The Progressive Teacher Vol 04 Issue 03

students to look for answers while dealing with
the subject matter.
Note taking is very important in biology.
Certain students may find it time consuming
but it helps students to review what they have
covered during the class and a quick glance
over the notes helps to prepare for the test as
the subject deals with detail text of each topic
which otherwise is difficult to go through the
whole text at a time. Reviewing notes helps
to synthesize what is being learnt. Rewriting
notes helps to focus on writing, listening, and
visualization at a single stretch. This stimulates
brain centres where active learning occurs.
Outlines are great way to organize notes
from general to specific. Try to avoid use of
readymade notes.
Diagrams are one of the best teaching aids in
biology. Drawing and labeling of the diagram
with functions helps to clarify many doubts
and imparts good comprehension of the
topic. Use of charts for teaching is one of the
traditional practices that still work well in
modern era of computers.
Accurate observation and experimentation
initiates research ability amongst students.
Experimentation is the physical experience
of learning where they apply and extend their
knowledge and understanding of the subject
in a novel investigative situation that aids in
learning and creating further interest in the
subject. Lab work should be pre-planned.
Students must know what is expected from
them and they must come prepared to enter
the lab.
Rashmi Prabha is Vice Principal in St. Kabir’s School,
Hisar, Haryana and currently teaching biology to senior
classes. She obtained a masters degree in biotechnology
from M.S University, Baroda. She has great passion for
environment and engages in projects and activities on
environment awareness and conservation involving students,
teachers and parents. She is an online teacher and faculty
in Lund University for evaluating Global Young Master’s
Programme on Sustainable Development. She conducts
adolescence classes for students and makes them aware of
their responsibilities and social challenges. Various organisations have honoured
her for making outstanding contributions. She received the Derozio Award from
the Council for ISCE for making quality contribution in the field of education and
human enrichment, The Educationist Of the Year Award (twice) by Silver Zone
Foundation, The Best Teacher Award by Bharat Vikas Parishad, Mahilla Jyoti Award
by Integrated Council for Socio Economic Progress, and Paryavaran Puraskar by
Paryavaran Mitra Organisation associated with Ministry of Environment Education.
She writes on a wide range of topics and her articles are regularly published in
Siksha Saarthi, a magazine of the Haryana Government and Teacher magazine
published by ACER.
Projects, assignments and presentation
help students to reach out of books. They help
to gain mastery over a particular topic by
doing detailed research and studies. Visits to
botanical garden, science parks, zoo and labs
provide first hand interaction with nature and
add fun to learning.
Online biology learning is useful too - one
can look for original specimens which are not
available in labs, animations for various life
processes operated at cellular level, quizzes and
original pictures which help in self-learning and
self-assessment.
QUESTION PAPER SETTING
The worksheet given after completion of
the topic helps to assess if the students
have grasped the root concepts or not. The
questions for the test are set on the basis of
memorization ability, understanding, analysis,
and reasoning abilities. The assessment should
be based on the actual knowledge gained.
PREREQUISITE FOR BIOLOGY
Curiosity, an open mind and willingness to
think critically about the natural world are the
prerequisite for any biologist - the more you
enquire the more you find and more you learn.
Jul/Aug 2017
www.progressiveteacher.in 53