BTE2601
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 14 JULY 2025
,BTE2601 ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE 14 JULY 2025
QUESTION 1
Answer all the questions in this section
1.1 Apply the concept of reflection-in-action to a situation where learners are
disengaged during a lesson.
Question 1.1: Apply the concept of reflection-in-action to a situation where
learners are disengaged during a lesson (5 marks)
Reflection-in-action refers to a teacher’s ability to think critically and adjust their
teaching while they are in the middle of the lesson (Schön, 1983). It is a form of real-
time problem-solving based on what the teacher observes and experiences in the
classroom.
Imagine a Grade 6 class where the teacher notices that learners are disengaged
during a Social Sciences lesson. The learners seem bored, are not responding to
questions, and a few start chatting among themselves. The teacher, using reflection-
in-action, quickly rethinks their approach. They silently ask themselves, "Why are they
not interested? How can I change this now?" Drawing on previous experience and
professional knowledge, the teacher decides to switch to a more interactive activity,
such as a short group debate or a game-based quiz.
When adjusting the lesson in this way, the teacher is applying reflection-in-action. This
adaptation immediately re-engages the learners, improves participation, and helps
them connect with the content in a more meaningful way. According to Schön (1983),
, this is an essential quality of a reflective practitioner who makes on-the-spot decisions
to improve teaching outcomes.
1.2 Using Bronfenbrenner’s theory, describe how one system (e.g.,
microsystem omacrosystem) might impact learner performance in the
classroom.
(Macrosystem):
Definition of the macrosystem
The macrosystem in Bronfenbrenner’s bio‑ecological model refers to the overarching
cultural values, laws, customs, and resources of a society that shape the contexts in
which children grow (Donald, Lazarus & Lolwana, 2002).
Example/scenario linked to the macrosystem (2 marks):
In South Africa, the national education policy emphasizes outcomes‑based education
and regularly updates curricula to include new life‑skills content. Suppose the
Department of Basic Education introduces a new language policy requiring that
learners be taught in their home language during early grades before switching to
English.
Influence on learner performance
Because this policy reflects the macrosystem, it influences how teachers plan lessons
e.g., developing materials in multiple languages. Learners who receive instruction in a
familiar home language may grasp concepts more quickly and participate more
actively, reducing confusion and anxiety.
ASSIGNMENT 2
DUE DATE: 14 JULY 2025
,BTE2601 ASSIGNMENT 2 2025
DUE 14 JULY 2025
QUESTION 1
Answer all the questions in this section
1.1 Apply the concept of reflection-in-action to a situation where learners are
disengaged during a lesson.
Question 1.1: Apply the concept of reflection-in-action to a situation where
learners are disengaged during a lesson (5 marks)
Reflection-in-action refers to a teacher’s ability to think critically and adjust their
teaching while they are in the middle of the lesson (Schön, 1983). It is a form of real-
time problem-solving based on what the teacher observes and experiences in the
classroom.
Imagine a Grade 6 class where the teacher notices that learners are disengaged
during a Social Sciences lesson. The learners seem bored, are not responding to
questions, and a few start chatting among themselves. The teacher, using reflection-
in-action, quickly rethinks their approach. They silently ask themselves, "Why are they
not interested? How can I change this now?" Drawing on previous experience and
professional knowledge, the teacher decides to switch to a more interactive activity,
such as a short group debate or a game-based quiz.
When adjusting the lesson in this way, the teacher is applying reflection-in-action. This
adaptation immediately re-engages the learners, improves participation, and helps
them connect with the content in a more meaningful way. According to Schön (1983),
, this is an essential quality of a reflective practitioner who makes on-the-spot decisions
to improve teaching outcomes.
1.2 Using Bronfenbrenner’s theory, describe how one system (e.g.,
microsystem omacrosystem) might impact learner performance in the
classroom.
(Macrosystem):
Definition of the macrosystem
The macrosystem in Bronfenbrenner’s bio‑ecological model refers to the overarching
cultural values, laws, customs, and resources of a society that shape the contexts in
which children grow (Donald, Lazarus & Lolwana, 2002).
Example/scenario linked to the macrosystem (2 marks):
In South Africa, the national education policy emphasizes outcomes‑based education
and regularly updates curricula to include new life‑skills content. Suppose the
Department of Basic Education introduces a new language policy requiring that
learners be taught in their home language during early grades before switching to
English.
Influence on learner performance
Because this policy reflects the macrosystem, it influences how teachers plan lessons
e.g., developing materials in multiple languages. Learners who receive instruction in a
familiar home language may grasp concepts more quickly and participate more
actively, reducing confusion and anxiety.
