Investigating how Grade 10 Physical Science teachers help learners to make sense of concepts of electromagnetism using easily accessible materials in under-resourced schools
- Authors: Samuel, Paulo
- Date: 2017
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/8143 , vital:21359
- Description: This study sought to explore teachers’ perceptions and experiences of using easily accessible materials and how they might collaboratively develop learning and teaching support materials using easily accessible materials. The study explored three aspects. Firstly, the views, experiences and factors which influence grade 10 Physical Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching the topic of electromagnetism. Secondly, to find out what teachers can do to improve teaching and learning of electromagnetism in grade 10 Physical Science using easily accessible materials. Thirdly, to look at what enables or constrains grade 10 Physical Science teachers in under-resourced schools when dealing with electromagnetism, from using easily accessible materials. A qualitative method approach was adopted, underpinned by an interpretive paradigm but using some quantitative methods as well. Within the interpretive paradigm a case study approach was used. The study was carried out in Swakopmund and Gobabis education circuits of the Erongo and Omaheke Regions respectively. Data were collected using questionnaires, lesson observations and stimulated-recall interviews. The data obtained were validated in two ways, firstly, by triangulation from different data gathering techniques, and secondly, validation was done by member checking of the transcripts. To make meaning from the data generated, Vygotsky’s (1978) socio-cultural theory was used as a lens to analyse the data. The quantitative data generated were presented in figures, tables; whereas the qualitative data were coded inductively into descriptive texts to make meaning. It was found that teachers’s perceptions and experiences are that the topic of electromagnetism is quite challenging. Teachers reported that their learners find it difficult to comprehend phenomena associated with electromagnetism, thus making it difficult for their learners to grasp concepts associated with it. Lack of resources to do practical activities in the topic of electromagnetism was found to be a major contributing factor to teaching and learning of this topic. The use of easily accessible materials among teachers was found to be very limited. Easily accessible locally sourced materials were found to have the potential to enable grade 10 Physical Science teachers to help learners to make sense of concepts of electromagnetism in under-resourced schools. In light of the above findings, the study recommends that science teachers should make use of easily accessible materials which can minimise their dependence on standard laboratory equipment which is unaffordable anyway by most schools.
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Understanding how grade 8 Physical Science teachers make use of learners’ prior everyday knowledge when teaching static electricity: A case study
- Authors: Iyambo, Toini
- Date: 2016
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/1320 , vital:20046
- Description: Over the last decade of my teaching I have been grappling with how to incorporate learners’ prior everyday knowledge into my Physical Science lessons to enable me to close the gap between school science and everyday knowledge. I conducted this case study in two schools, one in Omusati region and one in Ohangwena Region, Namibia. Its purpose was to investigate how grade 8 Physical Science teachers make use of learners’ prior everyday knowledge when teaching the topic of static electricity. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm, the study made use of document analysis, observation (lessons were also video-taped) and semi-structured interviews to generate the data. Three data generating techniques were used for triangulation and validation purposes. To further validate the data, transcripts of video-taped lessons and interviews were sent back to the research participants for member checking. The main findings of my study are that teachers did incorporate learners’ prior knowledge in the lesson presentation on static electricity. It emerged from the study that, learners possess a great deal of prior everyday scientific and non-scientific knowledge and experiences about static electricity that they had acquired from their communities. Also, mobilization of learners' everyday knowledge and experiences about static electricity enabled learner engagement during the science lessons. Likewise, engaging learners in demonstrations on static electricity helped them to make meaning of the scientific concepts involved in the topic. It also emerged from this study that teachers face challenges of lack of documentation of indigenous knowledge which is potentially a form of prior knowledge, language barriers and a lack of resources. Based on my research findings, I therefore, recommend that learners' prior everyday knowledge and experiences about static electricity should be incorporated during the teaching and learning process.
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An investigation into how Grade 11 Biology teachers mediate learning through code-switching from English to Oshiwambo : a case study
- Authors: Kanime, Justina Kashuupulwa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati , English language -- Namibia -- Omusati , Ndonga language -- Namibia -- Omusati , Code switching (Linguistics) -- Namibia -- Omusati , Pedagogical content knowledge , Native language and education -- Namibia -- Omusati
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2034 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017345
- Description: This study aimed to investigate how Grade 11 Biology teachers mediate learning through code-switching from English to Oshiwambo. It was triggered by my experience as a teacher when I came to observe that the majority of teachers still use the home language during their lessons though the language policy for schools in Namibia clearly states that English should be used as a medium of instruction from Grade Four onwards. The research was carried out at Happy Secondary School (pseudonym), a rural government school in Omusati Region, Namibia. It was a qualitative case study underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. The unit of analysis was the mediation of learning through codeswitching from English to Oshiwambo. Document analysis, questionnaires, interviews (semistructured, focus group, stimulated recall interviews) and lesson observations were used as data gathering techniques, to ensure adequate coverage, validity and trustworthiness of the data gathered. The study adopted Vygotsky’s social constructivism and the socio-cultural perspective in conjunction with Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) as the theoretical frameworks. The data analysis process entailed organising data into themes from which four analytical statements were then derived in relation to the research questions. The study found that both Biology teachers and learners view code-switching as a useful tool in making learners understand the biological concepts. The study revealed that Biology teachers code-switch from English to Oshiwambo to make learners understand better, increase participation, explain concepts, elaborate, for disciplinary purposes, when giving examples of everyday knowledge events and when asking questions. The study also revealed that learners code-switch mainly for good communication, easier self-expression, due to loss of words, when unprepared to explain concepts and due to fear of making mistakes. It emerged, however, that both teachers and learners experience some challenges when codeswitching from English to Oshiwambo is used to mediate learning in Biology lessons. These include time constraints, lack of biological terms in Oshiwambo, different Oshiwambo dialects and the language policy. In addition, learners also lose the opportunity to learn English and find it difficult to answer questions in the examinations. The study revealed that Biology teachers and learners try to overcome these challenges by good lesson preparation, mini-teaching, using English/Oshindonga dictionaries or simply by adhering to the language policy.
