Conceptual Understanding Research Articles

Assessing the Concept Understanding Abilities of Prospective Biology Teachers

This study aimed to identify the levels of understanding of prospective biology teacher students on the concept of invertebrates based on the cognitive process dimensions of Bloom’s Taxonomy. The method used in this research was descriptive qualitative. This research was conducted on 15 prospective biology teacher students. The instrument used was a multiple choice concept mastery test. Based on data analysis, the average cognitive ability of students is 69.10. The acquisition of conceptual understanding based on the dimensions of cognitive processes includes C1: 74,69; C2: 73.67; C3: 57.34; C4: 56.08, and C5: 22.34. The average score of cognitive ability showed that students’ cognitive abilities were still below the criteria for completeness set in the invertebrate zoology course. Keywords: assessing, concept, understanding, abilities, prospective teachers, biology

Chemistry-Focused Conceptual Understanding Research Trends: A Systematic Review

Research related to conceptual understanding is often carried out, such as the influence of a model on conceptual understanding, or knowing students' level of understanding of chemistry concepts. However, there has been no systematic reflection on chemistry research focused on conceptual understanding. Based on this, this research aims to systematically synthesize articles related to chemistry focused on research trends in conceptual understanding with the year range of articles used 2014-2023. After conducting a national and international data search using keyword patterns (e.g., Pattern 1: conceptual and chemical understanding), 48 research papers emerged for systematic review. Then, primary and secondary codes were created by the authors for the research paper. The systematic review showed a variety of research scopes (e.g., relevance of chemistry education models) and dominant research focus for different themes (e.g., competencies and variables related to objectives, variables, samples, chemistry concepts, and conclusions). Furthermore, it was revealed that research on understanding chemical concepts includes various research fields.

The Relationship between Concept Perception and Student Achievement in the Subject Area of Chemistry in Science

Science education has undergone many reforms since the past to improve the learning and teaching process. Teachers' knowledge and motivation, and teachers' teaching techniques, determine how students understand science concepts. In the journey of taking students to innovations in education, the teacher who provides science education in the classroom has a great responsibility (Research and Development Branch, 2017). It is also necessary to identify the problems faced by students in building science education. The analysis of the examination department's results and evaluation reports shows that compared to other subjects, the minimum mark is obtained for the science subject. The Sri Lanka Examination Department's 2017 G.E.C. (G.E.) evaluation report also shows that among the three fields of science, biology, chemistry, and physics, the facility for the field of chemistry is low. For this reason, it was the main interest of this research to find out the correlation between student performance and conceptual understanding of students who learn the content of the chemistry subject of the science subject. For that purpose, the size of the sample was determined using the table of determination of the sample size presented by Krejcie & Morgan (1970) and the correlational study research strategy using 400 students of 08 secondary schools in the Kegalle district of Sri Lanka selected through a cluster random sampling method as the sample. The research was conducted using a quantitative design. For this, Katerina Salta & Chryssa Tzougraki (2004) used an aptitude test set according to the Liket scale and a structured type of achievement test set according to Bloom's classification to find out the level of concept perception of 11th grade students in a school in Greece. A control test was administered to 10% of the research instrument sample. By analyzing the data collected, the research instruments were standardized. Then by giving the research equipment to the main sample, the collected data was analyzed, and conclusions were drawn from the data interpretation. Here, a positive correlation of Pearson correlation coefficient (r= + 0.720) was found between students' conceptual understanding and student achievement. It was recognized that appropriate student-centered methods should be used in the learning and teaching process as student achievement increases when students' conceptual understanding increases.

The Effect of Flipped Classroom Learning Assisted by Computer Simulation on Students' Comprehension of Simple Harmonic Motion

Innovation in science learning is highly recommended by various studies and education experts. Through this learning innovation, teachers create learning that facilitates students' curiosity by getting them involved in learning, which ultimately helps them understand science in depth. However, the current trend is that science classes "fail" to create innovative learning that can foster students' interest in science, so that many students do not understand science well. This research aims to determine the impact of flipped classroom learning on simple harmonic motion material assisted by computer simulations on students' conceptual understanding. A pre-experiment with a one-group pretest-posttest design was used in this research. Class X of the MIPA program was chosen as the experimental object in this research, and 30 students were used as samples. The test given is a multiple-choice test with explanations. The results showed that the average post-test score was better than the pre-test. The N-gain score is 0.79, which indicates that there is an increase in students' understanding in the high category. This shows that flipped classroom learning assisted by computer simulations can increase students' understanding of the concept of simple harmonic motion. By implementing computer simulation activities that are integrated into flipped classroom learning, learning alternatives can be enriched to help students understand science.

