"Using hands-on science instruction opens new avenues for students to experience success in learning," says Barbara Dofka, who teaches science and integrated language arts to fifth-graders at Weirton Heights Elementary School in Weirton. Together with a fifth-grade math teacher, Mrs. Dofka adapted and implemented Hands-On Science/Math Saturday, a program that invites children and adults to a day of education and fun. The program is designed to introduce parents to hands-on science and to give students the opportunity to share a learning experience with the adults in their lives. By organizing trips to use the local public library's computer facilities, she has also introduced students to Internet research and communication. Last summer, under the auspices of the National Science Foundation, she participated in an intensive Ruralnet Training program to develop a network that will connect all West Virginia schools.
Since retiring from the world of science and education I have several opportunities to do workshops for problem areas in Elementary Science and Math at local county schools. This is rewarding because I still love to problem solve and look for teachable ideas to help students who have academic failure in certain areas and looking for the source is the challenge. I do believe in Piaget and look at learning styles and see many areas that are identifiable and there are great resources to help. Also, I have started writing fiction as well as non-fiction. This is rewarding and I hope to be able to publish soon.
1956 West Liberty State College, B.A.
