A home economics students' activity book from form 1 : focus on choice and management of resources

Abstract

The aim of this study was to develop an activity book for Form 1 students on the section of Choice and Management of Resources in line with the Maltese Home Economics Curriculum. This activity book is aimed to enhance student-centred learning, motivate pupils and reflects a constructivist approach through different activities. A needs assessment analysis was conducted to enable the researchers to establish the needs and lacunae in this area in order to design appropriate activities for an activity book. This was achieved by visiting several bookshops together with a search of relevant sites available on internet. Pre-interviews with Home Economics teachers were also carried out to define the needs of this activity book. The needs assessment exercise brings forward the need of an activity book on the section of Choice and Management of Resources. Based on these findings, a first version of the activity book was produced and trialled in local Form 1 schools. A detailed analysis of each activity was done on the feedback provided in the evaluation sheets and the post-interviews with teachers. The necessary modifications were carried out to produce the final version of the activity book. It was concluded that the variety of activities enhanced the learning process and motivated the students throughout the lesson. Above all, the teachers commented that the constructivist approach in this activity book was effective.