Teaching Biology

Girija Gopalakrishnan | Teacher | Kasiga International School

What is Teaching Biology?

A Career in Teaching Biology is very intriguing. Almost everyone seems to be talking about How to start a Career in Teaching Biology, while one should first develop an understanding of What is a Career in Teaching Biology. Just like you would normally not trust a non Doctor with names of medicines, you should also not trust opinions about Teaching Biology from non professionals.

Teacher Girija Gopalakrishnan invested 38 years in Teaching Biology. According to Teacher Girija Gopalakrishnan, Teaching Biology is:

Teaching Biology involves introducing students to all manner of significant processes, from the human body to the natural world. Biology is one of the central branches of scientific knowledge, and is relevant to topics including medicine, genetics, zoology, ecology, and public policy.

How Teacher Girija Gopalakrishnan got into Teaching Biology?

After doing B Sc in Life Sciences & Chemistry from MKP College, I did M Sc in Botany from DAV College. I have also done B Ed and Ph D in Microbial Ecology from North Eastern Hill University, Shillong. I write travelogues, blogs and books. I teach Biology, English and Environment Awareness.

Teacher Girija Gopalakrishnan's Talk on Teaching Biology

The Journey of a Biology Teacher: Embracing Challenges and Inspiring Minds with Girija Gopalakrishnan In the realm of education, few careers are as impactful and rewarding as that of a biology teacher. Girija Gopalakrishnan, a passionate educator with decades of experience, offers us a glimpse into her life and career dedicated to teaching biology. With her extensive background and innovative approach to education, she shares her insights into the joys and challenges of guiding the next generation of students through the complexities of life sciences. In this article, we will delve into what teaching biology entails, the educational requirements and skills necessary for success, the positives and challenges faced by educators, and a typical day in the life of a biology teacher. What Is Teaching Biology? Teaching biology involves more than just imparting knowledge about the structure and function of living organisms; it encompasses conveying the intricate web of life that connects all forms of existence. Girija highlights that biology is a dynamic field that integrates various scientific disciplines, including anatomy, physiology, ecology, and environmental studies. As biology encompasses the study of plants, animals, and their interactions with their environments, educators must adeptly navigate a vast curriculum while making complex concepts accessible and engaging for students. This dual role of facilitator and lifelong learner is essential for any biology teacher. Education Life Sciences To become a competent biology teacher, one must have a solid foundation in life sciences, which includes an understanding of various biological processes and life forms. Girija emphasizes the necessity of formal education, requiring teachers to complete graduation and post-graduation in biological sciences and environmental studies. This educational background equips educators with the knowledge required to teach complex topics effectively while staying current with advancements in the field. Anatomy & Physiology A thorough understanding of anatomy and physiology is crucial for biology educators as it forms the backbone of many lessons. Girija explains that teachers must be well-versed in both plant and animal anatomy to cover topics that affect us directly, such as human physiology and plant functions. This knowledge provides teachers with the necessary competence to engage students and make the subject matter relatable to everyday life. Science The study of biology is fundamentally rooted in scientific principles, making a strong grasp of the sciences essential for biology teachers. Girija points out that comprehension in chemistry and physics is vital, as biological processes often intersect with these disciplines. By integrating scientific concepts, biology educators can foster a comprehensive understanding of life processes and instill a curiosity in their students. Skills Communication Effective communication is paramount for a biology teacher. Girija states that being able to articulate complex ideas clearly through verbal explanation or visual aids is essential. This includes using words and drawings to create vivid representations of biological concepts. Strong communication skills enable a teacher to engage students actively and facilitate discussions that enhance learning. Sketching Skills Given the highly visual nature of biology, sketching skills play an important role in teaching. According to Girija, teachers must be adept at quickly illustrating concepts on the board to clarify processes like photosynthesis or cellular structures. These visuals aid in student comprehension, making it easier for them to grasp intricate ideas through illustration. Linguistic Ability A biology teacher must possess strong linguistic abilities to interpret scientific literature and simplify complex information for students. Girija emphasizes the importance of being able to read and understand research papers, allowing teachers to convey the latest findings and trends in a manner that is engaging and relatable. Observation Skills Observation skills are crucial for biology teachers as they allow for real-time assessments of the biological phenomena occurring in their environments. Girija explains that a teacher must keenly observe the flora and fauna available within a specific context to enrich lessons with relevant, real-world experiences. Scientific Method An understanding of the scientific method is essential for guiding students through experiments and projects. Girija discusses how biology educators must not only be knowledgeable about forming hypotheses and collecting data but also model this approach for their students. By instilling a scientific mindset, educators empower students to think critically and independently. Experimenting Attitude An innovative and experimental attitude is crucial for biology teachers, as demonstrating concepts through hands-on experiments enhances student engagement and understanding. Girija notes that teachers need to design simple experiments that can be conducted during class, ensuring that students can see biological processes in action. Positives Understanding Web of Life One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching biology is the opportunity to help students understand the interconnectedness of life. As Girija points out, biology lessons nurture awareness of ecosystems, biodiversity, and the delicate balance required for sustaining life on Earth, which can inspire students to become environmentally conscious citizens. Interesting Subject Biology is often perceived as an intriguing subject by students, as it involves the exploration of living organisms and their interactions. Girija's experiences show that the engaging nature of biology can ignite curiosity in students, making classroom experiences vibrant and dynamic. Multiple Career Options Teaching biology opens the door to numerous career avenues beyond just medicine. Girija highlights that biology education prepares students for varied paths, including environmental science, wildlife conservation, and biotechnology. This versatility enhances the appeal of biology as a field of study. Environmental Awareness Biology teachers serve as ambassadors for environmental awareness, fostering a respect for nature among their students. Girija emphasizes the importance of instilling eco-consciousness in future generations, helping them become stewards of the environment. Awareness about Health Teaching health concepts alongside biology is integral to the role of a biology teacher. According to Girija, providing students with knowledge about nutrition and the human body can significantly influence their understanding of personal health and well-being. Challenges Teaching Tough Terms One of the major challenges faced by biology teachers is helping students learn and retain complex terminologies. Girija notes that terms in biology can be lengthy and difficult to understand, necessitating innovative teaching methods to assist students in memorization and retention. Making Students Draw Encouraging students to practice sketching can be another daunting task. Many students struggle with their drawing abilities, making it difficult for them to translate concepts into their notebooks. Girija stresses the importance of teaching students that simple sketches can effectively communicate observations without requiring advanced artistic skills. Visual Subject The inherently visual nature of biology poses unique challenges for educators. Many concepts in biology occur at microscopic levels, and Girija acknowledges that teachers must develop students' abilities to visualize complex ideas, which can be difficult to achieve. Teaching Different Students Every student has unique strengths and weaknesses, making differentiation in instruction a significant challenge for biology teachers. Girija explains that teachers must adapt their approaches to reach students with varying levels of understanding, which requires creativity and flexibility. Myth among Students A prevalent myth among students is the notion that a biology-focused education limits them to medical careers alone. Girija highlights the need for biology teachers to communicate the vast opportunities available in the field, which often requires overcoming preconceived beliefs about biology as a discipline. A Day Of Teaching Biology A typical day for a biology teacher begins with meticulous planning and preparation. Girija describes how she prioritizes arriving early to class, ensuring that the board is filled with sketches, diagrams, and visual aids to greet her students upon arrival. Each day is a juggle of lessons across different grade levels, ensuring that students are engaged with the right experiments or field observations tailored to their specific curriculum requirements. The classroom often buzzes with the excitement of hands-on activities, with teachers demonstrating complex biological concepts through experiments or interactive lessons. Furthermore, the biology teacher is instrumental in selecting appropriate specimens and arranging classroom materials to facilitate dynamic discussions and explorations. As Girija conveys, the teacher’s role extends beyond memorization; it is about instilling confidence in students through hands-on learning experiences. By preparing meticulously for each class, biology educators inspire curiosity, provoke thought, and encourage students to explore the wonders of life science. Teaching biology is not just a profession; it is a calling that demands passion, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to nurturing young minds. Biology teachers like Girija Gopalakrishnan play a crucial role in shaping the future by instilling an understanding of life sciences and environmental stewardship in their students. As she highlights, the journey of a biology teacher is filled with challenges and rewards, affirming the profound impact educators have in fostering curious, informed, and compassionate citizens.

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How to get into

Teaching Biology?

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Links for this Talk

Teacher Girija Gopalakrishnan's LifePage:

[LifePage]
https://www.lifepage.in/page/girijagopalakrishnan

LifePage Career Talk on Teaching Biology

[Career]
https://www.lifepage.in/careers/teaching-biology-1

[Full Talk]
https://lifepage.app.link/20171211-0007

[Trailer]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bruYK0sogqA

(Teaching Biology, Girija Gopalakrishnan, Kasiga International School, Teacher, Education, Professor, Educationist, Biologist)

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