The role of principals in supporting effective teaching and learning in the uMkhanyakude Education District.

Abstract

This study explored the role played by school principals in supporting teaching and learning in secondary schools under uMkhanyakude Education District. Specifically, the study examined a variety of strategies used by principals in assisting School Management Teams (SMTs) and educators in promoting effective teaching at chosen schools. The study was guided by three research questions, namely, (a) What is the role of principals in supporting effective teaching and learning at uMkhanyakude education District? (b) How do principals lead and manage teaching and learning in their schools? (c) What strategies are used by principals in assisting School Management Teams and educators in promoting effective teaching at chosen schools? A qualitative research design was employed in this study which was located in the interpretive research paradigm. Purposive sampling was used to select schools to participate in the study. Semi-structured interviews and documents reviews were used to generate qualitative data. Principals, Departmental Heads and educators were interviewed. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. The findings indicate that principals and Departmental Heads monitored the work of the Departmental Heads and the teachers in their schools. Many schools planned together how principals and Departmental Heads would check and control the educators’ files and learners work. Departmental Heads also planned together with the educators about what is going to be required of them. The most important effect of planning is that many uMkhanyakude principals and educators plan when and how to finish the syllabus early and ensure that thorough revision takes place. Some of the recommendations made in this study include the need to focus on teaching and learning, the adoption of collaborative work with the educators and ensuring that learning and teaching materials are supplied to the schools and teachers.