Sunday, 21 October 2012

Effective Science teaching at the secondary level demands a shift from a teacher-centered approach to a student-centered approach.




The teaching of Science requires the instructor to plan with the student in mind: the ability of the student, the pupil’s learning styles and his behaviour towards school on a whole.  To this end, planning of lesson should be centered on the needs of the students.
A teacher using a student center approach, allows the child to develop in many ways. In allowing the child to: develop personally where the pupil would able to make wise decisions in life because they have the ability to think critically, be model citizen to society in such a way; they will consider the environment in reducing pollution in remembering the importance it has to humans and in preparation for careers.
Notwithstanding the fact a teacher centered approach can be used at times.  In getting important facts, figures and formulas relevant to a topic, teachers can use this method to get lessons across.  Here the teacher can control the flow of knowledge and access to information.
However, science should arouse the curiosity in students and using the teacher centered approach would not assist in getting that accomplished. Di Napoli R (2004) discusses the importance of having a student centered classroom he said “Personalized/individualized responses are encouraged. This helps to foster creativity in students.” Pupils working with teachers to select learning goals and objectives based on authentic problems and students' prior knowledge, interests and experience would let the child feel like he’s a part of everything that is happening.  


Reference

 

Di Napoli, ,. R. (2004). What is Student-centred Learning? London: EIC.

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