Here is an introduction text above publications. To be revised …
MAPPING THE LANDSCAPE OF EXTRA-CURRICULAR STEM ACTIVITIES FOR YOUNG CHILDREN IN SOUTH AFRICA
Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) are key areas for a country’s development,
and therefore promoting knowledge, interest and involvement in these areas is crucial. This is particularly
important in South Africa as the country transforms into a knowledge-based economy concomitant with
different workforce requirements. The ...
Published in: 2018
Keywords: Science / Science and the public / STEM activities
I believe I can do science: Self-efficacy and science achievement of Grade 9 students in South Africa
An important component of an individual’s scientific literacy is a positive attitude towards science. However, emphasis is too often placed on achievement scores rather than attitude. While individuals’ relative levels of problem-solving skills, inherent aptitudes for the subject matter and teaching practices are conveyed through achievement sc ...
Published in: 2018
Keywords: Science Atittude / Self efficacy / self-confidence / TIMSS
Education & Training: Successes, Challenges, Possibilities, Constraints and Key Priorities
Presentation to ANC Manifesto meeting
Published in: 2018
Keywords: Education / Training
Bullies, victims and bully-victims in South African schools: Examining the risk factors
School bullying is a complex social phenomenon that negatively impacts the psychosocial well-being of students, as well as the overall culture and climate of schools. Designing appropriate interventions to combat bullying in South African schools requires nuanced information about this phenomenon. This paper examines the extent and nature of bullyi ...
Published in: 2018
Keywords: Bully-victims / Bullying / Bullying risk factors / School safety
Volume 2: Issue 9 TIMSS SA Newsletter – School Climate
September 2017
School climate refers to the character and quality of social interactions which take place in schools and to the intangible
elements of the school environment. School climate involves multiple dimensions (such as bullying, violence, leadership,
belonging) within schools, and involves learners and teachers, as well as parents. The learning environ ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Bullying in school / School leadership / School safety
Volume 2: Issue 8 TIMSS SA Newsletter – Language and Learning
June 2017
Language plays a crucial role in learning. Learners are taught all subjects in their school’s language
of learning and teaching (LoLT). Fluency of this language, especially when it is different to a
learner’s home language, impacts on learners’ ability to understand concepts and to take part in
classroom discussion. Language experts contin ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Education and Languages / Language and Literacy
Volume 2: Issue 7 TIMSS SA Newsletter – Early Learning: Getting the Best Start Possible
April 2017
Engaging in learning activities at home and in preschool, prior to entering Grade 1, is crucial for children’s
cognitive, development and impacts on their achievement in school. A child’s early experiences contributes to the
development of learning skills as well as social and emotional abilities. The April 2017 issue of the TIMSS
newsletter ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Early learning
Volume 2: Issue 6 TIMSS SA Newsletter – The Matric Issue
February 2017
The National Senior Certificate examination results are used as an important barometer to
evaluate progress made in the South African education system. The class of 2016 boasted an overall pass
rate of 72.5%, compared to 70.7% in 2015. The first issue of 2017 focuses on the Matric results and the
results of TIMSS 2015 to provide insights into th ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Grade 12 / Learner Performance / Matrics
Volume 2: Issue 10 TIMSS SA Newsletter – Understanding How Learners Think
November 2017
South African learners have performed poorly in national and international assessments. There have been
improvements over the years, but much remains to be done. What we need to understand is why learners
answer questions the way they do. Diagnostic item analysis is a tool that can help us understand learners’
thinking, enabling us to identify ...
Published in: 2017
Keywords: Mathematics Grade 9 / Quantitative error analysis in mathematics / Science Grade 9 / Teacher classroom practices
TIMSS SA Spotlight On Language And Literacy
Learning through a second (or third) language
The results from the 2015 Trends in
International Mathematics and
Science Study (TIMSS) point to a clear
relationship between language and
performance in Mathematics and Science
achievement worldwide. Using countryspecific data from the Grade 5 and 9 study,
we examine this relationship in South Africa.
Learners’ achievement can be impacted ...
Published in: 2017
Authors: J. Harvey, A. Juan, S. Hannan, V. Reddy & L. Zuze
Keywords: Education and Languages / Language and Literacy / TIMSS 2015