Magister Educationis - Med / This is a reflective study of the factors that influenced the performance of learners in Physical Sciences National Senior Certificate examinations in four secondary schools in a district in Eastern Cape. The study considered factors that influenced the matric results for a period of five years in a district in the Eastern Cape (from 2010 to 2015) National Senior Certificate results. The study was conducted to identify the indicators that could positively influence physical sciences results after many years of underperformance in the subject. This study was underpinned by the theory of reflective practice. As part of an intervention strategy, learners completed an intensive programme of teaching during school hours, extra classes, practical work and assessment. The four school principals were purposively selected for interviews. Four Physical Sciences educators from the four senior secondary schools and 12 post-grade 12 learners from each senior secondary school were all interviewed. Post-grade 12 learners were randomly selected for interviews. The researcher used a reflective journal as a method of examining the reflections by the respondents. Teachers reflected on their teachings to improve their practices that make science learning more meaningful to both learners and teachers The findings indicate that extra classes provided sufficient time to complete the syllabus, to conduct experiments and to administer practical tests. Regular assessment in theory and practical work showed the improvement in attainment of good physical sciences results in all the four participating schools. Instructional supervision from the managers also assisted in developing teacher skills. It was recommended that the DoE should use experts in teacher training and professional development activities. School management systems should play an active role in teacher support and the supervision of instructional work.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the technology teacher attitude toward the subject of technology and link this to the use of NTA (Science and technology for all) in the primary school (graders 4-6) technical education. As Teknikforetagen (2006) stress in their report, the subject seems to be an undisclosed topic that often is combined with the science subjects. There, the science-orientating subjects get a higher priority than the technology. According to several reports, NTA has had a positive result in the teaching it is aimed at. The method of study is a qualitative survey consisting of interviews with middle school technical teachers. The interviews consisted of both technical teachers who use NTA in education and technology teachers without NTA. The result shows that NTA contributes to more practical work in technology, that teachers save time collecting materials, but also that collegial learning in technology increases. Overall, none of the interviewed teachers uses a textbook as support in the teaching. It differs from many other subjects in elementary school. The interviewed teachers generally have a positive attitude towards the subject of technology. / Syftet med den här studien är att undersöka tekniklärares inställning till ämnet teknik och koppla detta till användandet av NTA (Naturvetenskap och teknik för alla) i den teknikundervisning som bedrivs på mellanstadiet. Granskar man det Teknikföretagen (2006) påpekar i sin rapport verkar teknikämnet vara ett undanskymt ämne som ofta står under NO-blocket. Där får de naturorienterande ämnena en högre prioritet än tekniken. NTA har enligt flera rapporter haft ett positivt resultat i undervisningen den är syftad till. Metoden för studien är en kvalitativ undersökning som består av intervjuer med nio stycken tekniklärare på mellanstadiet. Intervjuerna har genomförts med tekniklärare som använder NTA i undervisningen samt tekniklärare som inte använder NTA. Resultatet visar att NTA bidrar till mer praktiskt arbete i teknik, att lärarna sparar tid i att samla material men också att det kollegiala lärandet i teknik ökar. Överlag i teknikämnet använder ingen av de intervjuade lärarna en lärobok som stöd i undervisningen. Det skiljer sig mot många andra ämnen i grundskolan. De intervjuade lärarna har överlag en positiv inställning till ämnet teknik.

