EDMHODR/101/3/2020

Tutorial Letter 101/3/2020

The Teacher as Mediator of Learning

EDMHODR
Semesters 1 and 2

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

Department: Curriculum and Instructional

Studies

IMPORTANT INFORMATION:
This tutorial letter contains important information
about your module.
 CONTENTS

Page

1 INTRODUCTION .......................................................................................................................... 3
2 PURPOSE OF AND OUTCOMES ............................................................................................... 3
3 CONTACT DETAILS .................................................................................................................... 4
4 RESOURCES ............................................................................................................................... 4
5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ............................................................................................... 5
6 STUDY PLAN ............................................................................................................................... 6
7 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING ..................................................... 7
8 ASSESSMENT ............................................................................................................................. 7
9 OTHER ASSESSMENT METHODS ........................................................................................... 15
10 THE EXAMINATION ................................................................................................................... 15
11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ........................................................................................ 15

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1 INTRODUCTION

Dear Student

I welcome you to the module named The educator as a mediator of learning which forms part of the
PGCE programme. I hope that you will find the module interesting, constructive and useful. Accept the
high standards that have been laid down as a stimulating challenge and avoid a negative approach to
your studies. Use this opportunity to develop your knowledge of teaching theories and how to put them
into practice.

This tutorial letter constitutes an important and integral part of your tutorial matter for this module. Study
it carefully and keep it at hand because you will have to refer to it frequently during the course of the
semester. Use it to properly plan your programme for studying this module. The planning of your study
programme cannot be postponed for any length of time because this is a semester module.

The general information and departmental regulations applicable to this module are set out in this tutorial
letter.

2 PURPOSE OF AND OUTCOMES

2.1 Purpose

The purpose of the module is to equip prospective teachers with the necessary knowledge, skills and
attitudes to mediate learning in an effective way by being sensitive to the needs of learners and the
differences among them; by using and adjusting teaching strategies; by utilising teaching media aids and
resources to achieve various purposes and by creating a challenging learning environment.

Qualifying teachers will be able to mediate learning effectively in a variety of teaching contexts.

2.2 Outcomes

The minimum outcomes for this module are:

• Teachers can explain, describe and discuss key concepts in the appropriate language of
instruction.
• Teachers can mediate learning in a manner which is sensitive to the diverse needs of learners.
• Teachers can mediate learning effectively by preparing for teaching and the use and adjustment
of teaching strategies to suit a particular situation.

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• Teachers can create a learning environment which is conducive to effective learning.
• Teachers can make, select and use media and everyday resources appropriately in teaching.

3 CONTACT DETAILS

3.1 Lecturer

The lecturer responsible for this module is Mr S Tshabalala.

Building and office number: AJH van der Walt Building, office 6-54
E-mail address: tshabs1@unisa.ac/za
Telephone number: 012 429 6210

You are also welcome to contact me via the discussion forum on myUnisa.

3.2 Department

If you want to contact the department, you will need the following information:

Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies

AJH van der Walt Building 6-72
Telephone: 012 429 4033

3.3 University

If you have to contact the university with regard to issues not related to the content of EDMHODR,
please consult the brochure Study @ Unisa that you received with your study material. This brochure
contains information on how to contact the university (eg to whom you can write regarding different
queries, important telephone and fax numbers, addresses and details of the times when certain facilities
are available.) Telephone enquiries regarding administrative matters must be directed to the department
concerned.

Always keep your student number at hand when contacting the university.

Your lecturer can help you with only the module content and issues relating to teaching and
learning. He cannot assist you with any registration and administration enquiries.

4 RESOURCES

4.1 Prescribed books

All information on the prescribed book for this module can be found on myUnisa. Your prescribed
textbook for this module this year is: Nieman, MM & Monyai, RB. 2006. The educator as mediator of
learning. Pretoria: Van Schaik.

Please refer to the list of official booksellers and their addresses in the Study @ Unisa brochure.

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If you have difficulty in obtaining the book from any of these bookshops, please contact the Prescribed
Books Section at telephone 012 429 4152 or send an e-mail to: vospresc@unisa.ac.za.

4.2 Recommended books

There are no recommended books for this module.

4.3 Electronic reserves (e-reserves)

There are no e-reserves for this module.

5 STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

For information on the various student support systems and other services available at Unisa (eg student
counselling, tutorial classes, language support), please consult the publication Study @ Unisa which you
received with your study material.

5.1 Contact with fellow students and forming study groups

It is advisable to have contact with your fellow students. One way of doing this is to form study groups.
The addresses of students in your area may be obtained from the following department:

Directorate of Student Administration and Registration

PO Box 392
Unisa
0003

5.2 myUnisa

If you have access to a computer that is linked to the internet, you can quickly access resources and
information at the university. The myUnisa learning management system is Unisa’s online campus that
will help you to communicate with your lecturers, fellow students and the administrative departments of
Unisa – all by means of a computer and the internet.

