NotesFAQContact Us
Collection
Advanced
Search Tips
Back to results
Peer reviewed Peer reviewed
Direct linkDirect link
ERIC Number: EJ1404665
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2023
Pages: 12
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1029-8457
EISSN: EISSN-1811-7295
Natural Sciences Teachers' Experiences Using Blended Teaching in Township Smart Schools: Perceived Benefits and Challenges
Charnel Malherbe-da Silva; Portia Kavai; Rian de Villiers
African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, v27 n2 p85-96 2023
This study explored the perceived benefits and challenges that Natural Sciences teachers experience when using blended teaching in Smart Schools. This qualitative research focused on public township schools with challenging socio-economic contexts in the Gauteng Province, South Africa. A non-probability purposive sampling method was followed. The data collection technique used involved individual, face-to-face, semi-structured interviews. Interviews conducted with 10 Natural Sciences teachers were analysed through inductive analysis. The key findings of this study portrayed that teachers perceived that the incorporation of blended teaching and learning presented major pedagogical benefits, such as increased learner enjoyment and improved engagement as visual enhancements of the scientific processes and concepts aid learning, save teaching and reduce learning time since complex scientific concepts are simplified and use virtual experiments instead of traditional hands-on practicals. Efficiency in long-term running costs was seen as another benefit. According to these Natural Science teachers, one disadvantage in particular was an increased workload owing to double lesson planning for classroom activities and particularly for science practicals with and without the use of smart equipment, where there were external challenges such as load shedding, inoperable devices, connectivity challenges and/or smart equipment thefts. It is recommended that Smart School teachers are encouraged to form communities of practice to share strategies to minimise the perceived or experienced challenges in blended teaching.
Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Identifiers - Location: South Africa
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A