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Module Teachingscience
Module Teachingscience
UNIT II
METHOD OF TEACHING GENERAL
SCIENCE
▪ LECTURE-CUM-DISCUSSION METHOD
▪ LABORATORY METHOD
▪ OBSERVATION METHOD
▪ PROJECT METHOD
▪ PROBLEM SOLVING METHOD
OBJECTIVES
After reading the unit, the students are expected to;
INTRODUCTION
I think teaching is an art and there are born teachers. But there are majority of teachers, who can improve upon by experience
of practice and utilization of various methods of teaching science. The basic aim of teaching any subject is to bring about
desired change in behavior. The change in behavior of child will be indicated through children’s capacity to learn effectively.
This is only possible by adopting various methods of teaching. The teacher cannot utilize any method to any type of students
in any type of environment. He / She has to choose and adopt the right method of teaching keeping in mind the capability of
the students and the curriculum. Thus, method in a way of presentation of the content in the classroom.
There are some guiding principles for determining teaching methods. They are as follows:
1. Principle of sense of achievement through interest and purpose.
2. Principle of active cooperation.
3. Principle of capability of students of particular class.
4. Principle of realization of meaning of education i.e., “I bring up”, “I nourish”, “Drawing art”.
5. Psychological principle i.e., need, interest, of students.
6. Principle of individual difference i.e., different potentialities of students.
All the methods of teaching science can be classified into two types:
(i) Teacher-Centered and
(ii) Pupil-Centered
(i) Teacher-Centered Methods
This type of teaching methods focus on telling, memorizing, recalling informations. The students participation is very
limited where in they only ask questions or answers questions. Most of the time the students are passive listeners and
receive the knowledge. The teacher is center of process that goes on in the classroom.
This method is a combination of lecture method and discussion method. This is very helpful in building an active
verbal interaction between the teachers and students. The teacher delivers the lecture and provides some time (10 minutes)
after the lecture for discussion among the students and teacher in the classroom. The student’s views, comments experiences,
problems, difficulties in understanding any point or portion of the lecture come to teacher’s knowledge and teacher replies,
and clarifies the doubts. It is an important strategy in stimulating the students interests and assess their understanding of the
concept. It is a process in which interaction goes on in between teacher and students, where in question and answer are asked
and given by both the teacher and students making the process interactive, and effective.
ROLE OF TEACHER
1. The teacher must maintain good eye contact with students in order to make the process meaningful.
2. The teacher must actively involve students.
3. The teacher must instruct clearly.
4. Must keep the group focused on the task.
5. Teacher should use good time management techniques and evaluate students as they learn in the class.
6. Teacher should not read extensively from lecture notes or text books.
7. Teacher must not ignore participant’s comments and feedback.
▪ LABORATORY METHOD
This method in commonly thought of as a hands on and minds on approach to teach science where in students have the
opportunity to gain some experience with phenomena associated with their course of study. In this method either student
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participate alone or in small groups. They produce or manipulate various variables that are under exploration. The degree
to which student has control over exploration can vary over a wide range. Here the students learn by actual doing rather
than my observing the experiments. As young children do it by themselves, the experience is impressed more firmly in
their minds.
ROLE OF TEACHER
SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE
1. This method should not be considered independently but should form a part of the total science program.
2. The practical work must be pre-planned.
3. It is imperative that same individual laboratory work must be done by every student.
4. Instead of performing the experiments started in the book should be little modified for better result.
5. Before experiment in performed the purpose must be clarified to the students.
▪ OBSERVATION METHOD
In this method, the student observes and acquires knowledge. Through we cannot call this as a specific method of science
teaching but as a matter of fact almost all science begins with observation the students observe nature, in groups, in lab at
school at home or in gardens. The result of this process information of a concept of nature which in permanent in mind.
The training of pupils in observation is really strong his mind with suitable experiences all thoroughly classified and
digested. Science provides remarkable. A raining in observation and reasoning. The learners reasons from the once
established facts and form concepts about further observed phenomena .
PRINCIPLES OF OBSERVATION
1. It is too much to expect children observe and retain knowledge. The students are in nature sometimes and their
knowledge and thinking power in limited.
2. It is not suitable for all the topic of science.
3. This method is information. The practical part of it remains underdeveloped.
4. It is not economical from time point of view.
5. This method is also not economical as it requires a lot of preparation and maintenance form school point of view.
Where is students can observe many things.
