GUIDE 2025/2026
100 Top-Rated Questions & Accurate Answers for a
Guaranteed Pass!
Section 1: Foundational Concepts & Philosophies of Education
1. What is the primary focus of the philosophy of Pragmatism in education?
A) The pursuit of eternal truths and ideas
B) Adapting to changes and finding solutions that work in practice
C) Developing the individual's spiritual essence
D) Fulfilling one's predetermined role in society
Answer: B) Adapting to changes and finding solutions that work in practice
Rationale: Pragmatism, championed by John Dewey, asserts that education should be about life
and experience. Knowledge is not static but should be used as a tool to solve real-world
problems, making "what works" the central tenet.
2. According to Progressivism, the teacher's role is best described as a...
A) Sole authority and disciplinarian
B) Facilitator and guide for student inquiry
C) Imparter of a fixed body of knowledge
D) Model of moral and ethical virtue
Answer: B) Facilitator and guide for student inquiry
Rationale: Progressivism is student-centered. The teacher does not simply lecture but creates
an environment where students can learn through active exploration, critical thinking, and
problem-solving.
3. The South African curriculum is built on the principles of social transformation and redress.
This is most closely aligned with which philosophy?
A) Essentialism
B) Perennialism
C) Social Reconstructionism
D) Existentialism
Answer: C) Social Reconstructionism
,Rationale: Social Reconstructionism believes education should be used as a tool to reform
society and address social injustices, which directly aligns with the goals of the post-apartheid
South African curriculum.
4. An Essentialist teacher would most likely emphasize...
A) Student-led projects on current events
B) A rigorous core curriculum in "basics" like reading, writing, and math
C) Exploring one's personal feelings and choices
D) Critiquing power structures in society
Answer: B) A rigorous core curriculum in "basics" like reading, writing, and math
Rationale: Essentialism focuses on instilling students with the "essentials" of academic
knowledge, promoting a back-to-basics approach and a standardized curriculum.
5. The statement, "Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself," is a key belief
of which philosopher?
A) John Dewey
B) Paulo Freire
C) Maria Montessori
D) E.D. Hirsch
Answer: A) John Dewey
Rationale: This famous quote encapsulates Dewey's Pragmatic/Progressive view that learning
should be directly relevant and integrated into the student's present life experiences, not just a
preparation for a future one.
Section 2: Curriculum and Policy (CAPS)
6. What does the acronym CAPS stand for?
A) Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements
B) Comprehensive Assessment and Planning System
C) Child-Accessible Program of Studies
D) Centralized Academic Performance Standards
Answer: A) Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statements
Rationale: This is the official name for the national curriculum followed by public schools in
South Africa, outlining what should be taught and how it should be assessed.
7. The main purpose of CAPS is to...
A) Provide a flexible guideline that teachers can interpret freely
B) Standardize teaching and learning across all South African schools
C) Focus solely on rote memorization of facts
, D) Eliminate all forms of formal assessment
Answer: B) Standardize teaching and learning across all South African schools
Rationale: CAPS was introduced to ensure consistency, clarity, and a uniform standard of
education, reducing the vast disparities inherited from the past.
8. In the CAPS document, the 'Specific Aims' for a subject primarily describe...
A) The daily lesson activities
B) The broad, overarching purposes of learning the subject
C) The list of resources needed
D) The specific content to be memorized for exams
Answer: B) The broad, overarching purposes of learning the subject
Rationale: Specific Aims outline the "why" – the key skills, values, and knowledge areas that the
subject intends to develop in learners over time.
9. A teacher planning a term using CAPS must consult which section to know exactly what
content to cover each week?
A) The Introduction
B) The Specific Aims
C) The Annual Teaching Plan (ATP)
D) The Assessment Guidelines
Answer: C) The Annual Teaching Plan (ATP)
Rationale: The ATP is a detailed, week-by-week breakdown of the topics, concepts, and skills to
be taught throughout the school year, providing a structured pacing guide.
10. Which of the following is a key criticism sometimes leveled against CAPS?
A) It is too vague and provides no guidance
B) It is overly prescriptive and can limit teacher creativity
C) It does not include any form of assessment
D) It is only available in English
Answer: B) It is overly prescriptive and can limit teacher creativity
Rationale: While CAPS provides clarity, some educators argue that its highly structured nature
can reduce a teacher's autonomy to adapt lessons to their specific classroom context and
learners' needs.
Section 3: Learning Theories & Psychology
11. According to Jean Piaget, a child in the Concrete Operational Stage can...
A) Think logically about abstract propositions
B) Think logically only about concrete, hands-on experiences