Skip to main content

Can a Phenomenological Approach Enhance Learning in Science in South Africa?

  • Chapter
  • First Online:
Science Education and Curriculum in South Africa

Part of the book series: Curriculum Studies Worldwide ((CSWW))

Abstract

This study reports on an investigation into the question of whether a phenomenological approach can enhance the quality of learning in science. The study therefore critically compared the rationale, approaches and outcomes of the various other didactic approaches to teaching and learning in science education. The findings suggest that a phenomenological approach would liberate the study of science from the prevailing static content-centred approach involving the rote learning of content and promote a learner-centred approach in terms of which the learner is regarded as an active, epistemological, psychological and social being. Given the overwhelming current emphasis on the purely cognitive aspects of teaching and learning, it is hoped that this research report will contribute towards (re)humanising and revitalising science teaching.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

eBook
USD 19.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
Softcover Book
USD 24.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Compact, lightweight edition
  • Dispatched in 3 to 5 business days
  • Free shipping worldwide - see info

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

References

  • Aikenhead, G. S. (2006). Science education for everyday life: Evidence-based practices. New York: Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Biesta, G. J. (2010). Education after the death of the subject: Levinas and the pedagogy of interruption. In Z. Leonardo (Ed.), The handbook of cultural politics and education (pp. 265––2289). Rotterdam: Sense Publishers.

    Google Scholar 

  • Coetzee, S., & Imenda, S. (2012). Effects of outcomes-based education and traditional lecture approaches in overcoming alternative conceptions in physics. African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 16(2), 145–157.

    Google Scholar 

  • Constandi, S. (2010). Meandering through my epistemological patchwork quilt: A narrative inquiry of my landscapes of learning. Journal of Philosophy and History of Education, 60, 89–92.

    Google Scholar 

  • Dahlin, B., Ǿstergaard, E., & Hugo, A. (2009). An argument for reversing the bases of science education: A phenomenological alternative to cognitionism. Nordina, 5(2), 201–215.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Basic Education. (2002). Revised National Curriculum Statement: Grades R–9 (Schools): Natural Sciences. Pretoria: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Basic Education. (2003). Physical Sciences National Curriculum Statement. Grades 10–12 (General policy). Pretoria: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Basic Education. (2006). Physical Sciences National Curriculum Statement: Grades 10–12 (General). Pretoria: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Basic Education. (2010). Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement: Physical Sciences (CAPS). Pretoria: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Department of Education. (1997). Curriculum 2005. Retrieved from http://www.polity.org.za/govdocs/misc/curr2005html

  • Department of Education. (n.d.). National Assembly Training and Education Department (NATED) interim core syllabus for Physical Sciences (HG, SG & LG). Pretoria: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Duit, R., & Treagust, D. (1998). Learning in science—From behaviourism towards social constructivism and beyond. In B. Fraser. (Ed.), International handbook of science education. Dordrecht: Kluwer Academic.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hansberger, M. (1991). Time and text. In W. H. Pinar & M. Reynalds (Eds.), Understanding curriculum as phenomenological and deconstructed text (pp. 64–91). New York, NY: Teachers College Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Heidegger, M. (1967). Being and time (J. Macquarrie & E. Robinson, Trans.). London: SCM Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Hurd, P. D. (2002). Modernizing science education. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 39(1), 3–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Husserl, E. (1975). The Paris lectures (P. Koesterbaum, Trans.). The Hague: Martinus Nijhoff.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jansen, J., & Taylor, N. (2003). Educational change in South Africa 1994–2003: Case studies in Large scale education reform. Country Studies Education Reform and Management Publication Series, 2(1), 1–96.

    Google Scholar 

  • Jegede, O. (1999). Science education in nonwestern cultures: Towards a theory of collateral learning. In L. Semali & J. Kincheloe (Eds.), What is indigenous knowledge? Voices from the academy (pp. 119–142). New York: Falmer Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Koopman, O. (2013). Teachers’ experiences of implementing the Further Education and Training science curriculum. Unpublished Doctoral Thesis, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch.

    Google Scholar 

  • Locke, J. (2009). Of the abuse of words. London: Penguin Books.

    Google Scholar 

  • Mallya, A., Menssah, F. M., Contento, I. R., Koch, P. A., & Barton, A. C. (2012). Extending science beyond the classroom door: Learning from students’ experiences with the choice, control and change (C3) curriculum. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 49(2), 244–269.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Merleau-Ponty, M. (1962). Phenomenology of perception (C. Smith, Trans.). London: Routledge and Kegan Paul.

    Google Scholar 

  • Naidoo, P., & Lewin, K. M. (1998). Policy and planning of Physical Science education in South Africa: Myths and realities. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 35(7), 729–744.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Novak, J. D. (1977). A theory of education. Ithaca, NY: Cornell University Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogunniyi, M. (1987). Conceptions of traditional cosmological ideas among literate and non literate Nigerians. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 24(2), 107–117.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ogunniyi, M. (1988). Adapting western science to traditional African culture. International Journal of Science Education, 10(1), 1–9.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Osborne, J., Simon, S., & Collins, S. (2010). Attitudes towards science; A review of the literature and its implications. International Journal of Science Education, 25(9), 1049–1079.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Østergaard, E., Dahlin, B., & Hugo, A. (2008). Doing phenomenology in science education: A research review. Studies in Science Education, 44(2), 93–121.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Østergaard, E., Dahlin, B., & Hugo, A. (n.d.). From phenomenon to concept: Designing phenomenological science education. 6th IOSTE Symposium for central and Eastern Europe.

    Google Scholar 

  • Piaget, J. (1960). The general problem of the psychological development of the child. In J. M. Tanner & B. Inhelder (Eds.), Discussion on child development (Vol. 4). New York: International Universities Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Price, J. F., & McNeill, K. L. (2013). Towards a lived science curriculum in intersecting configured world: An exploration of individual meaning in science education. Journal of Research in Science Teaching, 50(5), 501–529.

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rollnick, M., Allie, A., Buffler, A., Campbell, B., & Lubben, F. (2004). Development and application of a model for students’ decision making in laboratory work. African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 8(1), 13–27.

    Google Scholar 

  • Sartre, J. (1956). Being and nothingness. (H. Barnes, Trans.). New York, NY: Washington Square Press.

    Google Scholar 

  • Umalusi Report. (2008). Department of Basic Education. Pretoria: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Umalusi Report. (2014). Department of Basic Education. Pretoria: Author.

    Google Scholar 

  • Vygotsky, L. (1986). Though and language. In A. Kozulin (Ed.). Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 2017 The Author(s)

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Koopman, O. (2017). Can a Phenomenological Approach Enhance Learning in Science in South Africa?. In: Science Education and Curriculum in South Africa . Curriculum Studies Worldwide. Palgrave Macmillan, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40766-1_8

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-40766-1_8

  • Published:

  • Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, Cham

  • Print ISBN: 978-3-319-40765-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-3-319-40766-1

  • eBook Packages: EducationEducation (R0)

Publish with us

Policies and ethics