Practical matters
|
A year's preparation is tested in a short examination. Dhanya Parthasarathy speaks to teachers on how to tackle the Plus-Two practicals.
|
Surendra
SOON, IT will be time for class XII students to take their first step in board exam — aka the practical exam.
With nearly 80 years of combined experience in Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Computer Science, senior teachers are giving you practical (no pun intended) pointers to take on what your parents are probably fretting about as "the most important test in your life!"
E Plus talks to senior teachers on what they have to say on what you have to do in the labs.
P.N. Sundari, Physics, Head of the Department, SBOA, Anna Nagar, 21 years of experience:
If possible, perform all experiments a day before the exam.
Be thorough with the procedure.
Learn the theory of each experiment. The formulae should be on your fingertips. Practise all the model graphs, ray diagrams and circuit diagrams.
Go through what you have written in your project report.
Concentrate only on your experiment and not what your friend is doing.
Wires should be wound over a pencil like a spring and the ends should be scraped so that it makes good contact.
The apparatus should be placed as indicated in the circuit diagram, and then the connections should be made.
See that the insulation does not come in contact with the apparatus.
Make sure you measure length or distances without parallax error.
Write your readings neatly, without over-writing or erasing.
Show your calculations on the paper. Remember that the readings should be attested by the examiner.
Don't forget to write the result with proper units.
If there is time, check the calculation.
When you are taking the viva be calm and confident.
Don't forget: Pen, pencil, eraser, sharpener, protractor, scale and a blade to remove insulation from the wire. Your record and project report, neatly covered.
N. Sundara Kanchana, Biology teacher, Modern Senior Secondary School, Nanganallur, 13 years of experience:
Take the model exam seriously. It will give you an idea about weak points and how to distribute time.
Most experiments are theory-based. If you know the theory you can handle the viva.
Learn the procedure well. Never guess.
Don't rush to the venue at the last minute.
Note the instructions the examiner is giving you.
Start the experiment with confidence. Don't look at your friends. They might be doing it wrong.
Even if you finish ahead of time, go through your answers again.
Most external examiners are lenient and understanding. They know the pressure you are under. But be ready to face a tough examiner too. After entering the hall, be at your best behaviour. Let the examiner complete her question. Don't interrupt her.
Don't forget: your record, your pencil box, a sharp blade, a brush to remove the slides, a dissection needle
Susan John, Chemistry, St John's, Besant Nagar, 30 years experience:
Even when you are studying don't learn from an examination point of view. I know it is an important exam, but try to learn a concept for the long term.
You will have faced many practice classes and the model exam before you go for the actual board exam, so be confident.
Students make the most silly mistakes while writing the procedure. Write down the observations clearly and neatly. And don't forget to write the result.
Don't forget to take : your record, project, towel, stationery and lab coat.
Harifa Begum, 16 years experience, Computer Science, Head of the Department, Vidya Mandir, Mylapore:
Be thorough with the programmes, there's no way out. You must know all the programmes. You don't have to mug up anything.
Syntax errors will flash on your screen, but not errors in logic. If you don't understand a question, you can get it cleared.
Your viva will be based on the programme you are writing. Answer clearly. Smile. Don't try to show off. Don't get tensed.
Don't forget to bring: Your pencil box, record notebook and project report. Be there 15 or 20 minutes before time.
Printer friendly
page
Send this article to Friends by
E-Mail
Education Plus
Karnataka
Chennai
Coimbatore
Hyderabad
Madurai
Tiruchirapalli
Vijayawada
Visakhapatnam
