Projects

Technology-supported cooperative learning to enhance Self-Directed Learning	Project leader: Prof Elsa Mentz Source of funding: NRF project (2018 - 2020) Objectives: The focus of this project will be on establishing effective technology-supported cooperative learning environments to enhance Self-Directed Learning. Education and engineering students from NWU and students from Unisa will participate in this project. Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) combined with the social interdependence theory will be utilised as lens for this research within realism as philosophical paradigm. A qualitative and quantitative design-based approach will be followed to develop, implement and evaluate effective cooperative learning interventions, supported by technology to enhance Self-Directed Learning in a higher education learning environment. The expected outcome is to develop a framework for implementing technology-supported cooperative learning, conducive to the enhancement of Self-Directed Learning. This framework will include cooperative learning-embedded assessment, the impact of peer reflections as well as strategies for deeper learning. Furthermore, we will propose guidelines to evaluate the effectiveness of the integration of the five elements of cooperative learning in a technology-supported cooperative learning environment. With this project we ultimately aim to inform policy on higher education teaching and learning.
Multimodal multiliteracies in support of self-directed learning	Project leader: Prof Jako Olivier Source of funding: NRF project (2018 - 2020) Objectives: The objectives of this research project are to: Map the multiliteracies in selected subjects in terms of relevant policy documents and (paper-based and electronic) text books. Determine what the affordances are of indigenous multiliteracies in support of self-directed learning delivered by means of digital technologies. Explore how individualisation and differentiation of learning can be facilitated in terms of multimodal self-directed learning. Research the fostering of metacognition by means of multimodal multiliteracies pedagogy.
Multimodal learning and Open Educational Resources (OER)	Project leader Prof Jako Olivier Source of funding: Internal funds (SDL) Objectives: The aim of the project is to (1) build networks in Southern Africa around OER and multimodal learning, (2) build capacity at the NWU and in Southern Africa, (3) train lecturers in multimodal learning and the creation and use of OER as well as (4) doing and dissemination research on OER and multimodal learning. The project will also: investigate the quality and cultural appropriateness of the application of self-directed multimodal learning; determine the effective use of mobile devices (such as cell phones and tablets) for self-directed multimodal learning; explore data mining of learning management systems (such as eFundi) as well as interactive study guides and relevant metadata; determine what multiliteracies (in terms of language, visual, information and computer literacies) are required of contact and distance students in a self-directed learning context; investigate how individualisation and differentiation can be accommodated within a multimodal learning context; and determine how the use, establishment and contribution to open educational resources by lecturers can function in support of multimodal learning within a self-directed learning context.
Engaging pedagogies to address perennial issues in Science Education in South Africa	Project leader Prof Marietjie Havenga Source of funding: NRF project (2017 - 2019) Objectives: Main research aim: Determining to which extent engineering students' self-directed learning could be enhanced through the introduction of the problem-based learning strategy. Determining to which extent cooperative elements can support PBL to enhance students’ self-directed learning Determining to which extent blended learning can support PBL to enhance students’ self-directed learning. Determining to which extent assessment can support PBL to enhance students’ self-directed learning. Determining to which extent the integration of PBL enhances engineering students’ self-directed learning and indicating how the nature of this change enhances SDL. Contributing to knowledge production regarding the enhancement of engineering students’ self-directed learning through the introduction of PBL.
The affordances of indigenous knowledge for Self-Directed Learning	Project leader Prof Josef de Beer Source of funding: NRF project (2016 - 2018) Objectives: The objectives of this research project are to determine: How indigenous knowledge could best be incorporated in the school CAPS curriculum in science, mathematics and technology. How science, technology and mathematics teachers view indigenous knowledge before and after a three-day short course on indigenous knowledge. How teachers use problem-based learning and cooperative learning principles in teaching indigenous knowledge in their classrooms. What problems teachers experience in transferring their knowledge of and skills on indigenous knowledge in their classrooms. How the intervention on indigenous knowledge could promote self-directed learning among teachers and learners.
STEM teachers learning from Indigenous Knowledge Systems practitioners	Project leader Prof Josef de Beer Source of funding: NRF project (2016 - 2018) Objectives: The objectives of this research project are to determine: How indigenous knowledge holders (and museums) could become a third partner in the school-university value chain. How teachers could learn about indigenous knowledge in authentic situations from the holders of indigenous knowledge themselves. Whether the holders of indigenous knowledge are self-directed learners. How indigenous knowledge, as a means to better contextualise curricula, could foster SDL. How Cultural-Historical Activity Theory (CHAT) could best be used as a research lens in studying the incorporation of indigenous knowledge in the STEM classroom