Inquiry-based teaching and learning has been infused in practical work in science classrooms in schools internationally. However, confirmatory rather than inquirybased practical work is prevalent in many South African Physical Science classrooms, especially in resource-constrained schools. Against this background, this study addresses the scarcity in a professional development framework (PDF) to support these teachers. The PDF was developed using a research process based on the development studies approach in educational design research. The process involved three research cycles, including a systematic literature review from an international perspective (cycle one and two) and a multi-method, multi-case study in South African schools (cycle three). In each research cycle consisting of an analysis, design/develop prototype, and formative evaluation phase, design principles were generated or revised as a basis for developing the PDF. The case study included interviews, observation and document analysis in favour of a context and needs analysis. The formative evaluation methods consisted of screening and one-to-one evaluation, with the quality criteria evolving from relevance (content validity) to relevance and consistency (construct validity) and finally to expected practically and expected effectiveness. The primary outcomes included ten design principles and the associated context-specific version of the PDF. The PDF contained eight primary components: learning phases, learning theory, professional development strategy (lesson study), instructional functions (for example, reviewing learning periodically), teacher motivation (intrinsic and extrinsic), instructional design perspective, attending to contextual factors, and professional development goals. The first primary goal was to create an environment that better supports teacher learning and practice in the design and implementation of IBPW in South African Physical Science classrooms in resource-constrained schools. The second primary goal was to enhance the competences, professional identity and practice of teachers in the design and implementation of IBPW. The process involved in developing the PDF in addition to the PDF and the ten associated design principles could be considered by users in interventions towards enhancing the design and implementation of IBPW in the present and other contexts. The users include policy makers and professional development providers. Also, though the PDF is potentially effective and practical, researchers are encouraged to evaluate its actual effectiveness and practicality. / Thesis (PhD)--University of Pretoria, 2017. / Science, Mathematics and Technology Education / PhD / Unrestricted

Denna studie syftar till att undersöka och analysera vilken påverkan det har på elevers lärande beroende på om teori eller praktiskt arbete introduceras först i naturvetenskaplig undervisning. Under arbetets gång har lärande till största del kommit att handla om språkutveckling. I studien har vi använt oss av kvalitativa intervjuer när vi intervjuade klasslärarna. De gjordes för att få reda på elevernas tidigare erfarenheter av arbete inom naturvetenskap samt om det fanns några anledningar till fördelningen av eleverna i de olika halvklasserna. Vi har även genomfört observationer. Först genomfördes en lektion där vi tog reda på elevernas förkunskaper. Därefter genomfördes fyra lektioner med lösningar respektive blandningar, där eleverna observerades. Data samlades in med hjälp av ljudinspelning som vi sedan transkriberade. Två av fyra lektioner introducerades med praktiskt arbete först och de två andra lektionerna introducerades med teori först. Avslutningsvis genomfördes en lektion där fokus låg på utvärdering av hur eleverna tillägnat sig de nya kunskaperna beroende på om praktiskt arbete eller teori introducerades först i undervisningen genom att eleverna återigen fick fylla i sina tankekartor som de även fått göra i förkunskapslektionen. När vi har tolkat all data vi samlat in har vi använt oss av innehållsanalys. Resultatet blev att utifrån elevernas tankekartor kunde vi se att eleverna hade utökat sina ord och förklaringar och överlag hade deras kunskap förbättras. Vi fick även ett resultat som visade på att beroende på om praktiskt arbete eller teori introducerats först kunde små skillnader synliggöras som till exempel motivation samt kreativitet. Det fanns även skillnader i elevernas språkutveckling i hur de använde vardagsspråk, hybridspråk och skolspråk beroende på om praktiskt arbete eller teori introducerats först.  Slutsatserna blev att det inte har någon markant betydelse för elevers lärande om teori eller praktiskt arbete introducerats först. Ytterligare slutsatser är att det är nödvändigt att ha avsatt tid i lektionen för att eleverna ska få möjlighet att föra samman teori och praktiskt arbete för att det ska bidra till ett meningsfullt lärande där de kan se helheten. En annan slutsats är att i lektioner där praktiskt arbete introducerats först kan man se att eleverna gått från vardagsspråk till hybridspråk till skolspråk och i lektioner där teori introducerats först har eleverna gått från vardagsspråk till skolspråk nästan direkt.

