Thesis (MTech(Management))-- Cape Technikon, 2002 / Outcomes-based Education was introduced to the South African education system in 1996 with the implementation of Curriculum 2005. The first post-apartheid Minister of Education, Professor Sibusiso Bhengu, set himself the task of radically reforming the education system and of eliminating everything which had emanated from the apartheid regime. This work has been continued by the present Minister of Education, Mc Kadar Asmal. The reformation of the education system and the implementation of Curriculum 2005 by the government was based on the advice of international experts. This advice was garnered at a premium in costs, but there is a general view that South African circumstances were not always taken into consideration. In many instances there is a feeling that Curriculum 2005 was forced upon the educators. This study focuses on education in South Africa, past and present, as well as the perceptions of Curriculum 2005 by educators, and whether educators are really motivated by it. This study also focuses on certain problematic areas in Curriculum 2005 and suggests possible solutions.

Thesis (MTech (Education))--Cape Peninsula University of Technology, 2005 / The focus of this research is the evaluation of the National Diploma in Adult Basic Education and Training (ABET) for the purpose of suggesting improvements that could enable ABET diplomates to meet the demands of their challenging ABET world of work. The research study is based on the reflections of employed ABET diplomates and their employers on the relevance and usefulness of the ABET qualification in the workplace. The research is set against the general literature on the linkages between higher education and workplaces in general and the need for the development of work integrated curricula and high workplace competence levels in particular. The research also draws on literature that relate to the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) in the current South African education system and the role that could be played by learnerships and service-learning in the development of ABET practitioners. Reference is also made to the literature on employability of graduates, the contextual nature of the ABET world of work, work-based learning, and pedagogy or andragogy that is needed to support workplace practices. Qualitative evaluation approaches and narrative data production methods in the context of teaching and learning were used. The lecturers, ABET diplomates and their employers were interviewed in order to find out how the National Diploma in ABET prepared the diplomates to be effective and efficient in their ABET world of work. Curriculum documents for the National Diploma in ABET were also consulted. The research findings indicated that employed ABET diplomates find it difficult to meet all the demands of the workplace in general and to demonstrate an understanding of unit standards and outcomes when preparing lessons and planning learner activities in particular. The study therefore calls for higher education institution to find alternative ways of offering the National Diploma in ABET by establishing partnerships with workplaces and work closely with potential employers of ABET diplomates. Such collaborative efforts could result in the development of work-integrated curricula which could enable ABET diplomates to spend more time in the workplace than in the classroom. The study recommends that higher education institutions should be involved in ABET Practitioner learnerships that provide work-based learning and in service-learning which provides community service experience in order to provide learners with an opportunity to connect theory with practice and ideology with actuality.

M.Ed. (Sociology of Education) / The study aims to investigate the educators' perceptions of the implementation of the Life Orientation learning area in schools. The investigation arose from the fact that Life Orientation is a new learning area introduced in the Foundation and Senior Phase as part of Curriculum 2005. The aim of this learning area is to empower learners in a holistic manner to live meaningful lives in a society that demands rapid transformation. However, the implementation of the outcomes-based approach as expressed in Curriculum 2005 in general, and in particular in the newly developed Life Orientation learning area, has proved to be complex and resulted in negativity on the side of teachers. The question addressed in this study is: What are educators' perceptions of and experiences of the implementation of the Life Orientation learning area in their schools? The aim for this study is to provide curriculum developers and educational teacher trainers with a clearer picture of the facilitation of the Life Orientation learning area. »:> The research method used included literature review of the nature and aims of the Life Orientation learning area within the framework of Curriculum 2005. An empirical investigation of teacher's perceptions of the Life Orientation learning area and its implementation was performed using both the qualitative and the quantitative approaches. Respondents were selected from a purposeful sample of schools representing former Model C schools, informal settlement schools as well as township schools. The following findings from the investigation deserve mention: • • The majority of educators emphasised the need to improve the quality of training in the Life Orientation learning area. The training facilitators need to be equipped with the knowledge and skills, as well as relevant resources and teaching aids to provide effective training for educators. Most educators enjoyed teaching Life Orientation as they realised that it focussed on real life issues, coping skills as well as learner development in various aspects (physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual). The aim or purpose of teaching Life Orientation is to provide learners with useful skills to cope with useful skills to cope with life and its challenges, as well as to mould them to adulthood...

