STUDENT EVALUATION OF DIFFERENT TEACHING METHODS AND THE EFFECTIVENESS THEREOF

Published ArticleA significant amount of time and effort has to go into teaching students. It is no art when lecturers simply read from a text book. The objective of this study was to determine the teaching methods that students at the Hotel School, Central University of Technology, Free State, consider as most effective to support learning. All first-year students (N=73) enrolled for the National Diploma: Hospitality Management were targeted to participate in the survey. A mixedmethod study design was followed, and a questionnaire consisting of closedand open-ended questions was developed for data collection. Closed-ended questions were rated on a five-point Likert scale, while answers to open-ended questions were analysed to determine trends. Results showed that lecturers used a variety of teaching methods. The lecture teaching method was rated best by 49% of students followed by the group discussion method which was rated as second best (19%). Case studies and brainstorming were the least-preferred methods (4% and 0% respectively). Lecturers should ensure that maximum information is transferred through the teaching methods that most appeal to students. The focus should be on enabling students to practically apply the lessons taught in everyday life

Recreational pursuits of wheelchair users: Overcoming time-space limitations

Wheelchair users are individuals with unique and specific needs in terms of recreation. In general, people overcome obstacles by making choices, thus establishing a certain pattern of activi­ties. For wheelchair users this is not so easy: they cannot always overcome time-space limitations imposed upon them by a hos­tile environment which prevents them from making appropriate choices

PERCEPTIONS AND KNOWLEDGE OF A SELECTED GROUP OF ORGANIC CONSUMERS IN BLOEMFONTEIN, FREE STATE PROVINCE

Published ArticleOrganic agriculture is a production method that upholds the well-being of soil, ecosystems and people. It relies on ecological processes, biodiversity and cycles tailored to local conditions. This descriptive study assessed the knowledge and perceptions of organic food consumers in Bloemfontein. A convenience sample of 60 consumers (male and female) was selected to participate in the study. A structured questionnaire was designed to obtain data at a local fresh-produce grocer. Most of the consumers showed positive and negative attitudes towards organic products. Most consumers had basic knowledge regarding organic products, but it also became evident that there was uncertainty surrounding facts of organic products, such as labelling standards. Only 12% of respondents interpreted the term “organic” correctly. Human health (86.67%) and environmental concerns (28.33%) were the key factors influencing consumer preference for organic food. Organic fruit and vegetables (45.37%) were the most popular purchased organic items amongst consumers. The majority of consumers (61.67%) stated that organic products are affordable. The results of the present study provided valuable insight into the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes of consumers towards organically grown foods. The general positive attitude of consumers can be attributed to consumers' basic knowledge of, and preference for, organic food. Despite the organic lifestyle being in the minority in this region, there continues to be a growing demand for organic products in Bloemfontein, and for this reason producers have ensured a continued supply of organic products

MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS OF FREE STATE SECTION OF MALOTI DRAKENSBERG ROUTE

Published ArtcleTourism has a positive impact on economic growth and development, especially for small towns and rural areas. This is especially applicable to the Free State Province that has numerous economic challenges, including the highest unemployment rate in South Africa. One way of attracting tourists to areas they might not normally visit, is through the development of tourism routes. In South African, the Maloti Drakensberg Route (MDR) is one of the longest tourism routes and a substantial section of the route runs through the Free State Province (Harrismith to Zastron). Tourism routes are usually managed by forums that need to oversee the effective management of routes. In this regard, the MDR is managed by the Maloti Drakensberg Route Forum (MDRF). Due to the importance of attracting tourists, the aim of this investigation was to assess the marketing and management effectiveness of the Free State section of the MDR. The research approach was both qualitative and quantitative and product owners and tourists were included in the data collection. The findings indicate that the route is not effectively managed, with serious ramifications for economic development and sustainability

MARKETING AND MANAGEMENT EFFECTIVENESS OF FREE STATE SECTION OF MALOTI DRAKENSBERG ROUTE

Published ArticleTourism has a positive impact on economic growth and development, especially for small towns and rural areas. This is especially applicable to the Free State Province that has numerous economic challenges, including the highest unemployment rate in South Africa. One way of attracting tourists to areas they might not normally visit, is through the development of tourism routes. In South African, the Maloti Drakensberg Route (MDR) is one of the longest tourism routes and a substantial section of the route runs through the Free State Province (Harrismith to Zastron). Tourism routes are usually managed by forums that need to oversee the effective management of routes. In this regard, the MDR is managed by the Maloti Drakensberg Route Forum (MDRF). Due to the importance of attracting tourists, the aim of this investigation was to assess the marketing and management effectiveness of the Free State section of the MDR. The research approach was both qualitative and quantitative and product owners and tourists were included in the data collection. The findings indicate that the route is not effectively managed, with serious ramifications for economic development and sustainability

An index formula for measuring development in second language writing

The measurement of second language development is an essential aspect of second language research. An index of development is an objective measure with which to measure second language development. This article focuses on syntactic accuracy in writing and describes the process followed in establishing an index formula that can measure development in writing. Criteria for an index formula are formulated, and the unit of analysis, the T-unit, is discussed. Grade 12 compositions were analysed and the statistical procedures used in the analysis (correlation, stepwise regression and discriminant analysis) are described. The proposed index formula is Length x EFT/T. This formula can be used in future to determine developmental progress in second language acquisition, and whether standards are improving or not. Pedagogical implications are also pointed out. Keywords: second language development, syntax, accuracy, index of development, T-unit, index formula Journal for Language Teaching Vol. 39(2) 2005: 293-30

