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THEORY DEVELOPMENT FOR THE ENHANCEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE:
INTROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS BY AN EDUCATIONAL PRACTITIONER (nboaduo@wsu.ac.za)
Dr. NAP Boaduo FRC WALTER SISULU UNIVERSITY
ABSTRACT
Theories, by their nature, are problem statements and call for solutions. To get to the solutions there is need to hypothesize about the problem statement and carry on with a research which may or may not lead to solutions. It may even reveal further theories for added solutions. This characteristic of theories creates a cyclical spiral to all forms of theories which may lead to understanding or additional confusion or both. Theories become ideas and assumptions that explain phenomena and may create further unexplained phenomena. Practitioners of education must have general and specific knowledge and understanding of the norms and goals of theories that govern their practice. A comprehensive knowledge of the methods of scientific enquiry of theory development and of the pertinent criteria for evaluating theories for practical application must be thoroughly understood and applied. Understanding of the development of theories is essential for any professional practitioner who may wish to implement well- grounded theoretical knowledge to contribute to the expansion of the knowledge serviceable to human kind. This paper posits that critical examination and assessment of the validity of accumulated knowledge are necessary; that those theoretical and methodological problems which preclude the testability of a theory and the interpretation of empirical findings must be explored to increase the likelihood that research will be replicated in order to examine the accuracy of the empirical support claimed for theoretical predictions and the examination of the validity of cumulative knowledge for subsequent application. Here lies the need for the development of theories for professional practice.
KEYWORDS
Development, theory, enhancement, professional practice, teaching and learning
Educational Research in South Africa: Practices and Perspectives 1