To go to the myUnisa website, start at the main Unisa website, http://www.unisa.ac.za, and then click on
the “Login to myUnisa” link on the right-hand side of the screen. This should take you to the myUnisa
website. You can also go there directly by typing in http://my.unisa.ac.za.

Please consult the publication Study @ Unisa, which you received with your study material, for more
information on myUnisa.

NB: The journal book in the study guide is for self-enrichment. It must not be submitted to the
university. Kindly ignore the instruction in the study guide about its submission.

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6 STUDY PLAN

In this module we want to help you to develop the characteristics of an academically disciplined person.
It is someone who thinks intelligently, critically and constructively and who argues rationally. In order to
acquire these abilities, you must be systematic when tackling the problems, you encounter in this
module. You should guard against the modern tendency present in the writings of so many social
scientists to waffle, to put forward unjustifiable statements and to repeat the same thing. Study
thoughtfully and try to adopt a critical attitude to whatever you are reading. You cannot hope to answer
an examination question satisfactorily by merely reproducing the discussions in your study guide and
prescribed book. Study the subject material; make sure that you understand the content thoroughly;
critically discuss it and supplement shortcomings with new ideas.

You may even hold views which differ widely from those expressed in your study material. The
application of knowledge, practical examples and critical thinking are required in this module.

Do not expect that all examination questions will be direct. Make sure that your knowledge of all the
materials is properly integrated. This way you will develop a balanced attitude and a sound evaluative
ability which will be of tremendous value in the examinations as well as in your practice of teaching.

You should actively engage with your study material in order to benefit. Read it systematically and make
notes while reading. Summarise each chapter once you have finished reading it.

This advice may sound trite, but it is undoubtedly the best method for mastering a large volume of
tutorial matter. If you are familiar with modern memorising techniques or have already applied them
successfully, try them out in this module as well, but consciously try to develop your understanding as
well as your memory.

The following study plan will help students to work through the content of the module:

Period Activity
SEMESTER 1
January Finalise registration
February Chapters 1 and 2 of the prescribed book, Nieman and Monyai
March Chapters 3 and 4 of the prescribed book, Nieman and Monyai
Complete Assignment 01
April Chapters 5 and 6 of the prescribed book, Nieman and Monyai
Complete Assignment 02
May Chapters 6 and 7 of the prescribed book, Nieman and Monyai
June Final examination for first semester
SEMESTER 2
July Chapters 1 and 2 of the prescribed book, Nieman and Monyai
August Chapters 3 and 4 of the prescribed book, Nieman and Monyai
Complete Assignment 01
September Chapters 5 and 6 of the prescribed book, Nieman and Monyai
Complete Assignment 02
October Chapters 6 and 7 of the prescribed book, Nieman and Monyai
November/December Final examination for second semester

Also use your Study @ Unisa brochure for general time management and planning.
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7 PRACTICAL WORK AND WORK-INTEGRATED LEARNING

There will be no practical work in this module.

8 ASSESSMENT

8.1 Assessment plan

Assignments are regarded as part of the learning material and assessment for this module. When you do
the assignments, study the reading texts, consult other resources, discuss the work with your fellow
students or tutors or do research, you are actively engaged in learning.

NB: In order to gain admission to the examination you must submit the TWO compulsory
assignments. They will contribute 20% towards your promotion mark. Take note that your
admission to the examination depends on the submission of these assignments before their due
dates. Failure to do so will disqualify you from writing the examination.

In the examination you should obtain a minimum of 40% to pass. In other words, if you have a year mark
of 90% but obtain less than 40% in the examination, you fail. If you obtain less than 40% in the
examination, your year mark will not be taken into consideration. In other words, if you get a mark of
38% in the examination, your final mark will be 38%, even if you had a year mark of 100%.

The due dates for the assignments are indicated under section 8.2.2. Feedback on assignments will be
provided in Tutorial Letter 102 as well as on myUnisa.

8.2 General assignment numbers

There are two assignments for EDMHODR. Assignments are numbered consecutively: Assignment 01
(compulsory) and Assignment 02 (compulsory).

8.2.1 Unique assignment numbers

In addition to the general assignment number (eg 01 and 02), each assignment has a unique
assignment number. Please ensure that the correct unique assignment number is provided on the
assignment cover. Please note: The assignments set for each semester have different unique
assignment numbers. The unique number for Assignment 01 is 811286 for Semester 1 and 808252 for
Semester 2) and the unique number for Assignment 02 is 649456 for Semester 1 and 898977 for
Semester 2.

