Department of Education Policy Studies
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- ItemDie aard van jeugdiges se subjektiwiteite by 'n skool in 'n diverse plattelandse mynbou-omgewing(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Groenewald, Emma; Fataar, Aslam; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to determine the nature of the youths` subjectivity at a school in a diverse rural mining environment. The study was done in an isolated rural mining environment. Space is an important point of departure and a thorough background of the contextual factors are given. The participants in this study are daily confronted with challenges such as long distances, poverty, unemployment and alcohol and substance abuse. Space, subjectivity and cultural capital are used to understand youth development and youth experience. The main premise of the study is that the environments of these youth greatly overlap. There is a dynamic relationship between their living and school environment. Distinctive processes, social networks, relationships and cultural groups are found in each of these environments. Another focus of this study was to determine how these young people bridge their different lived spaces, negotiate and adapt within these environments. Qualitative reseach methods were used in formal and informal interviews. Participants had the opportunity to present their experiences in storyline. A narrative-based, interpretive, -descriptive research paradigm was the most appropriate research method of capturing the wide variety of living experience. The study demonstrates how these youth are positioned within their environments in order to embody their space subjectivity. By making use of their own resources, networks and interactions, they navigate their overlapping spaces and thereby lead meaningful lives.
- ItemDie aard van leerderafwesigheid in ʼn plattelandse skool(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2016-12) Engelbrecht, Louisa; Dreyer, Lorna; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. Education Policy StudiesAFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING : Leerderafwesigheid, wat ‘n komplekse probleem is in plattelandse skole, was die fokus vir ‘n intensiewe ondersoek. Hierdie ondersoek na leerderafwesigheid is ’n volgehoue proses om die voorkoms, simptome en karaktertrekke van leerders te verstaan. Ten spyte van die Departement van Basiese Onderwys se duidlike riglyne oor die belangrikheid van gereelde skoolbywoning wat ook die ouers, skool en leerders se verantwoordelikheid insluit, bly leerders nog steeds afwesig vanaf die skool. Die klem van hierdie studie het ook spesifiek geval op die sosio-ekonomiese en kulturele karaktereienskappe van die plattelande skool en die gemeenskap waar leerderafwesigheid die wesenlike probleem is. Hierdie plattelandse leerders en gemeenskappe ervaar verskeie uitdagings, soos byvoorbeeld leerderafwesigheid, lae akademiese uitslae en dissiplinêre probleme. Die basiese interpretatiewe kwalitatiewe navorsingsparadigma is gebruik binne die die bio-ekologiese teoretiese raamwerk. Doelbewuste steekproewe is gedoen by die skool en die data is by wyse van agt semi-gestruktureerde individuele onderhoude, een fokusgroeponderhoud en visuele tekeninge ingesamel. Die versamelde data is geanaliseer volgens die inhoudsanalise. Na aanleiding van die data-analise en kodering het daar vier hoof kategorieë na vore gekom. Die vier hoof kategorieë is eerstens, omgewings faktore wat die kind se woonbuurt, skool se ligging en dwelmafhanklikheid insluit; tweedens, persoonlike faktore wat die kind se ouers en portuurgroep insluit; derdens die gesinsuitdagings wat die gesins-dinamika en ekonomiese faktore insluit en laastens die skoolaangeleenthede, naamlik boelie, kurrikulum en ouerbetrokkendheid. Die bevindinge was dat leerderafwesigheid deur verskillende sisteme soos die gesin, skool en gemeenskap beïnvloed word. Die fisiese, ekonomiese en sosiaal-maat-skaplike kwessies waarbinne die kind funksioneer, speel ‘n deurslaggewende rol in die leerders wat probleme ervaar met leerderafwesigheid. Die plattelandse konteks, waar gesinne in armoede leef en op plase werk as seisoenwerkers, het ‘n groot impak op die leerders se belewenis van skoolbywoning.
- ItemAn academic leadership model for transformation towards learning organisations in higher education(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1998-12) Van der Westhuizen, Andre Jeanne; Kapp, C. A.; Bitzer, E. M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH SUMMARY: The pressures and demands for change and transformation are not bounded by national borders or geography and the complex challenges facing higher education call for a diversity of viewpoints and approaches. Institutional leadership must adjust to realize the full potential of institutions. Leaders will have to look beyond their own self - interest and meet the emotional needs of followers and find a radically new understanding of what it is to be effective. The study indicates that higher education institutions must have the will and the ability to adjust and respond to rapid change. It will be the responsibility of the leader(s) to define reality, to have an understanding of the past, the present and the future. Leading requires a refocusing of the mind, that includes fundamental beliefs, knows what it aspires to and where it is going to. Organisations have become so complicated that conditions must be created that are flexible enough that they can create a value system and learning culture that will inspire employees to participate enthusiastically, and at the same time enable and empower followers and individual leaders. However, before leaders can lead others, they must learn to lead themselves. Leaders have to understand that self - leadership is the power that drives new "boundaryless organizations." Such strategies help to create organisational culture where people value strong leadership and strive to create it. For higher education institutions to be able to survive the next millennium, they will have to strive for empowering their workforce and becoming learning organisations. Employees must experience the aliveness of a learning organisation, of something that has to do with the "whole"(Senge, 1990:339;371). The format of the study is that of a literature review of the leadership, transformation and learning organisations disciplines for the purpose to identify patterns and regularities to provide a systematic representation to be able to create a model. The model for academic leadership to accommodate change and transformation provides the institutional culture for leadership development and becoming learning organisations. The model gives a "(w)holistic" viewpoint on how leadership development in institutions can create the "space" to become, not only, learning organisations, but boundaryless organisations as well.
- ItemAnalysing educational leadership in relation to deliberative democracy: towards a defffensible form of school leadership(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2021-12) Isaacs, Akeda; Waghid, Yusef; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Debates about developing a more equal society should consider evaluating the role of education by reimagining school leadership’s nature and scope in developing the foundations for a just society where human equality is an ideal norm. While there is a growing unease with the neoliberal agenda of education, visible through state policies and practices, not much research exists on school leadership’s role in developing cosmopolitan norms through a cosmopolitan- oriented education that enhances and teaches democratic citizens to thrive in a globalised world. I believe school leaders play a critical role in advancing social justice and democratic citizenry in education as they are ideally placed for developing and enacting just school policies and developing spaces for deliberation in the school environment. The current neo-liberal debates of leadership as an instrument of control and risk management has led to politicisation of school leadership’s role as one of compliance and local power distribution. More than two decades after democracy, South African schools continue to be poles apart. After apartheid, policy reforms facilitated the democratisation of schools addressing challenges of social justice through equity and redress. The Curriculum Assessment and Policy Statement (CAPS), developed as part of the democratisation process, emphasises the development of academic ability, but the implementation thereof reduces opportunities for critical thinking and deliberation in the classroom. The curriculum’s aim to deliver quality teaching and learning is not clearly evident with many learners struggling to read. Another decentralisation mechanism, school-based leadership, inclusive of governing bodies, was established to manage schools. Although, one of the main functions of the school governing bodies is the development of school policy in line with the constitution, research highlights the inequalities at school level. Two decades after apartheid, public schooling is tormented by dysfunctionality and increased violence. Learners most at risk of being affected by violence are from disadvantaged schools. Schools cannot be divorced from their communities and they carry the legacy of their apartheid histories. Democratisation through its policies, cannot obliterate the discourse of violence inherent in apartheid, unless the curriculum creates the space for different pedagogical encounters, and teacher training is adapted to address the challenges, and in so doing, creating alternative philosophies and worldviews. This dissertation explores the concept of forgiveness to frame deliberative encounters with others, creating a curriculum of refuge, thus paving the way for a re-orientating that can foster healing in a society with historical conflict between different groups. I advance an argument for reconceptualising the philosophical framework and foundational principles of school leadership via the inclusion of deliberative democracy, cosmopolitan education, and the concept of forgiveness in teaching and learning. The dissertation explores the concept of deliberative democracy and cosmopolitan education. Furthermore, it examines the commensurability with a defensible form of school leadership, examining the implications for the development of democratic citizens. I analyze the concept of deliberative democracy as a philosophical framework to assist leadership in understanding the practical implementation of the moral and ethical dimensions of schools. This deals with diversity, identity, and an understanding of the role of leadership in advancing democratic education systems. The dissertation explores the development of democratic citizenship, with its claims of justice for all individuals, as a prerequisite for cosmopolitanism, and for cosmopolitan education to develop the recognition and acknowledgement of rights and responsibilities. One of the research’s main findings is the role of school leadership with a cosmopolitan orientation, inclusive of deliberation and a social justice ethic, as a contributor to a democratic and more peaceful world. Another is the inclusion of forgiveness, as a concept and lived experience in pedagogy, contributing towards democratic education. Forgiveness taught as both a normative value and concept, and from the perspectives of the forgiver and perpetrator. The significance of its inclusion in the education of a pluralistic society, seeking to advance democracy and to live in a peaceful world, whilst recovering from the ravages of apartheid, colonisation and its consequences of continuing violence and poverty, is explored. I examine leadership’s role in creating cosmopolitan spaces for iterations and engagement to enable an understanding of the relationship of the self and the other. Iterations and engagements foster the development of critical thinking and imagining a peaceful, forgiving, and democratic society that can be shared.
- ItemAn analysis of democratic citizenship education in namibian primary education : implications for teaching and learning(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2019-12) Akumbi, Saara Taleni; Waghid, Yusef; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH SUMMARY : The Namibian education system has not made significant efforts to promote democratic citizenship ducation (DCE) in the country, due to unequal opportunities towards quality education. Therefore, this study sought to understand the implications of democratic citizenship education for teaching and learning in Namibian primary education, from 1993 to 2017. This was done through the analysis of major education policies that support teaching and learning, in order to understand how these policies contribute to the promotion of democratic citizenship education in the country. The analysis was guided by interpretive theory as methodology. At the same time, conceptual, deconstructive and document analyses were employed as the methods to analyse education policies. This approach (methodology and method) assisted me both to establish meanings of democratic citizenship education in the Namibian context and to determine what is delaying the promotion of democratic citizenship education in Namibia. However, this study revealed that schools in rural areas are operating under poor conditions due to a lack of teaching and learning resources, which lead to poor quality education, while schools in urban areas have adequate resources that ensure good quality education. The disparities in the quality of education are contrary to the principles of DCE. Therefore, for the realisation of democratic citizenship education in Namibia to take place, there is a need to implement compensatory programmes that give schools in rural areas proportionately more teaching and learning resources to put them on an equal footing with those in urban areas. Moreover, at a conceptual level, the Ministry of Education needs to prepare future citizens for democratic deliberation by both engaging them in decision-making concerning their lives as well as introducing them to ubuntu values, which can guide them to become responsible citizens.
- ItemAn analysis of policies and strategies to reduce poverty(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-03) Daniels, Christine Gaynore; Van Wyk, B.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: In this thesis I analyse policies and strategies to reduce poverty through education, and the focus is on global and national policies and strategies and I conduct a small-scale investigation into policies and strategies that exist at a local level (local is the Cape Winelands District Municipality). Poverty is one of the core problems facing many South Africans, and by using critical theory as my research methodology I present a different way of thinking about poverty. Education, just like poverty, is a complex concept because education determines human thoughts and actions. The literature review indicates three ways to reduce poverty: job creation, education and skills development. The policy analysis indicates four ways to reduce poverty: empowering the poor, increasing the capabilities of the poor by using education, the challenge of deliberative democracy, and social justice. The interview respondents indicated that these seven ways may have a major influence on their impoverished circumstances. I argue that individuals need to reflect critically on their social well-being in order to transform their lives. Critical reflection by individuals is needed to transform not only themselves, but also their communities, and it is by transformation that individuals can bring change in their social communities in order to achieve social justice. A remaining need I identify is that the South African government need to focus on the goal to halve the number of poor people by 2015 (according to United Nations, Millennium Development Goals). I realise that the government still has much work to do in order to reach this important goal.
- ItemDie assesseringspraktyke van laerskoopopvoeders in respons tot die verwagtinge van die nasionale kurrikulumverklaring(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-12) Truter, Linley Clive; Fataar, Aslam; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The political dispensation in South Africa after 1994 experienced a complete change in different spheres of life. Not only was the country greeted with a new democratic government system, but also with widespread educational reform, of which curriculum reform in schools was one of its main drivers. This study focuses on implementation dynamics related to the latest iteration of curriculum reform namely the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) that was introduced in all public schools in 2005. Educators were sent for in service training in order to implement the new curriculum in their classrooms. Continuous assessment (CASS) became the operative on everybody’s lips, though learners would be assessed according to continuous assessment activities. These assessment marks or codes, obtained by the learners, would determine progression to the next grade. This resulted in a new educator practice, namely an assessment practice. Their initial encounter was somehow problematic because they found it difficult in marrying this new practice with their teaching and learning practices due to various reasons. One of the main reasons was that the NCS was never part of their tertiary education. The study’s main point of departure is that the assessment practices of primary school educators are diverse and divergent in response to the expectations of the NCS. The study uses the analytical lenses of forward and backward mapping as well as the ambiguity-conflict model in order to investigate and ascertain the underlying relationship between educator’s assessment practices and the assessment policy. The study belongs within the qualitative interpretative paradigm, as I attempt to form an understanding of the nature and range of their assessment practices. It emphasises the manifestation of the assessment practices of educators. Qualitative research instruments, which include individual interviews, were used to answer the research question and achieve the research objectives of the thesis. The research shows how these educators experience, interpret and implement the assessment policy in unique ways. It indicates how they, in striving to adhere to the expectations of the NCS, respond by tackling their respective assessment practices in a diverse and divergent way and at times deviate from what is expected of them as set out in the NCS.
