How to teach Chemistry in English efficiently?

ITT – Teaching Chemistry is a tough quest since it requires teachers to have natural sciences teaching experiences while being good at English. So how to teach Chemistry in English efficiently?

The demand for researching and exchanging scientific knowledge through teaching Chemistry is a practical need in today global integration context. This can be said to be a pretty boring and hard subject requiring learners to have reasoning and analyzing skills along with a strong English foundation, even if it is hard enough when studied in mother tongue. Because of this fact, Chemistry has always been a fear for students.

The government has implemented plan 659 of MOET with the content: “Research and experiment a few advanced curriculums of the world at a number of specialized high schools, experiment teaching Math, Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Sciences at some high schools.” With this plan, students will have the chances not only to absorb specialized knowledge but also to enhance their foreign language skills. However, in order for learners to learn effectively, teachers need to have a clear strategy to teach Chemistry in English.

In teaching and learning English, word is one of the three factors making up the language system and playing the role of a communication tools and an element to develop communication skills. Similarly, IB Chemistry also requires the knowledge of chemistry-related words and terms. Therefore, teachers need to outline a system of specialized words and terms of a topic and enhance their knowledge more by referencing and researching chemical books in English or current high school textbooks which has been converted into English so that they can provide student during classes instead of randomly explain word by word when students don’t understand. In the process of planning lessons for classes, teachers can also use the words and terms system prepared to complete the plans more.

To teach Chemistry in English, teachers need to establish “learning in groups” among students in order to enhance the interaction between students and students as well as between students and teachers. Pay attention to teach slowly and clearly, try to pronounce correctly so that you can avoid students not understanding and absorbing lessons effectively. Also, remember to encourage students to ask questions and give their own opinions toward issues they have interest in while learning In order to assess the learning process, teachers need to give basic exercises which require a lot of reasoning. Increasing level of advanced and extra exercises can be given afterward so that students can have enough knowledge to take tests or exams. Organizing outdoor activities is also an effective method needed to be applied since it helps students review lessons and interact with others which is learning while playing, creating a more fun and excited environment to study the subject.

Now, Intertu Education is enrolling potential students for IB Chemistry courses and Chemistry international programs (AP Chemistry, A-level Chemistry, IGCSE Chemistry). For inquiries, please contact us directly or via email or hotline.

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