Conference paper
The Use of Productive Failure to Learn Genetics in a Game-Based Environment
The Power and Possibilities for the Public Good: When Researchers and Organizational Stakeholders Collaborate (San Francisco, 17/04/2020 - 21/04/2020)
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Abstract
This research project explored the effectiveness of Productive Failure (PF) to learn genetics and relevant mathematics knowledge in a Game-based Learning (GBL) environment. The PF-GBL experimental group involved a PF learning design in which the students initially worked on complex problems with a computer game followed by teacher instruction. While the DI-GBL comparison group employed a Direct Instruction (DI) learning design in which the teacher first provided the instruction followed by the students solving problems in the same game-based environment. The results indicated that the PF-GBL showed significantly higher learning gains than the DI-GBL group on the explanatory genetics knowledge and the ability to solve near transfer genetics problems. Objectives The main objective of this study is to explore the use of a GBL technology system and the Productive Failure (PF) learning theory to help students learn Mendelian genetics and related mathematics knowledge about probability. The topic of Mendelian genetics is generally regarded as a difficult one for students to learn, in part due to the need for students to interconnect biological and probability knowledge in order to successfully solve genetics problems (ACARA, 2016; Çimer, 2012). This study compared two GBL approaches—one using PF and another using Direct Instruction (DI)—in terms of (a) students' learning of the declarative and explanatory knowledge and probability aspects of genetics and (b) students' ability to use (i.e., transfer) their knowledge about genetics and to solve new, not previously studied, genetics and mathematics problems.
Details
- Title
- The Use of Productive Failure to Learn Genetics in a Game-Based Environment
- Creators
- Lu Cao (Corresponding Author) - University of SydneyMichael Jacobson (Author) - University of SydneyLina Markauskaite (Author) - University of SydneyPolly Lai (Author) - Queensland University of Technology
- Conference
- The Power and Possibilities for the Public Good: When Researchers and Organizational Stakeholders Collaborate (San Francisco, 17/04/2020 - 21/04/2020)
- Identifiers
- 991013108113202368
- Academic Unit
- Centre for Teaching and Learning
- Language
- English
- Resource Type
- Conference paper