Publication Title: Computer and Education
Author: Salih Cepni, Erol Tas, Sacit Kose
Volume: 46
Page Number: 192-205
Publication Year: 2004
Abstract:
The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a Computer-assisted Instruction Material (CAIM) related to ‘‘photosynthesis’’ topic on student cognitive development, misconceptions and attitudes. The study conducted in 2002–2003 academic year and was carried out in two different classes taught by the same teacher, in which there were fifty two 11th grade high school students, in central city of Trabzon in Turkey. An experimental research design including the photosynthesis achievement test (PAT), the photo- synthesis concept test (PCT) and science attitude scale (SAS) was applied at the beginning and at the end of the research as pre-test and post-test. After the treatment, general achievement in PAT increased by 10% in favour of experiment group (EG) at (p < 0.05) significant level. Although the increase in cognitive develop- ment at knowledge level was 14.8% in the EG and 18.2% in the control group (CG), the development at comprehension and application levels were 19.8–18.5 in the EG and 1.75–0.86 in the CG, respectively. This result showed that using CAIM in teaching photosynthesis topic was very effective for students to reach comprehension and application levels of cognitive domain. However, CAIM did not change major miscon- ceptions related to photosynthesis topic in EG as expected. Meanwhile, same misconceptions in EG about source of energy for plants and their nutrition were decreased more than CG. It was also found out that there was little change about studentsÕ attitudes towards science education in both groups.
Misconceptions
- 1. Photosynthesis a. Green plants make photosynthesis to produce energy b. Photosynthesis is only a gas exchange event c. Photosynthesis is the conversion of sunlight into food{Age/Grade: 9-12}{Scientific Subjects: Biology, Systems in Plants}
- 2. Respiration in plants a. Photosynthesis is the respiration of plants b. Respiration occurs in the lungs and is solely the process of gas exchange c. Animals breathe in oxygen and breathe carbondioxide{Age/Grade: 9-12}{Scientific Subjects: Biology, Systems in Plants}
- Food for a plant Plants’ food is water, sunlight, air, fertilizer, and inorganic minerals{Age/Grade: 9-12}{Scientific Subjects: Biology, Systems in Plants}
- 4. Nutrition of plants Plants get their food from the soil through their roots{Age/Grade: 9-12}{Scientific Subjects: Biology, Systems in Plants}
- Plants get their food from the soil through their roots{Age/Grade: 9-12}{Scientific Subjects: Biology, Systems in Plants}
- Plants get their food from the soil through their roots{Age/Grade: 9-12}{Scientific Subjects: Biology, Systems in Plants}
- Plants get their energy from water, air, soil, worms, insects, and fertilizer.{Age/Grade: 9-12}{Scientific Subjects: Biology, Systems in Plants}
- Humans get their energy from air, water, sun, and exercise.{Age/Grade: 9-12}{Scientific Subjects: Biology, Systems in Plants}