An Exploratory Study of Extended Health Care Practitioner Roles in Medication Supply and Management in a Rural Community

Australia has a recognised shortage of qualified health professionals, particularly in rural and regional areas. Research has shown that rural patients indeed have poorer health status compared to metropolitan communities, with rates of mortality and morbidity constantly higher in rural regions. A number of ‘novel’ and ‘extended’ roles have been developed for existing health care professionals. Some of these roles have application to rural areas, such as additional functions in terms of provision of medicines. In Queensland in particular, the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (the Regulation), which provides the regulatory framework for the handling of medicines, has been amended to include a range of endorsements, including Indigenous Health Workers (IHW) and Rural and Isolated Practice-endorsed Nurses (RIPRN). Another development is the amendment of the Regulation to allow for a range of health professionals, namely optometrists, physicians’ assistants and nurse practitioners, to prescribe medicines. Whether such developments have addressed the needs of rural communities remains unknown. Inherently, rural communities will suffer from limited access to health care services, and the services of the existing health care providers may be stretched to, or beyond, the scope of their recognised practice in order to meet the needs of the community. Little is known about the extent and nature of these ‘extended’ practices, the perceived need for (or obligation on) health professionals to adopt these roles, and the ethical, professional and legal considerations if/when they extend their services into non-traditional territories. This research specifically focussed on the involvement of various health care providers in patients’ medication management in a defined community or region. In doing so, it aimed to identify medication-related issues of a community and the potential roles for pharmacists to enhance safe, effective and efficient access to medicines in a rural setting.Griffith Health, School of PharmacyFull Tex

Preoperatiewe spesiale ondersoeke en intraoperatiewe arteriele suurstofspanning tydens eenlongnarkose

The value of preoperative lung function tests was examined in 11 patients as a method to predict changes in intraoperative Pa02 (dPa02) during one-lung ventilation in pulmonary surgery. Ventilation (Kr-81m and Xe-133) and perfusion (Tc-99m microspheres) to the lung to be operated upon significantly predicted the intra-operative decrease in Pa02. The correlation between ventilation percentage to the diseased lung and dPa02 was 0,87 (SEE = 9,99) and between perlusion and dPa020,84 (SEE = 9,51).S Afr Med J 1990; 78: 104-10

Exploring example models of cross-sector, sessional employment of pharmacists to improve medication management and pharmacy support in rural hospitals

INTRODUCTION: Many rural hospitals in Australia are not large enough to sustain employment of a full-time pharmacist, or are unable to recruit or retain a full-time pharmacist. The absence of a pharmacist may result in hospital nurses undertaking medication-related roles outside their scope of practice. A potential solution to address rural hospitals' medication management needs is contracted part-time ('sessional') employment of a local pharmacist external to the hospital ('cross-sector'). The aim of this study was to explore the roles and experiences of pharmacists in their provision of sessional services to rural hospitals with no on-site pharmacist and explore how these roles could potentially address shortfalls in medication management in rural hospitals. METHODS: A qualitative study was conducted to explore models with pharmacists who had provided sessional services to a rural hospital. A semi-structured interview guide was informed by a literature review, preliminary research and stakeholder consultation. Participants were recruited via advertisement and personal contacts. Consenting pharmacists were interviewed between August 2012 and January 2013 via telephone or Skype for 40-55 minutes.RESULTS: Thirteen pharmacists with previous or ongoing hospital sessional contracts in rural communities across Australia and New Zealand participated. Most commonly, the pharmacists provided weekly services to rural hospitals. All believed the sessional model was a practical solution to increase hospital access to pharmacist-mediated support and to address medication management gaps. Roles perceived to promote quality use of medicines were inpatient consultation services, medicines information/education to hospital staff, assistance with accreditation matters and system reviews, and input into pharmaceutical distribution activities. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first to explore the concept of sessional rural hospital employment undertaken by pharmacists in Australia and New Zealand. Insights from participants revealed that their sessional employment model increased access to pharmacist-mediated medication management support in rural hospitals. The contracting arrangements and scope of services may be evaluated and adapted in other rural hospitals

Supporting students’ development through collaborative reflection: interrogating cultural practices and perceptions of good practice in the context of a field trip

This study examines the perspectives of a group of 10 UK undergraduate students and one Master’s student on a residential field trip to four Danish forest kindergartens. Two dimensions are examined: the impact of collaborative reflection and co-construction of knowledge on student learning; and the influence of cultural assumptions on understandings of early childhood education and care in practice. The methodology was interpretive, and inductive approaches were employed to analyse qualitative data-sets. The study is framed by cultural-historical theory, acknowledging that learning and development takes place in social context and is shaped by cultural and societal values and practices. Findings suggest that students’ collaborative reflections enabled them to identify and question their own assumptions about good practice and to develop their understanding of the relationship between culture and pedagogy. The community of learning that developed afforded rich opportunities for drawing out meaningful relationships between practice and theory. Students emerged with greater understanding of the relevance of research and of their identity as researchers