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An investigation into how Grade 11 Physical Science teachers mediate learning of the topic stoichiometry : a case study
- Authors: Kanime, Mwene Kashiiwandapo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Oshikoto , Stoichiometry -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Oshikoto , Pedagogical content knowledge , Learning -- Namibia -- Oshikoto , Teacher effectiveness -- Namibia -- Oshikoto
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2035 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017346
- Description: Stoichiometry is proven to be one of the difficult topics for learners in the NSSC Physical Science syllabus due to its abstract nature. Over the years the Examiner’s reports reveal that learners' performance is very poor in this topic. In addition, learners fear the topic and have developed a negative attitude toward it. It is against this background that I decided to carry out a qualitative case study; investigating how teachers mediate the learning of stoichiometry. The study was conducted at two schools in the Oshikoto Region, Namibia and it involved two grade 11 Physical Science teachers. The study is located within the interpretive paradigm and made use of interviews, document analysis and lesson observations (which were video-taped and transcribed) followed by stimulated recall interviews to generate data. The generated data were analyzed using the inductive approach whereby themes were identified. The themes were later used to develop analytical statements in relation to my research questions and these were used to interpret the data. Moreover, the study adopted the notion of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) proposed by Shulman (1986, 1987) as well as Vygotsky's (1978) mediation of learning and social constructivism as the theoretical frameworks. The data were validated by triangulation, member checking as well as using the stimulated recall interviews while watching the videos with each participant. The findings of the study show that teachers use several tools to mediate the learning process and this includes the use of language, learners' prior knowledge and analogies. In addition, it emerged in this study that teachers are faced with a number of challenges when mediating learning of this topic. Hence, the study recommends that teachers should develop their pedagogical content knowledge for them to effectively eliminate the challenges faced as well as to come up with the best teaching strategies which they can use to mediate learning and help learners make sense of the topic stoichiometry.
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An investigation into how Grade 7 Natural Science teachers mediate learning through code-switching from English to Silozi in the Zambezi region of Namibia : a case study
- Authors: Denuga, Hildred Malilo
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia -- Case studies , Code switching (Linguistics) , Language and education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2026 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017337
- Description: The Namibian government’s language policy for schools has opted for English as the official language of education. But the use of English in Namibian schools has nevertheless presented certain challenges. Although the Ministry of Education has chosen English as the language of instruction from upper primary (Grade 4) up to the tertiary level, it has been found that English proficiency is poor among both learners and teachers. It is against this backdrop that this study sought to investigate how Grade 7 Natural Science teachers mediate learning through code-switching from English to Silozi in the Zambezi Region of Namibia. The study explored Natural Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences of code-switching, how they and their learners make sense of concepts in science classes when code-switching is applied, and lastly, how code-switching from English to Silozi enables or constrains learning in Natural Science classes. The main question is: How do Grade 7 Natural Science teachers mediate learning through code-switching from English to Silozi? A qualitative case study underpinned by an interpretive paradigm was carried out at Zebra School (pseudonym) in the Zambezi Region of Namibia with two participant teachers. My unit of analysis was mediation of learning through code-switching, and data were obtained from lesson observations, questionnaires, interviews and document analysis. A variety of data gathering technique was employed for triangulation purposes to enhance the validity and trustworthiness of the data. During the data analysis process, data were grouped into common themes and subsequently organized into analytical statements in relation to the research questions. It was found that code-switching was widely employed in Grade 7 Natural Science classes in the Zambezi Region. It was also found that teachers code-switch to help learners understand the subject content, to explain concepts, to emphasize points and to include learners’ participation in the subject. The findings also revealed that some few teachers were against code-switching because examinations are written in English and the language policy does not recommend code-switching. Notwithstanding this, since the majority of teachers do code-switch to support their learners’ understanding in science classes, I recommend that education curriculum planners should include code-switching in the curriculum guidelines, and that the practice should be officially acknowledged as a legitimate strategy for teachers.
