Tan Joe Ven (MIC180047)

GIG1005 SOCIAL ENGAGEMENT 

Reflective Writing 

Tan Joe Ven (MIC180047) Date: 21 March 2020 

What makes biology learning difficult? We found out that students often find it difficult in learning biology especially the topic of ‘Genes and Chromosomes’. The most important part is that we, as a biology student, often memorize biology concepts, word by word, mainly for the sake of getting good grades in examinations as they are mostly imaginary knowledge. However, we may not realize the importance of hands-on learning in building a basic grounding in genetic engineering studies. With the help of teaching through practical work and experiential learning, biology learning had become more interesting, more understandable, and more relatable to everyday life. Besides that, it may be a tool to channel student’s enthusiasm for scientific discovery as early as possible. 

My experience on the activities conducted which includes internal workshops which was held on 26th and 29th February 2020 as well as fieldwork which conducted at SMK Sri Aman on 28th February 2020 has made me realize that how important it is to channel and develop passion in scientific discovery since young as well as how important it is to work in a team with team spirit and good communication skill. These activities aim to convey genetic knowledge especially in DNA extraction and DNA fingerprinting to Form 4 and Form 5 students via lecture session on principle and concept of DNA, quizzes, and hands-on experiment to extract own DNA and plant DNA using house hold materials. 

On 28th February 2020, 37 of us from Year 2 Group 1 and Year 2 Group 2 reached SMK Sri Aman by Grab Car and the fieldwork started at 1pm sharp in the assembly hall. Students were seated in their seat and then we began our presentation on our topic- “The Secret of Life: DNA”. During the lecture, some of the students looked a bit confused as the knowledge that we conveyed was still new to them and somehow very detailed so that it can be used as extra knowledge for the students. Therefore, some of us helped out and further explained to those students who were having trouble or being curious to know more. After that, we moved to Biology Laboratory and conducted the hands-on activity as well as the quizzes with the students. Students were grouped into 7 groups and we explained and guided them in extracting DNA. 

The students were showing interest regarding the principle of DNA Isolation, and we did explain the functions of the materials used in extracting DNA to them. After the practical work conducted, we did some sharing with the students and so they had clearer image on the topic we taught as well as their future studies. 

However, there were some problems that occurred throughout the fieldwork. There were some of the students who came in late for the practical, and the conduction of the activity was somehow not smooth enough where some of the groups have insufficient materials such as isopropanol and have to walk around and get it from others group. Besides that, during quiz session, there were some misunderstanding among our members and the students regarding the answer for some of the questions we provided. We should have made sure all of the members can answer all the questions that had been asked by the students without hesitation by ensuring that we had completely understood the topic that we discussed and had brainstormed all possible questions that might be asked by the students before we conducted the activities at SMK Sri Aman. The students in my group were very active and excited whereby they smashed too hard on the fruits which placed in a plastic bag, causing the breakage of 3 plastic bag after all. From this experience, we need to learn how to control the students and lead them in conducting the experiment properly. During the demonstration session before the hands-on experiment, we should explain all of the details to the students. In this case, we must mention that the importance of removing all the air in the plastic bag as the plastic bag might break due to the pressure inside the plastic bag. Besides that, I saw some of the students had lost interest during the activity. Hence, we must learn how to attract them and made them part of the experiment by having some sharing session, at the same time building interest in them. However, all of the problems that we encountered throughout the fieldwork did not dampen my mood on that day. I guess what was important was that the students gained the knowledge and enjoyed, at the same time we learnt from our mistake and improved ourselves to be a better person. I was so grateful seeing those smiling faces when the students were fighting for the prizes during quiz session. Being a volunteer in this activity made me realize the importance of teamwork, communication skills and teaching techniques and skill, at the same time knowing how important it is to have hands-on learning to enrich biology learning in secondary education and building basic grounding in genetic engineering studies, so that the knowledge that we learnt are applicable in our daily life. I am glad as given this golden opportunity to participate in Social Engagement and fulfill our responsibilities in the society by being a volunteer to make this world a better one. (885 words)