SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION

HODALG9/301/4/2014

SCHOOL OF TEACHER EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTIONAL STUDIES

POST GRADUATE CERTIFICATE IN EDUCATION (PGCE)
Programme
(Senior Phase & FET)

General Tutorial letter 301
2014
PREPARING FOR LEARNING AT A DISTANCE AND
INTRODUCTION TO THE PROGRAMME

READ NOW !

CONTENT
1.

INTRODUCTION

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1.1
1.2
1.3

A word of welcome from the Executive Dean
The purpose of Tutorial Letter 301
Finding your way around the study package

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2.

ORIENTATION TO OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL)

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2.1
2.2

The nature of ODL
Assessment in distance education

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3.

WHAT IS THE PGCE (SENIOR PHASE AND FET)?

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3.1
3.2
3.3
3.4
3.5
3.6

Aim
Approach
Expectations from a PGCE programme
What are the PGCE (Senior Phase & FET) exit level outcomes?
How is the programme structured?
How will the PGCE be assessed?

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4.

LEARNING STRATEGIES

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4.1
4.2
4.3
4.4
4.5

Estimating your time
Reading for understanding
Making your own glossary
Re-using effective learning strategies
Assignments

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4.5.1
4.5.2
4.5.3
4.5.4
4.5.5
4.5.6
4.5.7
4.5.8
4.5.9
4.5.10

The value of assignments
Understanding the assignment
Read the assignment
Find the key words
Compile a list of things to find out
Researching the assignment topic(s)
Answering the assignment
Technical details of assignments
Some editing tips
How to approach multiple-choice questions

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4.6

Preparing for the examination

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4.6.1
4.6.2
4.6.3

Planning and revising
In the examination venue
Supplementary examinations

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5.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR AS A STUDENT

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5.1
5.2

Plagiarism
Referencing techniques and citing of sources

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6.
6.1
6.2
6.3
6.4
6.5
6.6
6.7
6.8
6.9
6.10
6.11
6.12
6.13
6.14
6.15
6.16
6.17
6.18
6.19
6.20
6.21
6.22
6.23
6.24
6.25

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is Tutorial Letter 101?
Are there assignments that I need to complete? Do I have to submit the assignments? Do I have to buy any prescribed textbooks? Can you recommend any further reading material?
What do I do if I experience problems with the content of the study material? I have not yet received my study material. Can you send it to me?
When do classes start at Unisa?
Do I have group discussions (that is, visits from lecturers at various venues)? When and where am I writing the examination?
When will the examination results be released?
Where do I find my examination results?
What do I do if I am not happy with my results?
How do I apply for my examination script to be remarked or rechecked?
When do the supplementary examination take place?
For which modules do I have to register now?
What is myUnisa?
What is RPL?
I want to transfer credits from another University. How do I do this?
What can a tutor do for me?
I want to work with other students. How can I do this?
What can I do if I am not a confident reader or writer?
What if I have received a CD or DVD and I don’t have the equipment to play it?
What happens if I need a placement for Work Integrated Learning
(Teaching Practice)?
How much contact can I expect?
Where can I obtain financial aid?
What can I expect from the University?

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7.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE UNIVERSITY

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7.1
7.2
7.3
7.4

By letter
By telephone
By E-Mail or SMS
In person

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Annual study programme

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1.

INTRODUCTION

1.1

A word of welcome from the Executive Dean

It gives me pleasure to welcome you as a student in the school of Teacher Education and I am pleased that you have chosen this field of study. I hope that you will complete your studies successfully and find them relevant to your chosen career. I also hope that your study experience at Unisa will be both pleasant and stimulating.
This tutorial letter contains important information that will assist you in your studies in the school of Teacher Education. Please read it carefully and keep it at hand when working through the study material, preparing the assignment(s), preparing for the examination and addressing questions to your lecturers.
At the outset it is very important to remind you that you must read all the tutorial letters you receive during the year immediately and carefully. The information they contain is always important and may well be urgent. They may also contain additional study material or information about recent developments in education that is prescribed for the examination.
Enjoy your studies. I wish you all the best!
Prof K P Dzvimbo
Executive Dean
Tel [phone]

1.2

The purpose of Tutorial Letter 301

The purpose of Tutorial Letter 301 is to provide you with an orientation to open distance learning (ODL), outline a few study skills that will enable you to become more independent as students and answer some of the common questions asked by students. This tutorial letter introduces you also to the whole programme. It helps you understand the approach, the aim, the outcomes, and the structure of the programme; it also explains how we will be assessing the work you do.

1.3

Finding your way around the study package

During the course of the year you might receive additional tutorial letters numbered 302, 303, etc. The 300 series of tutorial letters deals with issues that affect the whole programme. For each specific module, you will also receive guiding tutorial letters numbered 101, 102 etc.
Tutorial letter 101 for each module will outline the nature and purpose of that module and will include your assignments.
You should immediately read Tutorial Letter 101 of all the modules for which you are registered. It will also tell you which prescribed books, if any, you need to buy.
Note the submission dates of the assignments for all your modules. Then plan your study programme in such a way that you will be able to submit all your assignments on time.
On the last page of this tutorial letter we have included a study year planner (calendar). We encourage you to complete it by including important dates (e.g. submission dates of assignments and examination dates) for all the modules for which you are registered.

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2.

ORIENTATION TO OPEN DISTANCE LEARNING (ODL)

2.1

The nature of ODL

You have chosen to register at Unisa, which is an open distance learning institution of higher education. What does this mean for you?
First, you might have been given access to the University because of its ‘open’ nature without necessarily having the skills to cope at a University; for example, because you have been long out of the education system. However, these skills can be learnt. Now that you are registered, you will have access to resources that will help you to make a success of your studies: study guides, assignments, the Library, lecturers, tutors, literacy centres, counsellors to assist with study skills, peer groups, the online learning management system myUnisa, and so on. You need to use these resources wisely to help yourself.
Second, distance education usually provides an independent study package. Many people are not used to studying completely in isolation from the institution, their teachers and their fellow students. Many distance education students feel lonely and drop out. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, there are resources available to you to bridge this distance and to offer you support: please use them.

2.2

Assessment in distance education

The characteristics of distance education differ somewhat from those of more traditional, contact-based tuition. How does assessment work in distance education?
We hope that our assessment strategy does the following things – that it provides:
•

•

sufficient formative feedback to help you check your progress against the intended learning outcomes and assessment criteria sufficient evidence to enable you and us to spot potential problems and areas of strength sufficient guidance and support to maximise your chances of success reliable summative evidence of your achievement, so there can be no doubt that you have met the exit level outcomes and earned a qualification you can be proud of you with the motivation to succeed (by giving encouragement and realistic feedback) a clear sense of progression and development

3.

WHAT IS THE PGCE (SENIOR PHASE AND FET)?

3.1

Aim

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The aim of the PGCE programme is twofold. Firstly, you will gain educational knowledge and skills that you can use in any further educational studies you do. Secondly, you will learn to teach your chosen subject.
The qualification focuses on the development and practice of teaching competence in an educational context. Teaching competence includes practising individual activities (e.g.

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developing your ability to understand what teaching is all about) and understanding the school environment. This programme is practice - and profession - based and empowers you to become an effective teacher.

3.2

Approach

In developing the curriculum, which obviously included deciding on the learning outcomes and choosing appropriate assessment, content and teaching-learning strategies, we relied on a certain interpretation of educational policies and their application in practice; we also took into account the needs of learners and teachers in South African classrooms.
The approach adopted in this programme is also based on critical or transformative/ progressive pedagogy. Such an approach promotes the following:
•
•

Empowering future teachers as curriculum developers (creators of curriculum).
Strengthening the link between transformative/progressive critical viewpoints of education and curriculum practice.
Encouraging reflective analysis as an integral aspect of teaching and learning.

•

Since we cannot work with future teachers without also considering the type of education we want to encourage, the curriculum therefore endeavours to make schools and classrooms transformative - in other words, empowering learners, making equality a reality and making the country and the world a better place to live and work in. Issues such as power, economics, race, gender, class, violence and the environment are all addressed in the South
African context.

