Task 2 - How Are School Doing it?

The observation was on the 15th August 2009 at my previous school, Sekolah Rendah Haji Tarif, Kg Tamoi. The observation was to observe the use of ICT in teaching as well as administration works. Unfortunately, the specialist ICT teacher was being promoted to upgrade her study at Universiti Brunei Darussalam and therefore, I could only have chance to observe a Science teacher who was just confirmed as an education officer. He was using a projector for his lesson to teach the topic on "The Water cycle on Earth" and most of the lesson was just an explanation lesson. Pupils were not involve in using the ICT and teacher was also not able to use the projector wisely. He was too dependent on the slides and keep on reading the slides without further explanation to the pupils. Personally, I can say that most of the pupils were not understand what was the lesson all about, they just understood the term cycle which means happens again and again. I did some interview with the Science teacher and he mentioned that using ICT in teaching was a bit difficult for him as he need to prepare the work early. However, if giving a chance he like to learn more about ICT especially in making educational slides for teaching.

Most of the teachers in this school are computer literate and about half of them bring their own laptop to school. They told me that, the use of ICT in teaching is very helpful especially in preparing teaching aids, handouts and classwork for the pupils. There were also some problems in using ICT in the computer room. Most of the computers are not working and therefore, pupils have to share. The IWB also not working very well and when this problem arise, teacher has to change their lesson immediately.

In term of administration work, most of the teachers now are expected to use computer to complete all of their administration works. For example in writing memo or letter to the Ministry, applying for tender, completing marksheet and even lesson planning. It is very impress that majority of teachers in schools nowadays are using computer as their basic needs in their profession as a teacher.

PS2206 - How should technology be used in Science & Mathematics teaching & learning?

Nowadays, the use of technology in education is an advantage for teachers as well as the pupils. Technology makes teaching and learning more fun, realistic and save time. However, teacher preparation is needed in order to make the lesson go well. Teacher has to prepare the content earlier and at the same time teacher has to prepare another plan if the ICT has a problem during the lesson. Teaching Mathematics with technology is more reliable since we can do counting, shading, colouring, drawing and showing animated visual images on the computer. However, in teaching Science, I think I am much prefer to teach them by using inquiry and discovery since it is more real and give exposure to the children to do it by themselves. But, the use of ICT also can be done by showing them interesting website on quizzes and games which can motivate the children to learn more about Science.

Some schools are also provided with the educational CD-Roms which can be used to teach Mathematics and Science. It is good to use the CD-Roms or website provided by the curriculum especially for those topics which are difficult to explain or show in a real life situation. For example, in the 'life cycle of butterfly', teacher can use any website to show the children the life cycle instead of asking the children to find the butterfly and observe the life cycle, which is difficult for them.

Most teachers in the schools now are expose to the use of technology. They believe that technology can help them to find extra resources so that teachers are not left behind by the children which are now more advanced in everything especially ICT.

PS2206

How to teach Mathematics in school?

Teaching concept is really important in teaching Mathematics. Once the pupils have understood the concept well then they can learn and remember the concept easily. They may proceed to the next step if they get mastered with the topic of the concept. The use of teaching aids such as diagrams, models, technology and appropriate teaching strategies are really important in planning a success lesson.

What to do?

From my experience in teaching Mathematics, pupils need a variety of strategies for each lesson. Pupils are different in ability therefore they need different teaching strategies in order to make them understand. Pupils also get bored easily and it is the teacher’s role to warm up the pupils before start the lesson by giving them simple games or activities.
Group work also may help the pupils to learn better in Mathematics. When pupils work cooperatively, they manage to understand more as they feel free to get help and share work with their friends.

PS 2206

How to teach Science in school?


Science is one of the important subjects in primary school. Teaching Science needs interesting and attractive strategies in order to make the pupils keen to learn Science. Each school must have a science room and therefore teacher and pupils can teach and learn Science in a conducive environment. In learning Science, pupils need to experience the task or experiment by themselves. Inquiry and discovery learning are suitable for teaching and learning Science. It is important for teachers to give chance for the pupils to experience the task and guide them of how to find the result of the experiment.


What to do?

Teacher must have a collection of teaching strategies in teaching Science. The two strategies, Inquiry and discovery learning need to be exposed to the pupils. Let them do and find it by themselves and later discuss their outcomes together. Here, the role of the teacher is important in guiding them so they will be on the right track. At the end of the lesson, teacher has to correct any misconceptions on that topic and make a conclusion on the lesson together.

PS2206

Second assignment?

Still thinking..When 2 start my school based assignment. Third wk is already fasting month.