2.7.4: TRANSFORMATIVE LESSON & STUDENTS' REFLECTIONS

TRANSFORMATIVE LESSON CONDUCTION

The transformative lesson was taught on 3rd April 2015 (Good Friday), instead of 26th March 2015 as earlier planned. This was because of other students’ engagements (especially Micro-teaching) during the previous week.

QUESTIONS ASKED DURING THE LESSON

STEP I

Please make sense of the story. What is happening in the story?

1. Who is the character in the story?
2. What was happening to him?
3. What was he surprised or shocked about?
4. Who was responsible for the events in the story?

STEP II

1. From the story, which areas of the environment were negatively impacted by human activity? How specifically were those areas affected?
2. Which areas of the environment were not mentioned in the story but could be negatively impacted by human activity?

STEP III & IV

Form groups of your interest according to areas/spheres.

1. Brainstorm on how man has badly impacted those areas.
2. Create driving questions for research.

REFLECTION ON THE LESSON

My students are not used to giving reflections on lesson. So, to help guide the reflection process, I asked them to respond to some questions and statements:

1. How was the lesson introduced? How did you feel about it? Could it be a good way to introduce lessons in secondary schools?
2. What do you think were the method(s) used in the lesson? In your opinion, how did the methods benefit you and other learners?
3. How relevant was the topic to you? And to society?
4. Make any other comments of your own about the lesson.

STUDENTS' REFLECTIONS

The lesson was introduced nicely through storytelling. This was new to me in the sciences. But it was interesting. I will be using it in my classes in “O” level.

The methods used were: Socratic, problem solving, brainstorming, discussion, and presentation. The methods made me actively involved in critical thinking and class participation.

The lesson threw more light on the effects of man’s activities on the environment. It could be used to caution the citizens on how to safeguard their environment.

Enock Kwagala

Lesson so interesting. It was introduced by a story which was thought provoking. I think it is an appropriate way of introducing lesson in secondary school. It calls for students’ attention.

The methods used were: Socratic, group work, presentation and problem solving. They encourage critical thinking and sharing of ideas.

Lesson subtopic was very relevant to me and society.

Jackson Sajjabi

Introduction started with a story. It was very good one for me. I hope to use it in my teaching because it calls for learners’ attentiveness and trains listening skills.

The methods used were Problem solving, Socratic, and group work. These methods improve reasoning, call for self-discovery and maximum cooperation with fellow learners.

The topic is very relevant to me and society. We need to conserve and preserve our environment.

Josephine Nakero