Abstract
M.Ed.
Provision of quality education in schools, has become the main concern for all the stakeholders, especially during this transitional period. This has prompted emphasis on teacher competence. This research project thus, is mainly focused on the value of Teacher competence in education. Since the concept - Teacher competence°, is broad, there has been a need to focus on its components, which would help reveal its
effectiveness. Co-operative ability, which forms the main core of this investigation, has been identified as one of the components of Teacher competence. The three aspects of co-operative ability identified in this regard were teacher teamwork, parental involvement and pupil participation. Teacher teamwork as an aspect of co-operative ability was intensively investigated in this study. Findings of this research work have revealed the
effectiveness of teacher teamwork, in the restoration of the culture of teaching and learning. This study has further proved that utilisation of teams in schools has positive
results for both teachers and students. Teacher teamwork has proved to be a panacea to teachers who have previously worked in isolation. Such teachers are ensured of group synergy. The recommendations which were based on the findings of the study, emphasized establishment of teams in schools, with a view to improve the quality of education. They also encouraged creation of superordinate goals, that will encourage teachers to work together towards a common goal. This study therefore, serves as an indication of the value of teacher teamwork in education, especially in our present day.
Summarily, this implies that this research work, based on a pertinent issue such as Teacher competence has proved to be of significance, not only to teachers, but also to
stakeholders. It is evident therefore that, this study will not only be beneficial to a small area, but to quite a wide area. Its value lies in its intention, which is the improvement of the quality of education in South Africa.