Understanding the challenges teachers in the Western Cape face teaching the music component of life skills in the intermediate phase

Abstract

Life Skills forms part of the curriculum according to the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS). The purpose of this participatory action research study was to understand the challenges teachers face in the Life Skills classroom when teaching the music component. To understand the challenges teachers face in the Life Skills classroom, I needed to understand the literature regarding these challenges. Since teachers form the foundation of the education system, it is essential for them to be successful in the classroom. My data were gathered through one face-to-face workshop and also through WhatsApp prompts, voice notes and text messages. The data from the face-to-face workshop and the WhatsApp prompts were transcribed and analysed through dramaturgical coding using Atlas.ti 9. The WhatsApp responses and those of the participants in the face-to-face workshop form the basis of my research. The results are clear in that policymakers and the Education Department need to consider carefully the challenges teachers face in the classroom and respond to these challenges, at the same time suggesting solutions. The outcome of my analyses is that gaps in the education system need to be bridged and resolved.