Abstract:

In order to assess the level of knowledge on concepts regarding green plant photosynthesis and identifying the misconceptions about the process, an open questionnaire (n=27) was realized on 4th year Pre-Service Teacher Degree (PSTD) students at the University College of Teacher Training, UPV/EHU. Likewise, the questionnaire included some open questions aimed at determining students’ ability to identify scientific hypothesis and variables, and developing simple experimental designs. This diagnostic survey is the first step of a project aimed at improving PSTD student’s didactic abilities in teaching photosynthesis through Problem-based learning. Results indicate an acceptable general knowledge when describing the process of photosynthesis, mentioning key aspects as energy or transformation in many cases. However, students show difficulties to relate air and Carbon dioxide (CO2) to biomass growth and organic matter production depending on the context in which the question is raised. Students also mixed basic concepts in some cases when for example related photosynthesis to respiration, or mixed up heat with light energy. Moreover, answers revealed an absolute lack of connection between different organization levels when determining where photosynthetic process is carried out. On the other hand, PSTD students showed the ability to identify scientific hypothesis, but exhibited difficulties when formulating them properly. In the same way, they were able to create simple experimental designs, but didn´t take into account variable concept in most cases. Results are discussed and taken into account to develop a Problem-based learning project.

Keywords:

Photosynthesis, Primary School Teacher, Misconceptions, Scientific hypothesis, Experimental design.