Matshidiso Joyce Taole

Teachers' Experiences in Implementing National Curriculum Statement: the North West Province in South Africa Matshidiso Joyce Taole

The study drew on the experiences of Senior Phase teachers in the implementation of the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) in the North West Province. It investigated how teachers experienced this implementation and what meaning these experiences had for them. It is usually only in practical implementation that distortions and obstacles to successful implementation become apparent. The study revealed that the implementation of the NCS was a challenge to most teachers, as there were different interpretations of the curriculum policy among teachers. In addition, the teachers indicated that trainers should conduct pre-assessment to ensure that developmental programmes are contextualised and meet their needs. The study also highlighted factors that affected the implementation of the NCS. These include, learner de-motivation, minimal parental involvement, DoE Post Provisioning Model (PPM), lack of resources and insufficient in-service training. To ensure that the implementation was successful, teachers suggested long-term training and guidance and continuous support from the subject advisors.