No abstract

THIS STUDY REPORTS ON A learner-support intervention aimed at the development of perceptual-motor skills of kindergarten learners from disadvantaged environments. A quantitative research method was followed which consisted of a three-group, pre-test/posttest design. Three Grade R (kindergarten) schools were selected by means of a convenience sample. Two schools were selected from disadvantaged communities (Quintile 1 schools)-C1 (n = 30) and E (n = 25)-and one from a more advantaged community (Quintile 3 school)-C2 (n = 22). A two-level perceptual-motor intervention was implemented in school E for nine months. All participants were tested before and after the intervention by means of a schoolreadiness test. Results were analysed using an analysis of variance (ANOVA), dependent t-tests and an analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) to determine differences among and within groups. A significant relationship was found between school readiness and perceptual-motor development. Results also suggested that a perceptual-motor intervention could aid learners from disadvantaged environments in overcoming factors which impede school readiness.

Not only is the disposition of its research endeavours grounded on a philosophical basis, it is also embedded in the empirical. The research methodology of each chapter emanates from applicable philosophical assumptions in the form of an applicable theoretical and conceptual framework. The latter forms a firm basis for the application of sound empiricism. Both qualitative and quantitative empirical approaches were alternatively applied in the various chapters.The content of each chapter was meticulously analysed before being finally accepted. In response to the call for chapters, 26 abstracts were received. After evaluation of these abstracts, 24 authors were granted the opportunity of submitting full manuscripts for evaluation. Subsequently the latter were submitted to a rigorous double-blind peer review process. These manuscripts were submitted to at least two or three specialist reviewers in their particular fields of specialisation. All of these review reports are preserved and kept for enquiry and assessment.The content of the current book was chosen from a selection for a 2014 publication which did not obtain a subsidy from the DHET, titled Nuances of Teaching Learning and Research, published by AndCork Publishers. After careful re-evaluation, a much smaller number of chapters was selected, substantially reworked and considerably extended, after which the chapters were again submitted to a double-blind peer review process. Ultimately, of the 26 abstracts originally received only 10 were finally accepted as suitable for publication in the current volume. Finally, in terms of the requirements set by clause 6.12 of the Department of Higher Education and Training policy on reworked publications, this book now contains more than 50% original content not published before.The content of this book adds to the body of scholarly knowledge in education. In his evaluation of the book, Acting Executive Dean, Faculty of Education and Training, Professor Akpovire Oduaran, made the following remarks:To a large extent, the ideas put together in this book have come from data generated not just from literature found in books and journals but actual interactions with educators and the learning environment. So then, what the reader is offered in this volume is the articulation of ideas that have been interrogated, structured and presented in surprisingly simplistic and yet incisive and academically enriching content that can match the standards of scholarship that is available in the Western World. Yet, what makes this book so welcome, relevant and timely, is the fact that it is built around Afrocentric theories and practices such as one may find in imported literature.

Die ontwikkeling van Graad R-leerders se perseptueel-motoriese vaardighede kan moontlik beïnvloed word deur die Graad R-onderwyser se houding. 'n Positiewe houding sal die ontwikkeling van perseptueel-motoriese vaardighede bevorder, terwyl 'n negatiewe houding kan veroorsaak dat nie aandag gegee word aan dié vaardighede nie. 'n Kwantitatiewe metode is gevolg om te bepaal of die ontwikkeling van perseptueel-motoriese vaardighede by Graad R-leerders deur die onderwyser se houding beïnvloed kan word. Die respondente (n=25) wat volgens 'n gerieflikheidsteekproef geselekteer is, het 'n self-opgestelde vraelys voltooi. Resultate is statisties geanaliseer deur middel van beskrywende statistiek asook as Spearman se rangorde-korrelasie, om verbande te ontleed tussen die onderwysers se ouderdom en ondervinding, die sosio-ekonomiese omstandighede en die aantal leerders in die klas aan die een kant, met die tyd wat aan vakke in Graad R bestee word aan die ander kant. Daar is verder gebruik gemaak van tweerigting-frekwensie-tabelle met Chi-kwadraattoetse en Cramer's V om die sterkte van die verband tussen ras, taal van onderrig en die vrae wat verband hou met houding, te bepaal. 'n Beduidende verband is gevind tussen die onderwysers se ouderdom, die ondervinding van die onderwysers, die aantal leerders in die klas, die sosio-ekonomiese omgewing, en die tyd wat aan vakke bestee word. Ouer onderwysers met min ervaring en oorvol klasse bestee minder tyd aan onderrig van verskillende vakke. Indien dié aspekte aangepak word deur indiensopleiding, kan dit moontlik 'n positiewe effek uitoefen op die onderwyser se houding teenoor die onderrig van Lewensvaardighede, waarby die ontwikkeling van leerders se perseptueel-motoriese vaardighede sal baat om uiteindelik neer-slag te vind in beter skoolgereedheid van Graad 1-leerders.

No abstract