This study explored the way biological knowledge is transformed when it moves from its disciplinary form to a high school biology curriculum, and how this occurred in successive versions of the life sciences curriculum implemented in post-apartheid South Africa. Bernstein’s (1996, 1999) conceptualisation of biology as an hierarchical knowledge structure, the recontextualisation of knowledge, and the implications for social justice formed the theoretical framework to the study, as did Aikenhead’s (2006) distinction between traditional and humanistic approaches to science education, and Schmidt, Wang and McKnight’s (2005) concept of curriculum coherence. Firstly, I attempted to elicit core concepts and conceptual organisation in biology from the writings of the distinguished biologist Ernst Mayr, two foundational biology textbooks, and interviews with two professors of biology. Seven concepts emerged: the cell, inheritance, evolution, interaction, regulation, energy flow and diversity, which I arranged in a hierarchy according to Mayr’s “three big questions”, “what?”, “how?” and “why?”. The theory of evolution was highlighted as the key integrating principle of the discipline. Secondly, I considered biology in the school curriculum by means of a literature review and synthesis of the changing goals of a school science education. Five broad categories of objectives were derived: knowledge, skills, applications, attitudes and values , and science as a human enterprise. Aikenhead’s (2006) terminology captured the shifts in emphases of these objectives over time.Thirdly, I analysed the stated objectives and content specifications of the three most recent versions of the South African life sciences curricula – the Interim Core Syllabus (ICS), the National Curriculum Statement (NCS) and the new NCS. The NCS represented a dramatic swing away from the traditional approach of the ICS, while the new NCS reverts to a more traditional approach, though with more humanistic content than in the ICS. Both the ICS and t he NCS were found to be deficient in one of the three key conceptual areas of biology. The conceptual progression of the material is strongest in the new NCS, and weakest in the original NCS. The conclusion was drawn that, of the different curricula, the new NCS has the greatest potential to induct South African learners into the hierarchical structure of biology, and represents a positive contribution to the goal of transforming education in South Africa.

The literature contains conflicting ideas about the effectiveness of diagrams, and their constituent symbolism as teaching and learning tools. In addition, only limited research has been specifically conducted on the presentation and interpretation of arrow symbolism used in biology diagrams, let alone on the nature, source and remediation of student difficulties caused by arrows. On the basis of this limited research and 30 years of experience of teaching biology at secondary-level, the author suspected that students might have difficulties interpreting arrow symbolism in diagrams used as explanatory tools and decided to thoroughly investigate this issue. The hypothesis, 'Secondary-level students have difficulty with the use of arrow symbolism in biology diagrams' was formulated and the following broad research questions defined to address the hypothesis: 1. How much of a problem is arrow symbolism in diagrams? 2. How effectively is arrow symbolism used in diagrams to promote the communication of intended ideas? 3. To what extent does the design of arrow symbolism in diagrams influence students ' interpretation and difficulties? 4. How can the emerging empirical data and ideas from literature be combined to illustrate the process of interpretation of arrow symbolism? 5. What measures can be suggested for improving the presentation and interpretation of arrow symbolism in biology diagrams at secondary-level? To address Research question 1, a content analysis of all arrow symbolism in seven popular secondary-level biology textbooks was undertaken. This revealed a wide diversity of arrow styles, spatial organisations, purposes and meanings that could be confusing to students. These results suggested the need for an evaluation of the effectiveness of arrow symbolism (Research question 2). As there was no definitive set of guidelines available for specifically evaluating arrows, general guidelines from the literature on diagrams were used to develop a set of 10 criteria, to evaluate the syntactic, semantic and pragmatic dimensions of arrow symbolism, which were validated by selected educators, students and a graphic design expert. Application of the criteria (which constituted expert opinion) to the arrow symbolism used in 614 realistic, stylised and abstract diagram types, revealed a relatively high incidence (30%) of inappropriately presented arrow designs that could mislead students. To establish whether this problem could be the cause of student difficulties, and to thereby address Research question 3, a stylised and an abstract diagram were selected and evaluated according to the criteria. The results of the evaluation were compared to the responses given by 174 students to a range of written and interview probes and student modified diagrams. In this way, student performance was correlated with expert opinion. The results confirmed that students experience a wide range of difficulties (26 categories) when interpreting arrow symbolism, with some (12 categories) being attributable to inappropriately presented arrow symbolism and others (14 categories) to student-related processing skills and strategies at both surface- and deeper-levels of reasoning. To address question 4, the emerging empirical data from the evaluation and student studies was combined with a wide range of literature, to inform the development of a 3-level, non-tiered model of the process of interpretation of arrow symbolism in diagrams. As this model emphasised the importance of both arrow presentation in diagrams and arrow interpretation by students, it could be used as an effective explanatory tool as well as a predictive tool to identify sources of difficulty with the use of arrow symbolism. This model was, in turn, used to inform the compilation of a range of guidelines for improving the presentation and interpretation of arrow symbolism, and so target Research question 5. These, and other guidelines grounded in the data and relevant literature, were suggested for all role players, including students, educators, textbook writers, graphic artists and researchers, to use as remedial tools. Future research should focus on the implementation of these guidelines and studying their effectiveness for improving the presentation and interpretation of diagrams with arrow and other types of symbolism. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Pietermaritzburg, 2006.

