| dc.description.abstract | This research is concerned with the following two questions,
namely:
• Are the means of communication, which principals of white secondary schools currently use when communicating with parents, sufficient in the changing social structure?
• Does the principal use existing communications media effectively in order to promote a partnership between parents and school, in the new educational system which is presently being evolved in the new South Africa?
The nature, essence and function of home and school, in coherence
with other social structures in the system of education, are
discussed. on the basis of this encapsulation of social structures,
implications regarding communication between principal and
parents, are deduced. The nature of communication, represented herein as a management
task undertaken by the principal during his interaction with
parents, is discussed. certain spheres for effective collaboration
in education are explored. Guide lines, which may result
in an effective strategy for meaningful communication with
parents, are proposed.
Statistical analyses of data, derived from questionnaires sent
to a number of principals, are undertaken. These questionnaires
were designed to:
• Assess method and skill in the use of various communication techniques,
• ascertain the reasons for specific communications, and
• determine the sources of communication that are used.
An interpretation of the results of these statistical analyses
is discussed, and recommendations are made for a programme to
promote greater parental involvement through an effective, well
planned communication system at every individual school.
The recommendations also include the initial training of teachers
and the in-service training of principals and their executive
staff members in the various techniques of communication. A
proposal to produce an open line of communication between school
and parents is then discussed.
In conclusion, certain proposals for further research are put
forward. | en_US |
