5th WEEK REFLECTION

This weeks’ entry will be discussing about strategies in designing tools for Science teaching and learning. There are 7 strategies discussed by Professor Dr Rohaida.

1) MBL- Micro Computer based laboratory

is one in which 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. Examples include measurement of force, pressure, temperature, electric voltage and current, light intensity, UVB and UVA, stream flow, dissolved oxygen, pH, etc. [see Vernier Software and Pasco Scientific for more examples]. With the appropriate sensor, sensor interface, and software a student-centered learning environment is created in which students can easily collect data to support inquiry based learning in a traditional laboratory setting or in the field.

(http://serc.carleton.edu/introgeo/teachingwdata/WhatMBL.html)

2) Drill and practice

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

3) Tutorials

Interactive class taught by a tutor to students at university or college, individually or in small groups; of or pertaining to a tutor; belonging to, or exercised by, a tutor

4) Stimulation

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

5) Problem-solving

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

6) Information retrieval

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

7) Education games
are games that have been specifically designed to teach people about a certain subject, expand concepts, reinforce development, understand an historical event or culture, or assist them in learning a skill as they play.

From my experience, most teachers use drill and practice, tutorials and educational games. There are advantages and disadvantages of these strategies. Firstly, drill and practices requires pupils to memorize without really understanding the concept. This is merely repeating the tasks, thus when pupils deals with new concept, they would not be able to connect with what they have learned. Meanwhile, educational games can be fun and interactive for pupils to learn and this will certainly enhances learning process, granted that pupils are learning and not only playing.

In conclusion, these strategies give teacher some flexibility to plan their teaching and learning process. Teacher needs to be aware when and how to apply these strategies.