Theses and dissertations (Arts and Design)

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Addressing the skills shortage of computer-aided design pattern-making in the KwaZulu-Natal clothing industry
(2014-11) Coetzee, Minette; Kadwa, Farida; Pratt, Deirdre Denise
Over the past 20 years, it has become necessary for South African clothing companies to raise their operational standards to keep up with international competitiveness. Consequently, it was necessary for companies to invest in technology to improve turnaround time, a case in point being computer-aided design (CAD) pattern-making technology. However, currently, a skills shortage exists in the area of trained CAD pattern-makers. Therefore, the intention of this study was to address the skills shortage of CAD pattern- makers in the KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) clothing industry. A concurrent-nested mixed-methods research method was carried out within a constructivist worldview. These methods were used to, firstly, establish what skills are necessary for CAD pattern-making, and, secondly, to identify the reasons for the skills shortage of CAD pattern-makers in the KZN clothing industry. Different role players from the clothing industry participated in the study. The participants indicated that CAD pattern-making requires a diverse set of skills, which they ranked in order of importance. These skills can now be used as a guide by lecturers, trainers and clothing companies to identify individuals with the required potential to be trained as CAD pattern-makers. The reasons identified by the industry participants for the skills shortage of CAD pattern-makers, needs to be addressed through education, training and remuneration. Since companies have purchased the necessary CAD software, without skilled pattern-makers, the system is underutilized, thereby affecting their profitability and costing the companies reduced profit margins.
An advanced ensemble approach for detecting fake news
(2021-12-12) Hansrajh, Arvin
The explosive growth in fake news has evolved into a major threat to society, public trust, democracy and justice. The easy dissemination and sharing of information online provide the unabated momentum. As such, it has become crucial to combat the menace of fake news and to mitigate its consequences. Detecting fake news is an intricate problem since it can appear in a multitude of forms, thus making it both automatically and manually very challenging to successfully recognise. Furthermore, fake news is intentionally created to mislead and is often interspersed with real news. Studies have shown that human beings are somewhat unsuccessful in identifying deception. The majority of people accept that information they are presented with in virtually any form is reliable or veracious. The relevant literature reveals that a considerable number of people who read fake news stories report that they find them more believable than the news that is disseminated via mainstream media. Furthermore, there are predictions that by 2022, the greater population within mature economies are likely to consume more false than true information. The importance of combatting fake news has been starkly demonstrated during the current Covid19 crisis. Social media networks are significantly increasing their efforts to develop fake news detection mechanisms, as well as to enlighten subscribers on how to recognise fake news, however most people are naturally predisposed to spreading sensationalist news without any fact-checking process in place. It is therefore evident that the creation of automated solutions is vital and urgent for the detection of untruthful news and as such, the goal of this study is to aid in the detection of fake news. Prior studies have included many machine learning models with varying degrees of success but many non-conventional machine learning models have not yet been exploited despite evidence to suggest that they are the best in several text classification scenarios. Consequently, an ensemble learning approach is suggested to assist in resolving the gap that has been identified. Contemporary studies are validating the efficiency of ensemble learning methods and have provided encouraging outcomes. This study investigates how machine learning and natural language processing methods are pooled together in a blended ensemble in order to build a model that will utilise data from past news articles, to forecast whether a current news article is likely to be false or true. A variety of performance metrics such as roc, roc auc, recall, precision, f1-score and accuracy are used in comparing the proposed model to other machine learning models. The measurements are applied in evaluating and gauging the efficiency of the proposed model. The results obtained show that the proposed model’s performance is better than several other learning models, which is very encouraging.
An auto-ethnographic enquiry : critical reflection on the influences in the development of a black African male educator
(2012-09-03) Gumede, Jerome Thamsanqa; Conolly, Joan Lucy; Sienaert, Edgard
This thesis sets out to demonstrate the influences on the personality of a Black African Male Educator – specifically mine - as I enquire: ―Why do I do things the way I do?‖ and ―What has enabled me to meet, face and resolve the challenges that I have come across in life?‖ I have addressed these questions from a self-study perspective, using narrative enquiry, living theories methods and auto-ethnography. I have written this thesis aware that I lived the first thirty seven years of my life under the potentially personality deforming oppression of apartheid, and that I have conducted my study and written my thesis in the context of the HIV&AIDS pandemic. In creating my own ―living theory‖ philosophy, I look at my epistemology - How do I know what/that I know? - my ontology – Who am I? Who am I becoming? What do I believe? and my axiology – What do I value? In creating my own ―living theory‖ (Whitehead, 2008), I examine the influences which have informed my personality development and that of my research participants. The originality of the contribution of this thesis to the academy is to demonstrate the influence of one person‘s personal origin and naming, carers and family, childhood experiences and learning, sport and sport instructors on his personality development. In addition, the thesis highlights the usefulness of forms of knowledge - herding and induku - that have not been explicitly declared as useful and included formally in education. To this end, I demonstrate the connections that exist between, induku, herding, work, community involvement and education as influential in personality development. I use my personal beliefs and values – principally ubuntu and ukuhlonipha – and the Critical Cross Field Outcomes to demonstrate the relationship between these values and outcomes, my personal account and the development of my human personality. I look at the implications for education. I review the Republic of South Africa‘s National Curriculum Statement in Life Orientation Grades 10–12. I suggest ways in which the Beliefs and Values demonstrated and examined in this thesis, and Critical Cross Field Outcomes can be incorporated in Community Service Integrated Projects that can help learners to make their beliefs and values explicit in their learning, all to the end of influencing values-informed personal development.
