29th Annual Student Research Conference
Understanding Processes That Enable Students to Undergo Conceptual Change Regarding Topics in Photosynthesis and Cellular Respiration.
Suzanne D. Pelley♦
Dr. Wendy Miner and Dr. Enrique Pareja, Faculty Mentors
The purpose of this study was to determine how students modify initially incorrect misconceptions regarding photosynthesis and cellular respiration. Research was conducted in a St. Louis County suburban school district. A quantitative analysis using pre and post-tests was used to determine how many students corrected initial misconceptions to more scientifically accepted ones. Three students were further investigated in depth to determine whether similar patterns led to students' modification(s) of initial conception(s). Findings suggested that conceptual change is difficult for biology students and that learning occurs at different intervals for different students. Insight into common student trends may improve teacher awareness of barriers to scientifically accepted conceptions and lead to an increase in students? modifications of their misconceptions.
Keywords: misconceptions, conceptual change, biology, photosynthesis, cellular respiration, learning progressions, high school students
Topic(s):Education
Biology
Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: -2
Location: VH 1224
Time: 8:15