Abstract
M.Ed. (Curriculum Science)
The demands for the renewal of education in South Africa and the poor
performance of black learners in the Standerd 10 final examination in Home
Economics gave rise to the empirical study on the needs of black learners.
These needs were used as a co-determinant for the design of a future
subject curriculum.
A literature study was conducted on curriculum designs and design models
which resulted in a recommended design model.
The qualitative research paradigm was used for the empirical study. Data
were collected through interviews supplemented by document-analysis.
The research focused on the needs of the learners concerning:
The relevance of the subject, i.e to what extent the subject is related to the
learners' everyday life experiences and interest.
The subject content as it could be applied in the daily lives of learners as
well as the future world of work.
Teaching methods, which include methods that contribute towards maximum
learning and which accomodate learners' differences.
Evaluation as an integral part of the implementation of the curriculum.
Identified learner needs were taken into consideration in compiling
guidelines on the different elements of a future curriculum design for Home
Economics where both the learners' needs and the requirements of the
subject will be accomodated.