Mrs. Ndileleni Mudzielwana | University of Venda (original) (raw)
Papers by Mrs. Ndileleni Mudzielwana
International Journal of Asian Social Science
This paper’s purpose was to explore coping strategies employed by international postgraduate stud... more This paper’s purpose was to explore coping strategies employed by international postgraduate students at one South African university amid challenges faced during their studies. The study was a qualitative case-study where data was collected through telephonic semi-structured interviews with 14 international postgraduates, with the prime objective of examining the nature of departure intentions and coping strategies of the international students and then present an analysis of the coping strategies adopted through the process of thematic coding. The findings indicate that while students had high departure intentions, they managed to complete their studies by relying on various coping strategies. Within this positive trend there were variations within individual experiences and coping strategies. The recommendation was that institutions should talk about international student support services before and at arrival, and during the study, to link students to relevant support structures...
International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 2021
This study measured the correlation between mathematics self-concept and academic achievement of ... more This study measured the correlation between mathematics self-concept and academic achievement of students at four schools in Vhembe District, South Africa. The study targeted Grade 12 candidates for the South African National Senior Certificate (matric). A sample of 236 respondents – 112 boys and 124 girls – was selected from four schools using purposive and stratified random sampling. Two schools were in a rural area and two in an urban area. A questionnaire that included items from the Academic Self-Concept Questionnaire, and document analysis, were used to measure mathematics self-concept and academic achievement. Each respondent's mathematics achievement score was determined by averaging their mathematics scores over three consecutive terms. The multiple linear regression model and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses. The results of the study show that mathematics self-concept positively and significantly predicted academic achievement. Base...
Gender and behaviour, 2020
Given the importanceof teaching and learning as fundamental in any institution, this article soug... more Given the importanceof teaching and learning as fundamental in any institution, this article sought to investigate best practices in teaching and learning at a rural university. The qualitative method was adopted in which a questionnaire with open-ended questions wasused to collect data from lecturers.Qualitative data collected were analysed using the Thematic Content Analysis technique (Cresswell, 2013). The principal findings of this study revealed that monitoring mechanisms of academic support programmes and the visibility of teaching and learning policies can improve lecturers’performance. Feedback to students and students’ motivation were found vital to best practices in teaching and learning. Students’ poor performance at the rural university negatively affects not only the stakeholders but the development of the country as a whole. The study recommends that lecturers should attend intensive in-service training workshop, short courses, curriculum review, academic support progr...
What are Foundation Phase (FP) student teachers’ experience of their teaching practice (TP)? This... more What are Foundation Phase (FP) student teachers’ experience of their teaching practice (TP)? This question captures the core tenants of this paper, which sought to fully comprehend the teaching practice learning experiences of pre-service student teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Education 3rd year Foundation Phase teaching programme in a comprehensive university. The paper argues that although FP student teachers are expected to do teaching practice, they experience such an undertaking differently. Qualitative case study research design was adopted whereby purposive and convenient sampling procedures were used to select only ten participants who are in their 3rd year of study and are enrolled in Foundation Phase Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme. Focus group interviews were used for data collection purposes. Further, the data was coded and analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings of the study reveal that student teachers experience several challenges such a...
South African Journal of Higher Education, 2019
Female teachers have historically been associated with teaching profession at the Foundation Phas... more Female teachers have historically been associated with teaching profession at the Foundation Phase (FP). It is a societal belief that female teachers provide motherly love and care and are naturally soft towards infants compared to their male counterparts. This article explores a new trend that is developing at a rural university where male student teachers are increasingly enrolling for a Bachelor of Education programme where they specialise in the foundation phase (FP) teaching. The article gathered male student teachers' views for choosing teaching in the foundation phase as a career at a rural university in Limpopo Province. This qualitative case study adopted a purposive sampling procedure to sample sixteen (16) male first year B.Ed. Foundation Phase student teachers to complete open-ended questions. Content analysed data reveal that even though male student teachers were intrinsically and altruistically motivated and positive about their FP career choice and hope to demystify FP teaching, a few of them admitted that FP was a default career choice. A longitudinal cohort study is recommended in order to decipher the motivations, experiences and career paths of male FP teachers.
