Process skills

A process could be defined as a series of steps that aim at a particular result. The ability to identify new ideas and analyze them to reach a conclusion is termed as process skills. Process skills are developed by collecting ideas and proof and by arriving at conclusions after deeper analysis. Concept formation is an essential factor of not only science study, but the study of all subjects. It is on.

A few important process skills:

• observing

• collecting and recording data

• classifing

• measuring and preparing chart

• explaining and analysing data

• engaging in experiments

• identifying and controlling variables

• raising questions

• arriving at generalisation

• identifying solutions of problems

• formulating hypothesis and examining it

• arriving at conclusions

• taking decisions

• communicating and understanding communication of others

• foretelling and assuming

• handling apparatus

• using number relationship

• using space - time relationship

• predicting

• inferring

• making operational definition

• interpreting data

            Observing

Observation is the process of acquiring knowledge through the five senses. Learning experiences which provide the opportunity to use all the five senses may be used.

            Classifying

The process of grouping information gained through observation, based on salient features is called classifying. The ability to classify will vary according to the age, maturity and cognitive level of the student.

            Using number relationships

This involves the analysis of available data, consolidation and meaningful explanation using the language of mathematics. Learning experiences may provide the opportunity to develop the skills of counting, addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and finding averages.

            Measuring & Charting

As part of data collection, the student will have to measure quantities such as length, time, mass, temperature, force and density. What instruments are required for this? How can these instruments be used? What is the level of accuracy expected in measurements? How to record the data? All these are to be considered.

            Using Space-time relationships

An in-depth enquiry relating to shape, distance, movement, speed, accuracy, direction and time comes under this area. It begins from identifying the shape, speed, direction and other such features of objects.

            Communicating and understanding communication

It is essential that knowledge developed is expressed in different ways - oral and written. The students need opportunities to communicate through tables, graphs, pictures, models, short writeups, descriptions and lectures and also to take part in debates and discussions. Clarifying doubts by asking appropriate questions is another skill in this area.

            Predicting

An inquisite person attempts to answer the question "if......... then?" and proceeds to try out the guessed answer. Answer to this question is important in science. The teacher expects the student to predict the outcome of various events and experiments. Students need to develop the skill of predicting by drawing on the knowledge gained through experiments and observations.

            Inferring

A proper inference can be drawn only if the student has good skills of analysis. The defects in analysis of data will affect the quality of inference.

            Making operational definitions

The meaning of ideas need to be stated precisely and clearly to make them useful. This helps in communication. Operational definitions may be incomplete and temporary. But in given situations they can be logical and practical.

            Formulating hypothesis

A hypothesis is a temporary conclusion drawn using insight. A problem can have a number of casual factors and solutions. Based on knowledge and experiences related to the problem, the causes and solutions can be guessed. Such a guess is a hypothesis and need to be tested out and rejected if disproved. Hypotheses which are proved right become conclusions.

            Interpreting data

Interpretation of collected data may lead to new ideas and generalizations. Opportunities may be provided for interpreting data and formation of new ideas.

            Controlling variables

Variables influence the result of experiments. For the experiment to be accurate and scientific the variables are to be effectively controlled.

            Experimenting

An experiment is a planned activity to test the validity of hypotheses drawn. Experimentation contains the process skills in an integrated way. It is the main method used by scientists. Formulating methods to test the hypothesis, conducting experiments, recording, interpretation of data and drawing conclusions are included in it.

In the new approach of the curriculum, the student forms ideas and conclusions through processes. Project activities, seminar presentations and experiments enable the student to employ more than one process skill.