The purpose of this study was to find out if there is a relationship between teacher-learner interactions and laboratory learning environment in Chemistry practicals in Namibia. Literatures and questionnaires from 1383 learners and 12 teachers have proven that the interactions between teacher and learners have great impact on the performance, understanding and the environment that prevail in the laboratory. The main data collection methods used was the mixed method research through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The results from the study show that good teacher-learner interactions have contributed to the positive learning environment that prevails in Namibian schools. Although the majority of the learners especially the girls have negative connotations towards Chemistry in terms of content, calculations and assessment generally learners look forward and are excited to do experiments in practical work. The impact of the excitement and willingness of learners to do practical investigations has not proven to improve learners‘ performance in Chemistry practical work in Namibia. The majority of the learners rated their teachers as good in subject knowledge, good leaders, helpful and friendly during practical investigations. The shortage of chemicals, equipments in laboratory activities that should have inspired involvement of learners in handling equipments is one of the factors that contributed negatively to the learning environment and teacher-learners interactions. Teachers mostly resolve to demonstrations due to lack of chemicals and equipment. Some schools show low/poor level of learner-learner interactions because some learners tease, laugh and discourage others during practical investigations. Chemistry laboratories in Namibia are characterised by lack of equipment, chemicals, poorly behave learners while on the other hand there are good behaviours from the teachers‘ side with most learners showing that their teachers always try to make the best out of the prevailing situations in the laboratories. The laboratory environment in Namibia closely resemble laboratory environment in other studies in Asia, Africa and Europe. From empirical evidence it can be therefore concluded that there is a relationship between teacher-learner interactions and laboratory learning environment in Chemistry practicals in Namibia. Although the relationship is not as harmonious or congruent as it ought to be, the government of Namibia can play a greater role in creating positive, productive and enjoyable learning environment by supplying secondary schools‘ laboratories with the needed equipment and chemicals to support the practical work as stated in the Physical Science syllabi. The three questionnaire used were rated by learners and teacher as effective; easy to understand; covering most areas of the Chemistry environment; not time consuming, statistically valid and consistent. The changes made to the questionnaire fit well to the Namibia Chemistry environment and it produced nearly the same reliability and validity when compared to the pilot study questionnaire and other similar questionnaires used in other country. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics of Education)

The purpose of this study was to find out if there is a relationship between teacher-learner interactions and laboratory learning environment in Chemistry practicals in Namibia. Literatures and questionnaires from 1383 learners and 12 teachers have proven that the interactions between teacher and learners have great impact on the performance, understanding and the environment that prevail in the laboratory. The main data collection methods used was the mixed method research through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The results from the study show that good teacher-learner interactions have contributed to the positive learning environment that prevails in Namibian schools. Although the majority of the learners especially the girls have negative connotations towards Chemistry in terms of content, calculations and assessment generally learners look forward and are excited to do experiments in practical work. The impact of the excitement and willingness of learners to do practical investigations has not proven to improve learners‘ performance in Chemistry practical work in Namibia. The majority of the learners rated their teachers as good in subject knowledge, good leaders, helpful and friendly during practical investigations. The shortage of chemicals, equipments in laboratory activities that should have inspired involvement of learners in handling equipments is one of the factors that contributed negatively to the learning environment and teacher-learners interactions. Teachers mostly resolve to demonstrations due to lack of chemicals and equipment. Some schools show low/poor level of learner-learner interactions because some learners tease, laugh and discourage others during practical investigations. Chemistry laboratories in Namibia are characterised by lack of equipment, chemicals, poorly behave learners while on the other hand there are good behaviours from the teachers‘ side with most learners showing that their teachers always try to make the best out of the prevailing situations in the laboratories. The laboratory environment in Namibia closely resemble laboratory environment in other studies in Asia, Africa and Europe. From empirical evidence it can be therefore concluded that there is a relationship between teacher-learner interactions and laboratory learning environment in Chemistry practicals in Namibia. Although the relationship is not as harmonious or congruent as it ought to be, the government of Namibia can play a greater role in creating positive, productive and enjoyable learning environment by supplying secondary schools‘ laboratories with the needed equipment and chemicals to support the practical work as stated in the Physical Science syllabi. The three questionnaire used were rated by learners and teacher as effective; easy to understand; covering most areas of the Chemistry environment; not time consuming, statistically valid and consistent. The changes made to the questionnaire fit well to the Namibia Chemistry environment and it produced nearly the same reliability and validity when compared to the pilot study questionnaire and other similar questionnaires used in other country. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics of Education)

