Teaching and learning about photosynthesis. Part 1: An assessment in terms of students’ prior knowledge
- 1 January 1989
- journal article
- research article
- Published by Taylor & Francis Ltd in International Journal of Science Education
- Vol. 11 (1), 49-56
- https://doi.org/10.1080/0950069890110105
Abstract
Three strategies for teaching and learning about photosynthesis are described and criticized on the grounds that none of them promotes understanding of photosynthesis as a carbohydrate‐producing process in a way which can be related to students’ prior knowledge. The ‘guided discovery’ strategy, which currently predominates in classrooms, involves experimental procedures which frequently distract students from the crucial aspect, i.e., starch production, but leaves their prior understandings largely undisturbed. An ‘element analysis’ strategy and a ‘meaning of plant food’ strategy are also assessed.Keywords
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