Abstract
M.Ed.
The central task of this study was to explore and investigate perceptions of
educators on the teaching of Life Orientation in Katlehong secondary schools. The
study was born out of the realisation that the prestige and status of Life Orientation
in secondary schools was declining. Life Orientation consists of non-examination
subjects. Guidance and Counselling is an example of one such subject.
The study aimed at delivering the educators' views on the teaching of Life
Orientation in secondary schools. To find out what educators think, or how they feel
about the subject a qualitative research design was used. In-depth and focus group
interviews were conducted with educators to investigate the research problem. The inquiry established the following:
There is a need for every secondary school to have Guidance and
Counselling in the curriculum.
The subject has to be allocated in the timetable and educators have to
offer it.
As a special subject that supports learning in schools, there is a need for
the educators offering it to be trained specially. Guidance educators in most schools are unable to perform their duties
optimally because they are expected to offer other subjects besides
Guidance. It was suggested that these educators have to be assisted, a
school should have more than one Guidance educator.
The role played by the principals in establishment of Guidance programmes in
schools was highlighted. They have to inform and ensure that educators understand
the importance of Guidance and Counselling. To gain acceptance and respect from
the other educators, the Guidance educator has to do his/her duties as expected.
Where the interviews were conducted, contributions were made in that educators
became aware of what Guidance and Counselling is all about. The role it played in
the development of the learner.