Abstract
M.Ed. (Science & Technology Education)
This qualitative study was conducted in Grade 8 and 9 Natural Sciences classes in Gauteng West District (D2). The study focuses on promoting a humanistic perspective approach in science teaching through the use of newspaper articles. The purpose of this study was to explore teachers’ pedagogical use of newspaper articles to enable the infusion of socio-scientific issues into their science teaching, since the researcher noted that it was neglected during her support visits as a subject advisor. Implementation of the South African National Curriculum Statement was, therefore, compromised because social issues were not infused into science lessons. This research, therefore, looked at teachers’ use of newspaper articles on socio-scientific issues before and after an intervention workshop, and at their perceptions regarding the use of newspaper articles. Teachers also reported on challenges that they experienced in using newspaper articles to implement a humanistic approach in the science classroom.
Since this study aimed to improve educational practice and took place in the natural setting of the school and the classroom, design-based research was chosen as an appropriate methodology. Data was collected through teacher interviews, a teacher-development workshop followed by teacher questionnaires and lesson observations.
The study showed that teachers were positive and embraced the humanistic perspective approach through the four themes that emerged from the data analysis. However, the availability of resource material and lack of reform teaching skills posed a challenge since textbooks are limited in addressing social issues.