Making

Biology

more interesting for

learning.

Rubina Syed Usman Ghani0301-8267827

ra-jahangir@heliumm.com

M.Phil Scholar (Social Sciences) Newports Institute of Communication and Economics

M. Ed (Social Science) Allama Iqbal Open University

M.Sc (Biological Science) University of Karachi

4

Learning Pyramid*

* National Training Laboratories for Applied Behavioral Sciences, Alexandria, VA.

Biology Teaching Method

• Think about the name of the method of teaching biology which you know.

• Write on a sheet of paper and present.

Lecture

• Divide yourselves in to two groups and prepare a role play assign to you.

•In lecturing Method of teaching one has to present the factual material which may be collected from many books or other sources. It includes direct explanation which is presented in logical way.•Lectures contain experience and information which inspires the Presenter.•This method is useful for small or large groups of students.

Strengths

1.2 Limitations•It is observed that expert in a subject are not always good teachers. Some times a common person can make the things clear more effectively.•During lecture normal audience are inactive or just listening so one can not figure out that every one among the audience has understood the topic on the other hand it is very difficult to find out that how much a person has understood.•In lecture the communication take place in one way only. The presenter can express or convey his own ideas or understanding to the audience only.Preparation•In case of lecture the clear and straight forward introduction is required. Defined parameters to the topic are fixed which may contain a confined knowledge or the perception of the presenter involve.•In case of lecture the time limit is very important because in a limited and particular time spane one has to explain the topic. Along with it the content has to be kept in certain limitation.•For instance some areas of the content need longer explanation than the other.•During lecture one should include examples related to the topic and the application of the topic are also very important. Examples play very vital role in the understanding of knowledge.

. Lectures with Discussion 2.1 Strengths •In this way the audiences are involved at least after the lecture of the presenter. Which give the evaluation note. By this method the lecturer may evaluate that how much the facilitator has conveyed his message. •It also provides the opportunity to gauge the understanding of the student. •It also tells that how many among the group are coping up with the pace of the explanation. In this way the audience can ask the questions and clarify the confusion on the spot. And if they find that the idea is not correct it may be challenged which may lead to the discussion on each and every aspect of the topic. So the discussion may disclose the dark and bright sides of the picture.2.2 Limitation•Discussion on the topic must be limited to avoid wastage of time and interest of the listeners. Limitation must be set for discussion.•Lengthy and uninteresting irrelevant questions must be discouraged.

1. PreparationIn this method of teaching questions must be prepared prior to discussion which may help to handle the situation, on the other hand it may lead to the confusion in the mind of the audience.

Panel of Experts

• Divide yourselves in to two groups and prepare a role play assign to you.

. Panel Of Experts 3.1 Strengths•In this type of teaching different people who may be well equipped with the skills, from different fields present their views.•During it different opinions are shared which are helpful to overcome the difficulties if there are any.•While more than one person is envolve, it is suppose to be the better atmosphere to discuss certain topics because more tools are there to help or to cater a topic. •When more than one person is evolved in the discussion then the audience is much more attentive Change of speaker create better atmosphere for discussion. 3.2 Limitations•The limitations of this method may be that it is some times observed that a person who is very good at his subject is not a good speaker. •Some speaker may have a strong dominating personality which may influence the audience. •In this case the content may becomes dominant or is overshadowed by the speaker. 3.3 Preparation•In this case a facilitator must co-ordinate with the proper pace and conduction of the discussion. •The facilitator should add up or summarize the content if required. •The panel must be briefed about the line and length of the discussion.

Brain Storming

. Brainstorm 4.1 Strengths•In this case the creative thinking for new ideas and listening exercise is practiced. Some motivations are provided to push the mind of a listener to think about some new ideas. •Encouragement must be provided to participate fully because all the ideas are equally important and provoking.•The experience and knowledge of the members will work to dig out some new ideas.•By the brain storming the spirit of congeniality is created.•In this case the facilitator’s single idea may help in clarifying different ideas in the minds of the audience. 4.2 Limitations •In this method the irrelevant ideas may be coming up.•Brain storming must not exceed from 5-7 minutes. •In this case people may be feeling difficult to get away from known reality. Or they may be looking for a place to over look the ground reality. 4.3 Preparation •A facilitator must select the issue or the areas which are to be highlighted skillfully. He / she must work upon the points which should be raised during the session.•A facilitator must have different ideas which may stimulate the group and which make them work out for the required results.