SUGGESTION TO IMPROVE
▪ PROJECT METHOD
This method was propounded by W.H Kilpatrick. This method was perfected by J.A Sternson. The base of this method
lies in the philosophy of pragmatism. This method emphasizes on building a comprehensive unit around an activity
which may be carried out in school or outside. The essence of this method lies in the fact that a group of students do a
purposeful task. This implies the students undertake the activity in a group or individually over a period of time. It may
include a number of activities and the end product is in the form of written report or a display.
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“A project is a whole-hearted purposeful activity proceeding in a social environment”- Dr. William Kilpatrick. “A project
is a problematic act carried to completion in its natural setting”. – Stevenson. “A project is a bit of real life that has been
imported into school. – Ballard. Thus, project is a purposeful activity and planned activity which is achieved in social,
natural situations created in schools.
PRINCIPLES OF PROJECT METHOD
TYPES OF PROJECT
• PRODUCER PROJECT. Here the emphasis is on actual construction of a material object or article.
• CONSUMER PROJECT Here the emphasis is gain on obtaining either direct or vicarious experience, such as
reading and learning stories, listening to a musical delectation etc.
• PROBLEM PROJECTS: The main purpose is to solve a problem using intellectual process, such as determining
the density of a certain liquid.
• DRILL PROJECTS: This type of project emphasizes on attaining a certain degree of skill in a reaction as learning a
vocabulary.
1. PROVIDING A SITUATION. The teacher provides a situation to the students which must create same problems
and students must feel interested to work.
2. CHOOSING AND PURPOSING. The students are tempted to choose a project. The teacher should stimulate
discussion by suggestion. While choosing the project the teacher should bear in need that it should be of real need to
students. The purpose of project must be clearly defined to the students. The project must be common and acceptable to
all. In case of wrong choosing, teacher must help students tactfully to see that the students choose a better project. They
should be asked to write down the reasons for selection.
3. PLANNING. The success of the project lies in the good planning. The students should plan out ht whole project
under the guidance of teacher. Every child must be encouraged to participate in the discussion and make suggestion. All
the students are encouraged to write down the plan neatly and properly.
4. EXECUTING. Execution of different activities to different students on the basis of their capacity leads to successful
completion of the project work. It is the longest step and requires meticulous assignment of duties to different students or
groups the teacher must guide and encourage students. It is the duty of the teacher to keep watch on the process of
activities and instruct as and when requirement.
5. EVALUATION. This is very important step as; the students review the project and find out mistakes if any. Self-
Criticism is very important at this stage. The students discuss their work and rectify their mistakes and recollect useful
knowledge. The teacher sees that the objectives of the project have been achieved.
6. RECORDING. The students keep a complete record of entire activity. How they planned, discussions were held,
how duties are assigned, how criticism were made, which will help them in their future work.
EXAMPLES OF PROJECTS
ROLE OF TEACHER
SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE
In a problem solving method, children learn by working on problems. This enables the students to learn new knowledge by
facing the problems to be solved. The students are expected to observe, understand, analyze, interpret find solutions, perform
applications that lead to a holistic understanding of the concept. This method develops scientific process skills. This method
helps in developing brainstorming approach to learning concepts. The students thinking on problem and their understanding
of the science behind it is based on common sense. It does not start from textual knowledge.
1) SELECTION OF THE PROBLEM: - A remember of problems are confronted by the students in the class
or outside. They are made to select a problem as per their capacity and interest.
2) PRESENTATION OF PROBLEM: - Each student is made to feel responsible for presenting the problem in
front of the teacher and class as per his insight. The students are free to give their suggestions on the problem.
3) COLLECTION OF FACTS: - All the facts related to problem are collected either by a students or group.
As a number of facts will be collected, it will help the students to keep the most pertinent facts and discard rest.
4) DRAWING AN OUTLINE: - This is most important phase as a proper outline at this stage will lead to
purposeful activity. The teacher will guide students to draw exact plan and follow it properly so that the solution to
problem is reached. It is more or less like planning stage, where in a clear indication of outline leads to better result.
5) TO REACH A SATISFACTORY CONCLUSION: - It is the longest step and requires outmost patience.
The tentative solutions which are offered by students are properly noted down. A good number of arrangements,
discussion, brainstorming results in reaching a satisfactory conclusion. The teacher has to be very careful at this stage
as, if may lead to wrong conclusions. The discussions must be healthy and conducive atmosphere must be provided
in the classroom for it.
6) EVALUATION: - The students review the entire process and find out each and every stage where in they
have made any mistakes. Self-criticism and Self-realization will give training of self confidence. The teacher must
see that objective have been achieved.