- ItemAssessing learner needs for student academic support and development in the Early Childhood Education Department of the South African College for Teacher Education (SACTE)(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Phatudi, Nkidi Caroline; Bitzer, E. M.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: SACTE is a distance education provider for practising educators in the Republic of South Africa. As a distance education provider, SACTE has to rely on teaching and learning media other than the tutor for providing service to its students. Study manuals are the main means of subject delivery the college employs. The college, however, cannot always reach its students through the media used, which in this instance is the study manual. This conclusion was reached after numerous telephone calls and letters from students requiring urgent assistance in connection with their studies. The researcher therefore felt that a need existed to find out the type of problems students encountered that prevented them from optimal performance as students and as teachers. The purpose of this study was to determine learner needs in the department of Early Childhood Education, and how they can be dealt with to improve the academic performance and the classroom practice of its students. The premise the researcher worked from, was that students of SACTE experience learning problems, thus they are unable to attain good academic performance, and this affects their classroom practice. A research survey was carried out to determine the type and the nature of problems that existed amongst the students. Two questionnaires were sent out to the ECE students and the academic staff. The following key questions were posed in the questionnaire for students: • What type of educational background do students have? • How long have students been registered with SACTE? • To what extent do they benefit from a tutor system if they have access to it? • To what extent are the study manuals 'accessible' to them? • If study manuals are not accessible, what are the problems and what suggestions do students have to eradicate those problems? • What type of intervention would they like to have from SACTE? The aim in asking these questions was to probe the root problem which might exist, to analyse the responses and to make appropriate conclusions and recommendations based on the data gathered. The questionnaire for the ECE academic staff was based on the following aspects: • The academic staffs experience in teaching teachers; • The academic staff's experience in distance education; • What the academic staff regard as problems inhibiting students from effective learning; • Suggestions and recommendations on how to deal with the problems identified. The questionnaire for students was sent out by mail with a self-addressed envelope included for the return mail. It took almost two months before the responses reached the sender. Almost 70% of the responses reached the sender. Data analysis was done by the Statkon Service of Rand Afrikaans University. The conclusions reached from the data analysis were divided into the following categories: Social background of students: Students do not have study rooms, thus they use dining-rooms and bedrooms as study places. An average household has more than ten members. This type of a situation does not promote effective learning. Educational background of students: Almost 90% of the respondents studied in the former Department of Education and Training (DET). Their highest qualification is M+2 (matric plus two years of professional training), which implies that 56,3% of teachers are not fully qualified to be teaching, as the minimum requirement is M+3. Experience of students at SACTE: Students expressed their desire for the upgrading of the total learning environment in order to enhance learning and classroom practice. Students wanted contact sessions with tutors as they felt that they do not benefit much by studying on their own without external assistance Recommendations made on these conclusions were the following: SACTE must establish Regional Learning Centers (RLC) to alleviate the students' problem of studying in overcrowded homes. RLCs, besides being places to study at, would also serve the purpose of being resource centres as well as discussion places where study support groups can meet. Study manuals should be written with the needs of the learner in mind. The language of the study manual, examples given and the context in which they are written, should reflect the learner and not the lecturer. The 'distance' between the student and the lecturer, that is created by the physical distance, can be narrowed by introducing interactive media. Based on the survey findings, it can be concluded that there is a need to establish student support measures at SACTE that would provide for students by answering to their needs as learners and educators.
- ItemAn auto-ethnographical account of curriculum flexibility in primary school science in relation to CAPS policy(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2023-12) Tryon, Tania Adelle ; Jansen, Jonathan D. ; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study is an auto-ethnographical account of my experiences as a teacher teaching CAPS in a primary school science classroom. This study aimed to investigate whether, and if so, to what extent the CAPS curriculum limited my ability as a teacher to experience curriculum flexibility in terms of allowing me to adapt the curriculum content to suit the needs of learners in my class. Furthermore, what strategies and approaches have I put in place to address my challenges of curriculum flexibility in the CAPS curriculum? Data gathered for this study indicate that the strict adherence to the topic coverage timeframes outlined in the CAPS policy, a teacher’s autonomy to make decisions about the pace at which they teach content in accordance with learner needs, is restricted. The study also indicates that teacher subject knowledge and pedagogical skills are key factors determining the extent to which the teacher can create opportunities for curriculum flexibility within the CAPS curriculum. The study recommends that for teachers to experience curriculum flexibility within the CAPS curriculum requires a less stringent approach to the implementation of curriculum content, as the timeframes outlined in policy are not necessarily always in line with the needs of the learners in a class. Therefore, teachers should have the ability to adapt and adjust the pace of their teaching and the delivery of content to suit learners' needs and should not solely comply with policy guidelines and timeframes.
