Assignment 5 PORTIFOLIO 2025
Unique #:
Due Date: 10 October 2025
Detailed solutions, explanations, workings
and references.
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, TABLE OF CONTENTS
1.1 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................. 3
1.2 SPECIALIST IN A PHASE, SUBJECT, DISCIPLINE, OR PRACTICE ................. 3
1.3 LEARNING MEDIATOR ....................................................................................... 5
1.4 INTERPRETER AND DESIGNER OF LEARNING PROGRAMMES AND
MATERIALS ............................................................................................................... 7
1.5 LEADER, ADMINISTRATOR, AND MANAGER ................................................... 8
1.6 SCHOLAR, RESEARCHER, AND LIFELONG LEARNER ................................... 9
1.7 ASSESSOR ....................................................................................................... 11
1.8 COMMUNITY, CITIZENSHIP, AND PASTORAL ROLE ..................................... 12
1.9 CONCLUSION ................................................................................................... 14
1.10 REFERENCES ................................................................................................. 15
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, 1.1 INTRODUCTION
This portfolio focuses on the seven key roles of a teacher as outlined in the
Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) Policy Framework on Teacher
Education (2015). These roles are essential in preparing competent and reflective
practitioners who can effectively navigate the complex educational landscape in
South Africa. The portfolio offers a comprehensive review of each role—learning
mediator, interpreter and designer of learning programmes and materials,
leader/administrator/manager, scholar/researcher/lifelong learner,
community/citizenship/pastoral role, assessor, and subject/discipline/phase
specialist.
The DHET policy (2015) positions these roles as foundational to quality teaching and
learning, shaping how teachers interact with learners, the curriculum, and broader
communities. In this portfolio, I explore each role through three lenses: a theoretical
discussion based on scholarly literature, real-life insights gathered from practising
teachers, and personal reflections as a developing educator. This structure allows for
a holistic understanding of the multifaceted nature of teaching.
Understanding the multiple roles of a teacher is vital for any aspiring educator.
Teachers are not merely transmitters of knowledge; they are facilitators, leaders,
carers, and professionals responsible for shaping learners’ development. Through
this portfolio, I aim to deepen my awareness of these responsibilities and
demonstrate my readiness to embrace each role in future classroom practice.
1.2 SPECIALIST IN A PHASE, SUBJECT, DISCIPLINE, OR PRACTICE
Theoretical Perspective
A subject or phase specialist is a teacher who possesses in-depth knowledge of their
subject content, the relevant curriculum, assessment policies, and how to teach that
content effectively within the specific grade phase. The Department of Higher
Education and Training (DHET) outlines this role as one of the seven critical teacher
competencies that ensure effective classroom teaching and learning (DHET, 2015).
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