Teaching of geography mapwork in Grade 12: A case of Nzhelele West Circuit in Vhembe District

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the challenges prevalent in teaching mapwork in Geography at Grade 12. The researcher adopted the mixed-methods research design which, combines elements of the qualitative and quantitative approaches. The researcher used an interview schedule and questionnaires to collect data. Purposive sampling and simple random sampling were used to select participants for the study. The population comprised of Heads of Departments of Geography, Geography teachers and Grade 12 learners. The Qualitative sample consisted of 5 Heads of Departments of Geography and 5 Geography teachers. The Questionnaires were administered on 150 learners. The researcher analysed the qualitative data thematically. The Quantitative data was analysed through the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 25. The findings showed that the dearth of learner-teacher support materials and overcrowded classrooms are the major set back on teaching Geography mapwork at Grade 12. The study recommended that the Department of Basic Education should provide schools with enough learner-support materials and construct enough classrooms at schools, so that there is a conducive teaching-learning environment.