A STEP TOWARDS IMPROVING EFFECTIVENESS OF TEACHING PRACTICAL IN SCIENCE CLASSROOM
Strand: Teacher Professionalism
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Abstract
Over the years, it was found that practical component results were not on par with those of theory components in A-level Science Examinations. This calls for the need to provide an effective practical lesson which focuses on addressing both student’s conceptual and procedural knowledge. A collaborative professional development session, involving the design of a lesson to teach A-level Biology topic ‘Calibration’ to selected Lower Six students, was conducted using ‘Learning variation theory’. This topic is challenging to teach and learn. The stages of the research lesson included firstly identifying the common problems students have via an open book pre-test to discern its critical features. We then provided students with an authentic learning experience on calibration in a step-by step manner. A post-test was then conducted along with surveys on students’ and teachers’ insights. Findings showed marked improvement in students describing the steps correctly and understanding the purpose of calibration. Careful planning of a practical lesson is essential in effective teaching and learning. By conducting a Lesson study, teachers can not only gain compelling experience but possibly change mindsets on how to teach science practical in Brunei.
KEYWORDS
Lesson study, Professional Development, Variation theory, Practical, conceptual and procedural
knowledge, Authentic learning.
Ilzam Haji Zainulabidin
Head of Biology Department
Pusat Tingkatan Enam Sengkurong
Cikgu Ilzam Zainulabidin has been teaching A-level Biology since 2004. Currently in Pusat Tingkatan Enam Sengkurong, she is also the Head of Biology Department. She obtained her BSc Biology from Imperial College of London and has a PGCE in Secondary Level from Universiti Brunei Darussalam
Cikgu Fatin Nurdalila binti Haji Ali Omar has a BSc Biology from University of Bristol and a Master of Teaching from Universiti Brunei Darussalam. She has taught A-level biology for 5 years.
Cikgu Isma Fazlina Binti Hj Ismail has taught 5 years of O-level Biology and 12 years of A-level Biology. Currently holding a Senior Mistress Academic post in Pusat Tingkatan Enam Sengkurong. She has a BSc Education (Biology Major, Mathematics Minor) from Universiti Brunei Darussalam and an MSc Integrative Biology form University of Nottingham.