Learning Science In A Secondary School In Papua New Guinea

Abstract

This study investigated teaching and learning, and the classroom learning environment in which the electricity topic was taught by the regular class teacher within the prescribed Grade 9 syllabus in a Secondary School in Papua New Guinea. The study was motivated by the perceived problems students had with understanding science concepts and the lack of classroom-based studies that provide a better understanding of teaching and learning science and the influence of the classroom learning environment on students' learning. An interpretive with embedded case study was conducted in a Grade 9 class over a period of 12 weeks in which data was gathered using mixed and multiple methods. Findings of the study revealed the presence and influence of aspects of the indigenous traditional teaching and learning approach impacting on the formal modern Western oriented teaching and learning approach in this particular classroom. The study recommended that in order to maximise students' learning and understanding of science concepts in the classroom observed, cultural sensitivity should be incorporated in the pedagogy.