An Investigation Into The Knowledge And Practices Of Learner-Centred Methods Of Teaching By Physical Science Teachers In The Omusati Education Region

ABSTRACT

This study was undertaken to determine the knowledge and practice of learner-centred methods of teaching by Physical Science Teachers in the Omusati Education Region. The study addressed the following questions: a) What is the Physical Science Teachers’ understanding of the concepts learner-centred education (LCE) and learner-centred methods of teaching? b) What type of training have the Physical Science Teachers received to facilitate the use of learner-centred methods of teaching in their classrooms? c) How do Physical Science Teachers implement learner-centred methods of teaching in the classroom? d) What problems do Physical Science Teachers face in the use of the learner-centred methods of teaching in the classroom? and e) How are the Physical science teachers overcoming the problems preventing the effective use of the learner-centred methods of teaching? Using the case study method and purposeful sampling procedures, data were collected through observation schedules, standardized open-ended interviews and questionnaires from nine Physical Science Teachers in selected secondary schools in the Omusati Education Region. The study found that the Physical Science Teachers used only a few learner-centred methods of teaching in the classroom, including the question and answer method, the discussion method and the independent inquiry method.