Doctoral Degrees (Curriculum Studies)
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Browsing Doctoral Degrees (Curriculum Studies) by browse.metadata.advisor "Carl, A. E."
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- ItemCoaching foundation phase literacy teachers as leaders in a school in the Western Cape Province : a professional development strategy(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2012-12) Rutgers, Linda; Carl, A. E.; Van der Walt, C.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African education system needs literacy teachers with the capacity to lead innovative and appropriate literacy instruction in schools. Schools can benefit from suitable continuous professional development strategies that have the potential to build the leadership capacity of literacy teachers to sustain literacy improvement efforts. Coaching has proven to be an effective development strategy in the business sector and in the field of sport. However, the field of coaching in the educational context is under-explored in research in South Africa. Coaching is a situated practice, which is aimed at the learning and development of individuals within a specific context. Coaching is an on-going professional development strategy for teachers and leaders as opposed to traditional one-shot professional development activities such as workshops or training sessions. There is a need for evidence-based research on alternative professional development strategies, such as coaching. In this research study the researcher argued that coaching has the potential to provide a more effective and sustainable capacity-building strategy for the continuous professional development of teacher leaders. It argued further that the recognition of their own capacity as teacher leaders can empower teachers to take ownership of decision-making for on-going literacy improvement in schools. The specific context for coaching in this study was the professional development of literacy teachers as leaders for the improvement of literacy teaching and learning. In the absence of a suitable coaching model, the Integrated Capacity Coaching model and a coaching programme were purposefully designed by the researcher for the development of literacy teachers as leaders in this study. Cognitive coaching, peer coaching and coaching circles were incorporated as coaching methods in the coaching programme. This study was designed to determine what can be learnt from using coaching as a professional development strategy within the formal structures of the school and its current constraints. Findings from the data indicated a number of positive learning insights about coaching as a continuous professional development strategy to build internal leadership capacity for literacy improvement in schools. This study is significant because the outcome of the study extended the existing body of knowledge and evidence-based research on coaching in the educational context. The implementation of these findings could lead to improvements in the nature and characteristics of future continuous professional development of literacy teachers as leaders to sustain literacy improvement in schools. The proposed model shows potential as a capacity-building coaching model for the education sector, but further research is needed to determine the impact of this coaching model and the coaching approach in different school contexts.
- ItemCurriculum development in horticulture within the South African qualifications authority framework(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2002-12) Young, Michael Howard; Carl, A. E.; Coetzee, J. H.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The curricula of the Technikon National Diplomas in Horticulture, Landscape Technology and Parks (Open Space) and Recreation Management have been intermittently revised since the original inception in 1972 of the NO in Horticulture. The shortcomings in the process of curriculum revision, with special reference to programmes in Horticulture, were identified. The institution of outcomes-based education (aBE) and the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) followed the promulgation of the South African Qualifications Authority Act (No. 58 of 1995). All curricula are currently being written in terms of learning outcomes that qualifying learners will be expected to demonstrate. The primary aim of this research study has been based upon the proposition that a scientifically validated situational analysis is an essential precursor to the design or redesign of a curriculum for tertiary-level horticultural training. A situational analysis that includes the sectors of Amenity horticulture, Arboriculture, Floriculture, Landscape, Nursery production, Nursery retail and Turf was undertaken. The results of this analysis were to be utilised in the development of a theoretical curriculum framework, which may be used in the development of a revised curriculum. The secondary aims of the study are complementary to the primary aim as the situational analysis has led directly to the identification of the core and specific skills/competencies within the seven sectors, the degree to which horticulturists are seen to have prepared themselves for their careers, the attributes or qualities employers expect of a qualified horticulturist and the values applicable to the horticulture profession. This research is regarded as exploratory as little documentation exists regarding the competencies being applied by horticulturists within the different sectors. As it describes the characteristics of horticulture education and training and tries to understand the meaning and relevance of the data gathered, it may also be defined as descriptive. It is also an applied research study as its focus is on the sector-specific curriculum development needs in the horticulture industry. A triangulation approach to the study was followed that utilised a quantitative as well as a qualitative approach. This served to heighten the reliability and the validity of the research. In the qualitative approach, use was made of both personal and focus group interviews, which enabled the researcher to study the problem at greater depth. The mail survey, which used a self-administered questionnaire, facilitated the collection of empirical data that was used to corroborate and extend the generalisability of the qualitative findings to a national level and was the quantitative approach followed. While the situational analysis has led to an extensive amount of empirical data relative to the revision of the curricula, the development of a theoretical curriculum framework is seen as the logical conclusion of this analysis as it represents a synthesis of the most important findings of the study. Its presentation to the industry as a concept curriculum framework, upon which a revised curriculum for technikon horticulture training may be based, is recommended. The development of a framework structured in a format compatible with the NQF, aims at meeting the curriculum needs of the different sectors of the industry.
