Secondary Schools In South Africa Research Articles

Assessing the Dynamics Leading to the Decline in Enrolment of Grade 10 Accounting Learners in Selected Secondary Schools in the Mthatha Education District of South Africa

The purpose of this research was to assess the dynamics leading to the decline in enrolment of grade 10 Accounting learners in selected secondary schools in the Mthatha Education District in the Eastern Cape Province of South Africa. The case study research design was employed as this research focused only on grade 10 learners in secondary schools in Mthatha. The qualitative approach was adopted. The purposive sampling technique was used to select six grade 10 learners from six participating secondary schools. The face-to-face interviews were used to gather data from sampled six grade 10 Accounting learners. The Constructivist Theoretical Framework was adopted. The thematic approach was employed to analyse the collected data. It emerged that learners dropped interest in studying Accounting because they lack therein to have sufficient and relevant content knowledge resulting from incompletion of the syllabus and few basic Accounting concepts in Economic Management Sciences (EMS) subject. It was recommended that EMS teachers should complete the syllabus and add some Accounting concepts in their annual teaching plans (ATPs) to familiarise themselves with and enhance the learners’ desire to enrol in their higher classes. It was also recommended that Accounting teachers should adopt user-friendly teaching pedagogics as well as professionalism that could inspire and empower learners to master the subject content. Lastly, the curriculum planners should re-visit the EMS syllabus to ensure that it prepares the learners for Accounting in higher grades. The findings will be of benefit to all secondary schools in South Africa experiencing the decline in enrolment of learners in their subjects. Keywords: Accounting, Annual teaching plans, Decline enrolment, Economic and Management Sciences, Enrolment of learners, Secondary schools.

Intervention Strategies for Challenges Experienced when Supporting Learners from Child-headed Households in Secondary Schools in South Africa

The study reported here aimed to explore the Intervention strategies for challenges experienced when supporting learners from child-headed households in secondary schools. Children from child-headed households experience challenges that hinder them from receiving good quality education. It is, therefore important for schools to ensure that classroom teachers are aware of the challenges experienced by children from child-headed households. This study followed the qualitative approach to explore the intervention strategies to be used. The study consisted of 20 participants (principals, Departmental Heads, teachers and School Governing Bodies) in South Africa. Data were collected through individual semi-structured interviews and document analysis. The Bottom-up theory was the underpinning theory for our study. Thematical analysis was followed. This study revealed that children from child-headed households were not identified at schools. Therefore, schools do not have a database of children from child-headed households hence a lack of intervention strategies. We recommended that schools should establish the School Based Support Team and follow the collaborative model as an intervention to support children from child-headed households. The study provided insights on intervention strategies that schools and the Department of Education should implement for challenges experienced by schools when supporting learners from child-headed households. Keywords: Intervention Strategies, Collaborative Model, Child-Headed Household, Collaboration

Curriculum implementation challenges and responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural secondary school in South Africa

Curriculum implementation challenges and responses during the COVID-19 pandemic in a rural secondary school in South Africa

The importance of education innovation and degree of innovative practices by principals in rural secondary schools in South Africa

After the inception of the United Nations Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in 2000, education emerged as a pivotal concern on the global agenda. The significance of education innovation lies in its ability to enhance the caliber of instruction and bolster school performance. In spite of the various obstacles faced by rural schools in South Africa, certain institutions are exhibiting indications of exceptional performance and advancement in terms of educational innovations, the provision of high-quality education, and the academic achievements of their students. The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of principals' comprehension of the significance of educational innovation and their level of implementation of innovative practices on student achievement. The research employed a descriptive case study approach inside a quantitative research framework. A sample size of 108 secondary school principals in the Vhembe District, located in the Limpopo Province, was obtained through the utilization of random sampling procedures. Data collection was conducted through the utilization of questionnaires, while the analysis of the collected data was performed using descriptive statistical techniques. A total of 70 questionnaires were collected and deemed usable, resulting in a response rate of 64.8% for the study. The outcomes of the study indicate that principals within the Vhembe district had a comprehensive understanding of the imperative nature of educational innovation. Additionally, the research revealed that principals are utilizing many new leadership and management approaches in order to improve student achievement. This project aims to contribute to the enhancement of learner performance and the quality of education in secondary schools located in rural parts of South Africa through the promotion of educational innovation. The recommendations of the study hold potential value in the development of policies, the improvement of learner performance, and the provision of education of superior quality.

