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The experiences of grade 6 Science and Technology learners of experiential learning as method of instruction

The purpose of this study was to explore and describe grade 6 learners’ experiences of experiential learning in the context of the TekkiKids Programme. The TekkiKids Programme followed a constructivist approach to learning and emphasis was placed on a learnercentred approach. Documents that were written by a consultant, who was involved with the TekkiKids Program, were selected as data sources. These documents included: A feedback report to the facilitators regarding the sessions; general field notes of the consultant pertaining to observations made during lessons; notes of individual unstructured interviews; a questionnaire that explored learners’ experiences of TekkiKids; and notes of a focus group discussion. A qualitative, documentary research design was implemented, and the documents were analysed according to guidelines pertaining to a process of inductive analysis. This study found that learners experienced experiential learning as a method of instruction to be but only partially supportive and encouraging. They furthermore experienced a need for more structure pertaining to problem-solving. Multicultural differences and group conflict had a negative influence on their learning experiences. Learners experienced cognitive load distribution as positive . English as the language of instruction was experienced as a barrier to learners from other language groups Copyright / Dissertation (MEd)--University of Pretoria, 2010. / Educational Psychology / unrestricted

Identiferoai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:up/oai:repository.up.ac.za:2263/26771
Date28 July 2010
CreatorsBalsamo, Domenico
ContributorsBester, Suzanne, domenicobalsamo@hotmail.com
Source SetsSouth African National ETD Portal
Detected LanguageEnglish
TypeDissertation
Rights© 2009, University of Pretoria. All rights reserved. The copyright in this work vests in the University of Pretoria. No part of this work may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the University of Pretoria.

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