Journal of Social Sciences, 2016
Children have the right to current, relevant and timely information. They need this information i... more Children have the right to current, relevant and timely information. They need this information in order to solve problems, make decisions and to succeed in their schoolwork. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of children as readers and information users in various contexts. The paper further examines factors influencing rural children's needs and user behavior as well as their reading and information needs. Recommendations are made based on literature that learners should be encouraged to read more widely than narrow topics of school tasks. They should be trained in different techniques and effective ways of searching for information.
The study sought to assess the helpfulness of school-based mentors in the nurturing of profession... more The study sought to assess the helpfulness of school-based mentors in the nurturing of professional development of student teachers on teaching practice. The study adopted a qualitative case study design in which a purposeful sample of twenty-five final Bachelor of Education students participated. Open ended questionnaires were used as the main and sole data collection tool. Content analysis was used to analyse data thematically after coding. The study found that school-based mentors were generally helpful to student teachers in numerous areas ranging from record making and keeping to classroom management. There were concerns of some mentors who only waited for students to ask for assistance. The study concluded that attaching trainee teachers to mentors is a good approach which could be further enhanced by adequately preparing mentors for their roles. Recommendations are made.
International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 2021
This study measured the correlation between mathematics selfconcept and academic achievement of s... more This study measured the correlation between mathematics selfconcept and academic achievement of students at four schools in Vhembe District, South Africa. The study targeted Grade 12 candidates for the South African National Senior Certificate (matric). A sample of 236 respondents-112 boys and 124 girls-was selected from four schools using purposive and stratified random sampling. Two schools were in a rural area and two in an urban area. A questionnaire that included items from the Academic Self-Concept Questionnaire, and document analysis, were used to measure mathematics self-concept and academic achievement. Each respondent's mathematics achievement score was determined by averaging their mathematics scores over three consecutive terms. The multiple linear regression model and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses. The results of the study show that mathematics self-concept positively and significantly predicted academic achievement. Based on ...
Studies of Tribes and Tribals, 2014
Discourse in the foundation phase often revolves around that learners cannot read and understand ... more Discourse in the foundation phase often revolves around that learners cannot read and understand the text. The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perception and understanding of learners’ low reading performance. Teachers often feel they are able to teach and that learners are unable to read with comprehension. The design of this study was qualitative approach. A sample of eight teachers was randomly selected from four schools in Limpopo Province was used in this study. The instrument for data collection was focus group discussion with the teachers. It was affirmed that there is low level of reading amongst learners. The results also indicated that the major factors for low reading level amongst others include factors such as the introduction of new curriculum without proper orientation of those who will implement it on the ground. Various recommendations were made for interventions.
Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion, 2014
The purpose of the study was: (a) to explore teachers’ attitudes towards teaching of reading com... more The purpose of the study was: (a) to explore teachers’ attitudes towards teaching of reading comprehension ; (b) to establish the knowledge and attitude of the teachers in facilitating reading comprehension. A sample of three schools each with two grade 3 classes from three primary schools participated in the study. Teachers’ individual interviews, focus group interviews and classroom observations was used to collect data in this study. The findings of the study revealed that the participating teachers had limited understanding of reading comprehension strategies. They regarded teaching comprehension as challenge and were stressed, confused and frustrated because learners could not read and understand the text and they did not know what comprehension strategies were and how to apply them. Furthermore, responses showed that teachers were uncertain of how to teach reading comprehension and there was little time spent on reading comprehension with no uniform approach amongst teachers...
The study sought to look at the role of parents in developing reading skills of their children. T... more The study sought to look at the role of parents in developing reading skills of their children. The study was qualitative and 24 respondents in the foundation phase were selected using purposive random sampling from one primary school in the Limpopo province of South Africa. An interview schedule with parents and learners was conducted. The results showed that parents do not involve themselves and they become reluctant to help their children to do their school work at home. Some of the parents state that they are not teachers - after all, they pay school fees which helps to supplement the government subsidy. The study recommended that parents should be encouraged to attend meetings so that become aware about how to help and motivate their children in school work.
The study presented in this article gathered and examined the views of key stakeholders in rural ... more The study presented in this article gathered and examined the views of key stakeholders in rural South African secondary schools on strategies for curbing learner dropout. The investigation, which employed a qualitative case study research model, sampled 20 secondary school learners aged 17–20 (11 female, 9 male), 20 youth aged 17–22 (11 female, 9 male) who had dropped out of school, 10 School Governing Board (SGB) members (5 female, 5 male), and 20 teachers (9 female, 11 male), who were purposively sampled from two rural secondary schools engaged in tackling high dropout rates. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with school dropouts and SGB members, and through focus group discussions with teachers and learners. The study revealed that the main strategies the two schools used to curb learner dropout include the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP); the “no-fee school” system; counselling on personal and family challenges; attractive extra- or co-curricular ac...
This study explored the extent to which adults avail themselves in reading or telling stories to ... more This study explored the extent to which adults avail themselves in reading or telling stories to their children. The qualitative method of research was employed in this study. The study used a case study design. Data collected through semi structured interviews. A purposive sample of twenty (20) parents from Vhembe District participated in the study. The interviews were conducted with the mother language. Data was transcribed and translated verbatim from the mother tongue to English. The data revealed that there are many factors that hinder parents’ involvement in the development of their children’s literacy development and health promotion. The study recommended that motivational talks should be held during civic and club meetings to encourage parents to read or tell stories to their children. Illiterate parents should be encouraged to attend Adult Basic Education and Training classes. Books should be available around the house and parents should tell their children stories.
Empowering Students and Maximising Inclusiveness and Equality through ICT
Postgraduate Study in South Africa- Surviving and Succeeding, Nov 22, 2016
JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES
As the sole teacher education institute in Singapore, the National Institute of Education (NIE) p... more As the sole teacher education institute in Singapore, the National Institute of Education (NIE) prepares all new teachers for teaching in Singapore's Education System. In the last decade, NIE's enrolment for initial teacher preparation programmes has grown significantly with peaks in the recession years. There is also some evidence of attrition taking place when beginning teachers complete their bond with the Ministry of Education. It is thus important to determine empirically the reasons why student teachers join the teaching profession. As part of a longitudinal study on beginning teachers' attitudes towards teaching and professional development, a research survey, the first of three data collections, was administered to whole cohorts of student teachers entering the three main teacher preparation programmes at NIE in July 2004. This paper presents the survey findings on student teachers' range of reasons for choosing teaching as a career and discusses those differences between cohorts of different programmes.
International Journal of Asian Social Science
This paper’s purpose was to explore coping strategies employed by international postgraduate stud... more This paper’s purpose was to explore coping strategies employed by international postgraduate students at one South African university amid challenges faced during their studies. The study was a qualitative case-study where data was collected through telephonic semi-structured interviews with 14 international postgraduates, with the prime objective of examining the nature of departure intentions and coping strategies of the international students and then present an analysis of the coping strategies adopted through the process of thematic coding. The findings indicate that while students had high departure intentions, they managed to complete their studies by relying on various coping strategies. Within this positive trend there were variations within individual experiences and coping strategies. The recommendation was that institutions should talk about international student support services before and at arrival, and during the study, to link students to relevant support structures...
International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 2021
This study measured the correlation between mathematics self-concept and academic achievement of ... more This study measured the correlation between mathematics self-concept and academic achievement of students at four schools in Vhembe District, South Africa. The study targeted Grade 12 candidates for the South African National Senior Certificate (matric). A sample of 236 respondents – 112 boys and 124 girls – was selected from four schools using purposive and stratified random sampling. Two schools were in a rural area and two in an urban area. A questionnaire that included items from the Academic Self-Concept Questionnaire, and document analysis, were used to measure mathematics self-concept and academic achievement. Each respondent's mathematics achievement score was determined by averaging their mathematics scores over three consecutive terms. The multiple linear regression model and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses. The results of the study show that mathematics self-concept positively and significantly predicted academic achievement. Base...
Gender and behaviour, 2020
Given the importanceof teaching and learning as fundamental in any institution, this article soug... more Given the importanceof teaching and learning as fundamental in any institution, this article sought to investigate best practices in teaching and learning at a rural university. The qualitative method was adopted in which a questionnaire with open-ended questions wasused to collect data from lecturers.Qualitative data collected were analysed using the Thematic Content Analysis technique (Cresswell, 2013). The principal findings of this study revealed that monitoring mechanisms of academic support programmes and the visibility of teaching and learning policies can improve lecturers’performance. Feedback to students and students’ motivation were found vital to best practices in teaching and learning. Students’ poor performance at the rural university negatively affects not only the stakeholders but the development of the country as a whole. The study recommends that lecturers should attend intensive in-service training workshop, short courses, curriculum review, academic support progr...
