Professional paper

https://doi.org/10.32633/eb.5.3

Application of active learning based on observation and recording observations - example of microscoping Paramecium sp.

Mirela Sertić Perić orcid.org/0000-0002-4744-7884 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of science, Department of biology, Zagreb, Croatia
Ana Marija Matić ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of science, Department of biology, Zagreb, Croatia
Darinka Kiš-Novak orcid.org/0000-0002-1690-8043 ; University of Zagreb, Faculty of Teacher Education, Čakovec Branch, Čakovec, Hrvatska
Goran Vignjević ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Department of biology, Osijek, Hrvatska
Irena Labak ; Josip Juraj Strossmayer University of Osijek, Department of biology, Osijek, Hrvatska

Abstract

The use of active learning methods avoids direct transfer of facts and conclusions, and promotes the acquisition of knowledge through solving challenges and problems. Active learning often involves independent students’ investigation, including observing, recording observations, and bringing conclusions based on observations. Such approach increases the intellectual engagement of students as well as the likelihood that the students will successfully apply the acquired knowledge to new challenges in the work environment or in other life situations. The effectiveness of active learning methods, among other things, often depends on the context of the problem presented to students and on the interest of students for particular learning activities. This paper presents an example of the application of active learning methods including the activities of observing and recording observations during microscoping various biological preparations of Paramecium sp. We present the worksheet, which can be used as a basis for planning and adapting teaching activities at other education levels, but also the students’ comments following the implementation of the active learning methods. Students’ comments on the use of active learning methods (as opposed to traditional teaching methods, which are commonly used within the students’ lab lessons), provide an insight into the impression students have gained regarding: their general learning experience, active learning methods, and the effect of the applied activities on understanding the learning content. Most students declare that active learning methods are interesting and that they “like such activities” that include working and concluding independently. Such student opinion could serve as certain encouragement for more intensive application of the active learning methods at the faculty education level, and that the active learning methods should gradually replace the existing traditional methods.

Keywords

STEM literacy; learning by discovery; observational skills; notes; Protozoa

Hrčak ID:

237762

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/237762

Publication date:

28.12.2019.

Article data in other languages: croatian

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