Curriculum studies (theory, policies and development)
Life Sciences & Environmental Edu
ODL (e-Learning)
Teacher education
Teacher training and teaching practice in an ODL environment
Qualifications
HED (1986, RAU)
B.Ed.(HONS) (1988, RAU)
M.Ed. (Curriculum studies) (1990, RAU)
D.Ed. (Didactics) (1995, RAU)
Currently teaching
Curriculum Studies (CUS3701)
Fields of academic interests
Teacher training by means of exploring the challenges of ODeL teacher education pedagogic and assessment practices
Field of Specialisation
Curriculum Studies
Teacher training
Distance education/ODeL
Online assessment
Books
Celia Booyse & Elize Du Plessis. 2014. Curriculum Studies: Development, Interpretation, Plan and Practice. 2nd ISBN 978 0 627 03116 8. Pretoria: Van Schaik (Curriculum design and the influence of policy documents on interpretation and implementation; Putting the curriculum plan into teaching practice: from the intended to the enacted and assessed, pp 45-112).
Celia Booyse & Elize Du Plessis. 2015. Kurrikulumstudies: Ontwikkeling, Interpretasie, Plan en Praktyk. ISBN 978 0 627 03279 0. Pretoria: Van Schaik (Kurrikulumontwerp en die invloed van beleidsdokumente op interpretasie en implementering; Verwerklik die kurrikulumplan in onderrigpraktyk:van voorgeskrewe dokument na toepassing en assessering, pp38-67; 100-118).
Gravett, S., De Beer, J.J. & Du Plessis, E.C. (Eds.) 2015. Becoming a teacher.2nd ISBN (printed): 978 1 775 95019 6. E-pub ISBN (epdf: 978 1 775 95566 5). Cape Town: Pearson (The teacher as a curriculum interpreter, designer and implementer, pp 77-109).
Maphalala, M. (Ed). 2015. Teaching and Learning Strategies in South Africa. ISBN 978 1 473 70919 5. Hampshire: Cengage Publishers (Cooperative learning strategies, pp 55-68).
Joubert, I., Hartell, C. & Lombard, K. (Eds). 2016. Navorsingsboek - 'n Gids vir die Beginnernavorser.ISBN 978 0 627 03291 2. Pretoria: Van Schaik (Etiese aspekte in navorsing; Begronde teorie as navorsingsmetode, pp 73-81; 217-230).
Celia Booyse & Elize Du Plessis. 2018. Curriculum Studies: Development, Interpretation, Plan and Practice. 3rd ISBN: 9780627035876. (eISBN: 978 0 627 03588 3). Pretoria: Van Schaik (pp 27-104).
Gravett, S., De Beer, J.J. & Du Plessis, E.C. (Eds.) 2019. Becoming a teacher. UNISA edition. ISBN: 978 1 485 70973 2. (E-pdf: 978 1 485 70974 9) Person (73-104).
Celia Booyse, Elize Du Plessis & Mncedisi Maphalala. 2020. Curriculum studies in context.4th ISBN: 978 0 627 03748 1 (eISBN: 978 0627 03749 8). Pretoria: Van Schaik (pp 1-6; 41-77;102-105).
Celia Booyse, Elize Du Plessis & Mncedisi Maphalala. 2020. Curriculum studies in context. 4th ISBN 978 0 627 03748 1 (eISBN 978 0627 03749 8). Pretoria: Van Schaik (pp 1-6; 41-77;102-105).
Makoelle, T.M., Mestry, R. & Du Plessis, P. (Eds). 2023. Schools Effectiveness and Schools Improvement in South Africa: A Guide for School Leaders. Cambridge Scholars Publishing (CSP). ISBN: 1-5275-2518-X. ISBN13: 978-1-5275-2518-4. Chapter 4 (34 pages). https://www.cambridgescholars.com/product/978-1-5275-2518-4.
