Cultivating practical skills among students through creative and innovative pedagogical approaches: A case study of the Foundation Students in a South African University

Cultivating practical skills among students through creative and innovative pedagogical approaches: A case study of the Foundation Students in a South African University

Georgina Mokganya & Innocent Zitha

Issue: Vol. 7 No. 5 2026 Article 4 pp.527 – 539
DOI : https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026754 Published online 26th June 2026.

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ABSTRACT

In the 21st century, classroom pedagogical approaches must evolve to equip students with the creative and critical thinking skills essential for both academic and professional development. This study explored the transformative impact of creativity and innovative interdisciplinary teaching strategies on students’ practical understanding of foundational science education in higher education. A comprehensive investigation examined how integrating biological modelling and web development in scientific mini-projects improves engagement and knowledge retention across the two disciplines. This study followed constructivist and inquiry-based learning frameworks and implemented a dual-faceted pedagogical approach: (1) using modelling to simulate eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells to clarify their differences and dynamic biological processes, such as facilitated diffusion; and (2) developing interactive websites in Information Technology, allowing 2024 Science Foundation students to present, document, and reflect on their scientific explorations. Quantitative and qualitative data collected from evaluations of submitted cell structure models, created websites, and student reflections revealed significant improvements in students’ abilities to visualise abstract biological concepts and apply computational thinking. These websites served not only as learning tools but also as assessment artifacts, fostering digital literacy alongside scientific inquiry. Students reported increased motivation, with 92% stating that integrating technology made learning more relevant and enjoyable. Moreover, this cross-disciplinary approach encouraged collaborative learning and developed transferable skills critical to academic and professional success. This advocates a reimagined foundational curriculum that is rich in content and experience-driven, technologically integrated, and aligned with the imperatives of 21st-century learning.

Keywords: Foundation, Biology, Information Technology, Creativity, Innovation, Collaboration, 21st Century

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AUTHOR(S)

Mokgaeti Georgina Mokganya serves as a Senior Lecturer and Researcher at the University of Venda, where she is an integral part of the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Agriculture. Within this faculty, she is affiliated with the Department of Science Foundation, where she focuses on strengthening students’ academic foundations in the sciences. Her research interests encompass various areas within science education, with a commitment to fostering student engagement and improving teaching methodologies. Through her work, Mokgaeti aims to advance knowledge and innovation in her field while mentoring aspiring scientists and engineers.

Innocent Zitha is a lecturer and researcher specialising in English Academic Literacy within the School of Languages in the Faculty of Humanities at North-West University. With over 5 years of experience in higher education, he has developed a profound understanding of the challenges students face in mastering academic writing and literacy. His research focuses on enhancing educational practices and promoting effective communication in English among diverse student populations. In addition to his teaching responsibilities, he has made significant contributions to his field through his scholarly work. He has authored and co-authored 28 papers and 3 book chapters, all published in reputable peer-reviewed journals. His publications reflect his commitment to advancing knowledge in English Academic Literacy and improving educational outcomes for students.

TO CITE ARTICLE

Mokganya, Georgina, and Innocent Zitha. “Cultivating practical skills among students through creative and innovative pedagogical approaches: A Case Study of the Foundation Students in a South African University.” Journal of Education and Learning Technology 7, no.5 (2026): 527 – 539. https://doi.org/10.38159/jelt.2026754