How curriculum advisors and school management teams communicate curriculum changes in schools

Abstract

In South African schools and in other schooling systems, curriculum implementation and management poses a challenge. The purpose of this qualitative case study located within an interpretive paradigm was to explore how curriculum advisors and School Management Teams (SMTs) communicate curriculum changes to schools in the Gauteng North District in Gauteng Province. Purposive sampling was employed to select twelve participants: four curriculum advisors and eight SMT members from two primary schools. Data were collected by means of semi-structured interviews. The findings of this study show that while communication occurs between curriculum advisors and SMTs, there are certain challenges. These include lack of clarity on what needs to be changed, poor planning and time management, lack of coordination in communicating the changes and communication barriers related to the use of written messages. It was evident that implementation of curriculum changes requires supportive and open communication between the curriculum advisors, SMTs and other educators. Strategies for enhancing communication comprise planning for change, effective communication and the provision of feedback to confirm that messages are interpreted as intended. It was therefore recommended that adequate time be given to communicate the changes, communication be planned and coordinated to reduce conflict of activities and clear communication channels, trusting relationships and open lines of communication that include the use of technology be established.