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An investigation into how two Grade 11 Physical Science teachers mediate learning of the topic chemical equilibrium : a case study
- Authors: Chani, Fungisisai M
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Chemical equilibrium -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2023 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017334
- Description: The Namibian Physical Science Higher Level Syllabus requires students to study the topic on chemical equilibrium. This section has proven to be one of the most difficult for Namibian learners as reflected by their poor responses to questions in the Grade 12 NSSC ‘H’ examinations. Triggered by these discoveries, I decided to conduct a research on how teachers mediate learning of the topic on chemical equilibrium in a Namibian context. Conducted at a private school in Windhoek, the study involved two experienced Grade 11 Physical Science teachers renowned for good results. I adopted a qualitative case study underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. Sense making of concepts on chemical equilibrium was my unit of analysis. To generate data, I used document analysis, semi-structured interviews, lesson observations, which were videotaped as well as stimulated recall interviews. Vygotsky’s mediation of learning and social constructivism blended with Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) were the theoretical frameworks adopted in the study. During the analysis process, there was grouping of data into categories. These included teacher-learner interactions as emphasized by Vygotsky’s mediation of learning and learners’ challenges according to PCK. I used an inductive approach to identify emerging themes from my data. The themes were colour coded and the developed into analytical statements. Data triangulation, member checking, and peer review ensured data validity and trustworthiness. Stimulated recall interviews conducted while watching the videos with the two teachers, complemented these approaches. My findings were that teachers extensively used various meditational tools such as prior knowledge, language, analogies and an equilibrium game to mediate learning. The teachers experienced numerous challenges during mediation of learning, including language difficulties and learners’ failure to comprehend complex chemical equilibrium concepts. Notwithstanding, the teachers in this study managed to some extent to overcome the challenges by exhibiting facets of advanced PCK.
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An investigation into how two Natural Science teachers in the Khomas region mediate learning of the topic of atoms and molecules in Grade 7 : a case study
- Authors: Hoepfner, Narenda
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia -- Khomas , Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia -- Khomas , Pedagogical content knowledge , Cognitive learning , Teachers -- In-service training -- Namibia -- Khomas
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2031 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017342
- Description: The teaching of abstract concepts requires higher cognitive thinking skills and thus presents a challenge for most subjects in the curriculum, in particular, science subjects. Teachers often complain that they struggle to develop higher cognitive skills in learners in such topics. As a result, learners fail to understand science concepts and then complain that science is boring and hence lose interest in the subject. The main reason for this study was to investigate how Grade 7 Natural Science teachers mediate the learning of abstract topics, in particular, atoms and molecules which are regarded as the building blocks in chemistry. This study further sought to develop a teaching unit of work on atoms, molecules and the Periodic Table in partnership with the participating teachers, in order to help improve teaching and learning of the topic. The study is located within an interpretive paradigm. Within this paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was adopted whereby two Grade 7 Natural Science teachers in the Khomas Region were the research participants. This approach enabled me to seek for answers beyond the obvious classroom experiences by using document analysis, semi-structured interviews and classroom observation (which were video-taped and transcribed). The theoretical frameworks underpinning this study focused on mediation of learning and social constructivism as expounded by Vygotsky, in conjunction with Shulman’s pedagogical content knowledge. Hence, emphasis was placed on the teaching strategies used by teachers, such as elicitation of prior knowledge during the lessons, language used, interaction of learners and ways how teachers deal with the challenges faced by them in the mediation of learning. An inductive analysis to discover patterns and themes was applied during the data analysis process. The themes were further turned into analytical statements to interpret the data. The validation process was achieved by using a variety of data gathering techniques. I watched the videotaped lessons with the observed teachers and I made use of member checking in the form of stimulated recall interviews and transcripts of the interviews. Thus, a summary of discussions were given back to the respondents to verify their responses and check for any misinterpretations. Different chapters of my study were given to colleagues to read through as a means of the validation process. Herein lies the importance of a critical friend in qualitative research. The findings of the study revealed that concepts of high cognitive demand should not be oversimplified when introduced to learners, as learners might find it difficult to define and conceptualise concepts as they do not have proper insights into the concepts. The findings further illuminated that teachers should develop a strong subject content knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge to have the best strategies in place to mediate learning of this topic. The study concludes, with Phase 2, that the exposure of and cooperation between teachers plays an indispensable role in their professional development. Essentially, this enables teachers to make use of different teaching styles as they scaffold learners in the process of making sense of, in particular, abstract science concepts. Finally, this study recommends that teachers need to engage in on-going professional development opportunities and be equipped with suitable learning support and other necessary physical resources, as a way of motivation and to be in a position to deal with all the many challenges they have to face during the mediation of learning.
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Exploring Grade 12 biology teachers' perceptions and experiences of the dissemination and utilization of Examiners' reports in the Khomas region of Namibia: a case study
- Authors: Bezuidenhoudt, Anthea
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biology -- Examinations -- Namibia , Biology -- Study and teaching -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2021 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017332
- Description: Teachers’ perceptions are that currently dissemination in schools is ineffective and must change. The tensions that surround the dissemination of the reports are late arrival of Examiners’ reports which clash with preparation of learners for the first term examinations. Furthermore, the time the Examiners’ reports get into teachers’ hands are late and thus result in teachers rushing through it to incorporate the recommendations given in it in the second term or in some instances teachers do not attend to it at all. The number of copies of the Examiners’ reports provided to schools appears to be inadequate. HODs still having to duplicate reports before disseminating them add to their work load and further delay dissemination of the reports to individual subject teachers. Although the teaching and learning approach in Namibian classrooms should be based on LCE, dissemination of the actual physical reports are currently restricted to teachers only with them only verbally communicating feedback given in the reports to their learners. Support in dissemination of Examiners’ reports from peers and superiors in the majority of the schools appear to be lacking. Changes would like to be seen in the timing the Examiners’ reports are available at schools, the number of hard copies provided to schools and exploring and embarking on alternative ways of disseminating the reports. The percentage of utilization of the Examiners’ reports is relatively high, yet still not the optimum. A reasonable number of Namibian learners are disadvantaged and not exposed to a source of information that can make their Biology learning more efficient because some of their teachers are not using Examiners’ reports in their teaching. The main reason for non-utilization of the reports by Biology teachers is a result of inefficient dissemination at individual schools. The argument being that if the reports are not given to the teachers they and especially novice teachers will not know about the existence of this useful teaching and learning resource. Examiners’ reports are an important and systematic impartial source of high quality data on learning in the Namibian education system. Therefore, effective dissemination and utilization of the reports must be advocated and strengthened. DNEA and the Khomas regional office should embark on tapping into available development in information technology by doing research into the possibility of disseminating the Examiners’ reports electronically. A pilot in this regard should be conducted in the Khomas region as a measure to ensure dissemination can become more efficient in the future. To ensure that teachers optimally utilize the Examiners’ reports, they should be provided to schools when the school first term commences. The Khomas regional office should strengthen their involvement in utilization by arranging annual workshops where the content of the reports can be discussed to ensure that the feedback given in the reports can aid in developing and strengthening Biology teachers’ subject content knowledge as well as pedagogical content knowledge. Optimal utilization of Examiners’ reports can enable mediation in learners which can ensure effective learning and mastery of Biology by learners which can ultimately lead to an improvement in pass rate in Biology. Therefore, appropriate support to aid teachers’ professional development can enhance maximum utilization. Furthermore, an area for future research could be to give the Examiners’ reports to learners to determine the impact it has on their learning.
