Abstract
M.Ed. (Education Management)
Research has undoubtedly shown that negative perceptions exist
among a broad spectrum of the population concerning the provision
of meaningful education by the Department of Education and
Training (DET). This is largely due to boycott actions on the
part of teachers and students/pupils as well as vandalism of
school property and disruption of schools which started in 1976
and reached a climax in the mid eighties.
It is imperative that this view of the so-called "gutter
education" which the DET provides, be rectified. The Directorate
of Liaison Services of the DET is directly responsible for the
establishment of a positive image and therefore should be
responsible for resolving issues which pertain to this negative
image of the DET.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the management skills
of the Directorate Liaison Services of the DET in order to
devise a structurally justified system of management for the
optimal use and development of the existing human and financial
resources of the Directorate.
Through sound management profound images of one of the largest
Departments of Education in the RSA can be established. This
should ultimately encourage students to adopt a more positive
view towards education and establish a pedagogic climate in
schools. Although it might not be apparent (at present) what the
long term effect of educated youths will be, serving as a
catalyst for political, social and economic stability in the RSA,
every possible means should be investigated to equip the youth
for the challenges of the future.
From the study it is clear that:
* Liaison Services of the
play in the establishment
the broad public of the
provides.
DET has an important role to
of positive perceptions among
type of education which it provides. * A great variety of media are at the disposal of the DET
to convey a more acceptable image.
* I Liaison Services of the DET should have as its first
priority the abolition of negative perceptions and the
establishment of positive ones.
* The DET receives the largest portion of the annual
educational budget and is thus in a favourable position
to provide more educational resources to pupils under
its jursidiction.
* All the necessary structures for effective management
have already been established within the Directorate :
Liaison Services in the DET. These structures have
merely to be streamlined and used optimally in
formulating the correct messages for the public which
indicate the DET's positive commitment towards
education.
* Strategies for the advancement of communication skills
have been suggested. It is evident that an approach
concentrating on continuous contact and feedback with
the emphasis on pro-active rather than reactive action
is essential for effective communication.