Teaching and learning in different contexts of EC schools, S.A
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Transcript of Teaching and learning in different contexts of EC schools, S.A
A Synopsis of Operation Fundisa 19 July
2012
Ayanda Simayi: SADTU ZWIDE Education Desk
Pag
e1
Operation Fundisa is an initiative of SADTU - Eastern Cape and was adopted by
the Eastern Cape Education Department in 2010 as an instrument which
serves as a guide on how to implement Quality Basic Education in all E. Cape
schools. The term “Fundisa” is an isiXhosa word which means “to teach”.
Operation Fundisa seeks to mobilise resources behind programmes of
education transformation in order to eradicate historical imbalances in favour
of Quality, Equity, Redress and Accessibility of education to all (Operation
Fundisa Handbook, p. 3). Hence, the emphasis of this programme reaffirms the
notion of taking into consideration the ‘’context’’ where teaching and learning
occur. To illustrate the context of Zwide schools, the poor environment where
learning and teaching occurs is evident in the form of dilapidated and
vandalised buildings, absence of READERS for the Foundation phase, broken
windows, temporal structures, lack of toilets, financial constraints experienced
by SMT due to Parents’ how learners will meaningfully understand what has
been taught.
A Synopsis of Operation Fundisa 19 July
2012
Ayanda Simayi: SADTU ZWIDE Education Desk
Pag
e2
Figure 1. Cover page of Operation Fundisa Handbook
A Synopsis of Operation Fundisa 19 July
2012
Ayanda Simayi: SADTU ZWIDE Education Desk
Pag
e3
The Operation Fundisa Handbook was developed to assist schools in
management, administration and teaching and was supposed to be
implemented from 2011 and beyond. However, curriculum changes
necessitated a delay in the roll-out of the programme, thus its launch now in
2012. The handbook outlines specific guidelines on the roles of the different
stakeholders in education regardless of the conditions where learning and
teaching takes place.
Thus, Operation Fundisa recognises key features which are important in the
teaching and learning sphere which takes place at school namely:
1. The role of the teacher and the School Management Team (SMT)
2. The role of the parent in the School Governing Body (SGB)
3. The Role of Secondary stakeholders like Business Partners and entities
like the local Municipality
4. Legal documents which govern Teacher’s conditions of Employment and
Service
A Synopsis of Operation Fundisa 19 July
2012
Ayanda Simayi: SADTU ZWIDE Education Desk
Pag
e4
Operation Fundisa links up with the new Continuous Assessment Policy
Statement (CAPS)as a strategy which can transform the current education
system by putting back some important sections of the syllabus that have been
omitted by the previous education policies, for instance, (OBE) and Revised
National Curriculum Statement (RNCS). In conjunction with CAPS, Operation
Fundisa advocates the need for teachers to go back to the basics of education
where learners were taught the 3Rs to ensure that the rate of illiteracy can
decrease tremendously. However, researched-strategies of learning and
teaching which have been proven to be beneficial have been retained and used
with the choice of using the Home Language in the Foundation Phase as a
medium of Instruction and Learning (LOLT).
The active involvement of the parents in school governance is one of the key
added benefits of Operation Fundisa. Training and scope of parental
involvement in terms of school governance is explained fully in the Operation
Fundisa booklet.
A Synopsis of Operation Fundisa 19 July
2012
Ayanda Simayi: SADTU ZWIDE Education Desk
Pag
e5
Operation Fundisa, encourages parents to ask their children to read for them
to ensure that they acquire the expected levels of literacy when compared
with their cohorts in other countries. However, parent illiteracy in
disadvantaged schools is a major stumbling for the eradication of literacy
hence learners are required to go libraries where they can read books in order
to build their vocabulary and knowledge. In addition to that, most areas in the
township have libraries which close early so when the child goes to the library,
the library has already been closed so the little ones in the Foundation Phase
lose valuable support which enhances reading and writing.
Stakeholders like the municipality and business partners are required to form
links with schools so that reading books can be supplied and kept in a secured
facility like an unused classroom. Therefore, together we can do much MORE!
There is no doubt in my mind that the single most important factor for the future of our
country is education. (Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela)
A Synopsis of Operation Fundisa 19 July
2012
Ayanda Simayi: SADTU ZWIDE Education Desk
Pag
e6