Experiences

New training material as the key to the minds of pupils

Inga Mateusa-Krūkle

Latvia

Vocational School

Chemistry

Teaching in class

Direct

It is not easy to teach such a specific and complex subject of chemical technology to 17-19 year olds.
Firstly, the teacher should be competent in several exact spheres. He should be flexible enough to explain terms of physics, chemistry and mechanics as well as jump from one to another at any time.There are much mathematics and many formulas which should be understood and applied for solving tasks.
Secondly, study materials are very old , there are no modern and simple course books. I have to search for some material myself and to intergrate it in the already existing study material.
Thirdly, studying is encumbered by students' unwillingness and disinterest of the subject.So I try to make tests easier and homework more creative for the students .When solving tasks I allow to use the formulas because I think it is important for students to solve the tasks practically , not get low marks.
I make the students to find production equipment which corresponds to the processes and schemes from modern plants and describe their operation. At least they learn something from it.If they are active in class I give them plus points. It motivates students to think during the lessons. On the whole, for me the study material and the interest of the students seem like an enchanted circle.The more interesting the lessons, the better marks students earn.