Improvement of students' achievement in learning section 6.5: pollution of the environment of A/L biology syllabus through activity based learning
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Date
2004
Authors
Wickremasinghe, M. M.
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Peradeniya
Abstract
In the developing society of the 21st century, education has emphasizes active learning and its utility to ensure meaningful quality participation of a person. It needs to address the issues of helping students confront with novel situations, sharpening abilities and developing fluencies essential for facing challenges and problem solving skills across a variety of disciplines. The effective design and use of student-centered activities are thus important for educational practices.
This study was carried out to examine whether Activity Based Learning (ABL) would improve the understanding of environmental science concepts and enhance the achievement of students when compared to Traditional Lecture Method (TLM). At the same time important facts related to the lesson, pollution of the environment (section 6.5 in the unit 6) and activities or laboratory practicals that have not been included in the syllabus were introduced.
A sample of Grade twelve biology students from three schools in Galle District was selected for the study. Each biology class of those schools was divided into two groups for ABL and TLM. ABL method and TLM were carried out by me and the relevant biology teacher of the class respectively. The two groups of students of ABL and TLM achieved similarly in the pre-test. Post- test paper was used to examine the achievement of both groups of students who participated in Activity Based Learning and who completed traditional teacher directed learning respectively.
Results indicate that there is a significant difference in responses between ABL and TLM groups when answering the post-test and a qualitative improvement in the manner they responded to an activity. Students of ABL groups got higher marks than the students of TLM groups for the post-test.
The section 6.5 of A/L Biology syllabus can be taught successfully through Activity Based Learning and it enhances students’ achievement.
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Keywords
Science education , Learning achivement , Environmental pollution , Biology , Biology syllabus , Learning activity