Experiences of Life Orientation teachers in teaching career guidance in rural high schools

Abstract

In South Africa, there are various stakeholders involved in career guidance services (Stead & Watson, 2006, P.160). The teaching of career guidance within the context of Life Orientation (LO) at schools is the responsibility of Life Orientation teachers. This study explores the experiences of Life Orientation teachers in teaching career guidance in rural high schools at Lephalale Municipality. The study used qualitative approach to obtain rich information about the experiences of Life Orientation teachers in teaching career guidance at rural high schools. The study was conducted in two rural high schools in the Palala North Circuit of Lephalale Municipality. The sample comprised of two Further Education and Training (FET) Phase Life Orientation teachers from two rural high schools (one from each school). The participants were purposefully and conveniently selected. The data was collected by means of the semi-structured interviews. The data was analysed using the inductive thematic data analysis where themes, subthemes and categories emerged. The findings of the study reflected both the negative and positive experiences of Life Orientation teachers in respect of their teaching of careers and career choices, training and support needs, and the career- related activities such as career exhibitions in which both the learners and LO teachers participate. The results of the study will be shared with the two schools in the Palala North Circuit and the Department of Education, Waterberg District in the Limpopo province. It is hoped that the results generated by the study might assist the training personnel or facilitators (education or subject specialists) to know the type of training and support that LO teachers require and to also inform policy makers to develop a model of teaching career guidance at rural high schools.