What are Foundation Phase (FP) student teachers’ experience of their teaching practice (TP)? This... more What are Foundation Phase (FP) student teachers’ experience of their teaching practice (TP)? This question captures the core tenants of this paper, which sought to fully comprehend the teaching practice learning experiences of pre-service student teachers enrolled in the Bachelor of Education 3rd year Foundation Phase teaching programme in a comprehensive university. The paper argues that although FP student teachers are expected to do teaching practice, they experience such an undertaking differently. Qualitative case study research design was adopted whereby purposive and convenient sampling procedures were used to select only ten participants who are in their 3rd year of study and are enrolled in Foundation Phase Initial Teacher Education (ITE) programme. Focus group interviews were used for data collection purposes. Further, the data was coded and analysed using thematic content analysis. The findings of the study reveal that student teachers experience several challenges such a...
South African Journal of Higher Education, 2019
Female teachers have historically been associated with teaching profession at the Foundation Phas... more Female teachers have historically been associated with teaching profession at the Foundation Phase (FP). It is a societal belief that female teachers provide motherly love and care and are naturally soft towards infants compared to their male counterparts. This article explores a new trend that is developing at a rural university where male student teachers are increasingly enrolling for a Bachelor of Education programme where they specialise in the foundation phase (FP) teaching. The article gathered male student teachers' views for choosing teaching in the foundation phase as a career at a rural university in Limpopo Province. This qualitative case study adopted a purposive sampling procedure to sample sixteen (16) male first year B.Ed. Foundation Phase student teachers to complete open-ended questions. Content analysed data reveal that even though male student teachers were intrinsically and altruistically motivated and positive about their FP career choice and hope to demystify FP teaching, a few of them admitted that FP was a default career choice. A longitudinal cohort study is recommended in order to decipher the motivations, experiences and career paths of male FP teachers.
Journal of Social Sciences, 2016
Children have the right to current, relevant and timely information. They need this information i... more Children have the right to current, relevant and timely information. They need this information in order to solve problems, make decisions and to succeed in their schoolwork. The aim of this paper is to provide an overview of children as readers and information users in various contexts. The paper further examines factors influencing rural children's needs and user behavior as well as their reading and information needs. Recommendations are made based on literature that learners should be encouraged to read more widely than narrow topics of school tasks. They should be trained in different techniques and effective ways of searching for information.
The study sought to assess the helpfulness of school-based mentors in the nurturing of profession... more The study sought to assess the helpfulness of school-based mentors in the nurturing of professional development of student teachers on teaching practice. The study adopted a qualitative case study design in which a purposeful sample of twenty-five final Bachelor of Education students participated. Open ended questionnaires were used as the main and sole data collection tool. Content analysis was used to analyse data thematically after coding. The study found that school-based mentors were generally helpful to student teachers in numerous areas ranging from record making and keeping to classroom management. There were concerns of some mentors who only waited for students to ask for assistance. The study concluded that attaching trainee teachers to mentors is a good approach which could be further enhanced by adequately preparing mentors for their roles. Recommendations are made.
International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 2021
This study measured the correlation between mathematics selfconcept and academic achievement of s... more This study measured the correlation between mathematics selfconcept and academic achievement of students at four schools in Vhembe District, South Africa. The study targeted Grade 12 candidates for the South African National Senior Certificate (matric). A sample of 236 respondents-112 boys and 124 girls-was selected from four schools using purposive and stratified random sampling. Two schools were in a rural area and two in an urban area. A questionnaire that included items from the Academic Self-Concept Questionnaire, and document analysis, were used to measure mathematics self-concept and academic achievement. Each respondent's mathematics achievement score was determined by averaging their mathematics scores over three consecutive terms. The multiple linear regression model and one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used to test the hypotheses. The results of the study show that mathematics self-concept positively and significantly predicted academic achievement. Based on ...
Studies of Tribes and Tribals, 2014
Discourse in the foundation phase often revolves around that learners cannot read and understand ... more Discourse in the foundation phase often revolves around that learners cannot read and understand the text. The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ perception and understanding of learners’ low reading performance. Teachers often feel they are able to teach and that learners are unable to read with comprehension. The design of this study was qualitative approach. A sample of eight teachers was randomly selected from four schools in Limpopo Province was used in this study. The instrument for data collection was focus group discussion with the teachers. It was affirmed that there is low level of reading amongst learners. The results also indicated that the major factors for low reading level amongst others include factors such as the introduction of new curriculum without proper orientation of those who will implement it on the ground. Various recommendations were made for interventions.
