The role of school managers in managing conflict between teachers and learners in schools at the Vhembe District

Abstract
This study investigated the role of school managers in managing conflicts between teachers and learners in schools at the Vhembe District of the Limpopo Province. It also described the impact of such conflicts on the academic performance of learners. The study aimed to establish why teachers and learners engage in conflicts, and the role that school managers could play in managing the conflicts. A mixed method approach was used for collection of data. Data were collected by means of questionnaires and face-to-face interviews. Both simple random and purposive sampling techniques were used to select 500 participants quantitatively and six respondents for the qualitative data. Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) 32 was used to analyse quantitative data. The study highlighted the significance of communication as the tool to use in conflict resolution through mediation and dialogue by the school managers. The effective way to holistically deal with the conflicts in schools is to involve parents, social workers and school governing bodies. Religious leaders, social workers and community leaders may be required as and when the need arises to address the moral decay. Mediation by school managers plays a significant role in effectively resolving conflicts. Findings further show that some of the conflicts require reaching a compromise between the two conflicting parties.
Description
A dissertation submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of academic requirement for the Degree of Master of Education in the Department of Planning and Administration at the University of Zululand, 2022
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