Magister Educationis - MEd (AL (Adult Learning and Global Change)
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Item Access, barriers to participation and success among adult students at a Technical, Vocational, Education and Training (TVET) College in the Western Cape, South Africa: Keeping the dream alive(University of Western Cape, 2019) Andrews, Priscilla; Groener, ZeldaThe Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) in the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training outlines access, participation and barriers as critical issues in post-school education (DHET, 2013). The main aim of this research paper was to investigate the relationships between access, barriers to participation and success among adult students registered for the National Accredited Technical Diploma (NATED) specialisation in Early Childhood Development (ECD) at a TVET College in the Western Cape. Although I concentrated on the interplay between the adult students’ experiences related to access, participation and barriers, my primary interest relates to how and why adult students succeed despite the barriers that they encounter.Item Access, barriers to participation and success among mature students at a University in the Western Cape(University of Western Cape, 2021) Williams, Gillian; Groener, ZeldaThis research study is informed by the White Paper for Post-School Education and Training (2013) in which the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) sets out its focus and priorities concerning higher education and training. The main purpose of this study is to find out how mature students participate despite the barriers that they experience while participating in post-school education and to offer an opportunity to achieve greater clarity about the way that the students who exercised agency overcame the barriers that they faced and in turn, achieved success.Item Access, barriers to participation and success amongst adult students in an undergraduate academic programme at a University in the Western Cape(University of Western Cape, 2020) Stevens, Howard; Groener, ZeldaThe choice of topic for the research paper was influenced by my experiences of attending university as an adult student and contemporary policy developments. In its White Paper for Post School Education (2013) the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) expresses intentions to expand access to post-school education for all people of all ages, including adults. The research paper focuses on the relationships between access, barriers to participation and success related to adult students who attended a university.Item Access, participation and barriers to adult learning at a TVET College in the Western Cape(University of Western Cape, 2021) Hector, Natascha; Groener, ZeldaThis paper focuses on an investigation into adult students, experiences related to access, barriers to participation and success at a TVET college in the Western Cape. Through recognition of prior learning (RPL) many adult students have gained access to TVET colleges to obtain a qualification as educare practitioners. Many educare practitioners have worked in the ECD field for many years without a qualification. RPL provides an opportunity for these practitioners to upskill themselves and more importantly uplift themselves, giving them hope for a better future. The RPL offers adult students hope of advancement amidst challenging circumstances experienced in the past, thereby changing the tide in the latter years of their lives.Item An analysis of the efficacy of radio programs as a strategy for adult education for HIV/AIDS awareness intervention in the Livingstone District, Zambia(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Chibwe, Duffrine Chishala; Omar, RahmatThe study explored the efficacy of radio programs as a strategy for adult education for HIV/AIDS awareness intervention in the Livingstone District Zambia. Data was collected through a review of policies, including the HIV/AIDS/STI/TB Policy Guidelines (2008), National HIV and AIDS Strategic Framework (NASF2006-2010), PMTCT guidelines on HIV Prevention (2008), Zambia Information and Communication Policy (2007) and the Communication and Advocacy Strategy (NACAS, 2004). In addition semi-structured interviews were conducted with adults and young adults aged 23 to 58 years in Maramba catchment area. The research revealed that overall, there is a mixed picture of effectiveness of the use of radio for educating adults on HIV/AIDS prevention. Some of the most important factors that enable the effective use of radio in education of adults include sharing of experiences which result in increased understanding of issues among community members, community participation in radio listening groups also results in further sharing of information and active engagement with other community members on the topic of discussion and the use of local languages with the use of simple words and visual aids to take account of low literacy levels. In addition, there were important set of factors related to economic, social and cultural issues including gender inequalities, poverty and unemployment to mention a few. My research has identified the need to give greater consideration to adult education theory and adult learning principles in the design and delivery of the radio education programs. The research suggests that HIV/AIDS awareness and prevention strategies need an approach which takes account of adult education theory – to promote active involvement of learners in developing the curriculum of the radio programs and involvement of a range of stakeholders in designing and delivering the radio programs. My research also suggests that there is a need to adopt a critical perspective on the social, cultural and religious practices which influence the participation of both women and men in radio education programmes for