'There is a worksheet to be followed' : a case study of a science teacher's use of learning support texts for practical work

Abstract

Drawing on the notion of the 'didactical transposition' of curriculum texts, this paper takes a critical look at why one science teacher still persists with a traditional teacher-centred approach towards practical work. It flows from a multi-case study on the instructional decision-making of Grade 9 Natural Science teachers currently implementing the new outcomes-based Curriculum 2005 in South Africa. Data were collected through classroom observations, pre-lesson and post-lesson interviews, video-stimulated recall sessions as well as content analysis of various artefacts. The paper describes how and explains why the respondent uses the Learner Support Material (LSM) in a rather mechanical manner to shape practical work for his learners.