Relevant initiatives

Development and aprobation of continuing education programme “Biology teacher professional development”

University of Latvia

2007-2007

National

Teaching Methodology, On-line Game

Biology

Latvian

Teachers, Students

Aim of the project is to contribute professional development of biology teachers, promoting knowledge, qualification and competences required in a modern, growing labor market, ensure each individual’s personal development, providing the freedom to choose acquisition of program regarding to their own needs and interests.
It is provided within project to develop a biology teacher training program consisting of 4 separate modules (A – theoretical module (24 h), B – biology teaching methodological module (18 h), C – practical work module (18 h), D – use of ICT in biology (36 h), witch will increase teachers' pedagogical and ICT competences. In program development are involved academic staff and practival teachers. After the establishment of the program there is prepared teaching materials and as a teaching tool for learning biology increase the efficiency of a digital computer game (with open source options). Teaching materials and computer game is available on project home page. 12 teachers from Riga and 2 teachers from regions are trained within the project.

Available online materials only Latvian. Useful for Latvian teachers in biology teaching.Materials cover a large range of problems.Didactic materialsand handouts.Help practical classes.There are references to other news sources.
http://www.dmoz.org/Kids_and_Teens/Directories/
http://www.kidsclick.org/

Available online material on the topics of biology is ideal for use as a handout for students. The materials have been prepared in a simple and understandable way.
Available modules for teaching a variety of options is a great tool for a teacher to develop a creative and different approach to teaching. As well as keeping track of time, the use of innovative methods and IT technologies in teaching for young people today are much more interesting. All materials are freely available on the Internet.

Handouts by the teacher offered in lessons of biology is a good summary of each theme. Web-based student-made presentations on various topics are easy to understand and interesting for me too, and also I, as student, am motivated to make my own presentations and materials in studying biology.