Abstract
M.Ed.
Technical development, which has its roots in technical education is a high priority in any developing country that aims at the creation of well being for all its citizens.
On the other hand, over the past decades, technical education in the Republic of South Africa has not been able to offer sufficient drive to become a contributing factor to bring about the expected economic growth. Certain underlying causes in this regard, were and are today still acceptable. Although certain practical experience in industry is a prerequisite for entry into the education profession, this experience is ignored in terms of salary, promotion service and leave once the person is a fully fledged member of the profession. This is surely the greatest contributory factor to the disillusionment
of these teachers during the past decades. Should this underlying problem be removed, it will serve as the necessary stimulus for the people concerned to address the technological demands and a new dimension will occur. The role that the well qualified teacher plays in any teachingand learning situation cannot be over emphasized. He serves as an important bolster against didactic neglect of the child.
Should the most recent discussion documents namely the CUMSA, National Training Board as well as the ANC's points of view in connection with educational affairs be integrated, the possibility of an excellent epucational policy may result. The following are the main points from the discussion documents that address the proposed training model:
* technology education and engineering studies, which are regarded as career subjects in the senior secondary phase, may be taken as choice subjects.
* the possible integration of education and training.
* that the modular system to the curriculum with its exit points be followed at schools.
* that an adult trainer will receive recognition by means of a certification council for all previous learning and teaching experience (formal as well as informal).
The proposed training model in this study makes provision for the trainers, namely that the fechnical teachers who comply with the provisions/requirements of the proposed model be accountably and financially considered qualified so s to optimally fulfil their
education and teaching tasks.