Degrees Held
- PhD Chemistry Education University of KwaZulu-Natal 2009- 2013
- M.Ed. Science Education University of KwaZulu-Natal 2004 – 2006
- B.Ed. Chemistry University of Zimbabwe 1999 – 2000
- Ad DipEd Education University of London. 1995 – 1998
- Cert. Ed. Education Gweru Teachers College, Zimbabwe 1989 – 1991
Research Interests
- Doras Sibanda is a senior lecturer in chemistry education at the University of KwaZulu Natal in the school of Education. Her research interests are in teaching sequences in chemistry education, mentoring of science teachers, inquiry based science teaching, pedagogical content knowledge and creativity in Africa, STEM education, teacher development and curriculum decolonization.
Research Interests
- I teach a variety of courses from undergraduate to honors in science education. The courses include natural science content in chemistry, physical sciences, PGCE natural sciences and teaching and learning courses at honors level.
Selected Publications
Journal Articles
Book Chapters
Journal Articles
- Buma, A., Sibanda, D & Rollnick, M (2023). Exploring the development of the quality of topic specific pedagogical knowledge in planning: the case of grade 8 natural science teachers. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education (accepted).
- Buma, A. & Sibanda, D. (2022). In-Service and Pre-Service Science Teachers’ Enacted Pedagogical Content Knowledge about the Particulate Nature of Matter. Education Sciences,12(9),576. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci12090576.
- Mudaly, R., Mudaly, V., Mthiyane, CCN & Sibanda, D. (2021). Transcending Paradigmatic Fractures: Reflections on a Critically Conscious Academic Identity through a Decolonial Lens. Alternation 28 (,2) 150 – 184. https://doi.org/10.29086/2519-5476/2021/v28n2a7.
- Sibanda, D & Jawahar, K (2012). Exploring the impact of mentoring in-service teachers enrolled in a Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Programme. Alternation 19 (2), 257-272.
- Sibanda, D & Hobden, P. (2015). Planning teaching sequences for teaching chemical bonding. African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education. 19(1), 23-33. dx.doi.org/10.1080/102884557.2014.1002298.
- Sibanda, D & Hobden, P. (2016). The Sequencing of basic chemistry topics by physical science teachers. African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, DOI: 10.1080/18117295.2016.1187505.
- Mukeredzi, T & Sibanda, D (2016) Part-time PGCE teacher-students: What do they bring to and expect from a formal programme? Australian Journal of Teacher Education), 41(9), 80-99.
- Govender, N, Good M-A.& Sibanda, D (2016). Preservice Teachers Collaborative Learning of Gases and Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) Using CmapTools©: A Variation Theory Analysis. PONTE International Journal of Sciences and Research 72 (12), 394-412.
- Sibanda, D (2018) What Sequence do we follow in Teaching Concepts in Chemistry. A Study of High School Physical Science Teachers’ PCK, African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 22(2), 196-208, DOI: 10.1080/18117295.2018.1484408
- Sibanda, D & Mukeredzi, T. (2018) Physical science teachers’ insights into pedagogical and content knowledge, and the nature of support of an ACE in-service programme. Alternation, Special edition 23, 169- 196.
- Rollnick, M., Toerien, R., Sibanda, D., Hattingh, A. & Kind , V. (2018). Teachers’ Knowledge for teaching chemical bonding: Scope and Trajectories. In Finlayson, O.E., McLoughlin, E., Erduran, S., & Childs, P. (Eds.), Electronic Proceedings of the ESERA 2017 Conference. Research, Practice and Collaboration in Science Education, Part 3: Strand 3, (Fechner, S & Tiberghien, A), (pp. 518-527), Dublin, Ireland: Dublin City University. ISBN 978-1-873769-84-3
- Mohamed Almakki,, A., Samir Kumar Nandy,. SK, Sabyasachi Mondal, S. Sibanda, P & Sibanda, D. (2019). A model for entropy generation in stagnation point flow of non‐Newtonian Jeffrey, Maxwell, and Oldroyd‐B nanofluids. Heat Transfer—Asian Research, 48 (1), 24-41. DOI: 10.1002/htj.21366.
- Oyelakin, I.S, Mondal, S., Sibanda, P& Sibanda, D. (2019). Bioconvection in Casson nanofluid flow with Gyrotactic microorganisms and variable surface heat flux. International Journal of Biomathematics, 12(3),
- Chirikure, T., Govender, N., Sibanda, D., Kolobe, L., Good, M.-A., & Ngema, S. (2019). Adding voices to physical sciences pre-service teachers’ approaches to learning. African Journal of Research in Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 23(2), 195-205. doi:10.1080/18117295.2019.1654211.
