Teaching equipment and assessment methods, techniques, and tools used by biology teachers to enhance living world understanding competency for high school students in the Vietnamese Mekong Delta

Abstract

The shift in teaching objectives from a content-focused approach to a competency-based one has posed numerous challenges for educators, including Biology teachers in the Mekong Delta. The study aims to investigate teachers’ current utilization of various teaching equipment and assessment methods, techniques, and tools to enhance high school students’ comprehension of the natural world. The research was carried out at several high schools in the Mekong Delta, and the survey participants included teachers teaching in these high schools. The survey comprised 60 teachers of varying ages and seniority, with 24 males (40%) and 36 females (60%). A cross-sectional survey model utilizing quantitative methods was used to conduct the survey. Results indicate that high school teachers can access numerous teaching equipment and assessment techniques, methods, and tools to evaluate student performance. The computer is the leading equipment used by all participants, and mindmap, evaluation through learning products, and learning products are primarily used by participants as assessment techniques, methods, and tools, respectively. Some teachers have combined and utilized these equipment, techniques, methods, and tools to help students develop their understanding of the living world. However, a few teachers have yet to recognize the significance of evaluating student performance and have been ineffective in employing these assessment tools. Therefore, it is necessary to introduce and innovate teaching equipment and assessment techniques, methods, and tools for students that align with contemporary educational trends. Teachers require training and skill enhancement in evaluating student performance to improve the quality of education and advance student capacity.