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IB Physics Teachers Honing Skills of Guiding Students’ Practical Work

October 8, 2016

IB Physics Teachers Honing Skills of Guiding Students’ Practical Work

Both in the real world and at high school level, theory and experimentation play complementary roles in science. The 1st examination of the current syllabus started in May 2016. IB physics teachers are trying to further improve the empirical aspect of their course for the coming school year, as well as various other aspects.

Practical work reinforces students’ understanding of theoretical concepts and allows students to develop manipulative and technological skills, and also aids their collaboration with fellow students. Since the implementation of most experiments is left to the teacher, modifications of these experiments will be made based on prior experience in order to make sure students have experienced a wide range of topics and investigatory techniques before starting the IA.

The IA is a scientific investigation which is unique for each student. The teacher is there to guide the student from its beginning to its end. Teachers will encourage and guide students to focus, research and develop a workable research question which is achievable within a given time limit. Besides hands-on investigations, students will be encouraged to try other types of project such as modeling and spreadsheet investigations, database investigations, computer-simulation investigations and hybrid investigations.

Although the teacher guides the student throughout their IA work, it remains the student’s responsibility to formulate the research question and to carry out the work. Teachers will encourage students to take the initiative on a daily basis.

(Written by Wang Zuomei Picture by Wang Zuomei)