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RESEARCH PAPER
Teaching life sciences while integrating teachers’ and learners’ cultural belief systems
1
University of Johannesburg, Gauteng, SOUTH AFRICA
Online publication date: 2023-11-26
Publication date: 2024-01-01
EURASIA J. Math., Sci Tech. Ed 2024;20(1):em2379
KEYWORDS
ABSTRACT
The paper reports a study, which explored teachers’ perceptions and experiences on integration
of cultural belief systems when teaching life sciences. Beliefs have been found to influence
teachers’ pedagogical practices and ultimately impact on learning and understanding of concepts.
These beliefs can be classified as originating from one’s religion or one’s culture. Life sciences is
a subject that deals with real life issues hence has topics that challenge or impact on one’s belief
systems. In a qualitative case study research design, 20 experienced life sciences (biology) teachers
were purposively selected for the study. Each teacher was interviewed, and data was subjected to
content analysis. Findings showed that though teachers strive to suppress their own belief systems
in the classrooms, both teachers’ and learners’ beliefs need to be integrated when teaching certain
topics. The practice enhances development of critical thinking skills and ultimately learner
understanding. These findings allude to the need for teachers’ development in employing
contextually relevant pedagogical strategies.
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| eISSN: | 1305-8223 |
| ISSN: | 1305-8215 |
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