North-West University

Advanced Certificate in Senior Phase Teaching

Education, Training and Development - Schooling

Purpose and Rationale

Purpose:

This Advanced Certificate is primarily vocationally-oriented and focused to equip teachers with understanding of general educational principles as well as focused knowledge and skills for teaching in the Senior Phase. In general, an Advanced Certificate will enable teachers to develop a sound knowledge base for teaching a particular subject and/or phase, as well as develop the ability to apply their knowledge and skills to classroom teaching, while equipping them to undertake more specialised and intensive learning. The Advanced Certificate will enable teachers to develop pedagogical learning and situational learning as well as specialised disciplinary, pedagogical and practical learning. In addition, all teachers are expected to be Information and Communications Technology (ICT) competent. Teachers who enter into the programme without ICT competence will be required to take an additional 12 Credits at Level 5, so as to develop this competence. Lastly, all graduates of this qualification will be equipped with knowledge about inclusive education and provided with the skills to identify and address barriers to learning, as well as with knowledge in curriculum differentiation to address the needs of individual learners within a grade.

Rationale:

The Department of Basic Education (DBE) expects practising teachers to focus on both personal and professional development throughout their careers, and to enhance their teaching practices continuously in order to provide quality education to all learners. Yet, according to the DBE, it has been found that a large number of currently practising teachers have insufficient subject knowledge and insufficient pedagogical skill while others have lost interest in the subjects they are currently teaching and would prefer to teach a different subject or a different school phase. The Advanced Certificate is available as a qualification for the retraining of professionally qualified teachers to teach in a different phase and/or subjects. In specific approved cases, the Advanced Certificate can also be used to develop new role specialisations for teachers where it is necessary for learning to begin at Level 6. The Advanced Certificate in Senior Phase Teaching will offer teachers opportunities for Continuous Professional Development (CPD), enable teachers to deepen and broaden their subject knowledge and improve their current teaching skills and qualifications. It also offers teachers the opportunity to be retrained to teach a new subject or in a new school phase, giving new impetus to their teaching careers. Finally, the Advanced Certificate with its specific vocational focus adheres to market-related requirements and will be offered via the open distance learning mode of delivery. This qualification will satisfy the need of the country for more Senior Phase teachers who will be better qualified and motivated.

