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The Microscience Project and Its Impact on Pre-Service and In-

Service Education

John Bradley Centre for Research and Development in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (RADMASTE Centre) University of Witwatersrand

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The Education Cycle & The Radmaste ApproachRadmaste Projects

CEMP

R

CESP

TTPSP

TTPSP

Colleges

of Education

S

E

M

A

ETHNO

R

Secondary School

Primary School

TEACUP

DISTED

MHIP

CAPME

TTPSP

R R

R

R

E

M

A

P

M

R

S

C

ENVIRO

MICROSCI

MAESTRO

EMSCEP W

I

S

E

R

R

R

Incl

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nd

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Colleges of Education Science Project (CESP)

Initial Situation: 3 year diplomas for primary and

secondary teachers More than 100 colleges preparing

majority of teachers A new and very different college

curriculum Traditional methodologies

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Colleges of Education Science Project (CESP) (cont.)

Initial Situation:

Training – not education

Poor infrastructure

Limited teaching and learning

resources

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Colleges of Education Science Project (CESP)

Intervention-Workshop Courses:

2 per year for 5 years

3 to 5 days duration

60 college science lecturers

New teaching materials

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Intervention-Workshop Courses:

Learner-centered methodology

Science-technology-society (STS)

Industry visit

Social event

Colleges of Education Science Project (CESP)

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Colleges of Education Science Project (CESP) (cont.)

Outcomes: Improved science lecturers: Science equipment survey Research into teaching methods Published books for college science

curriculum Initiation of microscience project

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Decline of CESP

Rationalization:

50% disestablished in 5 years Government funds reduced New school curriculum initiated Colleges linked to universities in the

same province

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From CESP to Microscience

Practical science at the college: Traditional experiments Limited TRADITIONAL EQUIPMENT Poor methodology Little relationship with school

classroom realities Disinterest in improvisation

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From CESP to Microscience (cont.)

Implications of needs: Low-cost, convenient, versatile

equipment Low initial and running costs Learner-centered principle In-service education

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The Initial microscience conception

The RADMASTE basic microchem kit for students:

Lower cost Safer Less environmental impact Specially-designed components Versatile

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The Initial microscience conception (cont.)

The RADMASTE basic microchem kit for students:

Unbreakable No laboratory required Convenient Supported by pre-prepared

chemicals, teachers guide, student

worksheets

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Microscience in the colleges

Outcomes: Lecturers found it more convenient Students found it more relevant Corporate donors purchased for

colleges Some colleges purchased

themselves Introduced into teaching practice

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Growth of the microscience project

More than 1000 schools in South Africa:

Cooperation with UNESCO and

IUPAC Introductory workshops in 30

countries Pilot projects in 12 countries

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Growth of the microscience project (cont.)

More than 1000 schools in South Africa:

Extensive implementation in 3 countries Translation of worksheets and teachers guide

into French, Russian (part) and Arabic (in

progress) Kits for electricity, biology, water quality, more

advanced chemistry, primary general or integrated science

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Outcomes associated with the microscience project

Positive attitudes

Concept learning

Dependence on teachers

Public awareness

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In-service teacher education

Students Teachers

Motivation Management

Practical Skills Personal Experience

Concept Learning Pedagogical ContentKnowledge

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Curriculum 2005: Outcome Based Education (OBE) in South Africa (1997-)

Learner-centered education: terminology

Critical outcomes Specific outcomes Expected levels of performance Range statements Phase organizers Learning areas

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Curriculum 2005: natural sciences learning area“Experimental work is a defining characteristic of the natural sciences…wherever possible, practical work should involve active pupil participation”

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Meeting the challenge of implementing learner-centered and practical science with microscience

Provide cost-effective access to practical science

Inherently learner-centered Convenient for teachers Helps achieve equity in education Fits any science curriculum