Salvaging the Educational System through Effective Leadership: A Case Study of Rural Secondary Schools in South Africa

The South African education system is currently experiencing various challenges such as school violence, drug abuse, vandalism and burning of school properties. Educationists, administrators, policy custodians and leaders of institutions are in a dilemma regarding effective managerial leadership of their organizations. This article discussed appropriate measures that institutional leaders must develop to ensure an open space for other community leaders to actively participate in the running of institutions. The rationale behind this paper was to come up with solutions that would help school leaders to lead and manage schools effectively and efficiently. A phenomenological study was conducted with an interpretive-constructivism approach in schools to establish the capabilities and competencies of school principals regarding the incorporation of other community leaders in their schools. Data was collected through face-to-face in-depth individual interviews with the School Governing Bodies (SGB) chairpersons, SMT members, LRC representing learners in the SGB, community leaders, religious leaders, and business leaders. Data was thematically analyzed and it revealed that: Principals have failed to open up space for community leaders to participate in school matters; Education leaders lack the competencies and capacities to share leadership with other community leaders. The study thus advocates firstly, for school principals through SGBs to accommodate Community Resource Centres (CRCs). Secondly, highly esteemed leaders from various community stakeholders should be involved in prominent school decision-making processes and problem-solving practices. Thirdly, training workshops should be conducted to help school leaders develop necessary leadership skills and to map out strategies to effectively involve community leaders in school matters. Fourthly, the institutional leaders must organize training workshops for both school and community leaders on how to work collaboratively and peacefully for effective school management. This article adds to the existing literature on enhancing the South African Educational System. Keywords: School Principals, Communal Support, Shared Competencies, Teacher Capability and Effective Leadership.

Repositioning the Teaching Approaches towards Accounting Curriculum Implementation in Selected South African Rural Secondary Schools

This study was triggered by the poor academic performance of accounting learners in rural secondary schools in South Africa. Through constructivist learning theory the study aimed at repositioning teaching approaches that may be used to implement Accounting curriculum effectively in South African rural secondary schools. Qualitative approaches were used in generating data from twelve (12) teachers through face-to-face interviews and observation in the classroom. All participants came from one circuit management. This study offered innovative ideas to all parties interested in the implementation of innovative teaching and learning approaches that can enhance learners’ academic performance in accounting. The study recommends that qualified experts be part of the capacity-building programmes that are used to equip teachers with knowledge and skills on Accounting teaching pedagogies ; the collaboration of the Department of Basic Education (DBE) and the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) be strengthened, a handbook of teaching strategies be developed by professional bodies in Accounting to strengthen Accounting teaching strategies for rural secondary schools; and the review of the curriculum content and the teaching hours of Economics and Management Sciences require urgent attention.

Exploring Strategies for Environmental Education Interventions Through Distributed Leadership in Secondary Schools in South Africa

Exploring Strategies for Environmental Education Interventions Through Distributed Leadership in Secondary Schools in South Africa

Influence of selected social factors on career decisionmaking of grade 12 learners in township secondary schools in South Africa

Career decision-making is a challenge to most learners in secondary schools in South Africa. In this study, we examined the influence of selected social factors (influence of older siblings, peer influence, teachers' influence, and career information services) on career decision-making of Grade 12 learners in township secondary schools in South Africa. We adopted a correlational survey research design. The sample size of 260 learners was obtained using the stratified random sampling technique. The questionnaire that included reference to peer influence, teachers' influence, career information service, influence of older siblings, and career decisionmaking was used to collect data. We used Cronbach's alpha coefficient analysis to measure the internal consistency of the questionnaire; all sub-scales had excellent internal consistent reliability. We used the Kaiser-Meyer-Oklin measure of sample adequacy (KMO Index) and the Bartlett's Test of Sphericity to confirm internal validity. We analysed quantitative data using inferential statistics such as Pearson Product Moment Correlation, linear, and multiple regression analysis. According to the findings, the strongest correlation was between teacher influence and career decision-making (r=.643, n=204, p.01), followed by the relationship between career information services and career decision-making (r =.607, n=204, p.01) while peer influence had the least relationship to career decision-making (r (204) =.514, p.01. The influence of older siblings also had a significant direct relationship with career decision-making among the Grade 12 learners (r=.566, n=204, p<.01). We recommend that teacher counsellors adopt a multifaceted approach in developing career decision making programmes for learners in secondary schools.

