Teaching practical science: biology NE707 / B20

Duration
3 Weeks
Learning Method
Online Delivered CPD

Summary

Online, self-paced course. There are only so many ways a student can look at an onion cell, so how do we engage students with biology practicals? It is essential that students studying biology are given the opportunity to practice and embed understanding of practical skills in preparation for assessment of their learning.
In this course, you’ll explore the relationship between theoretical concepts and practical work, challenging you to think about what is happening in the classroom and what your students are learning through practical work in biology. You’ll develop and share creative ways of teaching practical biology with approaches that are applicable to a range of curricula, for example GCSE required practicals and other practical syllabuses for 14-16 year old students 

Who is it for?

The course has been designed as CPD for teachers of biology to 14-16 year olds. Early career teachers, non-specialist teachers and returning teachers will particularly benefit. The course will also provide a range of approaches and opportunity for reflection for more experienced educators.

What topics are covered?

This three week course covers:
  • practical work for 14-16 year olds for the following key topics: enzymes, microscopy and microbiology.
  • contextualising practical work in biology to the everyday environment.
  • how progression in practical work impacts on students’ learning.
  • assessment of learning through practical work.
  • approaches to teaching practical science that can be applied to other topic areas.

How will you learn?

This online, self-paced course can be completed flexibly. Participants can join and start this course at any time after the advertised date. Find out how our online CPD works.

How long is this course?

This course takes around three hours per week to complete and you do not need to be online at any specific time. You can take the course at your own pace. 

Outcomes

You will be able to:

  • improve your confidence in delivering and evaluating teaching for practical skills in biology for 14-16 year olds
  • define effective learning outcomes for practical work in biology
  • reflect on the effectiveness of practical activities on every students’ learning
  • design progression and assessment approaches within practical work
  • collaborate with peers, educators and mentors to share and critique ideas for teaching practical science

Sessions

DateTime
Practical science: biology in the 14-16 classroom18 January 202100:00-00:00

Notes

Group enrolments: If you are a school, college or MAT and wish to arrange payment by invoice for 25 or more participants, please contact onlinecpd@stem.org.uk quoting the course code, title and start date.

FutureLearn terms and conditions: This course is hosted on the FutureLearn social learning platform and you will need to create an account if you do not already have one. 

In addition to STEM Learning Terms and Conditions, by booking on this course you are consenting to FutureLearn’s Terms and Conditions for Invited Learners. By booking onto this course, you agree that your information will be held by FutureLearn and National STEM Learning Centre as data controllers in common, and that by joining the course on FutureLearn your progress will be monitored by STEM Learning.

If you have booked in advance of the course being available, you will receive an email to access the course on FutureLearn no later than the course start date.

 

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Cost

Fee-paying school or college (independent)Activity fee£20.00 +VAT
State-funded school or collegeActivity fee£20.00 +VAT

Additional information

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Alternative dates

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Teaching practical science: biology

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