Archive of Journal
Volume 78, Issue 3, Mar. 2022

GENDER EQUALITY IN HIGHER EDUCATION AND INDIAN GOVERNMENT MEASUREMENTS: A REFERENCE FOR PAKISTAN TO PROMOTE GENDER EQUALITY

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.9

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Abstract: In India's higher education, denotative and connotative gender inequality live together, more evident among vulnerable groups like lower Social Castes, Social Tribes, Muslims, and other minorities. The educational administrative framework with deep segmentation and various levels of government and the hierarchical class system with strong male preference has promoted to a certain degree, gender equality in higher education has been achieved via the formulation and implementation of a number of formal systems comprised of laws and regulations. However, these formal systems form institutional shackles, which hinder the implementation of further realization, affecting the higher education system. The present study aims to understand how India improved its gender equality in recent years and what measurements the government of India took so that we can fetch some experiences and lessons from India to promote gender equality in Pakistan's higher education. With this background, we use the All India Survey of Higher Education (2015-16 to 2019-20), Ministry of Education of India to calculate the gender equality status in Indian higher education by using Gender-Equality Index (GEI) method. The results show an improvement towards gender equality at all higher education levels. The Indian government has established a number of classifications, as well as associated laws and policies, and taken required actions to ensure compliance with applicable rules and policies. These systems have played a specific role in promoting gender equality in higher education.

Author(s): Prof. Liu Hui, Khan Ghulam Murtaza


A SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHER EDUCATION CASE STUDY - WHY SOME STUDENTS THRIVE WHILST OTHERS DO NOT

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.3

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Abstract: The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is characterized as a microcosm of South Africa, reflecting a myriad of societal dynamics, including inequality that perpetuates as a legacy from the apartheid period. Understanding how societal differences influences and shapes student preparation, access, experience and performance in higher education is significant to inform student support and intervention. Through the lens of economic and cultural capital, this study set out to explore why some students thrive whilst others do not. The paper contributes to the emerging qualitative studies in South African Higher Education Institutions on student performance and support. Using a case study design, a cohort of twenty-seven first-year students enrolled in an undergraduate health sciences program were tracked until completion. The findings reveal that working-class students performed academically lower than middle-class students. There were also significant differences in how income and the leverage it allowed in the way of family stability, access to good schools, attitudes to education and support from communities, shaped their preparation for higher education, and by extension their academic performance.

Author(s): Priscilla Brijlal, Wendy, J. McMillan; Seyi, L. Amosun


TEACHING ELECTRICITY AND MAGNETISM TO HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICAL SCIENCE LEARNERS: THE EFFECTIVENESS OF LEARNING STYLE-BASED INSTRUCTIONS

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.1

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Abstract: Recent studies have shown that learners receive and process information differently. As learners learn in various ways, it appears impossible to change each learner\'s learning style in the classroom. Instead, teachers might modify their teaching styles to be more consistent with their learners\' learning styles. This study takes into account the following objectives: first to determine the learning styles of learners; secondly, to determine how much variance in academic performance in electricity and magnetism can be explained by the variation in learning styles when they receive learning style-based instructions; and lastly, to determine learners\' experiences with learning style-based instructions. The study employs a theoretical framework to survey pertinent literature to review relevant literature and present various viewpoints on learning style-based instructions. A mixed-method sequential explanatory strategy was employed to achieve the intended objectives and to answer the research questions \"what is the change in learners\' achievement after experiencing learning style-based instruction?\". In addition, a purposeful convenience sampling procedure was employed to select two schools from the target population. A total of 205 physical science learners took part in the study. Physical Science Achievement Test (PSAT), interviews and Index of Learning Style Questionnaire (ILSQ) were the primary instruments utilised to collect data. Data analysis was primarily conducted using descriptive and inferential statistics and framework analysis. The results indicate that the predominant learning styles preferences were active, sequential, visual, and sensing. In addition, the study found a significant difference between learners\' achievement when they received learning style-based instruction in the physical sciences classroom. In light of the findings of this research, this study recommends that teachers assess the learning styles and modalities of their learners to create a teaching-learning plan that best suits their needs. Teachers must also consider that learning acquisition varies; instructions, activities, and learning materials must be altered to facilitate smooth delivery and effective instructional objectives. In addition, the study findings could help teachers become more sensitive to the differences learners bring to the classroom.

