Laboratory Method in Teaching of Life Science: Meaning, goals,Characteristics,Steps,Merits & Demerits.

3. DEFINITION -
Laboratory method is a planned learning activity
dealing with original or raw data in the solution
of problems. It is a procedure involving first
hand experiences with materials or facts derived
from investigations or experimentation.
The Laboratory Method is used to designate a
Teaching procedure in the physical sciences that
uses experimentation with apparatus.

4. MAJOR GOALS OF
LABORATORY WORKS:
 To give the First hand
Experience to the students.
To provide student
participation in original
work.

5. To develop skill in
the use of laboratory
equipment and
instruments.
To make use of the
power of observation
and reasoning.

6. MAJOR GOALS OF
LABORATORY WORKS:
 To make use of reality to
make learning easier and
permanent.
To develop scientific
attitude in the students.

7. Features / Characteristics:
1.To promote information
acquisition through
observation, experimental
solutions to problems guided
by reflective thinking and
acquisition of skill in
manipulation.
2.Provides students
opportunities to conduct or
participate in original
research.

8. 3.Develops skill in using
laboratory equipment and
instruments.
4.Enhances higher order
thinking skills.
5.Learning by doing.

9. GUIDELINES OF USING:
1. Make use of the power of
observation and
reasoning.
2. Manipulate learning
equipments.
3. Make use of reality to
make learning easier and
more permanent.
4. Use of the scientific
attitudes.

10. 1. Experimental – aims to train
students in problem solving
with incidental acquisition of
information and motor skills,
emphasis is on discovery,
original procedure, and
solution of problems.
2. Demonstration- is a process
of presenting or establishing
facts or principles. It is a
procedure of doing or
performing something in the
presence of others or either
as a means of showing them
how to do it or illustrating a
principle.
TYPES OF
LABORATORY
METHOD :

11. Students learn by doing
and come in contact with
raw data or materials object
in teaching learning
process.
Develops the power of
observation and reasoning.
Develops the scientific
attitudes
ADVANTAGES:

12. Close student teacher
relationship.
 Retention of learned
material.
Develop practical
skills.
Psychological Method
of teaching
ADVANTAGES:

13. Gives an understanding
of what research is and
how to apply the scientific
method of research
Gives training in
organizing data gathered
from real materials object
and how these objects are
manipulated to attain the
objectives.
CONTINUE..
 Since students come in
contact with real life
situations, it can be a
preparation for solving real
life problems.

14. Poor planning & lack of
direction of teacher may
result in wasting of time
& can create complication.
All knowledge cannot
be verified through
experiments.
Shortage of resources.
Lack of funds.
Teacher find it difficult
to attend to the individual
needs of the students.
DISADVANTAGES:

15. Uneconomical way
of learning in time
and material.
 Need experienced
and well qualified
teachers only
DISADVANTAGES:

16. 1. PREPARATION / INTRODUCTORY STEP
In this step which provides for motivation and
orientation, the following factors should be taken into
account.
(a) Determination of Laboratory workto be done.
-- the first step is an explanation of the problem or
other work to be done, This may be called
presentation.
-- here is the teacher's opportunity to motivate the
students.
But if the work is to be planned co-operatively
by the students and the teacher, the first step is to
determine by means of class discussion, the nature of
the problem or the work to be done.
STEPS IN LABORATORY METHOD:

17. (b) Determination of the Plan of Work.
-- the second step is to get clearly in mind what is
to be done.
This may be set forth by the teacher who
gives the necessary directions for both individual
and group work. Since this work is likely to take
more time than one period as it consists of various
activities, written directions in the form of guide
sheets, manuals, work-books and so on should be
used.
The introductory step thus considers the
problem and the objectives of the work as well as
of the plan of work to be carried out. After
considering the first step, we now discuss the
second one-work period.

18. 2. ACTUAL WORK PERIOD
-- the laboratory activity should take the form of a supervised
work-period in which groups or individuals have their
particular work to do
-- the students can work individually or collectively on a
particular problem or on different problems
-- directions must be very specific
-- the length of the work periods should be determined by the
nature of the problems and the objectives
If the laboratory work occupies several days, it may be
desirable to have the class meet as group each day,
preferably at the beginning of the period for a discussion of
the problems, progress and to receive criticisms, suggestions
or directions from the teacher.

19. 2. CULMINATING ACTIVITIES
When the members of a class have completed their
laboratory work, the class should meet for discussion and
organization of findings or for presentation of the results of
individual work.
The following types of activities may be used:
1.Students re-state the problem that the group has been working on
and explain its nature and importance.
2. Review of the plan for solving the problem and organization of plan
for recording the data gathered.
3.Presentation of illustrative material or special contributions by
students working on special problems.
…

20. …
4.Where students are working on individual projects, special reports
may be given before the group, together with an exhibition of their
work.
5. Note-books and written reports may be completed for final recordof
work.
6.Work of the class may be exhibited and rated by members of the
class or by competent judges from outside.
7. Exhibits of various projects may be set up and explained by then-
sponsors.
8.Tests or examinations may be used as a means of measuring
achievement relative to certain outcomes.
Since it would be impracticable to have too great a variety of
culminating activities, those chosen should be adapted to the particular
needs of the class, as well as to the time available. Written reports and
summaries may be required to assure adequate participation of all the
class in the completion of the work.

21. 1. Think safety first
2. Know emergency responses
3. Know what your working with
4. Use the smallest possible amounts
5. Follow all safety procedures
6. Report dangerous activity or
situations
7. Store and handle hazardous
materials safety
8. If you don’t know ASK!
LAB SAFETY TIPS:

23. THANK YOU ALL
Ms Minakshi Jaswal
Assistant Professor