Student learning about biomolecular self-assembly using two different external representations.

ABSTRACT: Self-assembly is the fundamental but counterintuitive principle that explains how ordered biomolecular complexes form spontaneously in the cell. This study investigated the impact of using two external representations of virus self-assembly, an interactive tangible three-dimensional model and a static two-dimensional image, on student learning about the process of self-assembly in a group exercise. A conceptual analysis of self-assembly into a set of facets was performed to support study design and analysis. Written responses were collected in a pretest/posttest experimental design with 32 Swedish university students. A quantitative analysis of close-ended items indicated that the students improved their scores between pretest and posttest, with no significant difference between the condit

SUBMITTER: Host GE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3763014 | biostudies-literature | 2013

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature