A Teaching Method for the Natural Sciences

Abstract

In this contribution, we will introduce a new method of teaching and learning for the natural sciences (Biology, Physics, Chemistry) and Mathematics. The inventor and practical implementer in several world countries (Indonesia, Tanzania, Kosovo, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Bosnia & Herzegovina, and some schools in Germany) was Jürgen Schőnherr. The philosophy of this method is based on the idea that the first lesson of each chapter begins with an experiment, which should be clear, simple (built with ordinary tools from students' lives, kitchens, toys, tools, etc.), and have a surprising effect. Based on this approach, the method is also called Starter Experiment Approach. The role of the teacher during this lesson will be more of a guide and helper, while most of the time will belong to the students. Thus, students will be aroused with curiosity and a love for natural sciences. In countries where this method has been applied, positive effects have been observed in increasing the number of researchers in the natural sciences, and their success.