2.2 Students’ views of practical work
Teachers need to be alert to what students actually gain from practical work, as it may not be what was intended. In addition, the assumption that all students like practical work has to be challenged. Less confident students may be dominated by others and gain little from the experience. Therefore, practical work need to be scrutinised from the perspective of the student, and needs to be carefully planned and managed.
Activity 6 Investigating students’ perspectives
Timing: Allow about 30 minutes
Find out what students of different ages think of practical science work. To what extent do they enjoy it, learn from it and feel that it’s worthwhile? What do they learn about science and science content? You could find out what students think through a simple questionnaire or by talking to students.