Infrastructure Challenges during Teaching Creative Arts in the Foundation Phase
Keywords:
Classroom environment, creative arts, foundation phase, infrastructure challenges, teaching and learningAbstract
Creative Arts education is important in the Foundation Phase as it promotes learners' cognitive, emotional, and physical development. Infrastructure hinders learners from being creative, as it limits effective teaching of Creative Arts. The study aimed to explore infrastructure challenges during teaching Creative Arts in the Foundation Phase. A qualitative research methodology was used. Primary data was gathered through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. The population of this study was all teachers in Mopani East District. Of all the teachers in Mopani East District, four schools were sampled, with two teachers from each selected primary school. The selected teachers were purposively selected. Thematic analysis was applied to interpret the data and extract key insights. The study was underpinned by Lev Vygotsky's Sociocultural theory. The results indicated that limited classroom space, a shortage of resources, and the lack of appropriate art facilities hinder the use of interactive and hands-on teaching methods. As a result, teachers are often forced to rely on more theoretical approaches, reducing opportunities for learner engagement and creative expression. The study recommended the urgent need for improved infrastructure and resource allocation to support the effective implementation of Creative Arts education at the foundational level. Addressing this challenge may improve the process of teaching and learning Creative Arts and foster learners with creative skills.
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