3.3

Expectations from a PGCE programme

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a well-rounded and systematic knowledge base in one or more disciplines/fields and a detailed knowledge of some specialist areas a coherent and critical understanding of one or more discipline’s/field’s terms, rules, concepts, principles and theories an ability to map new knowledge onto a given body of theory an acceptance of a multiplicity of ”right” answers effective selection and application of the essential procedures, operations and techniques of a discipline/field a knowledge of at least one other discipline/field’s method of enquiry an ability to deal with unfamiliar concrete and abstract problems and issues, using evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments well-developed information retrieval skills critical analysis and synthesis of quantitative and/or qualitative data presentation skills following prescribed formats, using IT skills appropriately an ability to present and communicate information and your own ideas and opinions in well-structured arguments, showing an awareness of the audience and using academic/professional discourse appropriately an ability to operate in different and unfamiliar learning contexts that require taking both responsibility and the initiative an ability to do accurate self-evaluations and identify and address one’s own learning needs an ability to interact effectively in a learning group

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We also expect students to plan, monitor (including adapt) and evaluate their learning and their strategies. Asking questions is one way of taking control of your own learning.

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Planning: What do I already know that will help me to do this activity? What should I do first? How much time do I have and how much time do I need to learn this? What resources do I have and where can I go for help?
Monitoring: Am I on the right track? How am I doing for time? Do I need to speed up?
Do I need to slow down? Do I need to (re)prioritize? What must I do because I don’t understand? How can I revise my plan if it isn’t working?
Evaluating: What could I have done differently? How well did I do? What did I learn that I could use in other tasks? How long did this take me? Could I have done it in less time?
How?

3.4

What are the PGCE (Senior Phase & FET) exit level outcomes?

Students will qualify for this programme only if they can demonstrate the competence described in the exit level outcomes that follow. The exit level outcomes of the PGCE are achieving the educator roles and the critical cross-field outcomes.
The table below shows the alignment between modules and the exit level outcomes.
Module

Exit outcome
(educator role)

Exit outcome (Critical cross-field outcomes) EDLHODM:
The educator as leader, manager and administrator

Leader, manager and administrator role Organise oneself and one’s activities responsibly and effectively.
Work effectively with others as members of a team, groups, organisation, community.

EDMHODR:
The educator as mediator of learning Mediator of learning role

Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and /or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentations.

EDPHOD8:
The educator in a pastoral role

Pastoral role

Participate as a responsible citizen in the life of local, national and global communities.

Learning programme developer role

Organise oneself and one’s activities responsibly and effectively.

EDDHODJ:
The educator as learning programme developer 7

EDRHODG:
The educator as researcher, scholar and lifelong learner

Researcher, scholar and lifelong learner role Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information. Can identify, analyse, formulate, and solve convergent and divergent educational problems, of individual and societal kinds, creatively and responsibly. EDAHOD5:
The educator as assessor Assessor role

Collect, analyse, organise and critically evaluate information

Subject (FET)

Specialist role

All exit level outcomes

Subject (Senior
Phase)

Specialist role

All exit level outcomes

PTEAC1X: Practical teaching 1

Specialist role

All exit level outcomes

PTEAC2Y: Practical teaching 2

Specialist role

All exit level outcomes

3.5

How is the programme structured?

In helping you to develop the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values implicit in the purpose of the programme and the general expectations of learners themselves, the Unisa PGCE (Snr
Phase & FET) programme has been structured as follows, in line with the qualification as registered by SAQA on the NQF:
The UNISA PGCE (Senior Phase & FET) is structured as follows:
COMPULSORY EDUCATIONAL MODULES (SEMESTER MODULES)
EDLHODM
EDMHODR
EDPHOD8
EDDHODJ
EDRHODG
EDAHOD5

The educator as leader, manager and administrator
The educator as mediator of learning
The educator in a pastoral role
The educator as learning programme developer
The educator as researcher, scholar and lifelong learner
The educator as assessor

One subject (FET)
One subject (Senior Phase)
AND

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(covering the specialist role – YEAR MODULE)
(covering the specialist role – YEAR MODULE)

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Practical teaching (two modules attached to the specialist role – YEAR MODULES)
As you can see, there is a balance between educational learning (which will enable you to embark on further educational studies) and professional preparation for classroom teaching.
The qualification is worth 120 credits at SAQA level 7. The qualification is registered with
SAQA and accredited by the Department of Education. Internationally, it is also accepted as a valid teaching qualification by the majority of other countries. The following table indicates all the modules in the PGCE from which you can choose.
The complete curriculum for the PGCE (Senior phase & FET) is as follows (we recommend that you do EDAHOD5 and EDDHODJ in the first year/semester if you do the programme over two years):

Core modules
EDUCATIONAL
LEARNING
Six modules aligned to the roles of the educator
EDLHODM: The educator as leader, manager and administrator EDMHODR: The educator as mediator of learning
EDPHOD8: The educator in a pastoral role
EDDHODJ: The educator as learning programme developer EDRHODG: The educator as researcher, scholar and lifelong learner
EDAHOD5: The educator as assessor

WORK INTEGRATED
LEARNING
(two modules linked with specialised modules)

Elective modules
PROFESSIONAL/ SPECIALISED LEARNING
One subject (FET) (academic subject needed at second year level as part of previous qualification)
SDACT0M:
SDBEC0S:
SDCAT0P:
SDC4701:
SDECO0N:
SDGEOGM:
SDHISTV:
SDCOS04:
SDLANGT:
SDENG3J
SDBIOLJ:
SDSGC0D
SDMAT04:
SDMATLK:
SDPSC08:
SDRELSD:
SDTECSY:

Accounting
Business Studies
Computer Applications Technology
Consumer Studies
Economics
Geography
History
Information Technology
Languages (home, first additional and additional) English
Life Sciences
Life Orientation
Mathematics
Mathematics Literacy
Physical Science
Religion Studies
Technology subjects (civil, electrical and mechanical) One subject (Senior Phase) (academic subject needed at first year level as part of previous qualification) LADACUH: Arts and Culture
LADEMSJ:
Economic and Management Sciences
LADLANA:
Languages
LADLORD: Life Orientation
LADMMM6: Mathematics
LADNSCC: Natural Sciences
LADHSSA:
Social Sciences
LADTECX

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(FDETE5E): Technology
PTEAC1X:
Practical teaching 1
PTEAC2Y:
Practical teaching 2
96 credits

3.6

24 credits

How will the PGCE be assessed?

The focus of the PGCE (Snr Phase & FET) is on the development of competent teachers as outlined in the Department of Education’s 2000 policy document Norms and Standards for Educators, which is now replaced by the policy on minimum requirements for teacher education qualifications (Department of Education, 2011).
Competence involves the integration of three other kinds of competence:
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Foundational competence: you must be able to demonstrate understanding of the key concepts and issues
Practical competence: you must be able to use what you have learned in some practical way
Reflexive competence: you must be able to evaluate your own work and that of others in order to identify areas requiring improvement

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It should be clear from the above requirements that this programme is not about rote learning and regurgitating information. Instead, you will need to critically engage with the learning material, try things out and then evaluate the outcomes.
You will submit two to four assignments for each module and these assignments will count for 20% towards your final module mark. To be allowed to write the examination, you must submit the compulsory assignment, Assignment 01, in each module before the due date. This will constitute the continuous, formative aspect of assessment for this programme. You will write a two-hour examination paper for each module, which will count for 80% towards your final module mark. This will constitute the summative assessment for this programme. In this programme, you have to pass all modules individually, including practical teaching modules, before we can award you the qualification.
Tutorial letter 101 for each module gives the deadlines for the assignments, outcomes and assessment criteria.

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4.

LEARNING STRATEGIES

This section of the tutorial letter will provide you with some guidelines on estimating your time, planning, goal setting, using effective learning strategies and how to approach written and multiple-choice assignments.

