Describing the Development of Conceptual Knowledge About Evolution

Despite its importance, the theory of evolution presents a challenge for learners and teachers. Teachers have tools such as formative assessment at their disposal, but implementing them is complex. Digital technologies have the potential to support such practices, yet there is a lack of comprehensive approaches for authentic science teaching. Within this dissertation, four studies were conducted to address these challenges in the teaching of evolution. Study 0 describes Learning Progression Analytics as the theoretical framework of the IPN project ALICE. It develops ECD4LPA as a theoretical basis for learning environments in which data on school-based learning can be collected. Study 1 describes the development and implementation of such a unit on evolution. In this unit, learners answered questions from the ACORNS instrument at five different points in time. Study 2 describes the analysis of these responses using binary patterns that indicate the presence or absence of certain key concepts and misconceptions. Study 3 focuses on five concept maps created by the learners during the course of the unit. These were analysed with regard to differences between learners with varying levels of learning gain. This study investigated the potential of two analytical approaches for tracking conceptual learning. The results show that the pattern-based analysis of the ACORNS items accurately reflects the progression of conceptual learning. The concept maps effectively illustrate the development of conceptual knowledge, and the findings provide promising insights for further research. Overall, the assessments capture the conceptual complexity of the topic well and have the potential to be embedded in ECD4LPA-based learning environments.

Level thesis:degree_level

thesis.doctoral

Grantor dc:publisher

Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel

Year

2025

Author dc:creator

• Czinczel, Berrit Katharina

Contributors dc:contributor

• Harms, Ute
• Furtak, Erin Marie

• Evolution Education
• Biology Education
• Formative Assessment
• Learning Analytics
• Learning Progressions

Repository record source_url

https://macau.uni-kiel.de/receive/macau_mods_00008187

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:macau.uni-kiel.de:macau_mods_00008187