An evaluation of Christian education with special reference to former Gazankulu schools

Abstract

The aim of this study is to deal with the theoretical and philosophical aspects of Christian education and to evaluate the realisation thereof in Gazankulu schools. Concepts dealing with the study, such as education, Christian education, learning, teaching, pedagogy, religion and Christianity are firstly discussed. A brief background of the area of study is also given. Secondly a philosophical orientation is given in which an attempt is made to answer the question 'What is philosophy?'. Important aspects of a Christian philosophy is also established and philosophical categories, the nature and aims of Christian education are discussed. Christian schooling are thirdly discussed, especially Christian schooling as it ought to be. Important aspects thereof, such as major learning goals and components of the education situation are dealt with. The position and status of scripture teaching in school, as well as the position of religious education in Gazankulu are outlined. In the fourth place, an empirical study to evaluate the stand of Christian education in Gazankulu schools, are discussed. This study involved principals, parents, pupils and teachers. Finally conclusions are given and certain recommendations regarding Christian education are made.

Die doel van hierdie studie is om die teoretiese en filosofiese aspekte van Christelike onderwys te deurgrond en om die realisering van hierdie aspekte in skole in Gazankulu te evalueer. Begrippe wat met die studie te make het, soos opvoeding, Christelike onderwys, onderrig-leer, pedagogie, geloof, en Christelikheid, word bespreek. 'n Beknopte oorsig van die studiegebied word ook gegee. Daar word tweedens 'n filosofiese orientering gegee, waarin daar gepoog word om vrae soos 'Wat is filosofie?' te beantwoord. Belangrike aspekte van 'n Christelike filosofie word ook bespreek en filosofiese kategoriee, die aard van en doelstellings met Christelike onderwys, word aangespreek. Christelike onderwys, en veral Christelike onderwys soos dit behoort te wees, word derdens bespreek. Belangrike aspekte daarvan, soos die onderrigleerdoelstellings en die komponente van die opvoedingsituasie word aangeraak. Die plek en status van Bybelonderrig in Gazankulu word ook beskryf. In die vierde plek word 'n empiriese ondersoek om die stand van Christelike onderwys in Gazankulu te evalueer, bespreek. Hierdie ondersoek het hoofde, ouers, leerlinge en onderwysers betrek. Laastens word daar tot sekere gevolgtrekkings gekom, en aanbevelings gemaak ten opsigte van Christelike onderwys.