
Sustainable Education Affordances in Natural Sciences to Promote Quality Learning
Issue: Vol.6 No.11 Article 9 pp. 2836 – 2842
DOI: https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256119 | Published online 28th October, 2025
© 2025 The Author(s). This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
This study explores the affordances for sustainable education (SE) in Natural Sciences (NS) teaching within South African schools, focusing on how teachers utilize available resources and curricula to promote quality learning outcomes aligned with Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG4). Adopting an interpretivist paradigm and an exploratory case study design, the research engaged five experienced NS teachers from socioeconomically disadvantaged schools in Bloemfontein. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews, document analysis, and situation analysis, ensuring credibility, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. Findings reveal that despite teachers in under-resourced South African schools demonstrating resilience and innovation in advancing SE through NS, systemic inequities, lack of support, and environmental misalignment hinder meaningful progress. The findings reveal a stark contrast between the potential affordances for SE inherent in the NS curriculum and the challenging on-the-ground realities faced by dedicated teachers. Through the employment of the affordance theory, the research accentuates the potential of existing teaching environments to promote SE when adequately supported. Recommendations include targeted interventions to bridge resource gaps, collaborative stakeholder engagement, and a reorientation of teacher training to emphasize sustainability. This study contributes to the discourse on SE by providing insights into the practical realities of NS teaching in under-resourced contexts and advocating for systemic reforms to achieve equitable, quality education. We should not merely reform—We should revolutionize education.
Keywords: Sustainable Education, Natural Sciences, Affordance, Teacher Development, Resource Allocation
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Luyanda Nhlakanipho Khoza is a Master of Education (MEd) candidate and a Learning and Instructional Designer committed to advancing sustainable, inclusive, and high-impact education in higher education contexts. He earned his Bachelor of Education Honours degree with distinction (Summa Cum Laude) from the University of the Free State, South Africa. His academic journey reflects a deep commitment to transformative education that aligns with the principles of Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), ensuring inclusive and equitable quality education and promoting lifelong learning opportunities for all. In his capacity as a Learning and Instructional Designer, Luyanda’s work focuses on designing and facilitating learner-centred, technology-enhanced, and outcomes-oriented instructional experiences. He integrates innovative pedagogical frameworks that empower educators to cultivate critical thinking, creativity, and sustainability awareness among students. His design philosophy is anchored in the belief that education serves as a catalyst for social justice, environmental stewardship, and community resilience. Luyanda has contributed to scholarly and professional dialogues through his participation in key educational forums, including the Inter-University Teaching and Learning Forum on SDG and Challenge-Based Education, and the Council on Higher Education’s Quality Reviews and Standards & Capacity Development Workshop. Through these engagements, he has demonstrated leadership in linking sustainable education principles with practical instructional design and quality assurance processes in higher education.
Dr. Moeketsi Freddie Tlali earned his PhD in Curriculum and Education Studies from the University of the Free State (UFS) in 2013. Since 2015, he has served as a Lecturer in Natural and Physical Sciences Education in the School of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Technology Education at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein Campus. Dr. Tlali is deeply engaged in advancing science education through his teaching, research, and academic leadership. His scholarly work focuses on curriculum transformation, sustainability in physical sciences education, and the integration of service-learning as a means to make learning more learner-centred, meaningful, and socially responsive. His influential publication, “Creating sustainable physical sciences learning environments: A case for decolonised and transformative learning,” exemplifies his commitment to contextualised, transformative educational practices that bridge theory and community-based application. Beyond teaching and research, Dr. Tlali has made substantial contributions to academic governance and curriculum innovation. He has coordinated the Natural and Physical Sciences Education discipline, served as a member of the Faculty of Education’s Higher Degrees Committee, and contributed to the editorial board of Perspectives in Education (PiE) journal as both reviewer and board member. In addition, Dr. Tlali has participated in the development and maintenance of multiple academic modules across institutions and has chaired boards of academic institutions, reflecting his leadership and commitment to academic excellence and quality assurance in higher education. Through his dedication to curriculum innovation, sustainable learning environments, and transformative education, Dr. Tlali continues to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of science education in South Africa and beyond.
Dr. Glen Legodu is a Lecturer and Programme Director (IPMSNTE & PGCE) in the School of Mathematics, Natural Sciences, and Technology Education at the University of the Free State, Bloemfontein Campus. He holds a Doctor of Education degree and is deeply committed to advancing science education through innovative teaching, curriculum development, and transformative research practices. Dr. Legodu’s academic and research focus centres on the preparation of pre-service science teachers and the implementation of curriculum strategies that promote meaningful learning. His work places particular emphasis on classroom-based demonstrations as an effective pedagogical approach to enhance learner engagement and deepen conceptual understanding in science education. Beyond the classroom, Dr. Legodu is a passionate advocate for social justice within agricultural and rural communities, employing critical research methodologies to interrogate inequality and promote inclusive, community-driven educational practices. His scholarly contributions extend to curriculum development, ICT integration in education, pedagogy, and service-learning, reflecting a holistic approach to educational transformation. Dr. Legodu has authored over ten publications, with his work collectively receiving more than 1,600 reads on ResearchGate, underscoring his growing influence in the field of teacher education and curriculum studies. He has also been the recipient of multiple academic awards and research grants, recognising his excellence in teaching, scholarly innovation, and community engagement. Through his teaching, research, and leadership, Dr. Legodu continues to contribute meaningfully to the advancement of science education, the professional development of future educators, and the pursuit of equity and excellence in South African education.
Khoza, Luyanda Nhlakanipho, Moeketsi Freddie Tlali, and Glen Legodu. “Sustainable Education Affordances in Natural Sciences to Promote Quality Learning.” E-Journal of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences 6, no. 11 (2025): 2843 -2859, https://doi.org/10.38159/ehass.20256120.
© 2025 The Author(s). Published and Maintained by Noyam Journals. This is an open access article under the CCBY license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).









