Well, first we need to clarify the difference between these two types of models.
First, we have the competence model which according to Cobb, P.et.al.2003 “is based on the complex outcomes of a learning process (i.e. knowledge, skills and attitudes to be applied by learners) rather than mainly focusing on what learners are expected to learn about in terms of traditionally-defined subject content”. This will be facts, learning and knowledge-based subjects such as Languages, Technology, Science, Maths etc.
Secondly, we have a performance module which according to Cobb, P.et.al.2003 “can be defined as an activity or the accomplishment of a certain task measured against known standards of completeness that has been preset, accuracy, cost and speed”. This will be skills and performance-based subjects such as Physical education, Arts, Music etc.
When one look at the difference between competence and performance-based modules in the curriculum one can say that Life Skills is a performance-based module. It is clearly stated in the aims of the CAPS.
According to the School Curriculum & Department of Basic Education, 2011. “
- guide learners to achieve their full physical, intellectual, personal, emotional, and social potential;
- teach learners to exercise their constitutional rights and responsibilities and to respect the rights of others;
- guide learners to make informed and responsible decisions about their health and environment;
- develop creative, expressive, and innovative individuals;
- develop skills such as self-awareness, problem-solving, interpersonal relations, leadership, decision-making, and effective communication;
- provide learners with exposure to experiences and basic skills in dance, drama, music, and visual arts including arts literacy and appreciation; and
- allow learners to enjoy the health benefits of exercise and develop social skills through participation in Physical Education”.
All of the above mentioned aims started with the word guide, teach, develop, provide and allow. These are all comfort words which you can connect with performance base module learning. In performance based learning you guide the student, you develop their skills needed for the task in hand, you provide them with the necessarily tools and then allowing the to success. Listed in the CAPS document, page 10, point 2.2, nr.5 it says that the aim is yo develop skills of each student such as self-awareness, problem-solving, interpersonal relations, leadership, decision-making, and effective communication. These skills are valuable skills needed when one want to be successful. Your self awareness have to be pin point accurate. Problem solving is a key ingredient on becoming a great employee or employer. Interpersonal relations ,this skill set can help you be the best guy to talk to no matter if they are the cleaning staff or the top of the board staff ,they will always be comfortable coming to you with reasonable questions and seeking for advise. Leadership skills are needed in any situation you can find yourself in. Are you going to follow or lead? Almost everytime you will have to make a leadership decision for you and your team you are working with, whether its a group project, a school concert, a work meeting etc. Decision making is almost the same as problem solving ,they work hand in hand with each other. If you make a sensible decision with your team mates, problem solving will be much easier. Having to make decisions without anyone else concern will lead to a bigger problem.
2.Is the type of pedagogy expected from the curriculum made explicit? How can you infer what types of teaching methods and approaches should be followed?
Firstly we will need to know what pedagogy means and according to pedagogy. 2020. dictionary.com. “the function or work of a teacher” this means the method and practice of teaching and teaching methods. It can also be seen as the principles of study or educational strategies that are used to instruct students. According to Cobb, P.et.al.2003 “There are 4 basic types of teaching methods used worldwide: approach where teacher is a ‘center’ of learning, approach where students are a ‘center’ of study, approach of using low-tech information, approach of using high-tech materials”. Teaching methods and approaches is what define your outcome of your class/content.