The objective of this practical theological study was to explore to what extent a pastoral
accentuation of Christian teachers as role models can result in a new perspective on the
teacher-learner relationship in the South African school context. For this purpose, a research
question was formulated with the eye on identifying elements of pastoral knowledge and skills
to equip the Christian teacher to lead learners by means of a metaphorical deployment of
his/her function as a role model towards spiritual maturity.
Basic theoretical guidelines were formulated from Scripture to describe the metaphorical
functions in the pastoral role of Christian teachers. The function of biblical metaphors such as
shepherd, servant, comforter, priest, prophet and king were described. A literary investigation
was conducted to explain the educational milieu in which teachers in the South African
schooling system operate. In this section of the study, as a result of investigations into related
sciences, the following aspects came to light: the question regarding the essence of
education; the role and function of the teacher; the role of the learner and also the role of the
school as an educational institution.
An empirical study was done to gain further perspective on the realities, with which teachers
in South African schools are faced with on daily basis, and how they visualise their role in this
context. A qualitative research method was done by interviewing Christian teachers.
The methodological model of Zerfass was used as a framework, to establish hermeneutical
interaction between basic-theoretical, meta-theoretical and empirical aspects. Thereafter my
own model was designed to provide guidelines to the Christian teacher to fulfil his/her role, as
a role model for learners. Research findings indicate that a Christian teacher?s metaphorical deployment of his/her
function as role model can indeed play a vital role in the education situation in the context of
the current South African school system. However, there seems to be some uncertainty in the
midst of teachers about what exactly the metaphorical functions comprise and the need for
further equipment in this regard proved to be necessary. / Thesis (Ph.D. (Pastoral))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2011.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:NWUBOLOKA1/oai:dspace.nwu.ac.za:10394/4392 |
| Date | January 2010 |
| Creators | Burke, Thora Maria Elizabeth |
| Publisher | North-West University |
| Source Sets | North-West University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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