A descriptive analysis of extended matching questions among third year medical students

Background: With changes in teaching methods in medicine, assessment tools have also evolved in order to be valid, reliable, practical, analyzable and not time-consuming. After questions of reliability and practicality when using free response short answer questions, we replaced them with extended matching questions (EMQs). Previous analysis of the same group of students, in the same time period, showed high reliability and discrimination with standard multiple choice questions (MCQ). Objective was to describe the efficiency of Extended matching questions (EMQ) in third-year medicine coursesMethods: Castler-Rock Integrity programme, item analyzed reports of EMQ results over a three-year period were analyzed. There were 25EMQ items in each course, each year, with 9 option answers.Results: The Kuder Richardson-20 reliability mean ranged from 0.447 to 0.674. Spearman-Brown split half-reliability coefficient mean ranged from 0.443 to 0.685. Spearman-Brown prophecy reliability formula mean from 0.614 to 0 837. The Guttman split-half reliability coefficient mean ranged from 0.441 to 0.718. The difficulty mean ranged from 0.491 to 0.719. The Corrected point bi-serial coefficient ratio mean was 0.118 to 0.255. The number of items with all-functioning distractors ranged from 16% to 40%, and the total number of non-functioning distractors ranged from 14.5% to 28%.Conclusions: EMQs showed reliability, though lower than with the MCQs previously analyzed. This may be due to the much smaller numbers hence increasing numbers of EMQs should be considered. There was a high number of functioning distractors. Poor distractors should be revised

Enhancing the scope and efficiency of the witness protection programme in the South African criminal justice system

This study examines the challenges and effectiveness of witness protection measures within South Africa’s Criminal Justice System (CJS). Witnesses play a pivotal role in court proceedings, yet many remain unprotected, leading to case withdrawals or unjust acquittals due to intimidation and threats. A qualitative research approach was employed, utilising face-to-face interviews with 13 participants from the Free State’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Thematic analysis was used to evaluate key trends and concerns. The study identifies critical gaps in witness protection, including inadequate public awareness, strict eligibility criteria, and insufficient safeguarding of whistle-blowers. These limitations reduce the effectiveness of the Witness Protection Programme (WPP). The study advocates for an enhanced witness protection framework, recommending legislative reforms, improved resource allocation, and increased public participation

Self-monitoring in third year medical students’ haematology clerkships

Background: Self-monitoring by medical students is important for continued learning and development. It results in self-awareness and improved performance. It requires self-motivation, attentiveness and curiosity. However, students don’t have skills for self-monitoring when they enter university. These need development. The objective of the study was to evaluate the use of an online formative assessment, on subsequent summative examination performance in haematology clerkships among third-year medical students.Methods: Results of a formative, multiple choice question (MCQ) quiz were correlated with results of end of clerkship (EOC) summative examinations (free-response short-answer progressive disclosure questions-PDQ, and spotter-MCQ). t-ratio was calculated between students who took the quiz (responders) and non-responders. Descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations (r), and Chi square (χ2) were performed.Results: Of 241 students 75 (31.1%) took the quiz. t-ratio was 1.864 (P>0.05). Mean scores for EOC were higher for responders. Failure rate was higher for non-responders. Between the EOC-PDQ and EOC-spotter, for the whole group (N=241), r=0.414, for non-responders, (N=166), r=0.376, and responders r=0.473. For the responders, correlations between the quiz and PDQ, r=0.376, and between quiz and spotter, r=0.222. χ2 was significant at P<0.05.Conclusions: Quiz exercises are useful self-monitoring strategies. However online exercises require self-motivation. Students may not wish to do exercises that don’t count for summative scores. They should be encouraged to engage in these learning exercises. Timing is important. For the majority of students, the quiz was done the same week as PDQ for another course. Students chose to prioritize and concentrate on the summative PDQ. These exercises in themselves, would be useful time management lessons

Self-assessment: how do third year medical students rate their performance during problem-based learning?

Background: Problem-based learning (PBL) emphasizes students’ self-directed learning. This requires students to monitor their own learning.  When students enter medical school however, they do not seem to have self-monitoring skills and these need to be developed. Self-assessment exercises are useful in developing these skills. This paper emphasizes the importance of training in self-assessment during PBL. Objective was to describe third-year medical students’ self-assessment of their performance during PBL and correlate their scores with tutors’ scores, and their scores in a written progressive disclosure questions (PDQ) examinationMethods: Using the same rubric used for students’ evaluation by tutors, students scored their activities during PBL sessions. Their scores were compared with the tutor’s scores. Their scores for cognitive skills were further compared with their scores in a PDQ examination.Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the tutor and students’ scores. Low-achieving students (in the PDQ) scored themselves higher than high-achieving students. Self-assessment scores did not predict performance in the PDQ.Conclusions: Perhaps the high-achievers are more critical of themselves which drives them to work harder. Low-achieving students could be awarding themselves scores they wish to obtain and not what they deserve. They may also not understand the assessment criteria. This paper emphasizes the importance of self-assessment exercises, and the need to guide students in learning to assess themselves accurately so they may be better able to monitor their learning

The role played by the University of the North student activism in the struggle against apartheid from 1968 to 1994

