HED4817 January/February Supplementary Exam
Memo | Due January/February 2026 | Science
Education (UNISA)
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of formative assessment in science education?
• A) To evaluate the final outcome of student learning
• B) To provide ongoing feedback to improve student learning
• C) To assign grades to students
• D) To determine the effectiveness of the teaching method
Correct Option: B) To provide ongoing feedback to improve student learning
Rationale: Formative assessment is designed to monitor student learning continuously
and provide feedback that can help students improve throughout the learning process.
It contrasts with summative assessment, which occurs at the end of an instructional
unit.
Question 2:
Which teaching strategy is most effective for promoting inquiry-based learning?
• A) Direct instruction
• B) Lecture-based learning
• C) Hands-on experiments
• D) Memorization techniques
Correct Option: C) Hands-on experiments
Rationale: Inquiry-based learning emphasizes active participation and exploration.
Hands-on experiments allow students to engage with scientific concepts directly,
fostering curiosity and deeper understanding rather than relying on passive reception of
information.
Question 3:
What role does constructivism play in science education?
• A) It promotes rote memorization of scientific facts
• B) It emphasizes learning through experience and reflection
• C) It minimizes student involvement in their learning process
• D) It focuses solely on teacher-led instruction
Correct Option: B) It emphasizes learning through experience and reflection
Rationale: Constructivism argues that knowledge is constructed through experience
and reflection, making it essential in science education. This approach encourages
, students to actively engage with materials and concepts, facilitating deeper
understanding and retention.
Question 4:
Which is a key benefit of integrating technology in science education?
• A) It replaces traditional teaching methods completely
• B) It allows for more passive learning experiences
• C) It enhances the accessibility of scientific resources
• D) It primarily focuses on data collection
Correct Option: C) It enhances the accessibility of scientific resources
Rationale: Integrating technology in science education provides students with access
to a wealth of resources and tools that can enhance learning. It helps in making
complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging, supporting various learning
styles.
Question 5:
What is the significance of collaboration in science education?
• A) It hinders individual learning opportunities
• B) It fosters social skills and communication
• C) It reduces critical thinking skills
• D) It solely focuses on group presentations
Correct Option: B) It fosters social skills and communication
Rationale: Collaboration in science education promotes teamwork and the exchange of
ideas, which are crucial for developing social skills and effective communication. This
environment also encourages students to engage in collective problem solving,
enhancing their learning experience.
Question 6:
What is the main goal of STEM education?
• A) To prioritize science and math over other subjects
• B) To integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a
cohesive learning paradigm
• C) To promote individual subjects separately
• D) To focus solely on technological advancement
Memo | Due January/February 2026 | Science
Education (UNISA)
,Question 1:
What is the primary purpose of formative assessment in science education?
• A) To evaluate the final outcome of student learning
• B) To provide ongoing feedback to improve student learning
• C) To assign grades to students
• D) To determine the effectiveness of the teaching method
Correct Option: B) To provide ongoing feedback to improve student learning
Rationale: Formative assessment is designed to monitor student learning continuously
and provide feedback that can help students improve throughout the learning process.
It contrasts with summative assessment, which occurs at the end of an instructional
unit.
Question 2:
Which teaching strategy is most effective for promoting inquiry-based learning?
• A) Direct instruction
• B) Lecture-based learning
• C) Hands-on experiments
• D) Memorization techniques
Correct Option: C) Hands-on experiments
Rationale: Inquiry-based learning emphasizes active participation and exploration.
Hands-on experiments allow students to engage with scientific concepts directly,
fostering curiosity and deeper understanding rather than relying on passive reception of
information.
Question 3:
What role does constructivism play in science education?
• A) It promotes rote memorization of scientific facts
• B) It emphasizes learning through experience and reflection
• C) It minimizes student involvement in their learning process
• D) It focuses solely on teacher-led instruction
Correct Option: B) It emphasizes learning through experience and reflection
Rationale: Constructivism argues that knowledge is constructed through experience
and reflection, making it essential in science education. This approach encourages
, students to actively engage with materials and concepts, facilitating deeper
understanding and retention.
Question 4:
Which is a key benefit of integrating technology in science education?
• A) It replaces traditional teaching methods completely
• B) It allows for more passive learning experiences
• C) It enhances the accessibility of scientific resources
• D) It primarily focuses on data collection
Correct Option: C) It enhances the accessibility of scientific resources
Rationale: Integrating technology in science education provides students with access
to a wealth of resources and tools that can enhance learning. It helps in making
complex scientific concepts more accessible and engaging, supporting various learning
styles.
Question 5:
What is the significance of collaboration in science education?
• A) It hinders individual learning opportunities
• B) It fosters social skills and communication
• C) It reduces critical thinking skills
• D) It solely focuses on group presentations
Correct Option: B) It fosters social skills and communication
Rationale: Collaboration in science education promotes teamwork and the exchange of
ideas, which are crucial for developing social skills and effective communication. This
environment also encourages students to engage in collective problem solving,
enhancing their learning experience.
Question 6:
What is the main goal of STEM education?
• A) To prioritize science and math over other subjects
• B) To integrate science, technology, engineering, and mathematics into a
cohesive learning paradigm
• C) To promote individual subjects separately
• D) To focus solely on technological advancement