Teachers without Borders: Creating indigenous knowledge science labs in rural schools	Project leader Prof Josef de Beer Source of funding: Fuchs Foundation (2016 - 2019) Objectives: The objectives of this research project are to determine: How teacher agency could be developed and supported in STEM subjects. How science-on-a-shoestring kits could best be utilised to promote problem-based learning in the classroom. How project-based learning, utilising the resource packs developed, could promote SDL. How a pedagogy of play, through the use of puppetry, could be used to provide learners with a more nuanced understanding of the nature of science and indigenous knowledge. How teachers’ professional development could be enhanced through well-functioning communities of practice.
Fostering Aspects of Self-Directed Learning through Personalized and Adaptive Instruction Design in Online Learning Environments (SDL-PAID)	Project leader Prof Christo van der Westhuizen Source of funding: Joint Research Project funding: Swiss Distance University of Applied Sciences (SDUAS) and NWU Objectives: The aim of this study is twofold. Firstly, to determine the aspects that foster SDL and domain-specific skills by personalised and adaptive instruction design in online learning environments (SDS-PAID), and secondly to propose a framework for designing on-demand domain-specific SDL online learning environments for personalised and adaptive learning experiences. A number of domain topics of Natural Sciences have been chosen to serve as examples. This study is also guided by the following three-pronged research question to determine: To what extent it is possible to foster domain-specific knowledge with adaptive instruction when implementing self-regulation and student control over the learning tasks (considering pre-knowledge, procrastination, engagement, as well as interferences between learning activities and performance/behaviour measuring). What domain-specific technology-based environments should be designed to develop the relevant self-directed skills that students will carry into subsequent learning situations. Which factors have to be considered to implement at scale Adaptive Technology-based learning Systems in a university (case bases: SDUAS and NWU).
Conceptualizing SDL in South Africa: Praxis towards Sustainable Empowering Learning Environments	Project leader Prof Charlene Du Toit-Brits Source of funding: SDL project Objectives: The overall objective is to conceptualize Self-Directed Learning within the unique South African context to improve ALL teaching environments that will result in effective SDL practices in South African schools. The potential of the acceptance and implementation of this proposed framework includes: effective self-directed learning in the disadvantaged learner; increase SDL skills of these learners, as well as other learners in the same classroom, , where they can take responsibility for their own learning; and an increase in these learners’ academic, emotional and/or cultural preparedness which can improve their ability and/or preparedness to be self-directed learners for life. This framework could also be used as assistance to teachers to cultivate self-directed learners. Teachers also need to take learners’ environments into consideration when employing SDL in their classrooms.
Geography teachers’ self-directed learning abilities, their involvement in self-directed professional development activities and the implementation of active teaching and learning strategies.	Project leader Prof. A Golightly Source of funding: IREA funds Objectives: Explore geography teachers’ level of SDL abilities in geography education; Investigate in which self-directed professional development activities geography teachers participate to promote their subject knowledge and their teaching and learning skills in geography education; Determine possible reasons why geography teachers do or do not get involved in self-directed professional development activities to improve their geography knowledge and teaching and learning practices; Determine geography teachers’ implementation of active learning strategies and methods, such as PBL, in their geography classrooms; Explore the relationship between geography teachers’ level of SDL abilities, their involvement in self-directed professional development activities and the implementation of active teaching and learning strategies in geography education; Investigate the effective training of geography teachers and preservice teachers in the implementation of PBL, as an active learning strategy, in geography classrooms; and Determine geography teachers’ and student teachers’ experiences with regard to the planning, designing and implementation of PBL tasks for the South African geography curriculum. Develop guidelines for the Department of Education and SACE to enhance and support geography teachers’ involvement in self-directed professional development activities to effectively implement active learning strategies in their classrooms.
The effects of cooperative learning on solving authentic mathematics problems: A case for self-directed learning.	Project leader Mr. Mahlaba Sfiso Cebolenkosi Source of funding: Self Directed Learning Funded Project Objectives: This project is being done with a broad aim of evaluating the effects of cooperation and authentic mathematics problem solving to promote self-directed learning in second year preservice mathematics teachers. The aim is to establish the significance of solving authentic mathematics problems in a cooperative learning environment for preservice mathematics teachers` self-directed learning.
The effect of utilizing a historically themed trading card game on self-directed learning in a 3rd year BEd history module.	Project leader Dr. Byron Bunt Source of funding: SoTL funding Objectives: To establish the effect of using a historically themed trading card game on the development of self-directed learning in a 3rd year BEd history module
Developing effective habits of mind for self-directed learning through a blended learning gamification strategy in a 4th year BEd module.	Project leader Dr. Byron Bunt Source of funding: None Objectives: To determine how successful a blended learning gamification strategy is in developing self-direction and effective habits of mind
