ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE : MODERN METHODS 277
- Domination by a few assertive pupils. Here while few pupils may dominate the
entire lesson such domination is not conducive to the values that should result
from the use of this method. It is the duty of the teacher to plan recitation in such
a way that a few students do not monopolize the lesson. The teacher must ensure
the socialization. Of all the pupils and not merely a few of them. - Exclusive use of socialized recitation. The exclusive use of this method at all times
is a dangerous move. There are times when it should not be used at all. Every
lesson should be more or less socialized in the sense that students are given chances
to actively participate in it. However, mere socialization cannot serve the purpose
in Environmental Science.
Suggestion to Make Socialized Recitation Effective
- It should centre round a topic important from the pupil’s point of view and in which
pupils express interest. - The teacher should prepare how to handle possible conflicts and reduce tensions
and blocks in good human relations. The planning should be flexible enough to
permit adjustment as the socialized recitation proceeds. - A friendly atmosphere should prevail during the period of socialized recitation.
Each pupil should be made to feel that he has something significant to contribute
and that his ideas are valuable. The teacher should help pupils to understand that
one. May disagree without being unpleasant or destructive. - The teachers should have adequate control over the procedure. He should be able
to see that socialized recitation “keeps on the track” and the class moves from
discussion to decision’ and from decision to action. The degree of control to be
exercised by the teacher depends on maturity of the group, previous practice in
self-direction, interest and spirit of cooperation among pupils. - Socialized recitation should never be used to spread prejudice. Pupils should be
encouraged to substantiate their own personal opinions with accurate information
and typical thinking about the topic or issue. Each pupil should be given an
opportunity to clarify his point and to convince the groups of the wisdom of his own
insight to truth. Monopolized by a few students. The teacher must ensure the
socialization of all the pupils and not merely a few of them. - The exclusive use of this method at all times is a dangerous move. There are times
when it should not be used at all. Every lesson should be more or less socialized
in the sense that students are given chances to actively participate in it. However,
mere socialization cannot serve the purpose in Environmental Science. - SUPERVISED STUDY METHOD
Immediate surroundings and community afford many opportunities for supervision.
Concrete tangible, visible and describable data on cultural, industrial, political and geographic
facts and relationships prove invaluable for the teaching of Environmental Science.
Observation lends vitality to the subject matter of Environmental Science. Direct experiences
are more effective in the process of learning they are also retained for a longer period of
time. As rich, full-bodied purposeful experiences seen, handled, tasted, touched, felt and