Name: Rolize van Tonder
Student number: 63238233
Module: BTE2601
Assignment: 02
Unique number: 629125
, Question 1
1.1. Discuss critical theory in the South African context. Your discussion
should include the following:
a) Your understanding of critical theory:
I understand critical theory as the way in which the educational system can best offer
education to all people. All learners, including learners coming from different
background families, and different cultures and beliefs, must be treated equally and
fairly. Different learning styles must be considered because not all learners learn the
same. Teachers also need to bring different teaching strategies to the classroom.
b) Importance of critical theory to teachers:
Critical theory is very important to teachers as it provides resources to both critique
and unequal practice connected to schooling and society. Teachers who work to
bring about change in educational context and communities are teachers that aim to
improve equity and justice in democratic society.
c) Advantages of critical theory:
• It could indicate a move for learners from being mainly users of knowledge in
coexistence with others.
• It could remind teachers to become active agents in building new kinds of
knowledge relationships.
• It should enable all those who participate in education to interpret and
construct knowledge according to the social, historical and culture contexts in
which they find themselves.
1.2. Describe five types of curricula:
▪ Official, explicit, intended curriculum: This is the recommended curriculum,
also described as the blueprint for teaching. It is the plans or intentions of, for
instance, the Department of Basic Education. A single plan can be used for a
variety of learners, although its contexts can differ greatly.
▪ Enacted curriculum as practice: This is the curriculum as it is experienced and
learned. It is also seen as the non-official, implicit curriculum as implemented
by a teacher, and is what is taught and learnt. Misunderstandings, resource
constraints, etc. can interfere with the teacher’s ability to execute a curriculum
plan exactly as intended.
▪ Covert curriculum: This is teaching that is implied, but nonetheless deliberate
on the part of the teacher or school. It is particularly important in early
schooling, when consideration for others, order and obedience, teamwork and
Student number: 63238233
Module: BTE2601
Assignment: 02
Unique number: 629125
, Question 1
1.1. Discuss critical theory in the South African context. Your discussion
should include the following:
a) Your understanding of critical theory:
I understand critical theory as the way in which the educational system can best offer
education to all people. All learners, including learners coming from different
background families, and different cultures and beliefs, must be treated equally and
fairly. Different learning styles must be considered because not all learners learn the
same. Teachers also need to bring different teaching strategies to the classroom.
b) Importance of critical theory to teachers:
Critical theory is very important to teachers as it provides resources to both critique
and unequal practice connected to schooling and society. Teachers who work to
bring about change in educational context and communities are teachers that aim to
improve equity and justice in democratic society.
c) Advantages of critical theory:
• It could indicate a move for learners from being mainly users of knowledge in
coexistence with others.
• It could remind teachers to become active agents in building new kinds of
knowledge relationships.
• It should enable all those who participate in education to interpret and
construct knowledge according to the social, historical and culture contexts in
which they find themselves.
1.2. Describe five types of curricula:
▪ Official, explicit, intended curriculum: This is the recommended curriculum,
also described as the blueprint for teaching. It is the plans or intentions of, for
instance, the Department of Basic Education. A single plan can be used for a
variety of learners, although its contexts can differ greatly.
▪ Enacted curriculum as practice: This is the curriculum as it is experienced and
learned. It is also seen as the non-official, implicit curriculum as implemented
by a teacher, and is what is taught and learnt. Misunderstandings, resource
constraints, etc. can interfere with the teacher’s ability to execute a curriculum
plan exactly as intended.
▪ Covert curriculum: This is teaching that is implied, but nonetheless deliberate
on the part of the teacher or school. It is particularly important in early
schooling, when consideration for others, order and obedience, teamwork and
