| dc.description.abstract | This research is aimed at the formulation of a model for the processing of
demography as a determinant of the education system. The inadequate
understanding of demography in the education system causes flawed
management of the target group by educational providers worldwide.
Enrolment rates, school life expectancy, put-through rates and school
completion rates (especially in developing countries) are not up to standard
in most countries. Although developed regions manage most of these
imperatives satisfactory, other education system aspects are experienced as
challenges, for example inclusivety and equality.
To steer the formulation of the model for the processing, a literature study
was undertaken to elucidate demography in the context of the education
system. The concept demography is investigated from a theoretical
perspective. Research about the worldwide demographic tendencies was
undertaken and the different aspects concerning demographic challenges
were exposed. This was followed by a study concerning demographic
challenges with respect to the four components of the education system. The
literature clearly showed that the way in which demographic imperatives
influence the four components, determines the criteria according to which a
particular education system might measure it's success. Within this context
demography as determinant of the education system is explained and an
awareness is cultivated about how demographic demands of the target
group can be approached by the education provider.
A local investigation was undertaken to understand demographic demands
in regional context. The North-West Province was used as a case study to
present a local perspective of demographic demands on the education
system. As the North-West Province is one of the nine provinces of South
Africa, it was also necessary to indicate the wider South African
demographic trends. Although the North-West Province does experience
certain demographic challenges similar to those of the South African set-up
as a whole, it also possesses has a number of unique aspects, for instance
its geography and economy, which have direct demographic influence on the
education system. The general population data and the education data of
the province was scrutinised in the context of the educational region to
emphasis the implications for the Department of Education. Typical
examples of demographic imperatives (especially migration between regions
of the province and migration to and from the province) which operate in the
North-West Province can be attributed to the farming and mining activities
prevalent in the province.
The empirical investigation of the research was aimed at the experiences of
schools in the North-West Province concerning demographic challenges.
The investigation is focused on the leadership of schools and the
management of the school leaders regarding demography. The demographic
impact in the school- and regional context is also investigated in detail.
Administrative problems experienced by principals as a result of inefficient
planning are investigated and a policy analysis is done from a management
perspective. The responses regarding the above-mentioned aspects show
the challenges facing the Department of Education because of the
demographic impact.
A model is formulated with general demographic guidelines, relevant
demographic imperatives and a structural education system approach.
Suggestions are made about the adequate application of the model. This
contribution to demographic processing is intended to broaden the
understanding of educational providers regarding demography as a
determinant of the education system and to address the gaps in educational
provision and management. | |