Discussion & Small Group Discussion

• Divide yourselves in to two groups and prepare a role play assign to you.

Discussion1.Strengths

•In this way different ideas are gathered from the group. The group members may be sharing their experiences and the different ways to handle the situations are discussed.•Solution or a best methodology to cater the problem may be sorted out. This method is effective when a presentation is made or a film or an experience is shared then it is asked to analyze.•This way all the members of a group participate which is said to be an active process of learning. It allows every one to express the views. 6.2 Limitations •It may not be practical for a group of around 20 people. Because a large group of people may be difficult to handle for the discussion and for the analysis of situation.•In some cases few people may be acting as a passive participant, which may not be taking part during discussion due to large numbers of participants.•Some people may be acting as dominating element than others which may influence the ideas of passive members of the group.•It is more time consuming, because it may prolong for hours, due to greater number of participants it may lead to an unimportant conclusion. 6.3 Preparation •For this methodology a very careful planning is required to guide the discussion. A facilitator must put in his effort to focus the desired parameters of discussion.•The facilitator must prepare the question outline prehand to confine the discussion.

Small Group Discussion1. Strengths

•It allows the entire crowed to take part in the discussion.• Views of every one is carefully listened which may provide more time to analize the perception.•In this way it is easy to reach the consensus of the group. If the group includes more members than it will be very difficult to reach a conclusion. 7.2 Limitation•In this method the participant has to be more careful about the thoughts and ideas to propose.•Some of the members may divert track of discussion.

1. Preparation •For this method a facilitator must prepare very specific tasks or questions which must be asked from the whole group or to each and every member separately.

Case study• Divide yourselves in to two groups and

prepare a role play assign to you.

•Case Studies8.1 Strengths•It provides analysis and problem solving skills. It is effective where the people are well equipped to analize the situation or can make the decisions, or over come the problems.•It provides the capacity to analize the problem.•This allows the people to explore problems.•It is widely use for the professional level of working.•It also provides opportunity to apply new knowledge according to his/her own abilities and skills to overcome the problem.

1.Limitations•Some times the people may not find it relevant to their situation.•Some times insufficient information may affect the accuracy of the result.

1.Preparation•Case must be well defined before assignment.•Case study must be prepared in a very easy and elaborated manner to make a clear idea about the situation.

Role Plays

9.1 Strengths•It explains the situation very effectively. It gives the clear picture of the situation with all the dark and bright corners.•It provides the opportunity to understand the problem of the others in that particular situation where he can be put in.•It helps for the exploration of the problem which are faced by the people of that area.•It also provides the opportunity to practice the abilities and utilize the skills for handling situation. 9.2 Limitation•People may become self-conscious or self centered. •This in not very applicable for a large group of people.•Many roles, may be overlaping the others.

1. Preparation•Trainer must clearly explain the situations and the roles to be played by every participant all the difficulties. The solution to these difficulties must also be explained.

Very clear instructurction must be given otherwise confusion may be created during performance and distract the tempo of the play.

Report –Back Sessions

• Divide yourselves in to two groups and prepare a role play assign to you.

•Report –Back Sessions1.Strengths

•This method is very much effective for the discussion of role plays, case studies and small group exercise. It can also work out when the students of literature are given to go though the book and write down the book report.•This method is working out when asked to write down their experience on a particular subject matter. This method provides more chance to express the idea in detail.•This way each group has to take the responsibilities for their task. 10.2 Limitations Sometimes repetition of ideas is observed. 10.3 Preparation Facilitator must prepare the questions for the group discussion prehand to cover all the areas of the task.

Work Sheet

1.Strengths This provides the opportunity to work individually with out being influenced by

the others. After the presentation ideas of the groups are shared. It provides the opportunity for the self evaluation of the participant.11.2 Limitation It is effective for a short period of time and can not be use for a long term.

2.PreparationTrainer must be ready with the handout which can provide the idea of

objective. This handout must contain all the details which is required.

Guest Speaker & Debate

• Divide yourselves in to two groups and prepare a role play assign to you.