4.1

Estimating your time

Students often register for more modules than they can handle given their current life circumstances. You can estimate the demands of the course and the time you have available by completing the following timesheet.
STUDENT TIMESHEET: ALL COMMITMENTS
The following timesheet guides you to estimate the amount of time you spend on regular work and life activities in a week so that you can discover the number of hours you have available for study. Each Unisa module needs 120 hours of study, spread across different activities.
For a semester (6 months) of twelve to fifteen weeks, you must have about eight to ten hours a week available for each module.
The more accurate your calculation, the more realistic you can be about how many modules you can take at a time. Potentially, in a week, you have 168 hours.
Hours already committed each week before studies:
Sleep (e.g. seven hours a night = 49)
__________
Meals
__________
Personal hygiene
__________
Household work (e.g. cleaning, preparing food, childcare, gardening) __________
Employment
__________
Travelling
__________
Errands (e.g. shopping)
__________
Socializing
__________
TOTAL COMMITTED:
__________
Hours available for study: 168 – Total committed =

__________

If you divide this number by eight or ten, you can estimate the maximum number of modules that you should be doing in a semester.
Keep up the number of hours required a week. One of the big dangers in distance education is that a crisis such as a sudden illness can throw you off track; then you fall behind and drop out. If such a crisis occurs, be flexible and recalculate your time so that you can catch up. This is easier to do if you were on track before the crisis. Consult your lecturer for advice immediately if you fall behind.
Once you have estimated your time, set some short and long term goals to ensure that you manage your work efficiently.

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4.2

Reading for understanding

You need to ‘read’ your study package so that you can navigate your way around it successfully. Check the titles of every document you receive in the package. This tutorial letter and Tutorial Letter 101 have the information READ NOW, which shows their importance. Your study guide is also important and you should look for a start at the table of contents which gives the high level headings and will orientate you to the scope and content of the module.
Students have differing reading speeds and abilities. How good a reader are you? You need to develop your reading skills until you can read about 250 words a minute to manage your reading load for each module. You can easily learn your current reading speed by taking a textbook or study guide and getting someone to time you for a minute while you read. Then count how many words you have read in that minute.
One way to read more efficiently is to skim the text first, reading high level headings, the first sentence of every paragraph and looking at any diagrams to build up an overall sense of the meaning. You can build a summary based on this strategy. Once you have the big picture or main ideas, you can read and understand the detail more easily. Other effective reading strategies are to self-question, re-read, paraphrase to understand, link to prior knowledge, look for topic sentences, make outlines, draw diagrams, form study groups, flag to ask a lecturer, etc.

4.3

Making your own glossary

A glossary is like a dictionary: it gives you a word or phrase and the meaning of that phrase.
You could start to build up an alphabetical list of new terms that are explained in the study guide or textbook and add examples to make the meaning even clearer. You might even wish to write an explanation in your own language if you are using English as an additional language. Gloss ‘terms of art’: words that is important to your field of study. Also gloss academic words like ‘data’, ‘phenomenon’, ‘critical thinking’, etc.

4.4

Re-using effective learning strategies

Some learning strategies work and make you successful; others do not work, leaving you feeling that you will never understand and therefore you have to memorise and reproduce information. However, memorization is itself a strategy. If memorisation is your main strategy, and you keep failing, you need to realize that it isn’t working. If writing your own glossary helps you to learn, use it in all your modules. If skimming helps you to learn more successfully, use it on all your texts. Keep a note of strategies that work for you so that you can re-use them directly or in an adapted format.

4.5

Assignments

4.5.1

The value of assignments

The importance of doing assignments cannot be over-emphasised. Assignments, like the activities in the study guide, form an extremely important part of the learning in the module.
Assignments are important since they allow you to determine the standard the University sets

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HODALG9/301 for its students and the quality of work it expects. Assignments also prepare you for the examinations by giving you a chance to practise for final assessment.
Essentially, assignments and examinations have different purposes: an assignment is meant to help you to learn and often focuses on only one or two outcomes. Don’t be afraid of making mistakes in assignments: that is often the way we learn. An examination is proof of mastery of the learning outcomes for the module.

Your assignments also contribute to
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examination admission; a year mark.

General guidelines and suggestions (e.g. on understanding the assignment and researching the assignment topic) are of equal importance in approaching written and multiple-choice assignments.
The purposes of the assignments (and the activities in the study guide, online discussion forums, etc.) are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.

We want you to engage actively and learn through doing and receiving feedback.
We want to motivate you to work through all the study material and achieve all the outcomes. You need to learn the reading and writing skills expected of a future professional.
We want you to practise synthesising from various sources; that is, combining different ideas and arguments in a single answer.
You need to practise gathering material and presenting ideas/ arguments in a logical, ordered fashion using convincing arguments (merely copying the study material is not acceptable).
You need to learn to use assessment criteria and feedback on assignments to increase your ability to self-assess. When you enter the world of work, you will have to evaluate your own arguments and submissions and you should, therefore, acquire this skill as soon as possible.

In the PGCE programme we require you to present and structure your essay-type assignments according to a particular method. This tutorial letter is intended to help you to do this correctly. This tutorial letter should be studied in conjunction with Tutorial Letter 101 for each module for which you have registered for.
Your assignment answers must satisfy certain requirements for scientific and academic writing. It is, therefore, important that you read this tutorial letter before attempting to write an assignment answer. As you progress with your studies, you will have to become increasingly careful in the application of the scientific method for writing assignments. Please note that you will be penalised if your assignment answers do not comply with these requirements.
Read this tutorial letter again when you receive a marked assignment from us, so that you can understand the lecturer 's comments better.

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4.5.2

Understanding the assignment

This section deals with the interpretation of the assignment topic. The problem statement proceeds from the interpretation of the topic. These aspects will be raised again in subsection 4.5.7.2 of this tutorial letter where we deal with the introductory part of your assignment answer.
4.5.3

Read the assignment

It is very important that you should read the assignment carefully and make sure that you understand what is required. Read it several times to make sure that you do not misinterpret it. Look up any unfamiliar words in a dictionary. All important subject terms should be defined in your study guide and prescribed textbook, so it is very important to consult these as well.
Important information is conveyed in the way in which the assignment is worded as well as through the instructions, assessment criteria and guidelines provided with the assignment.
4.5.4

Find the keywords

What is the function of a key? It helps you to unlock something so that you can open it. A keyword helps you to open up ideas. So, the next step is to identify exactly what the subject is and what aspects of this subject are covered by the assignment topic. To do this, you must find the keywords (i.e. the most important words) in the assignment topic. The keywords enable you to understand what the assignment is asking you to do.
Keywords can provide you with more information on the topic. The reason why you should identify keywords is that they guide you when you are reading about the topic and gathering information on the central theme. However, the fact that you have identified keywords does not mean that you should look at each word separately and say something about each in your assignment answer.
The question words that are used in assignments tell the kind of answers that could be given.
The following are examples of question words that are usually found in assignments. These words enable you to decide on the focus of the assignment.
Based on the list below, use the question words in the assignment you are going to work on to understand what you are expected to do.

Question
Word
(Instruction)

Meaning

Enumerate

Mention items or points one by one. No detail is required and the result of an enumeration is a list of things or aspects.

Indicate

State briefly, in broad outline, without detail. An indication gives the reader the gist of the matter.

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Analyse

Divide into sections or elements and discuss in full.

Define

State the precise meaning of a term as you use it in your assignment answer. The definition should ensure that the term has only one meaning and that it cannot be confused with other terms.
This often means that you will have to read a number of definitions before arriving at a substantiated decision on the precise meaning you will attach to the term in the relevant assignment.

Distinguish

Provide definitions, but also indicate similarities and differences.

Describe

Give an account of the characteristics or properties of a matter in such a way that your reader can recognise it and not confuse it with anything else. A description tells you ‘what it is like’. You can be asked for physical descriptions or descriptions of processes, for instance. Explain

Write about the topic in such a way that the reader gains a better understanding of the important underlying facts. An explanation tells the reader ‘why a thing is the way it is’.

