Annelize Potgieter - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Uploads
Papers by Annelize Potgieter
Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2021
This paper is an evaluation of the Science Learner Assisted Programme (SLAP) at the University of... more This paper is an evaluation of the Science Learner Assisted Programme (SLAP) at the University of Limpopo Science Centre. The evaluation is intended to be useful for improving the program and informing social action aimed at amending educational problems (related to science education faced by schools in the Limpopo Province (South Africa). The purpose of the evaluation was to evaluate the design of SLAP and how it was being delivered to the target group (Grade 10-12 learners). Data were collected from August to October 2016. Data were collected via documentation review, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and observations. Forty-five learners completed the questionnaires. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were employed during the data analysis process. In terms of program design, the evaluation found that SLAP is aligned with the goals of the University of Limpopo Science Centre. With regard to program delivery, the evaluation found that the program's...
Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2021
The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Grade 6 students and their science teac... more The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Grade 6 students and their science teachers towards a socio-constructivist way of learning and teaching science, compared to the usual way of learning and teaching science; as well as the science teaching practices. The data was collected during a period of eight weeks in two rural primary schools in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. A five-week intervention was conducted during which the researchers taught science in a socio-constructivist way. Observations were conducted as well as interviews with the teachers and 10 students (5 in each school) using the CLES observation guide, CLES interview guide, CLES Actual questionnaire and CLES Preferred questionnaire. The interviewed students also participated in a focus group. The results showed that some elements of socio-constructivism were appreciated by the students and teachers and other elements not. The students’ attitudes were positive about scientific uncertainty and stud...
Nanotechnology is one of the most significant scientific transformations of the 21st century. Sci... more Nanotechnology is one of the most significant scientific transformations of the 21st century. Scientists are able to understand and manipulate materials at the scale of atoms and molecules. The transformation of society is envisaged. (Meyyappan, 2004). To succeed in the area of nanotechnology, males and females will be needed with mathematics, science and technology skills. (Stephens et al., 2007; Vanasupa, 2006). In an Educators guide to Gender bias issues, (2002) it is evident that more female participation is needed in various areas of technology, starting with such basics as using a computer. Reasons for the imbalance between male and female participation in various areas of technology are contributed to factors ranging from parental and cultural influence, the absence of female role models and gender biased computer games. Aim To explore young females basic knowledge, attitudes and concerns about technology, particularly regarding knowledge and concepts related to nanotechnolog...
No-one is denying the extremely important role that the environment plays in the prosperity and u... more No-one is denying the extremely important role that the environment plays in the prosperity and ultimate survival of urban and rural communities across the world. All of us thus have a responsibility to live as sustainably as possible by conserving as much as possible. It is the responsibility of educational institutions to bring across the concept of sustainable living through environmental education. The issue of environmental education in South Africa is currently predominantly addressed through the curriculum of Life sciences and to a certain extent Agricultural science at school level. Ethical issues are also mentioned in the Life orientation learning area. From Grade 10 to 12 learners come into contact with aspects of Biodiversity, Pollution and Conservation. There is, however, room for improvement and clarification of different aspects of environmental education, as time at school do not allow in depth analyses and discussion of case studies. Thus, in order to bridge the gap ...
South African Medical Journal, 2014
Obesity develops rapidly during adolescence. [1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO)... more Obesity develops rapidly during adolescence. [1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), childhood obesity is a major global public health problem. [2] The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing rapidly in Africa; between 1990 and 2010, the number of overweight or obese children doubled. [3] Armstrong et al. [4] noted that there was an increase in overweight and obesity in South Africa (SA) from 1994 to 2004. According to the WHO, [5] females are more likely to be obese than males. This is especially true for black females in SA, who according to Martorell et al. [6] are often overweight or obese, or have abdominal obesity. In African culture increased body fatness is viewed as a sign of health and wealth. Mothers therefore tend to over-feed their infants, thereby increasing the risk of developing obesity. [7] Although traditional culture remains strong in many parts of SA, a transition is currently occurring between traditional and Westernorientated lifestyles. [8] This has potential consequences for overweight and obesity among black schoolchildren, especially girls, who live in periurban and urban environments. Their increase in body fatness increases the risk of development of chronic diseases of lifestyle such as hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. [9]
One of the most important psychological concepts required for enhanced learning is motivation. Th... more One of the most important psychological concepts required for enhanced learning is motivation. This is especially true for science, which is seen by learners as being difficult. This study investigated the motivational changes with regard to studying science and the gender and age differences when using hand puppets in the science classroom. In order to examine this, a 7-week intervention involving the teaching of science by means of hand puppets was conducted in two Grade 6 and two Grade 7 classes in rural-based Dikgale, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The learners’ motivation was assessed in terms of basic psychological needs, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, with a questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using a paired sample t-test, an independent t-test and a MANCOVA. The results show an increase in basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation, and a decrease in extrinsic motivation for science, after the use of hand puppets. In addition, it appears that there are no gender and age differences regarding motivational change when using hand puppets in science education. It is therefore concluded that hand puppets are a promising teaching method that positively affects the motivation of school learners studying science. Thus it is recommended that further research in the form of an experimental longitudinal design be undertaken to ascertain long-term motivational changes.
Nanotechnology is one of the most significant scientific transformations of the 21st century. Sci... more Nanotechnology is one of the most significant scientific transformations of the 21st century. Scientists are able to understand and manipulate materials at the scale of atoms and molecules. The transformation of society is envisaged. (Meyyappan, 2004). To succeed in the area of nanotechnology, males and females will be needed with mathematics, science and technology skills. (Stephens et al., 2007; Vanasupa, 2006). In an Educators guide to Gender bias issues, (2002) it is evident that more female participation is needed in various areas of technology, starting with such basics as using a computer. Reasons for the imbalance between male and female participation in various areas of technology are contributed to factors ranging from parental and cultural influence, the absence of female role models and gender biased computer games. Aim To explore young females basic knowledge, attitudes and concerns about technology, particularly regarding knowledge and concepts related to nanotechnolog...
South African Journal of Botany
South African Medical Journal, 2014
Obesity develops rapidly during adolescence. [1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO)... more Obesity develops rapidly during adolescence. [1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), childhood obesity is a major global public health problem. [2] The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing rapidly in Africa; between 1990 and 2010, the number of overweight or obese children doubled. [3] Arm strong et al. [4] noted that there was an increase in overweight and obesity in South Africa (SA) from 1994 to 2004. According to the WHO, [5] females are more likely to be obese than males. This is especially true for black females in SA, who according to Martorell et al. [6] are often overweight or obese, or have abdominal obesity. In African culture increased body fatness is viewed as a sign of health and wealth. Mothers therefore tend to overfeed their infants, thereby increasing the risk of developing obesity. [7] Although traditional culture remains strong in many parts of SA, a transition is currently occurring between traditional and Western orientated lifestyles. [8] This has potential consequences for overweight and obesity among black schoolchildren, especially girls, who live in periurban and urban environments. Their increase in body fatness increases the risk of development of chronic diseases of lifestyle such as hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. [9]
International Journal of Educational Development in Africa
One of the most important psychological concepts required for enhanced learning is motivation. Th... more One of the most important psychological concepts required for enhanced learning is motivation. This is especially true for science, which is seen by learners as being difficult. This study investigated the motivational changes with regard to studying science and the gender and age differences when using hand puppets in the science classroom. In order to examine this, a 7-week intervention involving the teaching of science by means of hand puppets was conducted in two Grade 6 and two Grade 7 classes in rural-based Dikgale, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The learners’ motivation was assessed in terms of basic psychological needs, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, with a questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using a paired sample t-test, an independent t-test and a MANCOVA. The results show an increase in basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation, and a decrease in extrinsic motivation for science, after the use of hand puppets. In addition, ...
Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2021
This paper is an evaluation of the Science Learner Assisted Programme (SLAP) at the University of... more This paper is an evaluation of the Science Learner Assisted Programme (SLAP) at the University of Limpopo Science Centre. The evaluation is intended to be useful for improving the program and informing social action aimed at amending educational problems (related to science education faced by schools in the Limpopo Province (South Africa). The purpose of the evaluation was to evaluate the design of SLAP and how it was being delivered to the target group (Grade 10-12 learners). Data were collected from August to October 2016. Data were collected via documentation review, semi-structured interviews, questionnaires, and observations. Forty-five learners completed the questionnaires. Qualitative and quantitative data analysis techniques were employed during the data analysis process. In terms of program design, the evaluation found that SLAP is aligned with the goals of the University of Limpopo Science Centre. With regard to program delivery, the evaluation found that the program's...
Technium Social Sciences Journal, 2021
The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Grade 6 students and their science teac... more The aim of this study was to investigate the attitudes of Grade 6 students and their science teachers towards a socio-constructivist way of learning and teaching science, compared to the usual way of learning and teaching science; as well as the science teaching practices. The data was collected during a period of eight weeks in two rural primary schools in the Limpopo Province, South Africa. A five-week intervention was conducted during which the researchers taught science in a socio-constructivist way. Observations were conducted as well as interviews with the teachers and 10 students (5 in each school) using the CLES observation guide, CLES interview guide, CLES Actual questionnaire and CLES Preferred questionnaire. The interviewed students also participated in a focus group. The results showed that some elements of socio-constructivism were appreciated by the students and teachers and other elements not. The students’ attitudes were positive about scientific uncertainty and stud...
Nanotechnology is one of the most significant scientific transformations of the 21st century. Sci... more Nanotechnology is one of the most significant scientific transformations of the 21st century. Scientists are able to understand and manipulate materials at the scale of atoms and molecules. The transformation of society is envisaged. (Meyyappan, 2004). To succeed in the area of nanotechnology, males and females will be needed with mathematics, science and technology skills. (Stephens et al., 2007; Vanasupa, 2006). In an Educators guide to Gender bias issues, (2002) it is evident that more female participation is needed in various areas of technology, starting with such basics as using a computer. Reasons for the imbalance between male and female participation in various areas of technology are contributed to factors ranging from parental and cultural influence, the absence of female role models and gender biased computer games. Aim To explore young females basic knowledge, attitudes and concerns about technology, particularly regarding knowledge and concepts related to nanotechnolog...
No-one is denying the extremely important role that the environment plays in the prosperity and u... more No-one is denying the extremely important role that the environment plays in the prosperity and ultimate survival of urban and rural communities across the world. All of us thus have a responsibility to live as sustainably as possible by conserving as much as possible. It is the responsibility of educational institutions to bring across the concept of sustainable living through environmental education. The issue of environmental education in South Africa is currently predominantly addressed through the curriculum of Life sciences and to a certain extent Agricultural science at school level. Ethical issues are also mentioned in the Life orientation learning area. From Grade 10 to 12 learners come into contact with aspects of Biodiversity, Pollution and Conservation. There is, however, room for improvement and clarification of different aspects of environmental education, as time at school do not allow in depth analyses and discussion of case studies. Thus, in order to bridge the gap ...
