Student discourse in a natural science classroom : a case study of high school teaching in Swaziland

• Main Author: Sitsebe, Vusi Friday
• Other Authors: Jita, Loyiso C. (Loyiso Currell)
• Format: Others
• Language: en
• Published: 2013
• Subjects: Student classroom discourse; Natural sciences; Everyday science talk; Classroom science talk; Observational case study; Non-participant observation; Standardised open-ended interviews; 507.126887; Science > Study and teaching (Secondary) > Swaziland > Case studies; Communication in education > Swaziland > Case studies; Communication in science > Swaziland > Case studies
• Online Access: Sitsebe, Vusi Friday (2012) Student discourse in a natural science classroom : a case study of high school teaching in Swaziland, University of South Africa, Pretoria, <http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8546>; http://hdl.handle.net/10500/8546

The aim of the study was to investigate classroom discourse among high school natural science students in Swaziland. The research problem was: Can student interactions tell us something about the negotiation of understanding during natural science teaching? A qualitative approach was used, specifically, the observational case study style. The population comprised three Form 4 students and their natural science teacher, purposely selected. Data was collected using the non-participant observation and the standardised open-ended interview methods. The collected data was analysed using the discourse analysis approach. The analysed data indicated that prevailing discourse patterns were teacher and student talk, as well as written work. A conclusion was that student classroom discourse in the natural sciences should be encouraged among all students for improved understanding and meaning making. === Science and Technology Education === M. Ed. (Natural Science Education)