Klasbesoek as middel tot personeelontwikkeling as taak van die hoof in die primêre skool

Abstract

This study was undertaken with the purpose of fixing the attention, especially that of headmasters, on the importance of class visitation. The emphasis is on class visitation as a means of staff development, being the task of the headmaster. Firstly a general orientation is given of the research and the design of the research, followed by a discussion on the evaluation of staff as a prerequisite for staff development.

A few terms are discussed, namely in-service training, staff training, and staff development. Methods of staff development are subsequently examined. Methods of staff development within and without school environment are deliberated, and attention is given to aspects which could be detrimental to staff development, as well as staff members who should be developed.

A brief outline is given of the clinical management system and the components of the clinical management system. Attention is also given to the cycle of class visitation and the empirical research concerning this aspect. It is shown that the class visitation cycle consists of five stages, namely the pre-perception stage, the stage of perception, an analysis of the accumulated data, the follow-up or post-perception stage and finally the replanning of a cycle. Advantages and disadvantages of class visitation are highlighted.

Hereafter the empirical investigation is discussed, and it is introduced by explaining the design of the research, which includes the measuring instrument, population and statistical technique. Frequency analysis and cross-correlations are reviewed. Cross-correlations were done with regard to the age of the headmasters as well as their years of experience as headmasters.

By means of the empirical research, certain deficiencies were exposed regarding class visitation as a means of staff development, and suggestions and recommendations are offered to overcome those.