Elias R Mathipa - Academia.edu (original) (raw)
Papers by Elias R Mathipa
International Journal of Educational Sciences, 2017
Religion, ethics and communication in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic
Nation-states are a result of the existence of families which constitutes communities that form t... more Nation-states are a result of the existence of families which constitutes communities that form them. Therefore, without families, regardless of how developed they are, there can’t be communities, and, thus, no nation-states. Religiously argued, the family is the cardinal centre of focus when the wellbeing of a nation-state is to be assessed. Implying that, when families disintegrate, the survival of communities and of nations cannot be guaranteed. Precisely because of this, the family is a primary institution where religious, socio-economic and moral values are imparted to children who ultimately constitute future generations. To unravel dilemmas caused by the devastation of Covid19 pandemic on families, Maslow’s theory and also that of nihilism are utilised in tandem with the principles and values that are underpinned by Rossouw’s theory. The article aims to preserve the family as an important unit whose core functions is the production of communities. Religiously, diverse belief ...
Gender and behaviour, Jul 1, 2017
Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2014
The is an explorative paper that is triggered by the imperative that; in terms of the South Afric... more The is an explorative paper that is triggered by the imperative that; in terms of the South African National ICT Education Policy all teachers in all South African schools are expected to implement and integrate ICT to improve and enhance teaching and learning. Consequently many teachers find themselves in a situation in which they are caught with one foot in the future and another one in the past. The impact of globalisation, the need for 21st century skills, the influence of information society and the diffusion and the ubiquitous nature of ICT in all spheres of life require teachers to employ ICT to improve the quality of teaching and learning in order to produce ICT capable learners who will be able to use ICTs for knowledge creation and knowledge sharing, social development and economic growth. This assumption is based on the New Network Society Theory which endorses the use of ICT in schools by all the stakeholders. This paper will share the qualitative data gathered through interviews with teachers who use ICT for the enhancement of teaching and learning in the urban schools of Gauteng province in South Africa. The results revealed that the factors impeding the integration of ICT in teaching and learning are: insufficient number of computers and lack of application programs, teacher generation gap, inadequate teacher training, lack of ICT skill and lack of confidence, teachers' beliefs, poor school leadership and lack of public support. The recommendations are wide ranging and include measures that will capacitate and encourage teachers to integrate ICT as prescribed by today's learner and social structure of the 21st century.
South African Journal of Education, 2001
In a previous article we discussed, in detail, the problem of this study, its aim, methods used, ... more In a previous article we discussed, in detail, the problem of this study, its aim, methods used, its limitations, and the first five of twelve barriers that were perceived to be obstacles to the advancement of women to leadership positions in the education profession, in particular, and the workplace, in general. To avoid repetition, the issues already discussed can be read as background information in the previous article. This article is devoted to the discussion of the last seven barriers that were also identified as constituting some of the hurdles women have to overcome before they are promoted to senior positions in the field of education. (South African Journal of Education: 2001 21(4): 324-330)
In this chapter, we consider two research frameworks: conceptual and theoretical. The chapter com... more In this chapter, we consider two research frameworks: conceptual and theoretical. The chapter complements and questions the existing conversations around the theoretical and conceptual perspectives that inform the research process. Thus, the intent in the chapter is both edifying and therapeutic. Although Bak (2004:17) posits that there are a variety of ways of crafting a theoretical framework, for the most part, this chapter will enable researchers to overcome theoretical struggles and appreciate how a research framework might assist them to “interpret and understand the findings of research” within a research framework which makes ‘“sense’ of the data” (May, 1993:20). Some authors acknowledge three types of research frameworks, namely, theoretical, practical (Scriven, 1986) and conceptual (Eisenhart, 1991), although practical frameworks are beyond the scope of this chapter. You will find this chapter useful if you are a postgraduate researcher, a research supervisor, or examiner of theses, as it will assist you to come to terms with the fundamental aspects of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in their diversity, richness and depth. The primary aim is to provide researchers like you, with tools for understanding such analytical research devices in order to appreciate their role and function in social inquiry.
