TVET leaders’ experiences of an inquiry-based blended learning programme

Abstract

A grave need exists among managers in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in South Africa to have their leadership and managerial skills developed. The Postgraduate Diploma in TVET programme at the University of Pretoria was developed in 2019 as an enquiry-based blended-learning programme aimed at contributing to an appropriate response to this need. The purpose of this exploratory case study was to describe the experiences of the first cohort of programme participants according to the way the design of this programme influenced their engagement in the programme and how it supported the development of their leadership and managerial skills. Data were generated using reflective essays and a group reflection session with all the participants. The essays and the transcription of the group reflection session were thematically analysed. The findings suggest that the programme promoted the development of the participants’ leadership and managerial skills. It also developed their critical thinking skills, their ability to work independently and their inclination to become self-efficacious learners. The facilitators in this programme became powerful role models to the research participants to replicate their learning experiences in their own institutions. Although the participants found it challenging to adjust to working from home while also studying during the COVID-19 lockdown period, they were inspired and motivated to persist through their networking experiences with international and national peers and leaders in their fields of education and industry.