M.Ed. (Tertiary Didactics) / Please refer to full text to view abstract

RESEARCH REPORT SUBMITTED TO THE FACULTY OF SCIENCE, UNIVERSITY OF THE WITWATERSRAND, JOHANNESBURG, IN PARTIAL FULFILMENT OF THE REQUIREMENTS FOR THE DEGREE OF MASTER OF SCIENCE. / The purpose of this study to determine which of the methods of teaching experimental work, namely; demonstrations filmed-experiments or illustrating experiments using the chalkboard, is the most effective method of teaching pupils at the secondary school level. Forty-two Standard Eight Physical Science pupils from a township secondary school, registered under the Department of Education and Training and situated on the East Rand served as the subjects for this study. Pupils were divided in to three equivalent groups, each with similar marks in science and each group was exposed to three different teaching methods for three different topics. The pupils wrote a test for each topic after the exposure to one of the methods. The research data were statistically analysed, using non parametric statistics ( viz., the t-test). The analysis of the data indicates that none of the methods was consistently superior to the others. / Andrew Chakane 2020

Bibliography: pages 66-71. / In 1984 Bybee used 262 science educators from 41 countries to develop an instrument for measuring their ranked priorities of science and technology related global problems. In 1995 the original Bybee scale was updated and clarified, and a new 15-item version, the Le Grange Global Priorities Instrument (LGPI) was piloted, refined and administered in fifteen schools to 946 secondary school pupils speaking three different home languages in two provinces in South Africa. The study is an enlargement of the work of Bybee and Mau (1986); Bybee and 'Najafi (1986); Ndodana, Rochford and Fraser (1994); and Le Grange, Rochford and Sass (1995), and is carried out in the context of the new key programme of Meeting Basic Needs presented in Section 1.4.1 of the Government White Paper on the Reconstruction and Development Programme for the New South Africa which states:- The basic needs of people extend from job creation, land and agrarian reform to housing, water and sanitation, energy supplies, transport, nutrition, health care, the environment, social welfare and security (Government Gazette No. 16085, 23 November 1994:9). The 946 pupils surveyed in this study in 1995 comprised 414 rural-Northern Sotho pupils (sample 1) from the Northern Province; 189 urban-Xhosa speaking pupils (sample 2) and 343 urban-English speaking pupils (sample 3) from the Western Cape.

The success of inquiry-based learning (IBL) in supporting science literacy can be challenged when students encounter obstacles in the absence of proper support. This research is intended to evaluate the effectiveness of an Oregon public school district's regional science fair coaching program in promoting inquiry skills and positive attitudes toward science in participating high school students. The purpose of this study was to better understand students' perception of program support, obstacles or barriers faced by students, and potential benefits of IBL facilitated by the science fair program. Data included responses to informal and semi-structured interviews, an anonymous survey, a Skills assessment of final project displays, and an in-depth case study on three students' experiences. Results suggest that the science fair program can properly engage participants in authentic IBL. However, when assessing the participant's final project displays, I found that previous fair experience did not significantly increase mean scores as identified by the official Oregon Department of Education (ODE) scoring guides. Based on results from the case study, it is suggested that participants' low science self-concept, poor understanding of inquiry skills, and inability to engage in reflective discourse may reduce students' abilities to truly benefit. Recommendations to address this discrepancy include identifying specific needs of students through a pre–fair survey to develop more targeted support, and providing new opportunities to develop skills associated with science-self concept, understanding of inquiry and reflective discourse. In addition, results suggest that students would benefit from more financial support in the form of grants, and more connections with knowledgeable mentors.

Students come to science class with intuitive theories and ideas how the natural world works. These theories may conflict with accepted scientific concepts and can make subsequent learning in science very difficult. Since people differ in cognitive functioning, the nature of the remedial approach to these alternative conceptions is very important. In this study, high-school students used computer simulations or hands-on experimentation as a remedial approach to their alternative conceptions. It explored the effects of the remediation in the context of the learning style of field-dependence-independence. Also, the use of the instrument (the embedded figures test) for defining field-dependence-independence was explored as a diagnostic tool for determining students who possess alternative conceptions. An Analysis of Covariance was used to determine the main effects and interactions between the treatments (mode of remediation) and field-dependence-independence. The results of this study indicated that computer simulations and hands-on experimentation were both effective means for the remediation of the alternative conceptions of force and gravity. Also, the hands-on experimentation was shown to be more effective than the computer simulations. However, the study failed to show any evidence of the differential effects of field-dependence-independence on remediation of the alternative conceptions. There was also no indication of interactions between the independent variables. Although a relationship was shown to exist between the test for alternative conceptions and the instrument for determining field-dependence-independence, due to the low correlation and the expense of administration, the Group Embedded Figures Test was not recommended for the diagnosis of alternative conceptions in high school students. / Ph. D.

