Lore of Learning/Stories of Learning/Stories/(1) Illustration Story 1

=(1) Collaborative Chemistry=

Description
One of my most positive learning experiences occurred in a Chemistry class. The class was required to work on a (titration) problem and then discuss their approaches to solving the problem.Answers varied and learners checked their assumptions and reached a broad consensus on a particular value as the answer.

The teacher was really good at explaining concepts and made the subject extremely exciting. class When writing this section: briefly describe your most positive learning experience. Think back to a time when you can say you really learned something. It might have been at school in a particular class, or at university in a particular tutorial, or while you were at work, or busy at home, or with friends in a completely different situation. (one or two short paragraphs)

Motivating Factors
We were studying a school subject in preparation for public exams, and needed to understand the concepts to pass the exams. I also had a particular fascination for the subject.

Factors which made this a positive experience

 * The teacher's enthusiasm made the subject (chemistry) exciting.
 * Having the opportunity to discuss our thinking with class-mates was really useful. The discussions often continued after class.

Why these factors were important in making the experience so positive

 * Chemistry can be boring if not presented in the right way.
 * I could not always understand what the teachers were trying to get us to understand. Often, having the concept explained by someone else in the class (another learner) worked better.
 * Having realised this, we were all more willing to discuss our understanding of things from various classes - less worried about being accused of copying, or getting other people to do our work for us. As a group, the class became more orientated towards really understanding the work, rather than just getting the homework done.

Level and Location
Indicate which of: [ ] junior school [ ] high school [*] higher education [ ] a short course [ ] at work [ ] at home Other: ................ (explain)

This experience occurred during the early years of high school (age 14). while I was at high school in southern Africa in the early 1980s. The school was well resourced, but no computers or Internet.