- ItemA framework for the design and implementation of competency-based teacher education programmes at the University of Namibia(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2007-12) Engelbrecht, Frederik Daniel Jacobus; Bitzer, E. M.; Carl, A. E.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.Competency-based education (CBE) was introduced in the 1970s in the United States of America and its philosophical and practical dimensions are still being explored. As the Government of Namibia subscribes to CBE for all levels of education, the University of Namibia needs to understand this approach to education and how such programmes are ideally designed and implemented to bridge the gap between education (graduateness) and training (competence). The goal of this study was to develop a contextualised CBE programme design and implementation framework. International programme design and implementation frameworks were analysed and synthesised and applied to a local university programme, the Advanced Diploma in Education, in order to test the validity of an international framework and adapt it to local conditions. A qualitative research approach was used. On the one hand, data on the Advanced Diploma in Education (ADEd) was generated through methods such as stakeholder feedback on the ADEd design questionnaire as well as the analysis of relevant design and implementation documents. The post-hoc qualitative approach included a literature review, a visit to Australian universities and an international survey regarding the proposed design and implementation framework. The findings of the study pertain to programme design and programme implementation. The programme design findings emphasised the importance of the management of change to a CBE approach, the format of module descriptors and the assessment of competence. The implementation findings highlighted the necessity of administrative changes to accommodate CBE features, the training of staff and continuous evaluation of the teaching environment and lecturer performance. The study concludes that CBE appears to be appropriate for teacher education in Namibia when certain pitfalls are avoided and recommends that CBE programme designers at the Faculty of Education at the University of Namibia might apply the researched framework, comprising a comprehensive design and implementation section.
- ItemDie geleefde ervarings van primere skoolonderwysers binne 'n kultuur van performatiwiteit(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-03) Van Wyk, Milton Lester; Le Grange, L. L. L.; Carl, A. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This study focuses on the lived experiences of primary school teachers within a culture of performativity. The French philosopher, Jean-Francois Lyotard (1984) more than anyone else gave credence to the notion of ‘performativity’ in education which he used to represent political and bureaucratic mechanisms of control. Embedded in regulatory mechanisms there are performance indicators such as ‘monitoring systems’ with associated ‘production of information’, that according to Ball (2003) engenders the ‘terrors of performativity’. To conform to the regulatory mechanisms the performativity culture in schools, pressure is increasingly placed on teachers to demonstrate their accountability to education authorities for the responsibilities delegated to them. The literature review does not only seeks to give meaning to key terms and concepts relevant to the study, but also aims to define the operational. Relevant terms included: accountability, professionalism, performance and performativity. In the discussion it is shown that there is a close underlying relationship between performativity and performance, between performativity and accountability, and between performativity and professionalism. In order to answer the main research question and to align logically to the purpose of the study, the researcher conducted a qualitative research study within the interpretative research paradigm. The study was guided by the phenomenological research approach – and more specifically by the hermeneutical-phenomenological research method of Max van Manen (1990). Two data collection methods were employed: protocol narratives (descriptions of lived experiences) and in-depth semi-structured phenomenological interviews. In this study a thematic analytical approach was followed whereby the researcher identified emerging themes from the collected data. Different steps were taken to increase the internal validity of the study and to give attention to the ethical aspects that emerged during the investigation. In this study it is evident that performativity, with its emphasis on effectiveness, efficiency and quality, is currently the most powerful and pervasive discourse in education. The description of the results shows that teachers tend to be swallowed up by the demands of performativity – so much so that teachers are overwhelmed by the ‘terrors of performativity’. Teachers’ ‘escape’ from the ‘imprisonment’ of performativity is not only associated with distorted side Stellenbosch University https://scholar.sun.ac.za viii effects, but there are also physiological and emotional processes that teachers are confronted with in their attempts conform to the regulatory systems. The study found that the undesirable side effects of performativity serve and a push factor for the early exit of teachers from the profession.