Celia Booyse, Elize Du Plessis & Mncedisi Maphalala. 2023. Kurrikulumstudies in konteks. 2nd ISBN 978 0 627 04140 2. Pretoria: Van Schaik (pp 1-16; 35-74; 84-106).
Joubert, I. & Hartell, C. (Eds). 2024. Navorsing - 'n Gids vir die beginnernavorser.Tweede uitgawe. 2nd ISBN 978-0-627-04084-9 (eISBN 978-0-627-04085-6). Pretoria: Van Schaik (Etiese aspekte in navorsing; Begronde teorie as navorsingsmetode, pp 73-81; 217-230).
Journal articles
Articles in accredited journals during the last ten years
Du Plessis, E.C. 2013. Insights from returning teachers' exposure to curriculum change and professional developmen ACTA Academica.45(1):58-78. ISSN 0587-2405. [SCOPUS]
Du Plessis, E.C. & Marais, P. 2013.Emotional experiences of student teachers during teaching practice: a case study. Progressio: South African journal for open and distance learning practice. 35(1):208-224. ISSN 0256-8853. [DHET]
Du Plessis, E.C. 2013. Mentorship challenges in the teaching practice of distance learning students. The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning (IJTL). 8:29-43. ISSN 1818-9687. [DHET]
Kamper, G.D. & Du Plessis,C. 2014. Some Critical Reflections On Open Distance Learning, with particular reference to Work-Integrated Learning. Africa Educational Review (AER). 11(1):77-90. http://www.tandfonline.com/action/showCitFormats? doi:10.1080/ 18146627.2013.853568. ISSN 1753-5921. [DHET]
Du Plessis, E.C. & Mbunyuza-De Heer Menlah, N.M.M. 2014. Does the Department of Basic Education Take the International Call to Provide Quality Education for all Seriously? International Journal of Social Sciences (JSS). 41(2):209-220. http://www.krepublishers.com. ISSN 0971-8923. [DHET]
Du Plessis, E.C. & Marais, P. 2015. Reflections on the NCS to NCS (CAPS): Foundation phase teachers’ experiences.The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning (IJTL). 10:114-126. ISSN 1818-9687. [DHET]
Marais, P. & Du Plessis, E.C. 2015. Learnership in South African Schools as a community of practice: An Open Distance Learning Approach.International Journal of Education Sciences (IJES). 11(3):320-329. ISSN 0975-1122. [DHET]
Du Plessis, E.C. & Marais, P. 2017. A Grounded Theory Perspective on Leadership in Multicultural Schools. Journal of Asian and African Studies (JAAS). 52(5):722-737. DOI: 10.1177/0021909615596764. ISSN 0021-9096. [IBSS]
Du Plessis, E.C. & Marais, P. 2017. Versoening tussen leerders: Is parallelmediumskole die antwoord op die rassismeprobleem?/Reconciliation between learners: Are parallel-medium schools the answer to the problem of racism?Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe (TGW)/ Journal of Humanities. 57(2-2):614-626. DOI.10.17159/2224-7912/2017/v57n2-2a8.ISSN 0041-4751. EISSN 2224-7912. [ISI]
Du Plessis, E.C. 2017. Die essensie van morele waardes in die konteks van ‘n parallelmedium skool/The essence of moral values in the context of a parallel-medium school. Tydskrif vir Christelike wetenskap (TCW)/Journal for Christian scholarship.53(1&2):175-194. ISSN 1013-1116. [DHET]
Du Plessis, E.C. 2017. The voices of student teachers on e-learning initiatives in a distance education community of practice. Journal for New Generation Sciences (JNGS).15(1):260-277. ISSN 1684-4998. [DHET]
Du Plessis, E.C. & Van der Westhuizen, G.J. 2018. Trends and patterns in the use of grounded theory in educational research in South Africa. Educational Research for Social Change (ERSC). 7(2):1-21. ISSN 2221-4070. [IBSS]
Odendaal, R.M. & du Plessis, E.C. 2018.The external school consultant as a proposed agent for school improvement. The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning (IJTL). 13(2):82-97. ISSN 2519-5670. [DHET]
Du Plessis, E.C. 2020. Student teachers’ perceptions, experiences and challenges regarding learner-centred teaching. South African Journal of Education (SAJE). 40(1):Art. #1631, 10 pages. https://doi.org/10.15700/saje.v40n1a1631ISSN 0256-0100. [IBSS]