Outcomes

  1. Demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories related to Senior Phase teaching in a subject specialisation.
  2. Communicate effectively with relevant stakeholders within the school context as well as demonstrate the ability to communicate accurately and coherently, while acknowledging respect for intellectual property conventions and rules applicable to plagiarism, both in written and verbal format, when executing assignments and tasks.
  3. Organise, manage and teach a class at Senior Phase level effectively.
  4. Demonstrate insight into the challenges Senior Phase teaching has to face due to poverty, the deep rural placement of many schools, HIV/AIDS, language barriers, cultural diversity, etc.
  5. Understand that assessment is an essential feature of the teaching and learning process and know how to integrate it into this process.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Explain the origins and development of knowledge within a field of study: Teachers need to understand how knowledge within their subject specialisation has evolved over time to provide a comprehensive foundation for effective teaching strategies.
  • Explain and discuss the different types of knowledge needed for Senior Phase teaching: Teachers must be able to articulate the various types of knowledge required for teaching at the Senior Phase, such as content knowledge, pedagogical knowledge, and knowledge of learners.
  • Apply knowledge in a practical classroom environment: Teachers should demonstrate the ability to apply theoretical knowledge in a real classroom setting to enhance teaching effectiveness.
  • Compare and evaluate the different schools of thought on teaching and learning in the field of Senior Phase teaching: Teachers need to critically analyze and assess various educational theories to inform their teaching practices.
  • Understand the different approaches to teaching and learning apply them when teaching: Teachers should be able to adapt different teaching approaches to cater to the diverse needs of learners in the Senior Phase.
  • Demonstrate an in-depth understanding of the knowledge appropriate to a subject specialisation: Teachers should have a deep understanding of the content and principles specific to their subject area.
  • Demonstrate sound knowledge of subject content and various principles, strategies and resources appropriate to teaching in a South African context: Teachers should be well-versed in subject content and have a thorough understanding of teaching strategies suitable for the South African context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Identify and apply the important principles of effective communication in a school context: Teachers must be able to effectively communicate with learners and other stakeholders to facilitate a conducive learning environment.
  • Discuss learning content, strategies, problems and possible solutions with learners and other relevant stakeholders in the school: Teachers should engage in open discussions with learners and colleagues to address challenges and find solutions collaboratively.
  • Demonstrate a critical, committed and ethical attitude towards developing a sense of respect and responsibility towards others: Teachers should exhibit a respectful and ethical attitude in all interactions within the school community.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Demonstrate an understanding of scientific and theoretical knowledge of the various aspects of teaching and learning in the Senior Phase: Teachers should have a solid grasp of educational theories and practices to inform their teaching strategies.
  • Critically discuss the principles of good classroom management and organisation: Teachers need to understand and evaluate effective classroom management techniques to create a conducive learning environment.
  • Apply effective classroom management, organisation, teaching and learning in an authentic classroom situation: Teachers should demonstrate the ability to implement classroom management strategies in a real classroom setting.
  • Understand and interpret provided learning programmes and design own learning programmes: Teachers need to interpret curriculum guidelines and develop their own lesson plans accordingly.
  • Identify the requirements for a specific context of learning and select and prepare suitable teaching and learning resources for a class: Teachers should be able to choose appropriate resources and adapt teaching methods to meet the needs of their learners.
  • Select the sequence and pace of learning in a manner sensitive to the differing needs of both the subject and the learners: Teachers should adjust the pace and sequence of learning activities to accommodate diverse learning needs.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Demonstrate an ability to develop a supportive and empowering environment for the learner, and respond to the educational and other needs of learners and fellow-educators: Teachers should create a nurturing environment that supports the holistic development of learners and colleagues.
  • Mediate learning in a manner which is sensitive to the diverse needs of learners (including those with barriers to learning): Teachers should cater to the diverse learning needs of all learners, including those with barriers to learning.
  • Construct learning environments that are appropriately contextualised by showing recognition of and respect for the differences among learners: Teachers should create inclusive learning environments that respect and celebrate the diversity of learners.
  • Identify the range of challenges faced by Senior Phase education within the different South African contexts: Teachers should be aware of the challenges specific to Senior Phase education in various South African contexts.
  • Discuss the challenges teachers face when teaching in an environment with a high incidence of HIV/AIDS and poverty: Teachers need to understand the impact of social issues like HIV/AIDS and poverty on teaching and learning and be able to address these challenges effectively.
  • Evaluate and discuss possible solutions for the identified challenges: Teachers should critically analyze and propose solutions to the challenges faced in Senior Phase education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Understand the purpose, methods and effects of assessment and provide helpful feedback to learners: Teachers should comprehend the role of assessment in the learning process and give constructive feedback to learners.
  • Design and manage both formative and summative assessments in ways that are appropriate to the level and purpose of the learning: Teachers should be able to create and administer assessments that align with the learning objectives.
  • Understand why and how detailed and diagnostic records of assessment results need to be kept: Teachers should understand the importance of maintaining accurate records of assessment results for monitoring and improvement purposes.
  • Interpret and use assessment results to feed into processes for the improvement of learning programmes: Teachers should utilize assessment data to enhance teaching practices and student learning outcomes.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative Assessment: Teachers will complete individual written assignments per module to demonstrate analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills in the Senior Phase classroom.
  • Summative Assessments: One 3-hour written examination per module will assess practical assignments, reports, or portfolios. The final mark for the module will be based on these assessments.
  • Practical Professional Competency Assessment: Teachers will be evaluated on their professional competency in an authentic teaching setting, with experienced teachers serving as co-assessors.
  • Teaching Resource Portfolio Assessment: Teachers will compile a teaching resource portfolio that will be assessed by a mentor lecturer after the teaching practice period.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Certificate
NQF Level
06
Min. Credits
132
SAQA Source
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North-West University
Description
North-West University (NWU) is a public university located in South Africa. It was established in 2004 through the merger of three institutions: the Potchefstroom University for Christian Higher Education, the University of Bophuthatswana, and the University of North-West. NWU has three campuses, namely Potchefstroom, Mahikeng, and Vanderbijlpark. The university offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, business, education, engineering, health sciences, law, natural sciences, and theology. NWU is known for its strong focus on research and innovation, with several research centers and institutes dedicated to advancing knowledge and addressing societal challenges. NWU is committed to providing quality education and fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment. It strives to produce graduates who are well-equipped with the necessary skills and knowledge to contribute to the development of South Africa and the global community. The university also promotes community engagement and social responsibility through various outreach programs and initiatives. Overall, North-West University is a reputable institution that values academic excellence, research, and community engagement, making it a sought-after choice for students seeking higher education in South Africa.

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.