This is an Educational blog maintained by SABARISH P, (MSc Physics, MEd, NET), Assistant Professor in Physical Science Education. Contact : pklsabarish@gmail.com

Wednesday 17 June 2015

Methods of Teaching Science-Supervised Study (Directed Study)

Methods of Teaching Science-Supervised Study (Directed Study)
Prepared by
SABARISH-P
M.Sc., M.Ed., JRF & NET
Assistant professor in Physical Science, Arafa Institute for Teacher Education
Attur, Thrissur
           
Supervised study means a shift from mass teaching to individual or group instruction. Supervised study affords a practical method of teaching pupils what to study and how to study and to bring the pupils into intimate contact with the teacher and the learning process.  This gives the teacher a chance to render individual help to the pupils.  The teacher becomes a director of study, watching and guiding its course into correct ways.

Tasks that are suitable for supervised study. (procedure)
1.         Reading with understanding: During supervised study period pupils may be given assignments for reading.  The reading ability of each pupil should be known to the teacher. 
2.         Solution of science and mathematical problems, interpretation of graphic materials including pictures, drawings, tabulated statements in the reference books and text books.
3.         Directed observation of museum materials, living specimens seen during excursions, field trips.
4.         Proper use of reference materials.
5.         Organisation of materials either read about or observed
            The pupils should organise and assimilate what they have read and observed and make them their own and then put it in some concrete form as an oral exercise or as a written one in their note books.  They should be encouraged to summarise chapters they have read and develop important ideas in the paragraphs.
6.         Supervised study in the laboratory:
            In the laboratory, work can be started with an oral discussion leading to the evolution of the problem.  This should be followed by individual work on the part of the pupils.  During this time, the teacher can move about the diagnosing the difficulties of  each and every pupil and helping them with questions, suggestions, demonstrations and explanations.

Planning of supervised study
            1.  Assembly hall study period: Pupils assemble in the big hall during vacant periods and study under the supervision of a member of the staff or librarian.
            2.  Conference Plan: A teacher is available for consultation by his pupils after a class lesson.  Here the teacher comes to know of the individual peculiarities of the pupils and their special difficulties and is able to give appropriate attention.
            3.  The double period plan:
                        1.  One period for class activity
                        2.  Other for supervised study under the guidance of the teacher
            4.  The dividing period plan
                        (period is divided into two parts)
                        1.  one part for class activity.              2.  other for supervised study
            5.  The daily extra period plan : One period at the end of very school day is set apart particularly for those pupils who are weak in studies.
            6.  The library study plan : The pupils may go to the library during the special period and work their own assignments under the supervision of the teacher.
           
Merits
            1.  It saves time and energy of the pupils, imparts definiteness into the work
            2.  It enables the teacher to give individual attention to the pupils.
            3.  The pupils get thorough training in study habits.
            4.  It gives the child training in the effective use of library and gives the opportunity to                             judge the soundness of statements given in the text books.
            5.  It makes the child responsible and self-reliant.
Demerits
            1.  It requires good library, good laboratory and good reading rooms.

            2.  The method requires additional teachers.