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December 14, 2018
Discover effective strategies for enhancing biology essay writing skills, with practical tips to overcome writer's block and support longer responses.
Garland, H (2018, December 14). Supporting Longer Written Answers in Biology. Retrieved from https://www.structural-learning.com/post/supporting-longer-written-answers-in-biology
My research project consisted of two focus groups: a higher ability year 9 group studying for GCSE Combined Science and a year 12 group that are studying A-Level Biology. Learners from all groups were given longer written response questions, but in addition, the year 12 students will be given essay questions to complete. They were given graphic organisers to help organise their thoughts prior to the questions. Marks for these questions were recorded to baseline students’ performance. I also recorded the level of engagement of three students chosen at random using the engagement sheet in Paul Main’s research booklet.
During the research, learners were given bricks with pre-printed cards to organise in different ways as a collaborative exercise in small groups. Depending on the question / task, prior to completing a graphic organiser they then attempted the essay / longer response examination question. As the research time frame moved on I then did not provide pre-printed cards and instead asked students to generate and write their own terms to use on the bricks.
As this was a collaborative task, the dialogue that ensued afforded all students the opportunity to develop and answer to the longer response questions. They then worked independently on a visual organiser and then finally completed the longer written response question.
The Impact of the structural bricks was highly positive on two accounts. Firstly, the oracy skills and confidence of students that were intrinsically reluctant to share their ideas improved. When questioned after the tasks students agreed that sharing their ideas and reorganising their thoughts helped them plan their written responses, plus it helped make the concept memorable. One student referred to picturing the group structure made from the structural bricks in her mind, whilst answering the question.
Results for both engagement levels and marks in the longer written responses improved.Indeed, I analysed the results of the class before using the structural bricks and after using the bricks using a paired t test and the difference in the data was significant (P≤0.05).
The blocks made for engaging lessons which flowed with natural steps with clearly defined transitions and opportunities for peer and teacher led interventions. Firstly students sorted or generated the key terms. I was able to check that students had categorised the terms logically and query any I didn’t think were correct. Then students worked collaboratively to make links between the terms as to build their structures. Again I could intervene if the connections between the terms was incorrect of poorly justified by the student.
The final activity involved students sharing their structures with other groups.They then completed a visual organiser task e.g. Double bubble diagram if they were comparing concepts e.g. Cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity. Finally, they attempted the relevant examination question. I measured a significant improvement in pupil performance.
I plan to use the blocks with key stage 4 more frequently to help them organise their thoughts including information on the 7 required practicals they have to complete for Biology. I can use them to organise variables and methods. I also look forward to using the structural blocks with Key stage 3 students prior to their assessment tests as a way to consolidate knowledge and intervene if any misconceptions are highlighted through their use. The activities will also help extend student’s oracy skills.
My research project consisted of two focus groups: a higher ability year 9 group studying for GCSE Combined Science and a year 12 group that are studying A-Level Biology. Learners from all groups were given longer written response questions, but in addition, the year 12 students will be given essay questions to complete. They were given graphic organisers to help organise their thoughts prior to the questions. Marks for these questions were recorded to baseline students’ performance. I also recorded the level of engagement of three students chosen at random using the engagement sheet in Paul Main’s research booklet.
During the research, learners were given bricks with pre-printed cards to organise in different ways as a collaborative exercise in small groups. Depending on the question / task, prior to completing a graphic organiser they then attempted the essay / longer response examination question. As the research time frame moved on I then did not provide pre-printed cards and instead asked students to generate and write their own terms to use on the bricks.
As this was a collaborative task, the dialogue that ensued afforded all students the opportunity to develop and answer to the longer response questions. They then worked independently on a visual organiser and then finally completed the longer written response question.
The Impact of the structural bricks was highly positive on two accounts. Firstly, the oracy skills and confidence of students that were intrinsically reluctant to share their ideas improved. When questioned after the tasks students agreed that sharing their ideas and reorganising their thoughts helped them plan their written responses, plus it helped make the concept memorable. One student referred to picturing the group structure made from the structural bricks in her mind, whilst answering the question.
Results for both engagement levels and marks in the longer written responses improved.Indeed, I analysed the results of the class before using the structural bricks and after using the bricks using a paired t test and the difference in the data was significant (P≤0.05).
The blocks made for engaging lessons which flowed with natural steps with clearly defined transitions and opportunities for peer and teacher led interventions. Firstly students sorted or generated the key terms. I was able to check that students had categorised the terms logically and query any I didn’t think were correct. Then students worked collaboratively to make links between the terms as to build their structures. Again I could intervene if the connections between the terms was incorrect of poorly justified by the student.
The final activity involved students sharing their structures with other groups.They then completed a visual organiser task e.g. Double bubble diagram if they were comparing concepts e.g. Cell mediated immunity and humoral immunity. Finally, they attempted the relevant examination question. I measured a significant improvement in pupil performance.
I plan to use the blocks with key stage 4 more frequently to help them organise their thoughts including information on the 7 required practicals they have to complete for Biology. I can use them to organise variables and methods. I also look forward to using the structural blocks with Key stage 3 students prior to their assessment tests as a way to consolidate knowledge and intervene if any misconceptions are highlighted through their use. The activities will also help extend student’s oracy skills.