Autobiographical narratives : an investigation into the artist as celebrity
(2014) Norval, Anet; Roome, John William
This dissertation introduces and explores the link between the phenomenon of the celebrity artist and autobiographical narratives. It investigates the possibility that artists plan, strategize and embellish or create stories that could gain enough attention from the general public to achieve celebrity status. This enquiry will establish various contexts, that of different artists, the audience, the celebrity artist and my own, locating the research and findings within a historical and contemporary discourse. The research presents several concepts and factors that will contribute to the understanding and contextualization of the hypothesis, as well as possibly substantiate it. Concepts such as celebrity, fame, narcissism, the ego and exhibitionism form the basis of the enquiry while theories based on narrative, autobiography and memory rehearsal provide credible support and background. The nature of this dissertation requires a broad investigation including contemporary social sciences, philosophy and psychology, media studies and history of art. In order to determine whether the aforementioned concepts and theories are employed by certain individuals to gain celebrity status, three celebrity artists are introduced through their biographies, rises to fame and their popularity and relationships with the general public. The artists, Andy Warhol, Jean-Michel Basquiat and Tracey Emin are introduced chronologically. All three artists have established public identities and in the attempt to substantiate whether these identities are constructed and pre-mediated the final analysis (in form of a causal analysis) presents fluctuating results with several possible causes. As part of this enquiry I introduce my creative output through discussing my autobiography, themes (of my work), mediums (I choose to use), exhibition and the resonance found with the selected artists. In light of the discussions based on the backgrounds, public identities and resonance I have found with each artist I determine whether I embellish my stories to gain fame. The research is conducted through qualitative research methodologies and presented in a consequential order. The methodological approach and process is best described through the term Bricolage, which refers to the use of multiple methodologies in its approach to research, in other words, a hybrid of praxis (Barrett & Bolt ed., 2010). The process of this enquiry includes theoretical research, historical research; studio based and –led research, as well as a causal analysis. As part of the research, many factors have been considered and discussed, as an investigation into autobiography; the research will aid me in progressing as an artist as well as contribute to the greater knowledge of the autobiographical field. Furthermore, introducing and exploring the link between autobiographical narratives and the artist, as celebrity is a discourse that can be developed and further expanded on. Through this research I have attempted to establish a link between high art and popular culture, and the artist and the audience. The findings represent a process of attempting to understand a complex set of possible causes with one ultimate effect and the influence it has on an individual and the general population. Many artists want to be famous and would go through the motions to become a celebrity. It does, however, fully depend on the individual and no ultimate formula can be presented.
Breaking the silence, addressing the confusion and challenging denial surrounding HIV and AIDS by engaging tradition : a study of the mnemonic oral style with special reference to Marcel Jousse
(2013-11-15) Ngaloshe, Christina Nosabata; Conolly, Joan Lucy; Sienaert, Edgard
In this study I demonstrate the extent to which I have achieved my original goals to ‘break the silence, address confusion and challenge denial around HIV and AIDS’. As the study progressed I could not ignore the stigma and discrimination associated with HIV and AIDS infection, and the impact of poverty and (mis)education in the time of HIV and AIDS. I also found myself confronted with the use of the traditional mnemonic oral-style of performance in the form of ‘new wine in old bottles’ where the learners at Mthusi High School used the ‘old bottles’ of gospel songs, isicathamiya and izibongo to compose and relay the ‘new wine’ of their experience and understandings around HIV and AIDS. I could see that the use of the mnemonic oral-style was a natural and powerful way for the learners’ understandings of HIV and AIDS to be shared amongst themselves, within the community, and with a larger public so breaking the silence around HIV and AIDS, and so addressing the confusion, challenging denial, stigma and discrimination around HIV and AIDS. The use of the mnemonic oral style in this way suggested to me that it could also be used effectively in education, and led to my suggesting the use of the traditional mnemonic oral-style relating to HIV and AIDS education in the Grades 10-12 Life Orientation Curriculum.
