Bachelor of Education Honours in Business Science Education

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification with specialisation in the subject field of Business Science Education, aims to promote and develop critical thinking and deeper understanding of education and specifically in Business Science Education research.

The qualification further aims to equip teachers with a high level of theoretical engagement and intellectual independence with regards to relevant aspects of Business Science Education; to acquire specialised knowledge and integrated pedagogical skills pertaining to complex aspects and issues within the subject field of Business Science Education; and to deepen the teacher's expertise in Business Science Education. The teacher will develop an understanding of the important role of research in education and will be trained to perform independent educational research, aimed at authentic and relevant problems in Business Science Education.

This qualification aims at assisting Higher Education to fulfil the country's need for better equipped and qualified teachers with an in-depth understanding of Business Science Education. The qualification also prepares teacher for further postgraduate studies at master's level and beyond.

Rationale

The subject Business Studies at school deals with the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values critical for informed, productive, ethical and responsible participation in the formal and informal economic sectors. The subject encompasses business principles, theory and practice that underpin the development of entrepreneurial initiatives, sustainable enterprises and economic growth.

The inclusion of Business Studies in the national school curriculum, serves the purpose of developing, apart from Business Studies knowledge and skills, but also problem-solving, creative, and higher order thinking skills in learners. The objective of the qualification, and the high number of schools offering the subject, to enable teachers to be cognisant of the subject content and to advance a level of expertise regarding the teaching-learning of Business Studies.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

The University and the Faculty of Education Sciences subscribe to the principles underlying outcomes-based, source-based and lifelong learning. In this context, considerations of articulation and mobility play an important role. The university endorses the view that recognition of prior learning (RPL) constitutes an essential element of the transformation of access and admissions policies at education institutions in South Africa. The transformation of access and admissions policies is intended to increase participation and to broaden access to higher education in order to produce graduates with the skills and competencies necessary to meet the human resource needs of the country.

The University and Faculty acknowledge that the Recognition of Prior Learning will be conducted in a valid, reliable and equitable way, and that it must take place in accordance with the terms of the University's policy on the Recognition of Prior Learning and in accordance with the relevant procedures laid down by the Faculty.

Recognition of Prior Learning, gained either through formal qualifications obtained at this or other institutions, or informally (through experience), may be considered when deciding on granting of credits for modules in this particular qualification. The student will be informed about the mechanisms to be used. At all times the level of skills and competence, reviewed in the context of the exit level outcomes required for this qualification, or the outcomes of modules within it, will be the determining factor. Therefore, teachers with proven knowledge and expertise will be allowed to apply for exemption from certain modules on grounds of prior learning experience and/or qualifications obtained. In all cases, recognition will be considered under the conditions of the institution's policies and approval by the Faculty's structures.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entrance requirements are a

• Bachelor of Education Degree with Business Studies as a major subject.

Or

• Bachelor's Degree with Business Studies or Business Management subject.

Or

• Postgraduate Certificate in Education with two subject methodology modules in the Economic and Management Sciences (Tourism, Accounting or Economics) or Business Studies subject methodology.

This qualification consists of compulsory modules at Level 8 totalling 128 Credits.

Modules at Level 8: 128 Credits

• Foundations of Education Research, 16 Credits.
• Teaching, learning and assessment, 16 Credits.
• Curriculum Development, 16 Credits.
• Marketing Management for Business Science Education, 16 Credits.
• Management of Finances for Business Science Education, 16 Credits.
• Human Resources for Business Science Education, 16 Credits.
• Research Project, 32 Credits.

