Biology Teachers Research Articles

Empowering minds: An e-book blending contextual teaching learning with plant tissue exploration to boost argumentation and cognitive skills

This research was motivated by obstacles in implementing biology learning which resulted in the lack of training in argumentation skills and low cognitive learning outcomes. The current teaching materials does not yet support these skills optimally. The aim of this research is to develop an e-book blending contextual teaching learning that is feasible, practical and effective to boost high school student’s argumentation and cognitive skills. A research and development method was used using the ADDIE (Analyze, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) development model. The subjects of this research were 34 high school students in Sleman, Yogyakarta in limited trials and 62 students in field trials. The type of research used in the field test was quasi-experimental with a pretest-post-test control group design. Class XI MIPA 1 was used as the control class and class XII MIPA 2 as the experimental class. Data collection instruments used included product assessment questionnaires by experts, biology teachers and students, argumentation skills and cognitive learning outcomes test instruments. Data analysis used the paired sample t-test, independent sample t-test and n-gain score test. The research results show that e-books is suitable for use in learning according to material experts and media experts, e-books is practical for use in learning according to teacher and student assessments, and e-books is effective for improving students' argumentation skills and learning outcomes. The conclusion in this research is that e-books blending contextual teaching and learning are feasible, practical and effective to use to boost students' argumentation and cognitive skills.

Development of Canva-based Website Media on Class X for Virus Topic in Biology Learning

The current technological advancements have a crucial role in education, bringing about innovations in the learning process. One form of innovation is using website media as a learning tool. This research aims to assess the feasibility and students' responses towards a Canva-based website learning media on viruses for high school X grade. The study follows the research and development approach using the ADDIE method. In this research using random sampling technique. The sample research used 10 students of XI MIPA 2 at SMAN 2 Teluk Keramat. Instruments utilized include validation sheets and student response questionnaires. The data analysis calculates the validation using Aiken's V formula and average score of student response and classifies into available categories. Validation was carried out by 2 biology lecturers at Untan and 3 biology teachers. The validation analysis using Aiken's V yielded a score of 0.89 for the Canva-based website media on virus topic, categorized as valid. The questionnaire analysis revealed an average response rate of 83.82%, indicating a very strong category of acceptance. Based on these results, it can be concluded that the Canva-based website media is suitable for use as a learning media on class X for virus topic

Development of Web-Based Interactive Learning Media on Excretory System Materials to Increase Learning Interest

Education today requires the utilization of increasingly sophisticated technology, which provides new effectiveness and innovation in learning. One of them is the development of interactive learning media to optimize classroom learning, which aims to increase interest in learning and can make it easier for students to understand learning materials. This media development uses research and development (R&D) with the development model ADDIE. The data collection technique uses a questionnaire, which is divided into a feasibility questionnaire (for media experts and material experts), a practicality (for biology teachers and student responses), and a learning interest questionnaire. The results obtained from feasibility and practicality are very good criteria, and the results of learning interest show a much higher average value in the experimental class (79.21) than the control class (62.26). In general, it can be concluded that learning media are feasible, practical, and effective for increasing learning interest

Improving teaching quality: Development of the PjBL microteaching model for prospective biology teachers

Educational institutions prepare prospective biology teachers so they can carry out learning effectively and efficiently. However, there is a gap in meeting the needs for effective learning for prospective biology teachers. Based on a survey of 177 prospective teacher students, it was found that they preferred microteaching to be integrated with the project-based learning model. The aim of this research is to develop a PjBL-based microteaching model. The research method employed is Research and Development (R&D) using the ADDIE model. The research subjects were 36 fourth-semester students from the Biology Education Study Program who were enrolled in microteaching courses. The PjBL-based microteaching model has the syntax, (1) Instructional to the concept of microteaching, (2) plan, (3) teach, (4) feedback and reflection, (5) project collection, (6) project evaluation. Conclusion: This PjBL-based microteaching model is developed from microteaching and PjBL theories. The PjBL-based microteaching model for prospective biology teachers is deemed suitable for use, as indicated by validator assessments and small group and large group tests. Based on the results of the large group trials, it is evident that this model positively impacts the 4C skills of prospective biology teachers.

