Abstract:

The purpose of this study was to determine learner perceptions of factors that promote a sustainable learning environment in a Grade 12 Physical Science classroom in the Letlhabile Area of North West Province. Participants were chosen on purpose from three types of schools: school A, which had a pass rate of more than 80%, school B, which had an average pass rate of 40% to 60%, and school C, which had a pass rate of less than 35%. This study employed a multiple-method research design that included both quantitative and qualitative research approaches, with data collected via questionnaires, interviews, and observation schedules. Participants were chosen using purposeful sampling. Learners' quantitative data was gathered using closed questionnaires and open-ended items. Trends were discovered by comparing the performance of students in Science at various schools across the country. The qualitative results were analyzed primarily through descriptive statistics and thematic analysis, whereas the quantitative results were analyzed using the IBM SPSS software. The findings revealed that school conditions were not conducive to the promotion of quality teaching and learning in the science classroom. Learners must be exposed to practical experiments in science laboratories because conducting experiments is an essential component of the curriculum. According to their interview questionnaires, most learners find the Language of Learning and Teaching (LoLT) to be a challenge. Communication and interaction with one another are not prioritized in the Science classroom. There is no one to assist learners after school, so they do not receive adequate support in the subject. Most students are forced to study Physical Science not because they want to, but because their parents and peers expect them to. Learners are losing interest in the subject because they are unable to search for information to improve their understanding of Science. Because most of the content is taught theoretically, students rarely bring their labs to class. The majority of students believed that if the subject was taught in their native language, their understanding of the subject and its contents would improve. Learners believe that using technology will help them more because information can be found more easily and quickly.

Keywords:

Learner performance, Science curriculum, home language, resources availability, laboratory equipment, tools for learning, sustainable, teaching and learning environment.