1. Demonstrate knowledge of and engagement in underlying theories and research methodologies relevant to education in general and of business studies, financial marketing and human resource management in particular, as well as an understanding of how to apply newly acquired knowledge and skills in the field of Business Science Education.
2. Critically analyse and evaluate knowledge in Business Science Education to contribute to systematic and disciplined thinking about educational matters and issues, with particular reference to Business Science Education research.
3. Conduct supervised research inquiry in Business Science Education, and report findings in academically appropriate ways to develop research capacity in the field of Business Science Education.
4. Exhibit the potential to act as academic leaders and experts in the field of Business Science Education.
5. Make responsible decisions and solve problems in respect to crucial educational matters, with particular reference to Business Science Education research.
6. Apply in a self-critical manner learning strategies which effectively address own professional needs and on-going learning needs, research inquiry as well as the needs of others.
7. Take full responsibility for own work, decision-making and use of resources, as well as full accountability of others in the workplace, where appropriate.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Understand the principles and concepts underpinning Education as field of study and apply extensive knowledge of theories, practices and methods relevant to the field of Business Science Education.
• Identify appropriate research approaches and methodologies applicable in the field of Education in general, and of Business Science Education in particular.
• Understand the principles and concepts underpinning Education as field of study and its boundaries and limitations so as to assess the weight of various kinds of evidence for claims and theories in the field of Education.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the variety of educational contexts in which education theory might apply.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Understand the principles and concepts underpinning Education as field of study and apply extensive knowledge of theories, practices and methods relevant to the field of Business Science Education.
• Identify appropriate research approaches and methodologies applicable in the field of Education in general, and of Business Science Education in particular.
• Understand the principles and concepts underpinning Education as field of study and its boundaries and limitations so as to assess the weight of various kinds of evidence for claims and theories in the field of Education.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the variety of educational contexts in which education theory might apply.
• Critically analyse theoretical paradigms, concepts, ideas, issues and problems in the field of Education.
• Show by example a philosophical sensitivity to and an understanding of pertinent theoretical paradigms, concepts, ideas, issues, problems and trends, locally as well as globally.
• Identify appropriate research approaches and methodologies applicable in the field of Education in general, and of Business Science Education in particular.
• Research and report on the current status of Business Studies training at secondary school level in South Africa and internationally.
• Apply disciplined thinking to the content and context of Business Science Education and research.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Understand the principles and concepts underpinning Education as field of study and apply extensive knowledge of theories, practices and methods relevant to the field of Business Science Education.
• Identify appropriate research approaches and methodologies applicable in the field of Education in general, and of Business Science Education in particular.
• Understand the principles and concepts underpinning Education as field of study and its boundaries and limitations so as to assess the weight of various kinds of evidence for claims and theories in the field of Education.
• Demonstrate an awareness of the variety of educational contexts in which education theory might apply.
• Show evidence of knowledge and skills of the foundations of Education research.
• Show competence in understanding and applying basic research methodologies in a multi-method approach relevant to the field of Business Science Education.
• Undertake a research project, choose a relevant topic, state the identified problem in context of existing literature and research.
• Choose an appropriate design, applicable method and a suitable strategy to collect, interpret, analyse, synthesise and evaluate the data being investigated.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Apply extensive knowledge and critical thinking in the area of Business Science Education to solve complex problems related to the field of Education.
• Review and conduct research on curriculum issues related to the South African and other education systems.
• Illustrate how research in curriculum evaluation can be used to effect curriculum improvement in the area of Business Science Education.
• Design and apply curriculum evaluation instruments regarding Business Studies in the school situation.
• Initiate Business Science Education research to ensure growth and lifelong learning in the area of Business Sciences Education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Manage an array of specialised skills including problem solving, management skills and critical thinking skills.
• Identify, analyse and address complex and abstract problems, drawing systematically on the body of knowledge and methods appropriate to Business Science Education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Apply appropriate learning and self-directed learning strategies to conduct outcomes, tasks and projects.
• Regulate own professional needs and the needs of others in research inquiry.
• Demonstrate the skills and disposition needed to stay up-to-date with Business Science Education and remain a lifelong learner.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 7

• Take full responsibility for tasks, outcomes and projects, make decisions regarding the use of resources to effectively address personal professional needs and on-going learning needs, as well as the needs of others, in a self-critical manner.

Integrated Assessment

Theoretical and practical components will be assessed together during integrated assessment, and various formative and summative assessment tools and methods will be implemented to ensure confirmation of the mastering of all the outcomes and related workplace competencies, such as written assignments, written tests, case studies and case presentations as well as group discussions. Advanced information retrieval and processing skills and critical analysis projects, will prove integration and application of the knowledge, critical thinking and communication of information.

Summative assessment in each of the modules in the qualification will be conducted by means of a written examination. The project report will determine whether the teacher is able to demonstrate critical application of theory, concepts, principles, rules, processes and structures to solve real world problems and issues. The outcome of the mini-dissertation will also determine the student's ability to find new information and to integrate this information with existing knowledge.