Insights from returning teachers’ exposure to curriculum change and professional development

Abstract

The continuous professional development of teachers is vital for the well-being of any education system. This article reflects on the adoption and implementation of the National Curriculum Statement with its outcomes-based education approach by teachers who returned to teaching after having been out of the education system for a number of years. Systems theory was used as a theoretical framework for this research. The research was done in 2010, with follow-up interviews during 2012 to include the Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement. These teachers responded to 12 items in an open-ended questionnaire on issues related to the changing curriculum and professional development as part of the education system. The article suggests that the professional development of teachers (in particular those who have been out of the system for some years) needs to be improved in order to ensure that the new curriculum is adopted and does not remain merely a policy document that is inefficiently implemented in its entirety.