Knowledge Knowledge building in building in ChemistryChemistry

K C Pun (K C Pun (punkc@mail.hongkong.compunkc@mail.hongkong.com))

SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Sec SchSKH Tsang Shiu Tim Sec Sch

Topics to cover• Knowledge-based society• Trends in education• KF as a tool to build up knowledge• Students’ reflections in using KF.

Knowledge-based society

• Principal’s remarks• Some “Nots”

– Not eternal– Not limited by media– Not limited by age

Trends in education• Learning to learn• Mastering

9 generic skills:– Esp. (to 05-06)

• critical thinking skills• Creativity• Communication skills

• Learning: – first order -> higher

order

Information to share (CUHK, 2002)國際排名

使用思考及闡釋一策略讀書 31/33使用記憶策略讀書 13/33使用競爭式學習策略 1/33使用合作式學習策略 17/33閱讀興趣 4/33

A Joke? OR Reality!!!• 聯合國為全世界小朋友出了一道題目 「對於其他國家糧食短缺的問題 請你談談自己的看法 . 」 非洲的小朋友看完題目後不知道什麼叫 “糧食” 歐洲的小朋友不知道什麼叫 “短缺” 亞洲的小朋友不知道什麼叫 “自己的看法” 拉丁美州的小朋友不知道什麼叫 “請” 美國的小朋友不知道什麼叫 “其他國家”

What do they infer?• Lack of these generic skills

思考及闡釋 記憶

Chemistry = change• Change in syllabus =>

– Change in learning/teaching strategy

• KF: as a tool to facilitate the change in strategy

Interactions betweenstudents, teachers and environment

Knowledge construction using

forum (D/K)• Knowledge forum• HKU: CITE• How:

– Divide F.4 students into groups

– Give F.5 topics for F.4 students to discuss with guided questions

KF in the school• Topics and guided questions

– Air pollution– Nitric acid– Fertilizers– Sulphuric acid– Plastics– Ammonia– Petroleum

Some good features of KF

• Can insert diagrams• Can link up their

concepts• Build up their own

concept map• To change the

‘culture’ of students• Can even insert

multimedia elements

KF in practice

KF in practice (Petroleum)

KF in practice (Petroleum)

KF in practice (Petroleum)

KF in practice (Petroleum)

KF in practice

Reflection journal

Look at what they write:

• Reflection journal• Second week in KF.

– I want to know what is the differences between organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers. And what are their advantages and disadvantages.

– I have posted a note about how to use fertilizers and a few notes about that role-play game. Also I reach my learning goal.

– Still got some problems with searching information. But I begin got the technique.

– I enjoy the role-play game.– I am unhappy about my lazy~

What do they feel?

• Students• Reflections

– Fun– Learn from outside

textbook– More efficient– Collaboration skills– Brainstorming

Without KF – OK?• Why not?• KF is just a tool.• May use discussion forum in the

intranet of the school.

Discussion forum / others

• May post the questions to the discussion forum and initiate their discussion

• May even ask them to do as paper work

Role of teacher inDF/ KF

• As a facilitator– Not to answer question immediately– Not to correct their mistakes

immediately• As a catalyst

What will the “promoted F.4 students” do this

year?• Choose a Chemistry topic in Integrated

Science OR any topic in Certificate syllabus• Design 2 – 3 good questions• Set up their own criteria for assessment of

good questions• Critics from members in the group and other

groups• Game / Presentation after summer holidays

What topics in IS?• The wonderful solvent – water• Matter as particles• Common acids and alkalis• Metals• Materials of the Modern WorldEtc.

Why F.1-3 topics?• Students: Revisit the topics for

consolidating their concepts• Teachers: Know what have been

taught in lower forms• A continuation from junior

secondary to senior secondary

Why set questions?• Students know more if they can set

up good questions• To have critiques among

themselves• Know the great effort of teachers

=> may appreciate your effort in teaching

Key to success• We have to be proactive.• BUT Before we act,• Better have support from

your panel etc.

Final remarks• KF is a tool. Others may apply.• There are many useful resources

in the CDI’s web-site.• Project-based learning:

– http://www.4teachers.org/projectbased/checklist.shtml

Thanks!!!

9 generic skills Collaboration skills

Communication skills Creativity Critical thinking skills Information technology skills Numeracy skills Problem solving skills Self-management skills Study skills

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