UoP Theses

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Browsing UoP Theses by Subject "A/L Biology Students"

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    Novel teaching package to enhance learning ability of A/L biology students
    (University of Peradeniya, 2005) Kumari, K. A. S. H.
    Recent education reforms, brought many changes to the Advanced Level curricula, with a view to enhance learning abilities of students. Introduction of Biology as a subject combining the subjects of Zoology and Botany was such change. With its implementation in 1998, teachers encountered many problems in teaching different sub sections of the outlined syllabus. One such section was the area covering human tissues, which was included in two units, namely core biology and functioning animal. This study attempted to investigate the problems encountered by teachers and students and also to find novel ways to address these issues. An initial questionnaire based survey, was carried out in 11 Districts, capturing 50 biology teachers, revealed that most teachers found it difficult to gauge the depth at which this section should be taught. The inadequate time, prior knowledge of students and the inability to carry out proper practicals within the classroom were perceived as obstacles for effective teaching. The results from diagnostic paper revealed that the achievement level was very low. Thus a novel teaching approach was developed to enhance both teaching practices and learning. The novel and conventional approaches to teaching was administered in a mixed school in the Matale District. The novel method comprised an active learning method with the aid of novel curriculum material, while the conventional method involved teacher-centered lecture method. The novel curriculum material not only enhanced the learning abilities of students, it could be delivered effectively with less number of hours. Statistical data obtained from this study revealed that there was a significant difference between two methodologies at 0.05 probability level and it emphasised the teaching methodology greatly affect to the students’ achievement level. Teacher should plan the lessons and should be presented attractively to motivate the students. Teacher should allow the students to learn themselves instead of mechanically memorizing. It is essential to make a collaborative classroom environment with good teacher- student interaction and there by help the students to develop competencies as expected.