Article in Journal of Education · July 017 citations reads 9,701 author: Some of the authors of this publication are also working on these related projects

Bongani: Analysis of teaching and learning. . .       45

A purposive sampling technique focusing on natural sciences and technology

teachers in Grades 4–6 and willingness to be observed teaching was applied.

Twenty two primary school science teachers, 20 females and two males, were

observed teaching a science lesson. Table 1 below summarises the

characteristics of the observed classrooms. Of the 22 classroom observations,

six 4th grade classes were observed, seven 5th grade and nine 6th grade

classrooms. In 4th grade the number of learners varied from 27 to 57 in one

classroom, in 5th grade from 26 to 99 learners in a classroom and 6th grade

from 4 learners to 82 learners in one classroom. The coding and analysis of

the classroom observation data followed the iterative process as suggested by

Miles and Huberman (1984). The observation forms were reviewed to

determine common trends and emerging issues. This led to the identification

of common themes and issues presented and discussed in the findings section.