WSU PHYSICS STUDENT SIMPLIFIES PHYSICAL SCIENCES FOR MATRICS

A 22-year-old Walter Sisulu University (WSU) level 4 Bachelor of Science in Physics student, Buzwe Dlembula, has developed a Physical Science study guide for Grade 12 learners.

The idea came after identifying gaps in the currently prescribed high school textbooks he uses to tutor learners. He said that things are changing in terms of solving scientific problems.

“I never realised I liked Physical Sciences until I was in matric, from then, I realised my dream of assisting other learners to understand the subject better. This study guide is one of the many ways I try to simplify the subject that is considered difficult by many.”

The role of a scientifically motivated young generation is undeniable for the sustainable economic growth of any country.

Among the many science subjects in the school curriculum, Physical Sciences has a prominent role in determining learners’ acceptance into various in-demand university degrees and specifically in science.

“The Department of Basic Education has implemented changes in the content of the Physical Sciences. Teachers are taught about these changes in their regular teacher workshops by the department, however, the textbooks prescribed to learners still have the old content,” said Dlembula.

Dlembula added that he gets a lot of requests from schools to come and tutor matric learners in Physical Sciences, but he is unable to reach all of them. This study guide will assist the learners he cannot reach because it has all the content.

“The study guide is in line with the National Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement (CAPS) that guides teachers on what to teach and how to assess learners.  I have approached the Department of Basic Education to take the study guide as one of the prescribed guides for learners,” added Dlembula.

Dlembula further said that he realised very late that he had a love for teaching and he uses tutoring to live that dream.

“Not everyone is going to get employed. If we have ways of making means without being employed, we therefore have to explore that. I still teach, but I have also employed myself.”

Dlembula is working with the WSU Centre for Entrepreneurship and Rapid Incubator for the printing of the study guide to make it available for orders.

By Anita Roji