University of the Western Cape

Advanced Diploma in Science Education

Education, Training and Development - Schooling

Add Bookmark

Purpose and Rationale

Advanced Diploma in Science Education

Purpose:

The purpose of the Advanced Diploma in Science Education is to strengthen and enhance an existing specialization in a subject or to develop a new role or practice to support teaching and learning in a school. The qualification offers intellectual enrichment or intensive, focused, and applied specialization, meeting the specific niche requirements in education, such as Science Education. Learners will gain a deep and systemic understanding of current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology in the specialized area.

Rationale:

This qualification replaces the previous Advanced Certificate in Education (ACE), which was deemed redundant as per the Minimum Requirements for Teacher Education dated 15 July 2011. Science and Mathematics are pivotal subjects and are national priorities at the National Senior Certificate level. The Advanced Diploma aims to provide intellectual enrichment, intensive focus, and applied specialization in science and mathematics. It equips learners with in-depth and systematic comprehension of current practices, theories, and methodologies in the field.

This qualification is a vital part of in-service teachers' professional development, addressing the Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) needs specific to the discipline. It tackles the challenges of teaching science by emphasizing the necessity of advanced scientific knowledge, understanding, and process skills to effectively teach school science. The essence of the qualification lies in viewing elementary science from an advanced scientific standpoint, an area that requires substantial support considering recent examination results and the performance of South African learners in national and international benchmark assessments.

Outcomes

  1. Identify, analyse, evaluate, critically reflect on and address complex problems, applying evidence-based solutions and theory-driven arguments.
  2. Make decisions and act ethically and professionally, and the ability to justify those decisions and actions drawing on appropriate ethical values and approaches within a supported environment.
  3. Develop appropriate processes of information gathering for a given context or use### and the ability to independently validate the sources of information and evaluate and manage the information.
  4. Produce and communicate information, demonstrating the ability to develop and express his or her ideas and opinions in well-formed arguments, using appropriate academic, professional, or occupational discourse.
  5. Understand, apply and evaluate the key terms, concepts, facts, principles, rules and theories of that field, discipline or practice### and detailed knowledge of an area or areas of specialisation and how that knowledge relates to other fields, disciplines or methods.

Assessment Criteria

Integrated Assessment Criteria:

  1. Demonstrated Knowledge of Inquiry-Based Teaching:

    • Apply inquiry-based teaching in designing science and mathematics lessons.
    • Apply inquiry-based teaching in implementing science and mathematics lessons.
    • Apply inquiry-based teaching in assessing science and mathematics lessons.

  2. Practical and Experimental Approach:

    • Use practical and experimental methods to teach science and mathematics curriculum content effectively.

  3. Practical Lesson Preparation and Presentation:

    • Prepare practical lessons that consolidate science and mathematics theory and practice.
    • Present practical lessons effectively to engage learners.

  4. Understanding and Application of Content and Pedagogy:

    • Apply knowledge of science and mathematics content to teaching.
    • Apply knowledge of pedagogical principles to science and mathematics teaching.

  5. Performance Measurement:

    • Devise appropriate indicators of performance to measure and evaluate student learning in science and mathematics.

  6. Knowledge of Current Thinking in Science and Mathematics Education:

    • Understand and apply current thinking, practice, theory, and methodology in the teaching of science and mathematics.

Integrated Assessment Approach:

  • Regular Assessment:

    • Learners are assessed continuously throughout the qualification.
    • Assessment is done from both summative and formative perspectives.

  • Practical and Experimental Emphasis:

    • The qualification emphasizes a practical and experimental approach to teaching.
    • Practical assessment is a key component, leading to a final practical examination.

  • Final Written Examination:

    • In addition to practical assessment, a final written examination evaluates learners' understanding of science and mathematics concepts and teaching methodologies.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
More Information

Education Cost Calculator

University of the Western Cape
University of the Western Cape
Description
The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is a public university located in Cape Town, South Africa. Established in 1959, it is one of the leading universities in the country and is known for its commitment to social justice and transformation. UWC offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, business, education, law, and health sciences. The university is recognized for its research excellence and community engagement, with a focus on addressing the challenges faced by marginalized communities. UWC is also known for its diverse student body and inclusive campus environment.
Learn more

This page includes information from the South African Qualifications Authority (SAQA) . Builtneat Pty Ltd trading as Study Start, has modified all or some of this information. SAQA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.