Using Analogy and Model to Enhance Conceptual Change in Thai Middle School Students     

Sittichai Wichaidit  ;Somson Wongyounoi  ;Precharn Dechsri  ;Parin Chaivisuthangkura 《美中教育评论》2011,(3):333-338

This study examined conceptual change of Thai middle school students after learning photosynthesis with analogy and model. The analogy mapped key features from the analog （cooking food） to the target concept （photosynthesis） Modeling photosynthesis activity provided the opporttmity for students to understand how plants use sugar to synthesize cellulose and starch. To determine students＇ prior knowledge, the photosynthesis questionnaire was administered to 58 Grade 7 students of urban school. The result revealed that students held alternative conceptions in many aspects, including the origin of plant nutrients, the substances required for photosynthesis, the products of photosynthesis and the role of chlorophyll. After the instruction~ the students were post-tested to determine how students＇ conceptions had changed. The result indicated that the students demonstrated better comprehension than that of the we-test. The percentage of students who changed their ideas to the scientific one was reported and discussed. The present study has implication for both science educators and science teachers who are interested in teaching with analogy and model.  相似文献