The Application of '172' Autonomous Classroom Model in High School Biology Education in China

The "172" autonomous classroom model differs from traditional classrooms in that it meticulously arranges the overall semester learning plan, the design of classroom teaching segments, and the assignment of homework according to modules. By changing the classroom mode, learning processes, and evaluation methods, the aim is to improve teaching efficiency and quality. Based on personal teaching experience, this paper organizes and summarizes the "172" autonomous classroom model and proposes suggestions for its application in high school biology teaching. These suggestions include emphasizing the design of pre-class study outlines, valuing student interactions during teaching, and focusing on post-class learning feedback. The hope is to better exert the positive effects of the "172" autonomous classroom model.

Problem-based blended learning: The student’s critical thinking skills in the respiratory system material

Critical thinking skills should be integrated into high school biology education through problem-based blended learning.. This study aims to determine the effect of the Problem-Based blended learning model on students' critical thinking skills in the material on the respiratory system at SMA A. This quasi-experimental study used a nonrandomized control group, pretest-posttest design involving 2 XI classes, namely the control class, which consisted of 33 students and 32 students in the experimental class. Collecting data on critical thinking skills is using a test technique. The test instrument used is a question sheet (pretest and posttest). The data analysis consisted of analysis prerequisites in the form of a normality test and homogeneity test, as well as hypothesis testing in the form of the Mann-Whitney test. This study's results indicate a significant influence on students' critical thinking skills in the respiratory system material for class XI at SMA A after applying the Problem-Based blended learning model assisted by Google Classroom. This can be seen from the average test of critical thinking skills in the experimental class, which is higher than the control class.

Enhancing high school human evolution education: Harnessing “sapiens: a brief history of humankind” as an effective learning resource

Understanding human evolution can be challenging for students and may lead to misconceptions, often stemming from the learning materials employed. Current learning resources commonly include textbooks, images, and the internet. The popular science book "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind" offers potential as an educational tool for teaching human evolution. This study aims to assess the suitability of "Sapiens" for high school Biology education and its potential as a resource for teaching human evolution in senior high school. Employing a qualitative descriptive method with a content analysis approach, data is gathered through documentation techniques. Primary data is derived from the documentation and content analysis of "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind." Data analysis follows the model proposed by Miles and Huberman (1983), encompassing data reduction, presentation, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that the book effectively addresses 7 out of 9 (77.78%) sub-topics of human evolution commonly taught in high school Biology. Importantly, the book replaces outdated terms like Pithecantropus and Megantropus paleojavanicus, found in traditional textbooks. Moreover, the book fulfills the five criteria for selecting learning resources as outlined by Djohar (1987). Consequently, "Sapiens" can serve as a valuable learning resource for high school Biology, particularly regarding the study of human evolution.

The development of elema 2.0 for the invertebrate zoology course on the phylum arthropoda topic

Currently, technology has become an inseparable part of education and learning. Various digital learning tools have been developed and widely used in the classroom. eLEMA (electronic learning materials) was developed as a mobile application that supports learning in the Invertebrate Zoology courses at the Biology Education Program, University of Palangka Raya. At that time, eLEMA was developed to meet the need for electronic learning materials for online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. Along with the rapid development of technology in recent years, eLEMA needs to be developed further for updates. This research aims to develop eLEMA 2.0 for the Invertebrate Zoology course. This study is a research and development (R & D) using Hannafin & Peck development model to develop eLEMA 2.0 for the Invertebrate Zoology course on the Phylum Arthropoda topic. The development product is the eLEMA 2.0 application for lectures on the Phylum Arthropoda topic in the Invertebrate Zoology course with improvements to the user interface and additional features that support participatory learning and student-centered learning. The results of trials and validation show that all pages and content in this application were successfully opened without any disturbing errors. These results indicate that the development product is feasible to be implemented in the classroom.

