Elaine Browne.pdf - Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University

The ‘competent’ teacher
The term ‘competent’, according to the Collins English Dictionary (2003, 150) refers to
somebody with “sufficient skill or knowledge”, or somebody who is “suitable for a purpose”.
The notion of a competent teacher, however, requires elaboration and more specific
description. For the purposes of this study, I have decided to discuss the views put forward by
the employer of the South African teacher, namely the Department of Education. In addition, I
have also reviewed the views of two scholars in the field of teacher competence, namely Wally
Morrow and Lee Shulman.
As seen by the Department of Education (2000)
In addition to the release of a new national school curriculum, another policy document was
designed to support transformation in teaching and learning in South African schools. Although
this document is currently under revision, the original policy still applies. The Norms and
Standards for Educators (DoE 2000, 13) identifies seven roles of a teacher. These are,
1. The teacher as learning mediator. This implies that a teacher will demonstrate
sound knowledge of subject content and in addition, will educate in a manner which
is sensitive to the diverse needs of learners.
2. The teacher as interpreter and designer of learning programmes. This means that
the teacher will be able to select and prepare suitable textual and visual resources
for learning.
3. The teacher, as a leader, administrator and manager, will conduct administrative
duties efficiently.
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