SAIP 2025
Plenary SPEaker
Speaker: PROFESSOR SHONISANI MULOVHEDZI
Title: Practitioners’ understanding of integrating basic science into lessons in the early childhood development playroom
Abstract
Early Childhood Development serves as a crucial foundation for lifelong learning, with basic science education playing a key role in fostering curiosity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of young children. However, many practitioners looks like face challenges in integrating science concepts into playroom activities. Understanding how practitioners apply basic science in these settings is essential for improving early science education. This study aims to explores practitioners’ understanding of integrating basic science into lessons in the early childhood development playroom. A qualitative research approach will be adopted, using an exploratory case study design to gain in-depth insights into practitioners’ understanding and pedagogical approaches. Data will be gathered through semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis. Interviews will provide insights into practitioners’ perspectives, while observations captured real-time teaching practices. Lesson plans and activity guides will be analysed to assess curriculum alignment with science learning objectives. The study will be conducted in eight selected Early Childhood Development centres. Four from urban and four from rural settings to capture diverse teaching contexts. The population included qualified Early Childhood Development practitioners. This study grounded in Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory were also used to examine how children acquire scientific knowledge through play and social interaction. The expected finding assume that while practitioners recognise the importance of science education, many lack formal training in early science instruction. Play-based strategies such as storytelling, sensory exploration, and nature-based activities will be used. Despite a willingness to integrate science into playroom lessons, gaps in training and resources hinder effective implementation. The study will conclude that addressing these gaps can improve science learning outcomes in Early Childhood Development settings. The study will recommend that encouraging knowledge-sharing among practitioners to exchange best practices in early science education is crucial to improve basic science literacy and inquiry-based learning from an early age.
Biography
Professor Shonisani Agnes Mulovhedzi is a Full Professor and Head of the Department of Early Childhood Education at University of Venda. She holds a PhD degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of Pretoria. She is an executive committee member of the South African Research Association for Early Childhood Education, a Provincial Early Childhood Development Inter-Sectoral committee member, serve as a Reviewer for the National Research Foundations and for Thuthuka grants. Professor Mulovhedzi is a mentor of the Nurturing Emerging Scholarship Programme funded by the Department of High Education and Training. Professor Mulovhedzi is coordinating the Univen-Model Preschool. She worked as a preschool teacher for more ten years at Mbilwi Childcare Centre. She also worked as a Foundation Phase teacher in various primary school around Vhembe District. She joined the University of Venda since 2014 as a lecturer. In 2018, she got senior lecturer position, and in 2022, she appointed as Head of the Department of Early Childhood Education.
In 2023, Professor Mulovhedzi was promoted to an Associate Professor and in 2024 to a Full Professor. Her research and teaching focus on special issues specialised on leadership, Life Skills, inclusive education and Science Education in Early Childhood Education. She won several Vice-Chancellors excellence awards in Research and in teaching & learning. She has written and published book chapters and articles in accredited journals. She has authored and co-authored numerous articles and book chapters and reviewed articles, books and book chapters. Furthermore, Professor Mulovhedzi is a C3 rated researcher for Early Childhood Education.
