A science-technology-society approach to teacher education for the foundation phase: Students’ empiricist views

Abstract

<p>Teacher education for South African foundation phase education requires student<br />teachers to be prepared for teaching science concepts in an integrated programme in a<br />learning area known as life skills . This study examined the challenges faced by university<br />teachers of foundation phase student teachers in the development of science modules/<br />courses. The national curriculum for this subject aims to strengthen learner awareness<br />of social relationships, technological processes and elementary science (DBE 2011a). We<br />developed an integrated numeracy, science and technology module for foundation phase<br />student teachers, based on the science-technology-society (STS) approach to teaching<br />science concepts. Students’ understanding of science concepts was assessed, using a<br />project method in which they solved a problem derived from children’s literature. Then<br />students’ views of this integrated approach to teaching science concepts were gathered.<br />The negative views of the foundation phase student teachers towards the integrated STS<br />approach was thought to indicate an empiricist view of the nature of science that could<br />impede their future teaching.</p>