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Understanding Grade 10 Life Sciences teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching topics on human reproduction
- Authors: Silas, Fenni
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Human reproduction -- Cross-cultural studies , Human reproduction -- Social aspects -- Namibia -- Ohangwena , Ohangwena (Namibia) -- Moral conditions , Taboo -- Namibia -- Ohangwena
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2062 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1020305
- Description: This study was conducted in order to understand Grade 10 Life Science teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching human reproduction topics in the Ohangwena political region in the northern part of Namibia. It also explored how the culture of the majority of the inhabitants of Ohangwena region who are Oshiwambo speaking impacts the teaching of human reproduction topics. The study was prompted by the fact that the Grade 10 Life Science syllabus requires learners to learn details of human reproduction although in Oshiwambo culture such things are not discussed openly. And this section has proven to be one of the poorly answered sections in the Grade 10 national examinations. A total of thirty five (35) Grade 10 Life Science teachers participated in this study. It is a qualitative case study underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. The unit of analysis for this study was teachers’ perceptions and experiences of teaching the topic of human reproduction. Data were generated through document analysis, questionnaires and tape recorded semi-structured interviews. Such data were analysed inductively by sorting them into categories and then into emerging themes. Categories included teachers’ views and experiences of being taught and teaching human reproduction, how culture influenced the manner in which teaching and learning of human reproduction takes place as stated in the socio-cultural theory, and how teachers of different gender perceived and experienced the teaching of human reproduction according to the feminist standpoint theory. The emerging themes were colour coded and then developed into analytical statements. Data triangulation, member checking, and follow up interviews ensured data validity and trustworthiness. This study revealed that the cultural belief of the Owambo people that prohibits adults to talk to children about things related to sex because it encourages them to practice sex is still strong among individuals in the community including teachers themselves. As a result, teachers are not comfortable with teaching human reproduction topics. From the findings, it is recommended that teachers should be empowered to teach Life Science, specifically human reproduction topics, with confidence. Furthermore, parents should be made aware of the importance of including human reproduction topics in the school curriculum so that they can motivate their children to study it with an open mind.
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Understanding how Grade 11 Biology teachers mediate learning of respiration: A Namibian case study
- Authors: Amutenya, Laina N
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia , Respiration -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2020 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017331
- Description: The new curriculum in Namibia has introduced a new approach to teaching and learning requiring teachers to make use of learners’ prior everyday knowledge (PEK) including indigenous knowledge (IK) and practical work/activities. It further emphasizes some variations in teaching methods such as; the use of analogies, the use of mind maps, and so forth with the aim to actively involve learners in the learning process and develop skills to solve global challenges. The emphasis is on understanding of knowledge, skills and the will to use them appropriately throughout their lives. The main aim of this study was to understand and document how Biology teachers mediate learning of the topic respiration. Informed by an interpretive paradigm, a qualitative case study was conducted at two secondary schools in the Kunene region. The participants were selected using a convenience sampling. Data were gathered using three main sources, namely, documents, semi-structured interview questions which culminated into a questionnaire and observations. Triangulation was thus used to give credibility, objectivity and validity to the interpretation of the data. Data analysis in this case study involved a multi-stage process of organizing, coding and categorizing, synthesizing and summarizing. The audio recorded lessons were transcribed into text and I analyzed data using a colour coding technique by segmenting and labelling text to identify descriptions and broad themes in the data. Vygotsky’s Mediation of Learning and Social Constructivism in conjunction with Shulman’s Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) informed the data analysis process. Teacher-learner interactions were the main theme for mediation of learning (social constructivist perspective), hence during analysis I paid more attention to moments where interactions evolved and I used PCK to gain insights in teaching and instructional strategies used by teachers. The findings of this study revealed that: 1) teachers endeavor to use a variety of teaching methods such as the use of a mind maps and question and answer method. Learners were keen to ask questions in order to understand this topic. 2) The study also revealed that a lack of practical activities is one of the challenges teachers are faced with. Based on my research findings, I therefore suggest that there is a need for continuous professional development of biology teachers and capacity building in order to improve both their content and pedagogical content knowledge.
