Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences
School of Physical Sciences
Centre for Science, Mathematics and Technology Education
SMT Education
SMT Education is a cross-disciplinary research field focussed on the special problems in the learning and teaching of the Sciences, Mathematics and Technology. SMT Education has followed world trends in generally arising from the scientific disciplines themselves, and has significantly greater scope than the traditional didactics. Problems are posed by or within the context of the learning of the sciences. Research includes investigation and understanding of the nature of scientific methods and content; the development of characteristic thinking skills, research and learning approaches; the contexts that students of a range of ages, cultural and gender backgrounds and experiences bring to science as a human endeavour and how these affect teaching and learning; the development of materials that support new modes of learning; the challenges faced by educators in implementing innovations; the challenges faced by educators of the sciences in under-resourced environments; as well as studies of SMT Education policies and their impacts, nationally and internationally. The products of research are needed by policy-makers and national leaders for planning and implementation of long-term development programmes and to form the basis of national educational standards. Research outputs are needed for the effective education of scientists, teachers and learners at all levels
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