The purpose of this study was to find out if there is a relationship between teacher-learner interactions and laboratory learning environment in Chemistry practicals in Namibia. Literatures and questionnaires from 1383 learners and 12 teachers have proven that the interactions between teacher and learners have great impact on the performance, understanding and the environment that prevail in the laboratory. The main data collection methods used was the mixed method research through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The results from the study show that good teacher-learner interactions have contributed to the positive learning environment that prevails in Namibian schools. Although the majority of the learners especially the girls have negative connotations towards Chemistry in terms of content, calculations and assessment generally learners look forward and are excited to do experiments in practical work. The impact of the excitement and willingness of learners to do practical investigations has not proven to improve learners‘ performance in Chemistry practical work in Namibia. The majority of the learners rated their teachers as good in subject knowledge, good leaders, helpful and friendly during practical investigations. The shortage of chemicals, equipments in laboratory activities that should have inspired involvement of learners in handling equipments is one of the factors that contributed negatively to the learning environment and teacher-learners interactions. Teachers mostly resolve to demonstrations due to lack of chemicals and equipment. Some schools show low/poor level of learner-learner interactions because some learners tease, laugh and discourage others during practical investigations. Chemistry laboratories in Namibia are characterised by lack of equipment, chemicals, poorly behave learners while on the other hand there are good behaviours from the teachers‘ side with most learners showing that their teachers always try to make the best out of the prevailing situations in the laboratories. The laboratory environment in Namibia closely resemble laboratory environment in other studies in Asia, Africa and Europe. From empirical evidence it can be therefore concluded that there is a relationship between teacher-learner interactions and laboratory learning environment in Chemistry practicals in Namibia. Although the relationship is not as harmonious or congruent as it ought to be, the government of Namibia can play a greater role in creating positive, productive and enjoyable learning environment by supplying secondary schools‘ laboratories with the needed equipment and chemicals to support the practical work as stated in the Physical Science syllabi. The three questionnaire used were rated by learners and teacher as effective; easy to understand; covering most areas of the Chemistry environment; not time consuming, statistically valid and consistent. The changes made to the questionnaire fit well to the Namibia Chemistry environment and it produced nearly the same reliability and validity when compared to the pilot study questionnaire and other similar questionnaires used in other country. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics of Education)

The purpose of this study was to find out if there is a relationship between teacher-learner interactions and laboratory learning environment in Chemistry practicals in Namibia. Literatures and questionnaires from 1383 learners and 12 teachers have proven that the interactions between teacher and learners have great impact on the performance, understanding and the environment that prevail in the laboratory. The main data collection methods used was the mixed method research through the use of questionnaires and interviews. The results from the study show that good teacher-learner interactions have contributed to the positive learning environment that prevails in Namibian schools. Although the majority of the learners especially the girls have negative connotations towards Chemistry in terms of content, calculations and assessment generally learners look forward and are excited to do experiments in practical work. The impact of the excitement and willingness of learners to do practical investigations has not proven to improve learners‘ performance in Chemistry practical work in Namibia. The majority of the learners rated their teachers as good in subject knowledge, good leaders, helpful and friendly during practical investigations. The shortage of chemicals, equipments in laboratory activities that should have inspired involvement of learners in handling equipments is one of the factors that contributed negatively to the learning environment and teacher-learners interactions. Teachers mostly resolve to demonstrations due to lack of chemicals and equipment. Some schools show low/poor level of learner-learner interactions because some learners tease, laugh and discourage others during practical investigations. Chemistry laboratories in Namibia are characterised by lack of equipment, chemicals, poorly behave learners while on the other hand there are good behaviours from the teachers‘ side with most learners showing that their teachers always