The fewer numbers of girls that take part in Mathematics and Science programmes than those of boys in Namibia prompted this study. Few Namibian students pass Grade 12 Mathematics and Science with symbols required by the University of Namibia and other higher educational institutions in Africa and abroad. When the numbers of male students and female students who graduate both at secondary school and university levels are compared, it becomes clear that very few female students graduate. The study investigated how socio-cultural factors influence girls’ participation in Mathematics and Science. Information used in this study was collected from 1442 girls from 14 schools in Hardap and Khomas regions. Literature has demonstrated the importance of self-concept, motivation and influence from parents and teachers as imperative factors for a change in girls’ perceptions of Mathematics and Science. The analysis showed that both beliefs and attitudes of girls are negatively influenced by some cultural and traditional norms. Additional barriers include lack of support from parents, teachers and peers as well as the masculine face that is given to Mathematics and Science. The investigation also revealed the need to motivate girls from an early age. This can be done by empowering and preparing them socially, physically and mentally in these fields. Motivating female students can also be achieved with the help and support from parents, teachers and the entire education sector. / Further Teacher Education / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

The aim of the study was to investigate the impact of curriculum change in teaching and learning of science subjects at schools in Vhembe District. The research also meant to answer the following research objectives on the impact of new changes in curriculum. The first research objective was based on the effects of curriculum changes in the teaching and learning of science. The second research objective was based on the constraints or factors that might be affecting the effectiveness of new changes in teaching and learning of science. The third research objective was based on the monitoring and support on the new changes in science curriculum. Research objective four was addressed as a recommendation. It was about the suggestion for future planning of changes in curriculum. In this era of on-going new developments in curriculum, it was imperative to find out how new changes are affecting teaching and learning of science curriculum even in the most remote parts of the country. The continuous changes that are taking place in science curriculum demand the need for this research. Questionnaires, interviews and observation were used as data collection methods using the qualitative method. Schools which participated in the study were selected using purposive sampling. It is revealed in the findings that teachers feel that it is not necessary for them to change the way they teach, especially those who did not receive training on the new curriculum changes during their tertiary education. The findings also indicate that lack of resources impact negatively on the implementation of curriculum reform in teaching and learning of science in many under-resourced schools in rural areas. The findings also reveal that, it is not easy for subject advisors to give relevant support because of inadequate resources and lack of human capacity. According to the research findings, inadequate resources, skills and knowledge and lack of pre-planning on new curriculum development adversely affect the teaching and learning of science in schools. It is therefore recommended that the proposed curriculum development and reform be piloted before it is implemented as proposed in the model for the preparation of effective curriculum changes and development in science. Also, it is important to have functional curriculum support forums at school, circuit and district levels. The provisioning of science centres with well-equipped laboratories in each and every circuit will play a greater role in effective teaching and learning of science in schools. / Science and Technology Education / M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)

