Today is the fourth day for the class PMEY3104 Integration of Technology in Primary Science Teaching. Professor Dr.Rohaida Mohd. Saat introduce to us 6 strategies of teaching science subject. The strategies include:
(1) MBL-computer-based laboratory
(2) Drill and Practice
(3) Tutorials
(4) Simulations
(5) Problem-solving
(6) Educational Games
I have gathered some insight about these strategies and some realizations along the discussion.
(1) MBL Computer-based laboratory
So, what is MBL? It is The microcomputer-based laboratory utilizes a computer, a data collection interface, electronic probes, and graphing software, allowing students to collect, graph, and analyze data in real-time. This real-time atmosphere allows students to attend to and process important details in each experiment.
I think the computer is a tool that is commonplace in real-world science labs and their use in the classroom allows students to conduct science in an authentic atmosphere. So, teacher can apply MBL in classroom.
I believe MBL is practical but it may not help students to develop their scientific skills. For example, students may not know how to use the real thermometer.
Some links that enhance my understanding about MBL:
Links:
http://teachers.oregon.k12.wi.us/fishwild/mbl.htm
http://www.ncsu.edu/sciencejunction/route/teachtech/teachmbl/index.html
(2)Drill and Practice
“Drill and practice "refers to the structured, repetitive review of previously learned concepts to a predetermined level of mastery."
Saskatchewan Education
(http://www.sasked.gov.sk.ca/docs/wellness/direct.html)
“A computer-assisted instruction technique in which a series of structured problems or exercises with immediate feedback to student responses is provided.”
(www.personal.psu.edu/bxb11/CBTGuide/Append/Gloss.htm)
In Malaysia, I notice that Government has included the method of drill and practice in MyCD. In MyCD, there some questions and when you click for an answer, there will be immediate response whether it is correct rot wrong. However, I find that it do not provide students the reason or explanation for the answer. This is disadvantage of the exercise. Student only knows the answer for example A or B. OR the C is wrong and D is correct.
Links:
http://www.saskschools.ca/curr_content/onlineteach/instructionalstrategies/directinstruction/drillpractice.htm
(3)Tutorials
There are many definitions of Tutorial:
“A tutorial is one method of transferring knowledge and may be used as a part of learning. More interactive and specific than a book or a lecture; a tutorial seeks to teach by example and supply the information to complete a certain task.”
(en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tutorial)
“A self-paced learning exercise; a lesson prepared so that a student can learn at their own speed, at their convenience; Interactive class taught by a tutor to students at university or college, individually or in small groups; Of or pertaining to a tutor; belonging to, or exercised by, a tutor”
(en.wiktionary.org/wiki/tutorial)
To summarize this, tutorial is a method where teacher guide students their learning process. I think tutorial is effective strategy that teacher can implement in teaching science. This is because this will help them to learn in their own pace and try out the activities that consequently will make them independent learner.
I found out these links are useful for me in understanding more about tutorial:
Links:
http://my.gcu.edu/Academics/cla/Pages/TutorialsandStrategyGuides.aspx
http://www.lifescied.org/cgi/content/full/6/3/190
(4)Simulations
Simulation is the imitation of some real thing, state of affairs, or process. The act of simulating something generally entails representing certain key characteristics or behaviours of a selected physical or abstract system.
I think simulation is interesting. Teacher can show students videos, animation that explain the process or concept in an interesting and meaningful way.
However, I think teacher must take note that; we still have to explain after students have watched the simulations.
Some links that I find interesting simulations for science subject:
Links:
http://users.hal-pc.org/~clement/science.htm
http://www.csun.edu/science/software/simulations/simulations.html
http://www.informaworld.com/smpp/content~db=all~content=a746774279
(5)Problem-solving
"Problem solving is the essence of scientific investigations. Students are given a problem or they identify a problem, then they follow the guidelines of problem based learning (PBL) to solve in the problem. As they follow the investigative process, they use the science process skills which are the methods and procedures of scientific investigation."
(Aug 24, 2008 David R. Wetzel)
I think problem-solving strategy is effective way to encourage students to be active learner in learning science.
The Problem Solving process consists of a sequence of sections that fit together depending on the type of problem to be solved. These are:
Problem Definition.
Problem Analysis.
Generating possible Solutions.
Analyzing the Solutions.
Selecting the best Solution(s).
Planning the next course of action (Next Steps)
Thus, teacher can set some questions that require them to solve the problem. This indirectly will make them to think and apply what they have learnt in solving the problem.
However, I think teacher should not frequently give problem-solving activities/questions as it can make students stress and tried to find out the solutions. Thus, I realize I should be creative in designing activities that captivate their interest.
Some links that related with problem-solving:
Links:
http://teachertipstraining.suite101.com/article.cfm/problem_solving_and_science_process_skills
http://www.ericdigests.org/pre-9212/problem.htm
http://www.1000ventures.com/business_guide/crosscuttings/problem_solving.html
http://asa3.org/ASA/education/think/methods.htm
(6) Educational Games.
Educational games are games that have been specifically designed to teach people about a certain subject, expand concepts, reinforce development, understand an historical event or culture, or assist them in learning a skill as they play. They include board, card, and video games.
I think educational games are interesting and fun way of learning. Students able to 'play' and in the same time they able to pick up certain concepts/vocabulary that related with science subject.
Perhaps teacher may want to introduce online educational games as in the following links:
http://funschool.kaboose.com/arcade/science/
http://education.jlab.org/indexpages/elementgames.php
http://www.woodlands-junior.kent.sch.uk/Games/educational/
In conclusion, the strategies are effective in teaching science. I believe as future teacher I should use variety of strategies so that learning science will be fun!
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