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An appraisal of determinants affecting grade 9 learners’ selection of subjects in the field of technology for the FET phase in the Sedibeng area

Notwithstanding the possibilities offered by FET subjects in the field of Technology,

the selection of these subjects is not very common which results in a shortage of

skilled trade workers, impacting negatively on the country’s economic growth. The

researcher was therefore interested to establish the determinants affecting Grade 9

learners’ selection of subjects in the field of Technology for the FET Phase in the

Sedibeng area. By means of a literature and empirical study the aforementioned

was investigated.

In the literature study, which provided the foundation for the study, the rationale and

value of Technology education and its infusion in the South African school curriculum

were explored. This was followed by an examination of possible factors impacting

on learners’ subject choice. The literature study was concluded by providing a

concise outline of subject choices in the field of Technology as specified by the

Department of Basic Education.

The empirical study was based on a sequential explanatory mixed methods research

design. The research consisted of two parts. A quantitative survey, using self developed

questionnaires, was conducted in 17 schools among 10 Grade 9

Technology teachers and their learners (n=388) in two districts of the Sedibeng area.

This was followed by a qualitative, phenomenological study in which three

Technology subject facilitators working in the same area were interviewed.

By applying a factor analysis, the quantitative research results revealed that central

and peripheral factors affecting Grade 9 learners’ selection of subjects in the field of

Technology for the FET Phase in the Sedibeng area could be distinguished. The

central factors included the following: competent, compassionate teachers, the

personal and developmental value of the subject, stimulation and the distribution of

information regarding the subject. The range of subjects for the FET phase in the

field of Technology offered by schools, the complexity level of subjects in the field of

Technology, personal interest in a subject and future prospects offered by a subject

constituted the peripheral factors. The qualitative findings were used to clarify,

refine, explain and extend the quantitative results. The research participants in this

part of the study indicated that much could still be done to enhance the competence

and compassion of Technology teachers, that the value of Technology education

should be better justified and that the availability and quality of resources in the field

of Technology education deserves attention. There is thus evidence that much must

still be done to make the selection of subjects in the field of Technology more

attractive to learners.

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/16992
Date January 2015
CreatorsKruger, Jan Adriaan
Source SetsNorth-West University
LanguageEnglish
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeThesis

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