Leerkultuur in skole van die voormalige Departement van Onderwys en Opleiding

D.Ed.This study focuses on the problem of the lack of a culture of learning in schools of the former Department of Education and Training (DET). It is common knowledge that the culture of learning in many schools leaves much to be desired. The schools are characterised by early school dropout, an anti academic attitude, low morale among pupils and teachers, loss of time on a large scale and poor results. The purpose of this study is to analyse, describe and classify the nature of the culture of learning in schools of the former DET in parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State. This purpose was realised by undertaking a theoretical investigation in the first place and secondly an empirical investigation into various aspects of the culture of learning. In the theoretical investigation, which served as basis for the empirical investigation, an attempt was made to obtain clarity about the meaning of the concept 'a culture of learning'. A concept analysis indicated that 'a culture of learning' points to the disposition towards learning and the atmosphere of diligence_ or industry that develops in a school as a result of a combination of the personal characteristics of pupils, certain elements in the family, elements in the school and elements in the community. The empirical investigation consisted of visits to fourteen schools in parts of Gauteng, Mpumalanga and the Free State. Qualitative and quantitative methods were combined during the empirical investigation. During the quantitative investigation objective observation techniques were used, namely two questionnaires - one for teachers and one for pupils. During the qualitative investigation participating data collection techniques were used, namely semi-structured interviews with pupils, teachers, principals and DET officials. By combining these two procedures a clearer overall representation could be obtained of the nature of the culture of learning in schools and the validity of the eventual conclusions could be promoted by the process of triangulation. A few deductions concerning the personal characteristics of pupils, elements of the family and elements of the school are hereby presented: Prominent features of pupils that are a result of the qualitative and quantitative data and that have an inhibiting influence on the culture of learning, include: irregular school attendance and a lack of punctuality ; an inadequate language code and a limited capacity of expression ; inadequate study methods ; an inferior knowledge base or frame of reference ; the absence of a work ethic ; the presence of a passive or unconcerned attitude towards learning a lack of motivation and discipline. The investigation proved that the family structure forms the foundation on which the culture of learning at school must build. As a result of various. problems the families of a large number of pupils are not able to support the pupil in preparing for the demands of the school. These problems include: the disintegration of families ; the lack of involvement of parents ; illiteracy of parents ; inadequate facilities in the home. 3 • Prominent features of schools with a negative influence on the culture of learning that continue the vicious cycle of poor performance and failure, include: disorder and lack of discipline the ineffective functioning of the principal ; an inadequate culture of teaching/instruction ; wasting of time on a large scale ; over occupation and inadequate facilities. Many of the problems that have a negative influence on the culture of learning in schools of the former DET, are deeply embedded in the South African community. It must therefore, be accepted that the solution to the problem regarding the culture of learning in South Africa will require time, intensive attention and a change of attitude in all parties concerned, in order to be solved