M.Ed. / Following the ascendance to power of a democratically elected government in South Africa, many things had to be restructured to fit the realities of the time. Education was one of the areas where many changes occurred. The previous education system was replaced with a new system dubbed Curriculum 2005. The new system was outcomes based. Environment is one of the themes included in the new education curriculum which was not in the previous education system. Environment is a cross-curricular theme in the new education system which means it is taught in all the learning areas. Each educator or teacher is expected to integrate the theme in their areas of specialisation. This has compelled the government departments, institutions of higher learning and NGOs to retrain teachers to cope with this challenge. The implementation of Curriculum 2005 is in its third year now. Despite the training efforts that has been put in, teachers still find it difficult to cope with. This study explores the causes of the problems experienced in the formal education system in an attempt to implement EE. Chapter one.(1) outlines the problem and claims that teachers' problems in implementing EE in schools in South Africa emanates from their training. It also outlines the social problems associated with the current problems in formal education if they are not checked. The chapter concludes that it in important for the study to be undertaken so as to isolate the problems that stifle the progress in implementing this theme. Chapter two (2) reviews existing literature in teacher education, theories of learning and environmental education. The links between community education are also reviewed. The chapter attempts to establish whether the existing theory is considered in the practice of EE. An array of problems are revealed as contributing to the current problems affecting the implementation of EE in schools in South Africa and worldwide. The chapter concludes that there is a gap between theory and practice. In chapter three (3) an attempt is made to collect data from the field using four methods namely: oral interview, group focus interview, document analysis and observation. The chapter elaborates how this was done and how the relevant data was collected in order to support or refute the claim made in chapter one. In chapter four (4), data is categorised, coded and analysed. The data is then discussed. It is discovered that field data strongly supports literature reviewed in chapter two (2). The chapter concludes that there are problems that hinder the effective implementation of EE in formal education in South Africa and makes a number of recommendations to be implemented urgently for the situation to be arrested.

The current investigation was conducted in the Mthatha Education District. It sought to investigate factors affecting the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) in the Mthatha schools of the Eastern Cape Province in South Africa. Literature reviewed showed that teachers, as the key role players to the implementation of the curriculum in schools, are still experiencing difficulties in implementing the NCS. It is thus important to establish and investigate the factors affecting the implementation of the NCS. The research was both exploratory and explanatory in nature and adopted a mixed method approach. Questionnaires were distributed among 210 teachers who were randomly selected from 363 schools in the Mthatha Education District. Out of 210 teachers who were provided with questionnaires to fill out, it was 148 (70.5 percent) of them who completed and returned the questionnaires. Semi-structured interviews were conducted face-to-face with 10 purposefully selected teachers to collect the data from those who participated by filling out the questionnaires. The researcher analysed the data both quantitatively and qualitatively. The data was presented, analysed and discussed according to themes derived from the main research question and sub-questions. The quantitative data (closed-ended statements) was analysed statistically by means of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS). In the case of the qualitative data (open-ended statements in questionnaires and interviews), similar responses were analysed in themes as per the research question and sub-questions for easy interpretation. Note-taking and tape-recording were done during the interview sessions. Qualitative data were transcribed, coded and analysed. The findings which emerged from the study indicated that intermediate-phase teachers experienced difficulties in implementing the NCS. These were attributed to, amongst others, a lack of resources such as learning material and infrastructure, redeployment of teachers, a high learner teacher ratio, inadequate in-service training and support from the DoE. These factors need to be addressed to enhance the implementation of the NCS and to avoid the repetition of those shortcomings in any future envisaged changes to the curriculum such as the implementation of CAPS.