HIV/AIDS prevention.Item The challenges facing adult educators in reducing illiteracy among adults above twenty years of age: an Eastern Cape case study(University of the Western Cape, 2008) Ndlovu, Mpumelelo; Hendricks, Natheem; NULL; Faculty of EducationThis study analyses the challenges faced by adult educators in reducing illiteracy among adult above twenty years of age in the Eastern Cape. The focal point is on ascertaining why there is an increase in the percentage of illiteracy in the province despite a slight decrease in other provinces. Most importantly is the determination of the significant role played by adult educators. A qualitative approach is employed to pursue the aims of the study. Data is collected using semi-structured interviews. The study has shown that lack of monitoring and supervision by ABET administrators, lack of resources for skills development and language of instruction, all contribute to the increase in illiteracy rate in the Province. For administrators of adult learning programmes it is suggested that they become more familiar with operations at Adult Learning Centres and provide training including technical where appropriate. Designers of curriculum should select curriculum resources appropriate to adult learners. Providers of direct support to adult learners should ensure that training is provided on an ongoing basis. This training should focus on teaching methods and learning approaches (pedagogy) as well as the effective use of ABET learning and teaching guides.Item Changing diversity, social justice perspective and adult learning - the case of a Technical Vocation and Training (TVET) college(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Emjedi, Salma; Groener, ZThe National Certificate Vocational (NCV) programme was designed with multiple agendas, among which was to address the high unemployment among the South African youth, to produce students with an employable skills set as well as it being a vehicle for redress. Managing diversity within education speaks to this agenda of redress. This study investigated diversity within a technical vocational education and training (TVET) college, by exploring the teaching and learning challenges Life Orientation college lecturers face when teaching diverse student population. It considered the background to the TVET sector as well as the learning programme, the NCV, that provided the context for the study. Various literature on diversity was reviewed as well as literature on teaching diverse cohort of students. The investigation was approached from a social justice perspective. The data revealed a number of themes, the first of which was Conceptions of Diversity within the TVET college context as well as Lecturer Strategies to cope with student diversity. Not all lecturer strategies were successful in dealing with diversity-related tensions; this led to the theme Issues and Incidents related to Student Diversity. The concluding theme was participant suggestions for Lecturer Preparation to deal with issues of diversity. In turn, these themes informed the recommendations which include all three key elements in the education process, i.e policy and curriculum, lecturer training and development, and equally important, the student involvement in diversity programmes and strategies within the TVET college.Item Continuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) practices of teachers in working class schools in the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape., 2016) Mettler, Eunice; Hendricks, M.NContinuing Professional Teacher Development (CPTD) of teachers at working class schools in South Africa has come under scrutiny over the past few years. Despite new education policies which incorporated the dire need for CPTD, the achievement of learners at working class schools remains poor. This investigation was prompted by the cause of this discrepancy. This study investigates the participation of teachers in Continuous Professional Development initiatives at working class schools in the Western Cape. The primary research question for this research paper is: “Why are teachers at working class schools not participating in CPTD initiatives as expected?” A qualitative approach within the interpretive paradigm was adopted throughout this study. The interpretive approach allowed the researcher to gain a more social world interpretation of the respondents as it provided insight in CPTD practices at working class schools. The process of data gathering was inductive as information emerges from interviews and questionnaires. Open-ended questionnaires and semi-structured interviews were used to gather data. The study comprised 15 respondents and included teachers at two schools and three officials from the Department of Education. The demographics of the two schools were similar which made it possible to ask the same questions for all respondents. The study highlighted the lack of participation of teachers in CPTD due to human, material and financial constraints. Urgent consideration needs to be given to eradicating these barriers for continuous professional development of teachers. Providers of CPTD should ensure that the needs of teachers are met and training should be embarked upon on a continuous basis. In addition, priority should be given to teachers employed at schools in working class areas.Item The continuous learning cycle. Investigating possibilities for experiential learning(University of the Western Cape, 2015) Welby-Solomon, Vanessa; Groener, ZeldaScholars focusing on experiential learning argue that experience should be considered as critical for adult learning. This research paper frames experiential learning within a Constructivist framework. This paper focuses on an investigation into the ways that facilitators use the Continuous Learning Cycle, a model for learning based on Kolb's Learning Cycle, to facilitate