Abstract
D.Ed.
The aim of this study is to develop a participatory strategy for the in-service
training of teachers, with regard to the role and functions of role players on
macro, meso and micro level.
To achieve this aim, the objectives of this research are:
> the exploration and description of in-service training models with regard to
prerequisites of effective training and the roles and functions of stakeholders
on macro, meso and micro levels.
> the exploration and description of teachers' needs and expectations with
regard to in-service training;
> the exploration and description of trainers' (district-officers) and facilitators'
(head-office provincial) perceptions of teachers' needs and expectations with
regard to in-service training; and
> the description of a participatory strategy for the in-service training of
teachers.
A qualitative approach was followed. Twelve focus group interviews were held
with primary school teachers from three different districts in the Gauteng
Department of Education. Individual interviews were also held with three officials
from district offices and three officials from provincial head-office.
From the research it was concluded that the meso level forms the core level in
the in-service training of teachers. The critical aspects on meso level were the
training centres. At these centres, school management teams and other teacher
trainers should be trained on a macro level. These teacher trainers train their
teachers in school training committees, consisting of school principals and their
management, teachers and other partners. It also recommended that centres are
the most effective way of disseminating information to schools. School
management teams and teacher trainers in turn disseminate information to their
schools. Where a school or teacher experience difficulty they could either consult
their school training committees or refer to the centres for assistance. Another
important conclusion is that for this participatory strategy to be effective, school
principals should accept teacher development as part of their management
v
responsibilities. This strategy is based on teacher involvement on all levels from
policy formulation right down to the planning and implementation of in-service
training. Another important aspect of this strategy is for the education authorities
to place a teacher trainer at every centre to assist with planning and training if
this approach is to be successfully implemented. It was also established that
partnerships with other role players formed an important aspect of this strategy.