- ItemInvestigating teaching and learning support for students with hearing impairment at a university in the Western Cape(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2013-03) Bell, Diane; Carl, A. E.; Swart, R. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Globally, hearing impairment remains the most common congenital anomaly diagnosed in infants, and hearing impairment is the single largest disability grouping in South Africa. Growing numbers of students with hearing impairment are being granted access into higher education in South Africa. However, they still remain under-represented in comparison to students with other impairments, and their needs in the teaching and learning environment in terms of human and technical support as well as communication and access to information remain under-supported. This study came into being because of the absence of research on the academic experiences of students with hearing impairment in higher education in South Africa. The intention of the study was to analyse and describe the teaching and learning (academic) experiences of students with hearing impairment at the case study university. This inquiry focused specifically on educational barriers, coping strategies, assistive technologies, curriculum accessibility as well as support services. Using a qualitative case study design, informed by an interpretive (constructivist) paradigm, purposeful sampling led to the selection of information-rich cases in order to gain insight from the authentic experiences of the students. The context of the case study was a South African university with a relatively large number of registered students with hearing impairment who use the oral method of communication. Data were generated by means of semi-structured interviews with participating students, university lecturers and a staff member from the disability unit. ATLAS.ti was used to code and analyse the data using grounded theory methods, allowing for the discovery of recurring themes. Six major findings emerged from this study, namely that all of the participants identified as belonging to the hearing rather than Deaf identity cultural paradigm, that limited curriculum transformation had taken place, existing support services were largely inadequate, a large number of barriers related to teaching and assessment were experienced, a variety of academic and personal coping strategies were used by the students to support their needs, and some critical factors for success were advocated for by the participants. From the findings and data interpretation and by making use of Bronfenbrenner’s bio-ecological model of human development as a tool, I constructed both an academic learning support framework as well as a set of practical guidelines for teaching students with hearing impairment. Thereafter conclusions were drawn and practical recommendations were made to various stakeholders in the education of students with hearing impairment. Further areas for research are also suggested. The academic learning support framework (as a model of best practice) forms part of my personal contribution to the field of research.
- ItemKritiese elemente in die opleiding van onderwysers ten opsigte van opvoeding vir vrede(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2000-12) Johannes, Delphine; Carl, A. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: South African society is currently undergoing a process of reconstruction and development, in social, economic and various other areas. South Africa struggles with problems such as unemployment and crime, which is also the case in many other countries. Socio-political and cultural factors, for example, poverty, unemployment, hunger and a shortage of housing, lends itself favourably towards criminal activities. These individual problems are regarded as reasons for the escalating crime in the country. The statistics pertaining to violence reflect that the level of acceptance of crime is embedded in the South African culture. As a result of the high crime figures, only the minority of the South African population have peace of mind. This situation influences the learners of the country because the school is directly connected to their society. Without peace, South Africa will be unable to prosper on any level and therefore it is essential that the present generation of learners be taught to resolve conflict in a peaceful manner. The statistics in respect of crime indicates that learners are influenced negatively and because of the democratic values of the country the various aspects of the rights of children do not carry any weight. The process of democracy has led to a total transformation at the educational level. A teaching system has evolved whereby teaching is more developmental, thereby stimulating people physically, emotionally, critically, aestheticaely and mentally. Outcomes Based Education is therefore regarded as a valuable shift in the direction for a better educational system. This education system strives to breach the social and historical inequalities. Aspects such as freedom, equality and peace which connect strongly to the process of Continuous Learning is emphasised in the White Paper of Education and Training (1995). The new education system requires that crime in schools be resisted and that education be utilised as an instrument for the promotion of peace in the country. The teaching of values and skills to handle conflict, conflict resolution, mediation, tolerance and co-operation can promote stability and peace within schools. These