Rudhumbu, N., Du Plessis, E.C. & Maphosa, C. 2020. Challenges and opportunities for women entrepreneurs in Botswana: Revisiting the role of entrepreneurship education. Journal of International Education in Business.13(2):183-201. https://doi.org/10.1108/JIEB-12-2019-0058. ISSN: 2046-469X. [SCOPUS]
Du Plessis, E.C. & Letshwene, J.M. 2020.A reflection on identified challenges facing South African teachers. Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning (IJTL).15(2):69-91. https://ijtl.iie.ac.za/newpage2d4c9c51. ISSN 2519-5670. [DHET]
Rudhumbu, N. & Du Plessis, E.C. 2021. Factors influencing curriculum implementation in accredited private universities in Botswana. Journal of Applied Research in Higher Education (JARHE).13(4):1062-1084. https://doi.org/10.1108/JARHE-04-2020-0083. e-ISSN:1758-1184. ISSN: 2050-7003. [SCOPUS]
Du Plessis, E.C. & Van der Westhuizen, G.J. 2021. Onderwyserkennis van assessering – implikasies vir onderwysersopleiding. Teacher knowledge of assessment – implications for teacher education. Tydskrif vir Geesteswetenskappe (TGW)/ Journal of Humanities. 16(2):551-567. http://ojs.tgwsak.co.za/index.php/TGW/issue/current. doi.10.17159/2224-7912/2021/v61n2a9. ISSN 0041-4751. EISSN 2224-7912. [ISI]
Rudhumbu, N. & Du Plessis, E.C. 2021. Utilizing the expectancy value theory to predict lecturer motivation to apply culturally responsive pedagogies in universities in Botswana. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research (IJLTER).20(7):192-209. Print ISSN 1694-2493; E-ISSN 1694-2116 [Scopus]
Rudhumbu, N., Du Plessis, E., Matyokurehwa, K. & Gombiro, C. 2021. Using the personal computer utilization model to predict students’ technology user behaviour in universities in Botswana. International Journal of Learning Technology. [In print]. Print ISSN14778386; E-ISSN 17418119 [Scopus]
Du Plessis, EC. 2021. Assessing for learning: Teacher Training in Practice Involving 14 Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) Students. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research (IJLTER).20(11):346-365. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.20.11.19.Print ISSN 1694-2493; E-ISSN 1694-2116 [Scopus]
Rudhumbu, N. & Du Plessis, E.C. & Mudau, P. 2021. Predictors of Behavioural Intentions of Teachers to Adopt and Use Information and Communication Technologies in Secondary Schools in Zimbabwe. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research (IJLTER).20(11):366-386. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.20.11.20. Print ISSN 1694-2493; E-ISSN 1694-2116 [Scopus]
Du Plessis, E.C. & Letshwene, J.M. 2021. The challenges of implementing the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement in Accounting. South African Journal of Education (SAJE).Accepted for February 2022 (in print). ISSN 0256-0100. [IBSS]
Rudhumbu, N. & Du Plessis, E.C. 2022. The mediating role of lecturer biographic factors on curriculum implementation in universities. International Review of Education. Vol 68:11-31. 18 April 2022 https://doi.org/10.1007/s11159-022-09937-x. Print ISSN 00208566. [Scopus]
Maja, M.M. & Du Plessis, E.C. 2023. Challenges faced by intermediate Phase English First Additional Language teachers in establishing classroom libraries in Limpopo Province. Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning(IJTL). 18(1):167-180. https://irp.cdn-website.com/e03459af/files/uploaded/Vol%2018%20(1)%20Article%2010.pdf. ISSN1818-9687. [DHET]
Green, S.L. & Du Plessis, E.C. 2023. Project-based learning to promote learner autonomy in training hospitality education at a Technical and Vocational Education and Training College. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research (IJLTER).22(7):136-155. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.22.7.8. Print ISSN 1694-2493; E-ISSN 1694-2116. [Scopus]
