THE INFLUENCE OF ENGAGEMENT IN PRACTICAL WORK ON MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ALTERNATIVE CONCEPTIONS REGARDING BIODIVERSITY

dc.contributor.advisorBarlow, Angela
dc.contributor.advisorSadler, Kim
dc.contributor.authorBrown, Jessica Jamila
dc.contributor.committeememberChappell, Michaele
dc.contributor.committeememberKlukowski, Matt
dc.contributor.committeememberMangione, Katherine A
dc.date.accessioned2020-07-30T22:02:04Z
dc.date.available2020-07-30T22:02:04Z
dc.date.issued2020
dc.date.updated2020-07-30T22:02:05Z
dc.description.abstractWith traditional teaching methods prevalent in the U.S., it is crucial that science teachers understand methods that result in authentic changes in classroom instruction. Alternative conceptions that students bring to the classroom present a roadblock to them becoming scientifically literate. Practical work presents a promising approach to developing an engaging and minds-on science classroom that lends itself to students digging deeper into the science content and becoming scientifically literate citizens. Although the research has been inconclusive regarding the effects of practical work, it can be used as a tool in the science classroom to help students confront their alternative conceptions. This study used an exploratory case study design to explore how a unit that contained practical work could influence students’ alternative conceptions concerning biodiversity. The researcher approached analysis from both individual and holistic perspectives. From an individual perspective, each participant’s thinking fluctuated concerning the different alternative conceptions during the unit. From a holistic perspective, there were meaningful changes regarding biodiversity terminology. As a result, vocabulary during a unit can be influenced with use of practical work. Another conclusion from the study was students must have opportunities to confront alternative conceptions directly through instruction to ensure that new scientific information not only merges with their thinking but also shifts their thinking toward the scientific knowledge. Ongoing research is required to understand the implication of practical work in the classroom and how it can influence students’ scientific thinking.
dc.description.degreePh.D.
dc.identifier.urihttps://jewlscholar.mtsu.edu/handle/mtsu/6293
dc.language.rfc3066en
dc.publisherMiddle Tennessee State University
dc.source.urihttp://dissertations.umi.com/mtsu:11336
dc.subjectAlternative Conceptions
dc.subjectBiodiversity
dc.subjectMiddle School
dc.subjectPractical Work
dc.subjectMiddle school education
dc.subjectScience education
dc.thesis.degreeleveldoctoral
dc.titleTHE INFLUENCE OF ENGAGEMENT IN PRACTICAL WORK ON MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENTS’ ALTERNATIVE CONCEPTIONS REGARDING BIODIVERSITY

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