Survey
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
* Your assessment is very important for improving the workof artificial intelligence, which forms the content of this project
Changes to the CSEC Biology Syllabus NESCent Evolution Workshop Jamaica 2013 Elvis Enrique Nunez, M.Sc. General Goals The study of Biology is intended to assist students in: recognizing the dynamic nature of the interrelationships between organisms and their environment; developing a natural curiosity about living organisms and a respect for all living things and the environment; applying biological knowledge for further studies as well as in everyday life situations; recognizing the social and economic implications of Biology. Rationale for Changes to the Syllabus More emphasis on Understanding Concepts & Principles; less on Rote-Learning Applications of Knowledge. Less content; ready availability of content online Facilitate Critical Thinking- “Think Like A Biologist” More Inquiry-based Teaching &Learning Inter-relationship with Chem., Phys., Math etc. Better prepared for CAPE Improving pass Rate & Performance (See JEDIC; Nunez et. al, 2010) Some Major Changes Five (5) Sections Three (3) Sections (A) Living Organisms in the Environment (B) Life Processes and Diseases (C) Continuity and Variation Removal of some topics e.g. Nitrogen Cycle; Bones of the vertebral column; auxins… Simplification of other topics e.g. kidney; hormones More details on some topics e.g. Classification (A 1.1; 1.2); Inclusion of bacterium & Protista; Cell organelles. Focus Shift Greater emphasis on Molecular Biology; Genetics & Evolution; local & regional context (e.g. birds, lizards) Suggested Teaching and Learning Activities ◦ At the end of each section ◦ Designed to promote inquiry-based learning that caters to students with various learning styles ◦ Visual, Poetry, Posters, Models, Projects, Group discussion, Interpreting data Suggested Approach Teach Section A followed by B & C Teach to the Inter-relatedness; Suitability for assessing Practical Skills Place emphasis on concepts & skills; Ecological approach; local/regional examples Structure/Function-annotation Educated, Ethical-decision making Section C Continuity and Variation Sect. C- Expanded Notes to the Teacher & General Objectives. Three major tenets in Biology; - Cell Theory - Mendel’s Laws - Darwin’s Evolutionary Theory Section C General Objectives 1. Species Concept & two major forms of speciation 2. Importance of genetic variation (genes heredity) 5. Mechanisms for Biological Evolution (BE)Nat. Selection, mutation, gene flow, genetic drift 6. Evidence for BE & applications in Health, Agric., Biodiversity/Conservation Perspective Geologic Time; Age of Dinosaurs; Ice age etc Biodiversity.– Why Variation? How did it arise? New Species. Caribbean Islands