Correlation Between Understanding Body Movement Systems and Habits of Maintaining Bone Health in Elementary School Students

This research aims to determine the correlation between elementary school level students' understanding of the concept of movement systems in humans and their habits in maintaining bone health. Because maintaining bone health is something that must be paid attention to, especially in children at their growing age. Habits of maintaining bone health must be supported by elementary school level students' knowledge regarding the process of growth and development in the human body. This research uses a correlation analysis method, with the Product Moment correlation technique. The number of samples used in this research was 35 class VI students from 5 elementary schools in Banda Aceh City. The instruments used are test questions related to the movement system material in the chapter on how our bodies move, and also a student response questionnaire regarding their daily habits in maintaining bone health. The research results can be concluded that the correlation obtained through the Product Moment correlation test can determine the relationship between the two variables at 0.64 with strong criteria. So there is a strong correlation between the first variable, namely the level of understanding of students' concepts regarding how the body moves and the second variable, namely their habits of maintaining healthy bones. The results of the correlation coefficient obtained show changes in students' habits as they understand the concepts they gain.

Kemampuan komunikasi matematis siswa dikaji dari kemampuan spasial matematis di SMP

This research illustrates that mathematical communication skills are considered the most needed abilities currently supported by other mathematical abilities, one of which is mathematical spatial abilities. This research aims to characterize the communication and mathematical visualization abilities of students at Nurul Islam Middle School, Sungai Kakap, Kubu Raya. Mixed methods, combining quantitative and qualitative techniques, were used in this research. Data was collected through interviews with 23 class VIII A students and analysis of their tests. The results show that the majority of students have moderate to low mathematical and spatial communication skills. Students' effective ability to convey understanding of mathematical concepts and mathematical spatial competence in flat shapes is among the lowest. This research reveals a relationship between strong mathematical communication skills and high spatial abilities, and vice versa.

Opt-in or out? Public perspectives on forensic DNA kinship investigations within the Dutch-speaking community

Forensic DNA kinship investigation involves analyzing genetic relationships between individuals to offer new leads for solving (cold) cases. Familial DNA matching has become a valuable asset in criminal case investigations, especially when traditional DNA methods hit dead ends. However, concerns surrounding ethical and privacy implications raised questions about its implementation and acceptance among the general public. The present study investigated the public perspectives regarding forensic DNA kinship investigations among 1710 Dutch-speaking Belgians using an online cross-sectional survey. The questionnaire consisted of three categories, including personal information, DNA knowledge, and their opinion on several familial DNA searching and investigative genetic genealogy related questions. The participants' average DNA knowledge score was 71 %, indicating a relatively high level of understanding of DNA-related concepts. Remarkably, the study revealed that 92 % of the participants expressed willingness to cooperate as a volunteer in a forensic DNA kinship investigation, irrespective of their scientific background or educational level. Key factors influencing participation included assurance of painless sampling and robust privacy safeguards. Participants lacking familiarity with DNA hesitated more towards participating in forensic DNA analysis, referring to "the fear of the unknown". Despite ethical and privacy concerns, the highly positive attitude towards forensic DNA analysis reflects a level of empathy and willingness to contribute to the pursuit of justice. Nearly all participants (95 %) agreed to use online DNA databases for resolving violent crimes with forensic genetic genealogy, but half emphasized the need for prior informed consent, referring to the current “opt-in” system. The results underscore the need for stringent regulations and ethical oversight to ensure the responsible use of genetic data while striking a balance between public safety and the protection of individuals' privacy rights. These findings add to the growing body of evidence regarding the potential benefits of forensic DNA kinship matching as a tool in criminal investigations, suggesting its potential future utilization and legalization.

“Hear” and “Play” Students Misconceptions on Concurrent Programming using Sonic Pi

Concurrency is a complex to learn topic that is becoming more and more relevant, such that many undergraduate Computer Science curricula are introducing it in introductory programming courses. This paper investigates the combined use of Sonic Pi and Team-Based Learning to mitigate the difficulties in early exposure to concurrency. Sonic Pi, a domain-specific music language, provides great support for “playing” with concurrency and “hearing” common problems such as data races and lack of synchronization among different concurrent threads. More specifically, the paper focuses on students’ misconceptions regarding concurrency in Sonic Pi, and compares them to those arising in traditional concurrent programming languages. In addition, it preliminarily explores knowledge transfer from Sonic Pi to C/C++. The approach has been applied in two teaching experiments with undergraduate students in our University involving 184 participants. Our investigations bring out the need to address misconceptions through targeted interventions for a clear understanding of concurrent programming concepts. Sonic Pi’s simplified abstraction and domain-specific flavor has demonstrated to be effective, especially for first-year students.

