Using Blended Learning To Facilitate The Mathematical Thought Processes Of Primary School Learners In A Computer Laboratory: A Case Study In Calculating Simple Areas

Primary school learners’ first encounters with mathematics in a traditional learning environment often create lifelong ‘math phobia.’(Papert 1980) The situation in a country emerging from an oppressive education system designed to educationally disempower the majority of the population is much worse. The typical scenario in a previously disadvantaged South African primary school is a classroom filled beyond capacity with the educator struggling to establish an effective learning environment. Thus the educator resorts to rote learning, drill and practice and ‘chalk and talk’ methods of teaching.  The individual needs and levels of learners are disregarded and blanket assessment methods are employed (Naidoo and Naidoo 2006b). Collaborative learning is minimal or non-existent. These traditional teaching strategies often disregard cultural and social factors, and pre-knowledge frames of learners.  Furthermore there is a dire shortage of qualified mathematics educators in the South African schooling system. Therefore there is an urgent need for alternative teaching and learning strategies to address the teaching of mathematics in primary schools. The introduction of networked computer laboratories to previously disadvantaged South African primary schools enables the use of computers as powerful tools to analyze the thought processes of learners during their early encounters with mathematics. A blended learning approach using a networked computing environment and LOGO mathematics to facilitate the teaching and learning of area in a Grade 5 class produced significantly higher grades and an enhanced learning experience, both for learners and the educator, as compared to a second Grade 5 class utilizing traditional teaching and learning methods only. This study entailed the use of software to promote collaborative learning encompassing both learner-learner and learner-educator interaction. Apart from the educator using the computer as a medium of instruction via the software, learners were allowed to actively provide input. Furthermore the software allowed the educator to view learners’ progress during activities and provide real-time input via the computer

First Year Students Understanding Of Elementary Concepts In Differential Calculus In A Computer Laboratory Teaching Environment

This paper focuses on blended learning in mathematics I module in elementary calculus, at a University of Technology.  A computer laboratory was used to create a learning environment that promoted interactive learning together with traditional teaching. The interactive learning was performed using projects to optimize the discovery and error diagnosis in an elementary differential calculus class consisting of first year engineering students.  A group of 33 engineering students (the experimental group) completed a project in elementary calculus as part of their course requirement for the mathematics I module in the engineering faculty. The project was designed to support the development of the differential calculus frames “limit of a sequence”, “average rate of change” and “instantaneous rate of change”.  Students were clinically interviewed on their tasks in the project. We also compared a control group of students (randomly selected students) in a completely traditional to the experimental group. Both groups were subjected to the Orton’s test on differential calculus.  Analysis of project work indicated that students have developed specific mathematical mental frames in elementary calculus. The control group exhibited more structural and executive errors than the experimental group. The experimental group tended to describe the concepts using deep structures than surface structures.  Statistically the scores on the Orton’s tests indicated a clear difference between the experimental group and the control group. We can suggest blended learning enhances understanding of key concepts in elementary calculus

Growth and characterisation of thin film superconductors on oxides, silicon and silicides

Includes bibliographical references.High Tc thin film superconductors are of great interest because of their potential applications, particularly in the microelectronics field. A successful superconductor microelectronic technology depends both on the ability to grow good quality superconducting thin films, and the need to incorporate these films into multilayer semiconductor devices. In this work the growth and characterisation of high Tc Y₁Ba₂Cu₃O₇ films by inverted cylindrical magnetron sputtering and pulsed ruby laser ablation on oxides, silicon and silicides is investigated. The inverted cylindrical magnetron sputter system has been effectively used to counter the problem of negative ion re-sputtering found in sputter deposition of oxide films. The optimal growth conditions for both these techniques have been determined. Rutherford backscattering spectrometry is used to obtain thickness and stoichiometry information, while X-ray diffraction gave phase and orientational data. Ion channeling was used for structural analysis and Auger electron spectroscopy was used to determine the homogeneity of the films

The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders among dentists in KwaZulu - Natal

Occupational hazards in dentistry can result in injuries and reduced income if work -time is lost. Injuries include percutaneous insults, inhalation of noxious chemicals, hearing loss and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). The prevalence of MSD among South African dentists is uncertain. This descriptive, cross-sectional study was conducted to determine that prevalence and associated risk factors among dentists in KwaZulu - Natal (KZN), South Africa. A convenience sample (n = 350) of dentists registered with the South African Dental Association (SADA) were sent a questionnaire interrogating their medical and work history and their work-related posture. One hundred and nine (31%) responded. Almost all (99.1%) reported pain in the hands, neck, lower back and / or a shoulder, while 22.5% reported hand symptoms. Nearly three quarters (73.6%) rotated their necks during clinical work and 68.6% tilted a shoulder towards their dominant hand. A strong association (p value = 0) was found between the number of years in practice and work-related pain in the neck. The prevalence of MSD was very high when compared with international data. Self - recognition is most important in preventing occupational injuries. This study suggests the need to include ergonomic work practice during training to create awareness of the risk of MSD and to promote wellbeing.DHE

From Batho Pele principles to public participation in basic services delivery at municipal level in South Africa: using Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality as a case

