Abstract
M.Ed. (Educational Management)
The Namibian educational system is confronted with the problem of a high failure
rate. By analysing the situation, the following come to light:
* The schools previously under the jurisdiction of the administration of Whites,·
Coloureds and the - Rehoboth Basters, have the best qualified teachers as
well as a very high pass rate.
* The schools who were previously under the jurisdiction of the administration
of the Ovambos, - Hereros, - Damaras,- Kavangos,- Namas and - Tswanas,
have a high concentration of underqualified and unqualified teachers. The
very high failure rate in these areas can, to a certain extent, be attributed to
this phenomenon. If it is taken into account that 64% of the school-going
population are situated in these areas, the situation can be described as a
disaster.
In view of the above it seems that there is a definite correlation between the
professional competence of the teacher and the performance of the pupils under
his care. For this very important reason everything possible must be done to
enable the teacher to execute his or her duties in a professional and competent
manner. In this regard the subject advisors have a vital role to play. The present
role of subject advisors should be changed. Subject advisors should reallocate
their services into areas where it is most needed. Subject advisors should focus
their attention to the general improvement of the pedagogical and methodological
ability of serving teachers.
This can be done by implementing an effective staff development program. In
order to succeed such an in-service training program has to be carefully and
systematically planned and executed in accordance with each teachers individual
needs, skills and capabilities as well as his level of academic and professional
development.
To enable the subject advisor to assess the need of the teachers under his
control he will have to establish a climate of trust so that the teachers shall feel
free to ask for advice without the fear that their difficulties shall become further
known.
To succesfully execute their management task, subject advisors should have a
thorough knowledge of the management task they must perform. It is therefore
necessary that subject advisors should undergo practical and theoretical training
in educational management.
It is clear that the present role of subject advisors should be changed. There
,should be a marked shift in emphasis from the controlling and supervisory
function to an advisory function. The emphasis should be on staff development...