Managing the teaching of social science subjects: case of school management teams, Luvuvhu circuits
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Authors
Mutengwe, Lutanyani Rabie
Issue Date
2024-09-30
Type
Dissertation
Language
en
Keywords
Curriculum , School Management Teams (SMTs) , Social Science , Strategies
Alternative Title
Abstract
The study explored the role of School Management Teams (SMTs), which include principals, deputy principals, departmental heads, and senior teachers, in managing the teaching of social sciences subjects in the intermediate and senior phases within Luvuvhu circuit primary schools in the Vhembe-East district. It examined various techniques and strategies SMTs use to support educators in teaching social sciences. Three schools participated each with four SMT members, making a total of twelve participants for the study. This qualitative study used the descriptive design to gain insights from the SMTs in three schools. Convenience sampling was used to select the schools, while the participants were chosen through purposive sampling. Semi-structured interviews and document reviews were employed to collect the data, which was analyzed using qualitative content analysis to develop themes. The findings revealed that SMTs used several tools to assess teachers' work and conformed to the departmental policy to manage social science subjects in their schools, particularly for quality assurance. It was established that the SMTs used both formal and informal assessment when managing the curriculum with class visits and monitoring curriculum coverage to ensure compliance with the directives from the Department of Education. The study recommended that SMTs should capacitate teachers through workshops to strengthen subject-specific knowledge by ensuring that social sciences content goes beyond just history and geography. This recommendation is also directed to the Curriculum Policy Unit and the Minister of Basic Education for potential integration into the national curriculum (CAPS) among other stakeholders. This could help students develop a well-rounded understanding of society, history, and the world while fostering critical thinking and active citizenship.
Description
Text in English