Compare

Set out how things differ from one another and in what ways they are similar. A good comparison also says ‘why it is so’.

Discuss

This implies that there are various explanations of, or opinions about, the topic you have to discuss. You must state what these are and show how and why they may correspond or differ. ‘Discuss’ often involves weighing up arguments for and against something.

Evaluate

Assess or ‘determine the value of’ something. This means that you should have criteria against which you can measure something; the end result should be the formulation of your own informed opinion of the matter. You may approve, disapprove, or suggest a modification of whatever you have to evaluate. Evaluation usually implies comparison and should always be substantiated, that is based on soundly formulated reasons.

Examine

Look at/ observe, identify the problem or the characteristics, describe what you have observed, and then critically discuss a topic in terms of definite criteria or guidelines and possibly suggest solutions. Offer comments Give your own informed opinion on the matter, grounded in the knowledge base of your discipline or field of study.

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Point out

Direct attention to something: for instance, a premise logically by means of thorough reasoning; priorities within a field; discrepancies in an argument, etc.

Summarise

Give the key aspects of a topic.

Illustrate

Give examples or draw a diagram to make a particular topic or subject clearer.

Interpret

Specific information is given and you have to say what it means in a particular context or according to certain criteria. Your explanation should be as practical as possible.

Criticise

Academic ‘criticism’ looks at both good and bad characteristics.
Identify these characteristics and give your opinion after taking all the facts into account, applying what you have learnt or looking at given criteria.

The instructions given with each assignment should make it quite clear what is required. If you do not understand an assignment, contact your lecturer or tutor, who will gladly help you to solve any problems you may have. However, do not do this until you have read extensively on the assignment topic, as an assignment topic often becomes clearer once you have done some reading.
4.5.5

Compile a list of things to find out

After you have read the assignment, compile a list of things to find out. Ask yourself questions. This will help you to concentrate on the most relevant aspects of the topic and will also ensure that you do not leave out important points.
4.5.6

Researching the assignment topic(s)

4.5.6.1 Finding the information
a)

Study guide and prescribed textbook

Read the relevant sections in your study guide and prescribed textbook, if you have one.
This will give you a broad outline of the important aspects of the topic. Subject terms with which you are unfamiliar will usually be defined in the study guide, prescribed textbook and recommended sources.
b)

Other recommended sources

Once you have a general idea of the topic, you should consult some of the other recommended sources if any are listed in Tutorial Letter 101 for the assignment topic. Use the tables of contents and indexes in books to find the relevant sections. A table of contents is at the beginning of the book and gives the headings and subheadings of each chapter.

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This will guide you as to which chapters are likely to be relevant. The index is at the back of the book and is an alphabetical list of topics, with the page numbers where the topics are discussed in the book.
In order to understand the content and meaning of the text, bear the following in mind:
•
•

Headings and sub-headings indicate what the text is about. These will help you to anticipate which aspects are dealt with in a particular section, and to select the sections of a book or article that are relevant to your topic.
Try to find the key sentence of each paragraph in order to identify the main points. (Do not underline or write in library books.) The key sentence opens up the meaning of the rest of the paragraph. It is often but not always the first sentence of a paragraph. If you skim a text – that is, read only the first sentence of each paragraph – you should have a good idea of what the broad outline of that reading is.

4.5.6.2 Selecting relevant information
Once you have decided that a source will be useful for a particular assignment, you can set about collecting the relevant information. This means you must select information that relates specifically to the assignment question(s). As you read, make notes on sheets of paper.
Bear in mind that the author of the book or article is not necessarily concentrating on your particular topic. S/He may include too much detail on matters that are not directly relevant to your requirements. When reading, you must select and write down only the information that is relevant to the assignment topic. This information will help you to substantiate (i.e. support) your point of view about the topic. Leave out all matters that do not contribute directly to the subject of your assignment.
How to make notes:
Here are a few hints on how to make notes on the information obtained from literature sources: Step 1
Put together all the information sources you have obtained for writing the assignment, including the study guide, articles, case law and the prescribed textbook. Read the relevant sections in the study guide, articles, case law and prescribed textbook first, and then the recommended works and any other sources that you may have obtained.
Step 2
Identify the aspects of the information that are relevant to the assignment topic(s) and note them down as follows:
•
•

Use a separate sheet of paper for each aspect that you think should be considered.
Write down a suitable heading for each particular issue at the top of each sheet.

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Step 3
Draw two parallel margins on the left side of each sheet of paper to create two columns.
Give these columns the following headings: ‘Source’ for the first column on the left, and
‘Page number’ for the one next to it.
Step 4
Start making notes as you read through your information sources. For instance, if you have a definition of research on page 4 of the recommended book, take the sheet of paper bearing the heading ‘Definitions: research’. Write down ‘Recommended book’ in the column on the left, and ‘4’ in the column next to it. Then note down the essence of the definition that you have found in the book. If you have also found a definition for research on page 18 of an article, return to the sheet bearing the heading ‘Definitions: research’. Write down the author(s) of the article in the left-hand column, and ‘18’ in the one next to it. Write down the essence of the particular author 's definition. Once you have completed your reading, the sheet ‘Definitions: research’ may contain quite a number of definitions, as provided by various authors.
Remember that if you copy down a sentence or passage word for word from any information source, you must put it in quotation marks even when merely taking notes. (A sentence or passage which is copied word for word from a source is called a ‘verbatim quotation’.) More information on the proper citation and reference methods to use in the … will be provided later in this tutorial letter.
Step 5
Once you have completed your note taking; look at the information noted down on all the sheets. Let us again take the sheet bearing the heading ‘Definitions: research’ as an example. Study all the definitions you have gathered and see whether some differ from others. One author may, for instance, emphasise a particular point in his or her definition which is not mentioned by another or may offer a completely different definition. These points should be noted on the sheet of paper (If you can indicate such differences in your assignment answer and use this information as a basis for formulating your own definition, you will have shown evidence of ‘critical thinking’, which will enable you to score higher marks). You will compile your assignment answer from these notes. It is therefore important that you write down the name of the source and the page numbers correctly.
4.5.6.3

Assessing sources

When you do your reading, do not automatically accept everything the author states as true.
You must be alert to the difference between a fact and an opinion. A fact is a generally accepted truth, such as ‘Unisa was founded in 1873’. An opinion is a deduction made by an individual author, for example ‘Unisa is the best University’. Facts are objective; opinions are subjective. Authors often view issues from different perspectives and therefore have different opinions.
Do not let this confuse you. Refer to different sources and compare them. Decide which opinions you think are the best supported, or the most logically argued and hence the most valid. You are not, however, required to decide whether a viewpoint is ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. It is

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HODALG9/301 more important that you notice these differences of opinion and point them out in your assignment answer. You might also need to choose a perspective most appropriate to a particular context.
If you agree with a particular author 's viewpoint, you may say so in your assignment answer, as long as you indicate that you have considered other interpretations and explain why you have accepted a particular point of view. If you include your own opinions you must therefore substantiate (give reasons for) them. For example, it is not enough to say ‘Censorship is bad’. You must also state why you hold this viewpoint: ‘Censorship is bad because it violates one of the basic principles of information science; namely, that information should be freely available to all’.
4.5.7

Answering the assignment

You have now read the assignment carefully and decided what is required in your answer.
You have also read various sources and made notes. Now you can begin to write your assignment answer.
There are several stages to completing an essay-type assignment:
•
•
•
•

planning your assignment answer; writing a first draft of your assignment answer; evaluating this draft yourself based on the given assessment criteria; re-drafting the answer for submission to the lecturer.

4.5.7.1

Planning your assignment answer

Before you start writing your assignment answer, you need to plan how you are going to turn your notes into a scientific and academic discussion. The following suggestions may help.
Firstly:
•
•

Read the assignment topic again to refresh your memory.
Look at the headings, subheadings and other details you wrote in your notes, and consider whether these will help you to compile an answer. If not, you need to return to your sources to find more information.

