Improving the teaching and learning of science and technology in South Africa : congruence between North West science teachers and science Expo students

Bibliography: leaves 94-105.The purpose this empirical investigation is to determine how closely the science and technology curriculum views of South African science teachers concur with those of science Expo students in 1997. The study is also substantial contribution to an on-going national survey of the views of more than 1000 respondents for improving the teaching and learning of school science and technology as part of the Reconstruction and Development Programme. The 1995 Government White Paper states that there is a need for curriculum development that includes finding criteria to prepare and recruit students for subjects in short supply, particularly science, mathematics and technology. In its statement of Values and Principles of Education and Training, the White Paper (15 March 1995:22) states: -An appropriate mathematics, science and technology education initiative is essential to stem the waste of talent, and make up the chronic national deficit in these fields of learning, which are crucial to human understanding and to economic advancement. Subsequent to the release of the White paper, a panel of seven South African researchers reviewed the science and technology (S&T) literature and extracted fifteen possible policy recommendations for the improvement of teaching methods, curriculum and textbooks in science and technology programmes