Abstract
M.Ed. (Philosophy of Education)
The topic of the study was the establishment of guidelines for a democratic
teaching model in South Africa. The emphasis of the study was
placed on the practical implementation and execution of the model within
South Africa. The characteristics of a teaching model was clearly spelled
out. The normcentred and the childcentred teaching models were furthermore
discussed. Although both approaches contain positive elements,
neither model meet the educational demands of South Africa. The shortcomings
arise from the fact that neither approaches encouraged individualistic
and lateral thinking by the pupils. After an evaluation, the
democratic approach seems to be the most appropriate to suit the educational
needs of South Africa. The democratic characteristics of freedom,
equality, constructive communication, responsible leadership and a
positive interaction between the pupil, teacher and the community, are a
prerequisite in any educational situation. Successful educational
realization is only possible if the characteristics of a democracy is
prevalent in the educational situation. The democratic teaching model
seems to be the most sensitive and appropriate model to satisfy the needs
and requirements of education in South Africa.