An investigation into the socio-economic importance of technical education for South African Indians.
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Date
1986
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Abstract
SUMMARY
The researcher was primarily concerned with the socio-economic
importance of technical education for the South African Indians
in the 1980's. His interest was aroused because of the outlook
of pupils and parents towards technical education in the 1970's
when the system of differentiated education saw the introduction
of Industrial Arts in the school curriculum. Indian
secondary schools were equipped with modern workshops and
supervised by qualified teachers. However, too few pupils
elected to study Industrial Arts subjects then. A preliminary
investigation by the researcher at that stage revealed that
parents were generally not encouraging their sons to pursue
technical subjects at all. The general feeling among Indian
parents was that Industrial Arts subjects were devoid of
intellectual value, that these subjects were inferior and
suitable only for the delinquent, the lazy and the retarded certainly
not for their children. The technikon was frowned
upon as a tertiary institution. In short, parents and pupils
were far too academically orientated and regarded technical
education and vocational training as second rate and inferior.
However, several factors gradually brought a change in the
attitude of the community towards this type of education. The
economic recession, the almost complete lack of job opportunities,
and the difficulty of the student securing a place at
the university, (tightening entrance requirements) meant that
both parents and pupils were re-examining subjects critically.
Presently, greater numbers of pupils are selecting Industrial
Arts subjects. Even the Indian female pupils are now studying
Woodworking and Metalworking. Economically, the technical
subjects can pave the way to many careers.
Socially, the pupil who studies technical subjects, has no fear
of being looked down upon since the outlook of the community
has changed. Parents in the higher income group, for example,
those living in Reservoir Hills, had similar expectations for
their sons as those parents from the lower income group living
in areas such as Phoenix, Chatsworth or Merebank. The status
of the technical subjects had been improved in the eyes of the
community, due mainly to the tight economic situation.
An accelerated and diversified expansion programme has been
embarked upon by the Planning Section of the Department of
Education and Culture (House of Delegates) to accommodate the
rise in pupil numbers in the technical field. Four technical
colleges and a secondary technical school are in operation
presently, with more being planned. The Planners are aware
that the school systern must provide both knowledge and skill
components and they have realised that for too long the system
over-emphasised the knowledge component because the major
purpose of schooling was to direct the pupil towards the
university. Very little attention was given towards satisfying
the needs of industry and commerce. The pupil, as he develops,
must have a basic understanding of the electrical, mechanical
and electronic equipment with which he is surrounded. He
should possess the skill to operate such equipment and carry
out elementary maintenance. This could be achieved with the
introduction of the subject Technika which would be offered in
addition to Industrial Arts subjects.
The researcher trusts that the relevant authorities will
continue with their expansion programme in respect of technical
education and that it/will not be subjected to a reduction in
the budgetting of funds since the future of many pupils depends
on technical education.
Description
Thesis (M.Ed.) - University of Durban-Westville, 1986.
Keywords
Indians--Education--South Africa., Technical education--South Africa., Theses--Education.