This brand new book addresses disability issues, including inclusive education, advocacy and empowerment. Aimed specifically at students studying in South Africa, this book attempts to plug the gap between policy, services and rights for disabled people in South Africa, whilst also helping readers to find a new world view. This book is suitable for both first year undergraduates in inclusive education and senior students and also academics looking to advance theory and lay good foundations for comprehensive, evidence-based practice.

Realigning Teacher Training in the 21st Century is the product of extensive research that was conducted by UNISA academics in five provinces in South Africa. In this project, 500 primary schools were targeted and the research aimed to find out how Annual National Assessments were affecting the performance of the learners. In addition, the study explored the curriculum and its challenges in schools. The findings clearly indicated that these schools face many challenges and that there is a need to realign teacher training in South Africa so that teaching and learning address the issues uncovered by the research. This book addresses ways that this realignment can happen. Each chapter focuses on a particular aspect or challenge, relating to the subjects that were targeted in the research project. The chapters offer a theoretical approach, where appropriate, and focus on practical changes that can be implemented.

Contrary to traditional perceptions of learning, in which the teacher does all the talking or learners sit quietly at their desks, this book promotes learning as an interactive activity.

Through conversations learners become active participants in their own learning, thereby producing and developing their own ideas through the medium of language.