Conceptual Characterization of Threshold Concepts in Student Explanations of Evolution by Natural Selection and Effects of Item Context

• Published in: CBE life sciences education Vol. 19; no. 1; p. ar1
• Main Authors: Göransson, Andreas, Orraryd, Daniel, Fiedler, Daniela, Tibell, Lena A. E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States American Society for Cell Biology 01.03.2020
• Subjects: Biology - education; Cognitive Processes; College Students; Comprehension; conceptual understanding; Evolution; Foreign Countries; Fundamental Concepts; Humans; item features; Knowledge; Knowledge Level; Learning; natural selection; Probability; science education; Scientific Concepts; Scientific Literacy; Selection, Genetic; Students; threshold concepts; Time Perspective; undergraduate; Sweden; Germany

Evolutionary theory explains a wide range of biological phenomena. Proper understanding of evolutionary mechanisms such as natural selection is therefore an essential goal for biology education. Unfortunately, natural selection has time and again proven difficult to teach and learn, and students...