Fleisch (2002) and Jansen and Christie (1999) hold that implementation of the national school curriculum in post-apartheid South Africa was riddled with uncertainties, ineffective classroom management and a general lack of academic performance by learners, mainly as a result of inadequate training and support (SMTs) to support the implementation process through proper planning and subsequent management of the implementation (Rogan and Grayson, 2003:1172-1195). Middlewood (2003a: 66- 68) thus assigns the primary responsibility of planning, managing and overseeing the curriculum implementation process to the SMT. Research problem and question 1 In the context of this study, the School Management Team (SMT) includes the school principal, the deputy-principal and the head(s) of department(s) or senior teachers. 4 for teachers in the classroom. Having considered the above essential aspects related to curriculum implementation, there is thus reason to be concerned about the effectiveness of curriculum implementation in South African schools, specifically in rural schools. Due to their remoteness, limited resources, and fluctuating quality of teacher expertise, these schools are often more challenged in terms of curriculum implementation (Delport and Mangwaya, 2008:224). Although there are many factors affecting the (in)effectiveness of implementation, this study regards a school’s curriculum implementation plans and the subsequent management of these implementation plans as crucial to ensuring successful implementation of a new curriculum. The central research problem that guided this study thus relates to the planning and subsequent management of curriculum implementation at school level. The above problem has culminated in the formulation of the following research question: How do selected rural schools plan and manage curriculum implementation?.

The aim of this research project then was to investigate a particular dimension related to the implementation of the Life Orientation learning area within a particular rural primary school in the Kwa-Zulu Natal region. Since the teacher has been identified as a key role player in the successful or unsuccessful implementation of a new curriculum, the primary focus was on the teacher per se. Fullan’s emphasis (1991:117) on teachers’ thoughts (what they think) and actions (what they do), raises two subsequent questions, namely What do teachers at this particular school do with regard to the implementation of the (new) Life Orientation learning area? and What do these teachers think about the implementation of the (new) Life Orientation learning area? In this study, I focused on the second question, namely What do teachers think about the implementation of the (new) Life Orientation learning area? Within the context of this study, it is assumed that the teachers’ thoughts also include their opinions, viewpoints, attitudes and beliefs about the implementation of the Life Orientation curriculum. The term ‘perspective’ has thus been used as encompassing term and the main research question defined as What are teachers’ perceptives about the implementation of the (new) Life Orientation learning area?.

In line with Montessori methodology, the Knysna Montessori School runs its programmes in an integrated and holistic manner. Learning programmes are based on a blend of various Montessori learning programmes and the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS). Classes are divided into three year-age groupings; and integrated learning programmes are in place within the pre-school, (including grade R), the grade 1 to 3 class, and the grade 4 to 6 class. However, the grade 7 to 9 Montessori class has been running in a more traditional and less integrated manner since its inception in 2004. That has motivated the undertaking of this study. The main aim of this qualitative study has been to determine how to best arrange the RNCS according to Montessori principles, that is to say, in a holistic and integrated manner, with the intention of presenting a learning programme for the grade 7 to 9 class. This aim was based on a constructivist philosophical foundation and addressed in conjunction with interpretivism and critical theory. The grounded theory research paradigm was followed. In this paradigm research findings are grounded in the data gathering and the analysis. Three methods of data collection were applied, namely a literature review, interviews and document analysis. A literature review was conducted to gain a better overview and understanding of the RNCS and Outcomes-Based Education (OBE). Furthermore, through the literature review, an in-depth understanding of the Montessori method of education, adolescent development and integrated and holistic education have been achieved. Interviews were conducted with staff from the Knysna Montessori School, with the purpose of gathering information on the Knysna Montessori School and its current application to the RNCS, from pre-school to grade 6. An availability and purposive sampling method was applied, in order to determine which staff members to interview. Finally, document analysis was done. The learning areas for the senior phase (grades 7 to 9) of the General Education and Training Band (GET) of the RNCS were coded and analysed in order to discover emergent themes within the RNCS and how these link with the Montessori curriculum arrangement for this age group. It became apparent that Montessori classrooms, both prior to and for the senior phase, are divided into three areas, namely language, mathematics and cultural studies. Based on this knowledge, as well as the documentary analysis, an integrated learning programme, grounded in the data analysis, was designed. It was found that the RNCS matches well with Montessori’s curriculum arrangement. Thus, this learning programme is in line with Montessori’s curriculum arrangement for the senior phase of the GET band. Such a curriculum arrangement integrates the learning outcomes and assessment standards from arts and culture, economic and management sciences, life orientation, natural sciences, social sciences and technology into different studies. These are globally referred to as cultural studies. However, specific attention was also given to moral education, self-expression through music, art and drama, entrepreneurship, career education and sport. The conclusion was reached that an integrated learning programme, based on Montessori principles and in line with the RNCS requirement, is possible for the Knysna Montessori School.

