making the most of the learning experience. We explain how we encouraged the development of capabilities in students through a PALAR support programme that assisted postgraduate students prepare for a conference to make overall participation, presenting a paper and subsequent publication a true learning experience. We generated and analysed data from the written reflections of 11 postgraduate students who participated in the programme. The findings suggest that action learning, specifically PALAR, can be used to enable a rich learning experience for postgraduate students attending conferences through fostering relationships, building trust, a supportive environment, collaboration, communication and competence among them. Postgraduate students who experienced our PALAR support programme developed not only skills, knowledge, confidence and deeper appreciation of learning opportunities through conferences, but also understanding of the principles of PALAR that apply not just to the conference context but across all aspects of learning and research and life at large.
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. Pre-Service Teacher Training for Realities of 21st Century Classrooms
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Sadeck, Osman, Moyo, Moses, Tunjera, Nyarai, and Chigona, Agnes
- Abstract
Pre-service teacher training (PTT), programs are required to emphasise the importance of enhancing the theory practice nexus and on constantly developing a sense of teacher identity and teaching competencies (Liu & Low, 2015) for the 21st Century learners. The 21st Century Curriculum Research Project (21CP) sought to explore how pre-service teachers could be adequately equipped with 21st Century skills for ICT integration. This paper reports on the development and implementation of a technology integration curriculum conducted with pre-service teachers at a university in the Western Cape, South Africa. The findings of the study have highlighted that a curriculum grounded in a sound theoretical base can yield desired outcomes in f2f/online context. It argues that the theory-practice nexus could be bridged through experiential learning from carefully designed activities. Furthermore, it suggests that cognitive access is crucial in the design and presentation of any curriculum. [For the full proceedings, see ED622227.]
- Published
- 2021
43. Responding to Twenty-First Century Societal Trends through Nurturing Globally Competent Citizens
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Daniels, Carlo and Niemczyk, Ewelina K.
- Abstract
Higher education institutions play an active role in addressing and responding to twenty-first century societal trends. The two main factors, which have transformed the way we live and work are globalization and technological advancements. Consequently, global competence became imperative in twenty-first century. As evident from scholarly literature, global competency is the currency in today's world, which includes the capacity to view life from different perspectives, to value diversity, to engage in multicultural interactions and to have skills to respectfully navigate in the complex inter-connected world. Higher education has an important role to play in nurturing globally competent citizens with a critical worldview and the above-mentioned abilities. Considering the importance of this topic and the scarcity of literature grounded in South African context, the scope of this paper is to explore the development of globally competent citizens in selected South African higher education institutions. Employing document analysis method, this qualitative project investigated to what extent higher education institutions positioned themselves to address twenty-first century societal trends. Special attention was paid to competencies of globally competent citizens, educators' role in developing global competence and HEIs response to twenty-first century trends. Based on the findings, recommendations are provided on how higher education institutions may maximize development of globally competent citizens. [For the complete Volume 19 proceedings, see ED613922.]
- Published
- 2021
44. Challenges Experienced by Lecturers in Supporting Students at an Open Distance E-Learning Institution
- Author
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Kgabo, Mapitso Veronica
- Abstract
Institutions of higher education in South Africa have seen a shift in the student demographic of student population, and from contact teaching approaches to distance and online approaches to instruction. This has posed challenges as students find themselves without adequate support in online environments to successfully fulfil their studies. There are few studies that focus on the challenges lecturers experience in an open distance e-learning (ODeL) setting. This paper seeks to narrow that gap by exploring the challenges experienced by lecturers in an ODeL institution, which offers massified higher education for part-time students. The study is aimed to determine and explain how lecturers could use their concerted skills to benefit students. The research is embedded in Moore's transactional distance theory and adopted Vygotsky's social constructivist approach. In terms of methodology, a qualitative research approach with a phenomenological design was used. Data were collected through open-ended semi-structured interviews from participants of the College of Education (CEDU) at the University of South Africa (UNISA). Transcription and thematical analyses of data were completed to identify themes. Findings from the study revealed that lecturers in CEDU were not inducted on their core functions hence the shortcomings in delivery of student support services. The study recommends that further research be conducted on how to support and empower lecturers within CEDU to give students leading-edge support. [For the complete Volume 19 proceedings, see ED613922.]
- Published
- 2021
45. A Trajectory towards a Culture of Quality: A Phenomenological Study of an Open Distance Learning University in South Africa and in China
- Author
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Sevnarayan, Kershnee
- Abstract
Over the past few years, we have witnessed immense advancements of technology which challenge conventional teaching methodologies. This paper analyses an open and distance learning university from two culturally distinct continents --Africa and Asia-- through an international staff exchange program that was attended over a two-week period. This essay examines both distance learning institutions and data that was collected through interviews and observations to benefit students through quality assurance. According to the research presented in this paper, it is necessary to create an atmosphere that makes it possible for quality assurance activities to be carried out consistently. Distance learning institutions need to move towards a culture of quality and by doing this they need to tailor their student support not just to produce graduates at the end of a cohort but to produce quality graduates needed for the ever evolving and rapidly transforming information and communication technologies. The recommendations made in this paper are intended to help distance education institutions develop a culture of quality. It is argued that to successfully develop a quality culture, a supportive environment should be created for pedagogical activities linked to quality assurance.
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- 2022
46. Pre-Service Teachers' Self-Concept and Views toward Using ICT for Teaching Science
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Jita, Thuthukile and Sintema, Edgar J.
