Nkopane, Freddy Lehlohonolo, Student no 0215898Y, MSc, Science Education, Faculty of Science. 2006. / The National Curriculum Statement (NCS) highlights the extensive need for developing
insights and respect for different scientific perspectives and a sensitivity to cultural
beliefs, prejudices and practice in society. The study wais prompted by the fact that most
learners have an African conception of lightning which in most cases is not in agreement
with the conventional definition of lightning.
The focus of this study was to identify the learners’ conceptions of lightning. Secondly it
attempted to elicit, describe and assess the learners’ process of learning Western
conception of lightning. And finally, it developed a model of teaching that can be used to
help African learners accommodate the two conceptions without contradiction or
hindrance. This research utilized qualitative research design to a large extent. A total of
33 participants responded to a questionnaire and 16 were interviewed. In response to
question 1, learner’s mentioned that they believe that lightning is a result of witchcraft, it
demonstrates the anger of ancestors or it is used by god to demonstrate his existence.
These findings suggest that the learner’s African conception is a hindrance to the learning
of science because learners’ cultural identity is often very different from the culture of
conventional science. Learners experience a type of cultural clash whenever they attempt
to learn science meaningfully. A substantial number of learners indicated that the African
conception prohibits them from learning the western conception. Further findings suggest
that learners do not challenge the validity of the conventional explanation of the origins
of lightning. But they believe it is different to the African conception.
In summary this research revealed that there is a strong need for educators to be sensitive
and knowledgeable about the African learners’ way of thinking. It suggests a teaching
model that is aimed at helping educators to deal with misconceptions instead of
attempting to change a belief system.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:netd.ac.za/oai:union.ndltd.org:wits/oai:wiredspace.wits.ac.za:10539/2254 |
| Date | 12 March 2007 |
| Creators | Nkopane, Freddy Lehlohonolo |
| Source Sets | South African National ETD Portal |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis |
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