The experience of meaning of South African secondary educators
The results showed that the participants conceptualise meaning as purpose and significance, and that the main sources of meaning related to work include the transfer of knowledge and making a positive difference in the learners’ lives. Forming relationships based on trust and receiving feedback was also important. The main mechanisms identified were effort and preparation. The experience of meaning leads educators to be happy and experiencing personal satisfaction.
Although most of these findings support literature, there are differences in the emphasis placed on some of the findings because of the context of education in South Africa. From the results, recommendations were made to create opportunities for educators to experience more meaning in their work.