Du Plessis, E.C. 2023. The Preparedness of Student Teachers in Open and Distance Learning Environments for the Classroom. Education Sciences, 13(9):934. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13090934. Open Access. ISSN: 2227-7102. [Scopus]
Van den Berg, G. & Du Plessis, E.C. 2023. ChatGPT and Generative AI: Possibilities for its Contribution to Lesson Planning, Critical Thinking and Openness in Teacher Education. Education Sciences, 13(10):998. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13100998. Open Access. ISSN: 2227-7102. [Scopus]
Paper presentations
2013. SAERA International Conference. ATKV Klein Kariba: 28-31 January: Conference Theme: The state of play in educational research in South Africa: Practices and perspectives. Session chair: E.C. du Plessis. Presenters: N.M.M. Mbunyuza-De Heer Menlah and E.C. du Plessis. Exploring the prescripts of the SA constitution no 108 of 1966 in the provision of basic education.
2013. XI Annual International Conference of the Bulgarian Comparative Education Society. Plovdiv, Bulgaria: 14-17 May. Conference theme: Education in One World. Do teachers receive proper in-service training to implement changing policies: perspective from the South-African case?
2013. Curriculum Reform and Transformation Conference. UNISA: 16-17 October. Presenter and Session Chair: E.C. du Plessis. Reflections on NCS to CAPS(E.C. du Plessis, P. Marais and A. van Schalkwyk).
2013. 6th Annual Teaching Practice/Didactics Symposium. Riverside Sun Hotel, Vanderbijlpark. 28-29 October. Presenters: N.M.M. Mbunyuza-De Heer Menlah and E.C. du Plessis. Reflecting on the implementation of CAPS.
2013. 6th Annual Teaching Practice/Didactics Symposium. Riverside Sun Hotel, Vanderbijlpark. 28-29 October. Presenters: A. van Schalkwyk and P. Marais. Teaching Practice partnerships: Reflection on emotional experiences of mentor teachers in regard to student teachers(A. van Schalkwyk, P. Marais and E.C. du Plessis).
2013. 21st Annual International conference of the Australian Society for French Studies (Pedagogy: teaching in “face-to-face: and “distance” modes). University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia: 9-11th December. Views of distance education students on teaching practice at schools.
2014. EASA Annual International Conference at Golden Gate National Park Hotel: 12-15 January. Conference theme: The long walk to freedom: Complexities and successes on the road to improved education in South(ern) Africa. Presenters: A. van Schalkwyk, P. Marais and E.C. du Plessis. Leadership in South African schools: An Open Distance Learning approach.
2014. 6th Annual Teacher Education at a Distance Conference. Kwa Maritane, Pilanesberg. 9-11 April. Conference theme: The changing roles of academics as educators of teachers in and ODeL context. Presenters: E.C. du Plessis, P. Marais and A. van Schalkwyk: Student teachers’ view on E-Learning in an Open Distance Learning platform.
2014. UMALUSI. Launch: Study report on Distance Education provision. CSIR Convention Centre, Pretoria 31 July. Conference theme: Distance education provision – profile and quality assurance. E-learning within an open distance learning platform.
2014. 2nd SAERA Conference, at the Southern Sun Elangeni & Maharani Hotel Durban. 12-15 August. Conference theme: Research Education: Future Directions. Presenters: E.C. Du Plessis and P. Marais: Grounded theory and leadership research: Challenges in multi-cultural education
2014. CASI Blended learning in Higher Education: Planning, design and implementation workshop. 20-21 November. Sandton Convention Centre. E-Learning and Access to Internet by students.
