A framework for the design and implementation of competency-based teacher education programmes at the University of Namibia
Date
2007-12
Authors
Engelbrecht, Frederik Daniel Jacobus
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Stellenbosch : University of Stellenbosch
Abstract
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.
Description
Thesis (PhD (Curriculum Studies))--University of Stellenbosch, 2007.
Keywords
Competency-based education -- Namibia -- Research, Teacher education, Programme design, Dissertations -- Curriculum studies, Theses -- Curriculum studies, Theses -- Education, Dissertations -- Education