I read the recommendations for education on http://www.saou.co.za/SAOU/56/A/202/News.html It is almost too good to be true. If I interpret correctly:
- Teachers have the freedom to decide what to do in their tests during the year, as actually spelt out in the LPG and SAG.
- Teachers can follow an approved textbook, with its documentation, its order and activities, etc..
- There is only 1 cluster meeting a year. What about moderation?
- Circulars/documents/letters may only go out once a year in September (for the following year). So we are free from forms for the coming year?
- One project, i.e. only the PAT as 'the' project. No more tasks?
- One teacher portfolio.
- Role of subject/curriculum advisors still to be specified.
Clarity is required as we are now doing our 2010 planning for next year. Pam
15 comments:
If I interpret what Pam says correctly it means we get back control of our teaching. We can set our own tests on what we have done in our classrooms in our own order, just as long as we cover the LOs. Teaching computers will again become the fun it used to be before the new subject CAT and the new curriculum/system was introduced with all of its controls and paper work.
Do you realy think that we will be allowed to think for ourselves again? To do what WE know is best for our kids and to prepare them best for exams? And what is best for ourselves?
That would be wonderful, but, sorry, I am a bit pessimistic.
Ja, and coming to think of it, we all followed so sheepihsly. Because we were scared of moderation, being sent back with petty things that had nothing to do with good teaching and being a good teacher. So we dotted every i and crossed every t, just as prescribed. Whether it helped us or our learners or not. Makes me think of a state audtit - as long as you get a clean one, no matter how you spend the money
It seems that the stuff in the newsletter comes from the Ministers address to National Assembly:
http://www.education.gov.za/dynamic/dynamic.aspx?pageid=306&id=9148
Only one cluster meeting a year?
Maybe for planning at the beginning of the year or at the end of the year for the following year? I suppose this one will exclude training?
I have just seen such a nice explanation of the way forward and changes required. Have a look
http://www.education.gov.za/Content/documents/curriculum%20news%20newsletter.pdf
Yes, Pam, excellent.
I also see that they emphasise the use of textbooks for planning purposes by teachers.
One can use the textbook to plan one's works schedule, etc.
Things are beginning to make sense - at last!
Sounds interesting indeed, if and only if, it's true!
The chopping and changing from each an every education minister since the inception of OBE based curriculum has become a common practice. Let's hope this time around a change for better to last at least some years not just the term of office.
Good luck new minister and administration.
Yes, some of it is straight from the Minister's address. But some of it is the SAOU's interpretations, and even more of the blog is Dr Pam's comments on and interpretations of the SAOU's interpretations. Let us keep both feet planted firmly on mother Earth ...
Which of my interpretations are incorrect? Sweeping statements are not helpful.
I have read the curriculum news on the department's website.
It is clear. Teachers do their own planning, etc. using textbook.
No mention of lesson plans in file. only work schedule and programme of assessment.
Well, that is my interpretation
So much for the letter from the minister. In Gauteng Province we have been told to ignore the letter and all the tasks are back. :(
I would like to ask, is teaching CAT easy? I've been teaching for 3 years and find a lot of challenges.
Is there other educators that feel teaching CAT is a challenge and what are the challenges you are faced with?
I am biased in my feelings towards CAT. I will say it is the most important subject in the school curriculum for upliftment and development. I suggest you look through all the comments over the years and create your own opinion.
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