Capturing new forms of video footage in remote locations through the design, development and deployment of an autonomous, open source, unmanned aerial system : a case study of South African Enduro motorcycle racers
(2022-09-01) Burnett, Peter Gregory; Wade, Jean-Philippe; Chapman, Michael
This study explores the use of an autonomous Unmanned Aerial System (UAS), in the capturing of video footage of sporting events, specifically enduro motorcycle racing, in remote areas of southern Africa. Remote areas are defined as those that are far removed from urban centres, are inaccessible by motor vehicle and that have no internet or cell phone coverage. Autonomous UAS refers to drones which are pre-programmed to fly a specific path and thus fly automatically once launched. Conditions of remoteness place unique constraints on the objective of capturing video footage of sporting events in such areas. Traditional means of video coverage, such as those from ground-based camera operators, Go-Pro cameras mounted on the riders, or helicopter-based camera operators, results in video footage which is either limited in range and consists of numerous shots of shorter duration, or otherwise prohibitively expensive. A newer form of video coverage would be the type obtained by a manually flown drone, but even this coverage is limited as it typically consists of the footage acquired solely from a position behind the riders. In contrast, video footage captured from an automated UAS allows for a greater range and an expanded duration of shots. The defining characteristic of video footage captured by an automated UAS is the lengthy, lingering wide shot, which includes multiple camera angles, height changes, and camera movements, all within the duration of a single shot. This constitutes a new form of video coverage of remote sporting events. This research is practice-based and includes three related parts: Firstly, the design, construction and programming of a UAS for use in remote areas with the objective of capturing video footage of enduro motorcycle racing events. An ‘open source’ approach to all the software with which the UAS is programmed is utilised; Secondly, the capturing and editing of video footage which has been gathered from the UAS; And thirdly, a dissertation and practice-based reflection on the process.
Challenges experienced by women fashion entrepreneurs of Botswana’s Youth Development Fund project
(2022-02) Paya, Kegomoditswe Matshediso; Moyo, Sibusiso; Mbanga, Tando Sisanda
Botswana’s Ministry of Youth Sports and Culture (MYSC) introduced the Youth Development Fund (YDF) with the aim of creating sustainable employment opportunities for young people through the development of sustainable projects. The aim of this study is to investigate challenges experienced by women fashion entrepreneurs of Botswana’s Youth Development Fund project to determine their experiences and the sustainability of their businesses. This study is significant because it attempts to identify the challenges faced by female entrepreneurs in Botswana who have been funded through the Youth Development Fund (YDF), by allowing the authentic voices of the female youth entrepreneurs to be heard. The study used a qualitative research method and a phenomenological approach. The target population was female fashion entrepreneurs who met specific selection criteria in Kgatleng, Kweneng and South East districts. The sample was eleven (11) participants (ten purposefully-selected fashion entrepreneurs who benefited from the YDF project and one YDF representative). Data collection was conducted using In-depth semi-structured interviews and observations. The in-depth interviews were the main source of data and consisted of a semi-structured interview schedule comprising questions and probes. The observations were supplementary, meant to enhance the interview data. The study used thematic analysis for analysing data, which was then interpreted using the interpretivist approach. The results show that female fashion entrepreneurs of the YDF project face a number of challenges while running their businesses. These challenges, include too many rigid requirements when applying for funding, insufficient funding, cash flow problems, lack of modern machinery, lack of raw materials, lack of retail space, inadequate fashion marketing events, lack of collateral or venture capital investment, tight competition from imports as well as a lack of mentorship and incubator programmes. The study has revealed that female fashion entrepreneurs face a lot of challenges. However, solutions are within reach. For instance, the government, stakeholders, researchers and the female entrepreneurs themselves should work together to try and solve these challenges. A fashion incubator programme, a fashion mentorship programme, a fashion council and an academic alumni network should be established as part of the measures to address these challenges. Additionally, COVID-19 relief strategies should be designed and implemented to help revive small medium enterprises.