Establishing the merits of a school-wide community of practice project utilising teaching strategies for the development of self-directed learning.	Project leader Dr Deon van Tonder Source of funding: Objectives: The main objective of the study is to establish and explore how a school-wide community of practice project that focuses on effective teaching strategies, supports the development of self-directed learning among first- to fourth-year BEd students.
Self-directed induction programme for beginner teachers.	Project leader Dr Deon van Tonder Source of funding: Objectives: The main objective of the study is to establish and explore how a self-directed induction programme can equip beginner teachers to survive their first years of teaching and remain empowered in the continually changing environment of education.
Solving real-world problems in problem-based contexts to enhance mathematics students’ self-directed learning skills.	Project leader Dr Tertia Jordaan Source of funding: SOTL fund Objectives: To determine how cooperative group work can contribute to mathematics students’ solving real-world problems. To determine the role of reflection when students solve real-world problems in PBL contexts. To determine the extent to which mathematics students’ self-directed learning skills are enhanced in PBL contexts
Cooperative learning in a socratic adaptive system to enhance Self-Directed Learning (CLASeS)	Project leader Prof CP van der Westhuizen Source of funding: SoTL Team: Dr Roxanne Bailey, Dr Dorothy Laubscher, Prof Dr Per Bergamin, Mr Christof Imhof, CTL support Staff: Dr Gerhard Du Plessis, Kobus Le Roux, Rassie Louw, Liana Venter and Santie Pieterse Objectives: Establish how an adaptive system should be designed when using Socratic questioning and cooperative learning to enhance SDL; and Determine how students experience cooperative learning in a Socratic adaptive system?
Towards self-directed multimodal learning of metaliteracy for open educational resource use and creation	Project leader Prof J Olivier Source of funding: NRF (2021-2023) Team: Dr D Laubscher; Dr A Dhakulkar; Prof TE Jacobson; Prof JP Mackey
Empowering science teachers in Gauteng Province to infuse indigenous knowledge in their teaching of curriculum themes, and enhancing self-directed learning	Project leader Prof JJJ de Beer Team: Prof Elsa Mentz, Prof Neal Petersen, Mr Tswakae Sebotsa, Mr Nicholas Thambe Source of funding: NRF (2021-2023) Objectives: Enhance self-directed learning in the natural sciences classroom; Assist teachers in their professional development to infuse indigenous knowledge in curriculum themes;
The affordances of change laboratories for sustainability of self-directed teacher professional development programmes	Project leader Prof E Mentz Team: Prof Josef de Beer, Prof Kobus Mentz (CI), Prof Neal Petersen (CI), Mr Tswakae Sebotsa Source of funding: NRF Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of Change Laboratories to improve the sustainability and classroom transfer of SDL PD to in-service teachers In order to reach the above mentioned aim we have identified the following objectives: To identify the different activity systems and stakeholders involved in achieving sustainable SDL PD to in-service teachers; To determine the views of the different stakeholders on SDL PD to in-service teachers; To develop and conduct Change Laboratories to determine which factors inhibits SDL and the transfer of knowledge and skills to the classroom after the implementation of teacher professional development programmes; To use Change Laboratories to find solutions to the problem of unsustainable SDL PD opportunities to teachers; To determine the organizational change needed in schools and beyond as a prerequisite and a result of the implementation of Change Laboratories; To determine the collaborative transformative agency among participants in a Change Laboratory that contribute to the success or failure of the endeavour. To contribute to the overall objective of positively changing the education landscape in South Africa and to impact on the quality of education the 21st century as a result of the involvement of all stakeholder in the Change Laboratories.
Self-directed learning for the realization of the significance of multiple solution tasks (MSTs) in South African preservice teachers` geometry problem solving	Project leader SC Mahlaba Source of funding: None (June 2020 - Continuing) Objectives: This project aims to raise awareness to mathematics teachers, pre-service mathematics teachers and students about the significance of proficiency in solving mathematics problems in multiple ways as a skill for the 21st century. It aims to cultivate a culture of solving mathematics problems in multiple ways, especially geometry problems as they are a goldmine of multiple solution tasks and an area where most South African teachers and learners struggle the most. This will help teachers to boost their competency and proficiency in teaching Euclidean geometry and might have a positive impact on learners` performance in geometry related tasks. This is a self-directed learning activity because the production of multiple solutions to mathematics problems is not a requirement in the South African mathematics curriculum but global research has shown that this activity can improve both teachers` and learners` problem solving abilities. the overall aim of this study is to explore the effects of MSTs in supporting South African teachers` geometry content knowledge, problem solving proficiency and their self-directed learning. Goodday Sfiso I trust that you are well and keeping safe. Prof Elsa asked that I update the list of approved projects on the SDL website. Can you please provide me the with the duration, source of funding and list of objectives of the below project: Self-directed learning for the realization of the significance of multiple solution tasks (MSTs) in South African preservice teachers` geometry problem solving. Looking forward to your response. Kind regards, James Mr James Rikhotso Senior Administrative Assistant Prof Elsa Mentz Director Research Unit: SDL Direkteur Navorsingseenheid: SDL Prof Jan Heystek Director: Edu-Lead Niche Direkteur: Edu-Lead Niche Faculty of Education Research Administration North-West University Hoffman Street Building C6

