| This study examines the effectiveness of biotechnology laboratories and manipulative models in increasing student understanding of genetics. The major goals for this unit included improving students' personal experiences into concrete learning and conducting biotechnology laboratories at research facilities, including the use of their own DNA. Data sources for evaluating the effectiveness of the unit included responses to questionnaires, written essays, pre and posttests performance in laboratory techniques, and field observations. The practice of using these student centered modeling activities and laboratory experiments produced significant gains relative to the use of critical thinking skills, laboratory techniques, and general attitude in learning genetic related topics. |