Secondly:
•

•
•
•
•
•

Now you are ready to work out your rough plan. Write the heading ‘Introduction’ at the top of a page, leave a few lines, write the heading ‘Main discussion’ and then leave most of the sheet empty. A few lines from the bottom of the page, write the heading ‘Conclusion’.
Every assignment answer consists of these three main sections: an introduction, a main discussion and a conclusion.
You will now fill the spaces under these three main headings by transferring the ideas in your notes onto this planning sheet.
Read through your notes carefully. Start placing headings and subheadings from your notes in a logical order.
Write these headings in a logical order under the heading ‘Main discussion’ on your planning sheet. (Only write the headings and subheadings, not your notes and references.) By arranging these headings in a logical order like this, you have worked out a framework from which to write the discussion part of the assignment.

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Thirdly:
•

Consider whether these headings and subheadings are sufficient for and/or appropriate to a discussion of the assignment topic.

4.5.7.2 Writing your assignment answer
You will now use your plan and your notes to write your assignment answer. Write down the number and topic of the assignment as they appear in Tutorial Letter 101 before starting with the introduction.
a)

Introduction

Start the introduction with an interpretation of the topic (a short explanation in your own words of your understanding of the field of study of the assignment: that is, the task that must be executed). A mere repetition or paraphrase of the topic as it appears in Tutorial
Letter 101 would, therefore, give no indication of your own understanding of the topic.
The reason why you must interpret the topic is to make sure that you understand exactly what you have to do, so that while you are gathering information and making notes, you will be certain that you are concentrating on matters which are relevant to the topic. A good interpretation: •
•

outlines the main field of study of the topic; focuses directly on the assignment topic.

The introduction could include a problem statement. The purpose of the problem statement is to:
•
•
•

put the topic in proper context; state what the central point of dispute is; indicate the steps to be followed in the investigation or discussion of the topic.

b)

Main discussion

The ‘main discussion’ forms the biggest part of your assignment answer. The problems that you have identified in the problem statement are discussed here. It is here that you will develop your main argument and give reasons for your answer. The ‘main discussion’ of your assignment answer should be divided into sections according to the headings and subheadings that you have already identified in your rough plan (Do not use ‘main discussion’ as a heading in your essay). For each main point you should have a heading and, if necessary, subheadings. Headings and subheadings must be numbered. Use Arabic numbers (1, 2, 3, etc.) and decimal points for numbering subheadings (1.1, 1.2, etc.).
Your discussion under each heading must be divided into paragraphs. A good paragraph:
•
•
•
•

deals with one main idea or topic, preferably stated in the first sentence; contains all the explanations, details and examples that support the main idea; shows how the information is linked to the assignment topic; does not contain irrelevant information and does not repeat information.

Do not copy word for word from your sources, although you may use short, fully referenced quotations within your essay (‘short’ being defined as between a phrase of two or three words up to about three lines). Unless you use your own words, we cannot judge whether or

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HODALG9/301 not you have understood your sources. It is not possible to obtain a pass mark for an answer in which too much use has been made of passages copied from sources, even if the copied passages are correctly acknowledged by means of references. (How to acknowledge work consulted is explained later in this tutorial letter under 4 below.) A verbatim (word for word) quotation is only used when you want to emphasise a point that you have made in your assignment answer. The quotation must then be enclosed between quotation marks. But keep direct quotations to the minimum and always ensure that you acknowledge your source even if you are not quoting from it directly.
If you quote the title of an information source in your text, you must underline the title in a written text and put it in italics in a computer-generated document
c)

Conclusion

The conclusion is the last paragraph of your essay. It should relate to the topic(s) of the assignment. The main points of the assignment answer may be summarised here but no new information should be included in the conclusion. Here you should also state the impressions you have gained and the conclusions you have arrived at on the strength of the preceding discussion.
A good conclusion:
•
•
•

summarises the main argument and content of your essay; comments on the problem statement; provides your own informed impressions or the outcomes of your research.

4.5.8

Technical details of assignments

The following must also be included in your assignment answer:
•
•
•

table of contents; acknowledgment of works consulted; list of works consulted.

4.5.8.1 Table of contents
A table of contents is a list of all the headings and sub-headings, and should follow immediately after the title of your assignment. You indicate a subheading by using the number allocated to the main heading, for example 3, and then adding a decimal point for the sub-heading, for example 3.1. The numbers, headings and sub-headings must be the same as those used in the text of your assignment answer.
Number the pages of your assignment and include the relevant page numbers in the table of contents. A table of contents is incomplete if it does not indicate the page numbers on which the headings and sub-headings appear in the text.
4.5.8.2 Acknowledgement of works consulted
As we said earlier, you must acknowledge the sources of your information in the text on your assignment answer. You must do this even if you are not quoting directly from the source.

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Quotations from must be kept to a minimum. All quotations must be accurate and fully acknowledged. Please refer to the section of this tutorial letter that deals with referencing style. 4.5.8.3 List of works consulted
Provide your assignment with an alphabetically-ordered bibliography (all the sources you consulted even if you did not refer to them) or a reference list. Some departments prefer the former and some the latter, so do find out which method your lecturer prefers. This is usually placed directly after the conclusion. When an assignment answer includes appendices, the appendices are placed directly after the conclusion and the list of sources consulted would then be placed after the appendices.
4.5.9

Some editing tips

•

Write the number and topic of the assignment down on the first page and ensure that your assignment answer contains the following:
-

•

a table of contents; an introduction; a conclusion; a list of sources consulted.

Check your grammar as well as you are able. If you are writing on a computer, use its grammar and spelling check.
-

•
•
•

Try to write in short sentences as far as possible (about twenty words maximum). Make use of commas to separate ideas.
Write in complete sentences.
Start each sentence with a capital letter and end with a full stop.
Make sure of commas to separate ideas.
Write in complete sentences.
Start each sentence with a capital letter and end with a full stop.

Check your spelling, especially of names.
Make use of headings and sub-headings in your text.
Divide your essay into paragraphs.
-

•
•

Ensure that each paragraph has a main idea.
Ensure that each main idea is supported with examples, arguments, data, etc.

Acknowledge your sources.
Please ensure that your name, address, student number, module code and assignment number appear on the cover of the assignment and at the top of the first page of your answer; this information must be correct. Every successive page should show at least your student number and the module code.
Number your pages.
Ensure that the pages of your answer are stapled together properly. Do not join answers to different assignments together.
Foreign language expressions must either be underlined or typed in italics.

•
•
•

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•

We restrict the length of assignment answers to teach you to write concise and logical arguments. It is very easy to write a long, rambling answer but such an answer does not earn good marks. You must learn to summarise your research findings so that you can answer a question in a factually correct, concise and logical manner. Please do NOT write on both sides of the page.
Answers to all the questions in the assignment should be submitted simultaneously.
Students who use word processors should consult the brochure My Studies @
Unisa about the format and paper to be used for assignments. If at all possible, the assignment should be typed, in at least 1.5 spacing. If you are not able to submit a typewritten answer, you may submit a NEAT AND LEGIBLE handwritten answer. It is wise to make a copy of the assignment before submitting it, in case it gets lost in the post.

•
•
•

•

NOTE
Students often find it rewarding to work in a group when preparing an assignment. Unisa encourages you to work together as it can improve learning. Please note, though, that you must give your own interpretation of what you have learnt in the group when completing assignments. Identical assignments by different members of a group are not acceptable. It is unacceptable for students to submit identical assignments on the basis that they worked together. This will amount to plagiarism and none of these assignments will be marked. Furthermore, these students may be penalised or subjected to University disciplinary proceedings.

4.5.10

How to approach multiple-choice questions

See the brochure My Studies @ Unisa for instructions on how to complete a mark-reading sheet for multiple-choice questions. Please read through the following remarks on answering multiple-choice questions and think about them. Of course, you don’t need to learn them, but please make sure that you understand what is being said.
A multiple-choice question is the type of short question that gives students alternative answers from which they must choose. The following is a simple example of a multiplechoice question:
Legal capacity can be defined as the capacity to …
[1]
[2]
[3]
[4]

perform valid juristic acts. appear in a court of law. have rights and duties. be accountable for crimes.