Thesis (MEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2003. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: AN INVESTIGATION INTO THE POTENTIAL OF THE TRACPROGRAMME IN ADDRESSING THE NEEDS OF DIFFERENT STAKEHOLDERS IN PHYSICAL SCIENCE EDUCATION For South Africa to be competitive at international level, it is important to deliver learners that will meet the standards set by industry and tertiary institutions. Most of the current South African schoolleavers do not meet these needs. Learners, educators, education departments, tertiary institutions and industry are jointly responsible for the outcomes of the education process. However, each of these role players has specific needs regarding scientific knowledge and skills of learners. An integrated, interactive educational approach is therefore necessary to address the needs of all of these role players successfully. This study specifically focuses on identifying both the needs of the role players in physical science education in the Western Cape and how TRAC SA, a national, non-governmental organisation, can assist in addressing these needs, with the help of computer based technology. The following role players were included in this study: tertiary institutions, industry, education department, educators and learners. Information on the needs of these role players was mainly collected through interviews and questionnaires, while workshops were held to determine the needs of learners and educators. It is significant that the information derived from the empirical study (questionnaires and interviews) is in many ways in agreement with the literature findings. One of the most important conclusions of the empirical study is that the different role players have distinctive, as well as corresponding needs regarding the preparation of learners at school level. The industry expects learners to be sufficiently equipped with the necessary skills to facilitate integration into the workplace. Tertiary institutions emphasise the need for theoretical as well as practical basis of the science subject content. Learners expressed the need for extracurricular programmes, focusing on simplifying difficult concepts. Educators identified the need for adapting the syllabus and for regular refresher courses. The Department of Education needs funds for pilot education programmes, and also puts in a plea for the more structured involvement of tertiary institutions and non-governmental organisations as well as the support oftheir education initiatives, such as outcomes-based education. Data collected shows that there is a significant gap between the current state of identified skills of learners and of what is deemed important by the other role players. In addressing the needs identified, the contribution of non-governmental organisations (with specific reference to TRAC SA), the OBE approach as well as input from tertiary institutions and the industry are emphasised. The TRAC-programme focuses on the understanding of basic and complicated physical science concepts by using computer-supported experiments and worksheets. To enhance the development of skills at school level, the education approach as a whole will have to be revised, with the co-operation of all relevant role players. For an education system to be effective, mutual communication between the different role players is imperative. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Vir Suid-Afrika om op internasionale vlak mededingend te wees, is dit belangrik dat die Suid- Afrikaanse onderwysstelsel bekwame leerders aan die industrie en tersiêre inrigtings lewer. Die meeste leerders wat tans die formele Suid-Afrikaanse skoolopleidingsprogram voltooi, voldoen volgens kenners egter nie aan die standaarde wat dié genoemde inrigtings aan hulle stel nie. Leerders, onderwysers, die onderwysdepartement, tersiêre inrigtings en industrie is gesamentlik verantwoordelik vir die uitkomste van die onderwys. Elkeen van hierdie rolspelers het egter spesifieke behoeftes ten opsigte van wetenskaplike kennis en vaardighede van leerders. 'n Geïntegreerde, interaktiewe onderwysbenadering is dus nodig om elkeen van hierdie rolspelers se behoeftes suksesvol aan te spreek. Hierdie studie fokus spesifiek daarop om beide die behoeftes van die rolspelers in die Wes- Kaap ten opsigte van natuur- en skeikunde-onderwys, te identifiseer, en hoe TRAe SA, 'n nie-regeringsonderwysorganisasie wat van rekenaargesteunde aktiwiteite gebruik maak, aangewend kan word om hierdie behoeftes aan te spreek. Die verskillende rolspelers wat by die studie betrek is, sluit in die tersiêre inrigtings, industrie, onderwysdepartement, onderwysers en leerders. Inligting aangaande rolspelerbehoeftes is hoofsaaklik versamel deur onderhoude en vraelyste, terwyl werkswinkels ook gebruik is om vas te stel wat leerders en onderwysers se behoeftes is. Dit is opmerklik dat die inligting verkry uit die empiriese studie (vraelyste en onderhoude) in 'n groot mate ooreenstem met literatuurbevindinge. Een van die belangrikste gevolgtrekkings uit die empiriese studie is dat die verskillende rolspelers eiesoortige asook ooreenstemmende behoeftes ten opsigte van die voorbereiding van leerders op skoolvlak het. Die industrie verwag dat leerders voldoende met die nodige vaardighede toegerus sal wees om integrasie binne die werksfeer te vergemaklik. Tersiêre inrigtings beklemtoon die verkryging van die teoretiese sowel as praktiese grondslag van die wetenskapvakinhoud. Leerders verlang ondersteuning van ekstra-kurrikulêre programme wat fokus op vereenvoudiging van moeilike konsepte. 'n Vakkurrikulumaanpassing asook gereelde opknappingskursusse is deur onderwysers as belangrike behoeftes geïdentifiseer. Die onderwysdepartement benodig fondse om opleidingsprogramme te loods en pleit ook vir meer georganiseerde betrokkenheid van tersiêre inrigtings en nie-regeringsonderwysorganisasies. Verder verwag die onderwysdepartement dat hulonderwysstrategieë soos uitkomsgebaseerde onderwys ondersteun word. Die data toon ook verder aan dat daar In wesenlike gapmg tussen die verwagting van rolspelers ten opsigte van bepaalde vaardighede en die werklike stand van vaardighede by die leerders bestaan. As deel van die studie word voorstelle bespreek om die geïdentifiseerde behoeftes aan te spreek. Klem word gelê op die bydrae van nie-regeringsonderwysorganisasies (met spesifieke verwysing na TRAC SA), die UGO-benadering, asook die insette van tersiêre inrigtings en industrie tot die aanspreek van geïdentifiseerde behoeftes. Die TRAC-program fokus onder meer op die vereenvoudiging van basiese en moeilike natuurwetenskapbegrippe deur gebruik te maak van rekenaargesteunde eksperimente, aan die hand van werkkaarte. Om die ontwikkeling van vaardighede op skoolvlak te bevorder, sal die hele onderwysbenadering met die samewerking van alle relevante rolspelers hersien moet word. In dié verband is wedersydse kommunikasie tussen die verskillende rolspelers onontbeerlik.

