Essential teaching methods to enhance learner academic achievement in physical sciences in rural secondary schools. A South African case study
| DOI | https://doi.org/10.1108/ILS-03-2017-0014 |
| Pages | 170-184 |
| Date | 13 March 2017 |
| Published date | 13 March 2017 |
| Author | Rekai Zenda |
| Subject Matter | Library & information science,Librarianship/library management,Library & information services |
Essential teaching methods to
enhance learner academic
achievement in physical
sciences in rural secondary
schools
A South African case study
Rekai Zenda
University of South Africa, Pretoria, South Africa
Abstract
Purpose –The purpose of this paper is to explore teaching methods that can allow learners to be
creative and proactive. The learners should be able to solve problems, make decisions, think critically,
communicate ideas effectively and work efciently. Teaching and learning are evolving and developing
in many countries, with a focus concerning what is actually learned through effective teaching
methods.
Design/methodology/approach –A qualitative research was carried out, identifying effective
teaching methods and exploring their roles in teaching and learning in physical sciences in selected rural
secondary schools. Face-to-face interviews with physical sciences teachers, school principals and
curriculum advisers were used to collect data.
Findings –A range of teaching methods that may be integrated into teaching and learning activities is
identied. The teaching methods ensure that topics are discussed and explored through interaction and
sharing of perspective, views and values through which new learning can emerge. Viewed from this
perspective, there is a need to create a stimulating, enriching, challenging and focused environment for
physical sciences learners through the use of multiple teaching methodologies.
Research limitations/implications –The improvement of science learner’s academic achievement
requires also the teachers to develop new skills and ways of teaching the subject. Improving learner
academic achievement in physical sciences requires an approach to improve the skills of teachers as well,
which focuses on the effective use of teaching methods such as experiments. This means attempting to
change the attitude of teachers to regard the processes of teaching and learning as central to their role. In
addition, the achievement of learners in science could possibly solve the problem of shortages of
engineers, skilled artisans, technicians, doctors and technologists for sustainable development. It is
important to create conducive conditions for learning and teaching in physical sciences, and continue to
progressively and within available resources, realise that collaboration, problem-solving and hands-on
activities are effective teaching methods to improve learner academic achievement.
Practical implications –The learners should be able to solve problems, make decisions, think
critically, communicate ideas effectively and work efciently. The study is limited to the teaching
methods used in physical sciences. Hands-on activities are essential in science teaching and
learning.
Social implications –The use of collaborations, peer teachings and hands-on activities allows
learners emphasise the creation of a classroom where students are engaged in essentially open-ended,
student-centred and hands-on experiments.
Originality/value –The paper is original work, in which face-to-face interviews were carried out.
Qualitative research was carried out. The paper could assist educators in the teaching of physical
sciences in secondary schools using the identied methods. The results were obtained from physical
sciences educators, school principals and curriculum advisors in South Africa. Poor academic
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald Insight at:
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ILS
118,3/4
170
Received 6 March 2017
Revised 19 April 2017
Accepted 19 April 2017
Informationand Learning Science
Vol.118 No. 3/4, 2017
pp.170-184
©Emerald Publishing Limited
2398-5348
DOI 10.1108/ILS-03-2017-0014
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