No abstract available. / Thesis (Ph.D.)-University of Durban-Westville, 1980.

Current trends indicate that the population explosion and invasion of information technology, particularly in developing nations, are likely to overwhelm education systems and policy makers, educators, researchers and therefore the community faces enormous challenges. Also, many graduates of various levels and disciplines appear unable to practically apply their knowledge in problem solving situations. In an attempt to achieve and maintain high educational standards, many nations are devoting substantial proportions of the gross domestic product toward educational endeavours. However, few systems are adopting modern education practices that intrinsically motivate and engage learners, and are at the same time flexible enough to consider students' aspirations and interests. It is argued that such systems would make learning more relevant, meaningful and enjoyable to the learners and are bound to improve exit performances. In such a system, the role of the teacher is that of a facilitator, and not instructor. Constructivism, a philosophy which holds that knowledge is actively constructed by learners through learning, is regarded as promising to provide a long-term solution to many educational problems since its underlying principles are argued to be holistic. It has become imperative that technology in general and the computer in particular should play a role as educational tools as these have capabilities that could be designed to make learning relevant and interesting to learners. It is argued that its use within constructivist approaches and curriculum considerations would increase learner abilities. An eclectic approach to curriculum design is advised for success in this endeavour. Since computers permeate most aspects of our lives (directly or indirectly) their inclusion in teaching and learning situations must become a reality. This project is focused on underscoring the fact that computer based education (CBE), under constructivist philosophy, can provide solutions to problems brought about by extreme interpretations of the deductive or traditional teaching approach. Particularly, it attempts to show that use of three-dimensional (3D) visualizations could significantly aid comprehension and perception of, among other units of discourse, cytoplasmic structure, geo-referenced graphical data, and the understanding of spatial relationships. This is a technique that has, in the recent past, received little attention and no extensive educational research has been carried out with the aim of perfecting it. Recent research carried out by members of the Biological Pedagogy (Bioped) research group identified conceptual problems in learners regarding biological processes such as photosynthesis and respiration. Having established that the misconceptions in learners were attributable to their lack of visualization ability, the first part of the project involved identifying some of the specific visual problems. A qualitative research approach was used to ascertain from university lecturers what convictions, beliefs and experiences they had had with their students that related to use of visualization skills. Skills most required included interpretation of 2D and 3D structures as well as their rotation in space. A survey was also carried out among Cell Biology first and second year students of the School of Life and Environmental Studies in order to precisely determine aspects of three-dimensionality and visual skills suspected to cause conceptual difficulties. Quantitative data analysis showed that the most deficient skills in the learners included pattern folding (projecting 2D material into 3D objects), orientation of form (identifying 3D objects that are oriented differently) and rotation (identifying 3D objects from top and front views). These findings corroborated qualitative analysis of lecturers opinions and convictions. An educational computer game was designed with the aim of ameliorating these problems. The game consisted of 3D scenes where puzzles related to the skills mentioned above needed to be solved. It was recommended that visualization skills should be incorporated into the biology curriculum for all undergraduate students within the first year of the course. / Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Natal, 1999.

