Abstract
M. Ed. (Education Management)
The main purpose of the current study was to investigate the effectiveness of training educators on implementing the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) in the Intersen (Grades 4-7) phases in Wattville primary schools. The problem is that there is lack of effective implementation of RNCS due to the lack of proper and adequate training received by educators in this area.
The general research question is “What is the importance of implementing the Revised National Curriculum Statement (RNCS) in schools?”
The aims of the current study are to provide educators with strategies and techniques on implementing RNCS, equip educators with skills and knowledge for the effective implementation of RNCS, to outline a theoretical description of the support needed subsequent the GDE training and to provide educators with staff development programmes for the effective implementation of RNCS. The objectives were to determine the strategies and techniques employed in schools in implementing RNCS and to determine the degree of knowledge and support the participants have received subsequent the GDE training.
The study is based on qualitative research, since it sets out to develop an understanding of individuals and events in their natural state. The researcher employed observations, interviews and document analysis as methods of collecting data by personally interacting with the participants in their natural settings. Purposive sampling was employed, where only information-rich participants were chosen for the purpose of the study. The researcher selected participants who were knowledgeable and informative about RNCS so that the best information could be provided for the purpose of the research information.
The findings indicated that there is lack of knowledge, skills and understanding on implementing RNCS; the training provided by the GDE was insufficient and inadequate; lack of parental involvement in their children’s learning; lack of Learner
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and Teacher Support Materials; lack of educator support subsequent GDE training and finally, lack of staff development programmes in schools.
To the findings arrived at, recommendations to the GDE were made as follows:
• Intensive educator training by curriculum specialists on RNCS should be conducted.
• More educators should be employed to address the issue of learner-educator ratio and overcrowded-ness, which impact negatively on RNCS implementation.
• Hands-on training in the form of in-service training and workshops should be provided on continuous basis.
• Staff development programmes should be drawn by all educators and conducted by the SMTs, to enhance effective RNCS implementation.
Mr. S.T. Hlongwane