critical elements form part of Education for Peace. According to the literature, Education for Peace is seen both nationally and internationally as a possible solution to crime. Outcomes Based Education has made a tremendous impact on schools and educators. The National Qualification Framework requires of the educator to be a facilitator, which changes the task and nature of the teacher. The teacher must realise that change is an ongoing process and that the process of empowerment is necessary. Empowerment in Outcomes Based Education system and also in respect of Education for Peace demands a prominent role from the teacher as curriculum agent and developer. The development of an effective curriculum is rather difficult and demands dynamic teachers that can positively handle these changes. The teacher is regarded as the stimulant of behavioural changes within the learner. Teachers are therefore responsible to empower learners within the school context to think critically about social problems, conflict and crime. In this study acknowledgement is given to the importance of participation of the teachers in decision making. The opinions of teachers with regard to Education for Peace are obtained by an empirical investigation through interviews and questionnaires. Responding teachers have indicated that there is a vacuum in respect of Education for Peace. In this study teachers have: taken cognisance of Education for Peace and highlighted its critical elements; declared that Education for Peace (and the critical elements within) be applied as a mechanism to combat crime; determined that Education for Peace is essential within Outcomes Based Education and that specific skills be carried over to learners and that certain critical outcomes be reached. In response teachers have indicated that South Africa is not a peaceful country and that each teacher and learner make a personal contribution to the attainment of peace in schools, as well as in the community. Through Education for Peace learners can realise that they have an important role to playas peace makers in South Africa. This research has led to the compilation of a theoretical curriculum framework which has specific critical elements of Education for Peace as its foundation. The curriculum framework can be changed or adapted according to the needs of the learner and the community.
- ItemKurrikulumontwikkeling in spesiale sekondere skole vir verstandelik gestremde leerlinge in Kaapland(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 1992-03) Snyman, Cilliers; Carl, A. E.; Du Preez, J. J.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH SUMMARY: On the supposition that education should also be possible for the handicapped, it appears as consequence of the study of relevant literature, dealing specifically with the mentally handicapped learner, that responsible teacher involvement in curriculum development is expedient and should be aimed at. The implication here is that there should be knowledgeability and expertise with regard to the curriculum theory and practice to promote meaningful teacher involvement in curriculum development. This can also be to the advantage of the development of the school as well as the professional growth of the teachers. Curriculum development is an intricate, continuous process which progresses systematically according to a rigid plan. Therefore relevant concepts and representative phases of design, dissemination, implementation and evaluation are elucidated and stressed. This theoretic result of curriculum development is associated with the important action of the curricular practice later in this study. The organisational practice of curriculum development is included in models for a curricular design and are described in consequence of the similarities which are found in the structures of leading models for a design. The situation-analysis, selection of aims and objectives, selection and ordering of contents, selection and ordering of study opportunities and evaluation are highlighted and described. In view of the fact that curriculum development forms part of the educational process, the highest . measure of teacher involvement is essential. Active involvement implies that various instances and persons on specific hierarchical levels should be involved with this action and supportive structures should be developed to initiate involvement and participation on relevant curricular levels. With regard to the structural syllabus development for special schools for the mentally handicapped and the practice formation of the curricula in these schools, the structural network for curricular practice is highlighted and discussed. The role which institutions and persons involved with regard to curriculum development in special education for mentally handicapped fulfil, is being investigated. With reference to the theoretical circumscription of curricular procedures and the examination of possible teacher participation within the curricular practice, the present level of teacher knowledgeability and expertise and the quality of teacher involvement and teacher participation with regard to subject curriculum in special education are investigated empirically and findings are formulated. A possible concept program for continuous or in-service training of the teaching staff with regard to curriculum knowledge and curriculum expertise develops from this. This study is concluded with a summary and a number of findings which have been based on the outcome of the study and from which possible recommendations follow.