South African Medical Journal, 2014
Obesity develops rapidly during adolescence. [1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO)... more Obesity develops rapidly during adolescence. [1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), childhood obesity is a major global public health problem. [2] The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing rapidly in Africa; between 1990 and 2010, the number of overweight or obese children doubled. [3] Armstrong et al. [4] noted that there was an increase in overweight and obesity in South Africa (SA) from 1994 to 2004. According to the WHO, [5] females are more likely to be obese than males. This is especially true for black females in SA, who according to Martorell et al. [6] are often overweight or obese, or have abdominal obesity. In African culture increased body fatness is viewed as a sign of health and wealth. Mothers therefore tend to over-feed their infants, thereby increasing the risk of developing obesity. [7] Although traditional culture remains strong in many parts of SA, a transition is currently occurring between traditional and Westernorientated lifestyles. [8] This has potential consequences for overweight and obesity among black schoolchildren, especially girls, who live in periurban and urban environments. Their increase in body fatness increases the risk of development of chronic diseases of lifestyle such as hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. [9]
One of the most important psychological concepts required for enhanced learning is motivation. Th... more One of the most important psychological concepts required for enhanced learning is motivation. This is especially true for science, which is seen by learners as being difficult. This study investigated the motivational changes with regard to studying science and the gender and age differences when using hand puppets in the science classroom. In order to examine this, a 7-week intervention involving the teaching of science by means of hand puppets was conducted in two Grade 6 and two Grade 7 classes in rural-based Dikgale, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The learners’ motivation was assessed in terms of basic psychological needs, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, with a questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using a paired sample t-test, an independent t-test and a MANCOVA. The results show an increase in basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation, and a decrease in extrinsic motivation for science, after the use of hand puppets. In addition, it appears that there are no gender and age differences regarding motivational change when using hand puppets in science education. It is therefore concluded that hand puppets are a promising teaching method that positively affects the motivation of school learners studying science. Thus it is recommended that further research in the form of an experimental longitudinal design be undertaken to ascertain long-term motivational changes.
Nanotechnology is one of the most significant scientific transformations of the 21st century. Sci... more Nanotechnology is one of the most significant scientific transformations of the 21st century. Scientists are able to understand and manipulate materials at the scale of atoms and molecules. The transformation of society is envisaged. (Meyyappan, 2004). To succeed in the area of nanotechnology, males and females will be needed with mathematics, science and technology skills. (Stephens et al., 2007; Vanasupa, 2006). In an Educators guide to Gender bias issues, (2002) it is evident that more female participation is needed in various areas of technology, starting with such basics as using a computer. Reasons for the imbalance between male and female participation in various areas of technology are contributed to factors ranging from parental and cultural influence, the absence of female role models and gender biased computer games. Aim To explore young females basic knowledge, attitudes and concerns about technology, particularly regarding knowledge and concepts related to nanotechnolog...
South African Journal of Botany
South African Medical Journal, 2014
Obesity develops rapidly during adolescence. [1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO)... more Obesity develops rapidly during adolescence. [1] According to the World Health Organization (WHO), childhood obesity is a major global public health problem. [2] The prevalence of overweight and obesity is increasing rapidly in Africa; between 1990 and 2010, the number of overweight or obese children doubled. [3] Arm strong et al. [4] noted that there was an increase in overweight and obesity in South Africa (SA) from 1994 to 2004. According to the WHO, [5] females are more likely to be obese than males. This is especially true for black females in SA, who according to Martorell et al. [6] are often overweight or obese, or have abdominal obesity. In African culture increased body fatness is viewed as a sign of health and wealth. Mothers therefore tend to overfeed their infants, thereby increasing the risk of developing obesity. [7] Although traditional culture remains strong in many parts of SA, a transition is currently occurring between traditional and Western orientated lifestyles. [8] This has potential consequences for overweight and obesity among black schoolchildren, especially girls, who live in periurban and urban environments. Their increase in body fatness increases the risk of development of chronic diseases of lifestyle such as hypertension, stroke, coronary heart disease and type 2 diabetes mellitus. [9]
International Journal of Educational Development in Africa
One of the most important psychological concepts required for enhanced learning is motivation. Th... more One of the most important psychological concepts required for enhanced learning is motivation. This is especially true for science, which is seen by learners as being difficult. This study investigated the motivational changes with regard to studying science and the gender and age differences when using hand puppets in the science classroom. In order to examine this, a 7-week intervention involving the teaching of science by means of hand puppets was conducted in two Grade 6 and two Grade 7 classes in rural-based Dikgale, Limpopo Province, South Africa. The learners’ motivation was assessed in terms of basic psychological needs, intrinsic and extrinsic motivation, with a questionnaire before and after the intervention. Data were analysed using a paired sample t-test, an independent t-test and a MANCOVA. The results show an increase in basic psychological needs and intrinsic motivation, and a decrease in extrinsic motivation for science, after the use of hand puppets. In addition, ...