Looking Ahead: Awakening Natural Science Curiosity
T. Daniels
3 October 2012
Introduction
• Excited about changes in education in SA.• We have the potential to create an economic giant
i.e. it is Africa’s time.• 5 year olds are inquisitive.• Brain development – some even argue that they are
geniuses at this age.• However, by the time they reach high school, the
majority are no longer inquisitive.• We have to awaken the natural science curiosity, not
only in learners but in ourselves as educators
WHY?
Gr 12 Mathematics results
Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Year Total enrolment
Maths enrolment % Year Total
enrolmentMaths
enrolment % Year Total enrolment
Maths enrolment %
2008 79 133 35 036 44.3 2008 63819 29 418 46 2008 43 470 18 668 42.92009 68 405 29 818 42.1 2009 60 812 27 122 44.5 2009 45 692 18778 412010 70 630 29 513 41.8 2010 53 799 22 965 42.7 2010 44 876 16 922 37.72011 73 470 29 893 40.7 2011 56 995 23 233 40.8 2011 38 990 13 374 34.3
0-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-1000
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
8000
Distribution of results gr 12
200820092010
Num
bers
Grade 12 Physical Sciences results
Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12
Year Total enrolment
P. Science enrolment % Year Total
enrolmentP. Sciences enrolment % Year Total
enrolmentP. Sciences enrolment %
2008 79 133 19960 25.2 2008 63819 17 846 27.9 2008 43 470 12997 31.42009 68 405 18381 26.9 2009 60 812 16 793 27.6 2009 45 692 12741 29.92010 70 630 18385 26 2010 53 799 14956 27.8 2010 44 876 11986 26.72011 73 470 16921 23 2011 56 995 14512 25.5 2011 38 990 10225 26.3
0-29 30-39 40-49 50-59 60-69 70-79 80-1000
1000
2000
3000
4000
5000
6000
7000
Distribution of results gr 12
200820092010
Num
bers
Impact
• Lag behind other countries
• Recent Sasol Solar Challenge – Winner – Tokai University from Japan
• How do we change this?
P. O. E.
• Capture the imagination and interest of learners from an early age.• P – Predict• O – Observe• E – Explain
• Demonstration (Life Skills – Term 3 – objects that float and sink)
• Video
Looking Ahead
Looking Ahead: State
• Action plan to 2014: Towards the Realisation of Schooling 2025.• 27 Goals• E.g. Goals 5 & 6 : “To increase the number of learners who pass
mathematics and Physical Sciences”.• Have to work systematically by ensuring that Goal 1 is reached i.e.
“Increase the number of learners in Grade 3 who by the end of the year have mastered the minimum language and numeracy competencies for grade 3”.
Looking Ahead:
• Why become an ECD practitioner / educator.• Many respond: “I love working with children”.• My opinion, this statement is incomplete.• … to harness/awaken the natural science curiosity of learners.• … enable them to intrinsically motivate themselves.• … so that they develop a love for science and maths.• … so that they will develop skills, knowledge, values needed to be
globally competitive citizens and contribute to the economic well-being of South Africa.
Looking Ahead
• Develop a “love” to improve your subject content knowledge.• Keep abreast of the latest educational theories.• Understand how learners learn.• Continuously change your teaching practices to best suit the needs
of learners.• Develop a community of practitioners / educators where you meet on
a regular basis to share and learn from one another.• Understand / accept that this is not a half-day job.• You are in it for the long haul – 40 years of your life.• Understand and accept that you impact the lives of hundreds of
thousands of learners and this will determine the future of our country.
Choice not Fate
Choose to awaken your science curiosity and that of your learners
Thank you
Top Related