Coloured lens : a study of the socio-cultural context of Wentworth in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, towards a photographic documentary
(2012-09-10) Houston, Natalie; Ojong, Vivian
Social issues are a very real problem in South Africa. Violent protests in poorer communities around South Africa indicate a need to better understand negative social realities impacting on communities. This research examined the sociocultural context of Wentworth in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, as shown on the map on page x. The focus of this study was the social and community realities; and the significance of photography in the context of examining these. The aim was to use photography as a research tool as well as to document the data collected. From the data a 118-page book, as shown on page viii, was conceptualised, which captures this community’s social context. Further, the study questioned the use of design practice to support social change. Because of the distinctly “Coloured” nature of Wentworth, literature was sought for the definition, history, current dynamics and complexities of Coloured identity. The literature review highlighted ethics and the strategies that should be adhered to when considering the social nature of photography. For this inquiry a qualitative analysis was conducted using the Grounded Theory method. A collaborative, or participatory research approach, was used for data collection, by working closely with families and health, church and non-governmental groups in Wentworth. Qualitative data collection methods used to gather primary data were photographic documentation and interviews. This research produced a number of key findings regarding socio-cultural problems plaguing the community. Findings deemed photography a rich tool for researching the social and for accurately recording everyday life. The main conclusions drawn from this research were that in-depth studies be conducted on individual problems, utilising greater manpower and funding. In addition, that further research and documentation be undertaken in the community.
The development of reading skills in the Oshiwambo languages of the Oshana region of Namibia : a case study of Oshikwanyama and Oshindonga in Junior Primary phase
(2019-03) Haifidi, Eino Nghiikoshi; Land, Sandra Jane; Zulu, Sylvia Phiwani
The development and promotion of indigenous languages have been given little attention in Africa (Batibo, 2005). Namibia being part of Africa is no exception and hence there is a lack of literature regarding the indigenous languages (Smit, 2012). The study was motivated by Tötemeyer’s (2009) argument that there is a lack of reading culture which affects the development of reading skills, particularly in indigenous languages in Namibia. Since little research has been conducted in this area (Smit, 2012), there is a lack of information on indigenous language learning and development in Namibia. The study is the first of its kind done in Namibia looking at the development of reading skills in Oshikwanyama and Oshindonga concurrently as verified by the intensive review of literature done by me. This research in form of a case study is a response to this gap in literature. The study focused on development of reading skills in two dialects of the Namibian Oshiwambo languages; namely Oshikwanyama and Oshindonga in the Junior Primary (JP) phase (grades 2 and 3). Data collected was essentially qualitative, relating to how teachers develop reading skills in indigenous languages with focus on factors facilitating or hindering the development of the reading skills. The data was collected through questionnaires, observations, interviews and focus groups discussions. The study used the interpretivist paradigm, although there are few elements of positivism. In the findings, the study outlined factors facilitating the development of reading skills (e.g. drilling, repetition, peer reading/teaching, songs, poems, rhymes and short stories, using the Directed Reading Thinking Activity (DRTA), using scaffolding, modelling and cooperative learning strategies, using the Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS), using well illustrated story books with big font size, a print rich classroom environment, etc.), as well as factors hindering the development of reading skills (e.g. inappropriate use of punctuation marks, lack of readers with familiar texts and not using relevant children’s prior knowledge, poor knowledge of the relationship between letters and sounds (phonics), lack of a methodology for teaching reading, teachers’ unpreparedness, difficulties with teaching digraphs, trigraphs, quadgraphs, diphthongs and vowel confusion, lack of teaching aids and reflective teaching, lack of in-service training/workshop on reading development in Oshiwambo languages, etc.) in the two Oshiwambo languages (Oshikwanyama and Oshindonga). The study concluded with a list of recommendations for the improved development of reading skills in these languages.
The effect of anti-establishment branding on teenage consumer behaviour within the action sportswear market
(2013-09-19) Slattery, Leonie; Kadwa, Farida
This study aims to investigate the effect anti-establishment branding has on teenage consumer behaviour within the action sports market, as well as the various factors which influence teenagers when purchasing clothing. The study challenges the notion that teenage consumers respond to, and are influenced by the unconventional marketing campaigns of action sports brands. The results of this study indicate that the action sports market initially captivated the attention of the youth by offering teenagers a sense of acceptance through rebellion. Unfortunately, as the movement grew in popularity the exclusivity of the movement decreased and the clothing associated with it became viewed as too ‘mainstream’ by the wearers. Although the anti-establishment movement is striving for individuality and shies away from conformity, the study found that there appears to be a misconception in the notion that all ‘brands’ are susceptible to ‘trends’ which are driven by ‘designers’. Therefore, there can never be a pure ‘anti-establishment brand’ as the concept of a brand rejects the purpose of anti- establishment rebellion.