2014. 49th DEASA International Conference at Mauritius: 4-7 December. Conference theme: ODL: Towards sustainable development in the SADC Region. Will E-learning enhance sustainable development in Higher Education? Hear our students’ voices.
2015. EASA Annual International Conference at Legend Golf and Safari Resort: 11-14 January. Conference theme: Celebrating excellence in education: a strong and enduring education system in the first 20 years of democracy. Presenters: E.C. du Plessis and P. Marais: The curriculum and assessment policy statement (CAPS): are we on the high road to educational excellence?
2015. 35th International Seminar for Teacher Education(ISfTE) at Montclair State University, New Jersey, USA: 21-26 June. Conference theme: Critical Issues for Tomorrow’s Teachers. The Essence of Moral Values in a Parallel-Medium School Context.
2015. 7th Annual Teaching Practice/Didactics Symposium Riverside Sun Hotel, Vanderbijlpark. 26-27 October. Presenters: P. Marais and E.C. du Plessis. Overcrowded classrooms: A nightmare for student teachers.
2015. MGIP 3rd Annual Learnerships & Work Integrated Learning Conference. Protea Hotel OR Tambo. 29 October. A WIL model in distance education.
2016. EASA Annual International Conference at Arabella Hotel & Spa, Hermanus: 17-20 January. Conference theme: Dealing with educational inequalities in the age of measurement in South Africa – chasing numbers versus supporting students to succeed. Presenters: E.C. du Plessis and P. Marais: Challenges facing leaders in multicultural schools.
2016. International Conference on Social Science, Literature, Business and Education at The Holiday Inn Express hotel, New York: 21st-22nd of December. The voices of student teachers on the accessibility of e-learning initiatives in a distance education community of practice.
2017. EASA Annual International Conference at Khaya iBhubesi, North-West Province: 8-11 January. Conference theme: #InspiredByTheDome: Optimising the impact of our research, teaching and community engagement to facilitate change towards a functional and harmonious, diverse South African education(al) landscape. Paper one: Presenters: E.C. du Plessis and P. Marais: Will e-learning enhance sustainable development in a changing educational landscape? Hear our students‟ voices. Paper two: Presenters: E.C. du Plessis and G.J. van der Westhuizen – University of Johannesburg: The contribution of grounded theory research to the changing educational landscape.
2017. 9th Annual Teaching Practice/Didactics Symposium. Riverside Sun Hotel, Vanderbijlpark. 16-17 October. Presenters: P. Marais and E.C. du Plessis. Learner-centered teaching: A reality or fantasy for student teachers?
2017. 31st International Conference on Teaching, Education & Learning (ICTEL), Middlesex University, Mauritius: 14-15 December. Learner-centered Teaching: Student teachers’ voices.
2018. EASA Annual International Conference at Elangeni Hotel, Durban: 14-17 January. Conference theme:Charting Inventive Educational Pathways: Theoretical and applied approaches for negotiating the current educational discourses in South Africa. Presenters: R.M. Odendaal and E.C. du Plessis: The role of the external school consultant as agent for school improvement.
2018. The 13th Multidisciplinary Academic Conference in Prague 2018, Czech Republic: 12-13 October. Classroom readiness of ODL student teachers in South Africa.
2019. EASA Annual Conference at Protea Hotel, The Ranch, Polokwane: 13-16 January. Conference theme: The paradoxes of educational transformation in South Africa: Discourses and trends. Presenter and session chair:Classroom readiness for ODL student teachers.
2019. Annual Conference of the International Society for Teacher Education (ISfTE), Middlesex University, Niagara Falls, Canada: 12-17 May 2019. Classroom readiness of open and distance learning student teachers: Can they step out in style?
2020. ICHE 2020: International Conference on Higher Education. WASET.org Team International Science Council. Digital. 5-6 November 2020. Classroom Readiness of Open and Distance Learning Student Teachers.
