Primary science teaching in Bangladesh: A critical analysis of the role of the DPEd program to improve the quality of learning in science teaching

This study investigated the current practice of learning, teaching and assessment in science, particularly in classrooms at primary level in a division of Bangladesh. In addition, this study also focused on the role of DPEd program in the development of the professional preparation of teachers' for improving their quality of science teaching. For the purpose of this study, a mixed method research design which used both quantitative and qualitative method to gather and analyse data. A random stratified sampling process was used to select 150 primary science teachers and 60 students in grade 5 (10 + years) students for collecting quantitative data while a purposeful sampling process was used for qualitative inquiry. Qualitative data was obtained through analysis of the national documents and the interviews of Head teachers of primary schools, Assistant Upazila (Sub-district) Education Officers and Instructors of Primary Training Institutes (PTI) and Upazila Resource Centers. Quantitative data was analysed by using descriptive statistics and qualitative data was transcribed and labelled into emerging themes. A triangulation technique was used to establish the findings of this study. The findings of this study revealed that the present practice of learning and teaching science is mostly teacher centred with little active pupil participation, limited opportunity for hands on activity and discussion. The major barriers for teachers' to teach science effectively were large class sizes, insufficient materials, lack of teacher's knowledge and skills, absence of assessment for learning strategies, inadequate opportunities for professional development and poor quality of support from the stakeholders. The current DPEd program has consist of limited focus on hands of activities, insufficient learning assessment capacity of the PTI instructors, and a lack of teacher monitoring in placement schools during training. The basic recommendation suggested by this research is to enhance the use of an inquiry oriented science learning and teaching approach with associated assessment for learning strategies for ensuring the quality of science learning and teaching. For preparing a better quality teacher, ensuring subject based training and to review the current teacher training program is further suggested. The result of this study can be used for future development of science learning and teaching practice at elementary level in Bangladesh and similar other developing countries.