Abstract
Overcrowding in classrooms is both a national and international issue that hinders efficient teaching and learning. In South African public schools, it is well-documented that class sizes are very large, even by developing country standards. This tends to negatively affect teachers and the quality of teaching and learning. The aim of the study was to investigate the experiences of teachers in overcrowded classrooms in a township primary school. The study further aimed to find out how teachers manage their well-being, and their views on the learners’ right to quality education in such classrooms. This research study used a qualitative research approach and interpretivist paradigm, with a case study research design. The researcher used purposive sampling to select participants for the study, three primary school teachers aged between 28 and 50 who teach in overcrowded classrooms. Data collection methods were semi-structured interviews and observations. Data was analysed using thematic data analysis The research site was a primary school in the township of Tembisa, Ekurhuleni North District. The findings indicated that it was difficult to manage learner behaviour. A lack of classroom space and resources prevented teachers from moving around the classroom to provide individual support and attention to learners. Therefore, the learners’ right to quality education was hampered as not enough support could be provided to individual learners during lessons. In addition, some of the overcrowded classrooms observed had inadequate ventilation and too little furniture to accommodate the number of learners Findings revealed that despite the stressful conditions of teaching in an overcrowded classroom, teachers employed various coping mechanisms that helped them to manage such situations. The strategies included seeking support of colleagues, engaging in physical exercise, practising breathing techniques and using over the counter medication. Based on these findings, several recommendations were made for policy and practice.
Key words: Overcrowding, primary school, right to education, well-being, township