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Understanding how grade 11 Biology teachers mediate learning of the topic on transpiration
- Authors: Frans, Marian Kauna Nyanyukweni
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Biology -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Plants -- Transpiration -- Study and teaching (Secondary) , Language and education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2027 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017338
- Description: This study emerged in response to the poor performance in Biology at my school. The Ministry of Education Biology (NSSCO) Examiners’ report (2011) for Paper 3 indicates that learners proved to have difficulties in designing experiments, failed to give a distinction between apparatus and the experiment. The 2012 Examiners’ report on transpiration also highlights that learners were not exposed to practical work. Furthermore, the 2012 report notes that teachers need to work on their learners’ drawing and spelling of terms. It is against this backdrop that a qualitative study was conducted at a school in Oshikoto, using a sample of two teachers. The study’s purpose was to investigate how grade 11 Biology teachers mediate learning of the topic on transpiration. Social Constructivism and Pedagogical Content Knowledge formed the framework used to analyse data gathered from document analysis, interviews and observations. The study findings were that teachers use locally available material for demonstration during practical work, elicit prior knowledge, use a chalkboard to summarise content to learners, and use a question and answer method as strategies in mediating learning on transpiration. In addition, the teachers use homework, scaffolding activities, group work, code-switching, feedback on activities, as well as the use of analogies. Despite efforts by participant teachers to mediate learning of transpiration, shortage of equipment for conducting practical work, poor English proficiency among teachers and learners, and little emphasis on graphing by the syllabus proved to be barriers to their efforts. This study thus recommends that in order to improve on teaching transpiration, teachers need to co-plan lessons, conduct practical work, code-switch during lessons, ensure effective assessment, and include lessons on graphing. Furthermore, teachers need continued training on how to teach transpiration.
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Understanding how Grade 11 life sciences teachers mediate biodiversity concepts in a second language context : a case study
- Authors: Gqoloqa, Zingisa
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Life sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- South Africa -- Eastern Cape , Language and education
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2028 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017339
- Description: This research focused on an investigation of the pedagogy and strategies used by Grade 11 Life Sciences teachers when mediating Biodiversity concepts with English second language learners. My interest in this investigation was triggered by the Examiners’ Reports for Life Sciences from 2009 to 2012 which consistently noted learner challenges in answering, interpreting and analysing questions during exams. The reports highlighted learners’ lack of understanding of the questions which led to them providing irrelevant information in their exam scripts. These reports claimed that challenges experienced by these learners could be attributed to language issues experienced by English second language learners. Influenced by these reports, a qualitative case study of two Senior Secondary schools in East London, Eastern Cape South Africa was conducted. Underpinned by an interpretive paradigm and driven by the desire to achieve an in-depth understanding of the case under study, three phases of information gathering were followed. The first phase was that of gathering information through document analysis. Documents were analysed to gain insights and understanding of the issue before conducting interviews. The next phase was that of gathering information through semi-structured interviews followed by classroom observations. Findings from these observations were verified through stimulated recall interviews which provided clarity on the intentionality of choosing a certain method and strategy over another when assisting learners in making meaning of biodiversity concepts. The main findings of this study are that factors which limit learner understanding of biodiversity concepts are a result of a combination of factors such as failure to interpret questions, spelling problems which alter meaning of concepts and an inability to make distinctions among closely related concepts within the topic of Biodiversity. Responding to these factors, teachers demonstrated knowledge of a variety of teaching strategies to support learners. The choice of teaching strategies seemed to be guided by their experiences as well as the challenges they often encounter. Furthermore, teachers’ reflections on their practice provided opportunities for them to identify strengths and limitations of their choice of strategies and possibilities for improvement. It was also noted that factors such as large class sizes, gaps in content knowledge and a lack of detail in chalkboard summary limited the effectiveness of their teaching strategies. The study recommends that: • Teacher-learner ratio needs to be considered for effective support; • There is still a need to capacitate educators in environmental education. In-service training should focus on developing teacher understanding of foundational knowledge in life sciences; and • Teachers need to improve their chalkboard summary skills to increase the level of support that could be provided by comprehensive chalkboard summary through the elaboration of ideas
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Understanding how grade 11 Physical Science teachers mediate learning of the topic distillation in the Kavango Region
- Authors: Shifafure, Andreas Muronga
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Kavango , Distillation -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Kavango , Teachers -- Training of -- Namibia -- Kavango , Community and school -- Namibia -- Kavango , Interdisciplinary approach to knowledge
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:2046 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1017357
- Description: The National Curriculum of Education was implemented with the broad view of including all learners as laid out in the document Toward Education for All. The curriculum emphasised that the topic distillation should be studied. According to the Examiners Reports, the topic distillation is one of the topics where learners face difficulties in the Namibian Senior Secondary Certificate Ordinary (NSSCO) examination Grade 12. This led me to do research on understanding how Physical Science teachers mediate the topic distillation in Namibia specifically in the Kavango region. The study was carried out at two rural schools with two teachers teaching Grade 11. The community member who I asked to demonstrate the making of Kashipembe was also a participant during this study. Kashipembe is a local cultural brew alcohol beverage commonly made in the Kavango East and West Regions of Namibia, which was used as a learning context in this research study. The study used a qualitative case study underpinned by an interpretive paradigm. Data was generated through the use of document analysis, semi-structured interviews, stimulated recall interviews, lesson observations, brainstorming and practical demonstration of making Kashipembe. These different methods of data gathering were used with the aim of triangulating and validating the data. Therefore, my theoretical framework adopted Vygotsky’s (1986) mediation of learning, social constructivism and pedagogical content knowledge according to Shulman’s (1986) theory. The emergent themes were identified inductively and they were colour coded. These themes were later developed into analytic statements which were used in the study. The findings indicate that the use of community knowledge and experience during the teaching of scientific concepts like distillation is important. These findings can also be used by the practising teachers to make their teaching more effective in the curriculums where distillation is included. Therefore, the Namibian curriculum developers need to include this community knowledge in the curriculum to make it easier for the learners to make sense of the topic distillation.
