Often Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) are blamed for losing track with what is happening at grass roots level. The School of Continuing Teacher Education (SCTE), started their community school project in conjunction with the North-West Department of Education (NWDoE) at four local schools on 17 March 2011. When NWDoE approached the SCTE requesting to apply the expertise of the higher institution in the areas of teaching, learning and management in the schools, SCTE did not hesitate. This direct collaboration between schools and lecturers ensures that academics remain in contact with the real issues at grass roots level in school practices,
and especially the challenges experienced in the classroom which provide excellent research opportunities for the university. While the collaboration seeks to provide educators with enhanced teaching, learning and management skills and strategies as well as improved access to information and training in order to ensure a better quality of life for the teachers and learners of the respective schools, research findings will in turn be applied to enrich and contextualize the curriculum of the SCTE which will benefit the students.
Aims
The project is subjected to the following aims:
• To reach out to the school community;
• To implement expertise by extending the production, dissemination, integration and application of knowledge and technology;
• To build teaching, learning and leadership capacity within the four identified schools;
• To have an impact on whole school development;
• To create good relationships between the NWU as higher education institution and basic education providers;
• To conduct action research and embark on other research possibilities and publications thereof;
• To put structures in place for the sustainability of effective processes.
Methodology
We are maintaining a mentoring system where teacher and academic work together and both are enhanced through this collaborative effort in order to make a difference to, and a sustainable impact on the standards of teaching, management and especially the Senior Certificate Examination results. Needs analysis was done prior to engagement whereby the various educational needs of the schools were identified. Accordingly academic staff members were allocated to a specific school.
The aim of the engagement was communicated during preliminary meetings together with the staff of the various schools. Regular consultation between lecturers, teachers and principals of the schools ensured a participative approach. In this approach the NWU does not only address its obligation towards community involvement and service, but also ensures benefits and advantages to all participating schools.
Nature of partnerships involved
The biggest partner in this project is the North West Department of Education. South African Breweries (SAB) became a partner by sponsoring the financial needs of the project. Kekkel en Kraai Pre-primary School is also on board, assisting in providing physical resources.
On Monday, 12 September, Mr Koos Taljaard from SAB presented the sponsorship to the Dean of Faculty and the Director of the School.
Prof Manie Spamer, Director SCTE, Prof Robert Balfour, Dean: Faculty of Education Sciences and Mr Koos Taljaard from SAB.
Filed under: Community project, North-West Department of Education, Schools, SCTE, The School of Continuing Teacher Education