High carrier mobility along the [111] orientation in Cu2O photoelectrodes

Solar fuels offer a promising approach to provide sustainable fuels by harnessing sunlight1,2. Following a decade of advancement, Cu2O photocathodes are capable of delivering a performance comparable to that of photoelectrodes with established photovoltaic materials3–5. However, considerable bulk charge carrier recombination that is poorly understood still limits further advances in performance6. Here we demonstrate performance of Cu2O photocathodes beyond the state-of-the-art by exploiting a new conceptual understanding of carrier recombination and transport in single-crystal Cu2O thin films. Using ambient liquid-phase epitaxy, we present a new method to grow single-crystal Cu2O samples with three crystal orientations. Broadband femtosecond transient reflection spectroscopy measurements were used to quantify anisotropic optoelectronic properties, through which the carrier mobility along the [111] direction was found to be an order of magnitude higher than those along other orientations. Driven by these findings, we developed a polycrystalline Cu2O photocathode with an extraordinarily pure (111) orientation and (111) terminating facets using a simple and low-cost method, which delivers 7 mA cm−2 current density (more than 70% improvement compared to that of state-of-the-art electrodeposited devices) at 0.5 V versus a reversible hydrogen electrode under air mass 1.5 G illumination, and stable operation over at least 120 h.

Continuing professional development in general dentistry-experiences of an online flipped classroom.

Continuing professional development is a lifelong learning process. One pedagogical approach that can be used is active learning. Flipped classroom is a method that has been shown to improve deeper conceptual understanding. In an online setting, the method saves travel, time, and costs. To our knowledge, flipped classroom is rarely used in continuing professional education. This study in general dentistry explored experiences of an online flipped classroom course in continuing professional development. Fifteen dental hygienists, clinically active in general dental care, were interviewed. They were recruited from an online course on the latest classification system for periodontal diseases. The course had been conducted using an active learning and flipped classroom model. The interviews were semi-structured. Data were extracted using qualitative content analysis. The experiences of the dental hygienists could be summarized in three themes: Stimulation of knowledge gain through self-paced studies, The ease of virtual networking among colleagues, and Fostering of direct practical application through collaboration. New and emerging communication technology seems to open new possibilities for continuing professional development in general dentistry. Study participants felt that, in an online environment, mixing asynchronous and synchronous communication in a flipped classroom model facilitated learning in continuing professional development. Online active learning seems to work well in continuous professional development in general dentistry. After the course, the participating dental hygienists stated that they were able to use their new knowledge clinically and felt confident doing so.

Walking an extra mile: Determinants of organizational citizenship behavior—An exploratory study in faith‐based organizations

AbstractObjectiveOur study is intended to explore the factors that promote organizational citizenship behaviors (OCB) in faith‐based organizations, which has the potential to extend the scholarly conversation around a previously unexplored context.MethodsOur study used a purposive, homogeneous sampling technique in selecting the participants. We interviewed 30 employees who have at least 5 years of experience in faith‐based organizations. We conducted detailed interviews and subsequent analysis involved a rigorous six‐step thematic analysis process to better understand the phenomena being studied.ResultsOur study revealed the significance of OCB in faith‐based organizations and further elucidated those factors that determine the display of OCBs. Our findings have the power to enhance the existing comprehension of OCBs in different environments, specifically those present in faith‐based organizations. Our study broadens our conceptual understanding of OCB in faith‐based organizations by adding one more dimension to the existing framework of P. MPodsakoff et al. (1990).ConclusionOur findings have important implications for organizational scholars in faith‐based organizations. Our new conceptual framework offers insights into the distinct characteristics of OCBs in faith‐based organizations and suggests directions for future scholars to engage with OCBs from different contexts.

Building Capacity for Sustainability Education: An Analysis of Vocational Teachers’ Knowledge, Readiness, and Self-Efficacy

