Lifelong learning
The new education and training system introduces a lifelong education system, which is people centered. All South Africans want a prosperous, democratic country, free of discrimination and violence, and be able to compete internationally. But this is a dream that everybody needs to work towards. For many, this means being empowered so that they are able to participate as active citizens
Outcomes Based Education
Outcomes Based Education is a flexible, empowerment-orientated approach to learning. It aims at equipping learners with the knowledge, competence and orientations needed for success after they leave schools or have completed their training.
Lifelong Learning
- Active learners
- Learners are assessed on an on-going basis
- Critical thinking, reasoning, reflection and action
- An integration of knowledge; learning relevant and connected to real-life situations
- Learner-centered; teacher is facilitator; teacher constantly uses group-work and teamwork
- Learning seen as guides that allow teachers to be innovative and creative in designing programmes
- Learners take responsibility for their learning; pupils motivated by constant feedback
- Emphasis on outcomes – what the learner becomes and understands
- Flexible time frames allow learners to work at their own pace
- Comment and input from the wider community is encouraged
Outcomes
The main set of outcomes that each teacher needs to plan around are called the ‘critical cross-field outcomes’. These are outcomes that are essential to learning and include skills and values such as being able to think, to solve problems, to collect information, to organize information, to analyze information, to work in a group, as well as independently, to communicate effectively, and to make responsible decisions. The curriculum is built on these critical outcomes
Processes
Teaching and learning processes will undergo change and these will then be as important as educational outcomes. Teaching will become learner-centered, with emphasis on group-work and developing the ability of people to think critically and research and analyze things for themselves
Curriculum
A curriculum is everything planned by educators, which will help develop the learner. This can be an extra-mural sporting activity, a debate or even a visit to the library. When a curriculum is being planned, the physical resources, work programmes, assessment criteria and extramural programmes should all be taken into account. All knowledge is integrated and teaching and learning are not sharply divided. This means that a person’s intelligence, attitudes, knowledge and values are easily developed.
Important Principles of Outcomes Based Education
- Great emphasis is put on creating conditions that lead to success
- Integration of education and training
- All learners will succeed. Time will no longer control the learning process. This means that not all learners will succeed at the same time. Instead learners will develop at their own pace.
- Learners will be expected to show what they have learnt in different ways. There will no longer only be exams. Outcomes will be assessed in other ways and on an on-going basis.
- Assessment is an integral part of the whole system. Learners will not get marks just for remembering subject content. Different aspects of the learner’s abilities, such as their creativity and critical thinking will also be assessed.
- Learners will know what they are learning and why. They will be encouraged to take responsibility for their learning. This will help to motivate them because they will be able to see the value of the Programme.
Key Learning Areas
There are 8 different learning areas. Each of these key learning areas will have its own broad outcomes, called ‘Learning Area Outcomes.’ These are the general skills, abilities and values a learner will be expected to demonstrate in that learning area.
Communication, Literacy and Language Learning
People interact with the world and each other through language. The more we are able to communicate, the better we are able to understand each other. Improved communication can only lead to s South Africa free from intolerance, misunderstandings and prejudice, which is the focus of this learning area.
Numeracy and Mathematics
Numeracy and Mathematics is a way of understanding the world. Maths encourages logical thinking, problem solving and teaches people analytical skills that will allow them to make critical decisions. This learning area will equip learners to cope with a rapidly changing technological environment.
Human and Social Sciences
South Africa needs to have a responsible citizens who are able to operate in a culturally diverse, democratic society. Human and Social Sciences is therefore an important area of study. Here people will learn how to interact with each other and with their environment.
Natural Sciences
In order to manage the resources of the world effectively, people need to understand the universe – both natural and created by people. This learning area will equip learners with the ability to understand our natural resources and to manage them effectively.
Arts and Culture
Culture and the arts are important areas of life. Through developing creativity and exploring the diverse cultures that exist, the spiritual, intellectual and emotional aspects of our personalities will be promoted.
Economic and Management Sciences
South Africa needs to have a sustainable economic plan in order to survive. The Economic and Management Sciences develop all people into economically active citizens able to participate in and lead the economic development of our country.
Life Orientation
We live in a rapidly changing society. To cope with these challenges, learners need to develop life skills. Life Orientation includes the building of self-esteem, survival skills and a healthy lifestyle.
Technology
We live in a technically advanced society. Without accessing this new technology, we will be unable to compete internationally. This learning area will promote all aspects of technology: Planning, design and manufacturing
Essential Outcomes
There are 8 critical outcomes. These outcomes are designed by the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) and apply to all the learning areas.
Learners should be able to successfully demonstrate their ability to:
- Communicate effectively using visual, mathematical and/or language skills in the modes of oral and/or written presentation.
- Identify and solve problems by using creative and critical thinking.
- Organize and manage themselves and their activities responsibly and effectively.
- Work effectively with others in a team, group, organization and community.
- Collect, analyze, organize and critically evaluate information.
- Use science and technology effectively and critically, showing responsibility towards the environment and the health of others.
- Understand that the world is a set of related systems. This means that problem-solving contexts do not exist in isolation.
- Show awareness of the importance of effective learning strategies, responsible citizenship, cultural sensitivity, education and career opportunities and entrepreneurial abilities