M.Ed. / In South Africa the new educational dispensation brought great changes to everyone concerned. The process of reform gained momentum with the implementation of a new curriculum, Curriculum 2005, in Grade one in 1998. The purpose of this investigation in the first place was to determine factors influencing the attitudes of teachers before and during the implementation of Curriculum 2005. Secondly this research was to detect teachers' attitudes regarding the new curriculum and to clarify support given by the Gauteng Department of Education during the dissemination period. The respondents were Grade one teachers in three schools, situated in three different urban communities, representative of the broader South African nation. Data was analysed by means of content analysis, conducted by the researcher and an independent analyst. Positive and negative teachers' attitudes were identified from data. In some instances respondents qualified what they said whilst in other instances they gave through their attitudes without any motivations. Curriculum development was given as one of the main reasons why respondents had negative feelings against implementation of the Curriculum 2005. Dissemination, implementation, assessment and design were mentioned by respondents as factors of curriculum development influencing them in a negative way. A variety of defence mechanisms were used to cover up the reality concerning the reasons why attitudes were negative, hence the creation of scapegoats which are given the blame if problems were identified in the implementation of the new curriculum. Unattended matters such as absence of resources, language matters and lack of support by the Gauteng Department of Education were also mentioned as reasons for negative attitudes. The same factor was given by some respondents as a reason for positive and by other respondents as a reason for negative attitudes. Curriculum presentation and the new role of teachers were two such reasons. Revised class circumstances and learning activities also influenced the attitudes of teachers positively in some instances and negatively in others. Two other very important factors which inflicted negative as well as positive attitudes on respondents were parents’ new role and the influence of circumstances in learners homes, because in some communities these circumstances do not benefit education as a whole. In the view of the findings it is clear that teachers, in spite of various negative attitudes, see the implementation of Curriculum 2005 as a possible solution for problems in the educational system in South Africa. A few provisos to realise successful implementation of Curriculum 2005, for example enough resources, less learners in classes and textbooks in vernacular, were stipulated. Respondents, without giving reasons mentioned the factor that the effective implementation of Curriculum 2005 can only be limited to Grade 1 to 4. This research supports long-term planning for Curriculum 2005 and the correct steps to be taken by the Department of Education to ensure a positive attitude from the educators involved. Further research over a longer period of time with the same objectives as in this study can be of scientific value. The implications of attitudes on support systems from the Gauteng Department of Education should also be investigated further.

The quest for change in the new South Africa on political , economical and social frontiers were primarily directed at entrance into the global markets, establishing democracy and leveling the playing fields amongst South Africa&rsquo / s diverse population. Those previously disenfranchised on political, economical and social grounds waited in anticipation on the rewards for their participation in the struggle against the discriminative minority regime of the past. These rewards would be in the form of radical policy changes sometimes far removed from the realities of the ordinary citizen. These reforms especially those on the educational level would prove to be flawed with constraints not anticipated by these policy developers as well as the government of the day. The educational transformation process was thus deemed as significant in order to address equity and equality and in so doing also provide skilled citizens which are able to be globally competitive.<br /> <br /> These educational changes in terms of schools were externalised in the form of Curriculum 2005 and Outcomes-based Education. Curriculum 2005 was viewed as a planned framework (process) of curriculum innovation underpinned by factors such as redress, access, equity and development. Outcomes-based Education in turn was the approach focusing on what is learned and how learning is taken place. This study will focus on Curriculum 2005 and OBE as education transformation tools and to what extent grade 7 teachers as implementers and modifiers understand and practice C2005 and OBE in their respective classrooms. One of the biggest problems facing the educational transformation process is the fact that there exists a gap between theory (policy) and practice (implementation). This gap can be attributed to different factors present in the historical disadvantaged school context in South Africa.<br /> <br /> This study will follow a qualitative approach which is directed at an inquiry process of understanding based on a distinct methodological approach. Data- gathering tools such as direct observation, structured interviews and questionnaires will be used. The research was primarily conducted in historically disadvantaged schools in the Metropole-east circuit of the Western Cape Educational Department. The sample was made up of schools in Macassar, Firgrove, Somerset-West, Strand, Temperance Town and Sir Lowry&rsquo / s Pass.