- ItemKurrikulumontwikkeling vir volhoubare sportbestuuropleiding in Suid-Afrika(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2003-03) De Villiers, D. B.; Malan, J. H.; Bitzer, E. M.; Carl, A. E.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The sporting environment in South Africa started changing drastically when professional sport increasingly became a reality after years of sporting isolation. As a result of these changes new career opportunities opened up because professionals were required to manage professional sport. These new professional sporting organisations are modelled on economically active businesses that require managers at all levels. Training institutions soon started offering programmes to train these so-called sports managers. Although there are specialists working in the sporting environment, the generic term "sports manager" is used to identify these individuals. The appropriate and sustainable training of sports managers forms the nucleus of the research in this study. Training programmes for sports managers are mostly offered at departments of human movement studies or sports science. This tended to create the impression that these training programmes are merely adapted human movement studies programmes that do not necessarily make provision for the professional sports management industry. The main purpose of this study was to design a curriculum framework for sport management training that is not only practice-oriented, but that also ensures sustainable programmes. To realise this, both an international and a national historical perspective on sport management training were researched. A description of a theoretical curriculum model with specific reference to current trends in education in South Africa was given. Furthermore it endeavoured to establish, from within the sporting industry, the knowledge and skills that are required for a career in sports management. From this information an attempt was made to suggest a curriculum framework so that appropriate and sustainable sports management training programmes can be offered. From a historical survey it became evident that sports management training programmes are in a relatively early development phase. An analysis of international programmes revealed that these programmes focus mainly on the economic and management activities in sports management organisations. Few instances were found where human movement studies constituted a prominent part of the contents of the programmes. However, the opposite was found to be true when South African programmes were reviewed. The majority of these programmes include components of human movement studies/sport science in their contents. Some of the programmes focus specifically on human movement studies/sport science and merely offer introductory modules on aspects of sports management. This study indicates the necessity for sports management training programmes in higher education to fit into specific structures in the South African education framework. New developments centred around the South African Qualifications Authority, the Higher Education Board and more specifically the National Qualifications Framework have been researched and applied to sports management training programmes. To place this study within the perspective of curriculum development, various models and methods of curriculum evaluation were explored. As a result of this a synoptic list was compiled to which sports management programmes may be required to comply. As part of the study a questionnaire review was conducted to indicate sports managers' knowledge and skills requirements in three levels of management. Guidelines were derived from this for generic contents of sports management programmes. It was also indicated that specialist functions exist within the sports management industry and that this phenomenon cannot merely be ignored by academic institutions when curricula are designed. These findings were used to suggest a possible framework for sports management curricula. In the light of a changing environment in South Africa and the development of the professional sports management industry, it is necessary that this framework should continuously be supplemented in a dynamic sporting environment.
- ItemLesson study as a support strategy for teacher development : a case study of middle school science teachers in Eritrea(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2015-12) Abdella, Ali Suleman; Reddy, C. P. S.; Carl, A. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Against the background of education reforms, this study was conducted to determine what can be learnt from using lesson study as professional development strategy in Eritrea. The core problem discussed in the study is that the instigators of successive education reforms in Eritrea expected teachers to shift their teaching from more teacher focused to student-centred approaches with little or no support provided to them. This implies that teachers in Eritrean need effective and sustainable support systems that enable them to implement the reform initiatives. In this study, the researcher uses lesson study as a strategy that could provide teacher development experiences to teachers in Eritrea that are different from the traditional one-shot varieties such as workshops, short-term orientations and training of trainer programmes which are often normally provided by the official programmes. Lesson study is a well-established classroom-based activity in which teachers systematically examine their teaching by collaboratively planning, teaching, observing, revising and re-teaching lessons. Several successes with lesson study have been reported in research in Japan, where it has been used extensively, as well as elsewhere. However, no study on teacher professional development has been conducted using lesson study as a strategy within the Eritrean context. This study is an interpretive qualitative case study that explores the effects of lesson study on science teachers’ learning and classroom practice in selected middle schools of Eritrea. It involved twenty one participants – fifteen science teachers, three school directors and three pedagogic heads for a duration of one year. Data were generated through questionnaires, semi-structured focus group interviews, observations, documents for generating research lesson events, video-recordings and photographs. The findings show that participation in lesson study cycles that were extended over a period of time was effective in enhancing the learning of teachers and changing the way they teach science in their classrooms resulting in enhanced students confidence, participation and learning. Evidence reported in this study also indicates that lesson study made a contribution to minimising teacher isolation by bringing teachers together to collaborate and share professional ideas and experiences. Moreover, the findings show the existence of a direct relationship between teachers’ interest in teacher development initiatives and the interest that the school leadership shows in such initiatives and in the extent of support they provide to the participating teachers. Though participants reported receiving benefits from lesson study, they were constrained by a lack of time, curriculum overload, large class-size, teachers’ poor living conditions, lack of suitable space, shortage of resources, students’ poor English proficiency, newness of the process and students’ negligence. This study has also contributed to extending the body of knowledge on lesson study. Finally, it is hoped that the findings of this study may be used as a guiding framework for future teacher development initiatives in the education sector or other professional development programmes in Eritrea.
