Secondary school learners' perceptions of responsible citizenship as taught in the life orientation learning area: a case study

In this study, secondary school learners perceptions of Responsible Citizenship as taught in the Life Orientation learning area are explored. Citizen Education, which is set out in Learning Outcome Two of the Life Orientation Curriculum, forms the basis of the programme used to conduct this study. An international as well as a national perspective of Responsible Citizenship and the teaching thereof is explicated with special reference being made to the Further Education and Training Band. The availability of learning programmes in South Africa as well as the specific learning programme used to conduct this investigation is discussed. A qualitative research design was adopted and a single case study was undertaken at a secondary school. Participants wrote essays, completed diagnostic tests and participated in a focus group interview. Key concepts were identified, categorised and explicated. As a result, three major themes were conceptualised: Active Participation, Human Rights Philosophies and Orientation to Values. Although the specific programme used did not appear to be suitable for use in all teaching environments it did contribute to the secondary school learners perceptions of Responsible Citizenship as taught in the Life Orientation learning area.Dr. M.P. van der Merw