Misconceptions in the Biology Classroom

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Misconceptions in the Biology Classroom

• Kathy Hoppe, DAL Living Environment

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Misconceptions in Biology

• Where do we begin?

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Identifying MisconceptionsBiology

• Collect data from open ended questions
• Then create questions to act as a probe
• Use misconceptions collected from open ended
  questions as distracters in multiple choice
  questions
• Eds Tools
• The Biology Concept Inventory
• Confidence Tests as a tool for recognizing
  misconceptions

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Revealing MisconceptionsAlternative but instant
simple methods
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Topical Barometer (For Students)

• Where is most of the earths freshwater located?
• ______________________________
• Glaciers Groundwater Surface Lakes
  Swamps Rivers
• Water

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Distribution of Earths Water
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Carousel Brainstorming(For Students Draw or
Describe)
DNA
Protein Synthesis
DNA Analysis
DNA Structure and The Biodiversity Lab
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Survey of Prior Conceptions
Place an X in the column that demonstrates your
beliefs about Biology
Pre-Lesson Pre-Lesson Pre-Lesson Post-Lesson
Concept Believe Not Sure I Believe Dont Believe Describe what you believe
1. A food chain is a linear chain.
2. Simpler organisms rely on less complex organisms for food.
3. Energy flows from the top of a food chain down.
4. Respiration is the same as breathing.
5. Blood in the veins is blue.
6. Male animals are always bigger than female animals.
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Concept Mapping
Sink
Water
Tooth- paste
Teeth
Mouth
Tooth- brush
Hand
Brushing Teeth
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Is Intervention Possible?

• Teaching Style
• Design of Course and Curriculum
• Teacher Response to Students on an Individual
  Level

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Learning Theories
Multiple Intelligence
Learning Styles
How do we change student misconceptions?
Constructivism
Brain Based Learning
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SAR Presentations

• Presentation topics include anything that
  addresses the Living Environment Core
• Student misconceptions can usually be identified
  in most topics
• Presentation Feedback Form

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Contact Information

• Kathy Hoppe
• Science Support Monroe 2 Boces
• khoppe_at_monroe2boces.org
• www.sciencesupport.net