Effects of Flipped Classroom Learning on Perception in Genetics Concepts among Secondary School Students in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria

The study examined the effects of flipped classroom learning on perception in genetics concepts among secondary school students in Gusau, Zamfara State, Nigeria. The research design employed was quasi-experimental; specifically, pre-test, post test, non equivalent control group design. A sample of 279 SS 3 Biology students drawn using multistage sampling technique from 5,804 SS 3 students for 2020/2021 session from 29 senior secondary schools in Gusau Local Government Area, Zamfara State, Nigeria. Students’ Perception of Genetics Concepts Scale (SPGCS) was the instrument used in collecting data, as Pretest and Post-test. A reliability coefficient of 0.98 was found using Cronbach’s alpha. The data were analysed using mean, standard deviation and Independence Z-test at 0.05 level of significance. Results indicated that students taught using Flipped Classroom Learning possessed high level of perception in genetic concepts than those exposed to lecture method with significant difference in the mean perception scores. The findings equally indicated the insignificant difference between the perception of male and female students exposed to Flipped Classroom Learning. The study recommends among others that Biology teachers should be encouraged to use Flipped Classroom Learning as the main teaching strategy to improve students’ perception in genetics concepts in senior secondary schools. Similarly, Biology teachers should be trained by the Ministry of Education and other education agencies on effective procedures for implementing Flipped Classroom Learning for high level of perception in genetics concepts.

Effectiveness of Computer Assisted Instruction on Secondary School Students’ Achievement in Biology: A Case Study in Samtse Dzongkhag

This study investigated the effectiveness of the use of Computer Assisted Instruction as an innovative instructional approach in enhancing students’ achievement in Biology. Study was conducted at two Bhutanese secondary level schools under Samtse district in southwest Bhutan. Sample size consisted of a total of 120 students and four Biology teachers. The study employed mixed methods since this method is particularly useful in understanding any contradictions between quantitative and qualitative findings. Quantitative data was collected based on test-retest approach (quasi-experiment) to establish a cause-and-effect of the interventions while qualitative data was collected based on semi-structured interview for both biology teachers and students. The simulation and animation were used as a mean of intervention for biological concepts teaching for the experimental group while the traditional method was applied for teaching the control group. Findings were analyzed descriptively and inferentially. Study revealed that Computer Assisted Instruction has positive impacts on students’ performance, evidenced by the findings that the students who were exposed to Computer Assisted Instruction (Experimental Group) have significantly outperformed the students who were taught using the Traditional teaching method (Control Group). The findings on gender difference revealed no significant difference in terms of academic performance in CAI. Further, both the teachers and students showed positive perceptions towards the use of CAI in teaching Biology. Therefore, the findings of this study would encourage Biology teachers to use CAI to enhance students’ achievement.

Analysis of the ability of prospective biology teachers to develop teaching modules on the kampus mengajar program

Kampus Mengajar is a program intended for university students in Indonesia to establish partnerships with schools and prepare themselves as future professional educators. Student participation in the Kampus Mengajar program requires mastery of pedagogical competencies, one of which is the development of teaching modules as a learning design that will be implemented. The purpose of this study was to describe the ability of Biology Education students of FKIP UNTAN to develop teaching modules, specifically, students who participated in the Kampus Mengajar Batch 6 (KM6). This research is descriptive qualitative research conducted by observing the completeness of the components of the 14 teaching modules developed. Based on the analysis conducted, it is known that the average percentage of general information is 98.81% with a very good category, the main components are 97.62% with a very good category, and the appendices are 78.57% with a good category. Overall, the average of all components is 92.44%, so it can be concluded that the ability of Biology Education students at FKIP UNTAN to develop teaching modules can be categorized as very good. The results obtained show that there are still flaws in the 14 teaching modules analyzed. Students need to develop their pedagogical professionalism so that their knowledge and skills in developing teaching modules increase.

