Task 1: Argument Analysis – Short Essay
For this task, you will need to use your knowledge of argument structures and analysis, as well as the various philosophical approaches you covered in Learning Units 1 and 2, and apply these to a real-life education scenario in the form of a short essay.
You are required to:
• Carefully read the news article by Cebelihle Mbuyisa (2022), ‘Paralysed child’s parents demand answers from the school and education department’, available here:
o Analyze the validity and soundness of the argument presented by the school and Department of Education to the parent of Melokuhle Tshabalala (reference must be made to the positions of both Nkosana Tshabalala and the Department of Education/school).
o Comment on the propositions presented in the article which affected the mental health and wellbeing of Melokuhle Tshabalala.
o Identify the most likely philosophical approach/theory taken by both the Department of Education/school and the parent.
That said, in summary, you will be awarded marks for the following elements of your essay:
• Use of an academic style, tone, and format, and evidence of additional, relevant and credible research in your 800- to 900-word essay.
• Analysis of both positions’ arguments.
• Comment on propositions presented in the article.
• Suitable application of both positions’ stances and statements to relevant philosophical approaches or theories.
Task 2 — The Role-players in South African Education – Long Essay
For this task, you are required to utilise your understanding of the various conceptualisations of education, together with the role that teachers play within these various conceptions, as covered in Learning Unit 3.
You are required to:
• Discuss your view on the role of the state, the parents, and the community in providing a safe and secure environment at the Nyandeni Primary School that Melokuhle Tshabalala attended.
• Your discussion must make reference to the positions of Locke, Plato, Mill, Adeyemi and Adeyinka and Guttman.
• Discuss the approach you think will have the greatest impact on the role of teachers in the South African classroom.
Task 3 — My Teaching Philosophy
This task consolidates all the Learning Units of your PRET7311 module. You are required to take the several philosophical and theoretical knowledge covered in the module, together with the various teaching experiences gained while studying at The IIE, to write your own personal philosophy of teaching.
You need to create your personal philosophy by making particular reference to the following:
