A study on helping teachers learn and use the investigative approach science

Date of Award

6-1998

Document Type

Dissertation

Degree Name

Master of Education (MEd)

First Supervisor/Advisor

Dr. Mehrunissa Ahmed Ali

Second Supervisor/Advisor

Ms.Nelofer Halai

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find out how teachers could be helped to learn and use the investigative approach in science. Two teachers from the lower secondary school participated in the study and my role was to help them learn and use the investigative approach through joint planning, modelling and reflective practice. The study was conducted in three stages. The pre-intervention stage showed the teachers' current practice in science, the intervention stage where the investigative approach was introduced and the post-intervention stage indicated the impact of the innovation on teachers' teaching to detect change. The research draws on qualitative data sources such as semi-structured interview, participant observations and teachers' reflective journals. Findings revealed that teachers came with their beliefs about the way children learn science and this was because of their experiences as students and the way they taught was a manifestation of their beliefs. The findings also showed that the change process is influenced by teacher beliefs, understanding of the change process and contextual factors such as time, syllabus, and relationships. The study found that working closely with teachers and encouraging them to reflect on their practices in a conducive, supportive environment helps teachers internalise change thus enabling them to attempt and implement the investigative approach to change their practice. The teachers were positive about the innovation and their self-confidence and understanding of the teaching learning process was greatly enhanced

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