Mediëringsvaardighede vir effektiewe onderwysdifferensiëring

Abstract

This research was undertaken subsequent to the finding that justice was not being done to differentiated education, in so far as provision was being made in TED schools for adapted syllabi to be presented to three separate groups of pupils (Higher Grade, Standard Grade and Lower Grade) in the same class-room and during the same period. Because differentiated education demands a specific approach to the teaching-learning situation by means of the implementation of specific identifiable teaching methods and educational media, the observation may be made that teachers need to possess general mediation skills in order to achieve more effective differentiated teaching. The aim of this research was therefore to supply teachers with guidelines regarding general mediation skills. This was achieved by means of research into the links between differentiated education and more effective mediation skills in literature. In the study of the interdependence between didactic fundamental forms, educational methods and more effective mediation, various educational methods focussed on self-industry were indicated as suitable for differentiated education. Research further discovered that a variety of educational media which possess interactive characteristics, and group work in the form of class discussions, can make a positive contribution to differentiated education. From the sum total of all the findings from the literature a set of guidelines was compiled for excellent educational mediation for differentiated education. Seeing as the guidelines mentioned suggest only theoretical departure points for more excellent mediation for differentiated education, the study then proceeded to test these theoretical guidelines in practice by means of a structured questionnaire. In this way it was determined that the application of the guidelines could in fact make a positive contribution to the mediation for differentiated education. The practice of mediation skills for excellent differentiated education remains a matter to which individual teachers should pay attention. These aspects should also receive attention in teacher training.