- Nhlengethwa, K., Govender, N. & Sibanda, D (2020). Final-year pre-service primary school teachers’ understanding of inquiry-based-science teaching. Baltic Science Education 19(3), 454-466. doi.org/10.33225/jbse/20.19.454.
- Nhlengethwa, K.B., Govender, N., & Sibanda, D (2020). Primary school pre-service teachers’ enactment of inquiry-based-science teaching, Education 3-13, DOI: 10.1080/03004279.2020.1854958.
- Naidoo, J & Sibanda, D. (2020). Examining science performance of South African grade 9 learners in TIMSS 2015 through a ‘Gender lens’. South Africa Journal of Education, 40 (Supplrment 2), p S1-S10.
- Sibanda, D & Amin, N (2021). The link between a mentorship programme for mathematics, science and technology in-service teachers and professional development, Sage Open, 11(1):215824402098873:DOI: 10.1177/2158244020988732
- Sibanda, D, & Rollnick, M. (2020). Post graduate certificate in Education students’ topic specific pedagogical content knowledge (TSPCK) on particulate nature of matter. ISBN in the ESERA 2019 Conference e-Proceedings series titled “The Beauty and Pleasure of Understanding: Engaging with Contemporary Challenges Through Science Education” January 2021, Conference: ESERA201, At: Bologna.
- Oyelakin, I.S., Sibanda, D., & Sibanda, P. (2021). Numerical analysis of nonlinear density relation and binary reaction with sinusoidal wall temperature, AICHE Journal (inpress)
- Govender, N, Good M-A.& Sibanda, D (2016). Preservice Teachers Collaborative Learning of Gases and Kinetic Molecular Theory (KMT) Using CmapTools©: A Variation Theory PONTE International Journal of Sciences and Research 72 (12), 394-412.
- Sibanda, D & Jawahar, K (2012). Exploring the impact of mentoring in-service teachers enrolled in a Mathematics, Science and Technology Education Programme. Alternation 19 (2), 257-272.
Book Chapters
- Thomson, R M., Sibanda, D., & Ngetu, C. (2019). Integrating Science and Technology in the Intermediate Phase. In book: Teaching Technology: Intermediate to Senior Phase. Publisher: Oxford University Press.
- Mudaly, R., Mudaly, V., Doras Sibanda, D., & Cynthia Carol Nonhlanhla Mthiyane, CCN. (2021). Transcending paradigmatic fractures: Towards a critically conscious academic identity (inpress)
Community Engagement
- 2019 – current: Cell explorer Project (DNA experiment)
- 2008-2019 : member of organizing committee for KZN, Minitek Quiz
- Science Cluster representative community engagement
- Member of SAARMSTE, ESERA
Teaching Expertise
- Natural Science EDNS 210
- PGCE Natural Science teaching
- PGCE Physical sciences teaching
- Physical Science for Educators EDPS 320
- Physical Science for Educators EDPS 220
- Physical Science Method 1 EDPS201
- Teaching and learning in Science 11 (Hon)
- Teaching and learning in Science 1 (Hon)
- Assessment in Science & Mathematics Education (Hon)
Student Supervision
Honours
Masters
PhD
Honours
- 2014: Samaneka. F. An exploration of Grade 10 Life Sciences teachers’ views on the implementation of the Practical examinations in Life Sciences at selected high schools in the Escort region; Co-supervisor (completed 2015).
- 2014: Mfeka N Exploring the impact of water scarcity on the well-being of primary school learners in the Lubombo region of Swaziland; (Completed 2017).
- 2014 Grade Zodwa Dlamini Teacher’s views of water Crisis in Manzini Region of Swaziland: A Case Study of Four Rural Primary Schools (Completed 2017).
- Magwaza T. I. An exploratory study of factors that contribute to poor performance by Grade 10 to 12 learners in Physical Sciences in Mtunzini circuit; Main Supervisor (completed 2018).
- 2014 Simelane. S Exploring Pre-service Teachers’ Experiences in Learning Chemistry at a College in Swaziland. Sole Supervisor (completed 2018).
- 2017 Ngubane L. Exploring Biological Sciences Preservice Science Teachers’ Sense Making of Assessment Feedback at a South African university, Co-supervisor (completed 2019).
