ERIC Number: EJ1087711
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2015
Pages: 10
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-1470-8175
EISSN: N/A
Student Conceptions about the DNA Structure within a Hierarchical Organizational Level: Improvement by Experiment- and Computer-Based Outreach Learning
Langheinrich, Jessica; Bogner, Franz X.
Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Education, v43 n6 p393-402 Nov-Dec 2015
As non-scientific conceptions interfere with learning processes, teachers need both, to know about them and to address them in their classrooms. For our study, based on 182 eleventh graders, we analyzed the level of conceptual understanding by implementing the "draw and write" technique during a computer-supported gene technology module. To give participants the hierarchical organizational level which they have to draw, was a specific feature of our study. We introduced two objective category systems for analyzing drawings and inscriptions. Our results indicated a long- as well as a short-term increase in the level of conceptual understanding and in the number of drawn elements and their grades concerning the DNA structure. Consequently, we regard the "draw and write" technique as a tool for a teacher to get to know students' alternative conceptions. Furthermore, our study points the modification potential of hands-on and computer-supported learning modules.
Descriptors: Genetics, Scientific Concepts, Grade 11, Concept Formation, Science Instruction, Freehand Drawing, Writing (Composition), Secondary School Science, Secondary School Students, Hands on Science, Computer Assisted Instruction, Grades (Scholastic), Science Achievement, Instructional Effectiveness
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Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 11; Secondary Education; High Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A