- ItemBeginner-onderwyseresse ervaring van mentorskap en induksie in Wes-Kaap(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2024-03) Adams, Theo; Joorst, Jerome P.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study explored the experiences of novice teachers with induction and mentoring. A qualitative approach was used with data from semi-structured interviews. The study was conducted with participants working in primary schools under the control of the Western Cape Education Department. Participating teachers were purposefully selected based on specific criteria and a contribution to the enrichment of the research question. The New Teacher Induction (2020) regarding the induction of novice – teachers underpinned the study. An interpretative research perspective was used in the investigation. This approach focused on participants' experience and was the most appropriate for understanding their experience within their respective school settings. The data was analysed using Pierre Bourdieu, Tara Yosso and Stephen Ball's theories, bringing a dynamic view of the study findings. The most important finding was that novice teachers received minimal to no mentoring during their induction into the teaching profession. They crafted viable pathways for themselves to stay on track in their practical immersion into their school. Their search for growth opportunities and self-empowerment helped them navigate within the practice. Although the study was limited to only four novice teachers, the insights from the investigation can inform and motivate other novice teachers to successfully navigate their induction into the teaching profession if mentorship is unavailable in their schools.
- ItemBenaderings tot die bestuur van diversiteit in skole in die Republiek van Suid-Afrika(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1997-12) Filander, Andre Leon; Du Toit, P. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH SUMMARY: The current process of transformation in South Africa makes the study of diversity in schools essential. Diversity in schools can be addressed by means of various management approaches. Management approaches can be divided into two categories, i.e. Assimilation and Pluralism. The assimilation approach is aimed at ignoring all aspects of diversity and causing learners to conform to a dominant culture . Pluralism is grounded in the acknowledgement and promotion of diversity in schools. This research addresses the pluralistic approaches of multi-cultural and anti-rascist education. The concept "culture" forms the basis of multi-cultural teaching and it is therefore essential that a clear understanding is developed of this concept. The stages in the development of multi-cultural education are of great importance, because different countries move from different motivational grounds in their implementation of this form of education. Multi-cultural education aims at equal opportunities for all diverse groups in schools. This approach in education should also adhere to certain conditions to ensure success. Some of these conditions are as follows: early integration, curriculum development and the development of values. Critics opposing multi-cultural education state that this approach would be insufficient if implemented on its own. For this reason the anti-rascist approach in education has also been researched in this study. In the study of the anti-rascist approach in education, it is essential to reach a clear understanding of concepts such as rascism, prejudice, discrimination and stereotyping. It is also essential that the various theories that describe the philosophical and theoretical principles of anti-rascism be clearly understood. In this study the following theories were used: conflict theory, resistance theory and the cognitive development theory. The aims of the anti-rascist approach are grounded in the principles of equality and equity for all. Criticism of the anti-rascist approach points to the fact that it should always be implemented in conjunction with another education approach. By implementing a multi-cultural and anti-rascist approach to education, an opportunity is created to answer many criticisms against these approaches. Successful implementation of the combined approach requires an approach that is more holistic in nature and that a process needs to be followed.
- ItemCan critical theory contribute towards enacting democratic policy implementation in schools?(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002--12) Nxawe, Lungiswa; Waghid, Yusef; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This assignment addresses the question whether critical theory can contribute towards enacting democratic policy implementation in schools. With reference to the Norms and Standards for Educators of 2000, I argue that critical educational theory offers an adequate framework of thinking and acting to engender democratic policy implementation in schools. Using conceptual analysis, this assignment shows that one first needs to understand the meanings of concepts before one can consider implementing them. Many of the problems facing teachers in schools involve them not having sufficient understanding of educational concepts. Hence, they seemingly find it difficult to effectively implement policy. This results in the fact that democracy remains undermined. This assignment provides a modest attempt to show that democracy does not have to be sacrificed. However, then it requires teachers to use principles of critical educational theory to ensure that effective policy implementation does occur in schools.