- ItemThe process of lesson study as a strategy for the development of teaching in primary schools : a case study in the Western Cape Province, South Africa(Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch, 2010-03) Coe, Karen Lee; Carl, A. E.; Frick, B. L.; University of Stellenbosch. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The purpose of this qualitative research study was to determine the value that a group of teachers in South Africa would place on the process of lesson study as a model for their own learning and instructional improvement. A qualitative case study approach through an action research design was the methodology employed for this research. Participants in this 18-month study experienced three complete cycles and a fourth partially completed cycle of lesson study. The setting in South Africa offers a unique perspective to research on lesson study. Lesson study has been the primary method of professional teacher development in Japan for more than 50 years. It is also realizing some success in school districts across the USA. The recent educational reforms in South Africa have something in common with each of these countries. Like Japan, South Africa has adopted a national curriculum. The common link with the USA is that both countries have recently experienced educational reform at the national government level. The findings from this research include a discussion of the elements contained in lesson study that may be beneficial to incorporate into continuing professional teacher development programs, an analysis of the sustainability of lesson study, and an exploration of the connection between the model of lesson study and the design of action research.
- ItemDie voorbereiding van onderwysers vir uitkomsgebaseerde onderwys binne die leerarea sosiale wetenskappe(Stellenbosch : Stellenbosch University, 2003-04) Rogers, Lambert; Carl, A. E.; Stellenbosch University. Faculty of Education. Dept. of Curriculum Studies.ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Since 1994 South Africa has been characterized by transformation inter alia in the field of education. A process characterized by preparation and development of a new, extended curriculum evolved between 1994 and 1997. On 24 March 1997 Curriculum 2005 with an outcomes-based approach was introduced. Curriculum 2005 strives to bridge the imbalances of the past. Owing to the complexity of this curriculum and the problems encountered in practice, Curriculum 2005 was revised between January and July 2001 in order to address the problem areas. A change in curriculum necessitates a change in teaching-instruction strategies, learning programmes, assessment strategies and the method of recording and reporting. As educators are directly affected by the process of change in curricula, it is essential that educators are curriculum-competent to understand and implement the changes. In this regard, Evans (1996:55) states: "One of the necessary ingredients of such a restructuring is empowering the players, the teachers." An essential condition for successful implementation of change is the empowerment of educators to manage the change. The essential questions addressed in this study are: • To what degree are educators trained to manage these changes? • What does the successful implementation of change, entail specifically within the Social Sciences Learning Area? • What are the educators' needs and experience regarding change? The main focus of this study is to make a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the current changes with a view to developing a theoretical framework for the training of educators for Outcomes-based Education (OBE) within the Social Sciences Learning Area. To achieve the main focus of this study, the following specific aims have been formulated: • executing of a literature study, with regard to appropriate curriculum theory, curriculum practice and development of educators; • making a qualitative and quantitative evaluation of the training process of educators within the Social Sciences Learning Area; and • developing a theoretical framework to address the problems that have been identified, regarding educator development. The contribution of this study is located not only in the appropriate literature study, but also in the fact that the outcome of this research can contribute to the development of a relevant, effective and contextualised dissemination process. It is clear that ineffective dissemination is the root cause of ineffective curriculum development, as educator development cannot be optimalised in such conditions.