Prospects and challenges of teaching Science in response to Covid-19 pandemic
Date of Award
1-2023
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Name
Master of Education (M. Ed.)
First Supervisor/Advisor
Dr Tasneem Anwar
Department
Institute for Educational Development, Karachi
Abstract
Science instructional practices around the world raise concerns. The situation in Pakistan is even grave where various studies highlight the use of direct instruction that promotes rote learning. Whereas the national curriculum of science suggests inquiry-based approaches for teaching science. Meanwhile there was this stark disparity between intended curriculum and actual science practices, Pakistan like every other place was hit by COVID-19. Teachers in the urban settings transitioned from face-to-face classrooms to various forms of instruction with initially no idea and gradually learnt to teach science in this newer uncertain time. Because this sudden transition was a result of a unique health crisis and for this Pakistani schools were barely prepared. This study focused on exploring the efforts that science teachers made in teaching science to elementary grade students during the COVID 19 era.. A qualitative case study was employed to explore the science instructional practices of teachers during the pandemic using semi-structured interviews, lesson plans and worksheets as its key data sources. This case study also showed the potential of online teaching where science teachers used various online resources to support students’ learning. Results also provides hope for meaningful integration of technology for science teaching and learning even in the face -to-face science classrooms. Having said that, the study found that hands-on science activities were badly compromised during online science instruction during COVID-19.
Recommended Citation
Jabeen, Z. (2023). Prospects and challenges of teaching Science in response to Covid-19 pandemic [M. Ed. Dissertation]. Aga Khan University.