An exploration of the teaching and learning of mathematics word problems in English to second language grade 8 learners in the Mafukuzela-Gandhi Circuit
(2012-08-21) Pooran, Annaleah; Singh, Penny
The abolition of apartheid in South Africa in the late 1980s and the advent of democracy in 1994 resulted in dramatic changes in the education system. Of great significance to this study is the freedom African parents were allowed in choosing the medium of instruction to be used at schools. Surprisingly African parents encouraged their children to study through the medium of English mainly due to the education and employment opportunities English will provide them in the future (Mda, 1997). Now, seventeen years into democracy, English as a national language and the preferred medium of instruction has been blamed for poor results among ESL learners (Moreosole, 1998). Taylor, Muller and Vinjevold (2003: 54) point out that the difficulties associated with studying in a language other than one’s home language are more pronounced in mathematics, a subject which is strongly dependent on technical language proficiency. A section in the Grade 8 mathematics syllabus that is generally problematic for ESL learners is that of word problems (Wetzel, 2008). This is because ESL learners lack the language and reading skills needed to comprehend word problems, and the listening skills required to understand the educator’s explanation of the solution (Crandall, Dale, Rhodes and Spanos, 1985). To address the aims and objectives of this study, relevant literature was reviewed and various teaching strategies were examined to determine which strategies may be most effective in helping ESL learners solve word problems. Grounded within the Constructivist Learning Theory, this study was based on Vygotsky’s zone of proximal development and Bruner’s concept of scaffolding. Using a mixed methods approach, this study investigated problems that mathematics educators and ESL learners experience in the teaching and learning of word problems through the medium of English, and also identified strategies that mathematics educators use to teach word problems to ESL learners. iv Analysis of the educator questionnaire and the focus group interviews with learners revealed that ESL learners are experiencing difficulty solving word problems in English and educators are, to a large extent, adapting their teaching strategies when teaching them. The data also indicated that groupwork was considered by the majority of educators to be the most suitable method in the teaching of word problems to ESL learners, but sadly this method was used less frequently compared to whole class discussion and individual work due to discipline problems, the educators’ inability to handle group dynamics and the tendency for learners not to contribute to the group discussion. The findings also suggest that it is necessary for the educator to use a variety of teaching strategies to ensure that ESL learners enjoy success in mathematics. Based on the findings, this study makes recommendations regarding the teaching and learning of word problems and the use of adapted teaching strategies to foster active participation in lessons and group discussions, thereby increasing learner confidence and aiding in the understanding of English terminology used in mathematics word problems.
First Things First at University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) : analysing visual materials and first-year students’ perceptions of a HIV-related campaign
(2018) Mungroo, Melissa; Peppas, Mikhail; Smith, René
The study focuses on the First Things First campaign and the responses of first-year University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) students to the campaign posters. The campaign is a project of the Higher Education and Training HIV and AIDS Programme (HEAIDS) that emphasises counselling and testing to reduce HIV and AIDS prevalence amongst students. The First Things First campaign posters encourage students to get tested and know their HIV status. The research seeks to determine if first-year students at UKZN understand campaign messages depicted in the posters. Stuart Hall’s encoding-decoding model (1980) provides a theoretical framework to analyse the campaign, its context and communication patterns. Semiotics is used to analyse the posters. The students’ perceptions about the campaign are explored in relation to the campaign posters and pamphlet specifically while UKZN Health Clinic Support Unit staff and UKZN Journalists’ interpretations about the campaign are also explored. Focus groups with first-year students and interviews with UKZN Health Clinic Support Unit staff and UKZN Journalists were conducted at the University. The data generated was subjected to interpretive semiotics and thematic content analysis. The majority of participants understood the campaign messages, which they cite as ‘get tested’ and ‘know your HIV status’. The findings indicate that students accepted that the posters encourage them to test for HIV but that stigma, personal fears and the social environment could deter them from testing. Considerations related to the effective formulation of messages and the First Things First campaign material are outlined. Enhanced publicity and visibility of campaign posters on UKZN campuses at libraries, cafeterias and on notice boards is suggested. The campaign would benefit from the posters being prominently displayed on the UKZN Facebook page and also on a First Things First Facebook page linked to the campaign.
