Browsing by Author "Paideya, Vinodhani."

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Exploring science teachers' experiences of diversity in the multicultural science classroom.
(2004) Paideya, Vinodhani.; Sookrajh, Reshma.
I have found that as a rule of thumb, when the majority of our learners in our science classrooms respond to expectation under examination conditions, the teacher's focus is on the minority who did not succeed. However, when only a minority of learners respond expectedly, then I feel teaching approaches have to be seriously questioned. My personal studies and readings in the education field, revealed a myriad of explanations and approaches surrounding the above problem. Literature has revealed that our greatest benefits can be achieved by successfully coping with the diversity of learners found in our science classrooms. There is no doubt that the problem is large, and thus a proper understanding of the problem is paramount to its resolution. This is where my study focuses, a case study that checks for gaps in science teachers' understanding of multicultural diversity in their classrooms and the impact of such understanding on classroom practice. Approaching the problem from an interpretive viewpoint within a social-constructive paradigm, the issue of multicultural diversity, especially in the field of science, is a "relatively" new concept in the South African context. Europeans and especially the Americans have at least forty years of experience in this field, their economy, low unemployment and advanced technology being a measure of their successes in multicultural science classrooms. At a theoretical level much of the American experiences do have direct relevance in our South African setting and is thus used throughout my study as a point of reference. The study used as its tools semi-structured interviews of 5 science teachers, (respondents), observations of a single lesson of each of the respondents and analysis of documents used in the observed lesson. The study was conducted in a middle to low socio-economic suburban secondary school of Kwazulu-Natal where science teachers' understandings of multicultural diversity was found to be somewhat traditional, simplistic and parochial. The study further revealed how a poor understanding of the issues of diversity amongst learners impacted on the teachers' abilities to successfully adapt the science curriculum and their teaching approaches to meet the needs of their diverse learners, and thus create equitable learning opportunities for all learners. Recommendations proposed in this study stem from the fact that though the respondents have some knowledge of the diversity in their science classrooms, their attempts to cope with the diversity based on currently available guidelines, viz. OBE, C2005 and the RNCS, still falls short of achieving equitable learning opportunities for all learners. Thus the study recommends serious attention to issues of multicultural science education with respect to language barriers and practice of appropriate teaching and learning methods. It also recommends appropriately designed training for both pre and in-service teachers and teacher educators. The study further recommends making science more meaningful by localising the Eurocentric curriculum and lastly, diversifying our teaching force to better reflect the increasingly diverse learner bodies.
Exploring the use of Whatsapp instant messaging as a platform for pre-service teachers' learning of mathematics: a mixed methods approach.
(2016) Kopung, Kabelo Joseph.; Naidoo, Jayaluxmi.; Paideya, Vinodhani.
The issue that this study addresses is pre-service teachers who enter mathematics teacher training programmes with an inadequate knowledge of mathematics. Yet, very often in teacher training institutions more emphasis is placed on pedagogical knowledge at the expense of subject matter knowledge. Consequently, pre-service mathematics teachers exit their teacher training programmes with the same subject matter knowledge as when they first entered. Arising out of this is a severe lack of competence in mathematics that results in poor attainment among South African students, as indicated by both national and international assessment reports. However, it is not clear how mathematics programmes at teacher training institutions address this dilemma. To address this problem, the purpose of this study was to utilise a mixed methods research approach to explore the use of WhatsApp instant messaging as a platform for pre-service teachers’ learning of mathematics. To gather data for the quantitative phase of the study, mathematics proficiency questionnaires were given to 93 pre-service teachers. To gather the qualitative data, observations were undertaken of mathematics interactions between preservice teachers and the tutor through the medium of WhatsApp instant messaging. In addition to observations, semi-structured interviews were conducted with six purposefully selected pre-service teachers. Quantitative data were analysed using statistical tests (t-test), measures of central tendency (means and modes only) and variability (standard deviation, and ranges). The analysis of data revealed a highly significant difference between the post-intervention Mathematics Proficiency Questionnaire (MPQ) scores of the experimental group and those of the control group. The statistical analysis also revealed that the experimental group showed statistically significant higher gains in pre-intervention MPQ as compared to post-intervention MPQ. Observations of mathematics interactions on WhatsApp instant messaging (WIM) were analysed using Russell and Schneiderheinze’s Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) analytical framework while interview transcripts from pre-service teachers were analysed using a narrative analytic framework. These data led to the following themes: peer collaborative mathematics learning, ubiquitous mathematics learning, synchronous and asynchronous mathematics learning and anonymous mathematics learning.
