Postgraduate Diploma in Life Orientation

Purpose

The purpose of this qualification is to strengthen as well as deepening teachers' knowledge, skills, attitudes and values in Life Orientation (LO) including practical application of knowledge in the working environment. Competencies in Life Orientation will be extended and an additional role in supporting teaching and learning (Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education Qualification. Furthermore, qualifying learners should be able to relate the acquired knowledge to a range of diverse contexts. Also, they should be able to apply a high level of theoretical engagement by showing a high level of intellectual independence professionalism in the discipline of Life Orientation.

The qualification aims to promote human rights, values, morality, health promotion, values, spiritual intelligence and sustainability within the African context. Qualifying learners will through practical and problem-based projects in their work environment, acquire the necessary skills in teaching methodology, facilitation and counselling in LO. Furthermore, they will be able to instil an appreciation of LO in teaching and learning environments. Also, the learners will have problem-solving skills, have ethical and professional practices, manage to learn in diverse contexts and be accountable for his or her work.

Rationale

Postgraduate Diploma in Life Orientation addresses the teacher, learner needs and societal challenges that affect one's holistic development. Learners enrolling for this qualification should be in the teaching profession or be subject advisors, curriculum planners and policymakers in the field of Education. The qualification targets learners with NQF Level 7 who have a Bachelor's Degree and or a Diploma at NQF Level 6.

The qualification aims to equip learners with competencies that will be integrated into their teaching of the subject Life Orientation. The qualification offers learners skills for practical application of knowledge, skills and values in Life Orientation classrooms.

Learners who qualify in this qualification will be able to address the challenges that learners face in their diverse contexts. Furthermore, they will be able to demonstrate and interrogate knowledge on theories in Life Orientation and apply in a classroom context.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

This qualification may be achieved in part according to the institution's Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) policy, which includes learning outcomes achieved through formal, informal and non-formal learning and work experience. The RPL plan for this qualification will align itself to the institution's RPL policy. There are clear guidelines for portfolio development, and the relevant lecturers are responsible for conducting all assessment.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Education, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Diploma in Education plus an Advanced Diploma in Education, NQF Level 7.

Or

• Bachelor's Degree plus a PGCE, NQF Level 7.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory modules at NQF Level 8 totalling 120 Credits.

Compulsory Modules, Level 8, 120 Credits.

• Africanisation within the Context of Life Orientation, 24 Credits.
• Facilitation of Life Orientation in Diverse Teaching and Learning Contexts, 24 Credits.
• Understanding Counselling and Supporting Learners from Diverse Contexts, 24 Credits.
• Promoting Values and Spiritual Intelligence in Education, 24 Credits.
• Linking the World of School and the World of Work, 24 Credits.

1. Interrogate the body of knowledge that underpin Life Orientation.
2. Describe various perspectives and legislation on values education.
3. Explore various facilitation strategies and the design of lessons in Life Orientation.
4. Critically analyse Educational strategies, counselling skills that support learners from diverse contexts.
5. Examine theoretical approaches used in career guidance and counselling.
6. Identify and implement relevant theories for solving life challenges in the African context.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1

• Distinguish indigenous philosophies that serve as a lens for Life Orientation.
• Consult and discuss the body of knowledge from Western and African perspectives.
• Explain legislation applicable to Life Orientation.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2

• Compare and contrast the different approaches to values education.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3

• Reveal various facilitation strategies that teachers will use to support teaching and learning.
• Evaluate facilitation strategies from an African perspective.
• Contextualise and apply facilitation strategies and the design of lessons in diverse teaching and learning situations.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4

• Examine counselling skills relevant for learner support.
• Evaluate educational strategies for learner support.
• Apply counselling skills relevant for learner support.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5

• Identify and analyse the theoretical foundations of career guidance and counselling foregrounded within the context of Africanisation and UNGC principles.
• Identify career information and access to post-school institutions and financial aid.
• Examine learnerships/internships and prospective employment opportunities available to learners.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6

• Disclose relevant theories for practical problem-solving in the teaching and learning context.
• Delineate exercises depicting acquired skills in solving life challenges.
• Apply relevant theories for practical problem-solving in the teaching and learning context.

Integrated Assessment

For the award of the qualification, a learner must pass all the modules. Furthermore, the learners must be able to demonstrate the knowledge, a skill acquired and applied in their work environment. Through formative and summative assessment, learners must be able to provide evidence on how they use knowledge and skills of Life Orientation in an integrative way.