Science teachers should bear in mind the musts or necessary things in teaching the subject.  These will be instrumental in achieving success and effectiveness in teaching science.

1. Be gender sensitive. When teaching the subject, always take into consideration the benefits it can bring to both genders.  In this way, the practice of fairness and impartiality can be attained.
2. Let the child discover and explore.  Science teachers should facilitate the opportunity for the child to discover the things around them and teach them to explore the ones beyond.
3. Invite other school personnel to witness hands-on teaching.  In doing hands-on teaching like having experiments with the pupils, invite fellow teachers and even the school principal to witness the activity for critiquing and reinforcement.
4. Try experiment before doing in the class.  Before facilitating the actual experiment in the class, try doing it first by yourself.  In this way you will be able to know in advance the do’s and don’ts of the activity and to know precautionary measures for the safety of the learners.
5. Let the pupils elicit answers for interesting questions.  There are difficult and interesting questions to answer.  The teacher should encourage the pupils to answer these questions for them to develop high order thinking skills.
6. Have discipline during experiment.  Let the pupils develop good behavior during the experiment proper.  Practice them to be systematic and patient in doing the activity.
7. Make the class exciting.  The class should always be inviting and be filled with excitement. Let every minute of the session be an active undertaking that arouses the pupil’s interest.
8. Entice pupil’s curiosity.  Have the learners develop the sense of inquisitiveness.  Transform them into an active participant in the class by being sensible and aware of what is being discussed.
9. Have a science discovery table. Set up a science discovery table to be the center of attraction in the classroom.  This provides photos and concepts about science that would stimulate the pupil’s attention.
10. Take advantage of available resources.  Make use of the available resources around.  Maximize the use of improvised materials which would enhance better learning.  In this sense, you are not only being creative but also being practical as well.
11. Have a class pet.  Whether a small aquarium or a cage with small animals would create a sense of reality in the class. It would be unique if a science room has a center of attraction in the form of a class pet.  In doing such, the child will be much responsible in taking care of animals.
12. Have a collection of small materials from the environment. Small stones, shells, dried leaves and other materials from the environment are all contributory in setting up a lively science room.
13. Have a science show and tell day.  The science teacher should spend at least once a week for show and tell day.  The learners will be asked to bring a thing related to science and will be given a chance to show and tell something about it, its significance and use.
14. Take advantage of those teachable moments.  If there is something unexpected arises and the pupils are excited about it, teach it.
15. Utilize the power of internet.  A lot of great concepts are available in the internet for free.  Science teachers should have an access of them for the sake of the learners.

Following these guidelines would attain success in the teaching-learning process in science.

 

By: Mrs. Ma. Elenita R. Baluyot | Teacher III | Puting Buhangin Elementary | Orion, Bataan