7) WRITING REPORT: - A complete report must be written by students. This will include, how they planned,
what discussions were held, how duties were assigned, how satisfactory conclusion was reached etc. the writing of
report will be maintained as a record which will be used in future course of time.
ROLE OF TEACHER
SUGGESTIONS TO IMPROVE
______________________________________________________________________________________
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NAME: _Kylene Andrea R. Alim____________________________________________________
YEAR & SECTION: __BSED-SCIENCE 4B____________________________________
DATE SUBMITTED: __September 14, 2023___________________
UNIT EXERCISE
The lecture-cum-discussion method is an instructional approach that combines traditional lectures with interactive
discussions. Here are some advantages and disadvantages of this teaching method:
Advantages:
Effective Information Delivery, this method's lecture component enables the teacher to provide material in
an orderly and planned way. This is particularly helpful for introducing new concepts, giving context, and
delving into complex subjects.
Student Engagement, the chance for students to actively engage with the topic is provided by the discussion
sessions that are included after the lecture. This may stimulate their curiosity, prompt inquiries, and develop
critical thinking. Also, following the presentation, students can ask questions and request clarification to
make sure they fully comprehend the content that was covered. This may assist in avoiding
misunderstandings from recurring.
Active Learning, the discussion portion encourages students to think critically, express their views, and
participate actively in the learning process. It promotes a two-way flow of information rather than a passive
reception of knowledge.
Assessment of Understanding, the teacher can gauge students' comprehension by observing their questions,
comments, and responses during the discussion. This allows for timely feedback and adjustments to the
teaching approach.
Promotes Communication Skills, engaging in discussions helps students improve their verbal
communication skills, articulate their thoughts, and learn from their peers.
Disadvantages:
Time-Consuming, integrating discussions into lectures can be time-consuming, potentially limiting the
coverage of course material, especially in content-heavy subjects.
Uneven Participation, some students may dominate discussions, while others may remain passive. This can
hinder the effectiveness of the method if not managed properly.
Lack of Preparation, discussions may become superficial or go off topic if students are not sufficiently
motivated or prepared.
Assessment Challenges, it can be difficult to grade or evaluate discussions because they frequently entail
subjective assessment and some students may find it awkward to express their opinions in front of others.
Incompatibility with Some Topics, incompatibility with Some Topics: Certain topics, particularly those that
demand for hands-on experimentation or specialized equipment, may not be appropriate for a
lecture/discussion method.
In summary, the lecture-cum-discussion method offers a balanced approach that combines the benefits of lectures
with interactive learning. However, its success depends on effective facilitation, student engagement, and alignment
with the subject matter and course objectives.
2. Describe the laboratory method of teaching science keeping its merits and demerits in mind.
The laboratory method of teaching science is an experiential approach that allows students to learn through hands-on
experimentation and observation. Also, the laboratory method in education, particularly in the context of science
education, has several merits that contribute to a well-rounded and effective learning experience for students. Here are
the merits of the laboratory method:
Merits (Advantages):
Child-Centered Approach: The laboratory method emphasizes active participation and hands-on learning,
allowing students to take the lead in their own learning process. This approach promotes independence and
self-directed learning.
Active Engagement: Students are actively involved in conducting experiments and investigations,
which keeps them engaged and alert during the learning process. This active involvement can
enhance their understanding and retention of concepts.
Experiential Learning: Laboratory work provides students with the opportunity to learn by doing. They can
apply theoretical knowledge in practical situations, fostering a deeper understanding of concepts and
principles.
Skill Development: Students acquire various skills through laboratory work, including experimental design,
data collection, analysis, and interpretation. These skills are valuable both in scientific contexts and in life in
general.
Exploration and Verification: Laboratories enable students to explore scientific phenomena and verify facts
and principles through firsthand experience. This promotes critical thinking and a deeper appreciation for the
scientific method.
Ethical Values: Laboratory work encourages values such as honesty, truthfulness, and precision. Students
learn the importance of accurate data collection and reporting, as well as the consequences of unethical
behavior.
Inquiry Spirit: Laboratory activities cultivate a spirit of inquiry in students. They learn to ask questions,
formulate hypotheses, and seek answers through experimentation. This curiosity is a fundamental aspect of
scientific inquiry.
Higher-Order Thinking: Laboratory work challenges students to think critically, analyze data, and
synthesize information. It promotes higher-order thinking skills such as reasoning, problem-solving, and
decision-making.
