an innovative approach

CHAPTER II
LITERATURE REVIEW
This chapter begins by discussing the widening purposes of biology education
worldwide and also in Thailand. Although the purposes have been identified, these
have not been achieved completely. There is research into students’ learning about
photosynthesis which offers evidences that student learning achievement has been
affected by the misconceptions that students hold, in particular about concepts such as
photosynthesis. One reason for these misconceptions may come from their learning
without an awareness of the relationships among photosynthesis, society and the
environment. This thesis investigates the use of teaching strategies that consider
constructivist teaching and learning perspectives, the socio-cultural influences
affecting the teaching and learning, and understandings of the nature of science as the
means of addressing the problem of holding misconceptions. Some emerging
pedagogies also suggest ways to enhance learning in photosynthesis. Finally, this
chapter provides the summary of the theoretical approach for this thesis which may
enhance student learning in photosynthesis.
Widening Purposes for Biology Education Today
Conceptual understanding traditionally and properly occupies a central place
in any catalogue of the purposes of science education at large, and biology education
in particular. Reiss, Millar and Osborne (1999: 29) have emphasized this point: at the
heart of the whole cultural contribution of science is a set of major ideas about the
physical and biological world and how it behaves in everyday situations. The quest
for scientific literacy has, at its core, the need to improve the ideas of all students:
“Scientific literacy is the knowledge and understanding of scientific concepts and
processes required for personal decision making, participation in civic and cultural
affairs, and economic productivity” (National Research Council, 1996: 22).
Additionally, integration of the major ideas is important in the quest for scientific
literacy. Biology education is an example in which knowledge of certain facts and