The effect of PBL integrated RMS on biological literacy and critical thinking ability of high school students

This study aimed to determine the effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) integrated Reading, Mind Mapping, and Sharing (RMS) on biological literacy and critical thinking skills in biotechnology material. This type of research is Quasi-Experimental with pre-test-post-test experiments and a control group design. The researcher conducted the research because most of the students who became respondents considered biotechnology material less attractive, so students' understanding and activeness could have been more optimal in the learning process. The research samples were 72 students of class X MIPA at SMA Negeri 2 Kota Serang, Banten. The research sample was divided into two groups: the experimental group that applied the PBL integrated RMS model and the control group that applied the PBL model. The research instruments used were biological literacy ability tests and critical thinking ability tests. Biological literacy skills were measured using biological literacy-based multiple-choice test instruments, while critical thinking skills were measured using essay test instruments. The hypothesis test used was MANOVA statistical analysis. The results of statistical tests showed a significant effect of PBL integrated with RMS on biological literacy and critical thinking skills on biotechnology material with a significance value of 0.000 < α. Students with an integrated RMS learning model are more effective than those with a PBL learning model, which is indicated by the post-test value being higher than the pre-test value. This research contributes to the field of biology education by showing that the PBL learning model integrated with RMS can be an effective alternative learning model to improve students' biological literacy and critical thinking skills. The findings of this study are expected to be useful for biology teachers

Development augmented reality assisted teaching modules human sensory system to improve student learning outcomes

In the era of digital transformation, the use of technology to improve the quality of learning is very important. This research aimed to develop a teaching module for human sensory system material assisted by augmented reality media to improve students' biology learning outcomes. This research uses research and development methods. The subjects of this research were 22 Biology Education students at the University of Papua. Data collection instruments include validation sheets and questionnaires to determine the validity and responses of students to teaching modules as well as providing multiple choice questions to measure learning outcomes. The data analysis technique is descriptive by calculating validation results, analyzing student response questionnaires and student learning outcomes. The research results show that media and material expert validation test results obtained a percentage of 93.33% with a very valid category. The results of assessing student responses in the trial obtained an average percentage of 85.13% in the very good category. Student biology learning results show an average of 61.36 in the sufficient category. The conclusion of the research on Augmented Reality-assisted teaching modules meets the criteria of being valid, practical and effective and improving students' biology learning outcomes.

The Relationship Between Peer Groups and the Learning Independence of Biology Education Students

Purpose of the study: This research aims to determine the relationship between peer groups and the learning independence of biology education students. Methodology: This type of research is quantitative with a correlation method. The population of this study was Biology Education Students, totaling 263 people with a sample size of 132 people. Sampling was carried out using Simple Random Sampling. The data collection techniques used are the learning independence scale and the peer group scale. The data analysis technique is descriptive statistical analysis and inferential statistical analysis with product moment correlation techniques. Main Findings: The research results based on descriptive statistical analysis show that independence in learning is in the low category with an average value of 88.56 and the peer group is in the medium category with an average value of 87. Meanwhile, the results of inferential statistical analysis show that rcount is greater than rtable or 0.27 ≥ 0.24, H0 is rejected and H1 is accepted, meaning that there is a relationship between the peer group and the learning independence of students. Where is the sig value. 2-tailed is 0.00 ≤ 0.05. Novelty/Originality of this study: This research contributes to explaining the social aspects of independent learning that are often overlooked in previous literature. While much research has explored internal factors that influence learning independence, the emphasis on the role of peer groups as external agents influencing students' motivation, mindset, and learning styles, is an innovative focus point. This enriches our insight into how social interaction with fellow students can have a significant influence on the level of learning independence of Biology Education students.

