Examine Students’ Perception on Their Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Ability through Journal Writing for Learning about Genetics and DNA Technology

Abstract

This study examined grade 12 students’ perception on their critical thinking and problem-solving ability when they participated in the STS genetics and DNA technology unit. The participants were 43 grade 12 students in Maung, Khon Kaen, Thailand. The STS genetics and DNA technology unit were provided learning activities through STS approach in framework of Yuenyong (2006) and has been taught by the first author for 3 weeks. Methodology regarded interpretive paradigm. Students’ perception on their critical thinking and problem-solving ability were interpreted through their reflection as journal writing for their learning about genetics and DNA technology. Students’ journal writing was collected after each class of the STS genetics and DNA technology unit was done. The findings revealed that students perceived on their critical thinking and problem-solving ability when they wrote their journals to reflect what they learned. These reflections provided 4 elements of critical thinking and problem-solving ability. These included reason effectively, used systems thinking, make judgment and decisions, and solve problem. These finding would be a good practices for teaching biology through STS approach to who may take further applications for science teaching and learning.