Piagetian theory of cognitive development and the high school biology student's understanding of basic genetic concepts : an honors thesis (HONRS 499)

Abstract

A twenty item (ten pairs of items seeking similar data) survey was conducted to explore the question, "Can tenthgrade introductory biology students learn genetics concepts?"The survey was sent to a sample of biology teachers. The results and conclusions are based on the analysis of the data received from these teachers.This manuscript includes an introduction to Piaget and his theories, a literature review, discussion of methods (using a survey to gain information), and conclusions and recommendations.The conclusions made were that tenth grade biology students are capable of learning genetics concepts when taught with consideration to their cognitive thought levels (a la Piaget). For students in the concrete stage of thought the ideas must be taught using familiar objects and ideas. The students in the formal operational thought stage will be able to grasp these concepts easily while the concrete thinkers will be moving on to formal thought.