Lesson 8

TEACHING WITH CONTRIVED EXPERIENCES

Introduction

-          If for one reason or another, we cannot employ direct experiences as materials for instruction, let us make use of an “edited” version of direct experiences- the contrived experiences.

Abstraction

-          The model of the atom, the globe, the planetarium, the simulated election process and the preserve specimen fall under contrived experiences, the second band of experiences in Dale’s Cone of Experience.

What are contrived experiences?

-          These are “edited” copies of reality and are used as substitutes for real things when it is not practical or not possible to bring or do the real thing in the classroom. These contrived experiences are designed to simulate to real-life situations.

·         Model – is a reproduction of a real thing in a small scale, or large scale or exact size. It is a substitute for a real thing which may or may not be operational. The atom, the planetarium are classified as models.

·         Mock-up – is an arrangement of a real device or associated devices, displayed in such a way that the presentation of reality is created. The mock-up simplified in order to emphasize certain features. The planetarium is an example of a mock-up.

·         Specimen – is any individual or item considered typical of a group, class or whole.

·         Objects – may also include artifacts displayed in a museum or objects displayed in exhibits or preserved insect’s specimen in science.

·         Simulation – is a representation of manageable real event in which the learner is an active participant engaged in learning a behavior or in applying previously acquired skills or knowledge. The school election process describe above is a form of simulation other examples of these are fire and earthquake drills which schools usually conduct.

·         Game – are played to win.

1.    To practice and or to refine knowledge/ skills already acquired.

2.    To identify gaps or weaknesses in knowledge or skills.

3.    To serve as a summation or review.

4.    To develop in relationship among concepts and principles.

Why do we make use of contrives experiences?

-          We use models, mock ups, specimens, and objects to:

1.    Overcome limitation of space and time.

2.    To edit reality for us to be able to focus ion parts or process of a system that we intend to study.

3.    To overcome difficulties of size.

4.    To understand the inaccessible.

5.    Help the learners understand abstraction.