This week in my Masters of Educational Technology course (ETEC 565), we were introduced to Boris. Boris is at teacher of Chemistry 11. He is technologically competent and is using Moodle to “disseminate lecture notes, lab forms and to answer student questions outside of class time”.
Each year, Boris finds that approximately half of his students are unable to memorize the periodic table. Boris would like to create a stand alone review tool to help students learn the table. As a cohort, we have been asked to respond to Boris’ dilemma and I presume to suggest appropriate ways for Boris to meet his objectives.
Good news, Boris! No where in the learning outcomes for Chemistry 11 are students required to memorize the periodic table. What is asked is the following –
E4 draw conclusions about the similarities and trends in the properties of elements, with reference to the periodic table
Provide your student with a paper or electronic copy of the periodic table and use your assessment review tool for other purposes.
I myself could never learn it by heart! Why should people memorize something they do not use in the everyday life… If it should be remembered maybe teachers should use methods to ease this process for the kids.
Good advice!