learning through experience during the triad skills observation role-play in a workshop, which is part of an induction programme, for a retail bank. Indications are that facilitators use the Continuous Learning Cycle in limited ways, and therefore undermine the possibilities for optimal experiential learning; and that the Continuous Learning Cycle has limitations.Item The contribution of student activities to citizenship education: a study of engagement at a South African research university(University of the Western Cape, 2014) Lange, Randall Stephen; Cloete, Nico; Luescher-Mamashela, ThierryThis study seeks to determine to what extent undergraduate students in a research university in South Africa are involved in activities that contribute to citizenship education. The research design involves a case study at the University of Cape Town (UCT) whereby an electronic survey, called the Student Experience at the Research University-Africa (SERU) survey, was indigenised to fit the South African context and it was conducted at UCT. The survey had a census design and all undergraduate students at the university were invited to participate. At the end of 2012 a sample of 861 surveys were analyzed using SPSS to determine the activities students were involved in during the research period.Item The curriculum as preparation for the world of work: A critical analysis of the learner curriculum for young adults at a Community Education and Training College.(UWC, 2020) Daniels, Margaret; Omar, RahmatThe main objective of the research is to analyze critically how the curriculum at a Community College in the Western Cape prepares young adults for the world of work in the fields of Travel and Tourism and Small Medium and Micro Enterprise (SMME) and develops their capabilities to become functioning members in society. I was guided by concepts such as knowledge and skills necessary to enhance employability as well as people‟s wellbeing and capability development. The data was gathered through interviews and analysis of national and institutional policy documents. The analysis of documents helped me to understand the curriculum‟s orientation to the world of work and its responsiveness to personal and social needs of young adults. The interview data helped me to reflect on the main research question, “What are the perspectives of academic staff, industry/sector representatives and young adults themselves on the knowledge and skills needed in the curriculum to prepare young adults for the world of work?” My research shows that the curriculum of the ABET Level 4 programme has become more vocationally oriented. It prepares students for the world of work in a general way; but there are some limitations. There is no practical work experience or work exposure as in the curricula of programmes at TVET colleges and universities. The research also found that the formal curriculum in combination with the extra-curricular activities had benefits for students in terms of personal development and equipping them to function better in their social environments. However, offering these activities depends on efforts made by lecturers over and above their normal duties and on donations from various sources. Extending or sustaining this combination of activities requires adequate staffing and resources. Finally the research highlighted various barriers students encountered and suggested that many of these barriers arise from structural constraints in the world of work and society. The research suggests that it is necessary but not sufficient to focus on the employability of young people and to equip them with knowledge and skills to prepare them for the world of work; it is also necessary to look beyond employability and consider the wellbeing of students (Powell, 2012; Jackson, 2005; Baatjes and Baatjes, 2008; Ngcwangu, 2019; Motala and Pampallis, 2007). Therefore my research suggests that education should not have a narrow focus and that the curriculum should integrate vocational and general education (Young, 1999). Furthermore, there should be a holistic approach in the curriculum which responds to multiple objectives including preparation for work and for functioning effectively in other areas of one‟s life. This implies that the curriculum should prepare students for the world of work AND take into account their well-being, dreams and aspirations for a better life.Item Educational barriers and employment advancement among the marginalized people in Namibia : the case of the OvaHimba and OvaHemba in the Kunene Region(University of the Western Cape, 2016) Ndimwedi, Jesaja Nghitila; Hendricks, MNThis study examines the relationship between educational attainment and employment advancement among marginalized people in Namibia. It attempts to identify the situational, institutional and dispositional barriers that have stifled the educational progress of OvaHimba and OvaZemba people based in the Kunene region and how these have limited their access to formal employment opportunities and/or employment advancement. Furthermore, it explores the potential of Adult Education to improve the formal educational qualifications of the OvaHimba and OvaZemba adults. Namibia is often lauded as an example of a country which has successfully negotiated the perils of post-independent statehood to take its place as a model citizen in the community of democratic nations. Blessed with relative stability, an abundance of natural resources, and a liberal constitution, Namibia appears to be ideally placed to provide all its citizens with a decent life consisting of access to quality education, healthcare and economic opportunities. Despite this, Namibia education has failed it adult population because of numerous factors. This study identify these factors.Item Exploring the efficacy of the grant funding process of a SETA within the context of South African skills development(University