TPS3703 ASSIGNMENT 2B SEMESTER 1 2026 (Answer Guide)
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
QUESTION 1.1.1.................................................................................................................................... 2
Outline the role of teacher trade unions in ensuring the quality of education in South
African schools................................................................................................................................. 2
QUESTION 1.1.2.................................................................................................................................... 4
Evaluate the impact of trade unions on teacher morale in South African schools.
Provide practical examples that are offered by different unions in South Africa to
boost teacher morale ...................................................................................................................... 4
QUESTION 1.1.3.................................................................................................................................... 6
SADTU cites learner dropout as a huge challenge in the Further Education and
Training (FET) phase in South African schools. As a student teacher who will teach
in this phase, discuss the main five causes of learner dropout in South African
schools ............................................................................................................................................... 6
QUESTION 1.1.4.................................................................................................................................... 8
Suggest any five practical ways/strategies that can be used by South African
schools to curb learner dropouts ................................................................................................ 8
QUESTION 1.1.5.................................................................................................................................. 10
SADTU underscores that some schools “retain learners they believe they will not
pass matric”. What does this phrase mean and discuss the long-term implications of
this practice on individual learners and the South African education system as a
whole ................................................................................................................................................. 10
References ........................................................................................................................................... 12
, QUESTION 1.1.1
Outline the role of teacher trade unions in ensuring the quality of education in
South African schools
(10 marks: 5 × 2)
Teacher trade unions play a significant role in shaping the quality of education in South
Africa by influencing working conditions, professional standards, policy formulation, and
accountability within the education system. Their role is not limited to protecting
teachers’ rights but extends to safeguarding learners’ educational experiences and
outcomes.
1. Advocacy for Improved Working Conditions
Teacher trade unions advocate for improved working conditions, such as manageable
class sizes, reasonable workloads, and safe school environments. Quality education is
closely linked to the conditions under which teachers work, as overcrowded classrooms
and excessive administrative duties negatively affect effective teaching and learning. By
negotiating conditions of service with the Department of Basic Education, unions
contribute to creating environments where teachers can focus on curriculum delivery
and learner support (SADTU, 2026). Improved working conditions enhance instructional
quality, learner engagement, and academic performance.
2. Promotion of Teacher Professional Development
Trade unions play an important role in promoting continuous professional development
(CPD) among teachers. Many unions organise workshops, seminars, and in-service
training programmes aimed at improving pedagogical skills, subject knowledge, and
assessment practices. Through such initiatives, teachers remain updated on curriculum
changes, inclusive education strategies, and learner-centred teaching approaches.
Professional development strengthens teacher competence, which directly impacts the
quality of teaching and learning in schools (Department of Basic Education, 2019).
VERIFIED AND CERTIFIED ANSWERS. WRITTEN IN REQUIRED FORMAT AND WITHIN
GIVEN GUIDELINES. IT IS GOOD TO USE AS A GUIDE AND FOR REFERENCE, NEVER
PLAGARIZE. Thank you and success in your academics.
UNISA, 2026
Contents
QUESTION 1.1.1.................................................................................................................................... 2
Outline the role of teacher trade unions in ensuring the quality of education in South
African schools................................................................................................................................. 2
QUESTION 1.1.2.................................................................................................................................... 4
Evaluate the impact of trade unions on teacher morale in South African schools.
Provide practical examples that are offered by different unions in South Africa to
boost teacher morale ...................................................................................................................... 4
QUESTION 1.1.3.................................................................................................................................... 6
SADTU cites learner dropout as a huge challenge in the Further Education and
Training (FET) phase in South African schools. As a student teacher who will teach
in this phase, discuss the main five causes of learner dropout in South African
schools ............................................................................................................................................... 6
QUESTION 1.1.4.................................................................................................................................... 8
Suggest any five practical ways/strategies that can be used by South African
schools to curb learner dropouts ................................................................................................ 8
QUESTION 1.1.5.................................................................................................................................. 10
SADTU underscores that some schools “retain learners they believe they will not
pass matric”. What does this phrase mean and discuss the long-term implications of
this practice on individual learners and the South African education system as a
whole ................................................................................................................................................. 10
References ........................................................................................................................................... 12
, QUESTION 1.1.1
Outline the role of teacher trade unions in ensuring the quality of education in
South African schools
(10 marks: 5 × 2)
Teacher trade unions play a significant role in shaping the quality of education in South
Africa by influencing working conditions, professional standards, policy formulation, and
accountability within the education system. Their role is not limited to protecting
teachers’ rights but extends to safeguarding learners’ educational experiences and
outcomes.
1. Advocacy for Improved Working Conditions
Teacher trade unions advocate for improved working conditions, such as manageable
class sizes, reasonable workloads, and safe school environments. Quality education is
closely linked to the conditions under which teachers work, as overcrowded classrooms
and excessive administrative duties negatively affect effective teaching and learning. By
negotiating conditions of service with the Department of Basic Education, unions
contribute to creating environments where teachers can focus on curriculum delivery
and learner support (SADTU, 2026). Improved working conditions enhance instructional
quality, learner engagement, and academic performance.
2. Promotion of Teacher Professional Development
Trade unions play an important role in promoting continuous professional development
(CPD) among teachers. Many unions organise workshops, seminars, and in-service
training programmes aimed at improving pedagogical skills, subject knowledge, and
assessment practices. Through such initiatives, teachers remain updated on curriculum
changes, inclusive education strategies, and learner-centred teaching approaches.
Professional development strengthens teacher competence, which directly impacts the
quality of teaching and learning in schools (Department of Basic Education, 2019).