Secondary school mathematics teaching evaluations by students: A report card for the mathematics teacher

This study presents findings from multiple case studies undertaken in three secondary schools in South Africa’s Limpopo Province. The goal was to collect input from students on mathematics teaching practices in their classrooms. The study included a self-selected sample of eleven grade 12 students. Unstructured individual interviews and students’ written reports were used to collect data, which was then analyzed based on emerging themes. Students expressed genuine concerns about teachers’ lesson preparation, subject and pedagogical knowledge, classroom management, attention given to slow learners, quality of classwork and homework tasks given to students, exam preparation, class attendance, and utilization of contact time, teachers’ attitudes, and their emotional intelligence, among others. Based on the study’s findings, the author suggests that student evaluation of teaching be used in secondary schools to help teachers reflect on their teaching practices in order to create learning environments that most students would enjoy.

The Use of Tablet PCs in Previously Disadvantaged Secondary Schools in South Africa During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The South African Department of Basic Education (DBE) has considered the introduction of Tablet PCs an important aspect of improving the quality of education in South Africa. The Covid-19 pandemic has hastened the introduction of Tablet PCs due to the increased need for distance and online learning. Educators are often unwilling to accept and use Tablet PCs for teaching and learning because they do not have the necessary skills to integrate Tablet PCs into their pedagogical practices. This paper discusses the practical implications of the introduction of Tablet PCs into previously disadvantaged schools in South Africa specifically during the Covid-19 pandemic. To provide guidance to the DBE, principals, and educators to promote the effective use and acceptance of Tablet PCs by educators for classroom and distance learning.

Teachers as curriculum leaders in secondary schools in Vhembe district, South Africa

In the study reported on here we investigated how teachers exercised their role as curriculum leaders in secondary schools in South Africa. The study was conducted in 4 schools (2 semi-urban and 2 rural) in the Vhembe district of South Africa. Semi-structured individual interviews, focus-group discussions (FGDs), and lesson and meeting observations were used to generate data from 20 teachers. This study was framed within Grant’s (2012) model of teacher leadership. We engaged an exploratory multiple-case study, and 20 teachers were purposively and conveniently sampled. The findings reveal that teachers executed their role as curriculum leaders through engagement in instructional, school-based curriculum development (SBCD) for curriculum implementation and curriculum activities in the schools and in the communities. From the outcome we recommend the provision of sufficient resources and infrastructure to enhance learner-centred pedagogy, thus maximising learner’s learning.

Learner migration at secondary schools in South Africa: Benefits and challenges

Learner migration, which occurs worldwide, is the voluntary and intentional movement of learners from 1 school to another school of their choice in order to secure better learning opportunities. The study reported on here contributes to the literature on learner migration by focusing on the inequalities caused by racism, benefits and challenges that result from learner migration at selected secondary schools across the 9 provinces of South Africa. Bronfenbrenner's bio-ecological theory was used as the theoretical framework to inform a qualitative research inquiry. A purposeful sample of 9 secondary school principals, 27 secondary school learners who migrated and 27 parents of learners who migrated were drawn from across the 9 provinces. Data were collected through semi-structured individual interviews with principals and focus-group interviews with parents and learners. The findings indicate that learner migration provides benefits to learners and their parents through effective principal leadership; sound discipline; quality school facilities and resources; and improved educational opportunities at the receiving schools. However, learner migration is accompanied by several challenges: principals at receiving schools face added administrative and managerial pressure; parents of learners who migrate encounter added financial burdens; and learners who migrate often face arduous travel to and from the receiving school and, in some cases, an intolerant atmosphere at the receiving schools. It is concluded that learner migration is a complex phenomenon requiring effective holistic management.

Exploring Threats to Novice Teachers’ Development in Selected Secondary Schools in South Africa

Newly appointed teachers in the profession encounter challenges that impact their professional development possibilities and potential. The first five years in the teaching profession are delicate and fragile. This is the era where growth and development are gathered through classroom practices. This article seeks to explore any potential threats to these teachers’ development prospects. This can be incomplete without perusing related literature and teacher development theories. This study is qualitative and interpretive in nature and involved 23 participants who were novice teachers, school management team members and school principals. The theories of teacher change and social learning theory were used as the theoretical framework. Teacher change theory argues that change can happen when teachers come across valuable experiences and knowledge in the course of life. Empirical evidence was authenticated through interviews from purposively selected schools in the Mopani district in South Africa. This paper was authored to help education authorities, teacher unions, and school management hierarchies with relevant teacher development practices that can mitigate threats to novice teacher development. One compelling finding was that most of the difficulties accompanying novice teachers’ development were beyond the novice teachers’ control while in certain instances; teachers’ attitudes need to improve. The participants affirmed the need to introduce school-based development programmes that are unique to individuals. The need to regularly monitor and support schools cannot be over-emphasised. The study recommended that the Circuits and the Districts need to take control of their responsibilities for novice teacher development programmes. They should ensure that all programmes are regularly monitored, and schools are allowed to introduce programmes that address their unique professional development needs. Recommendations for future research on the subject are made.

