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.