Thesis (M.A. (History)) --University of Limpopo, 2018Student activism is a global phenomenon which mostly refers to work by students to cause political, environmental, economic, or social change. Most countries have benefited tremendously from student activism. For example, the students have played a central role in the independence and anti-colonial struggles in most African countries. The dissertation focuses on an exploration of the role played by University of the North student activism in the struggle against apartheid from 1968 to 1994. This was a period which was characterised by an upsurge of the nationalist struggle in South Africa led by political organisations such as the African National Congress (ANC), the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Azanian People’s Organization (AZAPO) the South African Communist Party (SACP) and United Democratic Front (UDF). Student organisations such as South African Student Organisation (SASO), University Christian Movement (UCM), South African National Students’ Congress (SANSCO), Azanian Student Organisation (AZASO) and many others played a significant role. The dissertation deployed both primary and secondary sources. Secondary data was derived from published and unpublished dissertations, journal articles, newsletters, books and autobiographies. Primary information was obtained through archival materials, official university documents, speeches and, unstructured and interactive interviews in order to provide evidence for the nature and character of student activism in the university. Periodisation theory as articulated by Hollander, Rassuli, Jones and Farlow (2005) was utilised to interpret and illuminate the political struggle activities of the student activists. This theory was the most appropriate frame to tackle student activism because it divides the chronological narrative into separately labelled sequential time periods with distinct beginning and ending points. The investigation reveals that the dominant ideology at the beginning of the period under investigation was Black Consciousness inspired by Steve Biko. However with the lapse of time this ideology was watered down by the liberal ideology which underpinned the Freedom Charter. The student activists operated within organisations such as SASO, UCM, AZASO, SANSCO and many others. The dissertation also reveals that while the students were relatively successful in mobilising the support of rural schools and communities, they also faced vicious repression by the apartheid security establishment. The dissertation lays a solid foundation for further critical historical investigation

A policy analysis of the implementation of the integrated quality management system (IQMS) in six secondary schools in KwaZulu-Natal.

Thesis (M.Soc.Sc.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2008.This research project examines the successes and challenges of processes involved in the implementation of the Integrated Quality Management System (IQMS) in six secondary schools. The focus of this study is limited to six secondary schools in the Umgungundlovu District in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. The research seeks to critically trace the evolution of the IQMS as a policy strategy for the implementation of teacher appraisal in South African schools. The research also explores appraisal measures in place prior to the introduction of the IQMS in schools. The analytical framework uses forward and backward mapping as analytical tools to guide the data analysis. The methodology is a case study approach with qualitative interviews with principals, heads of departments and post-level one educators. The findings indicate that while progressing adequately, there are a number of areas of concern with the implementation of IQMS. The report makes several recommendations regarding these

Enhancing the scope and efficiency of the witness protection programme in the South African criminal justice system

This study examines the challenges and effectiveness of witness protection measures within South Africa’s Criminal Justice System (CJS). Witnesses play a pivotal role in court proceedings, yet many remain unprotected, leading to case withdrawals or unjust acquittals due to intimidation and threats. A qualitative research approach was employed, utilising face-to-face interviews with 13 participants from the Free State’s National Prosecuting Authority (NPA) and the South African Police Service (SAPS). Thematic analysis was used to evaluate key trends and concerns. The study identifies critical gaps in witness protection, including inadequate public awareness, strict eligibility criteria, and insufficient safeguarding of whistle-blowers. These limitations reduce the effectiveness of the Witness Protection Programme (WPP). The study advocates for an enhanced witness protection framework, recommending legislative reforms, improved resource allocation, and increased public participation

An investigation into the commercialisation of initiation schools: A case of Eastern Cape, South Africa

This study investigated the commercialisation of initiation schools. It is argued that the economic hardships and lack of employment have led to some people resorting to any way of living merely for financial gain. The specific objectives were to determine and assess the regulations that govern the opening and running of initiation schools and to determine the palliatives that can curb commercialisation of initiation schools. The research was based on sociocultural theory and used a qualitative research design. The data collection methods used included secondary sources, focus group discussions and face-to-face interviews. The outcomes were that initiation schools are open to abuse by opportunistic unemployed people and some who are employed who want to add to their meagre wages so as to make a living, thereby crippling and undermining a cultural practice that is highly esteemed. The study recommends effective indigenous knowledge management to curb the unethical practices of commercialisation of initiation schools. Furthermore, strategies should be adopted to document this knowledge and formulate policies that will govern it. Contribution:&nbsp;In line with the journal scope, this article focuses on the African Tradition Religion practice of initiation schools. This subject matter is multi-disciplinary and it covers how the sacred practice has been defiled through commersialisation and deviation from its original intent

Unveiling the Role of Hahani (Paternal Aunts) in the VaTsonga Culture of South Africa

Down history, hahani (paternal aunt) played an indispensable role in the family. The paternal aunt was a family figure who was known for skillfully weaving into marital roles, conflict resolution and rituals. She displayed unique flexibility and counseling dexterity to her nieces, nephews and the entire family. Unlike other indigenous groups in Africa, the role of hahani is being downplayed and ignored because of modernity and the growth of families. This indigenous figure in the VaTsonga communities is however a rare gem and her role needs to be preserved before it is abrogated by disuse. This conceptual paper thus adopted the Sankofa Theory to underpin the write-up. To illuminate this subject matter, the paper focused on discussing who the hahani is, her marital counseling role, conflict resolution and leading indigenous rituals in the family from the lived experiences of the authors. In summation, the paper emulates the balanced power of the hahani. The paper argues that the hahani’s existence within the indigenous platforms must be preserved to sustain families of young couples and assist in disciplining and putting into order those who misbehave, and instilling indigenous norms. The paper recommends the usage of local solutions to address local challenges while having a global outlook. In this way, the unique role of hahani must be embraced, ensuring it evolves in an amicable way without distorting and adulterating it. By engaging in the under-researched aspect of VaTsonga culture, the study contributes broadly to gender roles, culture and African family structures thus igniting the impetus of scholarship in this unique field