An Evolving Model of Knowledge Management in Education and the South African Reality

Abstract

Concepts of Knowledge Management struck three educators in Gauteng, South Africa, and inspired them to devise a Knowledge Management model for education and schools. The model is focused on how Knowledge Management is sandwiched between the country’s educational policies and the bedrock of literacy and reading. It encompasses the Constitution, common value systems, common leadership/management skills and professional values, inherited language skills and cultural knowledge and lifestyles, general knowledge, information/literacy/digital/IT skills, Intellectual Capital and collaboration between educational entities, school librarians and colleagues, communities and stakeholders. The model highlights the many challenges existing in South African education and further inspired the three educators to consider their own achievements as School Librarians – one at a Public/Government High School and the other at a Public/Government Primary School. The High School Librarian has used IT to promote reading to great effect, while the Primary School Librarian has made important strides in helping her subject/learning area colleagues to teach Information Literacy.