Qualitative analysis of interviews with key informants
A purposive sampling strategy was implemented for this qualitative study, which allowed for the synthesis of the researcher’s auto-ethnographic inquiry' and the ethnographic inquiry of a heterogeneous sample. This approach benefitted the research as it correlated a diverse range of perspectives, experiences and attitudes critical to understanding RPL in different contexts. The sample therefore included a group of key informants from contexts other than the architectural profession, who actively engage with RPL through research, policy development, teaching and/or practice. The sample population was broadly categorised according to experiences in the following domains: national legislative structures, professional body' committees, voluntary' associations, research and publication on RPL, implementation of RPL in education and/or practice and engagement with RPL for professional articulation. The sample population specifically' included experiences in more than one of the listed domains. The semi-structured interviews were conducted as conversations, mostly in informal settings, that would capture the essence of challenges, opportunities and strategies related to RPL in the context of professional education in South Africa.
Table 5.1 outlines the list of key informants and their relevant experiences, which are substantiated in the discussion which follows.
Comparative analysis of responses
This section illustrates a critical comparative analysis of the responses of the different interviewees to identify the most pertinent areas of potential value and those needing improvement for the effective implementation of RPL. Refer to Annexure A for detailed transcripts of the interviews. The analysis is structured along the same sequence as the interview schedule in the following order: perceptions of RPL, challenges, strategies and quality assurance.
Tabte 5.1 Key informants and their relevant experiences
|
List of informants |
Relevant experience |
|
Dr Shirley Lloyd Dr Heidi Bolton Mr Malcolm Campbell |
DHET: Director of the NQF - recently retired RPL Researcher Director in Professional Practice + Past SACAP President + Past Head of Department of Architecture Peninsula Technikon (PENTEC, now known as CPUT), Current SACAP Education and IDOW Committee Member |
Prof. Linda Cooper RPL Author, Researcher and Academic
Dr Mignomre Breier RPL Author, Researcher Development, Research
|
DrFinzi Saidi |
Academic: University of Johannesburg. Past Vice Dean of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture; Researcher on Transformation of the Architectural Curriculum; SACAP Education Committee Member |
|
Prof. Andre van Graan |
Academic: Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) + University of Cape Town (UCT), Past Head of Department CPUT, South African Institute of Architecture (SAIA) |
|
Ms Jolanda Morkel Dr Debbie Whelan |
Academic: CPUT + Online Learning Researcher- Academic: Lincoln University (UK), Past Head of Department Durban University of Technology (DUT) |
|
Mr Videsh Boodu |
Architectural Technologist, SACAP RPL Beta Tester, Vice President of the South African Institute of Building Design (SAIBD) |
|
Mr Mohammed Mohidien |
Architectural Draughstperson in Private Practice + SACAP Council Member + President of the South African Institute of Draughting (SAID) |
|
Mr Rowen Ruiters |
Professional Architectural Technologist; Former 3rd & 4th Term SACAP Council Member |
|
Mr Shervin Kuppan |
Senior Architectural Technologist in Private Practice, Member of DUT Architecture Advisory Board |
|
Mr Jonathan Maiming |
Architect in Private Practice, Employer, Member of SACAP Education Committee + Former RPL Sub-Committee, Member of SACAP Validation Board |