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Understanding educators' and learners' perceptions and experiences of their participation in Science Fairs/Expos : a South African case study.
- Authors: Kahenge, Wendelina Nambahu
- Date: 2014
- Subjects: Science fairs -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Science -- Study and teaching -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , Vocational guidance -- South Africa -- Grahamstown , School children -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Teachers -- South Africa -- Attitudes , Teacher effectiveness -- South Africa -- Grahamstown
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1981 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1013130
- Description: The rationale behind Science Expos is to develop and empower learners to be able to identify problems and find solutions (Eskom Expo Project Guide Book, 2013). It is believed that involvement in Science Expos arouses learners' interest to pursue science related careers. But despite these ideals, there is still poor participation in Science Expos by educators and learners. I conducted this case study in five schools in Grahamstown, Eastern Cape, South Africa. The purpose of this study was to understand educators' and learners' perceptions and experiences of their participation in Science Expos. The case study was designed within an interpretive paradigm. The data were generated, triangulated and validated by a variety of methods, namely, document analysis, interviews (semi-structured and focus group) and observations. The main findings of the study were that learners who participate in Science Expos attend workshops organised by Scifest and SAEON office with the help of some of the educators and lecturers from Rhodes University. Learners' participation was influenced and assisted by the educators and peers with whom they were able to communicate and share their projects with. It emerged from the study that, as a result of participating in Science Expos, educators (teachers) and learners were exposed to a wide variety of scientific investigations and skills that are necessary for their classroom based-scientific investigations. It also emerged from this study that educators and learners face the challenge of a lack of motivation; insufficient support from schools and parents; time constraints to support learners in their participation and a lack of knowledge among some educators on their learners' projects. Some learners are even discouraged from participating in Science Expos by their peers on the grounds that they have no chance of winning. Teachers therefore require continuous mentorship and capacity building in order to encourage their learners to partake.
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An exploration of natural science teachers' experiences and perceptions of the National Standardised Achievement Tests : a case study
- Authors: Shaakumeni, Simson Ndadaleka
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Achievement tests -- Education (Elementary) -- Research -- Namibia Educational tests and measurements -- Research -- Namibia Educational tests and measurements -- Research -- Namibia Science -- Study and teaching (Elementary) -- Namibia Science teachers -- Namibia Education, Elementary -- Standards -- Research -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1390 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001670
- Description: The primary purpose of this study was to capture Natural Science teachers’ perceptions of the national standardised achievement tests (SATs), with a view to illuminating whether or not they were able to interpret and use the SATs reports to inform their practice and for improvement purposes as envisaged in the standardised tests’ objectives. It further sought to investigate how the grade 7 Natural Science teachers were teaching the subject matter, with a view to understanding the performance of learners as illustrated in the 2010 SATs results. The study mainly used qualitative methods such as observations, interviews and document analysis. These were complemented by quantitative methods through the use of the questionnaires, which were used to capture the general perceptions and experiences of Natural Science teachers. Thirty-five questionnaires were sent out and ten responses were received. Quantitative data from the questionnaires were analysed by tabulation to ascertain the frequencies of responses regarding teachers’ perceptions and experiences of SATs, as indicated in different scales per indicator. Furthermore, data generated through video-taped lessons, analysis of learners’ written notes, interviews and open-ended questions from the questionnaires were inductively analyzed. The findings of the study revealed that teachers had positive perceptions towards the ideals of SATs. However, their use of the SATs reports in their teaching was inconclusive. The study also revealed that there were no policy imperatives on SATs, in particular, to guide their use in schools. It was also found that teachers were not teaching the syllabus competencies fully and their Natural Science content knowledge was inadequate. The principal recommendation is that teachers need to acquaint themselves sufficiently with the SATs reports to enable them to use the reports for their intended purposes. Furthermore, teachers need to engage in continuous professional development programmes to improve their Natural Science content knowledge, especially with regard to making information in the textbooks accessible to learners in terms of addressing competencies in the syllabus. Finally, there is a need for policy intervention from the Ministry of Education in Namibia so that the existing tensions between policy formulation and implementation are addressed.
