Metaforiese funksies in die rolmodelskap van die Christenonderwyser: 'n pastorale studie

Abstract

The objective of this practical theological study was to explore to what extent a pastoral accentuation of Christian teachers as role models can result in a new perspective on the teacher-learner relationship in the South African school context. For this purpose, a research question was formulated with the eye on identifying elements of pastoral knowledge and skills to equip the Christian teacher to lead learners by means of a metaphorical deployment of his/her function as a role model towards spiritual maturity. Basic theoretical guidelines were formulated from Scripture to describe the metaphorical functions in the pastoral role of Christian teachers. The function of biblical metaphors such as shepherd, servant, comforter, priest, prophet and king were described. A literary investigation was conducted to explain the educational milieu in which teachers in the South African schooling system operate. In this section of the study, as a result of investigations into related sciences, the following aspects came to light: the question regarding the essence of education; the role and function of the teacher; the role of the learner and also the role of the school as an educational institution. An empirical study was done to gain further perspective on the realities, with which teachers in South African schools are faced with on daily basis, and how they visualise their role in this context. A qualitative research method was done by interviewing Christian teachers. The methodological model of Zerfass was used as a framework, to establish hermeneutical interaction between basic-theoretical, meta-theoretical and empirical aspects. Thereafter my own model was designed to provide guidelines to the Christian teacher to fulfil his/her role, as a role model for learners. Research findings indicate that a Christian teacher?s metaphorical deployment of his/her function as role model can indeed play a vital role in the education situation in the context of the current South African school system. However, there seems to be some uncertainty in the midst of teachers about what exactly the metaphorical functions comprise and the need for further equipment in this regard proved to be necessary.