CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF THE SGCSE PHYSICAL SCIENCE SYLLABUS

(CHEMISTRY SECTION)By

Moses G. Mabuza128529

INTRODUCTIONAkpan (2010):Sc. contributes to the quality of life. i.e

health, nutrition, agric. industrial dvt. etc.Sc. & tech. are crucial for sust. Dvlpt.Therefore, must be included in ed. Systems.Attempts are made to improve quality of sc.

curr. to attain the sc. ed. aims.

NATURE OF SCIENCEBuaraphan (2011)Understanding of NOS prerequisite to sc.

literacy.NOS understanding is aim for many sc. curr.Hence, sc. ed. aims are discussed with NOS.

NATURE OF SCIENCE CONT.National Council of Educational Research & Training (2006)Sc. is a dynamic & expanding body of

knowledge.Sc. mtd involves interconnected steps. i.e

observation, hypothesis, verification of theories through experiments.

Sc. laws are not fixed truths.

SCIENCE EDUCATIONWikipediafield concerned wt sharing sc. content &

process.Good sc. ed. - takes into acc. the learner,

environ. & science. (Council, 2006).

SCIENCE EDUCATIONN.C.E.R.T (2006)Criteria for validating a sc. curr.Cognitive validityContent validityProcess validityHistorical validityEnvironmental validityEthical validity

GLOBAL AIMS OF SC. ED.Follow from the six criteria of

validity (N.C.E.R.T, 2006).Trowbridge, Bybee & Powell (2004)Identified 5 broad categories

- sc. knowledge- sc. methods- societal issues- personal needs- career awareness

SGCSE PHYSICAL SCIENCEMoET outlined aims of sc. ed.The aims can be classified into the 5

categories identified by Trowbridge, Bybee & Powell (2004)

SGCSE PHYSICAL SCIENCE CONT.Scientific knowledge

Acquisition of fundamental concepts and principles of science that are useful in everyday life and act as a base for further education. Seeking, acquisition and development of scientific explanations of natural phenomena.

Scientific methods

Acquisition of skills for scientific inquiry in developing knowledge and understanding. Development of communication skills that are necessary for reporting findings of practical investigations and related scientific information.

Societal issues

Relating scientific knowledge and understanding to particular domestic, environmental and industrial situations. Development of awareness of the potential of indigenous technologies in developing local societies. Development of the desire to preserve and sustain the natural environment. Evaluation of the positive and negative effects of a particular scientific or technological development recognizing that a practical solution may require a compromise between competing priorities. Making informed decisions and judgements about economic and social benefits and drawbacks underlying current and past developments in science and technology in particular cultures.

SGCSE PHYSICAL SCIENCE CONT

Personal needs

Development of creative and aesthetic attitudes towards science studies and stimulation of lasting interests. Being encouraged to participate fairly in all areas of science, particularly girls. Making reasoned judgements and decisions about courses of action where science relates to personal lives, the community and the environment. Development of a perspective in life, e.g. reverence for the creator and an esteem for the wonders of the created universe through contact with the subject matter.

Career awareness

Acquisition and development of a range of competences that will be useful in everyday life and further pursuance of scientific studies.

SGCSE PHYSICAL SCIENCE CONT.Phys. Sc. aims are classified into the 5 global

sc. ed. aims

SGCSE PHYSICAL SCIENCE CONT.Broad SGCSE Physical Science Aim

Broad Global CategoriesScientific knowledge

Scientific methods

Social issues

Personal needs

Career awareness

Provision of a worthwhile educational experience through well designed studies of experimental and practical science.

   

    

        

Development of skills and abilities that develop and enhance scientific knowledge and understanding

    

      

   

Development of attitudes relevant to Physical Science

         

 

Stimulation of interest in, and for, the environment

       

   

 

Promotion of awareness of that the study and practice of science is subject to social, economic, technological, ethical and cultural influences and limitations

          

   

CHEMISTRY CURRICULUMChemistry curr. analysed with respect to the

broad aims of sc. ed.Scientific KnowledgeDvlp understanding of natural systemsSc. facts, concepts & principles emphasisedTopics e.g particulate nature of matter, atoms

elements & cpds, chem. rxns, acids, bases & salts, periodic table, non-metals.

CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM CONT.Now sc. knowledge aims are extended to

include:- understanding of sc. inquiry- science & technology- history & nature of science

CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM CONT.However,Sc. Teachers still use this aim in a narrow

sense that focuses on:- definitions- scientific facts- sc. concepts & principles

Therefore attainment of aim is compromised

CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM CONT.Scientific MethodsDvlp understanding & ability to use mtds of

inquiryChem. curr. attempts dvlp investgtn skillsE.g identifying ions by exptnHowever,Sc. teachers do not use practical work

CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM CONT.Sc. Methods aim is not adequately achievedTopics e.g exptal techniques, chem. rxns,

acids, bases & saltsSocial IssuesPrepare citizens who deal with science-

related social issuesTopics e.g definition of chem. & its

importance in society, organic chem. (pollution)

CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM CONT.However, Sc. teachers are addicted to tg chem. facts,

concepts & principlesHence, attainment of aim affected

CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM CONT.Personal NeedsUnderstanding & fulfilment of personal needsFew cases of personal needs aimsTopics e.g non-metals – water purification &

effects of common pollutants

CHEMISTRY CURRICULUM CONT.Career AwarenessShould inform learners abt careers in scienceChem. curr. does not address this explicitlyHowever,Curr. provide dvlpt of competencies for:

- everyday use- further pursuance of sc. studies

CONCLUSIONPhysical Sc. Syllabus matches well with

global stdsHowever, Chemistry section lacks in career awareness

& personal needs.As a whole, the Phys. Sc. curr. does attend to global aims of sc. ed. to a larger extent.

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THANK YOU!

Babe Mabuza