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Perceptions of school managers regarding knowledge sharing practices in the FET (Grade 10-12) schools in the butterworth District

Education reforms and the constant changes in the curriculum require school managers and educators to keep abreast of the changes and developments. In order to achieve quality education in this Information Age, there is a need to share knowledge, resources, and good practices and ensure twinning of schools. The purpose of this study was to explore perceptions, beliefs and experiences of school managers regarding knowledge sharing in schools. Qualitative methods were used to collect and analyse the data. In accordance with the qualitative approach, a phenomenological design was adopted. Data was gathered through interviews from a sample of six school managers of Further Education and Training (Grade 10 -12) schools. The findings of the study revealed that school managers perceive their role as important for the success of knowledge sharing in schools. They attribute the good performance in their schools to the educators‟ willingness to share knowledge. However, trust, good relations and respect determined the willingness to share and with whom to share knowledge in schools. School managers believe that availability of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructural resources could improve knowledge sharing practices in schools. Staff meetings, subject meetings, workshops and notice boards were identified as some of the strategies currently used for sharing knowledge. The support of the district officials and other education specialists has contributed in helping schools deal with education reforms. Communities of practice are recommended in order to improve and encourage the sharing of tacit and implicit knowledge in schools. Researchers believe that professional communities of practice enhance sharing and provide greater opportunities for knowledge creation. Policy developers, curriculum planners and district officials need to develop and adopt creative and innovative strategies to ensure effective distribution and sharing of knowledge and information among school managers and educators in schools.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wsu/vital:18440
Date January 2011
CreatorsMkabile, Bulelwa
PublisherWalter Sisulu University, Faculty of Education
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis, Masters, M Ed
Formatxi, 89 leaves, pdf
RightsWalter Sisulu University

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