Abstract
M.Ed.
The objective of this study was to investigate the proportion of teachers' input with regard to career and future orientation. A literature study was undertaken and it is evident that against a background of change in society and the economy, there is a definite need for more specific and up to date career and future orientation in the schools. Furthermore, the importance of career and future orientation as a process is emphasised. In chapter two, all the essential components of career and future orientation are identified, and a model illustrating the integration of these two aspects as a cyclical process is posited. An empirical study was undertaken and these components were used to develop the research instrument. The research design is discussed in chapter three. In chapter four the hypotheses for each item are tested, and the findings are discussed. A summary of these findings, together with the conclusions, recommendations and suggestions for further research are made in this chapter. Within the context of the paradigm shift which has taken place within the new dispensation for education, from in-put curriculum model to process out-put approach (COTEP, 1996: preface), as well as considering the altruistic nature of teaching, it becomes evident that responsibilities of the teacher rise above and beyond the call of duty which existed in the past. Education should equip its learners with skills that go beyond the basics (Calitz, 1991:10). In terms of the responsibilities of teachers as set out in the Provincial Gazette Extraordinary (1995:50) teachers clearly have a responsibility which goes beyond merely teaching subject content. Prof. Bengu makes the following statement: °Our message is that education and training must change. It cannot be business as usual in our schools, colleges, technikons and universities. the national project of reconstruction and development compels everyone in education and training to accept the challenge of creating a system which cultivates and liberates the
talents of all our people without exception"(Govemment Gazette, 1995:5).
The teacher must endeavour to educate pupils towards self-actualisation in order to improve the quality of life for both the individual and the country (Government Gazette, 1995:21). According to Van der Merwe and Berkhout, (1991:96) the effects of unemployment on our education system are especially noticeable in terms of the objectives of education, learners and learning content. New parameters are being set for the competence of the people who must help others to achieve competence. It should not be a case of °do as I read in a book, or do as I did 20 years ago° (Gamble & Tyers, 1994:11). It appears that in the context of social change and the subsequent need for guidance, the advent of a global economy, and different manpower requirements, as well as in light of growing unemployment amongst manpower wrongly trained, career and future orientation should become a continuous process throughout the everyday learning experience of the pupil, so that the human resources of South Africa can be developed to the optimum. The findings of this research indicate that teachers by and large believe their input with regard to career and future orientation to be adequate. However, from data collected in the empirical investigation, it is evident that teachers do not perceive themselves as actively participating in the orientation of pupils towards a career and their future. With regard to the items pertaining to this study, it appears that teachers tend to be more active in future orientation activities than career orientation. Taking into consideration the distinction made between career orientation and future orientation, the following findings are illustrated by the analysis of the data. With regard to future orientation, concerning helping pupils to prioritise life-values, teaching decision making skills and helping pupils to set realistic goals for their future, teachers perceive these as being activities in which they deliver a higher input than the career orientation activities. These future orientation activities feature first, second and third in rank order in terms of the perception of teachers with regard to the proportion of their input (see table 4.1). Furthermore, according to the results of the research, it seems that the senior primary teachers and those who are in managerial positions are more concerned with future orientation (refer 4.8 and 4.10).