Collective ownership: how parents and schools can maintain discipline within the existing policy framework

[摘要] English: Informed by a general view of learner misbehaviour and its negative influence and effects on the quality of teaching, this study explores the perceptions of parents concerning discipline in schools in the Mangaung Metropolitan Municipality District. Based on the assumption that discipline is not the sole responsibility of teachers and schools, the aim of this study was to consider how parents and schools can collectively maintain discipline within a policy framework. As such, this study was guided by the question: How can parents and schools collectively maintain discipline, within the context of the existing policy framework?Framed within an Interpretivist paradigm and informed by a qualitative approach, several key findings derived from this study. Firstly, a review of literature on democracy and values emphasised the important role of education to provide learners with the opportunity to embrace a democratic way of life. In this regard, it was noted that South African education should promote the constitutional values of democracy, social justice and equity, equality, non-racism, non-sexism, Ubuntu, an open society, accountability, the rule of law, respect, and reconciliation. However, in order to accomplish a democratic society, it is necessary to create a democratic environment conducive for effective teaching and learning. Such an environment is only possible when teachers, parents and the broader community uphold constitutional values.Secondly, a literature review regarding learner misbehaviour showed that violence are at the heart of learner misbehaviour in most South African schools. Problems of indiscipline due to inter alia, emotional and professional tension, bullying, gangster- related activities, drugs and alcohol not only have a negative effect on teaching and learning, but hold serious implications for the day-to-day functioning of teachers. Teachers are, however, not solely responsible for discipline as parents are co- responsible for the maintenance of school discipline. By upholding the ideals of a school's code of conduct and through representation on school governing bodies, parents can contribute towards ensuring a safe environment conducive for effective teaching and learning.Thirdly, data generated through six semi-structured interviews with the parents of school-going children revealed that there is a significant relationship between parents' understanding of their roles and responsibilities to maintain discipline at home, and their role in assisting schools to enhance positive learner behaviour. The findings revealed that parents are indeed of the opinion that they should work together with teachers towards positive learner behaviour. Through the analysis of the data, the concept of collective ownership gradually emerged and it became necessary to explore the existing policy framework which should inform collective ownership for discipline in schools.Fourthly, the analysis of education-related documents foregrounded the policy framework that should inform collective ownership for maintaining discipline in schools. These documents include a spectrum of documents having a direct bearing on education, namely White Paper on Education and Training (1995), Education White Paper 2: The Organisation, Governance and Funding of Schools (1996), the South African Schools Act (1996), the Manifesto on Values, Education and Democracy (2001), Alternatives to Corporal Punishment: The Learning experience (2000), and Examples of a Code of Conduct for a school (2008). Informed by the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa (1996), the underlying principles and values for collective ownership were highlighted. The document analysis indicated that the notion of collective ownership by parents and teachers entails shared decision-making, co- responsibility and co-accountability for maintaining of school discipline - all of which is protected and promoted within a policy framework.Lastly, and in order for parents and teachers to maintain school discipline within the existing policy framework, several suggestions are made. These include the development of sound two-way communication, the nurturing of a culture of parental involvement, the encouragement of parent-teacher partnerships, and the utilisation of the existing policy framework.

[发布机构] University of the Free State