Exploring Teacher Knowledge in Natural Sciences

This is a qualitative interpretative case study. Its aim is to explore the teacher knowledge of senior phase Natural Sciences teachers. The following question guided the study: What is the nature of teacher knowledge of natural sciences teachers in the senior phase? Semi structured interviews and observations were used to collect data from three purposefully sampled participants. The findings reveal that senior phase teachers have limited content knowledge and inadequate subject matter knowledge and this enflamed misconception which could be transferred to their learners. It is therefore prudent to recommend a re-focus in the in-service teacher training and colleges of Education to improve teacher’s subject matter knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge as they could be a barrier to effective teaching and learning and learner’s performance in Natural Sciences.

Exploring Teacher Knowledge in Natural Sciences

This is a qualitative interpretative case study. Its aim is to explore the teacher knowledge of senior phase Natural Sciences teachers. The following question guided the study: What is the nature of teacher knowledge of natural sciences teachers in the senior phase? Semi structured interviews and observations were used to collect data from three purposefully sampled participants. The findings reveal that senior phase teachers have limited content knowledge and inadequate subject matter knowledge and this enflamed misconception which could be transferred to their learners. It is therefore prudent to recommend a re-focus in the in-service teacher training and colleges of Education to improve teacher’s subject matter knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge as they could be a barrier to effective teaching and learning and learner’s performance in Natural Sciences.

___

  • Ben-Peretz, M. (2011). Teacher knowledge: What is it? how do we uncover it? what are its implications for schooling? Teaching and Teacher Education, 27, 3-9.
  • Carrier, S. J., Tugurian, L., P. & Thomson, M., M. (2013). Elementary science indoors and out: Teachers, time, and testing. Research in Science Education, 43, 2059-2083.
  • Cresswell, J.W. & Plano clark, V.L. (2011). Designing and conducting mixed methods research. (2nd Edition). Sage Publications, Los Angeles.
  • Bartos, S. A., Lederman, N. G., & Lederman, J. S. (2014). Teachers` reflection on their subject matter knowledge structures and their influence on classroom practice. School Science & Mathematics, 114(3), 125-138.
  • DeJonckheere, M., & Vaughn, L.M. (2019). Semi-structured interviewing in primary care research: a balance of relationship and rigour. Family Medicine and Community Health. https://doi.org/10.1136/fmch-2018-000057
  • Department of Basic Education (DBE). (2011). Curriculum and assessment policy statement grade 7-9. Natural Sciences. Pretoria: Government Printers.
  • Department of Basic Education (DBE). (2015). National senior certificate school subject report. Pretoria.
  • Department of Education. (2011). National curriculum statement grades r-12 (schools), Natural sciences. Pretoria. National Department of Education.
  • Diamond, B,S, Maerten, J, Rohrer, R, E & Lee, O. (2014). Effectiveness of a curricular and professional development intervention at improving elementary teachers` science content knowledge and student achievement outcomes: Year 1 results. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 51(5), 635-658.
  • Grossman, P. L. & Richert, A. E. (1988). Unacknowledged knowledge growth: A re-examination of the effects of teacher education. Teaching and Teacher Education, 4(1), 53-62.
  • Halai, N., & Khan, M., A. (2011). Developing pedagogical content knowledge of science teachers through action research: A case study from Pakistan. Asia- Pacific Forum on Science Learning and Teaching, 12(1), 1-24.
  • Leta, D.T., Ayele, M.A., & Kind, V. (2021). Dialogic teaching approach vis-à-vis middle school physics teacher’s content knowledge. EURASIA Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 17(1), https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/9613
  • Leung, L. (2015). Validity, reliability, and generalizability in qualitative research. Journal of Family Medicine and Primary Care. 4 (3), 24-27.
  • McCombes, S. (2019). Research design: Types, methods, and examples. Scribbr.
  • McMillan, J.H. & Schumacher, S. (2010). Research in education: Evidence-based inquiry (7th Ed). USA: Pearson Education.
  • Merriam, S. B. (2009). Qualitative research: A guide to design and implementation. Revised and expanded from qualitative research and case study applications in education. San Franscisco: Jossey-Bass.
  • Mudau, A.V. (2016). The classroom practice diagnostic framework: A framework to diagnose teaching difficulties of science. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 12(11), 2797-2815.
  • Nieuwenhuis, J. (2016). Qualitative research designs and data gathering technique. In Maree, K. First steps in research. Pretoria: Van Schaik publishers.
  • Nkanyani, T.E. & Mudau, A.V. (2019). Natural sciences teachers` experiences on teaching planet earth and beyond knowledge strand. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 16 (4), 478-488.
  • Patton, M. Q. (2002). Qualitative research and evaluation methods. US: Sage Publications.
  • Rohaan, E. J., Taconis, R & Jochems, W.M.G. (2012). Analysing teacher knowledge for technology education in primary schools. International Journal of Technology and Design Education, 22, 71-280.
  • Rollnick, M., & Mavhunga, E. (2016). Pedagogical content knowledge in the book: Taber, K.S., & Alkpan, B. (EDS). Science education-An international course companion. Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.
  • Rosenshine, B. (2012). Principle of instruction: Research-based strategies that all teachers should know. American Educator, Spring.
  • Sedibe, M. (2014). Natural science teachers’ perceptions of their teaching competence in senior phase schools in Soweto area. Gauteng Province. Journal of Anthropology, 18(3), 115-122.
  • Shulman, L.S. (1986). Those who understand: knowledge growth in teaching. Educational Researcher, 15(2), 4-14.
  • Singh, R. J. (2014). Is mother-tongue education possible in a language-diverse province? A case of limpopo province. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 5(25), 141-147.
  • Usak, M., Ozden, I., & Ingo, E. (2011). A case study of beginning science teachers’ subject matter (SMK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) of teaching chemical reaction in Turkey. European Journal of Teacher Education, 34(4), 407-429.
  • Ventak, H & Spaull, N. (2015). What do we know about primary teachers’ mathematical content knowledge in South Africa? An analysis of SACMEQ 2007. International Journal of Educational Development, 41,121-130.
  • Yilmaz-Tuzun, O. (2008). Pre-service teachers, beliefs about science. Journal of Science Teacher Education, 19, 183-204.
International e-Journal of Educational Studies-Cover
  • Başlangıç: 2017
  • Yayıncı: Tamer KUTLUCA
Sayıdaki Diğer Makaleler

Challenges Encountered by School Principals and Teachers that Impede the Optimal Use of Instruction Time in South African Schools

Edmore DONGO, Vimbi MAHLANGU

Perceived Faults that Exist in Laws Governing the Appointment of School Principals in South African Schools

Agrippa Madoda DWANGU, Vimbi MAHLANGU

An Investigation of Middle School Students’ Views on the Contributions of Dioramas to Biodiversity Education

Hülya ASLAN EFE, Sadreddin TUSUN, Ali Osman ALAKUŞ, Rıfat EFE

Effects of Different Teaching Methods on Nursing Students’ Motivations and Critical Thinking Disposition: A quasi-experimental Study

Yeter DURGUN OZAN, Mesude DUMAN, Gözde GÖKÇE İŞBİR

The Difficulties and Educational Stress of Nursing Students in Clinical Practice during the Covid

Esma AKGÜL, Canan BİRİMOĞLU OKUYAN, Filiz POLAT

Teacher Accountability on Underperforming Schools: An Investigation in Primary Schools around Mapela Circuit in Mogalakwena District

Lebelo DİMAKSTSO, Alfred MODİSE, Ngobeni THEMABA

Social Issues on the Academic Performance of Secondary School Learners in the Limpopo Province

Liliian WHYLKEN, Alfred MODİSE, Sepeng PERCY

Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Views on the Use of Indigenous Chemistry Knowledge in Chemistry Metacognition

Tavonga TAWANDA, Awelani V MUDAU

Comparison of 5th to 8th Grade Mathematics Curricula in Turkey and Greece

Enta ISMAIL AMET, Gül KALELİ YILMAZ

Experiences and Challenges of Adapting to Online Learning during Covid -19 Induced Lockdown: The Case of Gweru Urban Tertiary Students in Zimbabwe

Alfred MODİSE, Richard NYİKA