Notes: Approaches/Integrated Approach | Science & Pedagogy Paper 2 for CTET & TET Exams - CTET & State TET PDF Download

Various approaches have been adopted to impart science education at the school level. The major approaches include disciplinary, integrated, process-oriented, constructive, and hands-on methods. The teacher always plays a central role in delivering science education to students at school levels.

Approach: Meaning and Definition

Approach refers to the method or way followed by a teacher to impart education to students. It encompasses the methodology used to explain concepts, principles of education, and teaching methods. In essence, it is the teacher's approach to organizing scientific knowledge in such a way that it is easily understood by students.

The following efforts have been made in this area:

• During 1967-70, NCERT collaborated with UNICEF to develop science teaching materials for primary sections. This included textbooks, activity guidebooks, teaching directions for teachers, science kits for various classroom activities, and audiovisual aids.
• In 1975, Prof. DS Kothari introduced the 10 + 2 + 3 pattern. A new approach to science teaching in schools at the national level was developed and published under the title ‘The Curriculum for the Ten Year School: A Framework’. This approach featured:
• Compulsory subjects including Maths and Science up to the 10th standard.
• Teaching of Science and Social Science under the common heading Environmental Science.
• Science being taught in an integrated approach rather than a disciplinary approach up to secondary levels.
• Science not being divided into Physics, Chemistry, and Biology until the 10th standard.
• Introduction of Environmental Science for classes I-V, covering basic environmental concepts to help students understand related issues.

Approaches of Science Curriculum

The major issue in the field of education today is organizing the science curriculum effectively. Therefore, there are two main approaches regarding the organization of science curriculum:

1. Disciplinary Approach:

   This approach focuses on teaching each scientific discipline separately, such as Physics, Chemistry, and Biology.

2. Integrated Approach:

   This approach integrates various scientific disciplines under broader themes or subjects, such as Environmental Science, fostering a holistic understanding.

Disciplinary Approach

The disciplinary approach, also known as the subject approach or traditional approach, involves teaching each subject separately. For instance, science is traditionally divided into Physics, Biology, and Chemistry as separate components of the Science subject. Similarly, subjects like language (English, Hindi, Oriya), History, and Geography are taught independently.

Characteristics of Disciplinary Approach:

• In-depth Conceptual Knowledge: Each subject offers detailed and in-depth conceptual knowledge.
• Disciplinary-based Teaching: Subjects are taught as separate disciplines.
• Content-based Teaching: The curriculum is largely based on content.
• Source of Knowledge/Information: The teacher is the main source of knowledge and information.
• Main Purpose: To prepare specialists, scientists, etc.
• Mastery of the Subject: Learners are expected to master the subject matter.
• Chalk and Talk-based Teaching: Often leads to traditional lecture-based teaching.
• Textbook is Main Authority: The textbook is the main authority, limiting student observations, values, or conclusions.

Integrated Approach

"An integrated approach allows learners to explore, gather, process, refine, and present information about the topics they want to investigate without the constraints imposed by traditional subject barriers." (Pigdon and Woolley, 1992)

The integrated approach encourages students to see the interconnectedness and inter-relationships between different curriculum areas. Instead of focusing on isolated curriculum areas, it is based on skill development around a particular theme relevant to students of a particular class, such as the General Science curriculum at the primary level.

Other Approaches related to Integrated Approach:

1. Cross-disciplinary Approach:

   Examines an issue relevant to one discipline through the lens of another discipline.

2. Multidisciplinary Approach:

   Examines an issue from multiple perspectives without systematically integrating various disciplines.

3. Interdisciplinary Approach:

   Examines an issue from multiple perspectives, with a systematic effort to integrate alternative perspectives into a unified framework.

Characteristics of Integrated Approach:

• Wide Conceptual Knowledge: Provides broader and wider conceptual knowledge.
• Child-Centered Teaching: Promotes child-centered teaching, catering to different kinds of learners.
• Integration of Skills with Contents: Promotes integration of skills with contents.
• Teacher as a Mediator: Acts as a mediator between knowledge and the child.
• Use of Modern Methods: Requires the use of modern methods like inquiry-based teaching.
• Flexibility: Offers flexibility without rigid disciplines.
• Preparation of Future Citizens: Aims to prepare future citizens of society.
• Openness: Open to new ideas and procedures.
• Multilearning Environment: Requires a multilearning environment, including classroom, lab, outdoor, computer, and internet.

Other Approaches

Process Approach

The process approach focuses on methods of inquiry, investigation, observation, experimentation, drawing conclusions, making generalizations, building principles, and utilizing these processes for further learning or applying them in day-to-day life and work situations.

Constructive Approach

The constructive approach involves learning as conceptual change and curriculum development, emphasizing learning theories such as those of Piaget and Vygotsky. It focuses on teaching strategies that assist students in conceptual reconstruction.

Hands-On Approach

Hands-on activities are essential for introducing students to the world of science. These activities can range from chemistry experiments in labs to designing physics experiments. It involves follow-up work such as analysis and explanations of scientific principles learned through the activities.

Related Resources:

• Providing Hands-On Learning Experiences in Science - This article emphasizes the importance of hands-on science activities for better understanding of basic scientific principles.
• Role-Playing Exercises - Explains the usefulness of role-playing when teaching students about science, with a collection of role-playing scenarios.
• Guided Science Experiments - Provides science experiments to help students understand scientific concepts.
• Strategies for Science Teaching and Assessment - Offers resources for science teachers interested in using case studies, science mysteries, virtual field trips, concept maps, and other techniques to teach scientific concepts.
• Exploratorium Activities - Offers hands-on activities for Science and Math students, which can be incorporated into lessons by science teachers.