Volume 2 (Issue 2) Download

An alternative approach to how biology practicals are currently conducted in the Indian education system

Pradeep Kumar Burma

 

Abstract

In the current Indian education system, science practical demonstrations or experiments have been reduced to tasks performed by the students in predetermined structured fashion for evaluation at the end of a semester. In most cases the expected result is known before the task is completed. Through this method the students may develop an understanding of and learn new techniques but are not challenged to evaluate experimental observations and discover the underlying concepts. In the current communication, using two examples, I propose an alternate approach, wherein students are not informed about learning outcomes or the aim of the activity before performing the experiment. The observations made are then discussed through a set of questions, to highlight its usability in biological experiments or in understanding a concept.