Focus group discussion

The focus group consisted of three teachers from different departments. Two of the teachers in the focus group had been in School A for over five years and one teacher had been there for just two years. The interview took place in the office of one of the school‟s technical centres during their lunch break. Two of the teachers did most of the talking in the interview and the other teacher gave mostly one word answers or did not speak. The two teachers that did most of the talking also elaborated on their answers. What follows is what emerged in the group when issue concerning management of teaching and learning were discussed

When I asked whether the school was faced with challenges in the management of teaching and learning, the teachers expressed that they were happy with their teaching and the support that they were receiving from their HODs. They did however indicate that the school had many problems one of which was the issue of undisciplined learners:

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I have two years here, there is a lack of discipline in learners. I thought we are trying as teachers but it is really difficult. I thought I could manage my class but I can‟t.

[Teacher 1] One teacher expressed his frustration at the lack of discipline among the learners. He said that as teachers they were trying to be more understanding and supportive of the learners, and that even the SMT was doing all it could to assist, but that the learners were not cooperating. When asked how does the principal was managing the issue of discipline in the school, they responded by saying:

The principal tries. In the morning he stands at the gate to make sure that all learners are in classrooms but learners are uncontrollable, they will go outside and do funny things.

This is what the other teacher had to say:

The principal is supporting us with the learners, he really tries, but discipline is a huge problem. I would really know what the principal does with discipline as I do not deal directly with him but my HOD.

[Teacher 2]

It is evident from the above extract that the teachers are content with the support that they are receiving from the SMT. However, there is something that is bothering them and that is the issue of the lack of discipline among the learners. When I asked the teachers whether this was affecting the management of teaching and learning one teacher responded as follows:

Well ma‟am it does affect the issue of learning only, we as educators we are in class ready to teach and learners are sometimes not cooperative, they do not attend school regularly and they do not write if given work.

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In the extract above the teachers say that despite other problems that they have in the school, learner discipline is a major challenge and it affects the learners‟ performance. When I asked if the SMT, particularly the principal, does rounds in the school and in the classrooms, ensure that teaching and learning is taking place and to monitor discipline on the school premises, this is what one educator had to say:

Well the principal does not visit us in our classes, but HOD are visiting during the IQMS period.

The teachers explained that HODs are the parties who visit during the IQMS period. When I asked how many times the IQMS period occurred in a year, one teacher responded: “it happens once a year and it is for development.”

When asked how they get developed during the IQMS period and how this period helps them to manage their own teaching and learning in the classrooms, one of the teachers responded as follows:

Class visits are empowering, me. I like it because the HOD can see where you are lacking then maybe assist you in whatever you are lacking about.

[Teacher 1]

Another teacher had the following to say about class visits:

Well, with me I like it especially because they are preparing us before they come to visit, so you have to be ready on such and such a day. They are helping because that‟s where you see if you can deliver a lesson well in front of your colleagues and HOD, so they are very developmental

[Teacher 2] Yet another response concerning class visits was a follows:

With me is not the same, other HODs come to class because they are looking for faults in your teaching then they write a bad report about you.

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Well I know that maybe 50% of the staff do not like class visitations even our Union does not allow it

[Teacher 3] The other issue which was revealed during the focus group discussion was the CMM tool. When the teachers were asked whether the CMM method was working, or whether it was an appealing method for managing teaching and learning. This is how each teacher responded:

CMM is a good instrument because it keeps me in my toes, always thinking of time allocated to treat a certain chapter.

[Teacher 1]

Well I would say it is really working well in our school. You have to make sure that you submit the files, reports and learners‟ books in time to the HOD so he checks if you are in par.

[Teacher 2]

It really works and it monitors teachers not to stay away from their classes, but there is too much writing, paper work that is the downside of it

[Teacher 3]