- ItemCan higher education policy frameworks engender quality higher education in Malawian universities?(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2007-12) Shawa, Lester Brian; Waghid, Yusef; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Through policy document analyses and in-depth semi-structured interviews, this thesis examines the potential of higher education policy frameworks to engender quality university education in Malawian universities. Pertinent to the fast-growing higher education sector in Malawi is the connection between higher education policy frameworks and quality delivery of university education. Education policy frameworks in Malawi are mainly a response to the government’s broad policy of poverty alleviation. Thus this thesis argues that quality university education ought to contribute to poverty alleviation especially by assisting the country to achieve its Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and to implement the initiatives of the New Economic Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). To engender quality university education that could help to alleviate poverty in Malawi, this thesis through Habermasian critical inquiry proposes that quality ought to be the corollary of defensible higher education policy frameworks, policy documents need to delineate quality parameters, access to university education needs to be increased and, inevitably, discursive or deliberative higher education policy making ought to be given primacy.
- ItemThe challenges of whole school evaluation for school governing bodies in Hlabisa district Kwazulu Natal Province(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-12) Ntombela, M. A.; Taylor, D. J. L.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South Africa has a long history of apartheid and other forms of unfair discrimination in education. In the past there were separate and unequal school and education systems based on ethnicity, race and colour. Following the democratic elections of April 1994 a new era in education commenced. The education system was transformed to a unitary system and a programme of legislation was launched aimed at promoting democratic ideals and practices. Of particular importance to schools was the South African Schools Act (Act No 84 of 1996), which granted significant powers to school governing bodies (SGBs) at local level. The composition of SGBs was based on elected representation from four main stakeholder groups, namely parents (in the majority), educators, non-educator staff and learners (in Grade 8 or above), plus the principal ex officio. The powers and functions granted to SGBs were intended to promote participative decision-making, a sense of ownership and responsibility aimed at promoting the best interests of the school. The innovation of SGBs had far-reaching potential to improve school effectiveness and more importantly to contribute to the growth of democracy in South Africa. In 2001, aimed specifically at ensuring quality education, the government introduced the National Policy on Whole Schools Evaluation (WSE). The policy unified and integrated previous approaches to school and teacher assessment and was centred on a school-based and holistic approach to the monitoring and improvement of school quality. Using objective criteria and performance indicators on nine areas of functioning, the WSE model relied on an ongoing process of school self-evaluation, supported by external auditing and feedback, leading to each school having a school development plan (SDP). Ownership and direction of this was envisaged to be an important responsibility of SGBs. In this way, school improvement and educational quality became strategically linked to effective school governance. As an educator in the Senior Secondary School phase, the researcher has gained fruitful insights into schools in the rural and semi-rural areas of Hlabisa District in the province of KwaZulu Natal. This first-hand experience has made him keenly aware of problems and challenges for SGBs in fulfilling their role in implementing the processes of monitoring and evaluating school performance in line with WSE. The research therefore aimed to contribute to a better understanding of the particular needs of SGBs in meeting the requirements ofWSE. The research was structured therefore around two aspects: firstly, a conceptual and policy analysis that tried (a) to identify and explain significant concepts relevant to understanding both school governance and school evaluation and (b) to identify and explain the legislative and policy context by dealing with the relevant documents. This included a brief explanation and contrast of the policy approaches to governance and school assessment in the pre-1994 and post-1994 dispensations. The second, more empirical part of the study aimed to investigate the experience of SGBs in practice, by using questionnaires and interviews to collect data from a sample of ten schools in the Hlabisa district. Based on the responses collected the researcher was able to conclude that there are many positive signs of healthy development in school governance in the schools sampled. Particular challenges were also identified relating to the needs of SGBs in order to implement WSE programmes successfully. These challenges included drawbacks caused by illiteracy among school governors, the need for more effective training of SGBs in reaching a full understanding of the governance rights and responsibilities, and the need to bring about a more inclusive participation of all stakeholders, especially also by learners and non-educator staff in exercises such as WSE. In the light of these challenges, the study was able to make certain practical recommendations and suggest questions for future research on the role of school governance in improving school effectiveness through the Whole School approach.