- 2017 Sisobo, S. An exploration of teaching strategies used by Natural Science teachers when teaching Energy and Change content in a grade 9 classroom 4rd year; Main supervisor (completed 2021).
- 2018: Maxwell Mkhize 204514944- An analysis of TVET NCV Agricultural Soil Science Curriculum for students learning.
- 2019: Nontokozo Mbokazi 213507545- Exploring grade 10 physical science learners’ understanding of the nature of science in a township school.
- 2019: Njabulo Mabika 214556165- An investigation of errors made by students when learning the mole concept from secondary schools in Physical Sciences.
- 2019: Nokuthula Raula 212507167- Exploring Life Science Teachers’ teaching strategies in teaching genetics to Grade 12 learners.
- 2020 Naras SK. Exploring the link between the selection criteria used in the science foundation and students progression in Science degrees at UniZul (completed 2022).
2020 Mbokazi N. Exploring Grade 8 Natural Sciences Learners’ Perceptions Of Kahoot Game- Based Learning Tool At A School In The Rural Area Of Mgungundlovu District(completed 2022).
- 2021:Nokuthule Simamane 212547422- Analysis of factors that contribute to the poor performance of secondary schools in mathematics and science located in rural areas.
- 2021:’Linda Miya 210500241 -Analysis of factors that contribute to the poor performance in Life Sciences in township schools.
- 2021 Moodley K. Exploring students’ learning of the concept of atomic structure in grade 10 physical science (writing up).
- 2021 Malinga Nkosingiphile. Exploring Life Sciences teachers’ attitudes and perceptions towards animal organ dissection (writing up).
Masters
- 2014: Samaneka. F. An exploration of Grade 10 Life Sciences teachers’ views on the implementation of the Practical examinations in Life Sciences at selected high schools in the Escort region; Co-supervisor (completed 2015).
- 2014: Mfeka N Exploring the impact of water scarcity on the well-being of primary school learners in the Lubombo region of Swaziland; (Completed 2017)
- 2014 Grade Zodwa Dlamini Teacher’s views of water Crisis in Manzini Region of Swaziland: A Case Study of Four Rural Primary Schools (Completed 2017)
- 2014: Magwaza T. I. An exploratory study of factors that contribute to poor performance by Grade 10 to 12 learners in Physical Sciences in Mtunzini circuit; Main Supervisor (completed 2018,)
- 2014 Simelane. S Exploring Pre-service Teachers’ Experiences in Learning Chemistry at a College in Swaziland. Sole Supervisor (completed 2018)
- 2017 Ngubane L. Exploring Biological Sciences Preservice Science Teachers’ Sense Making of Assessment Feedback at a South African university, Co-supervisor (completed 2019).
- 2017 Sisobo, S. An exploration of teaching strategies used by Natural Science teachers when teaching Energy and Change content in a grade 9 classroom 4rd year; Main supervisor (completed 2021).
- Naras SK. Exploring the link between the selection criteria used in the science foundation and students progression in Science degrees at UniZul (completed 2022).
Mbokazi N. Exploring Grade 8 Natural Sciences Learners’ Perceptions Of Kahoot Game- Based Learning Tool At A School In The Rural Area Of Mgungundlovu District (completed 2022) .
- Moodley K. Exploring students’ learning of the concept of atomic structure in grade 10 physical science (writing up)
- Malinga Nkosingiphile. Exploring Life Sciences teachers’ attitudes and perceptions towards animal organ dissection (writing up).
PhD
- 2015 Nhlengetha,K An exploration of pre-service primary teachers’ Pedagogical Content Knowledge (PCK) in inquiry based science teaching (IBST) in a university in Swaziland. Co-supervisor 5th year (completed, 2020).
- 2017 Ngema Sebenzile, An exploration of novice Physical Sciences teachers’ cognition about inquiry-based instruction: a Case study of Secondary Schools in Pinetown District, Co supervisor, 5rd year (completed 2022).
- 2020 Jawahar Kavish, A sematic gravity perspective on South African school chemistry curriculum alignment (Completed 2021).
- 2021 Ekias Zirevo How teachers Develop, Implement and Evaluate a Teaching Learning Sequence for Stoichiometry at Upper Secondary School Level in Zimbabwe (Data Analysis).
- 2021 Hemraj Dharampal Exploring in-service Life Sciences teachers’ Topic Specific Professional Knowledge (TSPK) in the teaching of the Theory of Evolution in South Africa (Data Collection).