Enhancing Participative Management Practices among Secondary Schools in Patriarchal South Africa

The aim and scope of this study are to explore strategies for the encouragement of participative management at secondary schools in patriarchal South Africa. The study adopted the positivism paradigm to explore this empirical investigation, with the use of questionnaires as the data collection instrument. The school principals were the target of the target population. A total of 200 public high schools were selected across the King Cetshwayo district of KwaZulu-Natal province in South Africa. The sampled schools were randomly selected for the study. Findings reveal that principals, deputy principals, and departmental heads in patriarchal South Africa used management and leadership strategies that did not align with the twenty-first century. The adoption of ubuntu (humanness) and lekgotla (Sesotho term for “an African participatory approach to decision-making”) was advocated for, in making various decisions at secondary schools in South Africa. The study also established that the teaching responsibilities of the principals should be reduced or removed to enhance administrative functions through effective implementation of participative management practices at secondary schools in patriarchal South Africa.
  
 Received: 8 March 2022 / Accepted: 13 August 2022 / Published: 2 September 2022

Teachers’ Perceptions of and Concerns About Integrating Computational Thinking into Science Teaching After a Professional Development Activity

Although there is a lot of interest in the development of computational thinking (CT) and the benefits it could have for every student, integrating it into science classrooms may be more difficult than traditional teaching. This can be very challenging for South African science teachers. Thus, there is an increasing need to prepare teachers and systematically engage them in professional development activities to help them learn, unlearn, relearn and restructure their thoughts, perceptions and attitudes towards integrating CT in science classrooms. This study explored teachers’ perceptions and concerns about integrating CT in science teaching. Twenty-two science teachers from innercity secondary schools in South Africa were chosen to be part of this exploratory case study. Data were collected through take-home assignments and focus group discussions containing a series of open-ended questions. The concern-based adoption model was used as a lens to understand teachers’ stages of concern. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. It was found that sampled science teachers viewed CT as a valuable tool that can help promote learners’ data management practices and problem-solving practices, especially in reducing complex problems to researchable problems. The findings also showed that teachers intend to integrate CT into their science classrooms by refining their existing practices. However, teachers showed high informational, personal and management-related concerns regarding integrating CT in South African science classrooms: they needed more practical and contextual ideas on strategically integrating CT in their daily lessons. Conversely, teachers showed limited concern at the unrelated, consequence, collaboration and refocusing stage. This suggests a need for teacher education programmes in South Africa to focus more acutely on training pre-service teachers on how to plan and design science instruction using computational thinking concepts and practices.

Teachers’ perspectives on the use of ICT in the teaching of a South African home language, Sesotho

The study sought to unpack teachers’ perspectives of teaching one South African language, Sesotho, as a home language using information and communication technology (ICT) in secondary schools in South Africa. Teachers were recruited to participate in the study by providing lesson plans for analysis. From the analysis, four teachers were selected to participate in semi-structured interviews. The Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) framework guided the study. The following findings emerged from our analysis of data in the study. Firstly, regardless of having limited ICT resources, teachers nevertheless attempted to use those available in their schools to ensure that teaching does not solely depend on traditional methods. Secondly, teachers in the district studied lacked technological knowledge (TK). In addition, teachers seemed to lack knowledge of ICT policies. Finally, lack of Sesotho content on ICT resources affects the adoption of ICT in the teaching and learning of Sesotho. We recommend that in addressing the issue of the digital divide, there is a need to focus on provision of ICT resources to all schools, irrespective of quintile level, and to provide teachers with proper training, focusing on Sesotho and other African languages as subject.

The Impact of the Household Poverty Trap on Learners' Academic Achievement in Rural Secondary Schools in the Zululand District: A Case Study of Nongoma Secondary Rural Schools

This study looks into the elements that contribute to the poverty trap and how it affects learner academic progress in selected Nongoma secondary schools in South Africa's Zululand district. A mixed qualitative and quantitative data gathering strategy was utilized to collect the information. Purposeful sampling was employed to pick five secondary high schools in this area, as well as teachers and students who were conveniently selected for the study. Financial resources, a lack of aspiration and motivation, and school dropouts are all results of poverty traps, according to the research, and these factors impede learners' academic achievement in the schools studied. According to the study, reducing or eliminating poverty requires collective efforts, and all educational actors should contribute their respective quotas to provide basic infrastructure to both schools and rural communities, redistribute income and wealth, and plan improvements to encourage students to see the world from various perspectives.
  