Batho Pele principles were introduced in South Africa to enhance community participation in developmental local governments for improved service delivery. Yet, 22 years into post-apartheid democracy, there is still a lot to be desired in the country. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of these principles in Ekurhuleni Metropolitan Municipality in Gauteng province. Quantitative survey data was collected from a stratified random sample of 1429 respondents, comprising four different respondent groups of 899 (63%), 214 (15%), 208 (15%) and 108 (7%) citizens, businesses, managers and ward committee members (WCMs) respectively. Factor analysis and structural equation modelling were employed to analyse the data. It was found that the implementation of the Batho Pele principles is slow but they are positively correlated with effective municipal service delivery. The training of people including all stakeholders on Batho Pele principles should be intensified

An analysis of inter-healthcare facility transfer of neonates within the eThekwini Health District of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Objectives. To investigate delays in the transfer of neonates between healthcare facilities and to detect any adverse events encountered during neonatal transfer.Methods. A prospective study was conducted from December 2011 to January 2012. A quantitative, non-experimental design was used to undertake a descriptive analysis of 120 inter-healthcare facility transfers of neonates within the eThekwini Health District (Durban) of KwaZulu-Natal Province, South Africa. Data collection was via questionnaire. Data collection was restricted to the Emergency Medical Services (EMSs) of eThekwini Health District, which is the local public ambulance provider.Results. All transfers were undertaken by road ambulances: 83 (62.2%) by frontline ambulances; 35 (29.2%) by the obstetric unit; and 2 (1.7%) by the planned patient transport vehicles. Twenty-nine (24.2%) transfers involved critically ill neonates. The mean (standard deviation (SD)) time to complete an inter-healthcare facility transfer was 3 h 49 min (1 h 57 min) (range 0 h 55 min - 10 h 34 min). Problems with transfer equipment were common due to poor resource allocation, malfunctioning equipment, inappropriate equipment for the type of transfer and dirty or unsterile equipment. The study identified 10 (8.3%) physiologically related adverse events, which included 1 (0.8%) death plus a further 18 (15.0%) equipment-related adverse events.Conclusions. EMS is involved in transporting a significant number of intensive care and non-intensive care neonates between healthcare facilities. This study has identified numerous factors affecting the efficiency of inter-facility transfer of neonates and highlights a number of areas requiring improvement

An analysis of patients transported by a private helicopter emergency medical service in South Africa

Background. A helicopter emergency medical service (HEMS) is a specialist flying emergency service where on-board medical personnel have both the knowledge and equipment to perform complicated medical procedures. The paucity of literature describing the types of patients flown by HEMS in South Africa (SA) and their clinical outcome poses a challenge for current aeromedical services, as there is no baseline information on which to base flight criteria, staffing and policy documents. This has the potential to hamper the advancement of HEMS in SA.Objectives. To undertake a descriptive analysis of patients flown by the Netcare 911 HEMS over a 12-month period in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) provinces, SA, and to assess patient outcomes. The clinical demographics of patients transported by the HEMS were analysed, time frames from dispatch of the helicopter to delivery of the patient to the receiving hospital determined, and patient outcomes at 24 hours and 72 hours analysed.Methods. The study utilised a retrospective quantitative, descriptive design to analyse patients transported by a private HEMS in SA. All complete records of patients transported by the Netcare 911 HEMS between 1 January and 31 December 2011 were included.Results. The final study population comprised 537 cases, as 10 cases had to be excluded owing to incomplete documentation. Of the 537 cases, 82 (15.3%) were managed by the KZN HEMS and 455 (84.7%) by the Gauteng HEMS. Adult males were the patients most commonly flown in both Gauteng and KZN (350/455 patients (76.9%) in Gauteng and 48/82 (58.5%) in KZN were males, and 364/455 patients (80.0%) in Gauteng and 73/82 (89.0%) in KZN were adults). Motor vehicle collisions were the most common incidents necessitating transport by HEMS in both operations (n=193, 35.9%). At the 24-hour follow-up, 339 patients (63.1%) were alive and stable, and at the 72-hour followup, 404 (75.3%) were alive and stable.Conclusions. The study findings provided valuable information that may have an impact on the current staffing and authorisation criteria of SA HEMS operations

The association of cardiometabolic disorders with sleep duration: a cross-sectional study

Background: Alterations in sleep duration and quality are linked to the development of cardiovascular risk factors and the metabolic syndrome (MetS). The aim of this study was to determine a sex stratified analysis on the role and associations of sleep duration on cardiometabolic risk factors, and the MetS. Methods: Data from 1375 randomly selected participants (15-64 years) was collected for demographic, anthropometric, blood pressure and biochemistry data after overnight fasting, and derangements diagnosed according to published guidelines. Analysis of association between the MetS (harmonised criteria modified for South Asians), sleep duration (self-reported for a 24-hour period), and cardiometabolic risk factors was done using stepwise logistic regression. Results: The BMI, waist circumference (WC), systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP), fasting plasma glucose, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein were higher (p< 0.05) in subjects who slept <6 hours, with lower HDL. Under 6 hours of sleep was independently associated with raised FPG in men (OR 1.71 95% CI [1.53,5.52]) only. More than 10 hours of sleep was independently associated with increased triglyceride levels in men (1.72[0.56, 5.23]) and women (2.25[1.93,5.42]). Conclusion: The individual components of the Mets, particularly, increased triglycerides and blood glucose are associated with sleep deprivation or excess. Keywords: Sleep Time; Metabolic Syndrome X; Cardiovascular Risk