Annual Report - National Council Of Educational Research And ...

and (iv) Personnel and Training. These tools were first validated by a couple of
SCERTs. The finalised questionnaires were then forwarded to all related agencies
for providing information. Department has received a good amount of data. The
framework for data analysis and report preparation has also been developed
with the help of experts. The detailed report is under preparation.
Study on Classroom Transaction of Biology at the Higher Secondary Stage
In the light of NCF-2005 and National Focus Group Position Paper on Teaching
of Science, the biology textbook has been developed with objectives to provide
better process towards understanding of the content and to avoid rote
memorisation. Attempts were made to present the content enumerating common
principles and processes in plants, animals and microbes so that the learner
appreciates the evolutionary significance and enjoys the beauty of the nature.
This also helps in reducing information load. Environmental issues are also given
due emphasis in the textbooks so that learner appreciate its importance and
attempt to conserve. The main features of the book in order to reduce the burden
on the learner are presented in simple and sequential manner, designed using
clear illustrations to reduce the textual load, use of too many technical terms
has been reduced, an interactive approach has been adopted in developing the
textual matter, the level of the content matter has been very carefully kept at par
with the cognitive level of the learner. Historical development of the key concepts
has been given appropriate emphasis (topics like photosynthesis, molecular basis
of inheritance have special reference). Conscious efforts have been made to adopt
an interdisciplinary approach. The biology course at higher secondary stage
involves classical concepts of biological classification, basic principles of
underlying physiological processes and molecular basis of life and its application
for society. One complete unit on biotechnology: Principles, process and
applications has been considered in the biology syllabus with due care of the
comprehension level of the learners. It is observed that some school boards are
offering biotechnology, a specialised discipline, as a separate subject at higher
secondary level. Our study in the year 2008-2009 on a similar theme has revealed,
primarily, a few concerns related to teaching-learning of biology in classroom
situation, based on which we developed exhaustive tools in 2009-10 to analyse
the classroom transaction processes. Study was planned to be performed in
selected schools like KVs, JNVs, Government schools and private schools during
2010-11. The planning involved two steps, first, obtaining the response from the
teachers involved in classroom process, classroom learners and state functionaries
who provide training and enrichment to the teachers; the second is observing the
actual classroom transaction. The present study was also aimed to investigate
various aspects of classroom transaction of biology and its content relationship
with subjects like biotechnology at plus two stage. The major research questions
of the study were: whether the teachers adopted classroom instructional strategies
as recommended in NCF-2005? Which content areas teachers found difficult to
transact in the classroom? How learners develop concepts and conceive
relationships with applied subjects like biotechnology? The likely outcome of
the study will help in identifying the difficulties in classroom transaction,
developing strategies to bring improvement and to address them appropriately
and remove infrastructural hurdles, if any. The study was performed in the states
of Manipur and Delhi besides the teachers and learners attending 38th JNNSEC
and a group of teachers attending Content Enrichment programme at RIE, Bhopal
Annual Report 2010-11
Annual Report 2010-11
Annual Report 2010-11
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