Teaching cell division to secondary school students: An investigation of difficulties experienced by Turkish teachers


Öztap H., Özay E., Öztap F.

Journal of Biological Education, vol.38, no.1, pp.13-15, 2003 (SCI-Expanded, Scopus) identifier identifier

  • Publication Type: Article / Article
  • Volume: 38 Issue: 1
  • Publication Date: 2003
  • Doi Number: 10.1080/00219266.2003.9655890
  • Journal Name: Journal of Biological Education
  • Journal Indexes: Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus
  • Page Numbers: pp.13-15
  • Keywords: Cell division, Teaching difficulties, Teaching method
  • Hatay Mustafa Kemal University Affiliated: Yes

Abstract

This study examines the difficulties biology teachers face when teaching cell division in the secondary schools of the central part of the Erzurum province in Turkey. During this research, a questionnaire was distributed to a total of 36 secondary school biology teachers. Findings of the study indicate biology teachers perceive cell division as one of the most difficult subjects. Meiosis was particularly difficult to teach, compared to other areas of cell division. Teachers can use different materials such as models, diagrams, pictures, laboratory activities and videos to assist them in teaching cell division. The teachers in this survey think that these types of materials, alongside science textbooks, could be used to increase learning potential among students. The materials, however, are rarely used in Turkish schools because of a difficulty in obtaining them.