The Days of Reflection
Day 9 – Developing Independence
As a science teacher I am involved with a lot of practical work. The practical sessions are safe provided students use the equipment appropriately which involves following instructions.
The dilemma begins when you have a lively group who as a collective, listen poorly for long periods of time but would benefit enormously from practical work.
All practical work carries some degree of risk so health and safety must always be explained. However, I have recently trialled the same lesson but delivered in different ways:
1st method. Students were given the scientific background to the task. They were then showed the equipment and method before carrying out the practical.
2nd method. I explained only a few safety points: goggles, hot water, glassware etc. I then told the group I was assessing their ability to follow written instructions and to use the equipment provided at the side of the room along with the method sheet.
3rd method: I have health and safety instructions and then asked students to start when ready using the method sheet provided.
It is worth noting that as each method progresses I hand over more control to the students. This saves time explaining the task and increases the likelihood of students reading the instructions rather than relying on just remembering a teacher demonstration.
I found I had the most success with method 2. I have recently taken over my groups and in most cases the students struggle with confidence in a practical setting. Using method 2 encouraged them to read the instructions and do their best before asking for more guidance because they knew they were being assessed. In most cases the students rose to the challenge and required very little input from me.
Next time I intend to commend their actions and explain I am happy for them to start practical work after the health and safety briefing. Each lesson I will build their confidence ubtil method 3 becomes established as a routine. Once the routine has embedded I will look to extend their independence by allowing them to brief me on health and safety after reading the instructions sheet.
Each step I take away from control will give my students more autonomy over their learning and development. I am confident this will allow them to make greater progress in the long term.
Let me know your thoughts in the comments.
Thank you for reading