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Report on the first National Science and Technology
Education Conference for Teachers in South Africa (STEC)
Matseliso Semmelink
Co-ordinator and Chairperson: STEC 2000
The Science and Technology Education Conference (STEC) 2000, the first national conference for teachers of Science and Technology, was held from the 22 to 24 September 2000 at Cape Town College of Education, Mowbray, Cape Town. The Western Cape Science and Technology Consortium (see footnote) hosted the conference.
The unique multi-disciplinary nature of the activity
The first national conference of Science and Technology Education brought together more than four hundred delegates from various interest groups. The National Departments of Education (DoE) and Arts, Culture, Science and Technology (DACST) were represented. Teachers and
subject advisers from 7 provincial departments of education, as well as independent schools, with other education service providers, presented and attended sessions covering a broad spectrum of Science, Technology and Environmental Education, including HIV aids. Excursions were made to various centres that promote Public Understanding of Science, Engineering and Technology (PUSET) in the Western Cape, i.e MTN Science Center, SA museums, SA Astronomical Observatory, Publishers, booksellers, and equipment suppliers had material on display. Tertiary institutions represented included universities, technikons and colleges of education. The National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) was
present. Nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) like SEP, PSP,
PROTEC, RADMASTE and IMSTUS, as well as organizers of science festivals were well represented. Major national teacher unions like NAPTOSA and SADTU were also represented. The establishment of the South African Association of Science and Technology Education (SAASTE) during the Science and Technology Education conference 2000 is a commendable outcome, and a milestone in the history of science and technology education in South Africa.
Benefits to educators, education service providers and other parties interested in promoting Science and Technology education.
1. SAASTE resolutions taken during STE Conference 2000 (22-24 September) include mobilization and the facilitation of the establishment of a mass-based association of Science and Technology educators, and provincial structures that will be launched throughout South Africa during (February - November 2001)
2. The establishment of a national network of Science and Technology Education SAASTE presents an excellent opportunity for educators at grassroots level to engage in discussions involving implementation of the and actions to promote Science and Technology for all.
3. Furthermore, the networks will enhance the implementation of the national intervention strategy for Science, Technology and Mathematics (STM) Education in South Africa, as they will present teachers with easy communication channels, and access to the necessary information.
4. A culture of research and reflective practice, as well as relevant skills and the transfer of knowledge promoted during STE Conference 2000 has been encouraged through networking and interaction with a wider national and international research community. This culture of research will filter through teacher networks to grassroots.
5. In addition to the above, the development of indigenous knowledge systems, and the transfer by educators of such knowledge and values to learners in all communities were promoted through exchange of ideas during workshops, "how I teach" sessions, and other forms of activities during the conference.
6. The display and promotion of materials developed to meet the requirements of SET, as well as excursions to centres that promote public understanding of Science, Engineering and Technology (PUSET), e.g. MTN Science Centre and Museums, opened a new horizon for most of the educators who attended the conference.
7. The promotion of and guidance on how to use a gender sensitive approach, and materials for teaching Science and Technology at all levels stimulated much interest and enthusiasm to improve the practice amongst educators.
8. Partnerships established during the conference among educators, service providers from tertiary institutions (nationally and internationally), NGOs, the business sector, the National Science and Technology Forum (NSTF) and other role players in education during the conference, has created a sense of shared ownership and responsibility for the advancement of Science and Technology education in South Africa.
For further information about Science and Technology Education Conference 2000, contact:
Matseliso Semmelink
Co-ordinator and Chairperson: STEC 2000
WCED Curriculum Development Unit
Private Bag 9114
Cape Town 8000
Tel: +27 +21 467 2627
Fax: +27 + 21 467 2669
e-mail : msemmelink@pawc.wcape.gov.za
NOTE: CONSORTIUM
Western Cape Education Department (WCED), Western Cape College of Education (WCCE), Cape Town College of Education (CTCE), Science Education Project (SEP), University of Cape Town (UCT),
Cape Technikon, University of Stellenbosch (US) Cape Association of Science Teachers (CAST), Khayelitsha, Nyanga, Gugulethu, Langa Science and Technology Teachers (KHANYAGULA), Science and Industrial Leadership Initiative (SAILI), Western Cape Science Education
Forum(WCSEF)
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