- Abstract
There is an increased demand to empower pre-service teachers (PSTs) with knowledge and skills regarding the use of information and communication technologies (ICTs) for teaching science. Using the technology acceptance model as theoretical lens, this paper explores the self-concept and views of PSTs in their final year of study regarding their competences to teach science with ICTs. A mixed methods design was used to collect data from 506 PSTs in two phases. In the first phase, all participants responded to a technological pedagogical and content knowledge questionnaire. In the second phase, semi-structured interviews were used to collect data from a subsample of 28 participants. Results showed that PSTs still underestimate their competences to teach science with ICTs and the majority believe that different school situations and lack of use of ICTs by mentor teachers contribute to failure to build on their competences. Findings also revealed that PSTs have the highest perceived knowledge in technological pedagogical knowledge (TPK) and lowest in technological knowledge. We suggest that PSTs have opportunities to develop their technological content knowledge (TCK) through self-directed learning for it to be on par with their TPK. A linear relationship in the development of PSTs' TCK and TPK would ensure improved instructional quality in science classrooms. This paper suggests different strategies to build PSTs' independency in the use of ICTs to teach sciences.
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- 2022
47. Perspectives: A Round-Table Discussion on Decolonial Pedagogies
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Dovey, Lindiwe, Mangalanayagam, Nina, and Mistry, Jyoti
- Abstract
Three practitioners -- a film-maker, a photographer and a film curator, all working in higher education, teaching film production, photography and film studies -- discuss their reflections on co-convening a decolonising pedagogy workshop-conference hosted in May 2019 at HDK-Valand, University of Gothenburg, Sweden. They draw from their unique geographical positions -- South Africa, Sweden and the UK respectively -- to reflect on the nuances and differences of how race and subjectivity shape classroom interactions with the curriculum, and the institutional challenges in developing transformational pedagogy practices. The conversation uses as its impetus this shared experience of co-convening and facilitating the 'Decolonising pedagogy: Exploring processes in image-making' workshop-conference, and leads to discussion of broader issues of historical conditions and the geopolitical contexts that have determined the subsequent impact and outcomes in their different universities.
- Published
- 2022
48. Leveraging Student Engagement through MS Teams at an Open and Distance E-Learning Institution
- Author
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Chaka, Chaka, Nkhobo, Tlatso, and Lephalala, Mirriam
- Abstract
The current paper reports on a study that was conducted at the University of South Africa (UNISA) in 2021. The study involved three cohorts of undergraduate students (n = 20, n = 12 and n = 18), where each cohort participated in one of the virtual sessions offered on MS Teams as part of their modules' virtual classes. Employing a case study research design, the study used the interactions students had on MS Teams through messages in each session to determine how such messages served as indicators of student engagement. Four student engagement dimensions, namely emotional, behavioral, cognitive and academic engagement, were the focus of this study. Two of the findings of this study are: (a) only few students dominated the messages posted during the three live virtual sessions; and (b) cognitive and emotional engagement dimensions were the two predominant dimensions of student engagement. The paper ends with the implications and recommendations.
- Published
- 2022
49. Understanding the Foremost Challenges in the Transition to Online Teaching and Learning during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Literature Review
- Author
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Hamad, Wahid Bakar
- Abstract
The study aims to understand the foremost challenges in the transition to online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study adopts the PRISMA approach to screening the selection of journal articles and review papers according to the research aims and the inclusion criteria. The journal articles and review papers were extracted and stored in Microsoft Excel and Google Scholar, Academic. Microsoft, Semantic Scholar, Elsevier, and Emerald Insight databases searched relevant documents using formulated keywords. A statistical technique was applied using the M.S. Excel analysis tool (PivotTable and an independent t-Test) to analyze data and determine the differences between teachers and students. The review revealed the evidence that the majority of the studies were primarily focused on the individual developing countries and results from other developing countries were not considered. In addition, the foremost challenges in the transition to online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic were inadequate skills and training, inadequate Internet/Infrastructure, lack of supporting resources and lack of online student engagement and feedback. Finally, the independent t-test reveals there is no statistically significant difference in challenges in the transition to online teaching and learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Both teachers and students encounter similar challenges. The systematic review raised concerns that higher learning needs to effectively implement long term strategies and support teachers and students in getting into online teaching and learning.
- Published
- 2022
50. Factors That Affect the Morale of Employees in the Institution of Higher Learning in South Africa
- Author
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Khumalo, Njabulo
- Abstract
The paper focuses on assessing and identifying the factors that affect the morale of employees in the institution of higher learning in South Africa. Employee morale is a drive to keep the organisation growing and achieve its objectives. In the worldwide ranking there are two institutions of higher learning that are featured in the top 250 of the universities which could be the result that employees are engaged in their institutions. However, it is imperative to maintain or improve more by understanding and dealing with the factors that may contribute negatively in the institutions of higher learning in SA. A quantitative approach was utilised for the paper and a questionnaire was constructed to collect data from 108 academics and support staff. A stratified approach method wad used and divide participant into groups academics and support employees. All data collected was analysed using SPSS version 22 and the findings of the paper reveals that the level of employee morale was very low and further reveals that management support and feedback, conditions of work, remuneration packages, benefits, promotion processes and recognition, communication and understanding of policies as well as treatment and workload were the crucial factors affect the morale of employees. The paper recommends that all institutions of higher learning to review their own policies and ensure that all stakeholders of their institutions understand them effectively. Similar research should be conducted in other institutions of higher learning as well in order to generalise or enrich the findings of the present paper which serve as a wake-up call.
- Published
- 2022
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