Abstract
M.Ed.
Chapter one introduced the research topic and provided the background of the research. The research topic was introduced as learner involvement in school governance as an aspect of school management. Concepts were defined with reference to literature based on learner involvement, school management and whole school development. Chapter two presented the review of literature. In chapter two, the following received attention: The involvement of learners in school governance and management Legal status of learners in school governance Learner involvement in decision and policy-making. Chapter three explained the research methodology and how data was verified. A questionnaire was administered to elicit the opinion of educators on learner involvement in school governance as an aspect of school management and its implication for whole school development. A discussion of 10 items on learner involvement was presented. Chapter four analysed, interpreted and discussed the empirical data. The chapter explained the series of univariate and multivariate statistical tests that were done in responses from educators' perceptions about how learner involvement can develop schools wholly. The literature study indicated the following key points regarding learner involvement in education in South Africa. Some of the learners seem to be unable to define the scope of the role they have to play in the management and governance of the school. It is therefore, incumbent in terms of the democratic management of the school that learners in school governance have to be empowered. A literature study revealed that school governance should be inclusive of all stakeholders including learners. It has been discovered that learners involved in school governance do not continuously search for innovative ideas on how to govern schools. Instead, it appears from the data that some of the members of the educators unions have a hand in encouraging learners to participate in politics. Learner involvement in school governance is something new in the education system of South Africa Since learners are novice in the management of schools, they should receive proper guidance and directive from the principal and educators on how to manage schools effectively.