•Guest Speaker 13.1 Strengths•A person who is well known and an expert in a particular field is suitable for this method. The topic which is very specific must be selected. •The person which is chosen to speak to the audience must be the authority on that area.•It breaks down the monotony of the teaching process. A sudden change is evident and is normally appreciated.

1.Limitation Some times the person who has all the knowledge and may be a master of his work is not a good speaker; Person may be poor in conveying the message to the other people. 13.3 Preparation The person who is an expert in his area must contact a good speaker or a person who may co-ordinate between the expert and the audience. This way speaker gets the opportunity of being introduced.

Debate

1.Strengths•Healthy discussion is enhanced strong projection of the ideas of participant is practiced. It also provides the opportunity to be a good listener and to understand the others point of views on the same topic.•Comparative atmosphere is created to come out of better conclusion.14.2 Limitation

Ideas may be over shadowed by the influence of the personality.Only speakers will get the chance to impose or to disclose their thinking on the topic. The passive listeners may be influence by the speaker’s ideas,

14.3 Preparation•Facilitator must prepare the questions for the listeners as well as for the speakers. •Listerine’s must also get the chance to ask the questions from the speakers.

Index Card Exercise 12.1 Strengths Opportunity to explore difficult and complex issues are provided.

1. Limitation People must not do exercise.

2.Preparation Facilitator must prepare questions forehand.

Video Tapes

5.1 Strengths•It is observed that it is a very interesting and entertaining way of providing knowledge in this way certain issues are effectively conveyed. •Audience may be getting out of the parameters of a classroom or desk environment.•It is also helpful to keep the group of students attentive which may save the time as well.•This way is not only applicable for the junior students but is also effective for the grown up groups of audience. It looks more professional. It is widely used now a day for displays as well as for conferences.•It simulates the discussion by providing different ideas about different situations. 5.2 Limitations •There are certain limitations for this method which may raise many issues for a focused discussion.•The discussion may be lacking in the full participation of the participants.

1.Preparation•All the required equipment must be ready prehand, other wise it may cause disturbance.•It is only effective if the facilitator have prepared the questions which may be asked after the show. These may be informed before, to enhance the attention during the show.

Text Book Assignments

. 15.1 Strengths:-•Reading books are encouraged, use of reference books is enhance in this way of teaching.•In this method students are assigned with certain topic and by using different books they have to look for the required method.•This way they come across many other things also which may be or may not be related to the topic.15.2 Limitation:-•Self creation or use of owns words may be restricted.•Some libraries may not be equipped with too many reference books.15.3 Preparation:-•Teachers should make sure that enough books on that particular topic are available in the library•Student must be taught how to extract the material from books. •Line length and the quantity of material along with the quality must be well briefed.

Students Report16.1 Strength:-•Student gets liberty to work independently.•This way student gets the opportunity to assess the material and evaluate it according to the requirement of the assignment. •Student gets the habit of reading books and summarizes them according to the need. It also develops the ability to analize the situation.•Student learns to assess and evaluate the different areas of the topic. For example if it is literature then the student will learn to evaluate the characters and in case of other subject students learn how to find out comes of the situation. •Student learns how to use different method to express.16.2 Limitations:•Students’ knowledge will be confined to a certain book or topic assigned for report.•Wrong perception may be defined by using different ways of expression.16.3 Preparation:•First the facilitator must go through the book thoroughly.•Required medium and length of the report must be mentioned prehand.•Level of the students must be kept in the mind while assigning the report

Forums:17.1 Strengths:•Student will learn how to work collectively. A lot of material may be discussed in this way.•Information and knowledge of different people may be shared more effectively. •In this way people share their experiences as well which give better opportunity to assess or evaluate the topic practically.•Better ways of expression figured out which can convince the audience.•Better listening skills are developed which provide better analyzing qualities.17.2 Limitations:-•Person who is not well off in the particular subject will not be able to portray the true picture of the problem.•Limited participation can not cover all the areas of the topic.17.3 Preparation:-•Persons taking part in discussion must be briefed about the areas to cover.•Sorted questions must be prepared forehand.•Participation of each member must be assured.

Cross Word Puzzles:-18.1 Strengths:-•It provides the mental exercise in short span.•It centralizes the knowledge about a particular subject.•It also provides the roaming area for student around a topic.•Vocabulary or terminology skills are developed in this way.18.2 Limitations:-•If the vocabulary or the terms are not adequate person will not be able to convey the message.•Weakness in the spellings may hinder the completion of the task.18.3 Preparation:-•Well organized pattern must be organized pre hand.•It must be well defined that what particular subject or topic is being discussed.•Work sheet must be prepared before.•Spellings must be checked properly.

