A modular course in microbiology for kibbutz schools: Design, management,implementation.

Abstract

The kibbutz is an Israeli collective settlement which is characterised by: i. Group living ii. Communal ownership iii. Co-operative enterprise iv. Communal childcare and education.;V. Non-selective school system Kibbutz children often tend to: i. Lack learning motivation.;ii. Be reluctant to work independently. A course in biology was designed to increase learning motivation and independent learning among the kibbutz high school students. Microbiology was chosen as the subject matter of the new course to extend the existing biology curriculum, and because it can be relevant and interesting to the target population. A modular course "Micro-organisms and man" was designed. The learning material was divided into two parts: i. Compulsory, core material ii. Elective learning material The learning strategy of the innovation included: i. An integrated sequence of modes of learning ii. A variety of learning media with an emphasis on audio-visual aids. A case-study was carried out in an experimental school, designed to gather information about the suitability of the materials and learning strategy for the 10th grade students. The trial showed that the microbiology course was feasible and suitable for the kibbutz high school population. A field study was carried out in six trial schools. An illuminative and formative style of evaluation was used. Data collecting procedures included interviews, observation, opinionnaires and tests. The major findings of the evaluation study indicated that: i. The modules were suitable ii. The subject matter was interesting iii. Independent learning by students increased iv. Learning motivation of students improved V. Management problems still existed, mainly with independent learning. vi. Various implementation routes were possible. During the diffusion and dissemination process several patterns were observed: i. Official, unofficial and semi-official channels were used. ii. Personal and impersonal, accidental and planned communications took part. iii. Local, regional and national workshops were held. iv. A locally-based course became a part of a national biology curriculum. Future developments could include: i. A pre-training course for teachers and laboratory assistants. ii. Improving the management system by revising the Management Guides and by other means. iii. Maintaining research on the diffusion and dissemination processes.

Date of Award	1982
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	University of Bath