Life Orientation as experienced by learners: a qualitative study in North-West Province

Anne Jacobs

doi:10.15700/saje.v31n2a481

Abstract

The learning area Life Orientation (LO) is aimed at educating healthy, responsible young people who are able to live productive lives in the new South African democracy. Effectiveness in this learning area has not yet been proved and there is evidence of some problems in attaining this ideal. In order to give voice to learners, in terms of their views, ideas and comments on LO, focus group interviews with mainly high-school learners were utilized in this study. The results of this qualitative investigation indicate that there are various problems in the practice of LO education. Many learners seem to view LO as unnecessary, boring and irrelevant. Furthermore, this study provides some evidence that LO does not succeed in accomplishing its aims, as laid out in the National Curriculum Statement. Keywords: learners; Life Orientation; National Curriculum Statement

Highlights

IntroductionLife Orientation is aimed at developing and engaging learners in personal, psychological, neuro-cognitive, motor, physical, moral, spiritual, cultural and socio-economic areas, so that they can achieve their full potential in the new democracy of South Africa (Department of Education, 2002; 2003:9)
Both of these statements were made by South African learners who were asked whether or not they liked Life Orientation (LO)
The content of LO This question (What do you learn in LO?) attempted to encourage the learners to talk about LO

Summary

Introduction

Life Orientation is aimed at developing and engaging learners in personal, psychological, neuro-cognitive, motor, physical, moral, spiritual, cultural and socio-economic areas, so that they can achieve their full potential in the new democracy of South Africa (Department of Education, 2002; 2003:9). This learning area is intended to promote social justice, human rights, and inclusiveness, as well as a healthy environment (Department of Education, 2003b:5). The Revised National Curriculum Statement (2002) gives the following purpose for teaching Life Orientation in Grades R to 9:

Objectives

Results

Conclusion