How we work with terminology in Biology and Sports Science classes
As I wrote in the previous article, memorizing the vast amount of biological and medical terminology in subjects like biology and sports presents a serious challenge for 12th and 13th grade students.
How do we solve this problem in class?
- We begin each new topic with an introduction to the terminology.
— Each student receives a printed and electronic version of all the terminology for the topic, along with explanations.
— Students have time in class to independently read all the information they receive and, if necessary, supplement it with their own comments.
— We read each term aloud and look for associations that might help students remember its meaning.
— Using the meaning of the term, students formulate questions and ask each other.
- In the next lesson, students work in pairs or individually with flashcards on the given terminology.
— Students themselves check the correctness of the term-meaning pairs using the terminology sheets, or other students act as checkers.
– When checking the correctness of assignments, students like Abigel and Roberta, acting as tutors, do not try to correct mistakes themselves, but ask guiding questions to students to help them find the correct answers.
- We use terminology presentations during introductions and overviews. First, a series of slides with terms without their definitions is shown, and students must explain their meaning. Then comes a series of slides with definitions, but without the terms, and students, after reading the definitions, must name the term.
- Creating concept maps on the topic, with mandatory use of terminology.
– Students complete this task as homework and/or on the whiteboards in class, individually, in pairs, or in groups, followed by an explanation and peer review.
- Game: Who can name the most terms beginning with the letter … on the topic?
However, regardless of how much time we devote to working with terminology in class, students must complete the majority of this work at home. If a student systematically works through a vocabulary list, uses flashcards to prepare for lessons, reads the topic aloud and with comprehension, formulates questions about what they’ve read, and answers them using appropriate terminology, they will be active and effective in class, helping others.
Terminology is like a foreign language. To know and understand it, rote memorization is not enough; it must be actively used: reading more, listening to and watching videos on the topic, taking notes, creating diagrams and concept maps.
The road is mastered by the one who walks it.
