Implementation and validation of a gymkhana to learn genetics in secondary education

Identifier:  imarina:9225814

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/imarina9225814

Authors:  Borrull Riera, Anna; Valls Bautista, Cristina

Abstract:
Genetics is an especially difficult subject to explain and learn according to experts for several reasons, including the general disinterest of students, as well as the abstract and complex nature of the molecular processes involved. To face these difficulties, a gymkhana was designed, implemented and evaluated to analyze whether it allowed to consolidate the knowledge of genetics previously exposed in a theoretical way. The present work is a case study of a group of students aged 15-16 who answered a test questionnaire before and after performing the gymkhana to determine if it allows students to achieve the learning objectives for which it was designed. The gymkhana allows students to achieve most of the objectives set and therefore can be considered as an activity focused on students and effective as an activity for the consolidation of theoretical concepts on genetics. In addition, it had a very good acceptance and was well valued by the students.