Enhancing scientific creativity through an inquiry-based teaching approach in secondary science classrooms

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to explore the impact of inquiry-based teaching on students’ scientific creativity. Using a quasi-experimental design in a Chinese secondary school, the study compared intervention students (N = 102) and control students (N = 245), employing pre- and post-assessments with the ‘Comprehensive Scientific Creativity’ instrument. The intervention involved a biology teacher taking five inquiry-based teaching lessons over a period of two months in each of three 10th-grade classes. Compared to the control group, the intervention group showed statistically significant enhancements in their creativity, specifically in their divergent thinking and convergent thinking, but no difference in their attainment scores or motivation in scientific creativity. The results from the control group suggested that the educational activities they routinely experience may hinder the development of students’ divergent and convergent thinking. Observations of the lessons and interviews with the teacher and students highlighted the challenges of implementing more inquiry-based teaching in upper secondary science lessons in China. These findings provide science educators with inquiry-based teaching strategies for fostering scientific creativity among upper secondary school students, and underscore the need for future research to address implementation challenges associated with inquiry-based teaching.

Project-Based Learning Model to Improve Students' Creativity in Biology Learning Media Courses Biology Education Study Program, Cenderawasih University

The purpose of this study is to improve students' learning creativity through the application of the Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model. This type of research is Classroom Action Research with four stages, namely planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The research instrument uses observation sheets and learning outcome tests. Observations are carried out during learning, and learning outcome tests are given at the end of each cycle. Based on the results of the study, it was obtained in cycle 1 that the creativity indicator for fluent thinking was 37% in the less category; cycle II 60% in the good category, and cycle III 73% in the good category; then the flexible thinking indicator in cycle I was 36% in the less category, cycle II 65% in the good category, and cycle III 78% in the good category; original thinking indicator cycle I is 20% in the less category, cycle II 61% is in the good category and cycle III 75% in the good category; elaboration thinking indicator cycle I is 15% in the very less category, cycle II 57% in the sufficient category and cycle III 67% in the good category. Learning outcome data in cycle I is only 37% of students who completed, cycle II 60% of students who completed, and cycle III 78% of students who completed.

The impact of a metacognition-based course on school students’ metacognitive skills and biology comprehension

The fast-paced and intricate nature of the current society, coupled with the ongoing changes in educational requirements, calls for the cultivation of higher-order thinking skills. To that end, adopting metacognitive strategies could be instrumental. This paper aimed to evaluate the effects of a 10-week-long metacognition-based biology course on school students’ metacognition and biology comprehension. Employing a mixed-methods quasi-experimental design, the study involved 120 eighth-graders from two public schools. One group was exposed to metacognitive questioning, while the other one continued with regular classroom activities. The results showed that participants who received metacognition-guided instruction achieved higher scores on the biology test and reported improved metacognition as compared to those who followed the standard curriculum. These outcomes were consistent across genders and regardless of whether a student reported a deep or surface learning approach. Qualitative analysis extracted themes of collaboration and understanding among the students. They appreciated the specificity of tasks, which deepened their comprehension, and valued collaborative learning facilitated by metacognitive prompts. These prompts not only enhanced their understanding but also contributed to fostering a positive classroom environment. This research underscores the effectiveness of metacognitive support in enhancing biology education. It advocates for the integration of metacognitive strategies into classroom practices, emphasizing the positive impact they can have on students’ learning experiences and outcomes.

Identifying factors associated with instructor implementation of three-dimensional assessment in undergraduate biology courses.

Recent national calls to transform undergraduate science education have centered on engaging students in scientific practices as a means to help them develop deeper insights into science. The three-dimensional framework for science education encapsulates the goals of these national calls by recommending that instructors integrate scientific practices, crosscutting concepts, and disciplinary core ideas throughout their courses. Prior research has found that introductory undergraduate biology exams contain few three-dimensional items suggesting that instructors likely face barriers in meeting the goals of national calls. To better understand these putative challenges, we explored factors potentially associated with three-dimensional alignment. Our generalized linear mixed model indicated that instructors who used three-dimensional items on their exams were more likely to use Bloom's Taxonomy when designing their exams and were more likely to write these items using a constructed-response format. We also found that professional development opportunities did not necessarily change the likelihood an instructor would employ three-dimensional items. We previously identified that few items in our sample fully aligned to scientific practices, making scientific practices the limiting dimension for three-dimensional alignment. Our subsequent analysis here revealed that most biology instructors had exam items that were at least partially aligned to scientific practices. Based on our results, we highlight the significant time and resources that instructors likely need to write and grade constructed-response assessments, suggest that instructors build on items that are mostly aligned to scientific practices to increase their three-dimensional alignment, and propose ways that professional development programs and communities might further support instructors in meeting national calls.

