Vol. 74 | No. 6/1 | Jun 2018 DOI: 10.21506/j.ponte.2018.6.9 International Journal of Sciences and Research 122 NATURAL SCIENCES INSTRUCTION: INTERROGATING EASTERN CAPE TEACHERS’ INSTRUCTIONAL METHODOLOGIES Nomxolisi Mtsi 1 , Newlin Marongwe *2 , Grasia Chisango 1 , Elvis T. Matyedi 1 1 Faculty of Education- Department of Curriculum Studies, Walter Sisulu University 2 Division of Academic Affairs & Research Development, Walter Sisulu University, , nmarongwe@wsu.ac.za ABSTRACT The paper assesses the pedagogical methods used by teachers in the teaching and learning of Natural Science (NS). The study was informed by the social constructivism, located in the interpretivist paradigm. A qualitative approach and a case study design were utilised. A purposive sample of three principals, three teachers and eighteen learners participated in the study. Data were collected through interviews, focus group discussion and lesson observation. Data were analysed for content. The study found that teachers were not using the current pedagogies that promote the learning of NS. The paper concludes that the effective learning of NS is severely compromised if teachers have challenges in pedagogical methods. School staff exchange programmes should be encouraged. Keywords: Natural Science; Curriculum interpretation; Professional development; Pedagogy; Support; Intervention strategies INTRODUCTION Critical pedagogy is the most effective style of facilitation, as it hands over the responsibility for learning to the learners and to think critically on scientific issues studied as well as study them in context (Ramesh and Patel 2013). Critical pedagogy can be used in teaching science to improve the performance of learners and to make the lesson interesting, and will also assist teachers to identify the approach that suits the environment they are working in. This allows learners to work in groups and link the new science concepts to what the learners already know. The study sought to understand the extent to which the critical pedagogy is applied in