Reflect on the examples in the case study and choose one factor which would most likely force the groups at the school to interact:

Question

Task interdependence – the school’s success in the Grade 12 examinations will require hard work and dedication not only from the Grade 12 teachers, but from all the educators from Grade 8–12. They will be dependent upon one another to attain the goal of a 100% matric pass rate.

Locality – the teachers whose classrooms are located close to one another will show a greater opportunity to interact than teachers who are geographically removed from one another.

Task uncertainty – the resignation of the principal can stimulate group formation and motivate them to set new goals for the school.

Resources – the lack of resources can be addressed through groups sharing the resources and not through individuals’ claims on resources.

Answer 1

Among the factors listed in the case study, task interdependence appears to be the most influential in forcing the groups at the school to interact. The collective goal of achieving a 100% matric pass rate requires collaboration across various grade levels, which fosters a sense of shared responsibility among teachers from Grades 8 to 12.

In this scenario, teachers will have to engage in discussions and strategize together to ensure that their students are adequately prepared for the Grade 12 examinations. This interdependence necessitates regular communication, the sharing of teaching strategies and resources, and a united approach to curriculum planning and student support. As each grade builds upon the previous one, the teachers’ success becomes increasingly linked, prompting them to work collectively towards the shared objective of overall academic excellence.

In contrast, while locality, task uncertainty, and resource sharing can influence interaction, they do not inherently drive as strong a need for collaboration as task interdependence does in this context. The critical nature of student outcomes and the interconnectedness of teacher efforts make task interdependence a compelling force for interaction among the school groups.