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An investigation into how grade 10 learners make meaning during the teaching and learning of the topic on nutrition in Life Science: a case study
- Authors: Mwiikeni, Helena Twiihaleni , Shimwafeni-Mwiikeni, Helena Twiihaleni
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Nutrition -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Oshana -- Case studies Environmental sciences -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Oshana -- Case studies Experiential learning -- Namibia -- Oshana -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Oshana
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1403 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001876
- Description: The integration of learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experiences during teaching and learning is a pre-requisite in the Namibian curriculum. The curriculum states that if learners are taught in a way which builds on what they already know and they relate new knowledge to the reality around them, their learning in school can be made more meaningful. Thus, learners’ meaning making in the topic on nutrition was researched to find out whether elicitation and integration of learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experience in the nutrition topic enhanced or constrained their learning. This study was conducted with my grade10 learners at the school where I am currently teaching. The school is located in a rural area in Oshana region in Northern Namibia. This study is situated within an interpretive paradigm. Within the interpretive paradigm a qualitative case study approach was adopted. I considered this methodological orientation appropriate in this study as it allowed me to use the following methods: document analysis, brainstorming and discussion, semi-structured interviews and a focus group interview, practical activities with worksheets and observation and reflection. Multiple methods to gather data were used for triangulation and validation purposes. For data analysis purposes, the data sets were colour coded to derive themes and analytical statements. Ethical consideration was also taken seriously in this study. The findings from this study revealed that integration of learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experience enabled learners to understand science better particularly in the topic of nutrition. The study also revealed that learners possess a lot of prior everyday knowledge and experience about food they eat in their homes. However, data from the community members revealed that there are some contradictions between learners’ prior everyday knowledge and the science content of the topic. Nonetheless, engaging learners in practical activities in the testing of food (local and conventional western type foods) helped them to make meaning of the content learned. I therefore, recommend that learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experiences should be incorporated during teaching and learning of the topic on nutrition. The study also recommends that the Department of Education should ensure that teachers get the necessary support and training on how to integrate learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experiences.
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An investigation into how grade 9 learners make sense of prior everyday knowledge and practical learning through exploring tooth decay problems in Onangalo village: a case study
- Authors: Asino, Tomas
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Dental caries -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies Experiential learning -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies Educational change -- Namibia Curriculum planning -- Namibia Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Omusati
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1406 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001986
- Description: The main goal of this study was to investigate how grade 9 learners make sense of prior everyday knowledge and practical learning through exploring tooth decay problems in their local context. The study was conducted at a deep rural Junior Secondary School situated in Onangalo Village, Tsandi constituency in Omusati political region, northern part of Namibia. My research was triggered by the transformation in the Namibian curriculum, which now recognizes a need to contextualize science and make it relevant to the learners’ everyday life experiences. An interpretivist paradigm informed this study. Within this paradigm, a qualitative case study approach was employed. The unit of analysis was the various activities undertaken by my grade 9 learners with a view to make meaning of prior everyday knowledge and practical investigations in chemistry. A variety of data generating techniques were used in this study, namely, brainstorming and discussion sessions, questionnaires, practical activities with worksheets and semi-structured interviews. A video recorder was used to capture events throughout. Analytical categories emerged as a result of a coding system called pawing. From the analytical categories, analytical statements were formulated. The generated data was validated by a critical friend who was a Life Science teacher at the same school at which I did this study. Further validation was done through learners watching the video recordings and through focus group interviews. Methodological triangulation was also used to validate the data. The study revealed that the use of learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experiences in teaching and learning promoted active learners’ participation and enhanced meaning making. Thus, the study recommends the adoption of well-structured science lessons which take into consideration learners’ prior everyday knowledge. The study recommends that these science lessons be used in conjunction with practical activities to promote active learner engagement and conceptual development. Despite the benefits of integrating learners’ prior everyday knowledge during teaching and learning, the study however also revealed some challenges such as limited time and difficulties of English language proficiency amongst learners.
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An investigation into how grade 9 learners make sense of the fermentation and distillation processes through exploring the indigenous practice of making the traditional alcoholic beverage called Ombike: a case study
- Authors: Uushona, Kleopas Ipinge Twegathetwa
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Case studies High school students -- Namibia -- Omusati -- Social life and customs -- Case studies Education, Secondary -- Namibia -- Omusati Brewing -- Study and teaching -- Namibia Ovambo (African people) -- Namibia -- Social life and customs
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1396 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001757
- Description: One of the purposes of the Namibian curriculum is to ensure cultural inclusivity. That is, it recognises the inclusion of traditional cultural practices and experiences in science lessons where appropriate. Based on my experiences both as a learner and a science teacher, I have noted there is a rapid decline and loss of values in most of our cultural practices and heritages. This triggered my interests to do a study on an Oshiwambo traditional beverage known as Ombike. This study is therefore aimed at enhancing conceptual development, meaning making and understanding of concepts in fermentation and distillation. This study was conducted with my grade 9 learners at a school where I was teaching in Omusati region of Namibia. A community member who served as an expert was also a participant. She was involved more in discussions, interviews and most importantly in showing and demonstrating to the learners how Ombike is made practically. Essentially, the goal of this study was to investigate how the indigenous practice associated with the making of Ombike can be used to support meaning making of fermentation and distillation processes. This research is located within an interpretive paradigm where a qualitative case study was adopted. I consider this methodological framework appropriate in this study because it allowed me to use the following data gathering methods: brainstorming and discussion, observation, semi-structured and focus group interviews, and practical activities worksheet. Multiple methods were used for the purpose of triangulation and validation. An inductive analysis was used to discover data patterns and themes from the data. Moreover, ethical considerations were also taken seriously and all the participants gave informed consent. The findings of the study revealed that brainstorming and discussions were an appropriate strategy in eliciting learners’ prior everyday knowledge and experiences on, in particular, the making of Ombike. Furthermore, learner engagement and conceptual development were enhanced. This suggests that contextualisation of knowledge can enhance meaningful learning if it is properly planned. It was also found that practical activities in conjunction with mind maps helped learners to make meanings of scientific concepts. Based on my research findings, I therefore recommend the following three aspects: the consideration of learners` prior knowledge and experiences; contextualising knowledge through use of indigenous knowledge; and the learners’ active involvement in practical activities with an emphasis on key scientific concepts to be developed. That is, there is a need to teach for conceptual understanding.