of the Western Cape, 2024) Abrahams; Natheem, HendricksContinuous introduction of innovations and rapid technological changes in industry necessitate the constant need for skill development within the workplace. For companies to grow, stay competitive, and remain economically sustainable, they must ensure that their employees’ skills, knowledge, and capabilities incorporate the latest developments and trends. Therefore, employee development within the manufacturing and engineering sectors becomes imperative and benefits both the employee and employer. To encourage skills development, Sector Education and Training Authorities (SETAs) have become critical links as providers of incentive funding to ensure that companies implement and/or participate in skills development initiatives that aim to upskill, reskill and multi-skill their workers. The research investigated the alleged bureaucratic claiming process from SETAs which might prevent companies from fully benefiting from the skills development system. This investigation was guided by the research question: How do merSETAaffiliated companies/organisations experience the grant-claiming process? Exploring the efficacy of the SETA grant funding process, this inquiry used a qualitative research methodology to investigate whether SETA funding is a beneficial process for all involved.Item Exploring the potential of digital storytelling in the teaching of academic writing at a higher education institution in the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2019) Mkaza, Linda OliveWriting is an important skill throughout learners’ schooling trajectory because it is through writing that learners need to situate meaning and sense-making across the curriculum. Writing proficiency becomes even more important when learners access tertiary studies. Yet studies suggest that most students struggle with academic writing. Various authors suggest that writing has not been taught appropriately especially in secondary schooling contexts in South Africa and that writing becomes even more daunting for Second Language speakers of English when they reach tertiary education. There is abundant literature on students’ challenges with academic writing and ways to address academic writing challenges but the use of digital storytelling in relation to academic writing development is recent and distinctively underexplored in the literature. In this study, I seek to explore the potential that digital storytelling has in the teaching of undergraduate academic writing skills. I will focus on first year students' academic writing skills, how they are taught currently and how technology in the form of digital storytelling can help first year students improve their academic writing skills. The theoretical framework for the study is largely based on the New Literacies Studies which is championed by members of the New London Group such as Street and Street (1984) Lea and Street (2006) among others. The theoretical framework will draw on the notion of literacy as social practice rather than a set of reading and writing skills which explains why educators need to find new ways of teaching academic writing skills. I use semiotics and multimodality as a foundational concept for using digital storytelling in academic writing. That is because semiotics and multimodality further support the idea that literacy goes beyond words but that audio and visual elements are also part of learning and can help engage students in their academic work. The main aim of this proposed research is to explore both students and lecturer practices of digital literacies in the teaching and learning of academic writing at The Cape Peninsula University of TechnologyItem Group work in management education - The role of task design(University of the Western Cape, 2007) Du Toit, Anna; Hendricks, Mohamed NatheemThis minithesis examines adult learners' experiences of group work in management education. Group work is an integral part of learning and teaching methods at most business schools because it develops team skills demanded by today's workplace. Furthermore, group work in education is grounded in the belief that much learning happens through social interaction and that diversity within groups promotes learning. At a more practical level, group work makes large projects feasible. Learners view group work as beneficial. But their experiences also reflect that it is often associated with problems. The main problems reported relate to unequal participation and group conflict. Underpinning the study is the recognition of the key role of social interaction in learning. This study analyses learners' group experiences in a business school. The study aims to identify conditions that hinder and promote group interaction with a view to enhance learning. Through questionnaires and interviews the study obtains an overview of the experiences of 45 adult learners on a one-year management programme at a business school in South Africa in relation to two group assignments. Questionnaires are also used to obtain the views of the two educators who designed the two group assignments. The study includes an analysis of the two group assignment briefs. The study found that non-participation or 'free-riding' and the sub-division of group tasks occurred frequently. The design of the group tasks promoted sub-division and non-participation, which in turn gave rise to tension and conflict. Learning objectives were unclear as the purpose of group work in the learning process was not communicated to students. The tasks did not demand much group interaction or learner interdependency which meant that tasks could be split up and done individually or by part of the group. This reduces the opportunity for group collaboration to clarify understandings and create shared meaning, which in turn negatively impacts on individual learning. The study argues that successful