Educational Specification - Research Proposal Example

EDUCATIONAL SPECIFICATIONS Introduction The planning aspect for the development of an educational facility involves the consideration of numerous aspects aimed at ensuring the project delivers the objectives identified at the beginning of the project. Process planning is a major component that is utilised in estimating the requirements of the project in terms of various resources associated within the implementation process. The planning process is conducted through the combined efforts of different individuals with the aim of ensuring the best possible result and development of the project implementation design. Planning seeks to identify the main requirements for the project in order to ensure that the objectives are met during the implementation process for the project. During the planning phase various project parameters including functional, philosophic, environmental and operational aspects are considered, with the aim of producing a comprehensive plan for implementing a project. I. Philosophy The need to improve teaching within schools has necessitated the transformation of the methods utilized in teaching. There is an increased need to academic relevance of the theoretical materials being taught to be applicable within practical settings outside the classroom. While this serves as an encouragement to students on the viability of materials being taught, this is a core factor that enhances the understanding of the theoretical concepts presented in class. Conducting laboratory studies, especially within the STEM field has been described a core element in teaching within this field (Culbertson, Daugherty, & Merrill, 2004). This project has been developed and implemented based on the philosophy of ensuring practicality of teaching within the STEM field. The goal of the project is the presentation of a facility that can be utilized by teachers and students in conducting practical tests within the field of STEM. The objectives of the project will include the following To provide a space that supports learning and academic development among the various users of the program. To develop an approach for managing the conflict that might arise between budgetary constraints and educational requirements; this might necessitate elimination of some educational elements in favor of others. To provide comprehensive educational specifications linking the educational program with the facility design, while documenting the essential features of the completed facility. To ensure that the educators play an active role in the development of the facility. To enhance constructive dialogue between the designers and the educators for effective implementation of the program. II. Instructional Program Scope and sequence of courses The facility will be utilized by junior high school students for conducting many of their introductory practicals in STEM subjects. The program will involve the integration of interdisciplinary courses aimed at linking learners’ capabilities with the available opportunities, through discovery, explorations and problem solving aspects of the various disciplines. This will enhance achievement of a project based learning environment through conducting learning within the facility. The facility will be utilized for educational programs in mathematics, science and educational technology. The courses offered within the facility for junior high school students will include the following Science of technology Intermediate algebra Physical science Course descriptions Science of technology – the course will provide an opportunity for students to conduct laboratory investigations, by means of scientific methods and come up with informed decisions through scientific problem solving methodologies. The students will exploit technological methods in making scientific deductions and problem solving. Intermediate algebra – this course is aimed at providing understanding of the foundation concepts essential for high school mathematics. The course involves linear functions of algebra and quadratic and non-linear functions of the same. The course will seek to enhance the reasoning process, and its application in problem solving in real world situations. Physical science – this course aims at providing student with an understanding of nature and the gain extensive knowledge on the technological application of the principles of physical sciences. Students will plan and conduct laboratory experiments and reviews of literature from electronic sources. Activities The current teaching system involves students receiving instructions from the teachers mainly on ta theoretical part. The practicality and utilization of the learnt theories within the real world is relatively limited within the contexts of the current teaching methodology. The teachers as well as the students will handle various activities based on the course in which they will be undertaking. Generally, many of the courses will include practical activities aimed at enhancing the skills which the students have. The courses will include carious practical based teaching methods, seeking to evaluate the students understanding of the educational elements and their application in the real world. Lesson plans Title: solving linear equations By: Mr. Edwards Duration: 4 hours Primary subject: math Overview: students work in groups of 3-5 to create approaches for solving linear equations. Each group will be expected to undertake internet research of ways of solving linear equations. Rationale: the lesson will enable the students to begin learning how to work in groups. Skills required for future topics in algebra will also be assessed in seeking to estimate the capability for improving the performance of the students. Title: understanding nature of scientific inquiries By: Mr. McDonald Duration: 2 hours Primary subject: technology Overview: review what entails a scientific inquiry in order to establish the understanding of the students regarding the students’ knowledge. This will be essential in determining the approaches which the students Rationale: the students will be able to enhance their skills in conducting scientific inquiries and understand the various concepts utilized in ensuring completion of the enquiry. The nature of the study will include various parameters like communication and the defense of results from the investigations Title: basic structural concepts and properties of matter By: Ms. Ferguson Duration: 4 hours Primary subject: Physical science Overview: determine through observations, the properties of matter that define how matter behaves when subjected to different environmental conditions. Students will be able to categorize diverse matter according to the tests performed. Rationale: establish the properties of different compounds which are reflected in nature, through the interactions which occur among the molecules of the compound. This will determine the structural compositions of the molecules of the compounds. III. Space Needs The enrolment into the school will be estimated at 100 students per annum. This is mainly because the courses being provided within the school provide students with essential skills for progressing into the next academic stage. This enrolment will be subdivided into four classes each containing approximately 25 students per class. In seeking to enhance the aspects of socialization, allocation to the specific classrooms will be undertaken randomly, without consideration. The facility will include four classrooms of approximately 900 square feet, which will be for conducting class activities. The experimental studies will be conducted within the laboratory which will be approximately 1200 square feet in size. On the periphery of the classrooms shall be other facilities which will be utilized to provide support services to the classroom and ensure that teachers are capable to perform their functions effectively. These shall be a single office that will be used by the teachers in making preparation for the class sessions which are about to begin. There shall also be a store that will be used to keep the equipment utilized by teachers in undertaking coursework and delivering instructions to students. The office and the storage room will be 200 square foot each. Each classroom will be able to accommodate about 25 students at any given session, and with four classrooms available all the students will be accommodated within the facility. The lessons will be conducted in three sessions on each learning day inside the classrooms or the laboratory. Three sessions per day will ensure that the facility is utilized effectively and to the maximum capability. Within the block that has been developed, other utilities will be available. Within the context of the building that has been proposed, laboratories utilized for technological studies will be provided with power and data cables. These will be utilized to power computers and enhance connectivity to the internet in seeking to enhance the learning aspect within the school environment. Hot and cold water taps will also be provided within the instruction area, as the teachers might require cleaning some of the equipment utilized by within the learning environment. Other than the utilities that are essential to undertake learning activities, all the buildings will be fitted with different furniture including tables and chairs. These will facilitate the undertaking of various class related activities as per the course requirements. IV. Space Relationships The school environment contains the whole space that shall be utilized for the improvement of the project. While this will be essential the program facility and classrooms are the largest facilitates within the school environment. The relationship between the school environment, classrooms, laboratory and the facility of presented within the bubble diagram indicated below. References Culbertson, C., Daugherty, M., & Merrill, C. (2004). Effects of Modular Technology Education on Junior High Students’ Achievement Scores. Journal of Technology Education, 16(1), 7–20.  Read More