An investigation into management skills required by junior primary school principals of the Amanzimtoti district in the implementation of curriculum 2005
(1999) Made, Ntokozo Harriet Beryl; Prosser, Julia Judith
In 1992 the National Education Co-ordinating Committee published a National Education Policy Investigation (NEPI) report in which emerging curriculum alternatives for South Africa were discussed. In 1994 the National Department of Education sponsored discussions which led to the introduction of Curriculum 2005, a curriculum based on outcomes (OBE). OBE represents a paradigm shift from a system emphasising syllabus and content to one where prescribed outcomes are of critical importance. Workshops were conducted by the National and Provincial Departments of Education and NGOs to introduce and train Grade 1 teachers in OBE. Some principals reported that they were invited to one-day workshops on OBE. This study is an investigation into the management skills required by Junior Primary school (Foundation Phase) principals in the Amanzimtoti District in the implementation of Curriculum 2005. This is an exploratory study of the role of the principal in the implementation of
The language of digital learning : developing an e-learning approach for the elderly
(2010) Sheridan, Richard David; Pratt, Deirdre Denise
The purpose of this study was to investigate the current learning methods that are typically used by special populations (an elderly subject group), and to explore their general level of effectiveness. The primary research questions explore how this subject group is currently learning to use the Internet and for what purposes, along with what the typical barriers are that this group experiences when seeking to use the Internet, together with factors that motivate them to participate in learning programs. This study has special relevance for elderly adults along with computer instructors who specifically train the elderly to learn to use the Internet. The findings may also be of interest to others who interact with other special populations, directly or indirectly, including web designers, healthcare professionals, librarians, and others. The project was prompted by the author‘s experience teaching and observing elderly adults learning to use the Internet, and his desire to develop a more effective teaching strategy for them. The thesis explores the basic principles of adult learning, including components from self-directed learning, the theory of multiple intelligences, ethnographic research and other theories and approaches that have the potential of contributing to teaching this subject group, including the use of language in describing their learning successes and failures. Data analysis consisted of observing over 200 older adults learning to use the Internet over a two-year period. The evaluation of participants was based on empirical (defined in the glossary) and subjective analysis of levels of participation, progress and other factors. To supplement the large-scale results with rich data, the author of this study also performed detailed interviews with 14 elderly Internet users along with five teachers of the elderly. Additional material was gathered from academic journal articles, online databases and other related sources. The author tested and applied several research methods to achieve the most effective outcome. This iii included participant observation from ethnographic research, along with empirical and basic quantitative research. The author also uses autoethnography in his research approach, an emerging qualitative research method that allows the researcher to write in a highly personalized style, drawing on his or her experience, as kind of a autobiographical personal narrative. The intent of auto-ethnography is to acknowledge the link between the personal and the cultural and to make room for non-traditional forms of inquiry and expression. In embracing personal thoughts, feelings, stories, and observations as a way of understanding the social context they are studying, these researchers are also shedding light on their total interaction with that setting by making their every emotion and thought visible to the reader. Auto-ethnography also gives researchers an opportunity to do primary research and draw data from their observations. An identifiable pattern that is reviewed in more detail in the Results section emerged from these different findings. The primary outcome that emerged is that there are many approaches to learning, and these methods need to be examined, tested and selectively adapted for each individual to achieve the maximum benefit. The widespread demand for Internet training has resulted in fragmented and inconsistent training schemes that are generally focused on classroom-based instruction. The author encourages a systematic self-testing by the subject group member (and their teachers) to explore currently available training methods and combine the elements that they find most effective towards a personalized approach to learning based on individual interests, aptitudes, and the availability of the local training resources. The percentage of the elderly using the Internet is rising rapidly, and the current training options are limited in some areas in the United States. Based on the author‘s empirical observations, the self-directed approach to learning appears to show the most promise for this elderly subject group, in the sense that they generate their own best learning schematics, while their instructor guides and facilitates the process. iv This thesis has made a primary contribution to the research in several ways. First of all, the author made a synthesis that has not been made previously. He combined the concept of self-directed learning with several methods of learning improvement, such as the use of assistive technology for the disabled, memory skill-building, and the application of symbols and metaphors to increase the ability of this subject group to comprehend the learning materials. This is arguably the best approach for adapting to this rapidly evolving subject group population. Additionally, he applied the concept of kaizen, a Japanese term from their manufacturing sector that represents continuous, ongoing improvement, to teach to members of this group the concept of self-monitoring and improvement. Additionally, the research was cross-disciplinary and used different methodologies, including ethnography, empirical and basic quantitative research. Several additional contributions and innovations are described later in the thesis.
