Master of Education in Physical Science Education

Purpose

The Master of Education in Physical Science Education (MEd (Physical Science Education)) will prepare researchers who can contribute to the development of knowledge in the field of Education, namely Physical Science Education, and includes knowledge about the professional practice at an advanced level. The MEd (Physical Science Education) will equip educators with the ability to analyse and evaluate knowledge in Physical Science Education critically and to contribute to systematic and disciplined thinking about educational matters and issues relating to the field of Physical Science will be highly valued in the education sector.

Rationale

Physical Science Education is a national priority, and the undersupply of subject specialists in this field is a major concern. It will allow for the deconstruction of the Physical Science Education curriculum to unleash the societal, cultural and political undertones in diverse Physical Science Education curriculum contexts. This deconstruction is to enable Physical Science Education specialists not only to understand the general transformations in the field of Physical Science Education but to participate in such transformation as active change agents.

Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)

Learners do not meet the minimum admission requirements; RPL may grant access to the qualification. RPL will follow the Recognition of Prior Learning, Credit Accumulation and Transfer, and Assessment, and the institution's RPL policy. The Faculty of Education will manage the process.

• The Faculty of Education will ensure that quality assurance processes address the specificities of the RPL process (including applications, assessment, and reporting and management systems); and that administrative and support systems, both prior and after RPL assessment, are in place.
• The assessment of the learners will be against NQF Level 8 competencies.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this qualification is

• Bachelor of Education Honours in Physical Science Education, NQF Level 8.

Or

• Bachelor of Education Honours, NQF Level 9.

Or

• Postgraduate Diploma in Education, NQF Level 8.

This qualification consists of the following compulsory module at National Qualifications Framework Level 9 totalling 180 Credits.

• Dissertation, 180 Credits.

• Demonstrate specialist knowledge and understanding to engage and critique educational research and practices in the field of Physical Science Education and to contribute to disciplined thinking about matters and issues regarding Physical Science Education.
• Evaluate current processes of knowledge production in the field of Physical Science Education and to choose appropriate processes of enquiry in the area of specialisation.
• Conduct an independent inquiry in the specialised field of Physical Science Education and to report their findings in academically appropriate ways.
• Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information in order to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in Physical Science Education.
• Exhibit the potential to act as academic leaders and experts in the field of Physical Science Education.
• Demonstrate high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability to the ethical implications of research, the determination of socially relevant issues and research needs in South Africa.

• Display specialist knowledge to enable engagement and critique of current research and practices in the field of Physical Science Education and to engage in systematic and disciplined thinking about educational matters and issues, with particular reference to Physical Science Education.
• Apply and develop intellectual independence and advanced research skills, sophisticated knowledge and research methodologies to solve complex, unfamiliar problems in the field of Physical Science Education.
• Analyse and apply specialised problem-solving skills in identifying, conceptualising, designing and implementing methods of enquiry to address complex and challenging problems in the field of Physical Science Education, with specific reference to Physical Science Education.
• Design and implement a strategy for the processing and management of information in order to conduct a comprehensive review of leading and current research in an area of specialisation to produce significant insights; engage and initiate in academic and educational discourse to report and defend substantial ideas that are the results of research in Physical Science Education.
• As academic leaders and experts in the field of Physical Science Education, training and development, plan, manage and optimise all aspects of research processes in complex and unpredictable contexts in Physical Science Education.
• Apply high levels of responsibility, self-reflexivity and adaptability in own management of learning and analyse and evaluate ethical implications of research on socially relevant issues and research needs in South Africa.

Integrated Assessment

Formative assessment during the research may be based on any of the following if required by the research topic or the discipline:

• Portfolios.
• Simulations.
• Workplace assessments.
• Group discussions.
• Presentations in front of peers and experts.
• Oral and written summative assessments.

Summative assessment takes the form of the examination of the dissertation or other acceptable forms of research output as appropriate to the field of study.