Hands-on learning in plant biology : a curriculum pack for A-level students

Abstract

This study proposes a curriculum pack regarding aspects of plant biology within the Advanced Level syllabus for biology. The pack includes both the theoretical aspects and related hands-on activities, both in and outside the laboratory, which aid towards a holistic learning experience in the field of plant biology. These activities help to promote an appreciation of observational and experimental work in the study of biology. Students' and teachers' perspectives on this topic were gathered through questionnaire and interviews respectively, prior to the compilation of the curriculum pack. This was done to gather information about students' and teachers' expectations of the curriculum pack and to understand the local situation regarding hands-on learning in several aspects of plant biology. After careful analysis of the feedback, the teachers' and students' perceptions on local plant biology education were analysed and a curriculum pack was designed. The latter contains five sections; one of which is fully dedicated to hands-on activities. The other sections have a mixture of theory, research and investigation activities. The verification of the pack was evaluated by some of its intended users, that is, Advanced Level biology lecturers. This was done through a verification questionnaire from which a positive critique was obtained.