Exploring Grade 6 mathematics teachers’ use of the language of learning and teaching in assessment for learning

Abstract   The aim of this study was to exploring grade six mathematics teachers’ use of the language of learning and teaching in assessment for learning in selected primary schools in Alexandra Township, South Africa. Research has shown that in primary schools, where learners are taught using their home-language (Grades 1-3), performance seems better than where the use of English as a First Additional Language (EFAL) (Grades 4-6) is used for teaching and learning. Guided by qualitative cases study design, semi-structured interviews and no-participatory observation were used to collect data from the nine purposefully sampled Grade 6 mathematics teachers. Themes were used to analyse, interpret and discuss data collected in conjunction with the literature reviewed and the theory underpinning the study. The findings of this research revealed that learners struggle to learn using English as the LoLT and to augment concept development and understanding, teachers and learners use code-switching. However, because of the different language backgrounds of learners and teachers in the same class, code-switching is often not effective, but in many instances, code-switching has become the norm to ensure understanding where learners have limited language proficiency. Keywords: English first additional language, the language of learning and teaching, assessment for learning, mathematics, Grade 6, code-switchin

Exploring the use of assessment for learning in the mathematics classroom

The study explored mathematics teachers’ use of assessment for learning (AfL) to create a classroom culture that responds to learners’ acquisition of knowledge in classrooms in Alexandra Township, South Africa. Within an interpretivist paradigm this study was guided by a qualitative approach, using a case study design. Nine Grade 6 primary school mathematics teachers were purposively selected for face-to-face semi-structured interviews to determine their understanding of AfL practices. Thereafter, participants were observed on their use of assessment for learning. Subsequently, documents were analysed. The findings revealed that mathematics teachers have an understanding AfL and that they depend on textbooks for AfL activities, which do not always take learners’ contexts into account. The study revealed AfL challenges because teachers teach mathematics in a language other than learners’ home language. Lastly, the study revealed the need for teachers’ pedagogical knowledge in using AfL practices to create an environment that responds to learners’ needs

Phototherapy and exchange transfusion for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia

The purpose of this document is to address the current lack of consensus  regarding the management of hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates in South Africa. If left untreated, severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia may cause kernicterus and ultimately death and the severity of neonatal jaundice is often underestimated clinically. However, if phototherapy is instituted  timeously and at the correct intensity an exchange transfusion can usually be avoided. The literature describing intervention thresholds for  phototherapy and exchange transfusion in both term and preterm infants is therefore reviewed and specific intervention thresholds that can be used throughout South Africa are proposed and presented graphically. A simplified version for use in a primary care setting is also presented. All academic heads of neonatology departments throughout South Africa were consulted in the process of drawing up this document and consensus was achieved

Caffeine versus aminophylline for the prevention of apnoea of prematurity in a teaching hospital in South Africa

Study objectives: To determine the safety and efficacy of the use of oral anhydrous caffeine and intravenous aminophylline in the neonatal population using therapeutic drug levels and clinical effects as markers for determination.Design: Prospective randomised study.Patients: Thirty-one neonates admitted (aminophylline n = 16, caffeine n = 15) with a gestational age of less than or equal to 34 weeks for prevention of apnoea of prematurity (AOP) were enrolled.Results: Oral anhydrous caffeine or intravenous aminophylline were administered using prescribed study regimens. One peak level was taken for the two drugs on day 4 of treatment 2 hours after the maintenance dose was administered. The two regimens were clinically monitored using cardiovascular, respiratory, gastro-intestinal and central nervous system parameters four hourly. The two groups did not differ significantly for gestational age (p = 0.782), birth weight (p = 1), gender (p = 0.722), and Apgar scores determined at 5 minutes (p = 0.068). Serum concentrations were within range (5–20 μg/ml) for both study groups. The median pulse rate (beats per minute) for two days; day 7: 160 vs. 148 (p = 0.019); day 9: 168 vs. 147 (p = 0.020) and median respiratory rate (breaths per minute) for five days; day 3: 68 vs. 61 (p = 0.039); day 4: 67 vs. 57 (p = 0.014); day 5: 64 vs. 58 (p = 0.045); day 7: 65 vs. 50 (p = 0.021); day 8: 66 vs. 56 p = 0.014) were significantly higher in the aminophylline study arm.Conclusion: The findings of the study indicated that caffeine is an effective alternative for intravenous aminophylline in prevention of AOP. The oral administration of caffeine may also have an advantage in a resource-poor setting