- ItemA conceptual analysis of a reflexive democratic praxis related to higher education transformation in South Africa(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2001-03) Waghid, Yusef; Steyn, J. C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The central question of this thesis is whether education policy frameworks are sufficient to transform the higher education system in South Africa. I hold that higher education policy initiatives promulgated in statutory documents such as the White Paper 3 on Higher Education Transformation of 1997 and the Higher Education Act of 1997 are not sufficient to guide educational transformation in universities. My main claim is that as higher education role players we also need to pursue practices driven from "inside" (Gutman 1998: 34) whereby we can develop the "strength of will" to contribute towards initiating equal access and development and, enhancing accountability and quality at our universities. I hold that in order to practice higher education transformation from "inside" (Gutman 1998: 34), one can justifiably pursue a reflexive democratic praxis for the reason that it involves a form of "doing action" with some worthwhile, rational end in mind. It has to do with engaging in reflexive and democratic action attuned to social experience, more specifically higher education, where possibilities may be contemplated, reflected upon, transformed and deepened. To deepen our understanding of our actions involves asking questions about "what we have not thought to think" (Lather 1991: 156). I argue that philosophy of education, more specifically conceptual analysis, is an indispensable means by which we can develop such a deeper, clearer, more informed and better reasoned understanding about the current shifts in higher education transformation in post- apartheid South Africa. Simultaneously, I use conceptual analysis to show why and how the idea of a reflexive democratic praxis can become a "satisfying sense of personal meaning, purpose, and commitment" (Soltis 1998: 196) to guide our activities as educators in the higher education realm. The general principle, which shapes a reflexive democratic praxis, is rationality. Rationality is shaped by logically necessary conditions such as "educational discourse", "reflexive action" and "ethical activity to promote the moral good" in the forms of truthtelling and sincerity, freedom of thought, clarity, non-arbitrariness, impartiality, a sense of relevance, consistency and respect for evidence and people. My contention is that appealing to moral notions of rationality is where the strength of a reflexive democratic praxis lies. In this sense I further elucidate rationality which I argue can create spaces for achieving democratic education which, in tum, holds much promise for shaping teaching and learning through distance education, research and community service in the context of higher education transformation in South Africa. I use "touchstones" which evolve out of rationality, namely access, relevance and dialogism, to show how the idea of a reflexive democratic praxis can contribute towards shaping higher education transformation in South Africa. I provide an overview of the South African higher education policy framework, in particular its concern with issues of equality, development, accountability and quality, which can be linked to and guided by "touchstones" of a reflexive democratic praxis. A reflexive democratic praxis implies a shift towards socially distributed knowledge production which in turn shapes higher education transformation. By reflecting on instances related to the institution where I work, I argue that a more nuanced understanding of higher education has the potential to initiate equal access and , development on the one hand, and to enhance accountability and quality on the other hand. I conclude with the idea that a reflexive democratic praxis can provide higher education practitioners with a conceptual frame to organise their discourses in such a way as to contribute towards transforming their activities and that of their institutions. In this way they might contribute towards addressing the demands of equality, development, accountability and quality in South African higher education. KEYWORDS: Philosophy of education, conceptual analysis, reflexivity, democracy, praxis, higher education, transformation and South Africa.
- ItemA conceptual analysis of institutional culture at a Namibian university(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Kabende, Matildah Mwangelwa; Van Wyk, B.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This philosophical study draws on Gadamer’s hermeneutics, which is primarily concerned with the understanding and interpretation of texts. From this perspective I conduct a conceptual and documentary analysis of institutional culture with the aim of gaining deeper understanding of how institutional culture is constructed and articulated in institutional policy documents. The unit of analysis is the University of Namibia (UNAM), the leading higher education institution in Namibia. The available data indicates that institutional culture in the Namibian context has been under-studied. I constructed four meanings (strategy, typology, history and tradition, and scholarship) that served as a theoretical framework for an analysis of the institutional policy documents of UNAM. This study found that the meanings of institutional culture are articulated in relevant policy documents and that the university’s institutional culture is influenced by the national policy, Namibia Vision 2030. UNAM seeks to develop its students and the community to lead institutions in the country towards a knowledge-based economy, economic growth and improved quality of life. By implication, UNAM is not an outstanding institution but envisages to become one by the year 2030. Further, UNAM sees itself as weak in terms of knowledge creation and publication, and desires this area to be a best practice in the next five year. UNAM can be classified as a developmental institution and draws from the national developmental strategy in Namibia Vision 2030. To respond to this national vision, UNAM seeks to align its institutional culture according to national priorities.
- ItemA conceptual analysis of transformation at three South African universities in relation to the national plan for higher education(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-04) Van Wyk, Berte; Waghid, Yusef; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This dissertation explores the notion of (higher) education transformation in relation to logically necessary conditions which guide the concept. These logically necessary conditions (constitutive meanings) include: equity and redress, critical inquiry, communicative praxis, and citizenship. I explore how instances of these logically necessary conditions manifest in institutional plans at the universities of Cape Town, Stellenbosch, and the Western Cape. My contention is that these institutional plans seem to be tilted towards the exclusive implementation of performance indicator measures which might undermine deep educational transformation. In turn, deep educational transformation requires that logically necessary conditions be framed according to an African philosophy of educational transformation. KEYWORDS: Higher education, education policy, transformation, conceptual analysis, logically necessary conditions.
