Author(s): Mehmet MURAT | Sedat KANADLI | Ali ÜNİŞEN
Journal: Journal of Turkish Science Education
ISSN 1304-6020
Volume: 8;
Issue: 1;
Start page: 179;
Date: 2011;
Original page
Keywords: Misconception | Structural Communication Grid | Animals’ Reproduction | Growth | Development
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to scrutinize seventh grade students’ misconceptions about animals’ reproduction, growth and development, the cause of these misconceptions and their likely sources. A total of 89 students participated in the study. The data gathering process involved two steps. In the first step, a test developed by the researchers was used in order to diagnose students’ misconceptions. In the second step, a semi-structured interview protocol is utilized so as to find out the reasons for the students’ selections in those test items. The interviews were conducted with 20 students. The results indicated that the students possessed numerous misconceptions on animals’ laying eggs, giving birth, feeding on milk, parental care and metamorphosis. The students believed that small animals lay eggs, only land mammals give birth, and only animals having few young take care of their young. The data also indicated that the sources of these misconceptions were students’ daily observations and media.
Journal: Journal of Turkish Science Education
ISSN 1304-6020
Volume: 8;
Issue: 1;
Start page: 179;
Date: 2011;
Original page
Keywords: Misconception | Structural Communication Grid | Animals’ Reproduction | Growth | Development
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study is to scrutinize seventh grade students’ misconceptions about animals’ reproduction, growth and development, the cause of these misconceptions and their likely sources. A total of 89 students participated in the study. The data gathering process involved two steps. In the first step, a test developed by the researchers was used in order to diagnose students’ misconceptions. In the second step, a semi-structured interview protocol is utilized so as to find out the reasons for the students’ selections in those test items. The interviews were conducted with 20 students. The results indicated that the students possessed numerous misconceptions on animals’ laying eggs, giving birth, feeding on milk, parental care and metamorphosis. The students believed that small animals lay eggs, only land mammals give birth, and only animals having few young take care of their young. The data also indicated that the sources of these misconceptions were students’ daily observations and media.
