Week 5: Do it right!

In Science teaching and learning, application tools are crucial. Dr. Rohaida led a discussion about seven strategies in designing application tools for Science teaching and learning.

1) Microcomputer-based laboratory (MBL)

A microcomputer is used to collect, store, process, and analyze data. There are a large number of data collection sensors available today that are inexpensive and also easily connect to microcomputers. Some examples include measurement of force, pressure, temperature, electric voltage and current, light intensity, UVB and UVA, stream flow, dissolved oxygen, pH, etc.

2) Drill and Practice

It is a structured, repetitive review of previously learned concepts to a predetermined level of mastery.

3) Tutorials

It involves an interactive class which is taught by a tutor individually or in small groups.

4) Simulations

The act of simulating something generally entails representing certain key characteristics or behaviours of a selected physical or abstract system.

5) Problem-solving

It is a mental process and is part of the larger problem process that includes problem finding and shaping.

6) Informational retrieval

It is the technique and process of searching, recovering, and interpreting information from large amounts of stored data.

7) Educational Games

Educational games are games that have been specifically designed to teach people about certain subjects, expand concepts, reinforce development, understand historical events or culture, or assist them in learning a skill as they play.

In my opinion, we might not be able to use the MBL strategy. This is due to the fact that it can be impractical in rural Malaysian schools. On the other hand, the other strategies seem practical. In fact, based on my experience, most teachers use drill and practice, tutorials and educational games. However, every strategy requires teachers to consider many things. Drill and practice, for example, might be good for memorizing but understanding the concept might be tricky. Plus, educational games can be fun and interactive for pupils. Still, teachers need to consider classroom management.

In conclusion, there are many strategies that teachers can use in Science teaching. In fact, many remain unexplored.