How does authentic learning activities influence Grade 7 learners’ attitude towards Natural Science in two educational regions in Namibia?

Abstract

Teaching and learning Natural Science for conceptual understanding requires appropriate and effective teaching approaches and inquiry-based learning activities. This study therefore investigated how authentic learning activities influenced Grade 7 learners’ attitude towards Natural Science in the Khomas and Omusati educational regions in Namibia. The study used a quantitative research approach with a population size of 716 Grade 7 classes comprising of 180 classes (5 400 learners) in the Khomas region and 536 (16 080 learners) in the Omusati region. Schools and learners were randomly selected. Data were analysed using SPSS. The STAQ-R was given to learners to establish whether authentic learning activities influenced their attitude towards Natural Science. Respondents indicated that the self-directed effort factor among others, attracted them to Natural Science and positively influenced their attitude towards the subject. Learners appreciated the use of authentic learning activities as the activities helped them to understand concepts of science better since they could easily remember what was taught. Based on these findings, it was concluded that the use of authentic learning activities in schools could positively influence learners’ attitude towards the Natural Sciences subjects. Hence, the study recommended that curriculum developers in the Ministry of Education, Arts and Culture should incorporate more fun and enjoyable activities in the national curriculum, the syllabus as well as other teaching and learning support materials where the use of authentic learning activities is required.