This dissertation would not have been completed without the contribution of the following special... more This dissertation would not have been completed without the contribution of the following special people to whom my sincere appreciation and thanks are due: My supervisor, Prof. Elias R. Mathipa, for his expert guidance, sound advice, inspiration and patience; My editor, Silvia Nyambura, for proofreading the manuscript, as well as for her motivation and friendly encouragement; Dr CDM Tlale for editing the final manuscript; Mom and Dad, for their support, positive expectations, patience and love; My son Leslie, for always being there, watching with interest and enduring with patience; My sisters, brother and nephews, for their unselfish support and unfailing encouragement; My friend Elizabeth, who served as my role model unknowingly, for her undying support, time and tolerance; and All lecturers and students, who participated in this study for their cooperation, and unselfish sharing of information,
Knowledge Pathing: Multi-, Inter- and Trans-Disciplining in Social Sciences Series
The teaching profession has a long history of providing mentorship to mentees (budding lecturers)... more The teaching profession has a long history of providing mentorship to mentees (budding lecturers) through focused, collaborative, and one-on-one relationships. However, despite new lecturers’ ongoing need for guidance and assistance, mentoring is relatively neglected as a concept in institutions of higher education. This study explores the concept of mentoring in higher education institutions to ascertain whether different mentoring strategies and approaches can be utilized to support junior researchers who are in need of guidance, coaching, and assistance. In this study, purposively sampled mentors and mentees were interviewed about their views of, and experiences with, mentoring. The study extends beyond the mentoring research and highlights that mentoring can promote unintended outcomes due to its dynamic nature. The article also addresses how both the mentor and mentee play important roles in the success of the mentoring process. The article concludes with recommendations for me...
Knowledge Pathing: Multi-, Inter- and Trans-Disciplining in Social Sciences Series
Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2014
ABSTRACT Proverbs, metaphors and folktales complement each other in terms of the vital role they ... more ABSTRACT Proverbs, metaphors and folktales complement each other in terms of the vital role they culturally play in maintaining and sustaining the survival of communities that practice the African philosophy of ubuntu. These concepts do so by ensuring that there are in place rules, principles and pertinent examples that promote the well-being of communities in question because "indigenous knowledge is unique to a particular culture and society"(Higgs, Higgs & Venter 2003:40) . In this context, the folktales usually give the needed background cover(space) that is necessary for the creation of a particular proverb, in a way that not only tries to justify such a proverb, but also give examples of what happens upon nonconformity to the injunction contained in that particular proverb. On the other hand, metaphors are part of us, while the proverb belongs to our system of thinking, and thus forms part our cognitive consciousness. In the sense that, language is inconceivable without thought" (Brand 2003:2). There is no way a culture can sustain itself and its people if it does not have a base, which is fortified by its proverbs, metaphors and folklores. These three literary classifications help define a people's existence, purpose and destiny and are collectively referred to as "simple forms" (Scholes 1974). This article employs the systems approach because "no entity of any description whatsoever can be understood properly unless we take into account its total system" (Higgs & Smith 2006:27). Literature review forms the bedrock of the study because most of our knowledge nowadays is stored in books.
International Journal of Educational Sciences, 2017
Religion, ethics and communication in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic
Nation-states are a result of the existence of families which constitutes communities that form t... more Nation-states are a result of the existence of families which constitutes communities that form them. Therefore, without families, regardless of how developed they are, there can’t be communities, and, thus, no nation-states. Religiously argued, the family is the cardinal centre of focus when the wellbeing of a nation-state is to be assessed. Implying that, when families disintegrate, the survival of communities and of nations cannot be guaranteed. Precisely because of this, the family is a primary institution where religious, socio-economic and moral values are imparted to children who ultimately constitute future generations. To unravel dilemmas caused by the devastation of Covid19 pandemic on families, Maslow’s theory and also that of nihilism are utilised in tandem with the principles and values that are underpinned by Rossouw’s theory. The article aims to preserve the family as an important unit whose core functions is the production of communities. Religiously, diverse belief ...
Gender and behaviour, Jul 1, 2017
Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2014
The is an explorative paper that is triggered by the imperative that; in terms of the South Afric... more The is an explorative paper that is triggered by the imperative that; in terms of the South African National ICT Education Policy all teachers in all South African schools are expected to implement and integrate ICT to improve and enhance teaching and learning. Consequently many teachers find themselves in a situation in which they are caught with one foot in the future and another one in the past. The impact of globalisation, the need for 21st century skills, the influence of information society and the diffusion and the ubiquitous nature of ICT in all spheres of life require teachers to employ ICT to improve the quality of teaching and learning in order to produce ICT capable learners who will be able to use ICTs for knowledge creation and knowledge sharing, social development and economic growth. This assumption is based on the New Network Society Theory which endorses the use of ICT in schools by all the stakeholders. This paper will share the qualitative data gathered through interviews with teachers who use ICT for the enhancement of teaching and learning in the urban schools of Gauteng province in South Africa. The results revealed that the factors impeding the integration of ICT in teaching and learning are: insufficient number of computers and lack of application programs, teacher generation gap, inadequate teacher training, lack of ICT skill and lack of confidence, teachers' beliefs, poor school leadership and lack of public support. The recommendations are wide ranging and include measures that will capacitate and encourage teachers to integrate ICT as prescribed by today's learner and social structure of the 21st century.
