EFFECTIVENESS OF THE CONCEPTUAL CHANGE METHOD ON UNDERSTANDING PLANT MASS INCREASE

Abstract

This research aimed to assess the influence of the method of conceptual change on understanding the concept of increasing the mass of plants among 414 students in agricultural education in Slovenia. In photosynthesis, biomass is produced, so understanding these processes is essential for successful agriculture. Data were collected using a knowledge test and a questionnaire that were administered before and after the traditional and experimental teaching units. The results allowed the conclusion that the method of the conceptual change (experimental teaching unit) was significantly more effective than the traditional method in improving the understanding of the contribution of solar energy and carbon dioxide to the increase in the mass of plants. There was no significant difference in the improvement of knowledge about the contribution of the minerals that plants receive through their roots. Understanding the contribution of water to the increase of the mass should be tested further because of the unexpected misconception that influenced the results that was found among students. Students’ attitudes toward biology and photosynthesis were significantly better after the experimental teaching unit. Considering these findings, other topics should be prepared using the method of the conceptual change to assist biology and science teachers in agricultural education. Keywords: agricultural education, biology education, conceptual change, photosynthesis, plant mass.