In contributing towards the discourse on developing teachers’ capabilities for Education for Sustainable Development (ESD), this study examines the relationships between sustainability knowledge, readiness, and self-efficacy for teaching sustainability concepts among vocational teachers in Malaysian colleges. Grounded in Bandura’s self-efficacy theory, the research assesses the combined effect of teachers’ sustainability knowledge and readiness on their ability to teach sustainability effectively. Using a cross-sectional survey design, a sample of three hundred and seventy-five (375) vocational college teachers and structural equation modeling (SEM), the results indicate no significant link between teachers’ sustainability knowledge and their readiness for ESD. However, a positive relationship between teachers’ readiness and their self-efficacy was found. The study shows that while sustainability knowledge does not directly enhance readiness for ESD, it is a strong predictor of self-efficacy in teaching sustainability. Moreover, readiness has a greater effect on self-efficacy than sustainability knowledge alone, highlighting the importance of conceptual understanding in building teachers’ confidence and competence in sustainability education. Despite focusing specifically on Malaysia and using self-reported data, which to some extent limits the study’s findings, the outcomes offer practical insights for educational policymakers, vocational institutions, and educators. They underscore the need for a comprehensive educational approach beyond just knowledge transfer. This research contributes to the sustainability education discourse and suggests areas for future studies, including exploring contextual differences and adopting longitudinal study designs to better understand the dynamics between sustainability knowledge, readiness, and teaching self-efficacy in vocational education.

QM, molecular docking and molecular dynamics investigation on acidic phospholipase A2 2 protein and acidic phospholipase A2 3 protein with silane dimethyl

Phytochemicals and non-nutritive plant substances can protect humans from various diseases by possessing anti-inflammatory or anti-disease properties. The Andrographis Paniculata species has been the primary focus of extensive pharmacological and phytochemical research. QM concepts are being applied scientifically in chemical and biological problems, with molecular docking and molecular dynamics techniques being crucial in-silico drug development. Absorptions in Andrographis Paniculata come from charge transfer due to visible light's energy emissions, with GCMS– results indicating its chemical components possess antibacterial properties. The PES concept aids in the intuitive understanding of mathematical concepts, while RDG recreates the complete distribution of electronic pairings, including interatomic bonding regions, lone pairs, and cores. Molecular dynamics is crucial for protein-ligand docking due to its accurate binding free energy calculations and profound understanding of the dynamic nature of protein-ligand interactions.

Determinants of Conception and Adverse Pregnancy Outcomes in Women with Endometriosis: A Longitudinal Study.

Endometriosis, affecting approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women globally, poses significant challenges, including chronic pelvic pain, dysmenorrhea, and infertility. In low- and middle-income countries like India, accessibility to affordable infertility care remains a concern. This multicenter prospective cohort study, conducted across six tertiary care hospitals in India from 2017 to 2022, aims to explore the natural progression of conception and pregnancy outcomes in women with endometriosis. Of the 257 participants, 19.1% conceived during the study, revealing significant geographic and income-based variations (p < 0.001, p = 0.01). Dysmenorrhea (p < 0.001) and dyspareunia (p=0.027) were correlated with conception, while no such associations were found with chronic pelvic pain or menstrual factors. Lesion type, number, and severity showed no conclusive link with conception. Natural conception occurred in 70% of cases, with an average post-surgery conception time of 282.1 days. Live birth rate was 85.7%, while complications included placenta previa (16.4%), preeclampsia (4.1%), and preterm births (4.1%). This study, one of the first in India on endometriosis-related fertility progression, emphasizes the need for comprehensive understanding and management of conception and pregnancy outcomes. Considering India's substantial endometriosis burden, the study recommends prioritizing larger multicenter investigations for a better understanding and effective strategies for infertility management.

Improving Critical Thinking by Using Technology in the Learning Process

Improving Critical Thinking by Using Technology in the Learning Process

PENGEMBANGAN KOMIK EDUKASI BERBASIS CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING BERBANTUAN KVISOFT FLIPBOOK MAKER PRO UNTUK SEKOLAH DASAR

This research aims to develop and produce the effectiveness of an educational comic based on Creative Problem Solving (CPS) using Kvisoft Flipbook Maker Pro as interactive media for elementary school students. This research uses the ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, Evaluation) model development approach. The main innovation of this research is the use of the Creative Problem Solving approach in designing educational comic content. In addition, Kvisoft Flipbook Maker Pro is used to present comics interactively, adding a more interesting visual dimension. The research results include educational comics developed and evaluation results from field trials. Evaluation involves responses from students, teachers, and the appropriateness, attractiveness, and effectiveness of comics in increasing understanding of educational concepts. It is hoped that this research can contribute to the development of innovative teaching methods and increase student involvement in the learning process. The results obtained were that the teaching materials developed obtained a validity percentage of 89.06% (Content Validation), 80% (Graphic Validation), and 83.3% (Language Validation). The practicality of the teacher's response was obtained at 3.7 (very practical), while the student's response was 3.5 (very practical. Effectiveness can be seen from student learning outcomes, namely an N-Gain Score of 0.71 (High) in the quite effective category. This means, The teaching materials developed are valid, practical and effective for grade 3 elementary school students

