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Cited by 52Teacher Education and Leadership StudiesAfrican Education and PoliticsEducation Pedagogy and Practices

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A reflection on identified challenges facing South African teachers

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Du Plessis, Elize, Letshwene, Mantekana Jacobine·2025·The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning
DOI 10.17159/cv8gfx71
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Abstract

The ongoing crisis in South African education and constant curriculum changes puts strain on school teachers. This article focuses on the challenges confronting teachers in the South African schooling context. The methodology of grounded theory has great potential to contribute to our understanding of challenges within particular substantive contexts. In order to understand the key challenges experienced in South African schools, a qualitative research approach was employed as the best option for the collection of relevant data. Multiple case studies were undertaken, using semi-structured individual interviews with 12 heads of departments and six focus group interviews with teachers. Results revealed inter alia challenges such as curriculum change, medium of instruction, overcrowded classrooms, discipline and lack of resources. Implications for stakeholders regarding support and the implementation of any new curriculum were pointed out.

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Cited by

Metadata

Authors
Du Plessis, E., & Letshwene, M. J.
Affiliations
University of South Africa (ZA)
ORCID
Venue
The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning
Publisher
Academy of Science of South Africa
Published
2025-07-20
Volume
15
Issue
2
Pages
69-91
ISSN
  • 1818-9687 (ISSN-L)
  • 2519-5670
DOI
10.17159/cv8gfx71
OpenAlex
W3110672772
Cited by
52
References
3
Citations by year
2026: 10 · 2025: 14
FWCI
73.78
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Licence
Locations
  • The Independent Journal of Teaching and Learning (publishedVersion, cc-by)
  • Unisa Institutional Repository (University of South Africa) (submittedVersion)
  • The Journal of Teaching and Learning
Topics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Teacher Education and Leadership Studies
  • Social Sciences › Education › African Education and Politics
  • Social Sciences › Education › Education Pedagogy and Practices
Keywords
teacher challenges, South African education, curriculum change, language of instruction, overcrowded classrooms, classroom discipline, teaching materials shortage, department heads, teacher support, curriculum implementation

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