, PLEASE USE THIS DOCUMENT AS A GUIDE ONLY
QUESTION 1: THE TEACHER AS A PROFESSIONAL
1.1. Define the concept “a professional teacher” in the context of the teaching profession.
In the context of the teaching profession, a professional teacher is an individual who demonstrates a
commitment to the learning and well-being of all children, possesses a deep understanding of their
subject content, and adheres to a professional code of conduct. They are expected to be reflective
practitioners who take responsibility for their actions and collaborate with parents, colleagues, and
the community to ensure quality education (BPT1501, Learning Units, 2026, p. 21; Josef De Beer et
al., 2020, p. 14). They are also morally and ethically responsible for their conduct both inside and
outside the classroom (BPT1501, Learning Units, 2026, p. 15).
1.2. Identify THREE professional roles of a teacher that Thandi fails to fulfill. For each role,
briefly explain how her behavior in the scenario reflects a lack of professionalism.
Role: Learning Mediator / Facilitator of Learning
Thandi fails in this role because she is "not good with the subject content," which leads to a "high
failure rate of learners." A professional teacher must have a strong knowledge base to effectively
structure learning experiences. Her lack of content knowledge and unfinished lessons directly hinder
learners' ability to learn (BPT1501, Learning Units, 2026, p. 21; Josef De Beer et al., 2020, p. 10).
Role: Creating a Safe and Well-Managed Learning Environment
Thandi's behavior demonstrates a lack of classroom management and professional responsibility. She
"sometimes leaves learners unattended while attending to phone calls," which breaches her duty of
care and creates an unsafe environment. Additionally, the "disorderly classrooms" reported by
parents show a failure to establish the disciplined routines required for teaching and learning (Josef
De Beer et al., 2020, p. 15; BPT1501, Learning Units, 2026, p. 27).
Role: Assessor / Administrator of Discipline
Thandi acts unprofessionally by bombarding learners with "numerous assessment tasks" without
proper planning, turning assessment into a punitive measure rather than a learning tool. Furthermore,
when dealing with a disruptive learner, she sends the child out of the classroom "without following
the school’s disciplinary policy." A professional teacher follows established procedures and uses
disciplinary actions as a learning opportunity, not an arbitrary punishment (BPT1501, Learning Units,
2026, pp. 21-22; Josef De Beer et al., 2020, p. 17).
QUESTION 1: THE TEACHER AS A PROFESSIONAL
1.1. Define the concept “a professional teacher” in the context of the teaching profession.
In the context of the teaching profession, a professional teacher is an individual who demonstrates a
commitment to the learning and well-being of all children, possesses a deep understanding of their
subject content, and adheres to a professional code of conduct. They are expected to be reflective
practitioners who take responsibility for their actions and collaborate with parents, colleagues, and
the community to ensure quality education (BPT1501, Learning Units, 2026, p. 21; Josef De Beer et
al., 2020, p. 14). They are also morally and ethically responsible for their conduct both inside and
outside the classroom (BPT1501, Learning Units, 2026, p. 15).
1.2. Identify THREE professional roles of a teacher that Thandi fails to fulfill. For each role,
briefly explain how her behavior in the scenario reflects a lack of professionalism.
Role: Learning Mediator / Facilitator of Learning
Thandi fails in this role because she is "not good with the subject content," which leads to a "high
failure rate of learners." A professional teacher must have a strong knowledge base to effectively
structure learning experiences. Her lack of content knowledge and unfinished lessons directly hinder
learners' ability to learn (BPT1501, Learning Units, 2026, p. 21; Josef De Beer et al., 2020, p. 10).
Role: Creating a Safe and Well-Managed Learning Environment
Thandi's behavior demonstrates a lack of classroom management and professional responsibility. She
"sometimes leaves learners unattended while attending to phone calls," which breaches her duty of
care and creates an unsafe environment. Additionally, the "disorderly classrooms" reported by
parents show a failure to establish the disciplined routines required for teaching and learning (Josef
De Beer et al., 2020, p. 15; BPT1501, Learning Units, 2026, p. 27).
Role: Assessor / Administrator of Discipline
Thandi acts unprofessionally by bombarding learners with "numerous assessment tasks" without
proper planning, turning assessment into a punitive measure rather than a learning tool. Furthermore,
when dealing with a disruptive learner, she sends the child out of the classroom "without following
the school’s disciplinary policy." A professional teacher follows established procedures and uses
disciplinary actions as a learning opportunity, not an arbitrary punishment (BPT1501, Learning Units,
2026, pp. 21-22; Josef De Beer et al., 2020, p. 17).