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An investigation of how grade 10 learners make sense of concepts on refraction of light through exploring their cultural beliefs/everyday experiences about the rainbow : a case study
- Authors: Homateni, Rauha Kau Ndahalomwenyo
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Namibia Light -- Study and teaching Light -- Study and teaching
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1827 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1003713
- Description: This study took place at a private high school in the Kavango region with my 32 grade 10B learners as the research participants. Its objective was to investigate how the grade 10 learners make sense of concepts on refraction of light through exploring their cultural beliefs/everyday experiences about the rainbow. This research study was essentially triggered by my own classroom experience of teaching the topic on refraction of light. In order to achieve the goal of this research, a qualitative case study located within an interpretive paradigm was adopted. To gather data I used multiple data gathering techniques such as brainstorming session, learners conducting interviews in the community, practical activities and focus group interviews. This resulted in descriptive data that qualified to be analyzed in a qualitative way. The themes that emerged from the generated data were coded using upper letter cases and various colours. A methodological triangulation was employed by using multiple data generation techniques. Member checking during focus group interviews also ensured validity in this case study. The findings of this study revealed that the use of learners’ cultural beliefs/everyday experiences can be used to enhance learner engagement, meaning making and conceptual development during the science lessons. In addition, the ways in which practical activities are designed and presented to learners in the science classroom determine learners’ participation and conceptual attainment. Therefore, based on my research findings, I recommend that teachers need to be trained to be able to elicit and integrate learners’ cultural beliefs/everyday experiences in conjunction with hands-on practical activities which focus on conceptual development during their science lessons. However, although this study had many benefits, it also showed that it is not easy to close the gap between learners’ prior everyday knowledge and school science. This warrants further research.
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Understanding trainee teachers' engagement with prior everyday knowledge and experiences in teaching physical science concepts : a case study
- Authors: Mukwambo, Muzwangowenyu
- Date: 2013
- Subjects: Science -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Caprivi -- Case studies Ethnoscience -- Study and teaching -- Namibia -- Caprivi -- Case studies Experiential learning -- Namibia -- Caprivi -- Case studies Experiential learning -- Namibia -- Caprivi -- Case studies Education -- Namibia
- Language: English
- Type: Thesis , Masters , MEd
- Identifier: vital:1402 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1001874
- Description: The constructivist world view is advocated in the Namibian National Curriculum for Basic Education (NNCBE, 2010) since it encourages teachers to use different knowledge sources. This perspective embraces a multicultural approach to science teaching and learning. Indigenous knowledge (IK) and western science (WS) are some of the knowledge sources that are advocated. Yet, it has been noted that some science textbooks used in school science curricula do not consider IK. It is often diminished and considered of lesser value. The sole use of WS in teaching and learning is often distant from IK sources which can be used as prior knowledge. In this study, I therefore endeavoured to minimize this gap in the science curriculum. Essentially, the study focused on investigating trainee teachers’ engagement with prior everyday knowledge and experiences of natural phenomena in teaching physical science concepts. The rationale behind the study emerged while I was supervising twelve trainee teachers on school based studies (SBS) in the Caprivi Region. Observations revealed that learners frequently asked trainee teachers to relate their IK to WS to contextualize what they were learning. However, most trainee teachers seemed to experience challenges. This pedagogical gap and challenge was investigated using the instruments below. An analysis was done on the Namibian National Curriculum for Basic Education (NNCBE, 2010), extracts of research papers and a chapters on pressure in physical science textbooks. A worksheet was used to orientate trainee teachers with suggestions on how IK could be fused with WS to contextualize teaching and learning. Thereafter, this was followed by the simultaneous use of brainstorming and audio-visual techniques. Base line instruments paved the way for the main data generating techniques; namely, microteaching, audio-visual techniques, critical partners’ observation and focus group interview. There was triangulation of data collection instruments which enhanced validation followed by tabulation and data collation to develop themes. Analysis entailed checking theme repetition, indigenous categories and key words in context techniques. Themes enabled the construction of analytical statements which were discussed with reference to the relevant literature, theory and subsequently aligned to the research questions. Findings from this study include the suggestions that IK can be incorporated into teaching and learning of science concepts through the use of models or practical activities, science language used in the community and some cultural artifacts. The relevance of incorporating such type of knowledge is to contextualize science teaching and learning. The study therefore concluded that the incorporation of IK into teaching and learning of science concepts; (a) broadens the curriculum as it addresses conceptual progression and cohesion; (b) contextualizes concepts taught; (c) empowers teachers to use a practical curriculum and (d) it also creates space for misconceptions that come with IK to be identified and corrected. The study thus recommends that cultural artifacts and the social science jargon used in the community of the trainee teachers can be used to incorporate IK with WS as these types of knowledge are not mutually exclusive but in fact complement one another.
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