Comparing the Performance of National Curriculum Statements and Old Curriculum Students’ in Electric Circuits

Published ArticleThis paper compared the performance of National Curriculum Statements (NCS) and Old Curriculum Students’ (OSC that is, Nated 550) in electric circuits. The research population consisted of hundred (100) first year science education students enrolled at a South African university, both from South Africa’s OBE-based curriculum (the NCS) and the Old school curriculum (OSC, the Nated 550). A single pre-test/post-test comparison group design was followed. Data analysis was carried out by the use of the “t” test statistic. The findings showed that there was no significant difference from students who studied under NCS and OSC

Constraints and contributors in advancing Black women academic researchers at a university in South Africa

This article draws from a project that was conducted at a South African university to investigate the advancement of Black women academic researchers. A qualitative research method was used to obtain rich data from Black women academics. Thematic analysis was used to analyse the data. Findings from the study suggest that the constraints in advancing Black women academics were: research was not a priority; problems with work-life balance; research challenges; a male-dominated environment; time constraints; lack of support; and funding. The contributors in advancing Black women academic researchers were perseverance, collaboration, co-supervision, motivation, mentorship and support, including institutional support. There ought to be a deeper inquiry into how best to ensure the advancement of Black women academics at universities in South Africa

The Effect of Government Support on the Success of Small and Medium Enterprises: A Comparative Study between South Africa and China

 The purpose of this article is to present evidence of a study conducted in two provinces of South Africa and one in China. The study investigated the effectiveness of the support mechanism for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and how government support agencies are making strides in providing this support. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with branch managers, a project director and business advisors. It emerged from the findings that efforts are being made to provide valuable support to small businesses. It further emerged that small businesses still face challenges such as lack of access to funding, market to serve, lack of a one-stop office and the unwillingness of service providers to enter into contract with the Small Enterprise Development Agency (more relevant to the South African situation).It is recommended that financial service providers partner with SME support agencies

The Integration of Technical Subjects in Civil Technology Curriculum with Special Reference to Further Education and Training(FET) Technical Schools

Published ArticleThis study aimed at investigating the extent to which Civil Technology Teachers understand and implement Curriculum. The research used qualitative and quantitative methodology to collect data, questionnaires and interviews were used as instruments to collect data. The sample of the study consisted of 21 Civil Technology teachers from 18 Technical schools from 5 education districts in the Free State. Teachers revealed that majority of respondents indicated that Department of Education (DoE) failed to offer formal training on the new Civil Technology Curriculum, but received one week workshops. They regarded Civil Technology as a subject developed for high level of knowledge and skills. Teachers recommended that the Department of Education should provide a full training course on the new understanding and implementation of Civil Technology Curriculum in Free State Schools in South Africa

Mentoring novice natural science teachers: a case study in the Gauteng province

The study reported on here was undertaken to understand the impact of mentoring novice science teachers. The study was conducted within the Gauteng province, because there have been many debates and concerns on the necessity to devise ways of improving the understanding of science in schools in the province. The purpose of this study was to understand the effects and impact of mentoring novice natural science teachers within the Gauteng province. We used the qualitative research approach and this was motivated by the need to understand the perceptions and experiences of the research participants. Purposive sampling was used as sampling method to select novice science teachers and relevant teachers to be part of the sample. Through the use of semi-structured interviews as data collection method, it was discovered that mentoring of novice teachers refers to the method of empowering new teachers to be effective in their work-related tasks to become true professionals in the academic profession. We concluded that several mentoring initiatives and mechanisms were used to assist novice teachers. Among these programmes, training, skills development and technical support to enhance communication skills and manage the curriculum were underscored. We concluded that the mentoring of novice teachers was important within Gauteng, as it raised awareness and lead to expert science teachers being equipped with a wide range of skills to achieve the best results in the classroom. Mentoring also capacitates novice teachers on how to handle laboratory equipment and chemicals to benefit learners. We also gathered that mentoring had a direct impact on novice science teachers. It lead to the creation of an effective and excellent teaching environment, resulted in higher levels of teacher retention and improved teachers’ service delivery. It also strengthened the emotional and psychological well-being of teachers. We thus recommend training, development, and the allocation of finances towards enhancing the mentoring of novice science teachers

The Paradox of Emerging Technologies in Playing Fundamental Role on Administration Employee’s Roles and Responsibilities

This article aims to put forward the imperatives of emerging technologies in playing fundamental role on administration work effectiveness and efficiency. The nature of office work has changed through time due to the emergence of new technologies that are adopted and implemented in the government departments. The emerging technologies are the heartbeat of any organisation and simultaneously they are the structure and thread holding it all together. With this study, a survey design was adopted and data collection was done through structured questionnaire. The study argues that the influx of emerging technologies increases the relationship with stakeholders and shareholders, responsiveness, transparency and accessibility of quality service delivery. This has resulted in government departments enhancing the effective communication between government and citizens, while it creates opportunities for government employees. Therefore, the study concludes that with the emergence of technologies, it is important for government departments to initiate new technologies in the departments to faster transactions, provide excellent service delivery to citizens of South Africa and as well as improving mass communication.&nbsp

The effect of limited sign language as barrier to teaching and learning among Deaf learners in South Africa

In the study reported on here we investigated the effects of sign language barriers among Deaf learners in special schools for the Deaf and Blind in the Motheo District in the Free State province of South Africa. Semi-structured focus group interviews were held with 7 teachers (2 males and 5 females) and 10 Grade 8 learners (6 males and 4 females) who used sign language as their first language. We employed a qualitative research approach and data were collected, themes identified, and learners were observed in their natural classroom environment. Open-ended questions were used when interviewing the teachers and learners of the selected school. South African Sign Language (SASL) is used as language of learning and teaching in schools for the Deaf. A qualified sign language interpreter translated the data. The results of the study show a lack of in-service training in SASL for teachers. It was found that learners acquired language at school rather than in the home environment, and a lack of physical resources were responsible for the learners’ poor performance. We recommend that universities offer SASL as common subject – especially for education students. Keywords: Deaf learner; medium of instruction; performance; sign languag