group work requires careful task design. To realise its full potential certain conditions must be met. Learners need to know that the group process is an integral part of their learning, group work must be integrated into overall course design and assessment, tasks must demand a high degree of interaction, learners need to be interdependent, and groups need support throughout the process.Item Institutional commitments, integration and student persistence in the NCV Safety in Society at a TVET College in the Western Cape(UWC, 2020) Jansen, Henry Hermanus; Groener, ZeldaStudent dropout, certification and retention rate has played a pivotal role for academic institutions globally. There are various factors that affect student persistence which inevitably leads to a student’s failure to graduate. These factors may also result in voluntary withdrawal from institutions which could impact on the status and funding of tertiary institutions. To deal with such critical issues, there is a need to understand the reasons for the decline in student retention and the factors that influence goals and student departure. The aim of the current study was to explore the factors that may or may not contribute to persistence, which eventually has an influence on the retention rate. In the current qualitative study, Tinto’s longitudinal model was comprehensively explored. Therefore, the current study was located within Tinto’s longitudinal model of student departure. The researcher was prompted to explore the factors that influence student goals, institutional commitments, social and academic integration and persistence. The South African government expected that the role of the TVET colleges would become the cornerstone of the skills development landscape. According to the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET, 2013b), it was estimated that the growth in the sector would escalate as follows: the projection of 345 000 students in 2010, 630 000 students in 2013. The total projection for 2030 was that 2.5 million students would be certified (DHET, 2013b). Unfortunately, the 2030 projection has been adversely affected by the poorly performing institution and the high dropout rate. (DHET, 2013b) Therefore, the setting for the research was a Technical Vocational College in Cape Town which offers the National Certificate Vocational NCV. The single institutional study linking academic integration, goal influencers, institutional commitments social and academic integration and persistence was based in a college in Cape Town. Thus the study has an overarching research question and three sub-questions. The college was selected conveniently and the researcher purposively selected the participants. A total of twenty participants (20) were interviewed after providing assent and consent. The qualitative design utilized in the current study allowed the researcher to identify themes. Therefore, thematic analysis was employed in the data analysis section. The researcher is currently an insider in this sector. The unique experience and academic background of the researcher has afforded the opportunity to ethically gain access to past results in the TVET, specifically, in a NCV programme at a Cape Town College.Item Intercultural peer group interactions, integration and student persistence between Nigerian students and students from other countries at a university in the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2018) Babalola, Marian O; Groener, ZeldaAs a Nigerian, I became interested in investigating how Nigerian students, from different cultural backgrounds are able to integrate and persist in their academic programmes. I used Tinto‟s (1993) Longitudinal Model of Institutional Departure as a foundation for my conceptual framework. I adopted a qualitative research approach as this provides opportunities for interpretations by both participants and the researcher. I purposively selected 20 Nigerian students who were at different stages of their Master‟s programmes at a university in the Western Cape province of South Africa, but only 12 students were available and interviewed. The data reveals a significant relationship between intercultural peer group interactions, formal social integration and student persistence, while there was no significant relationship between intercultural peer group interaction, informal social integration and student persistence. Furthermore, informal social integration was partially related to formal academic integration and student persistence. Finally, it emerged that informal academic integration was also strongly linked to social integration and academic success. Due to the limiting nature of a research paper, the research has been restricted to the Nigerian experience to allow an insider perspective.Item Investigating barriers to participation in adult learning among adult learners at a university in Southern Africa: A Chain-of-Response Model(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Felix, Agnes; Groener, ZeldaThis study was prompted by the increase in the numbers of adult learners who registered for a Diploma in Secondary Education offered by a tertiary institution (university). The diploma is a one-year programme, offered over two years through distance mode of delivery and concentrates on offering professional educational courses similar to those provided in the Bachelor of Education degree at the university. The aim was to investigate the opportunity to participate in adult learning among adult learners and barriers that affect them at a university in Southern Africa. I chose a qualitative research method and the Chain-of-Response Model (CoR) as the conceptual framework of the study. The CoR Model was a lens through which I analysed adult learners’ decision-making processes to participate in adult learning and to find the barriers affecting adult learners from actively participating