1st Edition

School Science Practical Work in Africa Experiences and Challenges

Edited By Umesh Ramnarain Copyright 2020
    206 Pages 11 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    206 Pages 11 B/W Illustrations
    by Routledge

    School Science Practical Work in Africa presents the scope of research and practice of science practical work in African schools. It brings together prominent science educators and researchers from Africa to share their experience and findings on pedagogical innovations and research-informed practices on school science practical work.

    The book highlights trends and patterns in the enactment and role of practical work across African countries. Practical work is regarded as intrinsic to science teaching and learning and the form of practical work that is strongly advocated is inquiry-based learning, which signals a definite paradigm shift from the traditional teacher-dominated to a learner-centered approach. The book provides empirical research on approaches to practical work, contextual factors in the enactment of practical work, and professional development in teaching practical work.

    This book will be of great interest to academics, researchers and post-graduate students in the fields of science education and educational policy.

    1. Inquiry-based learning in South African schools : Umesh Ramnarain

    2. The use of easily accessible resources during hands-on practical activities in rural under-resourced Namibian schools: Eva Asheela, Kenneth Ngcoza and Joyce Sewry

    3. Advances in the inquiry-based science education at Zimbabwean schools: Lydia Mavuru and Washington Dudu

    4. The role of practical work in the teaching of science in Nigerian schools: Upahi Johnson Enero and Oyelekan Oloyede Solomon

    5. The pedagogical orientations of Malawian science teachers towards practical work: Dorothy Nampota, Nellie Mbano and Bob Maseko

    6. Enactment of Practical Work in Kenyan Secondary Schools: Findings in a narrative inquiry: Josephat M. Miheso

    7. Science practical work and its assessment in secondary schools of Uganda: Israel Kibirige

    8. Science and Engineering Practices coverage in science practical work activities: Analysis of Zambia’s Integrated Science Curriculum Materials: Vivien Mweene Chabalengula and Frackson Mumba

    9. Ways to implement "Practical Work" in STEM subjects in Tanzania’s secondary schools: Ladislaus M. Semali

    10. Reflections and future directions in the implementation of practical work in African schools: Umesh Ramnarain

    Biography

    Umesh Ramnarain is a Professor in Science Education, and Head of Department in the Department of Science and Technology Education at the University of Johannesburg, South Africa.