- ItemA conceptual analysis of visionary leadership and its implications for educational transformation in schools(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2004-04) Galloway, Greta Marie Mandy; Waghid, Yusef; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: There are many new developments in education taking place specifically in the field of schooling. Some of these developments - school based management, OBE curriculum developments and the devolution of control to the school level have brought with it many significant policy changes. Many educational leaders are struggling to keep abreast with these transformational changes that are confronting them with regard to leadership and management of education, and educational structures within the school. Therefore, visionary leadership is an essential ingredient in understanding the democratic changes and restructuring taking place at present. Many principals at schools are struggling with the changes, while possibly not fully understanding the political, social and economic dynamics of these changes. This assignment seeks to establish the need for visionary leadership in order to meet the challenges and constraints educational leaders face in their attempts to effect transformation in South Africa. I strongly identify with the democratic principles used to overcome the challenges and constraints to redress education in South African schools. Interviews were conducted and data was constructed with principals of six different schools in the East London area. The educational leaders interviewed, ranged from primary to high school principals giving a vast expanse of expertise as leaders within a specific school community. This assignment is based on the assumption that there is scope for educational leaders to bring about greater change and transformation in schools. There are many ways to visualise an effective school landscape based on a combination of personal, organisational and professional strategies. This assignment can be considered a contribution in this regard. KEY WORDS: Educational leaders, transformation and visionary leadership
- ItemConsequences of staff deployment in public primary schools in Cape Town(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2011-12) Bougardt, Abraham Deon; Heystek, J.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty Education. Dept. of Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This qualitative study explores the effect that staff deployment has on the morale and professional attitudes of educators who have been identified as being in excess at their schools. The study was done by doing interviews with teachers who have been affected by rightsizing and redeployment and principals who have had to manage the process. The Department of Education goes through an annual process of determining the school‘s staff establishment for the next academic year. This determination is based on the number of learners enrolled at the institution. The CEMIS statistics are used to determine the number of learners enrolled at the school and the schools‘ staff establishment for the next academic year. If a school‘s learner numbers have increased since the last survey, the school will gain some teaching posts. Conversely, if the learner numbers have dropped a number of educators at the institution, as determined by the education department, have to be identified and declared in excess. Change associated with staff redeployment can have a negative impact on the morale and motivation of teachers. A school‘s functioning and ability to supply quality education can also be compromised as a result thereof. This is especially true when schools do not have the financial resources to employ additional teachers out of school funds. The problem is researched by exploring the ‗lived experiences‘ of selected teachers at primary schools in two of the education districts that fall under the WCED. Educators who were selected to participate in the study were individuals who had been declared in excess and who were redeployed or who were awaiting redeployment. Teachers were given the opportunity to relate their individual experiences. Their accounts of the process reflect how these experiences affect behaviour, professional attitude and general health. My discussion of their perceptions pays particular attention to their perceptions of how their general health and well-being were affected. Two principals (who managed the process at their respective schools) also shed some light on their experiences of the effects of downsizing. It seems that whilst there are cases where the process of rightsizing and redeployment is handled with the necessary care and circumspection, this is not always the case. Too often rightsizing and redeployment are handled in a clinical way, which creates the impression that the principals are biased and unsympathetic.
- ItemContemplative education as a response to the contradictions between neoliberalism and social justice in the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS)(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2020-03) Bekker, Petrus; Davids, Nuraan; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Education Policy Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT : South African educational policy after 1994, and in particular, the current Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), express a very ambitious and wide range of aims and goals, with some relating to education for economic progress, and others relating to education pertaining to human rights, responsible and ‘good’ citizenship, and social justice – what might be termed ‘values education’. Of concern is the realisation that CAPS is unaware of and negligent about its strong neoliberal leanings – that is, it emphasises skills-oriented education, which stifles the implementation of values education. What follows is a report on a conceptual study of how neoliberalism, as espoused by CAPS, influences the ethical adeptness and enthusiasm of individuals and their ability to maintain a healthy relationality with the ‘other’. It was found that neoliberalism leads to exclusionary identity formation, hyper-individuality and the avoidance of ethical responsibilities. As a response, I argue for a consideration of contemplative education, underscored by an ethics of care (both of which contain values like empathy, compassion and responsibility). In this regard, the study challenges the neoliberal tone of CAPS and makes suggestions for new roadmaps unto values education. Bringing contemplative education to stand against neoliberalism in the South African context represents a new area of study, and I make recommendations for further research. Keywords: contemplative education, neoliberalism, values, values education, care ethics, Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS), South African educational policy.