6–10 Jul 2026
University of the Western Cape
Africa/Johannesburg timezone
**Tours now open!** Registration is now closed - All registration payments are due before 23:39 SAST on 26 June.

UNDERSTANDING HIGH SCHOOL PHYSICAL SCIENCE IN THEIR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT TRAINING

9 Jul 2026, 15:00
20m
Lecture Hall C9 (University of the Western Cape)

Lecture Hall C9

University of the Western Cape

Oral Presentation Track E - Physics for Development, Education and Outreach Physics for Development, Education and Outreach

Speaker

Dr Happy Phage (Central University of Technology, Free State)

Description

Trends in education and teacher training have proven that due to the latest developments in technology and curriculum transformation, continuous professional development of educators is vital in promoting and improving the teaching and learning of physical science. Studies have proven that educators are blamed for the learners’ poor performance. Less studies have been done on the school educators’ need for professional development. Researchers embarked on investigating the needs and perceptions of high school physical science educators in terms of this professional development, and what they would like to see or be assisted with in enhancing their skills and challenges with teaching and learning of physical science. A questionnaire was designed and distributed to these educators in one province, and thirty-two educators participated voluntarily in this study. The results were statistically analysed and indicated a greater need for reform and transformation in the teaching and learning of this subject. Participants felt that they were overworked and had to complete the syllabus under strenuous conditions without affecting the curriculum changes. This hampered their efficiency in the delivery of the mode of instruction, and they are always left behind with the latest developments, mainly in technology, of the pedagogical approaches to teaching and learning, especially assessments. They are unable to develop as a result, as they are stuck with a classroom environment only.

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Author

Dr Happy Phage (Central University of Technology, Free State)

Co-author

Paul Molefe (University of Johannesburg (SA))

Presentation materials

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