Thesis (MEd)--University of Stellenbosch, 2011. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: This thesis explores the use of educational technologies in grades 10 to 12 life sciences classrooms at a local high school. I argue that the application of educational technologies in science classrooms has the potential to engender critical teaching and learning, and to contribute to professional development. By reflecting on my own professional development as a science teacher over the past three years (2008-2010), I show that the use of educational technologies cultivates moments of critical pedagogy that link strongly with reflective teaching, critical thinking and transformative learning. Drawing on two intertwined narratives, I show how educational technologies can enhance reflective teaching whereby, firstly, teachers can take seriously theories and expertise in their practices; secondly, organise their classrooms so as to facilitate critical learning; and, thirdly, take up broader institutional and social issues. In addition, I show that the use of educational technologies opens up pedagogical spaces for critical thinking and transformative learning – that is, whereby learners learn creatively, actively, engagingly and reflecting on their own practices. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Hierdie tesis ondersoek die gebruik van onderwystegnologie in grade 10 tot 12 lewenswetenskapklaskamers by ʼn plaaslike hoërskool. Ek argumenteer dat die toepassing van onderwystegnologie in wetenskapklaskamers die potensiaal het om kritiese onderrig en leer teweeg te bring, en ʼn bydrae tot professionele ontwikkeling te maak. Deur te reflekteer op my eie professionele ontwikkeling as ʼn wetenskaponderwyser oor die afgelope drie jaar (2008-2010), dui ek aan hoedat die gebruik van onderwystegnologie krities pedagogiese oomblikke kultiveer wat sterk aanklank vind by reflektiewe onderrig, kritiese denke en transformatiewe leer. Met betrekking tot twee narratiewe dui ek aan hoedat onderwystegnologie reflektiewe onderrig kan bevorder deurdat, eerstens, onderwysers teorieë en kundighede in hulle gebruike ernstig opneem; tweedens, klaskamers organiseer om kritiese leer te fasiliteer; en derdens, breër institusionele en sosiale kwessies aanspreek. Daarenbowe dui ek aan hoedat onderwystegnologie ook pedagogiese ruimtes vir kritiese denke en transformatiewe leer bied – dit is, waarby leerders kreatief, aktief en betrokke is, en op hulle eie praktyke reflekteer.

