http://hdl.handle.net/10386/1 Wed, 22 May 2013 09:12:47 GMT 2013-05-22T09:12:47Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/845 Title: The effects of English language proficiency on performance and competence of learners in the rural secondary schools at Koloti Circuit Authors: Makgoka, Malesetja Patricia Abstract: This study investigated the effects of English Language Proficiency on Performance and Competence of Learners in the Rural Secondary Schools at Koloti circuit. The primary aim of this study was to establish whether English Language Proficiency had an effect on learners’ competence and performance in English as a Second Language and to establish the root cause of the problem of poor language proficiency. The background to this study was outlined, which was followed by an intensive literature review on the topic. The study followed a case study design which utilized 39 learners from the sampled schools in Koloti Circuit. Data was collected from diagnostic tests which were written by learners, questionnaires which were distributed to learners and parents, and interviews which were conducted with teachers and learners. The study showed that learners have serious deficiencies in reading, listening, speaking and writing skills which affect their competence and performance. The study also showed that this deficiency is attributed to teachers who need intensive in-service training in these skills. This study was based on Krashen’s and Cummin’s theories of second language learning. Description: Thesis (M.ED.) -- University of Limpopo, 2011 Sat, 01 Jan 2011 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/845 2011-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/843 Title: Multilingualism in the FET band schools of Polokwane area, a myth or a reality Authors: Ntsoane, Mogodi Abstract: Language prejudice is of two types: positive and negative. Negative prejudice is image effacing. It is characterized by negative evaluation of one’s own language or speech patterns and a preference for someone else’s. An example of this kind of self- -denigration is the case of David Christiaan, the Nama Chief in Namibia, who, in response to the Dutch missionaries’ attempt to open schools that would conduct their teaching using Nama as a medium of instruction, is reported to have shouted, “Only Dutch, Dutch only! I despise myself and I want to hide in the bush when I am talking my Hottentot language” (Vedder, 1981: 275 as quoted in Ohly, 1992:65. In Ambrose, et al (eds.) undated: 15). Description: Thesis (M.ED.) --University of Limpopo, 2008 Tue, 01 Jan 2008 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/843 2008-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/839 Title: Identity status development in the South African context : Relations with defenses, narcissism, parental attachment and ego strengths Authors: Mashegoane, Solomon Abstract: The identity status paradigm (ISP) is probably the most common theoretical model used to study identity development. It originates from Erikson’s (1950/1977) psychosocial theory, which, in turn, is historically rooted in the psychoanalytic perspective. The ISP postulates predictable relationships between each of the identity status categories and various intrapersonal and contextual variables. The applicability of the ISP in the South African context is tested in this study. A student sample was drawn from a predominantly African university, and was assessed for identity development over a period of three consecutive years (Ns = 394, 96 & 60, for years one, two and three, in that order). Participants were initially classified into the four identity status categories of Achievement, Moratorium, Foreclosure and Diffusion. The impact of gender and age on identity status development was investigated. The association between defenses and the identity statuses was also determined. Thereafter, identity statuses, in conjunction with defenses, narcissism, and parental attachment, were related to the ego strengths of Fidelity and Love. The results suggest that generally there is no relationship between the sets of variables in this particular sample. The results are discussed in relation to existing literature, and the issue of the appropriateness of the theory and/or the measures in the present sample is raised. Key terms: defense, ego strength, identity status, narcissism, parental attachment Description: Thesis (Ph.D. (Psychology)) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/839 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z http://hdl.handle.net/10386/838 Title: Characteristics of persons with mental retardation presenting at Polokwane / Makweng Hospital Complex : An Archival Study Authors: Poopedi, Molepo Hope Abstract: The aim of this study was to profile the characteristics of children with mental retardation presenting at the Clinical Psychology Unit of Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex over a period of five years. A descriptive methodological approach was chosen as a study design for the purpose of data collection and subsequent data analysis. Using the archival data method, the clinical files of all children presenting with mental retardation at this facility were retrieved and studied. A total of 326 (male = 169; female = 157) files covering the period under review were retrieved. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) was used to analyse the data. Categorical data were analysed by using frequency tables, descriptive statistics and crosstabulations. The study showed that 314 cases (96.3%) were reflected as Black, whilst the remaining 12 cases (3.7%) were reflected as White (2.15%); Indian (1.23%); and Other (0.30%). Several clinical methods that included clinical interviews, psychometric tests, clinical observations and collateral information sources were used by the psychologists for the purpose of making a diagnosis. The study further revealed that a huge number of cases (35.6%) were diagnosed with mental retardation. It was also found that 45.4% of the cases were diagnosed to have comorbid clinical conditions such as epilepsy, Down’s syndrome, visual problems etc. The majority of the persons were referred to the Clinical Psychology Unit to be assessed for school placement (50%) and disability grant (38.7%).With regard to interventions, psychologists who saw these persons tended to frequently refer them to special schools and other health professionals. Psychotherapy was the least utilised intervention method used by the psychologists. The findings of the present study reinforce the importance of and value of high quality management and treatment of mental retardation and related comorbid conditions. Based on these findings, it is recommended that more efforts be made to strengthen the working relationship between Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex and the respective special schools where these persons that are diagnosed with mental retardation are referred to. It is further recommended that consideration be given to strengthening the relationship between Polokwane/Mankweng Hospital Complex and the social security agency so as to obviate any potential problems that could be associated with the allocation of the disability grants to persons with mental retardation. Description: Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology) -- University of Limpopo, 2012 Sun, 01 Jan 2012 00:00:00 GMT http://hdl.handle.net/10386/838 2012-01-01T00:00:00Z