A self-study of a novice teacher’s experiences of using information and communication technology (ICT) in teaching grade 10 physical sciences.

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to improve my technological pedagogical and content knowledge (TPACK) in teaching grade 10 Physical Sciences. I use my experiences of ICT in education to understand my current teaching as a novice teacher. To improve my pedagogy through the use of ICT in teaching Physical Sciences Grade 10 learners in the topic Wave Sound and Light. I have obtained feedback on my teaching using ICT through the views of learners and critical friends. The methodical approach used is self-study, as it lends itself to analysis and reflection of one’s own teaching. Three research questions guided my study. The first research question was: How do my past experiences of information and communication technology (ICT) in education influence my teaching pedagogy as a novice teacher? To address this question, I used memory work, artefact retrieval and pictures to recall my past experiences with ICT. This question helped me look back on my own education, how I learnt to use ICT tools and how ICT was used in my own learning. This reflection made me appreciate having learned how to use ICT at school because I had not been exposed to it at home or in the community. My second research question was: What are learners’ responses to my teaching after the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in Grade 10 Physical Sciences? Data was generated through questionnaires and interviews for Grade 10 Physical Sciences learners after each lesson in waves, sound or light where ICT had been used. I found that learners’ responses fell into four dimensions, which were social, psychological, cognitive and learning styles. From these dimensions, I perceived that the use of ICT stimulated learners’ interest, improved their conceptual understanding but it did not guarantee their sustained involvement. My third question was: How can I learn information communication technology (ICT) pedagogical tools and use them to better teach Grade 10 Physical Sciences? In answering this question, I reflected on the views of friends who had observed and critiqued my lessons using ICT. Being the main participant, I reflected on my lessons with the help of an audio recording and reflective journal. I then reflected on my growth as a science teacher using ICT, in terms of science-personal knowledge and skills and on education views and perspectives in general.