Science, especially as students’ progress to higher grades, becomes more complex with advanced concepts and abstract theories. Many students struggle to grasp these ideas. A strong foundation in basic science concepts is essential. If students do not have this foundation, they may struggle with more advanced topics. The curriculum is often criticised for being vast and focused on rote memorisation. This can make it difficult for students to truly understand and apply scientific principles.
Also, the pressure to perform well in exams can be intense. This pressure can affect a student’s ability to learn and understand the subject effectively. However, the Head of the Science Department – Sukhvinder Kaur – at Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg, who has been teaching for the last 33 years and is a three-time gold medalist at the university opines that the most important way to make Science interesting for the students is for the teacher to be passionate about the subject.
“There are several effective strategies for making a subject easy for students. This begins with the teacher having a genuine love for the subject matter. If you’re enthusiastic and knowledgeable about your subject, it can be contagious for your students. If the teacher is passionate about his/her subject, they will look for ways to ensure that the passion percolates to the students,” Sukhvinder said and shared some more strategies that the teachers can use.
Hands-On Learning: Incorporate experimentation and practical demonstrations into your teaching. This helps students see the real-world applications of what they’re learning.
Learning by Doing: Encourage students to apply what they learn to their daily lives. This helps them remember and understand the concepts better.
Variety and Engagement: Recognise that students have limited attention spans. Use a variety of teaching methods, such as asking questions, telling stories, and using visual aids or videos, to keep them engaged.
Use of Technology: Integrate technology, like laptops and electronic resources, into your teaching. This can provide access to additional learning materials and keep students engaged.
“Today the attention span of students has reduced from 30 minutes to 20. The teacher needs to understand this and adjust the teaching accordingly by making the lesson interactive. For instance, in a situation where I can’t use ‘learning by doing’ I use my laptop and share a few clips on the interactive white digital board. This way the interest of the students remains on the lesson,” Sukhvinder explained.
Break down your learning into smaller, manageable sections. This makes it easier to grasp complex topics
Sukhvinder Kaur, Head of Science Department, Apeejay School, Mahavir Marg
A teacher can take the learning only so far. The student needs to put in just as much effort. Here are some tips that Sukhvinder shared.
1. Learn in Parts: Break down your learning into smaller, manageable sections. This makes it easier to grasp complex topics.
2. Concept Understanding: Focus on understanding the underlying concepts, as many questions on exams are application-based rather than straightforward.
3. Mnemonics: Use memory aids like mnemonics to remember key information, making it easier to recall during exams.
4. Keyword Noting: While studying, make a habit of noting important keywords or summaries of paragraphs, which will help you review and revise efficiently.
5. Diagram Practice: For subjects like biology, practice drawing diagrams as it aids understanding and helps in answering questions.
6. Take Brief Notes: During class, jot down concise notes rather than transcribing the entire lecture. This keeps you engaged and helps you remember key points.
7. Review Regularly: Spend a few minutes each day revising what you learned in the previous class to reinforce your understanding.
8. Visible Study Aids: Place key information, formulas, or diagrams in your study area where you’ll see them frequently for quick and easy reference.