From:  Prof. Willie Rautenbach wlraut@mweb.co.za

About:  Evidence to SAIP on 'Review of Physics'

Date:  30 June 2002

Dear Jaynie

I attended the meeting on 27 June in the Cape about the planned Review of Physics by the SAIP.  After a career in basic and applied nuclear physics in SA at the CSIR and the University of Stellenbosch I have been involved since 1990 in improving training in Physics (& natural sciences in general) 
and Technology in South Africa.  The gist of the approach developed by me is to introduce human development in tandem with the teaching of science and technology (especially for understanding the underlying scientific principles and their creative application in hands-on technology).  This is 
achieved by explicit training in thinking, in language as communication, and in the understanding of the properties and values of the industrial/information age.  This approach was used in a project for Grade 10 - 12 students in technical training (1990 - 1999) as well as at the start of tertiary 
technical education in physics for use in technology (1999 - present).  Most of the students involved in these projects were from previously disadvantaged communities and the outcomes were gratifying.

I am willing to give oral evidence about my experience to the SAIP to ascertain if sufficient interest exists in combining the teaching of physics with general human development.  Should this be the case I could assist in interfacing it with the future plans for physics.

Regards

Willie Rautenbach