Teacher participation in facilitating beliefs and values in life orientation programmes: reflections on a research project

Abstract

This article presents an analysis of a research project entitled Facilitating strategies of belief and value orientations in a multicultural education system. The main objective of the research project was to ascertain whether teachers could by means of participatory action research modify their own strategies relating to teaching and learning about religions, beliefs and value systems in South Africa. Participating teachers were guided by the researchers to develop and reflect upon the introduction of innovative strategies pertaining to teaching and learning about religions and values in a multicultural society in their own particular contexts. Responses were obtained from teachers in Western Cape, Eastern Cape and Gauteng. Both responses and facilitation strategies selected by teachers are connected to the cultural and religious backgrounds of learners represented in participating schools. The theoretical underpinnings relating to the research project, as well as the preparation of in-service teachers for their participation in this research project in the short term and for effective practices for the long term, are discussed.


South African Journal of Education Vol.23(4) 2003:
272-275