THE APPLICATION OF VARIATION THEORY IN LESSON STUDY WITH ANALOGY TEACHING STRATEGY
Strand: The implementation of innovative pedagogies
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Abstract
The purpose of this study is to show how students can discern the critical feature using the Variation Theory as well as the theory’s compatibility with Analogy teaching strategy. A lesson study group examines students’ responses in the pre-test, and identifies the critical feature of the object of learning. Comparison between the results of the pre and post test in both lessons showed a substantial gain in the students’ learning outcomes with the intended object of learning. In lesson 1 by varying the size and type of different particles that can and cannot pass through the skin helps students to discern the skin as an effective physical barrier. Microorganisms of similar size can also be stopped from entering the body. Thus the skin helps to avoid infection. In lesson 2 the sharpness of knives is used as an analogy to illustrate the effectiveness of antibiotics. The number of knife cuts made represent antibiotic’s use. Students made the association and can understand the topic easily. Lesson study with variation theory uses qualitative data. Schools can benefit through its use in its intervention programme or using it for specific focus class study group at the beginning of the year.
KEYWORDS
Variation theory, Analogy teaching strategy, Qualitative
Mohammad Shukri Bin Haji Marzuki
Head of the Science Department
Sekolah Tinggi Perempuan Raja Isteri
Shukri is the Head of the Science Department in STPRI. He is currently enrolled in the Leadership Signature series course and has over 17 years of teaching experience.