Science Made Easy: ‘Become critical thinkers to ace Biology’

Are you struggling in Biology? Are there some concepts where you are stuck? Is there a topic that you avoid studying because you are unable to understand? Fret not. Breaking down complex biological concepts into simpler terms and providing clear explanations can enhance understanding. Utilising diagrams, charts, and illustrations can greatly enhance comprehension.

Teachers can use interactive and hands-on activities, experiments, visual aids, and multimedia resources to make the subject more engaging. This approach helps students actively participate in the learning process and grasp complex concepts more easily. Analogies, real-life examples, and practical applications to help students relate to the subject matter.

“This subject can be made easy by using interactive learning methodology. Involve students in developing the lesson by asking questions to them (questioning technique skill). Ensure that students become critical thinkers and anlayse, and evaluate the concepts. I follow a collaborative learning pedagogy where students learn together in groups based on discussions,” Neetu Bhardwaj, a PGT Biology at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg in Jalandhar, said and shared other methods that teachers can follow to make the subject easy for the students.

1.       Experiential learning can be used where students perform activities and learn by experience or experimentation.

2.       Art integration can be used to distress the students and understand concepts at the same time.

3.       Using different types of games to teach the concepts is a child-centred and jovial learning approach where students can be called to play games and learn the concepts at the same time.

4.       Science charades can be used to recapitulate the learning outcomes of the students.

5.       Inquiry-based learning, demonstrative learning, and role play can be used to teach the concepts easily.

6.       Different assessment methods can be devised to test the learning outcomes and skill development of students.

“Assignments of competency-based questions can be given for better exposure of students to higher order thinking questions,” Bhardwaj opined.

One can also connect biological concepts to everyday life experiences and make them more relatable and understandable. Explaining the relevance of biology in health, environment, and human interactions helps students recognise its importance and motivates them to learn.

Using different types of games to teach the concepts is a child-centred and jovial learning approach where students can be called to play games and learn the concepts at the same time

–Neetu Bhardwaj, PGT Biology at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg

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Tips for teachers

Conceptual understanding over memorisation: Encourage students to think critically and apply their knowledge. Encourage them to explore the underlying principles and connections between different topics.

Technology integration: Utilise educational technology, such as interactive apps, simulations, and online resources, can make learning biology more interactive and enjoyable. Online platforms can provide access to virtual dissections, 3D models, and animations, enhancing understanding and engagement.

Individualised support: Students have different learning styles and paces, so providing individualised support can make biology more accessible.

Tips for students

·         Study biology daily for two hours daily.

·         Cover the entire syllabus, don’t leave out any topic.

·         Understand the concepts well and think critically.

·         Read NCERT word to word and solve NCERT Exemplar.

·         Solve as many mock question papers as possible.

·         Practice all sorts of questions — MCQS, assertion reasoning, case study-based, source-based, and very short, short, and long answer type questions.

·         Practice high-order thinking questions with an increased difficulty level.

·         Learn to apply multiple concepts to new situations to solve competency-based questions.

·         Try questions where knowledge is applied, analysed, evaluated, and used to create or design experiments based on concepts.

·         Revise from notes and practice diagrams, flow charts, and schematic cycles.