Supervised Study

 Supervised Study

The need for supervised study is much higher in the Indian context with overcrowded classrooms and a heavy curriculum. The classes generally comprise heterogeneous groups with bright, average and below average students in each class. It is thus impossible for a science teacher to cater to individual differences. This situation can be remedied by supervised study.

 

Supervised study is a method of teaching intended to promote optimum learning . The chief aim of this method is to help the pupils acquire good study techniques and become efficient learners.

 

 The main principle here also is self effort of the child in learning new things but under the expert supervision and guidance of the teacher. The pupils are kept busy at work assigned to them, when they  meet with a difficulty, immediately they can request the teacher for assistance and direction.

 

This will not only accelerate progress, but also help in avoiding or correcting errors then and there. The teacher has to move round, closely observing what each pupil is doing and in what manner and interfering with help and guidance whenever these are found necessary.

 

Supervised study should promote self-learning, which may motivate students to think through many aspects of a study assignment. The use of the library and its resources may constitute a vital part of the supervised study method.

 

 Supervised study is a practical method of teaching students what to study and how and also to bring the pupils into intimate contact with the teacher and the learning process. It gives the teacher a chance to provide individual help, remedial teaching and guidance to the learners whose learning strategies are poor and different.

 

The teacher acts as a director of the learning process, who thereby enables his pupils to achieve the maximum possible within the time available.  This method is also called Directed study.

 

 Activities during Supervised Study: The teacher can take up sone of the folloing tasks:

l Teach pupils to effectively memorize.

l Teach pupils to read rapidly and with understanding.

l Guide pupils in finding materials from books.

l Guide pupils in the use of reference books, maps, charts, diagrams e V. Guide pupils in the preparation of notes.

l Teach pupils to prepare reports.

l Supervise the collection and organisation of data.

l  Assist pupils in the formulation of hypothesis.

l Guide pupils in the direct observation of apparatus and specimen.

l Guide pupils in the interpretation of data, graphs, formulae, etc.

 

Planning for Supervised Study: There are several ways in which supervised study can be organised.

l Extra class: The teacher may stay after class and attend to the difficulties of the students or give review or drill and practice to students lagging behind in the class. However, not all teachers are so motivated.

l A special teacher plan: A special teacher is employed by the school to sit with students and clarify their doubts.

l Double period plan: The school time table is organised in such a way that each subject has two successive periods where one can be used for theoretical work and the other for review and drill or related practical work.

l Divided period plan: One period may be divided into two parts: one used for theoretical explanations and the other for practical work. This would require that a laboratory be close to the class.

l Library period plan: In this period, students may work in the library on Work assigned to them by the teacher. The students should be able to use references, prepare bibliographies and evaluate the relative importance of printed materials during a supervised study period. This activity can lead to creative thinking.

l  Extra period plan: An extra period is planned every day where the teacher assigns to each student a list of questions on an assignment sheet which they have to answer and submit.

 

 Advantages

l  It enables the teacher to give individual attention to pupils, particularly, who need it most.

l It enables pupils to get thorough training in study habits.

l It gives the pupils training in the effective use of library.

l  It makes the child responsible and self reliant.

l It encourages development of democratic human relations.

l It creates better teacher - pupil relation.

l It enforces daily preparation and accelerates student progress.

 

Supervised study should lead gifted and promising students to independent study; the ability to think independently and creatively and help the below average to make up the gap.