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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.
List of contents
1. Inquiry-based learning in South African schools. 2. The use of easily accessible resources during hands-on practical activities in rural under-resourced Namibian schools. 3. Advances in the inquiry-based science education at Zimbabwean schools. 4. The role of practical work in the teaching of science in Nigerian schools. 5. The pedagogical orientations of Malawian science teachers towards practical work. 6. Enactment of Practical Work in Kenyan Secondary Schools: Findings in a narrative inquiry. 7. Science practical work and its assessment in secondary schools of Uganda. 8. Science and Engineering Practices coverage in science practical work activities: Analysis of Zambia’s Integrated Science Curriculum Materials. 9. Ways to implement "Practical Work" in STEM subjects in Tanzania’s secondary schools. 10. Reflections and future directions in the implementation of practical work in African schools.
About the author
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.
Summary
School Science Practical Work in Africa presents the scope of research and practice of science practical work in African schools.
