The learning area life orientation within outcomes-based education

Abstract

The introduction of Outcomes-Based Curriculum 2005, has meant that the learning area of Life Orientation has undergone significant changes. These changes encompass both the scope of the learning area of Life Orientation, and the implementation of Life Orientation. The aim of this investigation has been to examine the implications of Outcomes-Based Curriculum 2005, for Life Orientation as well as to propose a method of assisting this implementation. The training of facilitators has met with mixed results and there is still confusion surrounding Curriculum 2005, and the learning area of Life Orientation. The development of an implementation model was therefore proposed and developed to assist Life Orientation facilitators to make the transition from a theoretical understanding to the practical implementation. The results of the study determined that the facilitators were overwhelmingly in support of the implementation model. They found it provided a logical and comprehensive framework, which would be helpful in assisting them with planning their learning programmes. In order to understand more fully the effectiveness of the implementation model in the classroom reality, it will however be necessary to undertake a study over a longer term with participating facilitators. A number of other issues also were investigated as part of this study. From this it was determined that facilitators feel they require more training to implement an Outcomes-Based appro'ach particularly with regard to assessment. Facilitators have also not yet fully understood what constitutes the learning area of Life Orientation, nor their tasks as a facilitator.