The implementation and management of curriculum 2005 (OBE) in Phokeng Circuit, Rustenburg District : an analysis of parental responsibilities

Abstract

Traditionally, education has been considered as the territory of educators and the participation of parents has been very limited. Nowadays, however, parents are considered as co-partners in the education of their children. In this regard, they have an important role to play both at home and school. Both educators and parents now believe that effective education requires the cooperation between educators and parents without any reservation. Changes that have taken place .in education in this country over the past decade require parents to assume greater responsibilities in the education of their children. This study was aimed at analysing the responsibilities of parents for the effective implementation and management of Curriculum 2005 in the Phokeng Circuit of Education of the North-West province. The study was further intended to find out the problems, difficulties, and challenges faced by parents, with the advent of the Curriculum 2005, the Outcome-based Education program in South Africa. The subjects involved in this study included 240 parents and 60 educators. Two separate questionnaires (Appendix A and Appendix B) were designed and administered to the respondents. The study revealed that parents have taken up their role in education very seriously, though it was discovered through the empirical investigation that some parents are still clinging to their traditional beliefs about education, that it is confined to educators. Several recommendations based on literature and empirical investigations were made in an attempt to involve more parents in the education and school life of their children. The study recommended regular and prompt communication between parents and the school, assisting parents who have difficulties in helping their children with homework and parent training.