Assessing students’ understanding of models of biological processes: a revised framework

Models are very important tools when learning and communicating about science. Models used in secondary school biology education range from concrete scale models, such as a model of a skeleton, to abstract concept-process models, such as a visualisation of meiosis. Understanding these concept-process models requires a profound understanding of the concept of models and how they are used in biology. This study evaluates an existing framework for its use in assessing students’ understanding of biological concept-process models. Four additions were required to extend the applicability of the framework to concept-process models. We were also able to give an indication of students’ current level of understanding of these models, showing room for improvement in all aspects of understanding. Since concept-process models have a central place in many scientific disciplines, it is important that students have a deep understanding of the nature, application and limitations of these models. The current study contributes to assessing the way students reason with concept-process models. Knowing how to improve students’ view on the use of concept-process models in biology may lead to higher scientific literacy.     

The Effects of Ignoring a Level in Multilevel Analysis

Ignoring a level can have a substantial impact on the conclusions of a multilevel analysis. For intercept-only models and for balanced data, we derive these effects analytically. For more complex random intercept models or for unbalanced data, a simulation study is performed. Most important effects concern estimates and corresponding standard errors of the variance parameters at adjacent levels and of the coefficients of the predictors at the ignored and bordering levels. Therefore, we conclude that if the researcher is interested in a specific level, she/he should account for both the upper and lower level. Conclusions are illustrated using empirical data from educational research.     

A training programme on managing science class interactions: Its impact on teachers' practises and on their pupils' achievement

This research evaluates the impact of a training programme on trainee physics and chemistry teachers, focusing on the way pupils' explanations are dealt with during teacher-pupil interaction. The population is composed of 10 teachers and 303 pupils, from which the experimental sample was taken (8 teachers and 172 pupils). The qualitative analysis of the recordings of the sessions shows that teachers, after training, are more ready to take pupils' productions into account, use a greater number of appropriate arguments, and are more frequently aware of pupils' misconceptions. A quantitative analysis of the achievement of pupils whose teachers followed the complete programme indicates that pupil outcomes improve. The conditions required for this training to be effective are also explored.     

Developing the ability to recontextualise cellular respiration: an explorative study in recontextualising biological concepts

In many science education practices, students are expected to develop an understanding of scientific knowledge without being allowed a view of the practices and cultures that have developed and use this knowledge. Therefore, students should be allowed to develop scientific concepts in relation to the contexts in which those concepts are used. Since many concepts are used in a variety of contexts, students need to be able to recontextualise and transfer their understanding of a concept from one context to another. This study aims to develop a learning and teaching strategy for recontextualising cellular respiration. This article focuses on students’ ability to recontextualise cellular respiration. The strategy allowed students to develop their understanding of cellular respiration by exploring its use and meaning in different contexts. A pre- and post-test design was used to test students’ understanding of cellular respiration. The results indicate that while students did develop an acceptable understanding of cellular respiration, they still had difficulty with recontextualising the concept to other contexts. Possible explanations for this ack of understanding are students’ familiarity with the biological object of focus in a context, the manner in which this object is used in a context and students’ understanding of specific elements of cellular respiration during the lessons. Although students did develop an adequate understanding of the concept, they do need more opportunities to practice recontextualising the concept in different contexts. Further research should focus on improving the strategy presented here and developing strategies for other core concepts in science.     

Students�� Experiences of Autonomy, Competence, Social Relatedness and Interest Within a CSCL Environment in Vocational Education: The Case of Commerce and Business Administration

To prepare students for effective workplace learning, it is necessary to have insight into the contextual characteristics that affect students’ developing interest. Aiming at students to become selfregulated learners, teachers should act as mindful coaches, encouraging their students to monitor the quality of collaborative group work. A field study was conducted within the context of a Computer Supported Collaborative Learning (CSCL) project fostering self-regulated learning. Students and teachers made use of an electronic instrument that assessed and visualised students’ experiences of the quality of group learning over time. 137 vocational students in commerce and business administration participated in a 6 months project requiring to work in small learning groups. A SEM model, based on self-determination theory, fitted the data quite well. Perceived autonomy, competence, and social relatedness seemed to be good predictors of students’ situational interest. Qualitative interview data revealed not only the added value of process-oriented reflection and within-group discussion, but also some shortcomings concerning the effectiveness of (implementing) CSCL.     

Design of an integrated team project as bachelor thesis in bioscience engineering

Following the decision at the KU Leuven to implement the educational concept of guided independent learning and to encourage students to participate in scientific research, the Faculty of Bioscience Engineering decided to introduce a bachelor thesis. Competencies, such as communication, scientific research and teamwork, need to be present in the design of this thesis. Because of the high number of students and the multidisciplinary nature of the graduates, all research divisions of the faculty are asked to participate. The yearly surveys and hearings were used for further optimisation. The actual design of this bachelor thesis is presented and discussed in this paper.