Cum Laude Study on Improving Physical Science Teaching

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Mr Phelelani Maphalala was awarded his Master’s in Education cum laude for his study that investigated teachers’ experiences and the rationale for Constructive Alignment (CA) practices in poorly-performed subjects.

‘Constructively aligned curriculum seeks to optimise learning by ensuring congruence between the intended learning outcomes, teaching and learning activities, and assessment,’ said Maphalala. ‘It focuses on three key aspects of learning for both teachers and learners: For teachers: what teachers are expected to achieve, what they are teaching and how they teach it, and what they assess. For learners: what learners are expected to learn, what they learn, and how they will be expected to make that learning evident.’

His research aimed to transform Physical Science teachers’ approach to the curriculum and improve learners’ performance in Electrostatics and Electric Circuits.

The findings revealed that Physical Sciences teachers’ lack understanding of CA as well as transparency in communicating intended learning outcomes, negatively impacting learner performance. Teacher beliefs and values also impact their pedagogical practices, leading to blurred assessment skills.

Maphalala recommends institutionalising transparent communication practices, continuous assessment and feedback, teacher professional development for practical CA skills, and regular teacher reflective sessions within schools and districts to build CA capacity. He said that, ‘Implementing these findings could potentially improve performance in Electrostatics and Electric Circuits topics.’

He faced numerous challenges during his research, including the loss of his mother and the retirement of the Life Sciences teacher at his school, which meant he had to teach this subject as well as Physical Sciences to Grade 12. Despite emotional and financial stress, he persevered with his studies and cared for his father and siblings.

Maphalala believes this degree will open many career opportunities and hopes that it will make a positive impact in transforming society through education. He said that he intends to pursue a PhD in the hopes of securing a position in a teacher education institution.

He expressed his gratitude to his supervisor, Professor Nadaraj Govender for his patience and guidance.

Govender described Maphalala as an independent student whose diligence paid off, despite his workload as a school teacher.

Words: Sinoyolo Mahlasela

Photograph: Sethu Dalmini