The multiple-choice question consists of the following:
Problem statement or question
Legal capacity can be defined as the capacity to …

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Distracters/ Alternatives
(1)
(2)
(3)
(4)

the capacity to perform valid juristic acts. the capacity to appear in a court of law.
Correct answer → the capacity to be accountable for crimes.

The problem statement or question provides the perspective from which or the context within which you have to work to find the most correct alternative. It gives an indication of how to approach the question. Therefore, always read and consider the problem statement carefully. It is thus the function of the problem statement to ensure that one alternative is more correct than another.
What is the perspective from which or the context within which you have to work to find the most correct alternative or answer to the question in the above example?
The key words are legal capacity and defined.
It is important to consider all the alternatives from the perspective provided by the problem statement or question. Sometimes students choose one of the first alternatives without even looking at the rest. Bear in mind that the distracters in a multiple-choice question are not necessarily completely wrong. They are called ‘distracters’ because they often contain some appropriate information, so it is easy to make a wrong choice if you do not know the subject well or if you do not read all the alternatives carefully before you choose your answer. You must choose the most correct alternative.

4.6

PREPARING FOR THE EXAMINATION

4.6.1

Planning and revising

Planning is again of the essence in preparing for the examination. Keeping good notes, doing all the assignments, keeping on track with study programme, all contribute to success in the examination. Work back from the examination date and plan you study time prior to the examination. If you are doing more than one module, plan whether you will try to study a little on each module each day or if you are going to plan their time differently. Prioritize you studies by asking yourself a series of questions:
What do I already clearly understand?
What am I uncertain about?
What don’t I understand?
How am I going to address my lack of understanding?
•
•
•
•

Study the guide/ textbook again and take more notes
Work through the assignments and feedback again
Ask the tutor/ lecturer
Work in groups with other students

It goes without saying that to achieve success in any examination there is no substitute for a sound knowledge of the subject, which can be attained only by making a thorough study of

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HODALG9/301 the study guide and other prescribed material; interacting with other students in person or online; interacting with tutors; using the Library and other resources; completing assignments and taking note of feedback.

4.6.2

In the examination venue

Our experience has, however, been that students who apparently have a good knowledge of the subject sometimes fail to obtain a pass mark. Every year we come across scripts which indicate that students devoted far too much time to the first few questions (for which they earned good marks) and were unable to answer the entire paper because time caught up with them.
It is a good idea first to read carefully through the paper, to specifically note the maximum number of marks allotted to each question, and then to decide on the maximum amount of time that should be devoted to each question.
Do make sure that you stick to the relevant points for each question. Our experience is that students sometimes add information that is not really relevant to answering a particular question, in the hope that they will somehow earn marks. It does not work that way. Our questions are very specific and no marks can be earned by ‘throwing in’ additional material not required.
We try to ensure that examination papers are not too long. However, at the risk of repetition, we wish to emphasise that proper time planning is of great importance in writing an examination. In dealing with a problem question (i.e. a question setting out a hypothetical factual situation, to which you must provide the solution), it is inadvisable to go directly to the solution. It is better first to make sure of the principles that are relevant in seeking a solution, to describe these briefly and then to state your ideas on the solution of the problem. Even if your eventual conclusion is not absolutely correct, your statement of principles (if done correctly) will earn you valuable marks. If the solution is also correct, you will obviously be rewarded for that as well.
When you are required to define certain concepts or state certain principles or criteria, you should be brief and to the point. It will not be necessary to discuss or comment in detail on these, unless you are specifically asked to do so.
Please structure your answers into short paragraphs. It is difficult for us to read through pages and pages of ‘unbroken’ text. If you have begun your answer and are moving on to a new point or aspect, please make use of a new paragraph. Some of you actually number specific points and paragraphs and that is very helpful. Subheadings and underlining can be equally helpful in marking scripts. If you quote decided cases or the names of authors of books or articles, do underline their names.
Please use a pen that will produce a bold and legible script. Sometimes the script produced by an ‘overused’ ballpoint pen is barely legible. Take a back-up pen to the examination hall just in case.
We try at all times is to set a paper that will test your knowledge in a fair and proper manner and to maintain sound standards. Students who have obtained a degree from this University may take pride in their achievement.

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4.6.3

Supplementary examination

Please note that should the University grant you a supplementary examination, your year mark will not count towards your final mark. In other words, your examination will count
100% of your final mark and you will have to achieve a mark of at least 50% in the supplementary examination to pass the module.
However, this arrangement will not affect students who write the aegrotat examination (that is, an examination given to people who were ill and whose condition is supported with a medical certificate). Their year mark will count towards their final mark.

5.

ETHICAL BEHAVIOUR AS A STUDENT

5.1

Plagiarism

Plagiarism is the act of taking words, ideas and thoughts of others and using them as if they were your own. It involves a number of dishonest academic activities such as copying the work of other students, copying from textbooks or study guides without giving the source, copying in the examination, etc.
The Disciplinary Code for Students (2004) is given to all students at registration. You are advised to study the Code, especially Sections 2.1.13 and 2.1.4 (2004:3-4). Kindly read the
University’s Policy on Copyright Infringement and Plagiarism as well.

5.2

Referencing techniques and citing of sources

There are basically two ways of referencing: in footnotes or within the text (the Harvard method). The one is not more correct than the other, although in certain types of academic writing the use of footnotes is the more common. Which you use is largely a matter of taste and you are advised to consult your lecturer, who may have a particular preference.
Whichever you eventually decide upon, you must be consistent. You need also to become fully conversant in the reference technique relevant to scientific research. We strongly suggest you buy a copy of Marlene Burger 's book Reference techniques. 1992. Pretoria:
University of South Africa. (It is available from Unisa 's Bookshop, on the second level of the
Cas van Vuuren Building on campus. We suggest you use the technique described on pages
23-75).
The Harvard referencing system
In this system your references are placed in brackets in the text. This system presupposes the use of abbreviated references. The full references are set out in your bibliography.
Footnotes are not used, except where explanatory notes, incidental remarks, quotations, etcetera, are provided, which do not belong in the text for some reason.
Examples of the Augmented Harvard Method:
After analysing the data, the researcher (Sono 1995:25) provides us with the following information: •

The brackets distinguish the reference from the main body of the text.

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•
•
•
•

The author’s surname is Sono.
The year his book was published was 1995.
In this reference method, the colon means ”page(s) number”.
25 is the page on which the quotation/reference/idea(s) can be found.

Here are some guidelines:
•
•

In the text you should refer to a source as follows: (Friedman 1987:222).
If you want to refer to more than one source, you should place the authors in alphabetic order (Friedman 1987:222; Hartshorne 1992:333; Heese 1992:44;
Mncwabe 1990:55; Unterhalter 1991:66).
If the source has two authors, you should use the following technique: (Nell & Van
Staden 1988:23, 27), but if the reference is part of a sentence, you should use and not &: According to Nell and Van Staden (1988:23, 27) ….
If a source has more than two authors, all the authors are mentioned the first time you refer to that specific source in your text: (Goosen, Hall & White 1989:35-45).
After that, you use et al (Goosen et al 1989:37).
If you refer to a chapter by a specific author which is published in a collective work, you refer to the author of the chapter (Wandira 1977:76). In the bibliography the source is placed under the author:
Wandira, A. 1977. The special tasks and problems of the ”One-country-one university” institution in Middle Africa, in The future of the university in Southern
Africa, edited by HW Van der Merwe & D Welsh. Cape Town: David Phillip: 76-91.
In a bibliography, the reference to a TV or radio programme should look like this:
Focus. 1996. TV-programme Focus: discussion about the concepts Africanisation,
Afrocentrism and Eurocentrism. 16 July 1996. Presenter: Max du Preez. Guests: Dr.
Makaziwe Mandela (Affirmative Action Advisor: Wits) and David Phillips (Public relations: Wits).
You should only use the author’s surname:
According to Unterhalter (1999:20) the .... .
However, it is better to avoid this type of formulation by studying the information and then formulating the idea/view/concept in your own words.
If you want to emphasise an important personality by giving his/her full name, you should also briefly explain, in a footnote, who this person is and why you regard him/her as important in your research. For example: Steve Biko1
If the author of a newspaper report is known, the report is entered under the author’s name: Zille, H. 1978. Nusas and the identity crisis. Daily Dispatch, 18 August: 10.
If the author of a newspaper report is not known, enter the report under the headline: Universities in uproar over plans to enforce a set curriculum. 1995. Eastern Province
Herald, 27 June: 3.
If neither the name of the author, nor the headline of the report is given, make an entry under the name of the newspaper. For example:
Rand Daily Mail. 1980. 26 April: 6.
It is general practice to indicate the number and the year when an Act came into force. In the text as part of a sentence, you would refer to an Act as follows:
The South African Schools Act 1996 stipulated that ...

