Knowledge building in Chemistry K C Pun SKH Tsang Shiu Tim Sec Sch

Topics to cover Knowledge-based society Trends in education KF as a tool to build up knowledge Students ’ reflections in using KF.

Knowledge-based society Principal ’ s remarksPrincipal ’ s remarks Some “ Nots ” –Not eternal –Not limited by media –Not limited by age

Trends in education Learning to learn Mastering 9 generic skills:9 generic skills –Esp. (to 05-06) critical thinking skills Creativity Communication skills Learning: –first order -> higher order

Information to share (CUHK, 2002) 國際排名 使用思考及闡釋一策略讀書 31/33 使用記憶策略讀書 13/33 使用競爭式學習策略 1/33 使用合作式學習策略 17/33 閱讀興趣 4/33

A Joke? OR Reality!!! 聯合國為全世界小朋友出了一道題目 「對於其 他國家糧食短缺的問題 請你談談自己的看法. 」 非洲的小朋友看完題目後不知道什麼叫 “ 糧食 ” 歐洲的小朋友不知道什麼叫 “ 短缺 ” 亞洲的小 朋友不知道什麼叫 “ 自己的看法 ” 拉丁美州的小朋 友不知道什麼叫 “ 請 ” 美國的小朋友不知道什麼 叫 “ 其他國家 ”

What do they infer? Lack of these generic skills 思考及闡釋 記憶

Chemistry = change Change in syllabus => –Change in learning/teaching strategy KF: as a tool to facilitate the change in strategy Interactions between students, teachers and environment

Knowledge construction using forum (D/K) Knowledge forum HKU: CITE How: –Divide F.4 students into groups –Give F.5 topics for F.4 students to discuss with guided questions

KF in the school Topics and guided questions –Air pollution –Nitric acid –Fertilizers –Sulphuric acid –Plastics –Ammonia –Petroleum

Some good features of KF Can insert diagrams Can link up their concepts Build up their own concept map To change the ‘ culture ’ of students Can even insert multimedia elements

KF in practice

KF in practice (Petroleum)

KF in practice

Reflection journal

Look at what they write: Reflection journal Second week in KF. –I want to know what is the differences between organic fertilizers and inorganic fertilizers. And what are their advantages and disadvantages. –I have posted a note about how to use fertilizers and a few notes about that role-play game. Also I reach my learning goal. –Still got some problems with searching information. But I begin got the technique. –I enjoy the role-play game. –I am unhappy about my lazy~

What do they feel? Students Reflections –Fun –Learn from outside textbook –More efficient –Collaboration skills –Brainstorming

Without KF – OK? Why not? KF is just a tool. May use discussion forum in the intranet of the school.

Discussion forum / others May post the questions to the discussion forum and initiate their discussion May even ask them to do as paper work

Role of teacher in DF/ KF As a facilitator –Not to answer question immediately –Not to correct their mistakes immediately As a catalyst

What will the “ promoted F.4 students ” do this year? Choose a Chemistry topic in Integrated Science OR any topic in Certificate syllabus Design 2 – 3 good questions Set up their own criteria for assessment of good questions Critics from members in the group and other groups Game / Presentation after summer holidays

What topics in IS? The wonderful solvent – water Matter as particles Common acids and alkalis Metals Materials of the Modern World Etc.

Why F.1-3 topics? Students: Revisit the topics for consolidating their concepts Teachers: Know what have been taught in lower forms A continuation from junior secondary to senior secondary

Why set questions? Students know more if they can set up good questions To have critiques among themselves Know the great effort of teachers => may appreciate your effort in teaching

Key to success We have to be proactive. BUT Before we act, Better have support from your panel etc.

Final remarks KF is a tool. Others may apply. There are many useful resources in the CDI ’ s web-site. Project-based learning: – t.shtmlhttp:// t.shtml

Thanks!!!

9 generic skills Collaboration skills Communication skills Creativity Critical thinking skills Information technology skills Numeracy skills Problem solving skills Self-management skills Study skills Return