Enhancing Grade 12 Students’ Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving Ability in Learning of the STS Genetics and DNA Technology Unit

Authors : Chokchai YUENYONG, Saranya WONGSİLA

Pages : 215-235

Doi:10.17478/jegys.549005

View : 16 | Download : 3

Publication Date : 2019-06-27

Article Type : Research Paper

Abstract :This study reported grade 12 students’ critical thinking and problem-solving ability in learning and innovation skills in genetics and DNA technology unit through science technology society insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(STS); approach. The participants were 43 grade 12 students in Maung, Khon Kaen, Thailand. The STS unit has been taught by the researcher for 3 weeks. The Genetics and DNA Technology unit were provided learning activities through STS approach in framework of Yuenyong insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2006); based on 5 stages. These included insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(1); identification of social issues, insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(2); identification of potential solutions, insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(3); need for knowledge insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(4); decision-making, and insert ignore into journalissuearticles values(5); socialization stage. Students’ critical thinking and problem-solving ability was collected during their learning by participant observation, students’ discussion and questions, worksheets, students’ behaviour, and students’ performance. The findings revealed that the Genetics and DNA technology unit on the STS approach are promoted students’ critical thinking and problem-solving ability. Not only indicated that the solution raised from the problem that lead to solving through critical thinking and problem-solving but also could be mentioned that students developed their ability of critical thinking and problem-solving while they learned STS of GMO issue. These finding would be a good practices for teaching biology through STS approach to who may take further applications for science teaching and learning .
Keywords : critical thinking, problem solving, STS, Genetics