January 2026; 100% correct solutions and explanations.
Question 1.1: Design a Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Activity
Learner Background and Needs
The learners are Grade 8 students from a semi-urban South African
township school. Many learners come from multilingual homes where
English is a second or third language. Socio-economic challenges mean
access to resources is limited, but learners are generally curious,
socially engaged, and resilient. They need opportunities to develop
critical thinking, problem-solving, and collaborative skills, and they
benefit from learning activities that connect classroom content to real-
life situations.
Steps of the Activity
Topic: Designing a Sustainable School Garden
1. Introduction (10 minutes):
The teacher presents a real-world problem: the school has limited
access to fresh vegetables. Learners are tasked with designing a
sustainable garden that can provide healthy food for the school
community.
2. Problem Analysis (20 minutes):
Learners are divided into small groups (4–5 per group). Each
group identifies challenges such as limited space, water supply,
climate considerations, and appropriate plant choices. Groups
list what they already know and what they need to research.
3. Research and Exploration (40 minutes):
Groups gather information using available resources, including
books, internet sources, and interviews with local farmers. They