Journal of Philosophy, Culture and Religion, 2014
The purpose of the study was: (a) to explore teachers’ attitudes towards teaching of reading com... more The purpose of the study was: (a) to explore teachers’ attitudes towards teaching of reading comprehension ; (b) to establish the knowledge and attitude of the teachers in facilitating reading comprehension. A sample of three schools each with two grade 3 classes from three primary schools participated in the study. Teachers’ individual interviews, focus group interviews and classroom observations was used to collect data in this study. The findings of the study revealed that the participating teachers had limited understanding of reading comprehension strategies. They regarded teaching comprehension as challenge and were stressed, confused and frustrated because learners could not read and understand the text and they did not know what comprehension strategies were and how to apply them. Furthermore, responses showed that teachers were uncertain of how to teach reading comprehension and there was little time spent on reading comprehension with no uniform approach amongst teachers...
The study sought to look at the role of parents in developing reading skills of their children. T... more The study sought to look at the role of parents in developing reading skills of their children. The study was qualitative and 24 respondents in the foundation phase were selected using purposive random sampling from one primary school in the Limpopo province of South Africa. An interview schedule with parents and learners was conducted. The results showed that parents do not involve themselves and they become reluctant to help their children to do their school work at home. Some of the parents state that they are not teachers - after all, they pay school fees which helps to supplement the government subsidy. The study recommended that parents should be encouraged to attend meetings so that become aware about how to help and motivate their children in school work.
The study presented in this article gathered and examined the views of key stakeholders in rural ... more The study presented in this article gathered and examined the views of key stakeholders in rural South African secondary schools on strategies for curbing learner dropout. The investigation, which employed a qualitative case study research model, sampled 20 secondary school learners aged 17–20 (11 female, 9 male), 20 youth aged 17–22 (11 female, 9 male) who had dropped out of school, 10 School Governing Board (SGB) members (5 female, 5 male), and 20 teachers (9 female, 11 male), who were purposively sampled from two rural secondary schools engaged in tackling high dropout rates. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with school dropouts and SGB members, and through focus group discussions with teachers and learners. The study revealed that the main strategies the two schools used to curb learner dropout include the National School Nutrition Programme (NSNP); the “no-fee school” system; counselling on personal and family challenges; attractive extra- or co-curricular ac...
This study explored the extent to which adults avail themselves in reading or telling stories to ... more This study explored the extent to which adults avail themselves in reading or telling stories to their children. The qualitative method of research was employed in this study. The study used a case study design. Data collected through semi structured interviews. A purposive sample of twenty (20) parents from Vhembe District participated in the study. The interviews were conducted with the mother language. Data was transcribed and translated verbatim from the mother tongue to English. The data revealed that there are many factors that hinder parents’ involvement in the development of their children’s literacy development and health promotion. The study recommended that motivational talks should be held during civic and club meetings to encourage parents to read or tell stories to their children. Illiterate parents should be encouraged to attend Adult Basic Education and Training classes. Books should be available around the house and parents should tell their children stories.
Empowering Students and Maximising Inclusiveness and Equality through ICT
Postgraduate Study in South Africa- Surviving and Succeeding, Nov 22, 2016
JOURNAL OF SOCIOLOGY AND SOCIAL ANTHROPOLOGY
INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL SCIENCES
As the sole teacher education institute in Singapore, the National Institute of Education (NIE) p... more As the sole teacher education institute in Singapore, the National Institute of Education (NIE) prepares all new teachers for teaching in Singapore's Education System. In the last decade, NIE's enrolment for initial teacher preparation programmes has grown significantly with peaks in the recession years. There is also some evidence of attrition taking place when beginning teachers complete their bond with the Ministry of Education. It is thus important to determine empirically the reasons why student teachers join the teaching profession. As part of a longitudinal study on beginning teachers' attitudes towards teaching and professional development, a research survey, the first of three data collections, was administered to whole cohorts of student teachers entering the three main teacher preparation programmes at NIE in July 2004. This paper presents the survey findings on student teachers' range of reasons for choosing teaching as a career and discusses those differences between cohorts of different programmes.