An investigation on facilitation of learning in outcomes–based education (OBE) in the North West Province, Republic of South Africa : towards an inservice education training programme framework

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to establish how foundation phase educators in the North West Province facilitate learning in Outcomes-Based Education (OBE) classrooms. In essence the study looked into the manner and extent to which the educators implement OBE as envisaged in South Africa. The nature of the research question led to the study following a qualitative research paradigm. Observation and interviews were used to collect data in an explanatory approach. The classroom observations were done by means of a schedule produced through literature review. The interviews were conducted in a one-to-one basis following each classroom observation, and were used to clarify any matters picked up from the observations. Two standard questions, what role do parents play in teaching and learning in your classroom? plus what do you use assessment for? were asked in every interview. In addition, any other question was asked flowing from the responses as well as matters and/or actions/behaviour picked up from the observation. The study culminated on recommendation for In-service Education and Training (INSET) programme framework. The findings of this study revealed that the educators, who participated, . although labelled the best in their cohort, were far from performing as expected. It was clear that although they tried their best to implement as directed, they need thorough training to do it right. Most of these educators have some insight of the theory of OBE but lack the skill to implement in their classrooms. For instance, although all of them indicated that assessment is an integral part of teaching in OBE, in practice it was not. These findings may be summarised by saying that the educators who participated 1 need to be retrained to implement OBE. Also, if the subject advisors who chose the participants were right in labelling them best within their cohort, then the challenge is even bigger for OBE to succeed. As such, the INSET programme framework suggested in this study, would contribute a great deal towards retraining.