Teachers' perception of their students' dietary habits in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a qualitative study.

Poor dietary choices and consumption of unhealthy foods are major determinants of malnutrition among adolescents in Ethiopia. The school food environment is a valuable setting for exploring adolescents' eating habits. Teachers have an important role in understanding factors that impact students' dietary choices. The aim of this study is to explore secondary school teachers' perceptions towards adolescents' dietary habits in Ethiopia. The study employed a qualitative research design. Four focus group discussions, involving a total of 13 teachers, were conducted at governmental and private schools in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Additionally, observations of the food environment in these four schools. The transcripts from the focus group discussions and photographs from observations were analyzed using thematic analysis. Triangulation of data sources and persistent observation of the data were employed to enhance the study's trustworthiness. The study was approved by the Norwegian Center for Research Data and the Addis Ababa Health Bureau, and all participants provided informed consent. Teachers perceived adolescents' dietary habits as unhealthy, characterized by the consumption of unsafe foods, limited variety, and reliance on processed foods. Factors negatively influencing adolescents' dietary habits include a lack of awareness about a healthy diet among both students and parents. Low familial income levels were also identified as a barrier to eating a healthy diet. The unavailability of healthy foods and the advertising of unhealthy and processed foods as well as peer influence were hindrances to a healthy diet both at school and home. This study provides additional evidence of the nutrition transition which is linked to the double burden of malnutrition among adolescents in low-income countries. Factors affecting adolescent diets at school are multileveled. Incorporating nutrition education into the school curriculum will likely improve dietary awareness mitigating peer influence. Regulating the school food environment and enforcing advertisement laws targeting adolescents can promote healthier school food environments. Providing short term nutrition trainings for biology or science teachers and strengthen their role in delivering nutrition education to children and their families, along with implementing measures to address food insecurity and restricting availability of unhealthy food at school need to be regarded as priorities.

Development of learning objectives to support undergraduate virology curriculum guidelines.

It has become increasingly important for microbiology educators to help students learn critical concepts of the discipline. This is particularly true in virology, where current challenges include increasing rates of vaccine hesitancy, misinformation about the COVID-19 pandemic, and controversy surrounding research on pathogens with pandemic potential. Having students learn virology can attract more people to the field and increase the number of people who can engage in meaningful discourse about issues relating to the discipline. However, the limited number of virologists who teach undergraduates, combined with the fact that many institutions lack stand-alone virology courses, results in virology often being taught as a limited number of lectures within an undergraduate microbiology course (if it is covered at all), which may or may not be taught by an individual trained as a virologist. To provide a framework to teach virology to undergraduate students, a team of virology educators, with support from the American Society for Virology (ASV), developed curriculum guidelines for use in a stand-alone undergraduate virology course or a virology section within another course (D. B. Kushner et al., J Virol 96:e01305-22, 2022, https://doi.org/10.1128/jvi.01305-22). These guidelines are available at the ASV website (https://asv.org/curriculum-guidelines/). To assist educators in implementing these guidelines, we created examples of measurable learning objectives. This perspective provides details about the virology curriculum guidelines and learning objectives and accompanies the perspective by Boury et al. in this issue of the Journal of Microbiology & Biology Education (25:e00126-24, 2024, https://doi.org/10.1128/jmbe.00126-24) about the recent revision of the microbiology curriculum guidelines overseen by the American Society for Microbiology.