Vocabulary Drills:-

19.1 Strengths:-•Terminology which defines the whole phenomena is enhancing.•In this way well defined words are chosen which explain the whole subject matter or process.•Confined way of explaining the matter is learned this way lesser time is consumed to explain. Audiences come to know how to confine the knowledge sentences.19.2 Limitation:-•Detail explanation which covers all the dark and bright sides of the matter is not possible •Good knowledge about the topic is required.19.3 Preparation:-•Facilitator must be well prepared about the line and length of the world before going for drill •Limitation of the elaboration for vocabulary must be set before.

Class Seminars:-

20.1 Strengths:-•Topics are assigned and students are asked to prepare the topic. Different students from groups of students are assigned the topic. •Students are given the time to explain the topic with the help of material such as transparencies, slides, charts or models.•Questions or cross questioning may help to define the topic properly.20.2 Limitation:-•Few topics may be covered by this method because an experience teacher is always a better person to explain the topic.•Lack of confidence may harm the explanation of the subject matter.20.3 Preparation:-•Teacher must guide student to collect the material. Use of different medium must be well explained.•Availability of the material must be asked by the facilitator.

Panel Discussions

21.1 Strengths:-•When the groups of experts discuss a topic, very authorize solutions or the outcome is achieved.•People well off in their field may be speaking the nectar of their life which is as authentic as a theory.•This way, very well extracted process are discovered•Different experts working in different environment may come out with the same results which are more reliable.•Grass root level rules and regulation may be set in this type of discussion.21.2 Limitation:-•Superficial types of minor things may be over looked.•In experience people may spoil the dignity of the theory.21.3 Preparation:- •Facilitator must set the proper time for the person and the matter.•Due value must be give to the matters and experts.•Questions must be prepared to cover the required knowledge.

Research Method:-

•This method enhances the motivational activities. This way person can exhibit the evaluative abilities. It provides the independent work environment to learners.•Large amount of information along with the target topic is attained. It grooms the person very much. Person gets the confidence about the knowledge.•Vast amount of knowledge is confined by the different people and may be shared later on about the topic or the different topics.•This way the decision making abilities are promoted. Out comes of the decision is verified by the healthy arguments.22.1 Limitations:-•A lot of time is required to collect the information and to work on the topic.•Diversion from the target may cause the wastage of time.22.2 Preparation:-•A goal must be set for the person.•Different dimension must be referring to work upon.•All the required help must be available to reach the target.•Proper guideline must be provided before the start of the work.

Bulletin Board:-

23.1 Strength:-•For the bulletin board the defined specific matter is used. It must be maintained in such a way that it provides the information which is general. The writing or printing must be readable and clear size of the writing must be big enough to catch the eye from the distance.•Decent and effective language must be used.•Unique and novelty may be more attractive.•Use of lesser but more expensive word will be effective. Helping material such as diagram pictures or out line must be bright well defined and clear.•All walks of life may be covered.23.2 Limitations:-•Detail information can not be displayed by this method.•Limited topics may be covered by these methods.•Required more time to convey the message.23.3 PREPARATION:-•Required material is prepared before setting the bulletin board.•Placement of the board must be done at proper spot.•Effective way and general interest topic must be picked up.

Flash Cards

24.1 Strengths:-•This method is very effective and gives the chance to the audience to think about the topic.•Innovative style to display cards may be more effective. Different colors, shapes or pictures can be used to express the topic. All levels of audience may be attracted by these methods.•For different subjects different set of cards may be used such as for mathematics signs may be printed on the cards. For physics different derivation may be written down on the board.•In the same way for chemistry different chemical formulas or symbols may be written down on the cards.•For languages alphabets or word can be written down on the cards. Grammar portion can be covered very effectively by this method. Different pictures or the flash cards may be used to draw or write the parts of the flower. Creativeness is enhanced in this way.24.2 Limitation:-•Large amount of information can not be conveyed to help the topic.•24.3 Preparation:-•The required information must be displayed properly on the cards. •The parameters must be verified to achieve the required results.•Prepare the cards containing all the required material prehand.•Explain the card thoroughly before the start of the work.

