Abstracts
Abstract
This study explored the pedagogical strategies employed by grade 12, life-sciences teachers in township schools to teach complex concepts, such as genetics and meiosis, using improvised teaching resources. Resource constraints in South African township schools often limit learners’ access to traditional teaching materials and technologies. In response, this research examined how teachers adapt and innovate their methods to effectively convey abstract life-sciences concepts. An embedded mixed-methods design was utilized, with a purposive sample of four life-sciences teachers from diverse township schools, selected to reflect varied teaching experiences and resource availability. Data was collected through interviews and classroom observations, offering insights into their instructional practices. Thematic analysis of interview data and systematic observation of classroom activities revealed a range of creative and adaptive pedagogical approaches. Instructors commonly adopted collaborative, learner-centred, and inquiry-based teaching methods. They employed creative strategies, including designing hands-on activities, using analogies, and incorporating real-life examples to enhance learners’ understanding. Collaboration among teachers and the use of community resources also emerged as key strategies for enriching the learning experience. The findings underscore the resilience and ingenuity of grade 12, life-sciences teachers in overcoming resource constraints to create effective educational environments. This study contributes to the understanding of the interplay between pedagogy and resource availability in underserved educational settings, providing valuable insights for educators, policymakers, and curriculum developers aiming to enhance science education in resource-limited contexts.
Keywords:
- teaching approaches,
- Teaching Strategies,
- pedagogical content knowledge,
- under-resourced schools,
- genetics,
- meiosis,
- township schools
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Appendices
Biographical note
Sam Ramaila is a professor in the Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education at the University of Johannesburg in South Africa. He currently serves as the chairperson of the Physics for Development, Education and Outreach Division of the South African Institute of Physics (SAIP). In addition, he spearheaded the Review of Undergraduate Physics Education in Public Higher-Educational Institutions Project on behalf of SAIP. The project culminated in the development of the Strategy for the Enhancement of Physics Training in South Africa. His research interests broadly lie in the science education domain, and include inquirybased learning, teacher education, computational thinking, and nature of science. He published several articles in high-impact international journals. Professor Ramaila is passionate about promoting the benefits of science and its importance in society, as evidenced by his active involvement in diverse and impactful educational and scientific activities in schools and universities in South Africa.
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