• Journal of Korean Elementary Science Education
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• v.28 no.3
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• pp.277-291
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• 2009

This study is intended to develop plant inquiry instruction using Rapid-cycling Brassica rapa (RcBr) whose life cycle is relatively short, and to apply it to the elementary science instruction of the 4th grader and examine their plant concept, science inquiry skills and science-related attitudes. The materials were consisted of laboratory manuals for the students as well as teachers' guide. By observing the life cycle of RcBr, students can experience the conceptual learning of the plant's life cycle. In addition, this study investigated the cause of change in science inquiry skills and science-related attitudes by interviewing 12 students. It has shown that plant inquiry instruction using RcBr has meaningful effects on students' understanding of the plant concept, improving students' science inquiry skills, and changing students' science-related attitudes. Students who showed improvement in science inquiry skills were able to answer questions regarding science knowledge correctly. And students whose science related attitudes were improved had a positive attitude on cultivating RcBr. Students told that RcBr was an interesting and good material to inquire plant. Because of its small size and its relatively short life cycle of RcBR, it should be a desirable plant material for the inquiry instruction which can give rise to useful and meaningful results for the elementary school students.

• Journal of Science Education
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• v.47 no.2
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• pp.192-210
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• 2023

This study was intended to develop the plant molecular biology experimental program using Rapid-cycling Brassica rapa (RcBr) based on the teaching steps and teaching methods of the cognitive apprenticeship model and to determine its application effects. In order to improve a subject's cognitive function and expertise on molecular biology experiments, two themes composed of a total 8 class sessions were selected: 'Identification of DFR gene in purple RcBr and non-purple RcBr' and 'Identification of RcBr's genetic polymorphism site using the DNA profiling method'. Research subjects were 18 pre-service teaching majors in biology education of H University in Chungbuk, Korea. The effectiveness of the developed program was verified by analyzing the enhancement of 'cognitive function' related to the use of molecular biology knowledge and technology, and the enhancement of 'domain-general metacognitive abilities.' The effect of the developed program was also determined by analyzing the task flow diagram provided. The developed program was effective in improving the cognitive functions of the pre-service teachers on the use of knowledge and technology of molecular biology experiments. It was especially effective to improve the higher cognitive function of pre-service teachers who did not have the previous experience. The developed program also showed a significant improvement in the task of metacognitive knowledge and in the planning, checking, and evaluation of metacognitive regulation, which are sub-elements of domain-general metacognitive abilities. It was found that the developed program's self-test activity could help the pre-service teachers to improve their metacognitive regulation. Therefore, this developed program turned out to be helpful for pre-service teachers to develop core competencies needed for molecular biology experimental classes. If the teaching and learning materials of the developed program could be reconstructed and applied to in-service teachers or high school students, it would be expected to improve their metacognitive abilities.

• Journal of Korean Elementary Science Education
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• v.35 no.3
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• pp.336-347
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• 2016

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effects of elementary science instruction applying a Brain-Based Evolutionary (ABC-DEF) approach using Rapid-cycling Brassica rapa (RcBr) on the interests of elementary school students. For this study, two elementary school classes in Seoul and one elementary school class in Gyeonggi-do were selected. Comparison group received instruction using textbook and teacher's guidebook. A class taught using only brain-based evolutionary approach is experimental group A, and a class taught through brain-based evolutionary approach using RcBr is experimental group B. In order to analyze the quantitative differences about the interests of students, three kinds of test were administered to the students: 'Applied Unit-Related Interests', 'Follow-up Interests' and 'Interests in the observation material'. To get more information, qualitative data such as portfolios and interviews were analyzed. The major findings are as follows. First, for the test of applied unit-related interests, a statistically significant difference was found between comparison group and experimental group A, and between comparison group and experimental group B. As the results of interviews, the students have shown that the intensified exploration activities on plant in Brain-Based Evolutionary approach applied to experimental groups A and B had a positive effect. Second, for test of follow-up interests, we classified the students' follow-up interests into three types: extended-developed-deepened (EDD) type, simply expanded-maintained (SEM) type, and stopped or decreased (SD) type. Both experimental group A and experimental group B showed the highest percentage of EDD. Also, observation journal applying the evolutionary process (DEF) showed a positive effect on the students' interest. Comparison group showed the highest percentage of SEM. Third, for test of applied interests in the observation material, a statistically significant difference was found between comparison group and experimental group A, and comparison group and experimental group B. Experimental group B using RcBr showed the highest average score, while experimental group A showed a higher score than comparison group. Based on these findings, educational implications of Brain-Based Evolutionary approach and using RcBr are discussed.