Computer Simulation Osmosis as a Tool for Stimulation of Abstract Thinking in Biology Classes

Miro Puhek, Katja Stopar, Andrej Šorgo
miro.puhek@uni-mb.si, katja_stopar@yahoo.com, andrej.sorgo@uni-mb.si

Fakulteta za naravoslovje in matematiko, Univerza v Mariboru,
Šolski center Ravne na Koroškem
Gimnazija Ravne na Koroškem
 

Povzetek

V prispevku je predstavljena simulacija Osmoza, ki učiteljem omogoča pripravo na spoznavanje nove snovi ali utrjevanje učne snovi po koncu učne ure. Mogoče bi jo bilo uporabiti tudi kot samostojno laboratorijsko vajo. Testiranje pri pouku biologije v prvem letniku splošne gimnazije je pokazalo učinkovitost simulacije predvsem pri razlaganju abstraktnejših tem. Dijaki so namreč v posttestu dosegli občutno boljše rezultate. Čeprav večina dijakov še vedno ni pravilno odgovorila na težja vprašanja, so po uporabi simulacije začeli vsaj razmišljati v pravo smer. Učitelj bi tako z uporabo simulacije pridobil pripomoček, s katerim bi dijakom snov približal na njim razumljivejši način in nato nadaljeval s svojo razlago. Simulacija bi lahko zaradi nazornosti razlage procesov pripomogla k odpravljanju zgrešenih predstav.

Ključne besede: virtualne laboratorijske vaje, simulacije, osmoza, abstraktno razmišljanje.

Abstract

In the article the simulation Osmosis is presented, which enables teachers to introduce a new lesson or to strengthen the learning material that was already presented. The simulation could be used as an individual laboratory work. The testing on students of the first year of general gymnasium in the biology lessons proved the effectiveness of the simulation especially when abstract themes were involved. In the post-test the students reached considerable higher results. Although most of the students were unable to give a correct answer, their thinking led into the right direction. With the simulation the teacher would gain a useful helping tool, with which he/she could bring the learning material closer to the students and later on continue with the explanation of it. The simulation, which presents the processes in a very obvious way, could also contribute to the explanation of the process itself or even enable to overcome common misconceptions.  

Key words: virtual laboratory exercises, simulations, osmosis, abstract thinking