Phototherapy and exchange transfusion for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia : neonatal academic hospitals' consensus guidelines for South African hospitals and primary care facilities

The purpose of this document is to address the current lack of consensus regarding the management of hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates in South Africa. If left untreated, severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia may cause kernicterus and ultimately death and the severity of neonatal jaundice is often underestimated clinically. However, if phototherapy is instituted timeously and at the correct intensity an exchange transfusion can usually be avoided. The literature describing intervention thresholds for phototherapy and exchange transfusion in both term and preterm infants is therefore reviewed and specific intervention thresholds that can be used throughout South Africa are proposed and presented graphically. A simplified version for use in a primary care setting is also presented. All academic heads of neonatology departments throughout South Africa were consulted in the process of drawing up this document and consensus was achieved. South African Medical Journal Vol. 96(9) 2006: 819-82

Phototherapy and exchange transfusion for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia:Neonatal academic hospitals' consensus guidelines for South African hospitals and primary health care facilities

The purpose of this document is to address the current lack of consensus regarding the management of hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates in South Africa. If left untreated, severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia may cause kernicterus and ultimately death and the severity of neonatal jaundice is often underestimated clinically. However, if phototherapy is instituted timeously and at the correct intensity an exchange transfusion can usually be avoided. The literature describing intervention thresholds for phototherapy and exchange transfusion in both term and preterm infants is therefore reviewed and specific intervention thresholds that can be used throughout South Africa are proposed and presented graphically. A simplified version for use in a primary care setting is also presented. All academic heads of neonatology departments throughout South Africa were consulted in the process of drawing up this document and consensus was achieved

Phototherapy and exchange transfusion for neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia : national academic hospitals' consensus guidelines for South African hospitals and primary care facilities

The original publication is available at http://www.samj.org.zaThe purpose of this document is to address the current lack of consensus regarding the management of hyperbilirubinaemia in neonates in South Africa. If left untreated, severe neonatal hyperbilirubinaemia may cause kernicterus and ultimately death and the severity of neonatal jaundice is often underestimated clinically. However, if phototherapy is instituted timeously and at the correct intensity an exchange transfusion can usually be avoided. The literature describing intervention thresholds for phototherapy and exchange transfusion in both term and preterm infants is therefore reviewed and specific intervention thresholds that can be used throughout South Africa are proposed and presented graphically. A simplified version for use in a primary care setting is also presented. All academic heads of neonatology departments throughout South Africa were consulted in the process of drawing up this document and consensus was achieved

Large Outbreaks of Fungal and Bacterial Bloodstream Infections in a Neonatal Unit, South Africa, 2012–2016

Candidemia is a major cause of healthcare-associated infections. We describe a large outbreak of Candida krusei bloodstream infections among infants in Gauteng Province, South Africa, during a 4-month period; a series of candidemia and bacteremia outbreaks in the neonatal unit followed. We detected cases by using enhanced laboratory surveillance and audited hospital wards by environmental sampling and epidemiologic studies. During July–October 2014, among 589 patients, 48 unique cases of C. krusei candidemia occurred (8.2% incidence). Risk factors for candidemia on multivariable analyses were necrotizing enterocolitis, birthweight <1,500 g, receipt of parenteral nutrition, and receipt of blood transfusion. Despite initial interventions, outbreaks of bloodstream infection caused by C. krusei, rarer fungal species, and bacterial pathogens continued in the neonatal unit through July 29, 2016. Multiple factors contributed to these outbreaks; the most functional response is to fortify infection prevention and control