Author(s): SAKYIWAA BOATENG, EMMANUEL MUSHAYIKWA


NELSON RHOLIHLAHLA MANDELA’S GENEALOGICAL BACKGROUND AS DEPICTED IN SELECTED ISIXHOSA POETRY

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.4

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Abstract: This paper examines the manner in which some isiXhosa poets depict Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela’s genealogical background. The poetry to be considered includes Sithole’s ‘Imbongi ikhahlela iinkosi zakwaDalindyebo’ and ‘Ndisatsho nangoku’; Mtumane’s ‘Yalal’ ingotya yabaThembu’; Shasha’s ‘UMadiba waseQunu’; Yali-Manisi’s ‘UNkosi Rholihlahla Nelson Mandela’; Mtuze’s ‘Kugqirha Nelson Rholihlahla Mandela’; and Madlebe’s ‘Idelakufa lakwaMadiba’. In discussing Mandela’s genealogical background, the aspects to be attended to in the analysis are; claiming of origin back to a specific forefather, Mandela’s forefathers, the significance of the red ochre, Mandela as idelakufa (one who fears not death) and a leader worth following. All this will be based on the statements made by the isiXhosa poets about this icon. It will also be commented on how the background has contributed to making Mandela the leader the poets depict him to have been. The concepts of background and genealogy will be defined as part of the introductory section of this discourse.

Author(s): Zilibele Mtumane, Noxolo Bobelo


AN INVESTIGATION ON THE CHALLENGES OF DECOLONISING SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHER EDUCATION CURRICULUM

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.8

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Abstract: South Africa (SA) like all other former colonized African countries, is grappling with the politics of the challenges regarding decolonizing its higher education curriculum. There are perceived number of various probable challenges to decolonizing the higher education curriculum in South Africa. One of the perceived probable challenge is that of various differing views about what the concept ‘decolonizing the curriculum’ means. This challenge can be addressed by investigating views from various key figures in the higher education landscape in SA. An investigation about the various views of key figures in the SA higher education landscape about the challenges of decolonizing the higher education curriculum was conducted using in-depth interviews with a selected sample of research subjects. This research project was strictly qualitative. Among other things, the study also found that one of the challenges relates to the resistance from lecturers and managements of certain disciplines in various institutions in SA to implementing policies that seeks to decolonize the curriculum. Also, the unsurprising finding was the differing views about the concept ‘decolonisation of the curriculum’. This study underscores the importance of adequate understanding of the concept ‘decolonisation of the curriculum’ which will in turn help illuminate the challenges of decolonizing the curriculum in Higher education. The findings in this article may help anticipate challenges faced by the higher education institutions and curriculum developers. Furthermore, they can help in informing the conceptualisation the curriculum in SA higher education environment

Author(s): Jeremiah Madzimure

EXPERIENCES AND ISSUES OF POWER IN SUPERVISING POSTGRADUATE STUDENTS AT SELECTED SOUTH AFRICAN HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.6

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Abstract: Postgraduate supervision means a guide on the side for a student researching a particular field. I prefer to use the facilitation-centred method in my supervision because it allows the studentcentred constructivism approach. Constructivism forms the theoretical basis for the application of collaborative learning in the teaching and learning settings. Constructivism stresses the importance of reciprocal interaction among my research students in the construction of knowledge. I provide research workshop on topic selection, problem statement,setting objectives, how to write literature review as well as research methodology to my students. In summary, the reflection of my supervision style suggests that I am an effective supervisor who encourages constructivistic learning of my students and have an open-door policy. This opendoor policy allows some of my students who are still struggling to complete their proposals for consultation (even after these series of workshops I conducted). Encouraging peer-to-peer consultation, attending writing centre workshops and other university wide research workshops, I see an improvement in my student’s proposals

Author(s): Jeremiah Madzimure

THE EFFECTS OF OVERCROWDED CLASSROOMS ON TEACHING AND LEARNING IN ONE HIGH SCHOOL IN THE CHRIS HANI DISTRICT

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.2

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Abstract: The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of overcrowded classrooms on teaching and learning. The research reflected in this study aimed to highlight the challenges teachers and learners encounter in overcrowded classrooms. A qualitative research approach was chosen as the appropriate methodology for this study. The data generation process was obtained through unstructured interviews with teachers and learners. The study’s sample comprised of three teachers and five learners purposefully chosen as participants who are knowledgeable and have an experience of overcrowded classrooms. The theoretical frameworks used was constructivist learning theory and socio-constructivist learning theory. The overall findings of the study point out that teachers and learners experience numerous challenges during teaching and learning as a result of a large number of learners in the classrooms. These challenges include inappropriate classroom management, inadequate classroom space, lack of motivation to participate and insufficient time allocated for assessment. For effective teaching and learning to occur in overcrowded classrooms it is recommended that teachers must be trained for best practices to improve in such circumstances.