8.2.2 Due dates for assignments

Due dates are extremely important since they determine your examination admission.

Assignments must reach Unisa on or before the following dates:

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 SEMESTER 1

ASSIGNMENT NUMBER PASS MARK DUE DATE CONTRIBUTION

TOWARDS FINAL MARK

01 50% 20 March 10%

02 50% 17 April 10%

SEMESTER 2

ASSIGNMENT NUMBER PASS MARK DUE DATE CONTRIBUTION

TOWARDS FINAL MARK

01 50% 14 August 10%

02 50% 28 August 10%

8.3 Submission of assignments

Students may submit written assignments and assignments completed on mark-reading sheets by either
post or electronical means via myUnisa. Assignments may not be submitted by fax or e-mail.

Please refer to the Study @ Unisa brochure, which you received with your study package, to learn how
to submit an assignment via myUnisa or for detailed information on assignments:

• Go to myUnisa.
• Log in with your student number and password.
• Select the module.
• Click on “Assignments” in the menu on the left-hand side of the screen.
• Click on the assignment number you wish to submit.
• Follow the instructions.

8.4 Assignments

Assignments are given in order to …

• draw your attention to important sections in the module

• help you to study systematically and independently
• give you some practice in writing carefully considered statements
• help you to work through the curriculum
•

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• teach you how to express your thoughts concisely. You should never exceed the stipulated
number of pages.

Important instructions regarding the submission of assignments

• Make sure that your name, address, student number, module code, the correct
number of the assignment, and the correct unique assignment number appear on the official
cover provided for each assignment you submit.
• Please remember to give the assignment the same number as the one appearing in this tutorial
letter. Even if you do Assignment 02 first, you should number it 02 and not 01.
• State the module code and the assignment number when enquiring about an assignment.
• Students who use word processors should consult the brochure Study @ Unisa in connection
with the requirements regarding the format and paper to be used for assignments.
• If you plan to submit your assignments via myUnisa, first consult the brochure Study @ Unisa
and follow the procedure. Also check on myUnisa to confirm whether or not your assignment has
been received.
• Self-activities are essential if you want to learn to study independently. Although it is permissible
for you to study with others and make joint decisions with your study partners on what to include
in an assignment, the final draft must be your own work.

Admission to the examination may be withheld if you submit an assignment identical to another
student’s assignment or make a late submission.

Enquiries about assignments (whether or not they were received by the university; the mark that was
awarded; when they were returned to you, etc) can be checked on myUnisa.

• Please note that it is advisable to check with the Assignment Section (on myUnisa) if your
assignment has been received by Unisa. Do this shortly after you have submitted your
assignment.

Technical presentation of Assignment 01

The correct technical presentation of assignments is crucial and 30% of the assignment mark is
allocated to this aspect which is made up as follows:

 5%: Table of contents

 5%: Introduction, body, conclusion
 5%: List of sources
 10%: Systematic presentation of subject matter, correct reference techniques and proper use of
language
 75%: Content of the assignment

Both Assignment 01 and 02 must have a table of contents which reflects the chief aspects and pages of
the issues which are discussed.

Referencing technique and plagiarism

You are not allowed to copy a portion of any published work without acknowledging the source.

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Use the Harvard system of referencing. FOR EXAMPLE: According to Dei (2012:18) the academe in
Africa is still vested in colonial Western epistemologies, OR The academe in Africa is still vested in
colonial Western epistemologies (Dei 2012:18).

List of sources

You must provide a list of sources at the end of Assignment 01. All the published sources you have
consulted in preparing for the assignment have to appear in alphabetical order.

Length of assignment

The minimum length of the assignment(s) is five typed pages, excluding the table of contents
and list of references. The maximum length is ten pages. Only the content, not the length of an
assignment, determines the marks it is credited with.

8.5 Plagiarism

Plagiarism is a serious academic misconduct and is treated as such by the University. We expect
academic honesty and integrity from our students. What is plagiarism? Plagiarism entails representing
the ideas, writings, works or inventions of others, including fellow students, as your own. To avoid
plagiarism, you MUST acknowledge the author or the source of any information. Further, if you have to
use the exact words from a source, you have to demarcate these using quotation marks. You also have
to keep accurate records of sources of information and use referencing techniques to avoid plagiarism.
Plagiarism is immoral, unethical and illegal. Copying a fellow student’s assignment is plagiarism. If
you plagiarise, you will get a mark of zero.

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STUDENT DECLARATION FORM

DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL STUDIES

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION

UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AFRICA

You need to include a completed and signed copy of this form when you submit
Assignments 01 and 02 for this module for the first and second semester.
Assignments without the form will be cancelled and returned unmarked

The Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies places specific emphasis on integrity and
ethical behaviour with regard to the preparation of all written work submitted for academic
assessment.

