Understanding Educators’ approaches to teaching Mechanical Systems and Control in Grade 8

The quality of instruction in Mechanical Systems and Control significantly impacts learners’ grasp of technology concepts in Grade 8. Identifying educators’ approaches helps to address gaps and improve learning outcomes. This qualitative study explored the pedagogical approaches employed by Grade 8 Technology educators in teaching Mechanical Systems and Control. The objectives of the research were: (1) to determine how Grade 8 educators applied pedagogical strategies to teach Mechanical Systems and Control, (2) to assess the specific practices used in the classroom and (3) to examine educators’ perceptions of the effectiveness and challenges associated with various pedagogical methods. Data was collected through non-participant observations, semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires conducted with seven Technology educators across Madibeng schools. The findings revealed that while educators used a variety of teaching approaches such as demonstrations, practical tasks and learner-centered discussions, there was a lack of consistent alignment between theory and practical application due to resource constraints and limited professional development. Educators expressed a preference for interactive and hands-on strategies, although challenges such as large class sizes and time limitations were reported. The study recommended targeted training workshops, improved resource provision and better curriculum alignment to enhance teaching effectiveness. These findings contributed to a deeper understanding of pedagogical practices in Technology education and informed future teacher support initiatives.