Evaluation of the Teaching Methods Used in Teaching Senior High School Biology

This study was conducted in Bolgatanga Senior High School, located in the upper east region of Ghana in the Talensi district. This study aim was to evaluate the teaching methods used in teaching Senior High School biology as teacher’s skills in conducting lesson and choice of teaching methods play an essential role in improving students’ interest and understanding in biology concepts at the Senior High School level. A total of 520 biology students comprising of 296 males and 224 females were used to carry out this study. The responses revealed that 302 students representing 58% of students find biology lessons interesting and 218 students representing 18% of students indicated that their interest in biology lessons depends on the task the teacher presents to them during lessons and the method used by the teacher, and 24% regarded biology uninterested subject. However, all students prefer watching the teacher presentation, listening to their teacher telling them about the concepts, and performing laboratory practices. Many students find biology interesting and participate effectively when the teacher uses discussion method in delivering lessons, and when the lesson is hands-on practices. The study also revealed that the methods used by teachers most frequently are explanation, demonstration, and discussion. Students prefer laboratory work, discussions and listening to their teacher and watching presentations than other methods. Findings also indicated that students desire that theory is linked with practical and involve information technologies.

Utilization Of The Millealab Application As A Virtual Reality Media To Support Self-Directed Learning

Self-directed learning is a process of organizing, finding, and even evaluating information or learning messages without help from others. MilleaLab is a VR-based application that can provide an immersive learning experience to support learners when doing independent learning. The purpose of writing this article is to conduct a literature study related to the utilization of MilleaLab application to support independent learning. The research method used is qualitative literature study. Data collection techniques through literature study of 25 relevant research articles within the last five years. Findings: (1) MilleaLab can be used anytime and anywhere according to one's own learning initiative. (2) MilleaLab can improve the understanding of abstract concepts, learning motivation, and learning outcomes of students, (3) MilleaLab is used as an immersive and interesting VR-based alternative learning media. The results of this study not only describe the MilleaLab application, but also the utilization of VR technology through the MilleaLab application to support immersive and interesting independent learning of students.

The use of drama in A Level chemistry: a study into the effects of simulation-role-play on the quality of learning of organic reaction mechanisms

ABSTRACT Background Much of the research into the use of drama in science education has been qualitative, with its primary focus being on its affective value amongst students aged 6–14 years, with a smaller fraction on effectiveness in terms of academic achievement and understanding of chemistry amongst older school students (16–18 years). Purpose This article reports on a study that compared the effectiveness of drama, as a pedagogy, with a didactic practice-examinations-questions-based approach on students’ understanding of chemistry organic reaction mechanisms as measured by examination question scores. Sample Data were collected in seven 11–18 schools and a Further Education (FE) college in England, with a total of 236 students, aged 16–18 years, studying Advanced (A) Level chemistry. Each institution had two different classes studying chemistry concurrently. Design and methods The research was a quasi-experimental intervention with one class of A Level chemistry students in each institution being taught an aspect of organic reaction mechanisms using drama and the second, non-drama, class being taught the same material using practice examination questions. Post-intervention, all students completed previously unseen A Level examination questions and, in one phase of the study, a diagnostic question designed to probe deeper understanding. The responses were subject to statistical analysis. Results In all cases there were no statistically significant differences between the test scores of the two groups for the answers to the examination questions. However, answers to a diagnostic question, probing deep level understanding, showed a statistically significant difference between the two groups in favour of the drama group. Conclusions Whilst drama is at least as effective as the use of practice examination questions in the teaching and learning of organic reaction mechanisms it was statistically significantly more effective in terms of the development of deeper level conceptual understanding.

A holistic view of human rights and its application in the context of infectious disease pandemics

Under the new coronavirus epidemic, the implementation of public health measures has generated some resistance in countries around the world. The essence of examining the human rights claims of those who oppose the epidemic is that they have a too narrow understanding of individual human rights and ignore the obligation implications of human rights itself. From the historical point of view, health and epidemic prevention is the objective necessity of the survival and development of human society; From the ethical point of view, the joint fight against the epidemic is the moral obligation of the coordinated development of individuals and society. From the normative point of view, the management of infectious diseases is the basic consensus established by many international conventions. To correct the narrow understanding of individual human rights concept, the global human rights concept should be established in pandemic governance, and the concept of human health community should be shaped in the pandemic convention to build governance consensus, implement the same health concept to clarify the scope of governance, implement the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities, and strengthen the participation of individuals and communities in public health governance to improve governance paths. To shape a more reasonable and effective pandemic governance order.