Author : Dr Segwadi Joseph Kokela
Publisher : www.emporepublishers.co.za
ISBN 13 :
Total Pages : 233 pages
Book Rating : 4./5 ( download)
Book Synopsis An Evaluation of the Capacity of South African Schools to offer Multi-grade Teaching by : Dr Segwadi Joseph Kokela
Download or read book An Evaluation of the Capacity of South African Schools to offer Multi-grade Teaching written by Dr Segwadi Joseph Kokela and published by www.emporepublishers.co.za. This book was released on 2023-08-24 with total page 233 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Small schools due to a variety of reasons, are compelled to opt for multi-grade teaching in which learners of more than one grade are taught in one class. Resultantly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the capacity of South African schools in the implementation of multi- grade teaching. The study followed a qualitative approach to evaluate the implementation of multi-grade teaching. A case study research design was followed with an interpretive paradigm to evaluate day-to-day offering of multi-grade teaching. The population in this study consisted of principals and teachers who were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through focus-group and face-to-face semi-structured interviews as well as document analysis. Kolb's experiential learning theory was used as a theoretical framework for this study to evaluate the offering of multi-grade teaching in case study schools. The thematic approach was used to analyse data. To ensure issues of ethical consideration, the researcher ensured that there is anonymity, confidentiality, informed consent, voluntary participation, participants' privacy, and safety. The study found that schools in Sekhukhune South Education District could not offer multi-grade teaching. This was mainly based on the lack of central policies on multi-grade teaching as well as inappropriate teacher development programmes. Insufficient human and financial resources were also identified as key hindrances in the implementation of multi-grade teaching. Resultantly, the study suggested that the serving teachers, their SMTs, and their Curriculum Advisors must be provided with in-service training on multi-grade teaching. On the other hand, teacher-training universities should have a compulsory module on multi-grade teaching. The study also recommended the establishment of a DoBE unit that solely focuses on matters related to multi-grade teaching. The study further recommended that the DoBE should develop central policies on multi-grade teaching. It was also recommended that the DoBE’s Post Provision Model and the National Norms and Standards for School Funding must be revised to cater for the needs of multi-grade schools. The study further proposed a new framework to engender collaboration amongst principals, parents, and Curriculum Advisors in school-based multi-grade policy formulation, advocacy, training, as well as monitoring, and support.