UNISA

Advanced Diploma in Senior Phase Natural Science Education

Education, Training and Development - Schooling

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Purpose and Rationale

Purpose

  • Transcend the standard or traditional way of teaching science towards more learning- and learner-centered teaching methods.
  • Develop and consolidate appropriate disciplinary, practical, pedagogical, and situational knowledge in science education.
  • Foster self-reflexivity and subject reflexivity to deepen understanding of teaching natural science and research's role in improvement.
  • Nurture commitment to developing proficient science teachers who can solve problems independently and collaboratively.
  • Promote and develop competencies to integrate subject knowledge in various school science strands.
  • Promote and develop competencies in using technology to enhance learner engagement in the science classroom.

Qualification Objectives

  • Deepen teachers' understanding of technical and pedagogical content knowledge for effective school natural science teaching.
  • Apply theories and action research in Natural Science Education relevant to school science.
  • Provide strategies for teaching natural science in diverse ways.
  • Demonstrate competence in teaching natural science through problem-solving.
  • Integrate natural science strands for a deep conceptual understanding in society.
  • Use appropriate technology/ICT effectively to enhance teaching.
  • Develop innovative educators in the field of science education.

Rationale

The Advanced Diploma aims to:

  • Provide a learning pathway for teachers to deepen their understanding of teaching school natural science effectively.
  • Strengthen and enhance existing specializations in Natural Science education.
  • Require a specific depth of subject knowledge and specialization, along with resource usage skills.
  • Develop intellectual independence and research competence for further studies in natural science education.

The qualification provides a CPD pathway to support teachers in enriching their teaching practices in natural science education.

Outcomes

  1. Transcend the standard or traditional way of teaching natural science in a move towards more learning-and learner-centred teaching methods.
  2. Develop and consolidate in an integrated way appropriate disciplinary, practical, pedagogical and situational knowledge in the field of science and technology education.
  3. Foster self-reflexivity and subject reflexivity to gain a deeper understanding of the teaching of science and the role of research in improving the teaching of science.
  4. Nurture commitment to the ideals of developing scientifically proficient learners who can solve problems independently and collaboratively.
  5. Promote and develop the dispositions and competencies to integrate subject knowledge in the various strands of school science.
  6. Promote and develop the dispositions and competencies to make appropriate use of appropriate technology to enhance learner engagement in the science classroom.

Assessment Criteria

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 1:

  • Select, sequence, and pace learning effectively for Science teaching.
  • Use a range of teaching, learning, and assessment strategies for diverse learning needs.
  • Teach scientific concepts to promote learner engagement and deep understanding.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 2:

  • Adapt educational principles for effective Natural Science teaching.
  • Integrate Natural Science skills into other subjects or contexts.
  • Justify practice with appropriate theory.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 3:

  • Reflect on teaching, learning, and assessment practices.
  • Research and improve teaching practices based on findings.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 4:

  • Analyze lesson plans, qualifications, and assessment tasks critically.
  • Evaluate knowledge, skills, and values.
  • Engage learners individually and in groups with mediation styles.
  • Demonstrate problem-solving in teaching Natural Science.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 5:

  • Make educational judgements on real-world issues.
  • Justify pedagogical choices for teaching Natural Science.
  • Link Natural Science learning to work, environment, and human rights.

Associated Assessment Criteria for Exit Level Outcome 6:

  • Select and use technologies for diverse learning needs.
  • Integrate technology effectively into teaching practices.

Integrated Assessment:

  • Formative and summative assessments emphasizing applied competence.
  • Assignments introducing elements of action research.
  • Summative assessment through a non-venue based examination.

Qualification Details

Type
Advanced Diploma
NQF Level
07
Min. Credits
120
SAQA Source
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UNISA
UNISA
Description
UNISA, short for the University of South Africa, is a distance education institution based in South Africa. It is the largest university on the African continent and offers a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate programs in various fields of study. UNISA provides flexible learning options, allowing students to study at their own pace and from anywhere in the world. The university is known for its commitment to providing accessible and affordable education to a diverse student population. UNISA also conducts research and collaborates with other institutions to contribute to the development of knowledge and skills in South Africa and beyond.
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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.