Die oriëntering van die beginner-onderwyser in die sekondêre skool : 'n bestuursopgaaf

M.Ed. (Educational Management)The period immediately after entering the teaching profession is of the utmost importance to the newly qualified teacher. These first impressions experienced have implications for the quality of his teaching, his professional image and his future job satisfaction. At the moment the newcomer finds himself in the unenviable position of being expected to accept full responsibility in the teaching situation, without having undergone a formally structured orientation programme. The sudden change from training to practice can lead to practice shock, occupational stress and possibly an early resignation. Educational managers should do everything in their power to guide newcomers towards fulfilment and self-development by implementing an efficient orientation programme. Only through continual and differentiated monitoring of the integration of the newcomer can he be helped towards feeling secure. This should result in optimal efficiency in educating every pupil, which in turn would help towards the beginner's own development. Furthermore orientation of the newcomer should form an integral component of his continual professional development. Such a strategy implies effective education and top-rate teaching. It appears that little local research has been done on orientating newcomers to the teaching profession. This contrasts sharply with research done overseas. During the initial training period, the dynamic character of the teaching profession should be secured by identifying problem areas which occur in classroom management, general organization and administration or didactic matters. Prospective teachers should also during their teaching practice have the opportunity of exploring all the facets of the school programme