Educational supervision has many important functions. Some of these include providing leadership, formulating policies, studying learning situations, identifying areas that need improvement and providing methods for such improvement. Supervision also plays a role in improving interpersonal relationships, group interaction and educational outcomes.
1. Improving the Learning Situation
Through careful planning and co-operation between all parties, supervision plays a role in developing the learning situation. Instruction should be tailored to the individual needs of students, and the curriculum needs to be updated regularly. Teaching should be real-life focused, related to the character and needs of students, as well as the conditions of their family and community life. Teachers should also be kept updated with the latest research and developments in education.
2. Providing Leadership
Leadership can be defined as the process of achieving group goals. Without leadership, group action and cohesiveness can be jeopardised. Good leadership will maintain harmony within the group by promoting a sense of community and group effort. Democracy is an important factor influencing supervision, so any capable member can assume a leadership role.
3. Goal Development
Supervision ensures that teachers and supervisors work together to achieve the goals of the school organisation. School goals are derived from community goals, and goal development in the learning process requires the collective efforts of teachers and supervisors.
4. Improving Interpersonal Relationships
Supervision plays a role in establishing and maintaining good interpersonal relationships among all education workers. Harmonious relationships are created through good co-operation and mutual support among education staff.
5. Improving Group Interaction