Teamwork is the keyword for Science Teachers and Technicians
leading outdoor education experts , and a consultant to Gratnells .
Over recent weeks , Katherine has been conducting a mini survey amongst Science Technicians to explore further
DR . KATHARINE FORSEY
how the crucial relationship with teachers can be made to work well .
The UK Science Technician survey in 2016 , sponsored by Gratnells , and compiled by Chris Galvin and Steven Knight at Preproom . org urged schoolteachers to ‘ appreciate your technicians , speak to them regularly , ask them what they do .’
As a supplier to more than 20,000 schools in the UK , the company believes the value of a closer working relationship between Science Technicians and Teachers is becoming more widely recognised .
A quick review of the key responsibilities of the Science Technician , succinctly and eloquently expressed in a report by Beth Jones and Simon Quinnell in 2015 , underlies the scope and importance of the role . They identified four key tasks which encompass such diverse but critical issues as Health & Safety and Budget Management : -
• Preparation of experiments and maintenance of equipment
• Health and safety of the Science department
• Ensuring that teachers have considered the risks associated with practical work
• Storing equipment and consumables
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To this we might reasonably add the need for informed procurement practices and knowledge of the market for consumables .
There is a fundamental symbiosis between technician and teacher that delivers best outcomes for learners . Like many other professional activities which rely on a practical performance level for success , it ’ s the team working in harmony which produces the best results .
In this team the technician is responsible for equipment , supplies , chemicals , risk assessment , room preparation and layout , and lesson planning . When the ball is passed to the teacher it ’ s for delivering the lesson , inspiring and motivating the group , achieving standards and promoting further study .
Over time , however , as Simon Quinnell , National Technicians Lead for National STEM Learning , pointed out in May 2016 , “ technicians have been training whole departments on new , engaging practical ideas ” and in some cases “ have become STEM ambassadors , creating STEM , wildlife and growing clubs to provide students with extra-curricular experiences that inspire them .”
These are sentiments endorsed by Dr Katharine Forsey , one of the UK ’ s
Mark Robinson , Physics Technician at St Peters School , Clifton speaks for his profession when he identifies “ communication , flexibility and teamwork ” as key characteristics in a successful science department . From the Cayman Islands Tracey Padgham emails to stress that both parties should “ feel respected , and share ideas ”, while Jackie Graham , Science Technician at the Repton School in Dubai always tries to “ make the teacher ’ s life as easy as possible so that they can just concentrate on their main job of teaching ”. Being flexible for last minute requests and being able to multi-task also make it on to her wish list . Finally , Kay Bell , Science Technician of the Year winner 2015 / 2016 reminds teachers and technicians that “ it is very important to think of the department
KAY BELL as a whole , technicians should not feel they are working in isolation ”.
Dr . Forsey summarises . “ They play an important part in encouraging future generations to follow a technical path , working as partners in this mission with the teacher . They are often the first technician of any sort that students meet and they shape their perception of what a technical role can entail . School Science Technicians are often the ones inspiring children to follow that career path , and together with the teachers they make a formidable team .”