Laboratory method

Laboratory Method in Teaching of Life Science: Meaning, goals,Characteristics,Steps,Merits & Demerits.

1. Definition - Laboratory method is a planned learning activity dealing with original or raw data in the solution of problems. It is a procedure involving first hand experiences with materials or facts derived from investigations or experimentation. The Laboratory Method is used to designate a Tea c hi n g pro c ed u re i n the physical sci e n c es that uses experimentation with apparatus.

2. MAJOR GOALS OF LABORATORY WORKS: To give the First hand Experience to the students. To provide student participation in original work.

3. T o deve l op skill in the use of laboratory equ i pment and instruments. To make use of the power of observation and reasoning.

4. MAJOR GOALS OF LABORATORY WORKS: To make use of reality to make learning easier and permanent. To develop scientific attitude in the students.

5. Features / Characteristics: To promote information acquisition through observation, experimental solutions to problems guided by reflective thinking and acquisition of skill in manipulation. Provides students opportunities to conduct or participate in original research.

6. Develops skill in using laboratory equipment and instruments . Enhances higher order thinking skills . Learning by doing.

7. GUIDELINES OF USING: Make use of the power of observation and reasoning. Manipulate learning equipments. Make use of reality to make learning easier and more permanent. Use of the scientific attitudes.

8. Experimental – aims to train students in problem solving with incidental acquisition of information and motor skills, emphasis is on discovery, original procedure, and solution of problems. Demonstration- is a process of presenting or establishing facts or principles. It is a procedure of doing or performing something in the presence of others or either as a means of showing them how to do it or illustrating a principle. Types of Laboratory Method :

9. Students learn by doing and come in contact with raw data or materials object in teaching learning process. Develops the power of observation and reasoning. Develops the scientific attitudes ADVANTAGES:

10. Close student teacher r e l a t ionship. Retention of learned material. Develop practical skills. Ps y ch ol o g i cal Method of teaching ADVANTAGES:

11. Gives an understanding of what research is and how to apply the scientific method of research Gives training in organizing data gathered from real materials object and how these objects are manipulated to attain the objectives. continue.. Since students come in contact with real life situations, it can be a preparation for solving real life problems.

12. Poor planning & lack of direction of teacher may result in wasting of time & can create complication. All knowledge cannot be verified through experiments. Shortage of resources. Lack of funds. Teacher find it difficult to attend to the individual needs of the students. DISADVANTAGES:

13. Uneconomical way of learning in time and material . Need experienced and well qualified teachers only DISADVANTAGES:

14. 1. PREPARATION / INTRODUCTORY STEP In this step which provides for motivation and orientation, the following factors should be taken into account. (a) Determination of Laboratory work to be done. -- the first step is an explanation of the problem or other work to be done, This may be called presentation. -- here is the teacher's opportunity to motivate the students. But if the work is to be planned co-operatively by the students and the teacher, the first step is to determine by means of class discussion, the nature of the problem or the work to be done. STEPS IN LABORATORY METHOD:

15. (b) Determination of the Plan of Work. -- the second step is to get clearly in mind what is to be done. This may be set forth by the teacher who gives the necessary directions for both individual and group work. Since this work is likely to take more time than one period as it consists of various activities, written directions in the form of guide sheets, manuals, work-books and so on should be used. The introductory step thus considers the problem and the objectives of the work as well as of the plan of work to be carried out. After considering the first step, we now discuss the second one-work period.

16. 2. ACTUAL WORK PERIOD -- the laboratory activity should take the form of a supervised work-period in which groups or individuals have their particular work to do -- the students can work individually or collectively on a particular problem or on different problems -- directions must be very specific -- the length of the work periods should be determined by the nature of the problems and the objectives If the laboratory work occupies several days, it may be desirable to have the class meet as group each day, preferably at the beginning of the period for a discussion of the problems, progress and to receive criticisms, suggestions or directions from the teacher.

17. 2. CULMINATING ACTIVITIES When the members of a class have completed their laboratory work, the class should meet for discussion and organization of findings or for presentation of the results of individual work. The following types of activities may be used: Students re-state the problem that the group has been working on and explain its nature and importance. Review of the plan for solving the problem and organization of plan for recording the data gathered. Presentation of illustrative material or special contributions by students working on special problems. …

18. … Where students are working on individual projects, special reports may be given before the group, together with an exhibition of their work. Note-books and written reports may be completed for final record of work. Work of the class may be exhibited and rated by members of the class or by competent judges from outside. Exhibits of various projects may be set up and explained by then- sponsors. Tests or examinations may be used as a means of measuring achievement relative to certain outcomes. Since it would be impracticable to have too great a variety of culminating activities, those chosen should be adapted to the particular needs of the class, as well as to the time available. Written reports and summaries may be required to assure adequate participation of all the class in the completion of the work.

19. Think safety first Know emergency responses Know what your working with Use the smallest possible amounts Follow all safety procedures Report dangerous activity or situations Store and handle hazardous materials safety If you don’t know ASK! LAB SAFETY TIPS:

20. THANK YOU ALL Ms Minakshi Jaswal Assistant Professor