Thesis (MEdPsych)--Stellenbosch University, 2012. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: Education, both in South Africa and internationally, experiences a number of challenges with regards to the need for improved teaching and learning. South African education is in a state of transformation to address the country's educational needs. In science education specifically, there is a heightened necessity to develop teaching that will respond to distinctive educational needs in the sciences. Many of the educational issues, presented in current literature, are mirrored in my Natural Sciences classroom. Given the benefits of enhanced metacognition for effective learning, this study aimed to investigate the use of metacognitive instruction procedures to improve my Natural Sciences teaching practice. Consequently, it also aimed to explore the influence that this may have on the metacognitive development of my Grade 9 Natural Sciences learners. This research study was based on a social constructivist perspective that views learning as a unique, internalized construction of knowledge from a social interaction, such as teaching. This study was embedded within a paradigm of praxis, with a qualitative action research cycle forming the research methodology and design respectively. Purposeful sampling was used to select nine of my Grade 9 Natural Sciences learners to act as informants for the Grade 9 class. Data was collected in the form of learner reflections, an open-ended questionnaire, a focus-group interview, and a research journal. Furthermore, the data was analysed, using a theoretically founded coding scheme, to identify and interpret significant themes and/or trends. The research findings indicated that the employed metacognitively orientated teaching procedures enhanced my Grade 9 Natural Sciences learners' metacognition. Their metacognitive awareness and reflection abilities improved, as well as their knowledge and regulation of cognition. The teaching techniques also demonstrated the potential to facilitate the development of my learners' conscious thinking, self-discipline, responsibility and active participation in learning - all characteristics envisaged for the ideal South Africa learner. In addition to this, the research process demonstrated the ability to enhance my Natural Sciences teaching practice and the information gained from this study will be used to inform my future teaching practice. I now realise the value of incorporating metacognitive teaching procedures into my lessons, as well as the importance of reflecting on my teaching process and considering the uniqueness of each learner in my class. Additionally, teacher training institutes and educational policy makers may benefit from the information gained from this study, for improving teaching practice. Apart from this, findings attained from this study have the potential to inform future cycles of this action research process or alternatively to be used for other research within the field. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Onderwys, beide in Suid-Afrika en internasionaal, ervaar 'n aantal uitdagings rakende die behoefte aan verbeterde onderrig en leer. Die Suid-Afrikaanse onderwysstelsel is tans in 'n staat van transformasie om die land se opvoedkundige behoeftes aan te spreek. In die wetenskap-onderwys spesifiek, is daar 'n toenemende noodsaaklikheid om onderrig te ontwikkel wat die unieke onderwysbehoeftes in die wetenskappe kan aanspreek. Baie van die opvoedkundige kwessies soos in huidige literatuur uitgelig, is ook in my Natuurwetenskappe-klaskamer teenwoordig. Gegee die bewese voordele van verbeterde metakognisie vir effektiewe leer, het hierdie navorsingstudie gepoog om die gebruik van metakognitiewe onderrigprosedures vir die verbetering van my Natuurwetenskappe-onderrigpraktyk te ondersoek. Die studie was ook daarop gemik om die invloed van metakognitiewe onderrigprosedures op die metakognitiewe ontwikkeling van my Graad 9 Natuurwetenskappe-leerders, na te vors. Hierdie navorsingstudie is gebaseer op 'n sosiaal-konstruktivistiese leerperspektief wat leer sien as 'n unieke, geïnternaliseerde konstruksie van kennis binne 'n sosiale interaksie, soos onderrig. Hierdie studie is binne 'n paradigma van „praxis‟ ingebed, met aksienavorsing as navorsingsontwerp en daar is van „n kwalitatiewe navorsingsmetodologie gebruik gemaak. Doelgerigte steekproefneming is gebruik om nege van my Graad 9 Natuurwetenskappe-leerders te kies om as informante vir die graad 9-klas op te tree. Data is in die vorm van leerders se refleksies, 'n oop-einde vraelys, 'n fokusgroep-onderhoud, en 'n navorsings- joernaal ingesamel. Verder is die data met behulp van 'n teoretiese koderingskema geanaliseer wat belangrike temas en/of tendense identifiseer en interpreteer. Die navorsing het aangedui dat die metakognitiewe onderrigprosedures wat gebruik is, my Graad 9 Natuurwetenskappe leerders se metakognisie versterk het. Hulle metakognitiewe bewustheid en reflektiewe vermoëns het verbeter, sowel as hulle kennis en regulering van kognisie. Die onderrigtegnieke het ook die potensiaal getoon om die ontwikkeling van my leerders se bewuste denke, self-dissipline, verantwoordelikheid en aktiewe deelname in die leerproses te fasiliteer. Hierdie eienskappe is van dié wat vir die ideale Suid-Afrikaanse leerder beoog word. Benewens hierdie aspekte het die navorsing ook my Natuurwetenskappe-onderrigpraktyk verbeter en die navorsingsbevindinge sal in die toekoms gebruik word om my onderwyspraktyk toe te lig. Ek besef nou die waarde daarvan om metakognitiewe onderrigprosedures in my lesse te inkorporeer, sowel as die belang van refleksie oor my onderrigproses en om die uniekheid van elke leerder in my klas in ag te neem. Onderwys-opleidingsinstellings en opvoedkundige beleidmakers mag uit hierdie navorsing voordeel trek rakende die verbetering van onderwyspraktyk. Afgesien van die bogenoemde, het die navorsingsbevindinge ook die potensiaal om toekomstige siklusse van aksienavorsing toe te lig en om binne verdere navorsing in die veld gebruik te word.