Is multi-grade teaching key to achieving ‘education for all’ goals?

News & Media

The inaugural lecture of Prof Matshidiso Taole, Department of Curriculum and Instructional Studies, titled Multi-grade pedagogy and practice: Accelerating sustainable development goals for South Africa, took place on 4 June 2018.

Taole pointed out that despite the positioning of multi-grade as a less desirable educational strategy, multi-grade grouping occurs frequently. “It makes sense,” she said, “that if sustainable development goals and Education for All (EFA) goals are to be realised, multi-grade schooling needs to be seen as a potential engine to drive this revolution. It is becoming an imperative to acknowledge that the likelihood is high that teachers will be placed in multi-grade classrooms.”

Realistically, she said, a teacher would work in a multi-grade classroom at some point in his or her career. “One student in a class might need to work at a grade below or above the rest of the class in a particular subject area,” Taole noted. “In a multi-grade context, teachers are expected to teach at the level of the child and not at the level of the grade in which the child is. Multi-grade teaching makes provision for just that.”

The person behind the professor

What do you think about when you’re alone in your car?

There are many things that come to my mind when sitting alone. I usually get lost in my dreamland and think of how to make the world a better place for all, but, ya, I cannot save the world but can make a difference in the life of an individual.

I believe our memories are the only paradise from which we can never be expelled so I sometimes think about the beautiful moments I had. This gives me happiness and even when going through tough times, the memories encourage me to move on. I also have random thoughts about my family, friends, and things I wish I could do if things were different.

Are you a spender or a saver?

I am a bit of both; I am in the middle of the save-spend continuum. Striking balance between the two is okay, I believe. There are no guarantees in life so I always want to keep track of the money that I spend and save, but I also feel its fine to spoil yourself or your loved ones once in a while and not worry about tomorrow.

What is your favourite food?

I do not have any favourites, but I always enjoy plain and simple food with less spices. I must add, I like to discover new food dishes and new ways of making them.

Who or what inspires you in your career?

My main inspiration comes from seeing people succeed and knowing that I contributed towards their success. That is why I have a passion for teaching as it places me in a position where I can have influence, build the future, and nourish growing talents in our students.

In addition, teaching postgraduates has been gratifying, not only for my success in introducing students to teaching practice, but also for revitalising and refining their own teaching philosophies and their practice. I believe that when students are supported, nothing is impossible; they will be able to succeed.

I am also a team player, so I feel motivated by leading a team and helping each member grow. I am a leader of a community engagement project on assessment in multi-grade schools. The project is conducted in Limpopo and North West provinces. This engagement has given me the opportunity to contribute to teachers’ professional development endeavours. Professional development can ensure that one remains abreast of pedagogical advancements in the field.

Which three people would you have liked to invite to your inaugural lecture?

My late grandmother, Mmadisang Legote, who raised me and instilled morality and love into my heart; I will remember her always. She was my rock and she was by far the strongest woman I have ever known. She made me the woman I am today.

My grade one teacher, Mrs Tina Tsatsimpe—she taught me how to read and write and she was so patient with me. Through her encouragement and her belief in me, she made me believe that I could do anything if I put my mind into it.

My mother-in-law, Phathekile Taole, for her love and support. It truly means a lot to me. I think of the times we spent together and her laughter. I am deeply grateful to have known her. She was indeed my second mom.

*By Sharon Farrell

Publish date: 2018-08-14 00:00:00.0