Based on experiences with affirmative action and subsequent management of diversity at five research universities in the United States, a model for strategic management of diversity in South African technical institutes is outlined. The model has six components: organizational culture; organizational/environmental change; Total Quality Management…

Argues that to achieve the desired change in multicultural South African higher education, and to support change in South African society, the system must: integrate academic education and technical training, adopt flexible modes of instruction, facilitate student and faculty mobility, and collaborate nationally and internationally in resource…

Outlines issues in the teaching of discourse organization to learners of English as a Second Language (ESL). Describes such discourse features as turn-taking, turn-allocation, transaction, exchanges, repair strategies, topic selection and change, and error correction, and suggests classroom techniques and activities for teaching them. (MSE)

Basic principles of instruction to effect cognitive change are examined, particularly within the context of South African higher education. Principles include: creating and engaging in conflict between existing knowledge and demands of an unfamiliar task; empowering learners to address the unfamiliar; scaffolding between learner and task; testing…

Makes an analogy between the stories told by teachers of large classes in South African universities and the storytelling of tribes. Suggests their identity is defined by the act of teaching and complaining about large groups with limited resources. Examines implications for content and organization of a teacher education course on classroom…

The theoretical structure of the concept of "legitimacy," the combination of value and authority ascribed to the existing system, is examined and applied to the governance of higher education in South Africa. It is argued that the concept is unfairly given a political connotation because of its association with policy formation, which limits…

Examines efforts to affirm diversity in higher education in South Africa and the United States. Suggests that to achieve a pluralistic approach, higher education must develop a clear understanding of diversity and group ethos, challenge basic ideologies and assumptions, teach healing, promote diversity throughout curriculum and institutional…

Discussion of philosophy of knowledge considers two forms of epistemology, order and chaos, and argues for honoring both approaches while looking at knowledge in terms of complexity. Suggests that this new conception of knowledge poses a specific challenge to the teacher/educator to become an "instructed third," or mover between disciplines and…

Argues that college students are generally less dependent and more motivated to learn than is generally assumed, based on a survey of 252 third-year University of South Africa students. Recommends that academic departments find new ways of accommodating learner self-direction, re-examine traditional teaching paradigms, and continuously evaluate…

A stress inventory administered to black women faculty at seven Botswana colleges and universities (n=201) found the greatest stressor to be student class boycotts, followed by uncertainties about their institution's future and dual roles. Almost two-thirds experienced fatigue. The most successful stress management technique was positive thinking.…

A study of 90 first-year business students at the National University of Lesotho investigated predictors of academic success. Of 29 student characteristics or attributes considered, educational attainment at the secondary level, communication skills, understanding of introductory economics, introductory instruction in law and legal method, and…

Describes a computer program that generates a bank of items for second-language learning drills, including the differential processing of nouns, adjectives, and verbs. The program is used in a New Testament Greek course at the University of the Orange Free State (South Africa), and the exercises generated are tied directly to the course textbook.…

A study at Cape Technikon (South Africa) investigated college choice decision making by surveying 923 applicants during the application process and 314 enrollees during orientation. Results show demographic and socioeconomic characteristics of applicants and enrollees differ, applicants consider multiple institutions, alumni and friends are the…

Describes a survey of faculty members at the University of Witwatersrand (South Africa) which investigated the extent of support for use of teaching portfolios, in addition to student evaluations, as a method for evaluating faculty for promotion, and based on responses, development of a profile of portfolio content and procedures for its review.…

Describes a Rand Afrikaans University (South Africa) program to prepare learners for lifelong, self-directed learning. Components include reduced classroom contact, increased independent study, use of a modular study guide, optimum student participation, and continuous evaluation. Focuses on the seven-year process of transforming the project into…