Developing an interactive pedagogy for teaching and learning biology

Abstract

The main aim of this qualitative research was to help students to find their own preferred method for learning Biology. It involved the normal practice of a secondary school Biology teacher, who also modified her own teaching so as to offer different ways and means to teach, and therefore for students to learn two particular topics of the Biology Form 4 syllabus. This included a variety of methods such as listening activities, practical work, word search, drawing and designing, pair work, etc, so as to help students to understand the topic in an easier way. The research presents students' opinions about their preferred methods of learning, together with reflections on how they felt throughout the actual research itself. The study was carried out using a methodology of action research, and it was done during the scholastic year of 2006-2007, although a final interview was conducted during the first term of the 2007-2008 year. The research was carried out in a co-educational private school, referred to by the pseudo name of 'St. George's School', with a total of 48 students consisting of 26 boys and 22 girls, all between the ages of 14 to 15. The students were first interviewed before the implementation of the research, then afterwards for their reactions, and for the teacher to modify the next part of her research, and finally at the end for their final comments and opinions. This research indicates that by using various methods of teaching, one can target the different learning styles of all students, and therefore help the whole class to grasp the content in their own specific way. It also emphasises the importance for students to reflect upon their own learning, so that they can understand what targets to work upon in the future.