Teachers' opinions on the possibilities of increasing the attractiveness of the subjects introduction to science, natural science, natural history, and biology more attractive at primary and secondary schools
Abstract
A number of studies show that the interest of pupils in primary and secondary schools in science subjects is declining. Most Czech authors study this issue from the perspective of pupils.
The aim of our research was therefore to find out the opinions and suggestions of teachers on the possibilities of making education more attractive and increasing the popularity of the subjects introduction to science, natural science, natural history, and biology in primary and secondary schools and to compare these school levels with each other. The research was carried out by qualitative analysis of semi-structured interviews with twelve active teachers from the Liberec region who teach the above-mentioned subjects at the first stage of primary school (4 teachers), second stage of primary school (4 teachers) and at higher and lower level of grammar school (= gymnasia; 4 teachers).
Respondents mentioned that everything depends on the teacher, the age, the social composition of the pupils, but also on the topic taught. Among the topics that are attractive to students, teachers namely, for example, human biology and zoology, especially mammals.
On the contrary, they considered the themes focused on minerals and rocks and botany to be unattractive. Most teachers mentioned that they like to teach topics that are popular with students.
The popularity of the subject can be increased, for example, by the use of visual aids and short videos and by the inclusion of inquiry-based research teaching. The pupils also appreciate the inclusion of practical examples and the knowledge they can use in their everyday life.