Author(s): Xipu Fezeka, Mpiti Pretty Thandiswa


THE RELEVANCE OF DIGITAL BUSINESS IN A DIVERSE ENVIRONMENT; ENTREPRENEURSHIP PERSPECTIVE

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.10

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Abstract: Digital business and entrepreneurship are increasingly becoming very instrumental in the development of societies, especially in diverse environments such as sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). This paper focuses on Sub Sahara Africa (SSA) due to its entrenched diversity. Africa and for that matter, SSA is seeking to take advantage of integration to enhance growth and development. Notable of these integration approaches is the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA) which seek to foster trade among African countries, translating into integration or inclusion. The element of trade is heavily undergirded by entrepreneurship. However, this laudable strategy is associated with a significant challenge regarding the effective management of the entrenched diversity in the societal context under discussion. Further, the application of technology in business (digital business) in recent times adds an extra dimension to the challenge. This paper demonstrates that aligning the digital business to the concepts of diversity and inclusion may create the needed integration to serve as a lever for effective entrepreneurship in SSA. In-depth literature was employed to demonstrate the narrative and advance the argument.

Author(s): Erasmus Kofi Appiah

GROWTH PROMOTION OF RHIZOBACTERIA INOCULANTS IN TOMATO (LYCOPERSICON ESCULENTUM MILL.) PLANTS.

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.5

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Abstract: The rhizosphere is characterized by a large population of beneficial microorganisms. In this study, the ability of rhizobacteria to promote the growth of tomato plants in-vitro and in-vivo was investigated. Rhizosphere bacteria were isolated from soil and the root adhering samples of tomato plants and screened for growth promoting traits which include nitrogen fixation, phosphate and potassium solubilization and indole acetic acid (IAA) production. Eighteen rhizobacteria were isolated, 3 of the isolates (Nfb2, Psb2 and Ksb1) were considered as plant growth enhancers based on their in-vitro evaluation. All the three isolates were able to produce different amounts of IAA. Highest value was noticed in Ksb1 (60.0 ?g/ml) while the lowest was noticed in Psb2 (24.1 ?g/ml). All three isolates (Nfb2, Psb2 and Ksb1) showed in-vivo growth promotion in tomato plants. When compared to other PGPR combinations, treatment with PGPR isolate Psb showed maximum growth performance with mean values of shoot length, leaves and branches being 31.79 cm, 67.22 and 7.00 respectively while the mean values of the root length, wet weight and dry weight are 5.73 cm, 21.02 g and 4.29 g, respectively. All of the isolated strains showed significant enhancing effects on the growth of tomato plants as compared with the control. Therefore, the use of PGPR isolates is encouraged for better growth performance of plants.

Author(s): Omoleye T. A., S. O. Ayilara-Akande, B. A. Kelly


EXAMINING THE SIGNIFICANCE OF STREET NAMING AND THE ROLE OF COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION IN ETHEKWINI MUNICIPALITY

Volume 78, Mar 2022
doi: 10.21506/j.ponte.2022.3.7

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Abstract: Post-apartheid South Africa is experiencing several changes and the odonyms or street names, are not spared. Street name changing was initiated in 2002 by the African National Congress (ANC) led government. Such changes, in some places, have resulted in public protests and legal challenges, and that offers the background of this study. The purpose of this article is to examine the significance of both street naming and the role played by community members in the process of adopting or rejecting the new names. A comprehensive literature review was undertaken and qualitative research methods were used in which data was collected employing semi-structured interviews. The literature review indicates that the significance of street naming was to address orthographic mistakes and replace apartheid names with those that give formal recognition to place names commonly used by indigenous people. Although the city tried to involve all community members, there were complaints that the process was a top own down approach from the politicians and administrators. In conclusion, the paper notes that street naming has the potential to form cohesion and unity or further divide communities as it may be interpreted as a motive to erase history.

Author(s): Molokwane, Revelation Matthews Serathi