Developing Learning Stations For The Purification Of Waste Water

Abstract

This research aims at developing course content for high school students based on learning in stations on the issue of waste water purification. Learning stations, which is based on student-centred education, is a method employed especially in Europe in recent years. The method is a way of teaching which involves students actively in the process of learning, provides ample opportunities in using teaching aids and materials, and assures the learnt knowledge to be permanent. Through lessons observations with a group developing course contents for the course of Environment and Health for schools in the state of Reinland-Pfalz in Germany, the course contents based on the model of learning in stations were examined. Content development concerning the purification of waste water in Turkey was considered in this study, four stations were agreed on.. Target behaviours intended to instil in students in those stations are understanding the occurrence of the natural cycling of water, understanding what is waste water and how it happens, and understanding the biological and mechanical processes of water purification. In order to do so, attractive and enjoyable materials related with real life through which students could have access to knowledge with active participation were designed. Having finished the materials, they were applied to 4 Turkish students living in Germany, and their views concerning the contents were asked for through questions. Their views were analysed via qualitative analysis methods. (c) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved