Database of Publications

2. ELECTRONIC HANDBOOK APPLICATION MODEL AT THE INITIAL REVIEW ON CHEMISTRY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION IN 8TH GRADE

Dora Chekanova

Sofia University

2011

Bulgarian

Newspaper / Magazine article

Young People, Researchers, Teachers

3 – 10 pages

The article presents a description of an innovative product – an electronic handbook on Chemistry and environmental protection, an algorithm for its use in the educational practice as well as the results of the pedagogical research on its application in the study of the section Initial review in 8th grade of secondary specialized language school. The electronic handbook is a software product for review, self control and self evaluation – after the end of the final test, students assess themselves using the six-point scale and the total number of points converts to a numeric score.
The content of the handbook is structured as per the sections in the curriculum and Chemistry and environmental protection textbooks and covers „Basic terms“, „Chemical symbols (chemical formulae and chemical equations) and valency“, „Chemical nomenclature. Formulae and names of some of the studied chemical compounds“. Each of the topics includes key words, short explanations of the key words, examples and test problems.

In author‘s opinion the use of electronic handbook gives options for independent studying, increases the interest in the subject Chemistry and environmental protection through the use of computer, enables easier summarizing and systematizing of knowledge, stimulates cognitive interest, activity, independence. It also contributes to the development of self control and quick self evaluation and development and aquiring of mental and active competence.
A short algorithm is presented for the use of the electronic handbook for initial review in the educational practice.
Positive and negative aspects of the handbook use are presented from teacher‘s point of view:
- Positive aspects: easy update of the curriculum, option for multiple use of training materials; option for automated control of knowledge and practical skills; option for increase of interest in the subject and students' motivation for learning.
- Negative aspects: need for computer work training and application of ICT; the creation of electronic handbook is complicated and takes time; not all pedagogical approaches can be implemented through the use of ICT.
The results of the experimental use of the handbook in the training process show that an extremely favorable atmosphere is created in classes and the work is much more effective. The given handbook is interesting, attractive and useful for students and motivates them to acquire new knowledge and skills.
The results and observations of practical work also show that the applied methodology of work leads to increased interest in e-learning, curiosity transformed to lasting interest and achievement of expected results from training.
The model presented is fully applicable to any school subject.

“Continuing education”, N 25, 2011 (ISSN 1312-899Х)