Methods of Teaching Science-Individualized Laboratory Method
Prepared by
SABARISH-P
M.Sc., M.Ed.,
JRF & NET
Assistant
professor in Physical Science, Arafa Institute for Teacher Education
Attur, Thrissur.
This is a pupil-centered method. This method provides opportunities for each
student to conduct experiment at his own in the science laboratories.
* The responsibility of performing
experiments is shifted from the teacher to the pupils.
* Each pupil is provided with a
laboratory manual containing instructions and the teacher merely guides and
supervises the pupil’s work. Laboratory
becomes a place where the teacher and the taught solve their problems together.
Procedure (Role of Teacher)
The
teacher divides the experiment into two groups.
One group to perform experiments by himself for delicate and costly
apparatus and other to be conducted by the pupils in the laboratory.
(i) Preparation
for laboratory work
Laboratory should be thoroughly and
skilfully organised
* Laboratory periods should be
correlated with class work
*
Pupils shouldn’t be doing experiments, which have not been discussed in
the class.
*
Pupils should be told before hand about the setting up of apparatus,
records of results and particulars to be
taken care of.
*
Necessary directions to be taken from text books.
*
Bring a laboratory note book for arranging necessary equipments of
experiemnt and draw neat diagrams and tables for the entry of results.
*
Pupils whose work is unsatisfactory should not be allowed to do the
practical work.
(ii) Supervision
* Done by the teacher counts much in
the success
*
Teacher is a leader, inspirer and guide
*
He must go form student to student giving guidance and brief
instructions.
*
Elaborate instructions need not be given
*
He should give only hints and thought provoking questions.
*
He must give personal attention to all students.
*
He has to help the pupils in setting up apparatus or in drawing up the
inference.
(iii) Division of experiments among pupils
* Pupils are divided into different
batches, one batch doing the same experiment one day. The same group will be doing another
experiment in the next day. Another
cycle of experiments by another group and so on.
* Pupils should do experiment in pairs
which is convenient, since they are beginners.
(iv) Record of Experiemnts
*
Every student should have a record book to record results of
experiment. An order is as follows
(a)
Aim/purpose (principle) (b) Apparatus used
(c)
Procedure (d) Result (e) Conclusion
Merits
1.
It is a child assertive/ centered method.
2.
It gives more opportunities for pupils to participate actively.
3.
It gives facilities for developing the laboratory technique and
manipulative skills.
4.
Based on the principle of ‘learning by doing’
Demerits
1.
It is a very expensive method
2.
A lot of time is wasted in conducting experiments
3.
The dull pupils are often tempted to copy down the results of the
brilliant one.
4.
The teacher’s time and energy are also wasted in checking up the
apparatus after every period.
Eg:- Preparation of the allotropes
of sulphur-Rhombic, prismatic, plastic, milk of sulphur, oxidation reaction and
osmosis.