Interviews

25.1 Strengths:-•It provides the chance to interact with person one to one basis. The way the person gets the confidence to work individually, many dimensions of the person may be disclosed. This is a very effective way to know about the success and failures of a person which helps in sorting the way to reach the target. Interview is better way to learn about the ideas of other people.•Interview questionnaire must contain all the questions which may disclose the ideas of the person.

1.Limitation:-•Only limited information may be collected in this way only limited number of people can be questioned.•25.3 Preparation:- •Prepare a very easy and elaborated questionnaire prehand.•Way of asking question must be well explained to the person who is going to be interviewed.•Personal questions must be avoided.•All questions must be asked in easy language which is understandable for the person to be interviewed.

•Map, Transparencies And Globes:-

26.1 Strength:-1.These are the different aids which are very much essential during any level of presentations.2.Maps give the clear and very specific idea about the location which is not possible otherwise.3.The worlds and the directions on the map must be clear and well defined which are easily readable.4.Transparencies must be clear and should include large size worlds. Only the important points must be mentioned.5.If diagrams are to be drawn on the transparencies then the labeling of the diagrams must be properly done.6.Globe gives clear location of the place. Its use provides opportunity to attain information about other places along with the required place.

26.2 Limitations:-•Detailed information can not be provided by maps transparencies and globes•Small size of globe may create the confusion in people’s mind.26.3 Preparation:-•Specific mapping must be done on the maps and globes.•Transparencies must be prepared prehand. Different colors markers may be used.

Model Making:-

•Model making gives the clear vision of a process or of an object.•Working of different objects may be explained in a very convenient way. It is an interesting way to describe a complicated function in very easy manner.•This method can be used for all the subjects.•Creativity of the person is enhanced this way. Minor defects are noticed while preparing a model.27.1 Limitation:-•May be very time consuming task.•Cost may be unaffordable for some students.•Availability of the material may hindered the process of model making.27.2 Preparation:-•Before assigning model the availability of the material must be assured.•Details of the structure must be considered carefully•Work must be checked before display.

Educational Trips

28.1 Strengths:-•It is very interesting and full of adventure to visit a place which provides knowledge as well. Level of the visitors must match to the place to be visited.•Impotantance of the visit must be cleared to the students picnic must be separately arranged. Difference between a picnic and an education trips must be cleared in the mind of the visitors.•Proper arrangements with the required material must be done forehand.•It is better to visit a place which is related in the course outline.28.2 Limitations:-•Some places such as factories on industries may not permit the student to visit the area.•Mismanagement in discipline may also create mess.•Long distance of the place may also create some problems.28.3 Preparation:-•Official permission from both ends must be coordinated properly.•Arrangement of the transport must be done according to the number of the visitors.•Students must be briefed about the place before going for it.•A questionnaire must be prepared and students must be informed about it.•Material required for the visit must be asked before setting for the visit.•Enough number of staff must be accompanied.•Parent’s permission must be granted before taking the student to visit.

Projects:-

30.1 Strengths:-•It is very effective and applicable to all levels of students. The project assigned must be the part of the course outline. All the required help must be provided to collect the material. All the references books or other sources must be explained line and length of the material must be defined by the facilitator.•Project must be helpful for the practical applications as well.•Level of the students must be kept in the mind while assigning the project. •It teaches the practicality of the books knowledge.30.2 Limitation:-•It is a time consuming way of collecting information.•Availability of the source of information may not be the same for each and every student.30.3 Preparation:-•A very important and vital topics or subjects must be picked up for projects.•Availability of the source must be equal for every person.•Well defined guide lines must be given before the start of the work.•Proper display must be assured.

Surveys:-

31.1 Strength:-•It provides the opportunity to come across the different circumstances. •Parameters of the survey must be set before working.•Rules must be set before survey.•Statistically results must be gathered and formulated clearly in a easily understandable way. This way student come across the different situations and meet different people.•It is very interesting and affective way of gauging a theory.31.2 Limitation:-•It is a time consuming process. •Handling the data may be a difficult task.•Some common areas may be covered only.31.3 Preparation:-•Facilitator must set the rules and regulations of the survey.•Data collection and dealing with it must be taught properly.•Conclusions and out comes of the surveys must be verified.

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