"Living in two worlds" : optimizing our indigenous knowledge systems to address the modern pandemic, HIV and AIDS
(2013-11-15) Nyawose, Theobald Zwelibanzi; Conolly, Joan Lucy; Sienaert, Edgard
This thesis focuses on the alarming situation of the rate of HIV infection which is escalating every day in South Africa, and what can be done to address the rate of HIV infection. Much has been tried to curb this escalation, but all efforts have had little effect. This concerns me deeply. So I have looked at the problem from the perspective of education. I have personally experienced how Zulu indigenous knowledge, in the form of traditional modes of Zulu sexuality education, was used in the past to address the problems of sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy before it was sanctioned. I have seen that the rituals performed as part of traditional Zulu sexuality education have been effective. I believe that indigenous knowledge systems in the South African context refer to a body of knowledge embedded in African philosophical thinking and social practices that have evolved over thousands years. Indigenous knowledge systems acknowledge the rich history and heritage of the people as important contributors to nurturing the values and norms in society, and so form the basis of education for the people. I believe that our indigenous knowledge systems according to the dictates of rites and rituals observed by our forefathers can play a major role in the (sexuality) education of our youth, and can optimise our efforts to fight against the HIV and AIDS pandemic. This study focuses on the adolescent stage. Adolescence is a phase of discovery and experimentation in which young people develop new feelings, which (coupled with physical maturing) lead to exploring new behaviors and relationships, including sexual behaviours and sexual relationships. Therefore, I believe that adolescents should be targeted because they are just beginning to face social situations in which their decisions and actions about their sexual behaviours and sexual relationships will determine their future. In addition, adolescents are – or should be – school going, so they can be influenced by what is in their school curriculum. I have made suggestions about how the Life Orientation Grades 10—12 curriculum can be used to include traditional sexuality education for this purpose. In doing so, I do not suggest that all South African school going teenagers should perform the traditional Zulu rituals, but I am suggesting that the revival and adaption of traditional modes of sexuality education in all cultures could be helpful in the fight against the HIV and AIDS pandemic. I use the Zulu traditions because they are the traditions with which I am familiar. I have carried out this study to promote the use of Zulu traditional sexuality education to curb the rate of HIV infection among young Zulu people. I believe that this traditional method, if it is used optimally, can reduce the rate of infection and the speed of mortality, as well as the problem of early pregnancy among our Zulu youth, in South Africa.
The management of HIV/AIDS in secondary public schools in South Africa : an overview of policy
(2004) Nair, Eugene John Gilbert; Prosser, Julia Judith
As the HIV/AIDS epidemic in South Africa accelerates, HIV sero-prevalence studies report increasing risk among young people in the general population. These young people are found predominantly in schools. It is for this reason that the researcher embarked on this study. The emphasis of the study is to evaluate the management of HIV/AIDS in secondary public schools in South Africa, particularly, an overview of the policy
A practise-based action research self-study : "how do I improve my practice as a bridal-gown designer in a highly-competitive market?"
(2016) Walters, Casey Jeannne; Scott, Lee; Roome, John William
In my practise-based action research self-study I have developed ways in which to improve my practice as a bridal-gown designer in a highly-competitive and import-driven bridal-gown market. My earnest intent was to improve my practice using action research methods whilst simultaneously developing a solution through critical reflection and practice-based approaches as an economically-sustainable designer of bespoke, cost-effective, competitively-priced bridal gowns. I realised the potential for professional influence and positive economic growth through entrepreneurial thinking, not only for me but for others; it was this which cemented a sense of values in me as an action researcher. I have displayed a healthy marriage between equally important views of practice as theory and the theory as practice. I explored relevant literature that would validate my practice and aid in answering my critical questions, which became evident as validation chapters in my study. Carrying out internships with three bridal gown designers opened my eyes to the real world of business, a sense of theory as practice, where I could see, first-hand, the effects the import industry had on local designers and what they were doing to survive. The conceptualisation of foundational bridal blocks was a solution to save time in my own creative process so that I could produce cost-effective bridal gowns at a competitive price, in a sustainable manner. Once I had explored and created my own interpretation of the foundation block concept that transformed into a small collection of bridal gowns, I used the foundation blocks as a starting point to design bridal gowns for ‘real’ bridal clients. My study is personal in nature; by way of using self-study methods and also the personal ‘one-on-one’ connection I have with my ‘real’ bridal clients. I extended this ‘personal factor’ by holding a public exhibition to which I invited my friends, family, the public and my peers to view and give critical feedback on my work as a bridal gown designer.
