Invited paper

Make Your Lectures Nice, Useful and Effective

Hans Morelis
National Institute for Curriculum Development of the Netherlands

During the last decade a big reform of education took place in the Netherlands. The focus was on improving content and skills but moreover on the approach of educators. It resulted in a major innovation process with new text books and many conferences and publications, all focusing upon how to get students more involved in their learning process and how to make education more effective. Keywords were independent and active learning.

It seems to be hard to achieve this as biodiversity is all around us and so it is obvious that teachers show a great variety in their educational approach, while students differ enormously in their learning skills.

In this respect the ideas and work of Kolb and Gardner about learning styles, multiple intelligences and brain based learning are interesting. These ideas may help us to cope with differences between students and to support educators in facilitating the learning process of their students. During the presentation this will be explained and illustrated. No dull theories, but nice examples of all kinds of methods and techniques based upon experiences with students in various settings in the Netherlands. Moreover a simple test will be presented, offering everybody the possibility to reflect upon their own educational behaviour.

Be warned that interaction with the audience and your neighbour will be included in the presentation and the aim is that everybody will go home with a nice set of suggestions to get their students to work effectively.

Mr J. Hans Morélis is currently the Senior Curriculum Advisor in Science in the National Institute for Curriculum (Netherlands). With a biology degree, a music degree, and Masters degree in Chemical Technology, he has been involved in the planning and revision of curricula in Science for the national primary, secondary and adult education since 1977. Mr Morélis’ main roles include incorporating themes like the didactic approach in science (i.e. the approach of practical work or investigations, effective learning strategies, tackling problems in Science, learning styles, role of teachers, active learning), new trends in science education like independent learning and the introduction of Information Technology. He has published many articles in the Dutch Journal for Science Education about didactic issues and trends in Science education, presented during workshops and lectures at many national and international conferences, and is the author of many learning and assessment material. He is also the initiator, president and team leader of the Dutch national Biology Olympiad (since 1990), President of the Board of the International Biology Olympiad (since 1992) and leader of seminars about trends in science education for teachers and staff involved in Science education of many Asian countries (e.g. China, Thailand and Vietnam).

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