The implementation of educational media by biology teachers in the Thohoyandou area

Abstract

M.Ed.

Teaching and learning activity is characterised by effective communication. Teaching and learning as communication is successful when the learner has taken in new information with understanding. Effective teaching cannot take place unless effective communication takes place. On the other hand effective communication depends on media that are used in the teaching-learning activity (Heinich, et al, 1989: 13). In the teaching and learning of biology, educational media are important. The study of biology is a practical venture that requires the use of media e.g. realia, models, pictures and chemicals. Biology needs to be learnt through active participation, experience, observation and investigation by both the learner and the educator. This is not possible without the . use of media. In real life, the learner's senses are stimulated by media such as real objects, pictures, radio, television, books, etc. In the teaching of biology, the learner's senses must be equally stimulated. It is therefore necessary that the biology teacher be continuously reminded of the Chinese proverb which says, " I hear, and I forget; I see and I remember. I do, and I understand" (Dwyer, 1993: 194).