Inquiry-based science education: A scenario on Zambia’s high school
science curriculum
This paper is aimed at elucidating the current state of inquiry-based science
education (IBSE) in Zambia’s high school science curriculum. Therefore,
we investigated Zambian teachers’ conceptions of inquiry; determined
inquiry levels in the national high school science curriculum materials,
which include syllabi, textbooks and practical exams; and determined the
extent to which inquiry tasks and skills are emphasized in the science
curriculum materials. Based on the results, we have proposed ways in which
IBSE in Zambia can be improved, particularly in teacher preparation
curriculum, assessment and pedagogy. The major results emerging from this
study were that teachers’ have a narrow conception of inquiry; there is a
discrepancy in the coverage of inquiry levels in syllabi, textbooks and
practical exams; and there is much emphasis on lower inquiry tasks and
skills in textbooks and exams. These findings laid a basis for our proposed
plan for improved inquiry-based science education in Zambia, as discussed
herein. It is anticipated the proposed plan on IBSE will prove useful to
Zambian science teachers, teacher educators, professional development
providers and curriculum developers in resituating Zambian’s science
curriculum to be in line with current IBSE models.
This study revealed that Zambian pre-service science teachers have a narrow conception of
inquiry, which emphasizes the collection of facts. Furthermore, this study showed that there is
a discrepancy in inquiry levels and skills emphasis in science syllabi, textbooks and exams.
Such discrepancies are potential obstacles to the implementation of IBSE in Zambia. Based
on these findings, we have proposed that science teacher preparation programs must explicitly
teach teachers the aspects of inquiry such as the NOS and involve them in hands-on inquiry
tasks if they are to develop desired conceptions of classroom inquiry, and consequently
implement inquiry ideas in their classrooms. With respect to ensuring that teachers see a
bigger picture of how their teaching practice and what is suggested in syllabi, textbooks and
exams complement each other, there must be avenues to do so. And in this regard, we believe
professional development initiatives and science curriculum review boards can be utilized.