try to make the best out of the prevailing situations in the laboratories. The laboratory environment in Namibia closely resemble laboratory environment in other studies in Asia, Africa and Europe. From empirical evidence it can be therefore concluded that there is a relationship between teacher-learner interactions and laboratory learning environment in Chemistry practicals in Namibia. Although the relationship is not as harmonious or congruent as it ought to be, the government of Namibia can play a greater role in creating positive, productive and enjoyable learning environment by supplying secondary schools‘ laboratories with the needed equipment and chemicals to support the practical work as stated in the Physical Science syllabi. The three questionnaire used were rated by learners and teacher as effective; easy to understand; covering most areas of the Chemistry environment; not time consuming, statistically valid and consistent. The changes made to the questionnaire fit well to the Namibia Chemistry environment and it produced nearly the same reliability and validity when compared to the pilot study questionnaire and other similar questionnaires used in other country. / Curriculum and Instructional Studies / D. Ed. (Didactics of Education)

Thesis ((M.Ed. (Science Education)) -- University of Limpopo, 2018 / The new curriculum introduced in the Further Education and Training phase has had a great impact on the teaching and learning of Physical Sciences in the classrooms. The policy documents for Physical Sciences emphasis that practical work to be integrated with the teaching of Science. However, much remains desired on how teachers use their Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) to conduct practical work in their classrooms. This study explored teachers’ perceptions of practical work in the context of the Curriculum Assessment Policy Statement. PCK was used as the theoretical framelens to understand teachers’ perceptions of practical work. Data in the study were collected through interviews and observations from four Grade 11 teachers. It was also collected by scrutinising teachers’ portfolios. Observations were used to discover the teachers’ actual classroom conduct of practical work. The sample of the study was drawn from Mankweng Circuit, in the Limpopo province. The findings of the study revealed that teachers conduct demonstrations which were structured and inquiry based practical work was not conducted. It was also found that they conduct practical work for promotional marks only. Furthermore, it was revealed that teachers appreciate the value of practical work in the teaching and learning of Physical Sciences but lack of resources and time constraints hinder them from conducting good practical work. It was also found that teachers do not have practical work lesson plans in their portfolios except those for reporting. However, apparatus in some instances were limiting teachers to conduct good practical work. Large classes, lack of time table for practical work and pressure to complete the curriculum were also mentioned by the teachers as limitations. It is recommended that subject specialists should help in developing teachers’ knowledge to conduct inquiry based practical work.

<p>Sammanfattning</p><p>Laborationer i naturvetenskapliga ämnen är en naturlig del av undervisningen. Syftet med den här uppsatsen är att ta reda på om man tar bort en möjlighet till inlärning och förståelse för eleverna om laborationer inte används i undervisningen. Vidare ville jag undersöka om lärare och elever anser att laborationer utvecklar förståelsen av naturvetenskap, dessutom om eleverna förstår syftena med laborationerna.</p><p>Undersökningen utfördes genom att kvalitativa intervjuer gjordes med fyra lärare och sex elever i en gymnasieskola. Resultatet visar att lärarna har olika åsikter om laborationens betydelse för förståelsen av ämnet. Däremot anser eleverna att laborationer utvecklar deras förståelse för naturkunskap. Undersökningen visar också att eleverna är osäkra på lärarens syfte och de förstår inte alltid vad laborationen ska ge för kunskap. Detta visar att det är viktigt att laborationsinstruktioner tydliggör syftet och den kunskap det är meningen att laborationen ska ge. Dessutom har diskussionerna under laborationen stor betydelse för lärandet av naturvetenskap.</p><p>Nyckelord: Förståelse, kunskap, laborationer/experiment/praktiskt arbete, syfte/mål</p> / <p>Abstract</p><p>Laboratory experiments in science are a natural part of the education. The purpose of this composition is to find out whether one removes a possibility of learning and understanding for students if one does not use laboratory experiments in education. Moreover, I wanted to examine if teachers and students are of the opinion that laboratory experiments help in deepening the understanding of natural science, and if the students understand the purposes of these experiments.</p><p>To carry out the study, qualitative interviews were made with four teachers and six students at an upper secondary school. Result shows that teachers are of different opinions about the importance of the laboratory experiments for the understanding of the subject. However, the students’ opinions are that laboratory experiments help in deepening their understanding for natural science. The study also shows that students feel uncertain of the teacher’s purpose and what knowledge the laboratory experiment is meant to give. This shows that it is important to explain the purpose of the experiment, and what knowledge it is meant to give, in laboratory instructions. Furthermore, the discussions during laboratory work are of considerable significance for learning natural science.</p><p>Keywords: Understanding, knowledge, laboratory experiments/experiments/practical work, purpose</p>