Although your lecturers can provide you with information about reference techniques and guidelines
to avoid plagiarism, you also have a responsibility to fulfil in this regard. Should you at any time feel
unsure about the requirements, you must consult your lecturers before you submit any assignment.

You are guilty of plagiarism when you extract information from a book, article, web page or fellow
student without acknowledging the source and submit it as your own work. In truth, you are stealing
someone else’s property. You may not use another student’s work. You may not allow anyone to copy
or use your work with the intention to submit it as his/her own.

Students who are guilty of plagiarism will forfeit all credit for the work concerned. Plagiarism is a
serious violation of the University’s regulations and may lead to expulsion.

The under-mentioned declaration must accompany written assignments. Your assignment will be
cancelled and returned unmarked if you do not include a fully completed and signed declaration form.

I (full names):

Student number: Module: EDMHODR

Declare that…
1. I understand what plagiarism entails and am aware of the University’s policy in this regard.
2. I declare that this assignment is my own, original work. Where I used someone else’s work,
whether a printed source, the internet or any other source, I give the proper acknowledgement
and include a complete reference list.
3. I did not use another current or previous student’s work, submitting it as my own.
4. I did not allow and will not allow anyone to copy my work with the intention of submitting it as his
or her own work.

Signature _________________________________Date:____________________________

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SEMESTER 01
Closing date: 20 March 2020
Unique Number: 811286

ASSIGNMENT 01 (COMPULSORY)

Your assignment cover page must display the following information:

 Your names and student number

 The assignment number
 Module Code
 Subject Name
 Unique Assignment Number

Answer the following questions

QUESTION 1

The 21st century educator is the one who realizes that teaching and learning cannot be divorced.
The educator must also be aware that all learners can learn and succeed, but not at the same
time and pace. This is simply because of factors affecting teaching and learning. These factors
can cause barriers to learning.

With this statement in mind critically discuss the following factors which cause barriers to learning and
provide practical steps you as the educator will take to help learners who experience these barriers to
learn and succeed:

1.1. Visual impairments (10)

1.2. Auditory impairments (10)
1.3. Physical impairments (10)
1.4. Socio-economic factors (10)
1.5. Language (10)
[50]

QUESTION 2

Critically discuss how an educator can successfully maintain discipline in a classroom situation
with reference to the following:

2.1 Creating a learning environment in which learners develop strong internal discipline (10)
2.2 Creating a learning environment in which conflict is handled through debate and discussion (10)
2.3 Involving the parents (10)
2.4 Disciplinary action or punishment for misconduct (10)
2.5 Motivation and a positive learning environment (10)
[50]

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ASSIGNMENT 02
Closing date: 17 April 2020
Unique No: 649456

QUESTION 1

Teaching requires skills, knowledge, values and attitude among others. It is not just a walk in the
park. It is therefore crucial that the educator should pose these abstract concepts.

Provide a detailed discussion on how you will employ Mediated Learning Experience in your subject to
make teaching and learning a manageable and easy experience. Use practical classroom examples
relating to your specific subject/learning area.

N.B Your assignment will be graded according to following criteria

 Lay Out and neatness 5 marks

 Introduction 10 marks
 Conclusion 10 marks

Discussion, your discussion should be based on the following parameters of

the mediated learning experience
 Intentionality and reciprocity 15 marks
 Transcendence Mediation of learning 15 marks
 Mediation of a feeling of competence 15 marks
 Mediation of regulation and control of behavior 15 marks
 Mediation of sharing behavior 15 marks
[100]

SEMESTER 02

ASSIGNMENT 01
Closing date: 14 August 2020
Unique Number: 808252

In most cases learners fail to understand the concepts and content taught to the in class
because of a variety of reasons. In their space and time, they will try to understand what has
been taught to them by reading through the study material and still fail to comprehend. This
impacts negatively on their progress and may demotivate them to learn because their self-
esteem may also be negatively affected.

With the statement above in mind, discuss the critical points/steps you will take to help learners study
effectively [100]

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ASSIGNMENT 02
Closing date: 28 August 2020
Unique Number: 898977

Critically the importance of visual media in your subject and provide relevant examples
[100]

9 OTHER ASSESSMENT METHODS

There are no other assessment methods for this module.

10 EXAMINATION

NB: Admission to write exam is determined only by the submission of both Assignments 01 and
02 before or on their due dates.

Please, kindly desist from abusing the system or its weaknesses and use the lecturer to submit
assignments after official deadlines. JUST ADHERE TO THE DUE DATES.

11 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

The Study @ Unisa brochure contains an A-Z guide of the most relevant information.

Good luck with your studies!

Mr S Tshabala

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