South African Journal of Education, 2001
In a previous article we discussed, in detail, the problem of this study, its aim, methods used, ... more In a previous article we discussed, in detail, the problem of this study, its aim, methods used, its limitations, and the first five of twelve barriers that were perceived to be obstacles to the advancement of women to leadership positions in the education profession, in particular, and the workplace, in general. To avoid repetition, the issues already discussed can be read as background information in the previous article. This article is devoted to the discussion of the last seven barriers that were also identified as constituting some of the hurdles women have to overcome before they are promoted to senior positions in the field of education. (South African Journal of Education: 2001 21(4): 324-330)
In this chapter, we consider two research frameworks: conceptual and theoretical. The chapter com... more In this chapter, we consider two research frameworks: conceptual and theoretical. The chapter complements and questions the existing conversations around the theoretical and conceptual perspectives that inform the research process. Thus, the intent in the chapter is both edifying and therapeutic. Although Bak (2004:17) posits that there are a variety of ways of crafting a theoretical framework, for the most part, this chapter will enable researchers to overcome theoretical struggles and appreciate how a research framework might assist them to “interpret and understand the findings of research” within a research framework which makes ‘“sense’ of the data” (May, 1993:20). Some authors acknowledge three types of research frameworks, namely, theoretical, practical (Scriven, 1986) and conceptual (Eisenhart, 1991), although practical frameworks are beyond the scope of this chapter. You will find this chapter useful if you are a postgraduate researcher, a research supervisor, or examiner of theses, as it will assist you to come to terms with the fundamental aspects of theoretical and conceptual frameworks in their diversity, richness and depth. The primary aim is to provide researchers like you, with tools for understanding such analytical research devices in order to appreciate their role and function in social inquiry.
This dissertation would not have been completed without the contribution of the following special... more This dissertation would not have been completed without the contribution of the following special people to whom my sincere appreciation and thanks are due: My supervisor, Prof. Elias R. Mathipa, for his expert guidance, sound advice, inspiration and patience; My editor, Silvia Nyambura, for proofreading the manuscript, as well as for her motivation and friendly encouragement; Dr CDM Tlale for editing the final manuscript; Mom and Dad, for their support, positive expectations, patience and love; My son Leslie, for always being there, watching with interest and enduring with patience; My sisters, brother and nephews, for their unselfish support and unfailing encouragement; My friend Elizabeth, who served as my role model unknowingly, for her undying support, time and tolerance; and All lecturers and students, who participated in this study for their cooperation, and unselfish sharing of information,
Knowledge Pathing: Multi-, Inter- and Trans-Disciplining in Social Sciences Series
The teaching profession has a long history of providing mentorship to mentees (budding lecturers)... more The teaching profession has a long history of providing mentorship to mentees (budding lecturers) through focused, collaborative, and one-on-one relationships. However, despite new lecturers’ ongoing need for guidance and assistance, mentoring is relatively neglected as a concept in institutions of higher education. This study explores the concept of mentoring in higher education institutions to ascertain whether different mentoring strategies and approaches can be utilized to support junior researchers who are in need of guidance, coaching, and assistance. In this study, purposively sampled mentors and mentees were interviewed about their views of, and experiences with, mentoring. The study extends beyond the mentoring research and highlights that mentoring can promote unintended outcomes due to its dynamic nature. The article also addresses how both the mentor and mentee play important roles in the success of the mentoring process. The article concludes with recommendations for me...
Knowledge Pathing: Multi-, Inter- and Trans-Disciplining in Social Sciences Series
Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 2014
ABSTRACT Proverbs, metaphors and folktales complement each other in terms of the vital role they ... more ABSTRACT Proverbs, metaphors and folktales complement each other in terms of the vital role they culturally play in maintaining and sustaining the survival of communities that practice the African philosophy of ubuntu. These concepts do so by ensuring that there are in place rules, principles and pertinent examples that promote the well-being of communities in question because "indigenous knowledge is unique to a particular culture and society"(Higgs, Higgs & Venter 2003:40) . In this context, the folktales usually give the needed background cover(space) that is necessary for the creation of a particular proverb, in a way that not only tries to justify such a proverb, but also give examples of what happens upon nonconformity to the injunction contained in that particular proverb. On the other hand, metaphors are part of us, while the proverb belongs to our system of thinking, and thus forms part our cognitive consciousness. In the sense that, language is inconceivable without thought" (Brand 2003:2). There is no way a culture can sustain itself and its people if it does not have a base, which is fortified by its proverbs, metaphors and folklores. These three literary classifications help define a people's existence, purpose and destiny and are collectively referred to as "simple forms" (Scholes 1974). This article employs the systems approach because "no entity of any description whatsoever can be understood properly unless we take into account its total system" (Higgs & Smith 2006:27). Literature review forms the bedrock of the study because most of our knowledge nowadays is stored in books.