 Received: 19 July 2021 / Accepted: 14 March 2022 / Published: 5 May 2022

The Pedagogical and Technological Experiences of Science Teachers in Using the Virtual Lab to Teach Science in Rural Secondary Schools in South Africa

Effective science learning can be achieved when lab experiments become a central part of science curriculum. However, science learning in most rural schools is restrained by the deficiency of conventional lab equipment. From this viewpoint, it was imperative to explore alternative lab environments where learners can conduct the required experiments. This study investigated teachers' experiences in using the Virtual Lab to teach science. Particularly, this study is guided by the research question: What are science teachers' pedagogical and technological experiences in using the Virtual Lab to mediate science learning through scientific experiments? The findings are based on the individual teachers’ and combined experiences on the use of Virtual Lab. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, lesson observations and journal reflections. The results reveal that the Virtual Lab has several benefits. It also indicated some shortcomings of the Virtual Lab. Nevertheless, the findings suggest the Virtual Lab is well-suited to be used as alternative to the conventional Lab

A social psychological perspective on schooling for migrant children: A case within a public secondary school in South Africa

The conceptualisation of schooling is often based on "ideal children" in "ideal situations." However, in determining the level of participation for children who are considered vulnerable in schooling, it is important to understand the lived experiences of these children. In this study, migrant children (particularly undocumented ones) in South Africa are the focus, and their lived experiences were considered through reflections from their parents and teachers. Data were collected using semi-structured interviews, and analysed using a constant comparative method of qualitative analysis within a grounded theory approach. The study found that challenges affecting migrant children's schooling include the lack of documentation, language barriers, issues of transition and adaptation (discrimination), and the inability to access further education. Strategies were identified to address the challenges, including schools liaising with the Department of Home Affairs, implementing cultural diversity programmes within the school, and through deliberate inclusive programmes.

Exploring Perceived Human Resources Factors Influencing the Performance of Grade 12 Accounting Learners in North West Secondary Schools in South Africa

This study explored the perceived human resources factors influencing the performance of accounting   learners in North West secondary schools in South Africa. Despite the significant role that secondary school accounting education is perceived to play in shaping the development of accounting   professionals, few studies have focused on investigating the effect of human resources on accounting learners’ performance in secondary school. The study sought to understand the human resource factors influencing the performance of accounting   learners in North West secondary schools in South Africa. The study’s findings may assist the school management to improve human resource utilisation towards the achievement of a better accounting learners’ performance. To address the gap in the literature, a mixed method sequential explanatory study was conducted in North West districts with 183 School Management Teams and 61 educators. The sequential explanatory study aimed to explore the perceived human resources factors influencing the performance of Grade 12 Accounting   learners in secondary schools in the North West Province, South Africa. The findings from the quantitative phase showed that human resource factors such as pedagogical subject content knowledge and skills held by the educator are perceived to influence learner performance. In the second phase, the qualitative approach validated and explained the various human resource factors that influence accounting learners’ performance in North West secondary schools in South Africa. School management should ensure that they employ adequate accounting   learners to teach accounting   in schools. This is so because accounting   requires a pedagogical content knowledge and skills in teaching and learning. In conclusion, it is recommended that schools interested in improving learner performance should identify and address context-specific perceived human resources factors that influence learner performance within their schools.This study explored the perceived human resources factors influencing the performance of accounting   learners in North West secondary schools in South Africa. Despite the significant role that secondary school accounting education is perceived to play in shaping the development of accounting   professionals, few studies have focused on investigating the effect of human resources on accounting learners’ performance in secondary school. The study sought to understand the human resource factors influencing the performance of accounting   learners in North West secondary schools in South Africa. The study’s findings may assist the school management to improve human resource utilisation towards the achievement of a better accounting learners’ performance. To address the gap in the literature, a mixed method sequential explanatory study was conducted in North West districts with 183 School Management Teams and 61 educators. The sequential explanatory study aimed to explore the perceived human resources factors influencing the performance of Grade 12 Accounting   learners in secondary schools in the North West Province, South Africa. The findings from the quantitative phase showed that human resource factors such as pedagogical subject content knowledge and skills held by the educator are perceived to influence learner performance. In the second phase, the qualitative approach validated and explained the various human resource factors that influence accounting learners’ performance in North West secondary schools in South Africa. School management should ensure that they employ adequate accounting   learners to teach accounting   in schools. This is so because accounting   requires a pedagogical content knowledge and skills in teaching and learning. In conclusion, it is recommended that schools interested in improving learner performance should identify and address context-specific perceived human resources factors that influence learner performance within their schools.