Socially engaged creative practices : a transdisciplinary study of Woza Moya
(2021-04) Mchunu, Khaya Jean; Gaede, Rolf; du Plessis, Hester
Woza Moya is an arts and craft community organisation which was officially established in 2002. It is one of two economic empowerment projects of the Hillcrest AIDS Centre Trust in KwaZulu-Natal which were initiated to form part of the Trust’s context-specific holistic health care approach. While Woza Moya sells a diverse range of products, it is well known for the Woza beadwork style. The Director of the project coined that term as a tribute to the custom of naming beadwork styles in the KwaZulu-Natal province. The present study investigates the socially engaged creative beadwork practices at Woza Moya. The study is framed by transdisciplinarity and presents eight vignettes that analyse the design and creation processes. The study is positioned in the interpretivist paradigm and draws upon transdisciplinary discourse from scholars such as Nicolescu (2010), McGregor (2015) as well as Ross and Mitchell (2018) and others. The study focuses on integration and collaboration, which are considered core characteristics of the transdisciplinary methodology (Morin 1999; Nicolescu 2010). Vignettes are promoted as a clear and rich way of deepening our understanding of collaborative, heterogeneous and complex design processes. The use of transdisciplinarity as a framework contributes to tracing both open and hidden activities which form part of the design process, and which embrace the transdisciplinary logic of inclusion and transformation, where creative designs form part of a holistic community care model. These vignettes are analysed according to themes. The themes which straddle the vignettes are: (1) interplay of beading, time and bodily pain, (2) creativity as contagious and viral, (3) men’s active role in beadmaking with women as mentors to men, (4) increased community action, (5) transformed and deepened understanding of others, (6) the ikhaya metaphor for the agora, zone of non-resistance and space of the included middle, and (7) building a home as progress and improvement. These themes combine to form a rich and descriptive rendering of the design and creation process. The central thesis presented in this study is that arts and craft community organisations such as Woza Moya are sites of strong and transformative transdisciplinarity (Ross and Mitchell 2018), which fits with McGregor’s (2015) call for transdisciplinary entrepreneurship.
Stakeholders’ perceptions of environmental injustices and of community-based environmental education : a case study of the Stortplaats community in KwaZulu Natal
(2021-04) Ndlovu, Emmanuel; Mago, Stephen; Gwirayi, P
The purpose of this study was to investigate stakeholders’ perceptions of environmental injustices and of community-based environmental education at Stortplaats, in order to address the injustices through community-based environmental education. Environmental injustice is a phenomenon that entails the unfair distribution of environmental burdens, disproportionately exposing human life to environmental hazards. Communities in poor socio-economic circumstances are excessively exposed to negative environmental burdens such as sewage oxidation ponds, pollution, unprecedented land degradation due to sand poaching and inadequate infrastructure. Stortplaats faces such an oppressive environment. It was historically created by apartheid, but the current system seems to be paying minimum attention to corrective services. The stakeholder theory, environmental perception framework, place attachment theory and community-based environmental education model were used as frames of reference for this study. This study was informed by the interpretivist paradigm and the case study research design was adopted. A qualitative research approach was used. Convenience and purposive sampling were used to sample 25 participants who included five learners above 18 years, five educators, 10 community members, the chief, the community head, the councillor, a business person and the environmental health officer. Semi-structured individual interview schedules were utilised to gather data. These were complemented by photovoice narrations and indirect observation. A thematic data-analysis approach was used to analyse generated data. The key findings of the study indicate that apartheid contours are still visible at Stortplaats and postapartheid promises have not been kept. The findings also show that some community members lack knowledge about environmental policies and this results in irresponsible environmental behaviour. There is also lack of effective communication between leaders and community members, leading to struggles for power and recognition and causing poor service delivery. Finally, the findings show a need for community-based environmental education to address environmental injustices in Stortplaats.
The use of models to develop skills to solve 3D trigonometry problems : a case study of Grade 12 learners in a selected school in the Pinetown District
(2022-09) Niranjan, Caresse; Brijlall, Deonarain; Masuku, Veronica
Mathematics results in South Africa continue to show an area of weakness. Trigonometry is currently an examinable section in the subject mathematics and is assessed in grade 12 examinations. This study made use of concrete mathematical manipulatives in exploring conceptual understanding of grade 12 Mathematics learners in learning to solve 3-dimensional trigonometric problems. The research questions addressed in this study are: How will Mathematical models help learners to adopt more active approaches towards the learning of three-dimensional trigonometric problems amongst Grade 12 learners? How will the use of models improve the learning of Mathematics? The use of sound teaching and learning principles fosters an environment where learners are motivated to reach their full potential. The study was informed by constructivist ideas. Grade 12 learners of mathematics participated in the research, engaging in qualitative assessments in the form of activity worksheets and semistructured interviews.Results and analyses reveal that using manipulatives is beneficial to learnerswhen solving 3D trigonometric problems. The findings in this study are important for the South African education system. The changing school climate and the improving of learning strategies with the use of mathematics manipulatives in Mathematics is very important in improving learner performance and the Mathematics results in our country. Underperformance in Mathematics has persistently been a challenge in SouthAfrican schools. This study was conducted to add to current research in the debates about the use of manipulatives in mathematics in classrooms in secondary schools. In addition, this study was carried out to: determine how Mathematical models/manipulatives helped grade 12 learners to adopt more active approaches towards the learning of three-dimensional trigonometric problems and whether the use of models does improve the learning of mathematics. The research elicited sufficient data to support Piaget andBruner’s theory which suggests that the use of manipulatives aids in constructing new mathematical knowledge, providing a link from concrete to abstract.