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Teacher training in South Africa faces significant challenges, including unequal resource distribution, outdated curricula, and insufficient practical experience, which contribute to poor learner outcomes. With high dropout rates among new teachers and persistent gaps in foundational skills, reforming teacher education is crucial for improving education quality.

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1. Strengthen Practical Teaching Experience 

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1. Strengthen Practical Teaching Experience 

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Idea: Extend the duration of teaching practicums and ensure mentorship from experienced teachers.

Why? Many new teachers struggle with classroom management and real-world teaching challenges.

Supporting Evidence:

- The Minimum Norms and Standards for Teacher Development (2015) emphasizes structured practical training.

- A study by Marais & Meier (2019) found that longer practicums improve teacher confidence and effectiveness.

Source: [DHET Norms and Standards](https://www.dhet.gov.za/)

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1. Strengthen Practical Teaching Experience (Teaching Practicum)

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2. Integrate Digital Literacy & EdTech Training

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2. Integrate Digital Literacy & EdTech Training

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Idea:Include digital pedagogy in teacher training to prepare educators for blended learning.

Why? Many schools lack tech-savvy teachers, especially in rural areas.

Supporting Evidence:

- UNESCO (2020) highlights the need for digital skills in teacher training.

- South Africa’s Initial Teacher Education (ITE) Review (2021) recommends EdTech integration.

Source: [UNESCO ICT in Education](https://unesdoc.unesco.org/)

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2. Integrate Digital Literacy & EdTech Training

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3. Improve Subject Knowledge & Pedagogical Content Knowledge

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3. Improve Subject Knowledge & Pedagogical Content Knowledge

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Idea: Strengthen subject-specific teaching methods, especially in STEM and African languages.

Why? Many teachers lack deep content knowledge, affecting learner performance.

Supporting Evidence:

- Taylor (2019) found weak PCK in South African science/math teachers.

- DBE’s National Policy Framework (2020) calls for improved subject training.

Source: [DBE Policy Framework](https://www.education.gov.za/)

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3. Improve Subject Knowledge & Pedagogical Content Knowledge

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4. Establish Mentorship Programs for New Teachers

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4. Establish Mentorship Programs for New Teachers

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Idea: Pair novice teachers with experienced mentors for the first 2 years.

Why? High attrition rates occur due to lack of support.

Supporting Evidence:

- OECD (2018) shows mentorship reduces dropout rates.

- SACE’s Teacher Induction Policy (2021) supports structured mentorship.

Source: [SACE Induction Guidelines](https://www.sace.org.za/)

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4. Establish Mentorship Programs for New Teachers

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5. Enhance Teacher Training for Inclusive Education

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5. Enhance Teacher Training for Inclusive Education

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Idea: Train teachers to support learners with disabilities and diverse needs.

Why? Many schools lack inclusive teaching strategies.

Supporting Evidence:

- White Paper 6 on Inclusive Education (2001) mandates inclusive training.

- UNICEF (2022) reports gaps in teacher preparedness for disabilities.

Source: [DBE White Paper 6](https://www.education.gov.za/)

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5. Enhance Teacher Training for Inclusive Education