ENHANCING BIOLOGY LEARNING EXPERIENCE THROUGH PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES AND ONLINE TEACHING TOOLS

Abstract

In recent years, various initiatives have been taken by countries all over the world to increase students’ interests in the teaching of science subjects in order to meet demands of increasingly challenging curriculum in tertiary education. At the pre-university level (pre-U, hereafter) in Malaysia, Biology is a compulsory subject for students who wish to pursue life sciences related fields such as medicine, dentistry and health sciences. Transitioning, adapting and familiarizing oneself with the learning process at pre-U is a big shift for students, which puts great demands on lecturers to employ various activities in the classroom. One of the ways to enhance the teaching and learning process of Biology is through physical activities and online teaching tools which have been employed in Biology lectures and tutorials in the ASASIpintar, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia Program (Aspi, hereafter). Each method of employing physical activities and online teaching tools varies according to class size and time allocations. This practice can be applicable as initiatives (1) to make learning Biology at pre-U fun and entertaining, (2) to enhance students’ interest in learning Biology at pre-U and (3) to encourage innovation among lecturers in the teaching and learning of Biology at pre-U which is in line with STEM for 21^st century learning.