As a science teacher, I always love to use videos. Typically, I would just let the class watch videos and hopefully they get it. I might have some classroom discussion but I never really try to see if they really understand from the videos.
In the first week, I do a minor tweak to this video-practice. I allow them to watch video and either get them to post questions [Link] or what they learn [Link] . Using the insight from their posting, I would consolidate what they had learned from the topic.
For my P6 class, I decide to “just-do-it” even though they are not academically strong. As a class, they collectively manage to list down all the essential points (although their explanation might not be clear). I rearranged their posting around the essential points and use that to consolidate the lessons the next day. I basically used what they had posted and build on the responses by giving them the scientifically acceptable terms.
I am glad that I have tried that out as this help to amplify the power of video. By making their thinking visible, I use their “words” to teach them. Yes, the posting might not be fantastic and it needs a teacher to understand what they are trying to say. But, at least, they are writing. I acknowledge their posting and this makes them feel good. Hopefully, this will make them own their learning.
As for P5s, I am getting them to ask questions as there is no “talk” in the video. I am using the video as the starter activity for germination. I also allow them to answer their friend’s questions. Again, the essential questions about germination have been asked. I am using these information to close their learning gap. Due to the large number of postings, I need to create a few padlets to host their questions.
