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A Comparative Study of Teaching Approaches in Agro-Ecology: An Investigation of 10th-Grade Agricultural Sciences Learners in Selected Schools

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  • Lusanda Ncisana

    (Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Vafana Attraction Ntuli

    (Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Nonhle Tracey Sibisi

    (Western Cape Department of Community Safety, Cape Town 8000, South Africa)

  • Mmapake F. Masha

    (Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Mdumo S. J. Mboweni

    (Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Moyahabo Anna Satekge

    (Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

  • Wonga Ntilini

    (Department of Basic Education, Zwelitsha 5605, South Africa)

  • Ntuthuko Raphael Mkhize

    (Animal and Poultry Science, School of Agricultural, Earth and Environmental Sciences, College of Agriculture, Environment and Science, University of KwaZulu Natal, Pietermaritzburg 3209, South Africa)

  • Suresh K. Singh

    (Department of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, University of Limpopo, Sovenga, Polokwane 0727, South Africa)

Abstract

The impact of climate change on agriculture in South Africa is a key factor that contributes to food insecurity. While this topic is covered in the Agro-ecology unit in Grade 10, it is important to determine the most effective way to teach it to learners. That is important because teaching methods utilized in Agricultural Sciences are envisaged to improve learners’ performance on the impact of climate change on food security. This study quantitatively compared teaching methods (i.e., Lecture, Demonstration, and Project-based) and their impact on learners’ performance in Agro-ecology. Each teaching method was tested on each group of 15 learners, which resulted in 45 learners per school, and the total number of participants was 180 when four schools were combined. A pre-experimental and post-test research design was employed to identify effective teaching methods for Agro-ecology among Grade 10 learners in Limpopo and Eastern Cape provinces. Analysis of covariate was used to test the hypothesis that (1) learners’ content knowledge on climate change and food security would differ with teaching methods, (2) the project-based and demonstration teaching methods would improve learners’ content knowledge because the project-based and demonstration methods are more practical, and learners learn better through these methods. The results showed that learners in the project-based and demonstration groups had significantly higher scores than those in the lecture ( p < 0.05). The findings suggest that incorporating project-based teaching methods in secondary schools can improve learners’ performance and skills in Agricultural Sciences.

Suggested Citation

  • Lusanda Ncisana & Vafana Attraction Ntuli & Nonhle Tracey Sibisi & Mmapake F. Masha & Mdumo S. J. Mboweni & Moyahabo Anna Satekge & Wonga Ntilini & Ntuthuko Raphael Mkhize & Suresh K. Singh, 2023. "A Comparative Study of Teaching Approaches in Agro-Ecology: An Investigation of 10th-Grade Agricultural Sciences Learners in Selected Schools," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(5), pages 1-9, February.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:15:y:2023:i:5:p:4048-:d:1077697
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Chakona, Gamuchirai & Shackleton, Charlie M., 2019. "Food insecurity in South Africa: To what extent can social grants and consumption of wild foods eradicate hunger?," World Development Perspectives, Elsevier, vol. 13(C), pages 87-94.
    2. Sarr, Mare & Bezabih Ayele, Mintewab & Kimani, Mumbi E. & Ruhinduka, Remidius, 2021. "Who benefits from climate-friendly agriculture? The marginal returns to a rainfed system of rice intensification in Tanzania," World Development, Elsevier, vol. 138(C).
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