Experts’ Views on Translation Across Multiple External Representations in Acquiring Biological Knowledge About Ecology, Genetics, and Evolution

Konrad J Schönborn,Susanne Bögeholz

doi:10.1007/978-94-007-4192-8_7

Konrad J Schönborn, Susanne Bögeholz

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.1007/978-94-007-4192-8_7

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Publication Date: Dec 21, 2012
Citations: 6	License type: other-oa

Affiliation: Linköping University, University of Göttingen

Abstract

Translation across multiple external representations (MERs) is essential for the construction of biological knowledge. This study solicited experts’ views on translation across MERs in the development of knowledge in the domains of ecology, genetics, and evolution. A Delphi approach generated experts’ views on specific challenges facing learners for engaging translation in the acquisition of biological concepts and principles. These experts’ opinions were reduced to three-themed viewpoints pertaining to horizontaltranslation across MERs at the same level of biological organization and three themes regarding verticaltranslation between MERs at different levels of organization. Furthermore, experts’ viewpoints on requirements for learners’ effective translation across MERs in the building of biological knowledge were revealed as three overarching ideas. The research suggests that biology teaching must incorporate translation competencies for supporting students’ knowledge construction.

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