Contextualizing the teaching and learning of science and technology Benjamin K. Aiduenu & Emmanuel Kutorglo

Outline Introduction Contextualizing learning Approach to teaching science and technology in school The fish story Benefit of contextualization Characteristics of contextualized learning Principles of a contextualized lesson Contextualizing Process Demonstration Hands-On Activities

Introduction In this age of knowledge and technological innovations, the survival of a country is strongly dependent on the cultivation of a strong science and technology education. The search for effective innovative ways of teaching science and technology has engaged the minds of Science Educators. It is also said that only when schools deliberately try to integrate school science with indigenous knowledge system can true learning take place.

Hence the need to contextualize?

Contextualizing learning Contextualization is a method of embedding disciplinary material in the fabric of the culture, time and experiences of a learner.

Contextualizing learning Cont’ It is a form of situated learning - “relating instructional content to the specific contexts of learners’ lives and interest that increases motivation to learn” (Dirkx and Prenger, 1997)

Contextualizing learning Cont’ It is an instructional strategy that: a)Actively involves the learner in the learning process b)Combines content and context c)Uses authentic materials

The approach to teaching science

The Fish Story “I have been about the world hoping here and there,” said the frog, “and I have seen extraordinary things.” “Like what?” Asked the fish. “Birds,” said the frog. “Birds!” The frog told the fish about the birds who had wings, and two legs and many colours.

Fish story cont’ The Frog continued to give a description of Cows with black-and-white spots, horns, and udders. HOW WOULD THE FISH IMAGINE THIS?

The frog describes humans as walking upright and dressed in clothing with a hat. HOW WOULD THE FISH IMAGINE THIS?

Purpose There is the need to forge a synergy between indigenous knowledge and school science It also important to address the disconnect between the learners’ experience and science concepts, away from emphasis on the traditional pedagogy of teaching science. The missing link has been the neglect of the culture of the learner in the teaching and learning process.

Benefits Learners learn more effectively when they: Use various types of real-life resources to gather information Integrate new knowledge/skills into already existing knowledge Combine content and context Knowledge transfer is explicit and immediately recognizable (Learner maximizes use of knowledge.)

Benefits Cont’ Knowledge retention increases Student motivation increases

Characteristics of Contextualized Learning It is Application oriented Learner centered Goals are explicit from the beginning of instruction.

Principles of a contextualized lesson Academic and life concerns are integrated into an applied learning process Learning is a team effort between tutor and learner Competence is developed

Science in some processes in our homes

Contextualizing Process Identify indigenous activities in your locality Outline all the processes involved in the indigenous activities Provide scientific explanation to the process involved Relate to school science concepts What are the indigenous technology used at various stages of the processes

Part 2 Demonstration Indigenous Activity: Preparation of Kenkey Indigenous Processes: Winnowing, washing, Steeping (soaking), Draining of water, Milling, Preparation of dough, Fermentation, mixing, moulding, packaging, arrangement of balls, pre-lining bottom of drum, covering mouth pot/drum, cooking  Scientific explanation (for various processes):  School related concept (for various processes):  Technology used (for various processes):

Hands-on Activities Fishing in Winneba  Types of fishing and processes involved  Fish preservation (Types) 1.Smoking (Identify the various processes) 2.Refrigeration (Identify the various processes) 3.Salting (Identify the various processes) a)Scientific explanation (for various processes): b)School related concept (for various processes): c)Technology used (for various processes):