Acompanha: Dupla-hélice: a construção de um conhecimento / A presente análise abordou a relevância da História da Ciência para a prática da Educação em Ciência, de modo mais específico para a aprendizagem no Ensino Médio na disciplina de Biologia, considerando significativa a ideia de que a aprendizagem em ciência, isto é, sobre as dimensões históricas, filosóficas e culturais da ciência (MONK; OSBORNE, 1997) são emergentes para a educação científica. Em vista da escassez de materiais contendo episódios históricos filosóficos que permitem realizar uma transposição didática, faz-se necessário a construção de textos contendo a História da Ciência que desempenha um papel fundamental na elaboração do conceito do DNA no Ensino Médio. A elaboração do texto “Dupla hélice: A construção de um conhecimento” contendo a evolução histórica do modelo da dupla hélice na versão e-book como produto educacional, pode auxiliar na concepção do conceito do DNA no Ensino Médio. Neste contexto, buscou-se fundamentos à discussão das necessidades formativas do professor do referido ensino e nível de escolaridade. Analisou-se aspectos sobre a visão e concepções de ciências e a inserção da história e filosofia da ciência na prática pedagógica dos professores de Biologia. Apresentou-se o percurso metodológico da pesquisa, partindo do delineamento básico da pesquisa (problema, questões norteadoras, objetivos, objeto e sujeitos da pesquisa e produto educacional) para depois situar a perspectiva teórico-metodológica adotada, para a apreensão da pesquisa. Elegeu-se o estudo qualitativo para nortear a pesquisa, os questionários e a entrevista como técnica para coleta de dados. Concluímos, conforme a análise dos dados fornecidos pelos sujeitos da pesquisa, que o e-book contendo episódio histórico filosófico é um dispositivo didático útil para tornar o ensino médio mais interessante, possibilitando a aprendizagem de conceitos complexos da biologia, como o DNA. Outro ponto a ressaltar é que episódios históricos contribuem no processo da construção do conhecimento de maneira gradativa e lenta, promovendo uma visão concreta real da Natureza da Ciência com seus métodos, técnicas, modelos, acertos e erros, promovendo a formação de um cidadão crítico mediante o conhecimento científico. Para tanto, a necessidade de capacitação de professores para a utilização do material foi percebida por meio das análises. / This analysis addressed the relevance of the History of Science for the practice of science education, more specifically for learning in high school in biology discipline, considering significant the idea that learning in science, that is, about the dimensions historical, philosophical and cultural science (MONK; OSBORNE, 1997) are emerging for science education. In view of the shortage of materials containing philosophical historical episodes that allow you to perform a didactic transposition, the construction of texts it is necessary containing the history of science which plays a key role in preparing the DNA of the concept in high school. The drafting of the text "Double Helix: The construction of knowledge" containing the historical evolution of the model of the double helix in the e-book version as an educational product, can assist in the design DNA of the concept in high school. In this context, it sought to foundations to discuss the training needs teacher of that school and education level. Analyzed aspects of the vision and ideas of science and the inclusion of the history and philosophy of science in the teaching practice of teacher Biology. He presented the methodology of the survey route, starting from basic research design (problem, guiding questions, goals , object and subject of research and educational product) and then place the theoretical and methodological perspective adopted for the seizure of the research. The qualitative study was elected to guide the research, questionnaires and interview as a technique for data collection. We conclude, as the analysis of data provided by the research subjects, the e-book containing philosophical historical episode is a didactic device useful for making high school more interesting, enabling learning complex concepts of biology, such as DNA. Another point to emphasize is that historical episodes contribute in the process of construction of knowledge gradually and slowly, promoting a real concrete vision of Nature of Science with their methods, techniques, models, hits and misses, promoting the formation of a critical citizen by scientific knowledge. Therefore, the need for teacher training for the use of the material was perceived through the analysis.