Teamwork and Collaboration: Many laboratory exercises involve group work, encouraging students to
collaborate, share ideas, and work as a team. These interpersonal skills are valuable in various aspects of life.
Application of Theory: Laboratory experiments provide a practical context for applying theoretical
knowledge. This bridges the gap between abstract concepts and real-world applications, making learning
more meaningful.
Memory Retention: Hands-on experiences in the laboratory often lead to better memory retention. When
students actively engage with concepts, they are more likely to remember and apply what they have learned.
Preparation for Future Careers: For students interested in scientific or technical careers, laboratory work
provides essential practical skills and experience that can be applied in research, industry, and academia.
Motivation and Interest: Laboratory activities can spark students' interest in science and make learning
enjoyable. The tangible results of experiments can be rewarding and motivating.
Customization: Laboratory activities can be customized to suit the needs and abilities of different student
groups, allowing for differentiated instruction and personalized learning experiences.
Demerits (Disadvantages):
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The laboratory method in education, while having many merits, also comes with some limitations or demerits. It's
important to be aware of these drawbacks to effectively plan and implement laboratory-based learning experiences.
Here are the limitations of the laboratory method:
Expense and Resource Intensive: Setting up and maintaining well-equipped laboratories can be expensive.
Schools and institutions may struggle to allocate funds for the purchase and maintenance of laboratory
equipment and supplies. This can limit access to quality laboratory experiences, particularly in underfunded
educational settings.
High Expectations: Both students and teachers are expected to invest significant effort and preparation for
laboratory work. Students need to follow instructions carefully, take safety precautions, and record data
accurately. Teachers must plan and oversee experiments, troubleshoot issues, and provide guidance.
Limited Transferability: Laboratory skills and knowledge gained within the controlled environment of a
classroom or laboratory setting may not always translate directly to real-world problem-solving. Students may
struggle to apply what they have learned in the laboratory to different contexts or situations outside the
classroom.
Varied Skill Levels: Not all students have the same level of aptitude or interest in laboratory work. Some may
excel in hands-on experiments, while others may find it challenging or less engaging. This can create
disparities in learning outcomes among students.
Lack of Originality: Many laboratory activities are structured and may not encourage students to undertake
truly original research or experimentation. Students may follow prescribed procedures without much room for
creativity or independent exploration.
Safety Concerns: Laboratory work involves handling chemicals, equipment, and potentially hazardous
materials. Ensuring the safety of students is a paramount concern. Proper training and supervision are essential
to prevent accidents and mishaps.
Limited Accessibility: Not all schools or educational institutions have access to well-equipped laboratories or
specialized equipment. This can create inequalities in educational opportunities and experiences.
Teacher Training and Expertise: Effective implementation of laboratory-based teaching methods requires
teachers who are knowledgeable and skilled in conducting experiments, troubleshooting issues, and guiding
students effectively. Not all educators may have this expertise.
Assessment Challenges: Assessing laboratory work can be challenging. Grading experiments and lab reports
can be time-consuming, and it can be difficult to assess qualitative aspects of learning, such as problem-solving
skills and critical thinking.
Logistical Challenges: Managing and organizing laboratory activities for large classes can be logistically
complex. It may require careful scheduling, coordination, and resource management.
A topic where the problem-solving method can be adeptly applied is "Climate Change Mitigation Strategies."
Climate change is a complex and pressing global issue with wide-ranging impacts on the environment, economy, and
society. Addressing climate change requires a systematic problem-solving approach to develop and implement
effective strategies for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating its effects. Here's how problem-solving can
be applied to this topic:
1. Selection of Problem:
Problem: The problem is the urgent need to mitigate climate change, driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions and
their adverse impacts on the environment, economy, and society.
2. Presentation of Problem:
Presentation: Climate change is a global crisis resulting from the excessive release of greenhouse gases, primarily
from human activities like burning fossil fuels, deforestation, and industrial processes. It is leading to more frequent
and severe weather events, rising sea levels, disruptions in ecosystems, and threats to human well-being.
3. Collection of Facts:
Gathering Facts: Collect data on current greenhouse gas emissions, global temperature trends, sea level rise, and the
effects of climate change on ecosystems and communities. Review scientific research, reports from international
organizations, and policy documents related to climate change. Analyze historical emissions data and identify major
sources of greenhouse gas emissions.
4. Drawing an Outline:
Outline:
Define clear objectives for climate change mitigation, including reducing emissions and limiting global
warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius.
