Grade 9 science teachers' and learners' appreciation of the benefits of autonomous science investigations

This paper reports on how teachers and learners perceive the benefits of autonomous science investigations in grade 9 (age 13-14 years) in Natural Sciences in South African schools. The study adopted a mixed methods research design which involved the collection of both quantitative and qualitative data. The quantitative data was collected by means of questionnaires which were administered to teachers and learners. The questionnaires sought information on the beliefs of teachers and learners respectively on autonomous science investigations. Qualitative data was collected by means of interviews with teachers and learners. The general trends that were quantitatively established were validated and explicated by the qualitative analysis. The analysis of data revealed that when learners are actively involved in doing investigations, both teachers and learners believe that it had a positive impact on the learning of science. The three perceived benefits reported are that it is motivational, it facilitates conceptual understanding, and it leads to the development of scientific skills.