Acompanha: Sequência didática: o ambiente virtual de aprendizagem como um recurso metodológico para um ensino interativo / Esta pesquisa investiga um produto educacional de Biologia, desenvolvido por meio de um instrumento metodológico denominado Plataforma Moodle. O objetivo da pesquisa foi analisar a implementação de uma sequência didática, aplicada a estudantes de um Curso de Formação de Docentes (Magistério) do Ensino Médio, em uma escola pública do Norte do Paraná. A sequência foi elaborada pelo pesquisador deste trabalho, mediante a utilização da plataforma Moodle, para o ensino de Biologia, com o intuito de contribuir para com o processo de ensino e aprendizagem. O Ambiente Virtual de Ensino e Aprendizagem (AVEA) do Moodle apresenta-se como um recurso inédito na Educação Básica Pública do Estado do Paraná, pois a Secretaria de Educação deste Estado não disponibiliza tal recurso para os estudantes. Acredita-se que o AVEA, depois de produzido e posto à disposição dos estudantes, poderá viabilizar um recurso capaz de promover o conhecimento, com a aplicação de uma sequência didática bem planejada. O referencial teórico-metodológico está centrado no ensino de ciências sob a perspectiva da Pedagogia Histórico-crítica, como abordada por Gasparin (2003) e Saviani (2005). Por esse enfoque, é possível considerar a aprendizagem dos conteúdos seguindo cinco passos: prática social inicial, problematização, instrumentalização, catarse e prática social final, por meio da sequência didática. Para a tomada de dados, utilizou-se a aplicação do produto educacional, a descrição dos procedimentos de disponibilização do AVEA, a navegação nesse ambiente e a avaliação dos conteúdos desenvolvidos. Qualitativa, a pesquisa de campo foi utilizada na avaliação dos avanços e dos limites do produto educacional em relação ao conteúdo abordado e à funcionalidade da plataforma Moodle. Os resultados da pesquisa revelaram o quanto é produtivo para a aprendizagem o trabalho com metodologias diferentes, a viabilidade desse recurso tecnológico na aplicação da sequência didática, pois é capaz de subsidiar o processo de ensino e aprendizagem. Assim, os estudantes puderam relacionar o funcionamento celular com seus hábitos alimentares cotidianos e estabelecer relações entre ensino e aprendizagem e tecnologia. / This research investigates an educational product of biology, developed through a methodological instrument, the Moodle Platform. The goal of the research was to analyze the implementation of a didactic sequence prepared by researcher of this study, using the Moodle platform in teaching biology, with the aim of contributing to the process of teaching and learning, applied to teacher training students (Magisterium) of the high school in a public school in Northern Paraná. The Virtual environment of teaching and learning (AVEA) presents itself as a feature unprecedented in Public basic education of Paraná State, because the State Department of education does not provide such a feature to students. It is believed that the AVEA, When produced and made available by applying a didactic sequence well planned, you will be able to make a resource able to promote knowledge. The theoretical-methodological was in science education from the perspective of Historical-critical Pedagogy addressed by authors Gasparin (2003) e Saviani (2005. andBy this approach it is possible to consider the learning of contents by following the five steps: initial social practice, problematization, instrumentalization, catharsis and ultimate social practice, using didactic sequence planning. For making data used the product for the educational content of didactic sequence of cell biology, a description of the procedures for provision of AVEA, the navigation in this environment and the evaluation of the developed content. Qualitative field research was used in obtaining advances and limits of educational product content approached and the functionality of the Moodle platform. The survey results revealed how productive learning work with different methodologies, the viability of this technological capability in the provision and implementation of didactic sequence in order to promote a subsidize the teaching and learning process. Thus, the students were able to identify the cellular operation relations with their day-to-day habits and established relationships between teaching and learning and technology.

Acompanha: Sequência didática: trabalhando o conceito e as características dos fungos: pesquisa de campo para identificação dos fungos / A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo investigar em que medida o uso de hipertexto em smartphones (celular inteligente), seguindo uma unidade didática que envolve conceitos sobre Fungos poderá contribuir para a aprendizagem no ensino de Biologia. O estudo foi realizado com vinte e três alunos do 4º ano do curso técnico integrado, nível médio, em 2014. A pesquisa constatou que ensinar com ajuda do celular inteligente aumentou o interesse dos alunos pelo conteúdo, pois permitiu o acesso aos conceitos de forma mais atraente, com maior número de ilustrações, promovendo maior interação no grupo e melhorando a compreensão dos conceitos. Na avaliação da aprendizagem com o uso de hipertexto no celular, os alunos apresentaram 77,8% de acertos nas questões avaliadas, enquanto em avaliação similar sem o uso do hipertexto atingiram 60% de acertos. Apesar dos resultados indicarem que a proposta do hipertexto foi positiva, acredita-se que o uso concomitante de objetos de aprendizagem diferenciados (gráfico, animação, simulação, áudio, vídeo, entre outros) auxiliaria o aumento da construção de conhecimento pelos alunos, principalmente quando a escola não dispõe de laboratório, pois a simulação do experimento seria um recurso conveniente. / This research aims to investigate to what extent the use of hypertext smartphones (smartphone), following a teaching unit that involves concepts of fungi can contribute to learning in teaching Biology. The study was conducted twenty-three students of the 4th year of the integrated technical course, average level in 2014. The survey found that teaching with the help of smartphone increased student interest for the content, it allowed access to the concepts in a more attractive, with more illustrations, promoting greater interaction in the group and improving the understanding of the concepts. In the evaluation of learning with the use of hypertext in the cell, the students showed 77.8% accuracy in the evaluated issues, while in similar evaluation without the use of hypertext reached 60% accuracy. Although the results indicate that the proposed hypertext was positive, it is believed that the concurrent use of different learning objects (graphic, animation, simulation, audio, video, etc.) would help increase the construction of knowledge by students, particularly when the school has no laboratory, for the simulation of the experiment would be a convenient feature.

