The changing role of a remedial teacher to support teacher : a case-study of a primary school in Pinetown.
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Date
2007
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Abstract
Inclusion is not only about philosophy but more importantly about the practical changes
that must be brought about in order to help all learners in our school system to excel and
unfold their potential. Inclusive education can be seen as an approach that aims to
transform our education system in order to respond to the diversity of learners. It aims to
enable both teachers and learners to feel comfortable with diversity and to see it as a
challenge and enrichment in the learning environment. Good teaching is good for all
learners, irrespective of their differences and improved teacher training and on-going
professional teacher support may be one of the most important strategies to create quality
education for all.
This research seeks to understand how a remedial teacher negotiated her role to that of a
support teacher and to explore her experiences in providing support to a greater number of
learners and teachers. This study was conducted at a primary school in Pinetown. A
qualitative approach was used in conducting this research. Data for this study was gathered
from the support teacher in an unstructured interview as well as participant observation
during the support programme and from some learners in a focus group interview. Willing
learners, currently in the grade four support programme were used in the focus group
interview. The recorded interviews were then transcribed and analysed. The findings of
this research indicate that negotiating her role from a remedial teacher to a support teacher
afforded her the opportunity to utilize her expertise, specialist knowledge and experience
effectively and cost-efficiently in an ordinary primary school to extend the support to a
greater number of learners with computer-aided assistance and to provide support to
teachers to manage all learners in a mainstream classroom.
Description
Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Kwazulu-Natal, 2007.
Keywords
Remedial teaching--KwaZulu-Natal., Theses--Education.