Abstract:

The objectives of this study were to explore the relationship between Grade 10 learners’ laboratory use skills and academic performance in physical sciences, to investigate the role of practical investigations in the teaching and learning of physical science, and to assess the influence of science on learners’ career choices. The reviewed literature shows that there is a significant role played by laboratory use skills of science learners. However, it does not show the role played by these skills in the learners’ overall academic performance. Four schools were randomly selected to participate in the study to achieve the research objectives. To collect qualitative data focus group interviews were conducted with nine Grade 10 physical sciences teachers. A questionnaire was administered to 187 learners to gather quantitative data. Most learners have made future career choices in the scientific field. The findings further reveal that there are many teacher-specific challenges experienced regarding practical hands-on investigations. These challenges are insufficient physical sciences resources, lack of functional laboratories, overcrowded classrooms, less teaching time owing to COVID-19 challenges, learner misbehaviour which leads to lesson disruptions, and inexperienced novice teachers. The study recommends that the South African Department of Basic Education should mobile laboratories to schools lacking practical facilities. The department should also provide continuous professional teacher development in the implementation of practical investigations which stimulate meaningful learning in productive learning environments.

Keywords:

Academic performance, career choices, laboratory use skills, practical investigations, scientific field.