The importance of practical classes

The general aim for practical classes is to enhance students’ understanding of methods of scientific enquiry. This is pursued in a variety of ways where students are given the opportunity to undertake experiments; tackle problem-solving exercises; carry out survey and project work and experience at firsthand how the theory and principles of their discipline are applied.

In practical classes students will have the opportunity to:

• Consolidate highly and complex scientific knowledge.
• Explore principles through concrete or simplified examples.
• Revisit material taught in lectures.
• Simulate conditions in research and development laboratories.
• Develop skills in communicating technical concepts and solutions.
• Learn about theoretical material not included in lectures.

The hands on experience in practical classes will help students:

• Appreciate the methods and ethos of practitioners in a discipline and thus contribute to the shaping of professional attitudes.
• Become motivated to acquire specific knowledge.
• Learn to become independent thinkers.
• Maintain and deepen their interest in the subject.
• Learn the principles of experimental work in the subject.
• See the use of labs as a process of discovery.

It is very relevant to make our science lessons practical.

How do you keep an entire classroom of students engaged?

Teachers make several effort to prepare extensively for their instructional activities but there is one thing that teachers cannot predict: their students. in a class. There are different mix of student capabilities, interests, and motivation.




 

How can you engage students with different 

 motivations and interest?

 

In one class, teachers can have students who grasp the material quickly and students with learning disabilities. In addition, teachers will likely have a mix of highly motivated and not-so-motivated students. A student’s achievement and motivation can depend highly on the subject as well as their preferred learning style.

Here are four tips that may help teachers connect with all of their students.

 

• Use student input and interests to facilitate learning.

Before students invest in their own education, they have to be engaged with the material and be able to see the relevance of what they’re learning. A teacher is bound to have students with several different interests. Finding common ground that appeals to those interests is a great place to start.

• Encourage students to articulate individual questions and concerns.

 The best way to find out what students need is often the simplest—talking to them directly. Asking a few simple questions can tell you what students hope to gain from your class, and what support they need to succeed. You don’t necessarily need to schedule one-on-one conversations to get individual feedback. 

•  Offer optional challenges once a student has completed their work.

Imagine you have the perfect class period all figured out. You’ll start with some questions to get your students thinking. Then your students will start working on a lab or activity, and once they’re done, there’ll be just enough time for students to discuss what they’ve found.
Sadly, this is often far from reality. Often you’ll end up with a group of students who have completed the activity before you know it. What can you do?
One strategy is to be prepared with higher-order extension activities for students that quickly complete other planned activities.

Have extension activities ready that encourage critical thinking.

Prioritize your own engagement.

If you’re trying to keep students engaged, it’s important to be aware of your own engagement. Being mentally focused and present in class allows you to respond to student needs. In addition, teacher engagement can improve academic results.When teachers are engaged, their students will be engaged. When students are engaged, they will learn, and when they learn, they will show measurable achievement on any standard set.” 

Don’t lose focus — stay engaged with your students.

 

creativity matters

Recently every organization is trying to compete in a world of economic and technological change that is moving faster than ever. As the trend move towards intellectual labour and services,they urgently need people who are creative,innovative and flexible. Do you agree with me that fostering creativity has been a relatively neglected subject in our educational system?
Creative thinking and problem solving have to do with the application of ordinary cognitive processes that yield extraordinary results. Creative thought is available to almost everyone and creativity can be learned and enhanced in many ways.
We must create an environment  that fosters creativity in our schools as teachers, and we must teach individuals varied thinking methods that might facilitate creative performance.

Teaching science

At no time in history has improving science education been more important than it is today. Extensive rethinking of how teachers are prepared before they begin teaching and as they continue teaching- and as science changes is critical to improving science education in our primary and secondary schools in Ghana.

Science is both a body of knowledge and evidence-based, model- building enterprise that continually extends, refines and revises knowledge. Professional development is the key to supporting effective science instruction. Teachers need opportunities to deepen their knowledge of the science content of the primary and secondary curriculum. They also need opportunities to learn how students learn science and how to teach it. they need to know how children's understanding of core ideas in science builds across primary and secondary levels. They need to learn about the conceptual ideas that students have in the earliest grades and their ideas about science itself. They need to learn how to assess children's developing ideas overtime and how to interpret and respond to the results of assessment.