RESEARCH ON THE EFFICACY OF ACTIVE AND PARTICIPATORY METHODS IN BIOLOGY LESSONS

One reason for the success or failure of students in each class is the difference in the use of teaching methods. Student-centered or active-learning approaches to instruction have increasingly been promoted worldwide and valued because they are perceived to better prepare future citizens and often include the production of tangible result that can be immediately appreciated. Active-learning methods can be contrasted with traditional approaches emphasizing teacher lecturing or direct transmission of factual knowledge. In this study, the traditional methods and modern techniques were used and tested in rural school. Learning and competence levels of students in each of these classes (traditional and modern) were evaluated separately. Using participatory teaching and assessment methods prove to be effective, reducing the number of low and very low notes. Written tests give lower results than the annual average for each student in Biology. Early age students (girls and boys equally) considers knowledge of Biology and in the future would choose a profession in this field. To manage their classrooms, teachers increasingly seek methods to motivate students but some teachers may prefer didactic instruction because they are more comfortable in the role of information giver. It is not sufficient for teachers merely to be told about a different way to teach and to evaluate: is the necessity for teacher training.