in adult learning. The model is in the format of the cycle that has factors that influence the decision-making process of an individual. Following the logic of the CoR cycle, adult learners were selected to find out why they had participated in adult leaning and why others did not participate. The site of this study was the northern campus of a university in Southern Africa. Twenty adult learners were selected through non-probability purposive sampling from the university database. All adult learners participated voluntarily. There were three (3) males and seventeen (17) females in the study; their age range was 20 to 40 years old. Two questions underpinned the study: what opportunities are available for participation in distance education study, and what barriers affect participation in distance education study. The study findings revealed that adult learners do have opportunities to study and their attitudes towards education were positive. The barriers identified by participants were as follows: limited network connectivity, limited supply of electricity, few schools to do teaching practice; lack of teaching experience, limited transportation, limited time to do assignments, few employment opportunities, lack of course information and lack of career guidance for participants. The study recommends that the university improves among others, the dissemination of information to adult learners and to create teaching practice opportunities in partnerships with various stakeholders to address institutional barriers.Item Investigating the Teaching and Learning of Creative Writing in English First Additional Language in selected Grade 9 classrooms in the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Nondabula, Nikiwe; Nomlomo, V.Writing is an important aspect of language learning and a tool for assessment in Basic and Higher Education across the globe. Learners need to acquire proficient writing skills to learn and to demonstrate their knowledge and creativity. Given the importance of creative writing in expressing one’s thoughts, emotions and imagination, this study sought to investigate how creative writing was taught through the medium of English First Additional Language (FAL) to Grade 9 learners in one primary school in the Western Cape province. It also sought to observe and analyse the teaching strategies employed by teachers in creative writing to Grade 9 learners who were isiXhosa home language speakers, and who were taught all the subjects (except isiXhosa language) through the medium of English (FAL). Through the lens of Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism Theory, this study explored how the learners’ social context and language played a role in the teaching-learning process. The Social Constructivism theory assumes that the home environment is a primary factor in learning and it is concerned with how learning is facilitated in the classroom. This study employed a qualitative research design by making use of classroom observations, focus group interviews with randomly selected Grade 9 learners, and an interview with the Grade 9 teacher to determine how English (FAL) creative writing was taught and the barriers encountered by learners when taught writing in this language. Data was collected in a township school in Cape Town where the majority of learners were isiXhosa home language speakers. Thematic data analysis was used to make sense of the collected data. Ethical considerations were observed throughout the data collection process This study employed a qualitative research design by making use of classroom observations, focus group interviews with randomly selected Grade 9 learners, and an interview with the Grade 9 teacher to determine how English (FAL) creative writing was taught and the barriers encountered by learners when taught writing in this language. Data was collected in a township school in Cape Town where the majority of learners were isiXhosa home language speakers. Thematic data analysis was used to make sense of the collected data. Ethical considerations were observed throughout the data collection process. One of the key findings of this study is that the Grade 9 English teacher made use of a teacher centred approach and code-switching in the teaching and learning of creative writing through the medium of English FAL. The findings also indicate that learners had limited English proficiency due to limited exposure to this language in their home environment. This study concludes that writing in English is a challenge to Grade 9 English FAL learners, and this could impede their success in other subjects across the curriculum.Item Investigating the Teaching and Learning of Creative Writing in English first additional language in selected grade 9 classrooms in the Western Cape(University of the Western Cape, 2020) Nondabula, Nikiwe; Nomlomo, VWriting is an important aspect of language learning and a tool for assessment in Basic and Higher Education across the globe. Learners need to acquire proficient writing skills to learn and to demonstrate their knowledge and creativity. Given the importance of creative writing in expressing one’s thoughts, emotions and imagination, this study sought to investigate how creative writing was taught through the medium of English First Additional Language (FAL) to Grade 9 learners in one primary school in the Western Cape province. It also sought to observe and analyse the teaching strategies employed by teachers in creative writing to Grade 9 learners who were isiXhosa home language speakers, and who were taught all the subjects (except isiXhosa language) through the medium of English (FAL). Through the lens of Vygotsky’s Social Constructivism Theory, this study explored how the learners’ social context and language played a role in the teaching-learning process. The Social Constructivism theory assumes that the home environment is a primary