A Case study on school projects of the G. C. E. (A/L) curriculum (science stream): views and constraints of students
Date
2009
Authors
Shiyana, M. Z. S.
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
The school education of Sri Lanka is highly examination centered and students have to engage in formal curriculum with traditional teacher centered learning and teaching. There have been number of defects caused due to this type of learning by students. Lack of skills and personality development produced the citizen with low focus to the world of work. Introducing school projects to the GCE (A/L) curriculum is expected to create a path to produce students who would fit to the application world. Students usually involve in these projects as it is compulsory for the final examination. Therefore it is important to investigate whether the introduction of projects moves towards its goals.
1AB schools of the Central Province were selected for this study. Information was gathered from all Grade 12 and 13 science stream students and past pupils of all three medium. (i.e. Sinhala, Tamil, English). The questionnaire designed was the major instrument used for data collection. Separate questionnaires were prepared for school students and past pupils. Formal and informal interviews were conducted to get in depth information and fill the gaps. Data were analyzed percentage wise, statistically and also by incorporating the evidences at the interviews.
Although there were plenty of opportunities to develop a well balanced and integrated personality from the projects, 98% of students felt that it consumes their time of studying. | Despite the fact that a majority of students did not show any interest towards the projects, a more than 50% liked to do projects. There were no relationships between projects and the fields of interest. 80% past pupils said they did not get a considerable use of projects for their career.75% of students believed that it was a stress instead of relaxing the mind. Educational authorities strongly felt the topic selection was the reason for the failure of projects. Parents strongly believe that the projects grasp the working time of their children. Most of the students do the projects since it is compulsory to sit for GCE A/L examination. The way of conducting the projects is the major factor for the failure of successful completion of the projects. All the education officers accept the fact that the school projects have not reached the intended goals.
Description
Keywords
Science Education