Secondary school students' Alternative conceptions about genetics

Main Article Content

Abdulwali H Aldahmash
Fahad S Alshaya
Abdulaziz A Asiri

Abstract

Alternative conceptions are considered as the most dominant factor in hindering students' learning and achievement in science. The aim of this study was to explore secondary students' alternative conceptions of concepts related to genetics and heredity. A sample of 186 students from Riyadh city, KSA, was randomly selected and given a valid and reliable written questionnaire. The results indicated that students hold many alternative conceptions about concepts related to genetics and heredity, which are:- direct and indirect cell division, reduction division, sexual and asexual reproduction, and the process of genetic information transfer. The results reviled also that secondary students have difficulty in differentiating between asexual and sexual reproduction. The results indicated also that there is an overlap in students understanding of the mechanisms of transferring genetics and heredity characteristics in reproduction and cell division. These types of alternative conceptions have weakened students' ability to explain their answers on the written questions. As a result, such misconception may hinder students' understanding of most of the biological concepts.

Article Details

Section
Research / Empirical
Author Biographies

Abdulwali H Aldahmash, King Saud University, Excellence Research Centre of Science and Mathematics Education

Professor of science education, King Saud University, Excellence Research Centre of Science and Mathematics Education, KSA.Department of science education, College of education, Sanaa University, Yemen.

Fahad S Alshaya, King Saud University, Excellence Research Centre of Science and Mathematics Education

Associate professor of science education, college of education, King Saud University.

Abdulaziz A Asiri, King Saud University, Excellence Research Centre of Science and Mathematics Education

Science education PhD student, College of Education, King Saud University