•
•
•

•

•

•
•
•

•
•

1

Stephen, Bantu Biko (Steve: 1946-1977) is also known as the father of Black Consciousness.
He was the first president of the South African Students’ Organisation and a fierce opponent of Apartheid (Davies, O’Meara & Dlamini 1988:304; Erlmann 1983:150).

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•

A specific reference in the text to a section of an Act would be given as follows:
(SASA 1996:29).
The bibliographic description would look like this:
South African Schools Act, 84 of 1996.
Where the date of publication is unknown:
(De Mause Sa: 12)
Different works by the same author(s) in the same year:
(Smith 1981a:12)
(Smith 1981b:18)
An example of bibliographical references to internet sources:
Yende, SS. 2003. “We need guns”. The teacher, 14 February 2003. Available url:www.teacher.co.za/cms/article_2003_02_ 14_3443.html. (Accessed on ………).
School searches of students and seizures of their property. 2000. Available url:http://eric-web.tc.columbia.edu/monographs/uds 107/school.htm. (Accessed on
……….).
An example of a bibliographic reference to a lecture:
Bray, W. 2000. The legal relationship between educator and learner in the public school. Unpublished lecture presented during the Oxford Round table Colloquium on
Public School Law at St Antony’s College, Oxford University, 9 to 14 July.
If you quote from a dictionary, use the following reference technique:
According to the Reader’s Digest English-Afrikaans dictionary (1988, sv ”influence”), the concept influence refers to …
Enter the dictionaries under the titles, for example:
Reader’s Digest English-Afrikaans dictionary. 1988. Sv ”influence”, ”politics”.
London: Reader’s Digest.
Concise Oxford dictionary. 1965. Sv ”Blacks”, “influence”, “politics”. New York:
Oxford University Press.

•
•
•
•

•

•

On the whole, a list of references that contains only online sources is not acceptable because of the reliability of the information. Printed journal articles are peer-reviewed and edited; many sources of information on the World Wide Web are not. However, if you are using a Unisa database

6.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We receive many calls from students asking the same questions over and over again. We have therefore decided to include these frequently asked questions in this tutorial letter.
Please do not make an unnecessary telephone call asking one of the following questions:

6.1

What is Tutorial Letter 101?

You will receive a Tutorial Letter 101 for every module for which you are registered. The
Tutorial Letter 101 contains essential information such as information on administrative matters, assignment details such as submission dates and the actual assignment questions, as well as the prescribed sources for that specific module. It is essential that you read carefully through the Tutorial Letter 101 for each module.

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6.2

Are there assignments that I need to complete? Do I have to submit the assignments? Each module has at least one compulsory assignment that you need to complete and submit by the due date mentioned in your Tutorial Letter 101. Please check carefully under the assignment section of your Tutorial Letter 101 how many assignment(s) you need to complete, what kind of assignment(s) they are and what the submission date(s) are. As explained in your Tutorial Letter 101, no extensions whatsoever will be granted for the submission of the assignments and you are requested not to apply for extensions under any circumstances.

6.3

Do I have to buy any prescribed textbooks? Can you recommend any further reading material?

If you are required to buy any textbook(s) for your module, particulars will be given in the section ‘Study material’ in the Tutoria Letter 101. If you have any enquiries about prescribed books you may call the following number: 012 429-4152 or e-mail: [e-mail].
The same applies to recommended reading(s).

6.4

What do I do if I experience problems with the content of the study material? Contact your tutor or one of the lecturers responsible for the module immediately. Please do not hesitate to contact us. You can phone any of the lecturers during the mornings, make an appointment to come and see us personally, write a letter or send an e-mail. Tutors are available in person at regional learning centres on most Saturday mornings. You need to register at the centre to attend tutorials.

6.5

I have not yet received my study material. Can you send it to me?

No, unfortunately the study material is kept at a different department. Please contact [e-mail] for study-material enquiries and ask whether the specific item has been despatched. If it has been despatched and you have not received it after a reasonable period of time, ask for another copy to be despatched.
You can also find your study material on myUnisa. Refer to your Tutorial Letter 101 on how to access myUnisa.

6.6

When do classes start at Unisa?

Unisa is a University that offers distance learning and is not a residential University. We do not, therefore, offer classes to our students on a daily basis. We do, however, offer tutorial classes in some of the modules on a weekly basis at Unisa Learning Centres throughout the country. Be wise and find out more about these tutorial classes! Refer to
Tutorial Letter 101 for more information.

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6.7

Do I have group discussions (that is, visits from lecturers at various venues)? Information concerning group discussions for any module will be provided in Tutorial Letter
101, and/or follow up tutorial letters you will receive during the course of the semester.
Group discussions will also be announced and scheduled on myUnisa.

6.8

When and where am I writing the examination?

When you register, select an examine centre that is convenient to you. If you need to change venues, inform the Directorate: Student Assessment Administration in good time so that they can make provision for you at the other centre.

6.9

When will the examination results be released?

Usually in the middle June/December of each year.

6.10

Where do I find my examination results?

You will be able to obtain your results from the following places on the day on which the examination results are released:
•

On notice boards on the Main Campus in Pretoria, as well as the regional offices/learning centres.
On the Internet at http://www.unisa.ac.za.

•

A hard copy of your official results will also be posted to you.
Please note that examination results may not be made available by e-mail or telephone. 6.11

What do I do if I am not happy with my results?

Refer to the back page of your official results (that you will receive by post) for the different options. Also, consult the brochure My Studies@ Unisa which you received as part of your study package.

6.12

How do I apply for my examination script to be remarked or rechecked?

You will find all the information with regard to the remarking or rechecking of examination scripts at the back of the official results that you will receive by post. You will also find the information in the brochure My Studies @ Unisa that you received as part of your study package. 6.13

When do the supplementary examination take place?

You will be notified if you meet the requirements. In case of illness you have to submit a medical certificate to DSAA and apply for a supplementary examination.

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6.14

For which modules do I have to register now?

Please refer to the Calendar for the PGCE (Senior phase and FET, code 03980) for further assistance, you can also contact the Bureau for Counselling, Career and Academic
Development (for more information see the brochure My Studies @ Unisa that you received with your study material).

6.15

What is myUnisa?

The myUnisa the University’s online learning management system. You can find your study guides and tutorial letters in PDF format on the website for your module. You can communicate with your lecturers, with other students and with the administrative departments of Unisa – all through the computer and the Internet. You need to have an
Internet enabled computer to use myUnisa. To go to the myUnisa website, start at the main
Unisa website, http://www.unisa.ac.za, and then click on the orange myUnisa button 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 My
Studies @ Unisa which you received with your study material for more information on myUnisa. 6.16

What is RPL?

