D.Ed. / The focus of this research is on the development of human potential in South Africa as well as on the role of education in this regard. The aim of the research was to identify the educational needs of South Africans and to formulate appropriate educational goals that could promote the optimal development of human potential in South Africa, which is also part of the "global village". Special attention is given to the development of the human potential of the poor, as this will contribute towards the alleviation of the widespread poverty in the country. Some of the relevant issues discussed are the following: The history of the South African educational system, poverty and its consequences in South Africa, the concepts of equality and equity, equality as a democratic principle, basic human rights, the implications of democracy, the implications of the process of globalising and the interdependence between the development of human potential and economic growth. The decision to use qualitative research methods is motivated. Research data on educational needs are noted. These data were collected by studying relevant literature, articles published in the press, radio and television programmes and by attending different national and international seminars on topics relevant to the development of human potential. Data obtained by doing fieldwork are also noted. These data were collected by interviewing poor people from different regions in South Africa. In addition, data were also obtained from personal and electronic interviews with South African experts in the field of the development of human potential. The opinion that South Africa can benefit from the experience of other developing countries with similar problems to that of South Africa, with regard to the development of human potential, is also motivated. Three of such developing countries were identified. Data collected from electronic interviews with experts in Colombia, Brazil and Argentina are noted. By analising the data, various educational needs could be identified. These educational needs are categorised as follows: Educational needs that are relevant to the daily existence and survival of people. Educational needs that stem from the fact that modern life requires from human beings to assert themselves in, and to continuously adapt to the rapidly changing community and world. Educational needs linked to human cognition. Educational needs relevant to the non-material, psychological, spiritual, and social needs of people. A number of specific educational needs are listed under each category. The process to verify the results is noted. The results were submitted for comment to an international expert in the field of the development of human potential in developing countries. Results were also submitted to a national expert. The acceptance of the results as valid, as well as additional contributions by both of the experts, is noted. Four general educational goals with regard to the development of human potential in South Africa are formulated as follows: To enable the learner to live independently as an adult. To enable the learner to assert himself or herself in daily life and to be able to adapt to, and to keep up with the continuous changes in the environment. To develop the cognitive abilities of learners optimally. To provide for the non-material, psychological, spiritual and social needs of learners. A number of specific educational goals are linked to each of the four general educational goals. Finally, recommendations are made with regard to the health level of communities, the self concept of learners, the nature of the civil society, literacy, proficiency in English, computer skills, the training of teachers and the outcomes based education model. The development of the cognitive abilities of learners is singled out as most important with regard to the development of human potential in South Africa.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:uj/uj:2555 |
| Date | 16 August 2012 |
| Creators | Pauw, Johannes Gustav |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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