Geography teachers’ integration of technology in the teaching of mapwork calculations in a secondary school in KwaZulu-Natal.
(2022) Cele, Nkanyezi Hills.; Paideya, Vinodhani.
The performance of learners in geography mapwork calculations is a major concern for both teachers and Departmental officials in South African secondary schools. Many proposals have and are being made concerning the improvement of learner attainment in geography examinations. However, the problem does not lie in tests and examinations but begins with how mapwork calculations are taught in the classroom. With the change of perceptions regarding teaching and learning in the 21st Century, it becomes necessary to view various options to teaching approaches in the classroom. The proliferation of perceptions about the integration of technology in teaching and learning raises concern about the teachers’ praxis in schools and the extent to which they integrate technology in the classroom. This study explores the integration of technology in the teaching of geography mapwork calculations at a secondary school, juxtaposing the perceptions of teachers in the research site with the perceptions of teachers within schools in the wider district. A concurrent triangulation of data generation methods was employed in the study. Qualitative methods were used to solicit data from participants, namely, qualitative questionnaire, focus group interviews, semistructured interviews, observations, and document analysis. Two conceptual frameworks, namely TPACK and UTAUT were used to guide the parameters of exploration in the study. The Social Capital theory was used as an analytical framework to provide an interpretation of the findings after data were analysed. This theory was applicable as it allowed people to work together and to access benefits from social relationships. Although the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic compelled teachers to find alternative ways of continuing their teaching online, despite the adverse conditions that exacerbated their teaching pressures, many geography teachers failed to explore new methods of teaching, using technology. The findings revealed that many teachers were not able to efficiently integrate technology into the teaching of mapwork calculations because of several factors that impacted on the integration in various ways, and many alternative methods employed by geography teachers presented with limitations. School policies, lack of support from internal structures in schools and external structures in the district, and lack of professional development, were found to be limiting factors towards the effective integration of technology to match the demands of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR). Recommendations were made to ensure that all stakeholders, namely geography teachers in secondary schools, the support structures in schools and the DBE officials, worked cooperatively to improve the performance of geography teachers. Suggestions included the implementation of professional development programmes and the provision of resource infrastructures to assist teachers in their integration of technology in teaching mapwork calculations. However, this research had some methodological limitations pertaining to the sample that was used as a case study. Nonetheless, it provided insight into the way technology integration was carried out in schools and highlighted hindrances towards the efficient implementation of integration programmes. A significant improvement in technology integration was evident at the research site due to support from the school’s personnel and technology infrastructure and the effective management of resources within the school. Mentoring of a newly appointed teacher by an experienced teacher was an effective form of professional development on a small scale. In view of the prevailing conditions at schools regarding technology integration, it is advisable that all stakeholders that partner with the DBE take interest in making schools the centres of powerful knowledge. The contribution from these partnerships will prepare the youth for employment as they complete their schooling career, equipped with knowledge and experiences to meet the demands of the 21st Century. By empowering geography learners with relevant technological skills, on par with the needs of the world of industry, these learners are likely to contribute significantly to the development of science and technology incorporating the geographic expertise that is necessary for future success in the working environment. The use of the Technology-Enhanced Geography Mentoring Model presented in this thesis will most likely facilitate communication among communities of practice and create a strong bond among the various structures in the bureaucracy. Having identified factors that impact on the integration of technology in Geography through the TePaSig Model, all the structures involved should work towards addressing the factors that prohibit the efficient integration of technology in the teaching of geography mapwork calculations. In so doing, geography learners will develop a solid grounding in mathematical geography and achieve the desired results, as they will be able to work independently using technological devices.
The phenomenon of learning: first year engineering students' engagement with chemistry supplemental instruction.
(2011) Paideya, Vinodhani.; Sookrajh, Reshma.
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