Acompanha: Sequência didática: trabalhando o conceito e as características dos fungos: pesquisa de campo para identificação dos fungos / A presente pesquisa tem como objetivo investigar em que medida o uso de hipertexto em smartphones (celular inteligente), seguindo uma unidade didática que envolve conceitos sobre Fungos poderá contribuir para a aprendizagem no ensino de Biologia. O estudo foi realizado com vinte e três alunos do 4º ano do curso técnico integrado, nível médio, em 2014. A pesquisa constatou que ensinar com ajuda do celular inteligente aumentou o interesse dos alunos pelo conteúdo, pois permitiu o acesso aos conceitos de forma mais atraente, com maior número de ilustrações, promovendo maior interação no grupo e melhorando a compreensão dos conceitos. Na avaliação da aprendizagem com o uso de hipertexto no celular, os alunos apresentaram 77,8% de acertos nas questões avaliadas, enquanto em avaliação similar sem o uso do hipertexto atingiram 60% de acertos. Apesar dos resultados indicarem que a proposta do hipertexto foi positiva, acredita-se que o uso concomitante de objetos de aprendizagem diferenciados (gráfico, animação, simulação, áudio, vídeo, entre outros) auxiliaria o aumento da construção de conhecimento pelos alunos, principalmente quando a escola não dispõe de laboratório, pois a simulação do experimento seria um recurso conveniente. / This research aims to investigate to what extent the use of hypertext smartphones (smartphone), following a teaching unit that involves concepts of fungi can contribute to learning in teaching Biology. The study was conducted twenty-three students of the 4th year of the integrated technical course, average level in 2014. The survey found that teaching with the help of smartphone increased student interest for the content, it allowed access to the concepts in a more attractive, with more illustrations, promoting greater interaction in the group and improving the understanding of the concepts. In the evaluation of learning with the use of hypertext in the cell, the students showed 77.8% accuracy in the evaluated issues, while in similar evaluation without the use of hypertext reached 60% accuracy. Although the results indicate that the proposed hypertext was positive, it is believed that the concurrent use of different learning objects (graphic, animation, simulation, audio, video, etc.) would help increase the construction of knowledge by students, particularly when the school has no laboratory, for the simulation of the experiment would be a convenient feature.

M.Ed. (Subject Didactics) / In a formal education situation pupils are accompanied to reach proper adulthood. On their way to adulthood new demands are continually made and adults-in-the-making are expected to conform. For example a standard seven pupil is expected to choose his final study course, a selection of subjects and the grade or level on which the effects to take his chosen subjects. This situation in which the standard seven pupil of necessity finds himself, in which he has to make these choices, is such that he is forced to make a decision and that there is no other way out. As a result of the far-reaching implications this decision has on the future of the pupil, it is of imperative that pupils should be able to weigh all the possible alternatives. Only then the actualisation of their choice will be significant and could be justified educationally. In view of the fact that most standard seven pupils find themselves in adolescence, the point of departure of this study is that pupils will also be, as far their choice of subjects is concerned,' in need of assistance and support. Because of the fact that pupils will most probably be influenced by a great many factors, it might pose a problem taking a decision as to their choice of subjects. Consequently, specific determinants which might have an influence in the opting of pupils for Biology have been identified and will be explored in this study.

D.Ed. (Didactics) / South Africa is presently experiencing a transitional phase where change is the order of the day. Providing education cannot be ruled out. As education plays a universal role in preparing the child for life the general demand for relevance in school education as well as instruction in both the Science and Biology curriculums are investigated in this research projegt. The present provision of education in our schools does not meet the demands of a changing and developing society. High unemployment figures can be attributed to, inter alia, the inability of the education system to provide a well-trained work-force. Education in the senior secondary phase should therefore cater for a curriculum which is more vocationally-oriented and which prepares the pupil for a profession. Science must simultaneously be targeted on the training of scientists as well as non-scientists. A vocationally-oriented content will particularly increase the relevance of the Biology curriculum because the pupil will become aware of the practical (iii) application possibilities of theoretical knowledge in a profession. In addition skills such ee , cognitive (intellectual) skills and psychomotor (practical) skills and techniques will be developed which will not only benefit the pupil who wants to embark a career in biology but will also result in a general science literacy and equip him to handle all community aspects with responsibility and confidence. The empirical investigation of this study centres on determining the relevance of the themes, research skills and laboratory techniques with regard to the present Biology syllabus aimed at both the pupil who desires to pursue an academic course of study and the pupil who wishes to enter a profession in the field of biological science. Therefore lecturers and students at institutions' for tertiary education, as well as employers and employees of professional/vocational institutions were approached in order to determine the relevance of the present Biology syllabus to tertiary studies or to professional life...