Research Unit Self-Directed Learning

Technology-supported cooperative learning to enhance Self-Directed Learning

Multimodal multiliteracies in support of self-directed learning

Multimodal learning and Open Educational Resources (OER)

Engaging pedagogies to address perennial issues in Science Education in South Africa

The affordances of indigenous knowledge for Self-Directed Learning

STEM teachers learning from Indigenous Knowledge Systems practitioners

Teachers without Borders: Creating indigenous knowledge science labs in rural schools

Fostering Aspects of Self-Directed Learning through Personalized and Adaptive Instruction Design in Online Learning Environments (SDL-PAID)

Conceptualizing SDL in South Africa: Praxis towards Sustainable Empowering Learning Environments

Geography teachers’ self-directed learning abilities, their involvement in self-directed professional development activities and the implementation of active teaching and learning strategies.

The effects of cooperative learning on solving authentic mathematics problems: A case for self-directed learning.

The effect of utilizing a historically themed trading card game on self-directed learning in a 3rd year BEd history module.

Developing effective habits of mind for self-directed learning through a blended learning gamification strategy in a 4th year BEd module.

Establishing the merits of a school-wide community of practice project utilising teaching strategies for the development of self-directed learning.

Self-directed induction programme for beginner teachers.

Solving real-world problems in problem-based contexts to enhance mathematics students’ self-directed learning skills.

Cooperative learning in a socratic adaptive system to enhance Self-Directed Learning (CLASeS)