An exploration of the role of principals in managing teaching and learning : case studies of two KwaThema secondary schools.

Abstract

This study explored the role of the principal in managing teaching and learning in the two Kwa-Thema secondary schools. Managing teaching and learning is regarded as the core duty and responsibility for South African principals, and it is clearly reflected in the South African Standard for Principalship Bush, Joubert, Kiggundu and Van Rooyen (2010). The assumption underpinning the study was that the principals of the two schools did not focus on managing teaching and learning, thus the high failure rate of the learners. The study was a qualitative case study and it used various data collecting methods. The data collecting methods used were interviews, data analysis, observation and focus group discussion. The use of various data collection methods allowed for triangulation could be validated against all participants or respondents. The study found that the principals of the two schools manage teaching and learning. In fact, the schools have systems in place to ensure that management of teaching and learning is taking place. However, there are contextual factors that challenge the running of the schools and as a result, the schools are underperforming due to the challenges.