Curriculum related barriers to teaching and learning at further education and training colleges in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa

Abstract

South Africa is in dire need of qualified technical personnel for its economic growth. Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges are in the best position to supply the needed qualified technical personnel. But, there are challenges which need to be solved if this situation of the need of technically qualified personnel is to be met. These challenges include amongst others, lack of resources such as human resources, physical resources, funds and lack of experiential training for lecturers and students in industries. This qualitative study was conducted in one of the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges in the Eastern Cape Province. The aim of this study was to find out which curriculum related barriers hinder teaching and learning in the Technical and Vocational Education and Training Colleges. The sample of the study consisted of lecturers in the Engineering Campus who had different qualifications and number of years in the institution. Data were collected using interviews and document analysis. The study revealed different curriculum related barriers and several strategies that can be used to counter the impacts of the barriers. The study also highlighted the need for the Department of Higher Education and Training to help develop lecturers and assist in partnering with private sector for work-integrated learning.