Recognition of prior learning (RPL) is the recognition by Unisa of any non-accredited learning of tertiary level related to a Unisa discipline which occurred before you decided to register for an academic qualification.
•
•

The RPL programme at Unisa enables you to gain recognition and credit for what you already know and are able to do at a level equivalent to University study.
You receive credit for what you have learned from experience, training courses, etc.
For example, if you have worked as a police official for ten years, you will have learned a vast number of skills, such as how to affect an arrest, how to write a statement, how to negotiate. If you have started up and run your own successful business, you will be experienced in budgeting, stocktaking and preparing proposals for clients. If you have done research and written research reports, you could request credits in the field of research.

RPL makes it possible for you to earn credits towards a UNISA qualification, thereby shortening your study time, and decreasing your study fees.
Applications or enquiries can be directed to:
•
•
•
•
•

College of Economic and Management Sciences Ms J Brozio: 011 471 2215, [e-mail] College of Law Ms L Janakk: 011 471 2838, [e-mail]
College of Science, Engineering and Technology AND College of Agriculture and
Environmental Sciences Mr I Hlongwane: 011 471 2862, [e-mail]
College of Human Sciences Ms Sue Harman: 011 471 3622 , or Mr L Roos: 012
429 2795, [e-mail]
College of Education, Mr Sam Kekana [phone], or Me V Maroke [e-mail]. 31

•

Pre-access programme for candidates with no or incomplete school-leaving certificates Ms Marici Snyman: 011 471 3937, [e-mail]

6.17

I want to transfer credits from another University. How do I do this?

Phone Mr Sam Kekana or Mr Steven Shabango at [e-mail]. 6.18

012 429 2645.

E-Mail:

What can a tutor do for me?

At the moment, we offer face-to-face tutorials at regional learning centres across South
Africa for some of the modules. A tutor can assist you to understand your study material, approach your assignments correctly, offer you more opportunities for practising skills, etc.
We would like to begin to offer this service online for students who choose this option. We would also like to begin offering a tutor connection to students who have no access to our learning centres or the internet so that they at least have someone who can help them on request. 6.19

I want to work with other students. How can I do this?

You could ask Unisa to connect you to other students in your area so that you could form a study network. The Bureau for Counselling, Career and Academic Development also trains senior students to offer peer collaborative learning at the learning centres. You can also take part in the discussion forum on MyUnisa.

6.20

What can I do if I am not a confident reader or writer?

The Bureau for Counselling, Career and Academic Development offers literacy support at many of the regional learning centres. They can also assist you to improve your study skills.

6.21

What if I have received a CD or DVD and I don’t have the equipment to play it?

Many regional learning centres have computers that students may use. Regional offices can also give you details of Multi-Purpose Community Centres that might have equipment that you can use.

6.22

What happens if I need a placement for Work Integrated Learning
(Teaching Practice)?

All students must complete and submit the DSAR25 form that can be obtained from the
Unisa website or the nearest Unisa regional offices.
This form must have a school stamp of the school where the teaching practice will take place. All students who submit these forms will get 100% for assignment 01 and 02.

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All forms must be forwarded to [e-mail] OR fax to: 086 615 4699.
Students must complete their period of TP according to the Subject Didactic modules registered for as this is a minimum requirement for their qualifications.
All students who have enquiries regarding their results of TP modules must call our College enquiries office on 012 429 4601/2548/2645 or edu/[e-mail]
All students who have enquiries regarding TP placement may call 012 429 4200 or send an
E-Mail to [e-mail].
Application for TP exemption: [e-mail]
Lecturer for Teaching Practice: Prof JM Dreyer
E-Mail: [e-mail]

6.23

How much contact can I expect?

Distance education relies on independent self-study so your study package on its own should enable you to complete the module successfully. However, the University also offers some forms of contact besides letters, phone calls, e-mail or visits to lecturers in their offices. In some modules, lecturers visit various regions once a semester. Students are alerted to these visits in a tutorial letter. myUnisa offers discussion forums. The Bureau for Counselling,
Career and Academic Development has counsellors, literacy centres, peer collaborative learning facilitators, etc.

6.24

Where can I obtain financial aid?

Call the Unisa switchboard and they will direct you to the Financial Aid Bureau or phone
0860555544 or sms “edu” to 32150. For Teaching bursaries, please contact the Funza
Lushaka Bursary Programme at 011 471 3339 or 011 471 2027.

6.25

What can I expect from the University?

You can expect:
•

•
•
•
•
•

an up-to-date study guide or text book that helps you to prioritize the important information presented in that course; understand the main ideas and debates in the area of study; learn the terms and concept important to your chosen field; apply what you are learning to relevant contexts; integrate other media such as the textbook; myUnisa; CDs; etc; tutorial assistance at learning centres or online; library orientation and services; career and study skills counselling; assistance with literacy and numeracy problems; opportunities to submit assignments and receive feedback before the examination; etc. 33

7.

COMMUNICATION WITH THE UNIVERSITIES

7.1

By letter

When writing to the university, always state your student number, as well as the name of the module and the module code where appropriate. You may enclose more than one letter in an envelope, but do not address enquiries to different departments (eg student fees and despatch) in the same letter, since this will cause delays in replying. Instead, write to each department separately and mark each letter clearly for the attention of that department.
Address all correspondence to:
The Registrar
Unisa
PO Box 392
UNISA
0003

7.2

By telephone

Unisa Main switchboard: 012 4293111. Telephone enquiries about administrative matters should be addressed to the relevant department. The document Services and Procedures contains the contact numbers of administrative departments.
Remember that contact details for lecturers can be found in either tutorial letter 101 or 102 of the relevant module.

7.3

By E-mail or SMS

•
•

[e-mail] for general enquiries [e-mail] for application and registration-related enquiries
(prospective and registered students) [e-mail] for assignment enquiries [e-mail] for examination enquiries [e-mail] for study-material enquiries [e-mail] for student-account enquiries [e-mail] for graduation enquiries [e-mail] for assistance with myUnisa [e-mail] for assistance with myLife e-mail accounts

•
•
•
•
•
•
•

Send an SMS to 32695 for more information on how to contact Unisa via SMS (only for students within the borders of South Africa). The student will receive an auto-response SMS with the various SMS options. This SMS will cost R1.

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Students can also SMS enquiries directly to:
43578
43584
43584
43579
31954
43582

for applications and registrations for assignments for examinations for study material for student accounts for myUnisa and myLife

The cost per SMS is 50c.
*

7.4

The SMS number is only for students residing in South Africa. International students are urged to make use of the e-mail address: [e-mail].

In person

You are welcome to pay a personal visit to Unisa, but please telephone first to make an appointment. Lecturers are often away from their offices in meetings, in contact sessions for other programmes, working on research and publications or engaged in community development projects.
Good luck with your studies!
Professor EC du Plessis
On behalf of the PGCE (Snr Phase & FET) team

References
Department of Education. 2011. National Qualifications Framework Act 67 of 2008 Policy on the minimum requirements for teacher education qualifications. Government Gazette
No 34467, 15 July 2011. Pretoria: Government Printer.
McMillan, JH & Schumacher, S. 2006. Research in education: evidence-based inquiry. 6th
Edition. Boston, MA: Pearson.
South Africa. Ministry of Education (MoE). 2004. The Higher Education Qualifications
Framework. Policy issues under the Higher Education Act, 101 of 1997. July.
Pretoria: Government Printers.
South Africa. Ministry of Education (MoE). 2005. Report of the Ministerial Committee on
Teacher Education. A national framework for teacher education in South Africa.
Pretoria: Government Printers.

http://www.unisa.ac.za,

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Modules

Jan

Feb

March

April

May

June

ANNUAL STUDY PROGRAMME 2014
July

Aug

Sept.

Oct.

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References: Department of Education. 2011. National Qualifications Framework Act 67 of 2008 Policy on the minimum requirements for teacher education qualifications McMillan, JH & Schumacher, S. 2006. Research in education: evidence-based inquiry. 6th Edition South Africa. Ministry of Education (MoE). 2004. The Higher Education Qualifications Framework South Africa. Ministry of Education (MoE). 2005. Report of the Ministerial Committee on Teacher Education