Identify key strategies for mitigation, such as transitioning to clean energy sources, increasing energy
efficiency, and promoting sustainable land use practices.
Develop a timeline for implementing mitigation measures and setting milestones for progress.
Conclusion:
Based on the analysis of data and research, it is evident that climate change poses a significant and urgent challenge
that requires immediate action.
Effective climate change mitigation strategies are essential to limit the extent of global warming and mitigate its
adverse impacts.
6. Evaluation:
Assess the feasibility and effectiveness of various mitigation strategies, considering factors like cost, technological
readiness, and potential social and economic benefits.
Monitor and evaluate the progress of implemented strategies to ensure they are on track to achieve emission
reduction targets.
7. Writing a Report:
Report:
Prepare a comprehensive report that summarizes the problem, presents collected data and research findings, outlines
mitigation strategies, and provides recommendations.
Include a clear plan for implementation, policy recommendations, and strategies for public engagement and
international cooperation.
Highlight the importance of continued research, innovation, and education in addressing climate change.
The statement "Observation develops optical reasoning and concentration power" suggests that the act of observing and
paying close attention to visual stimuli can enhance one's ability to think critically and concentrate effectively.
Observation, refers to the process of actively looking at and perceiving the details and characteristics of objects, scenes,
or events in the environment. It involves using your senses, particularly vision in this context, to gather information and
data.
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Optical reasoning, also known as visual or spatial reasoning, is the cognitive ability to analyze and manipulate visual
information. It involves the capacity to make sense of what you see, recognize patterns, understand relationships, and
draw conclusions based on visual cues.
Concentration power, is the ability to focus one's attention and mental effort on a particular task or stimulus while
ignoring distractions. It's essential for effective learning, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Enhanced Perception: When you actively observe your surroundings, you train your brain to perceive details that
might otherwise go unnoticed. This heightened perception is essential for optical reasoning because it allows you to
discern patterns, shapes, colors, and other visual cues more effectively.
Pattern Recognition: Regular observation helps you recognize recurring patterns and relationships in the visual
information you encounter. Over time, this pattern recognition ability contributes to your optical reasoning skills, as
you can draw conclusions and make predictions based on past observations.
Attention and Focus: Observation requires sustained attention. When you practice sustained attention during
observation, you strengthen your concentration power. This skill can then be applied to other tasks and situations that
demand focused thinking, problem-solving, or decision-making.
Critical Thinking: By closely observing and analyzing visual data, you develop critical thinking skills. You learn to
question what you see, evaluate the significance of details, and make informed judgments. This analytical mindset
contributes to your optical reasoning abilities.
In summary, active observation not only sharpens your ability to perceive and analyze visual information (optical
reasoning) but also strengthens your capacity to maintain focused attention (concentration power). These skills are
valuable in various aspects of life, including academics, problem-solving, creativity, and decision-making, making
observation a fundamental process for cognitive development.
The project method is an active and student-centered approach to teaching that emphasizes hands-on learning,
problem-solving, and real-world application. It is often used in science education to engage students in scientific
inquiry, critical thinking, and the exploration of scientific concepts.
STEP 1
Selecting a Project Topic
The first step is to choose a science topic or concept that aligns with the
curriculum and is of interest to the students. The topic should be broad
enough to allow for exploration and investigation.
Setting Clear Objectives: Define the learning objectives for the project.
What do you want students to understand or achieve through this
project? Ensure that these objectives are aligned with the science
curriculum.
STEP 2
Planning and Research
Guide students in conducting research on their chosen topic. Provide
STEP 4
Data Analysis
STEP 5
Presentation of Findings
STEP 6
Evaluation and Assessment
STEP 7
Reflection and Discussion
STEP 8
Application and Real-World Relevance
Discuss with students how the scientific concepts they learned in the project
can be applied to real-world situations. Highlight the practical utility of science
in daily life.
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REFERENCES:
https://www.academia.edu/40135741/METHODS_OF_TEACHING_SCIENCE_Author
https://fs.blog/the-art-of-observation/
https://www.slideshare.net/MandeepGill1/project-method-of-teaching
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5327428/
https://www.studocu.com/in/document/jamia-millia-islamia/teacher-education/a-detailed-note-on-lecture-
cum-discussion-method-its-features-merits-and-limitations/20357500
https://conference.pixel-online.net/conferences/npse2013/common/download/Paper_pdf/230-STM14-FP-
Kirtikar-NPSE2013.pdf