DBE: Hands-on Provision Training
Workshop Overview
In June 2022, an intensive hands-on professional development workshop for Grade 7 Natural Sciences was held in Gauteng. The event, organized by the DBE and CASME, aimed to enhance the practical teaching skills of subject advisors and teachers from five provinces. Running from June 20 to 24, the workshop provided comprehensive training in conducting Natural Science experiments and hands-on investigations, essential for the effective delivery of the curriculum.
Workshop Schedule and Trainers
The workshop was meticulously planned, with daily sessions from 8:30 to 15:00, concluding with a half-day on the final Friday. Two experienced trainers led the workshop, ensuring that all participants received focused and expert instruction. Each participating school was equipped with a set of Science kits, and the workshop included thorough guidance on the contents and management of these kits. To supplement the provided kits, CASME brought additional equipment necessary for the training.
Curriculum Coverage
Participants were engaged in a variety of experiments and investigations designed to cover key concepts from the Grade 6-8 CAPS Natural Sciences curriculum, with a strong emphasis on Grade 7 content. The training was structured to allocate 60% of activities to Grade 7 topics, while 20% each was dedicated to reinforcing Grade 6 and introducing Grade 8 concepts. This balanced approach ensured a comprehensive understanding of the curriculum’s progression.
Focus on Practical and Theoretical Learning
The workshop emphasized the theoretical underpinnings of the experiments, focusing primarily on the Chemistry and Physics sections of the Natural Sciences curriculum. Participants explored topics such as making simple circuits, investigating switches, solutions and mixtures, filtration, distillation, and determining the boiling point of water. These activities were designed not only to enhance practical skills but also to deepen the understanding of fundamental scientific principles.
Supporting Resources
To support the training, an activity booklet with detailed notes was developed and provided to all participants, both in hard copy and digitally. This resource served as a valuable reference for the teachers and advisors, facilitating the implementation of the learned techniques in their respective schools. Following the workshop, a comprehensive report was compiled documenting the training outcomes and feedback. Teachers were also encouraged to utilize the CASME Online Platform for convenient access to CAPS-aligned Senior Phase Natural Science practical’s.
Conclusion
Overall, the workshop was a significant step towards improving the quality of Natural Sciences education in the participating schools. By equipping teachers and advisors with the necessary skills and resources, the initiative aimed to foster a more engaging and effective learning environment for students in KwaZulu-Natal and beyond.