2021. UNISA ODeL e-Conference. Digital. 4 – 6 August 2021. Presenters: Elize du Plessis and Gert van der Westhuizen.Covid-19’s Emotional Toll on Students: Experiences During Online Assessment in an Open and Distance Learning Programme.
2022. EASA Annual Conference at the Century City Hotel and Conference Centre, Cape Town. 8-11 January. Conference theme: Oceans of wisdom, mountains of knowledge, winds of change. Teacher Training in and Open Distance e-learning Community of Practice on Student Needs.
2022. Education and new developments conference. Madeira, Portugal, 18-20 June. Du Plessis, E.C. and Van der Westhuizen, G.J. Presenter, and session chair: E.C. du Plessis. Building academic integrity through online assessment apps.
2023. Du Plessis, E.C. and Van den Berg, G. 1st SoTL & ES Conference, Riverstone Lodge, Muldersdrift. 26-28 September. ChatGPT and generative AI: Possibilities for its contribution to lesson planning, critical thinking and openness in teacher education.
2023. Du Plessis, E.C. ERAS International Conference and WERA Focal Meeting. National Institute of Education, Singapore. 21-24 November. Artificial intelligence such as ChatGPT highlights the possibilities of reimagining online assessment methods.
2024. EASA Annual Conference at Mount Grace Hotel & Spa, Magaliesburg. 14-17 January. Conference theme: the cradle, evolution and the future of education. Artificial intelligence, like ChatGPT, showcases the potential for rethinking online assessment approaches.
Professional positions, fellowships & awards
Education Association of South Africa (EASA) (Member since January 2009 until present).
College of Education Teaching and Learning committee (Member since 2012 until present).
South African Education Research Association (SAERA) (Member since August 2013 until present).
International Society for Teacher Education (ISfTE) (Member since June 2015 until present).
Chair and coordinator of the PGCE (Senior phase and FET) qualification (2015 until present).
Chair Teaching and Learning Committee in the Department Curriculum and Instructional Studies and presenter on College Committee (2015 until present).
Education Association of South Africa (EASA EXCO) (Portfolio: Special Interest groups for 2017/2018). Interest groups and web page 2019-2021).
PQM Steering Committee (Member since 2016 until present).
Global Research & Development Services GRDS (Member since January 2017 until present).
Exemption committee (Member since 2016 until present).
International Editorial board: Academy Journal of Educational Science – Turkey (January 2017 until 2022).
Education Association of South Africa (EASA EXCO): Incoming Chair (2022).
Radio interviews with several radio stations regarding the matric results of 2022.
Education Association of South Africa (EASA EXCO): Chairperson (2023).
In collaboration with Dr Anna E. du Plessis from the university of New England, Australia and Dr Bayeck (Utah state university) (2023).
Guest editor for a special issue of the Journal of Education Sciences 2023.
Critical reviewer of articles for several national and international journals.
External examiner of numerous M&D students.
Education Association of South Africa (EASA EXCO): Outgoing Chairperson (2024).
Projects
Funded registered community project with the district of Johannesburg East. #CN5600. Topic: Deputy principal as curriculum and instructional leaders (2018 until present). Leadership role will include CAPS training and implementation. Supervise MEd student from the project, assist young academics with research.
Workshops for Nigerian school principals (2013-2015).
Adopt a student: Miss Olga Busi Mahlangu to complete her Diploma in Gr R teaching (2017-2020).
Assessment and curriculum committee at Hoërskool Uitsig (Multicultural school), involved in CAPS training.
Chair of the re-curriculation task-team of the PGCE (Senior phase and FET) programme according to the new policy: Minimum requirements for Teacher Education Qualifications (Government Gazette 25 July 2011/2015) (2011-2017).
PQM Steering committee of the College of Education for the PGCE (Senior phase and FET) (2016 until present).
Acting as critical reviewer for Engaged Scholarship (ES) articles.
