Research voyage

My parents circumnavigated the world on their yacht, Cape Song, when they were in their sixties.  (Find her book, See toe op Sestig by Lynette Du Preez in libraries). I will embark on a more mental voyage, one of research and learning about ways in which to improve lives.

Pilot Study:


I have received permission from the Children's Radio Foundation to use one of their radio programmes for a listening and discussion group for grade 6 learners and their teacher to determine the effects of a specific Human Rights radio programme on learners in a Life Orientation class and to identify through qualitative data, possible improvements that the broadcaster might make and provide feedback in this regard.  It will demonstrate the learners' understanding of the constitutional rights and responsibilities as constituted in the Revised National Curriculum Statement for Life Orientation in the Intermediate Phase (grades 4-6)


Methodology:

Situational participatory action research that considers a problem in a specific context will be used to gain data of a qualitative nature. It will be collaborative in that it involves learners, teachers and the broadcaster and participatory in that the learners and teacher participate actively in the research process. Semi-structured questions will be asked after they have listened to the programme. A tape recording of the forum discussion will be made and transcribed. Data will be generally representative and findings treated as tentative rather than definitive.

Significance

The classroom forum will lead to increased understanding of radio as medium in classroom situations. It will enhance critical and reflective listening by learners and can lead to improved scheduling and programme presentation by the SABC.

Ideas for Future Research

How will we reach the poorest of the poor with our climate change messages and why would they care about it?