A systemic exploration of learners’ performance in primary schools: a practitioner research perspective.
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Date
2016
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Abstract
Learners in Nelspruit circuit in Mpumalanga Province performed poorly and below
National average for since 200I. The researcher used a subjective interpretive paradigm,
to understand the support given by subject advisors in primary schools in Nelspruit
circuit. Social realities may have an influence on the behavioral patterns of the schools in
the Nelspruit circuit. Using the subjective interpretive paradigm in this study, it will give
the researcher an opportunity to understand the point of view of teachers and School
Management Teams (SMTs) in the social reality which may affect learner performance
in primary schools. School Management Teams (SMTs) have a role to play in
accelerating the delivery of quality education through sound management of curriculum.
Subjective interpretive paradigm acknowledges a number of advantages as well as
emphasis on relationship between basic elements. It points to the need to study the
organisations because there could be factors below the surface level which are less
observant but may have more explanatory power than those at the surface regarding the
performance of the organisation. This may include but not limited to the following
factors: Socio economic factors, health factors climatic conditions and many more.
Using subjective interpretive approach, the researcher will have to also look at other
hidden factors which cause learners to perform so poorly.
A study was conducted in 5 primary schools in the Nelspruit circuit regarding the whole
teaching and learning process focusing on the support they receive from the Department of
Education through subject advisors in order to find the reasons for poor performance of
learners. The questionnaires were used to gather data, enabled participants to comment on the
support by subject advisors in order to improve learner’s performance and also commented
about the factors affecting the operations of the school either negatively or positively.
Description
Master of Commerce in Leadership Studies. University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban.