Students’ Preconceptions of the Formation and Location of Deserts: Results of a Qualitative Interview Study with Grade 7 Students in Germany

Yıl 2014, Cilt: 4 Sayı: 2, 102 - 119, 31.08.2014

Jan Christoph Schubert

Öz

In the educational learning process preconceptions are an important factor. Learners usually interpret
new input on the basis of their own preconceptions that are the result of various experiences made
before being confronted with the educational learning process. Hence, the investigation of
preconceptions is a main task for educational research. This study examines the preconceptions of
thirteen grade 7 students (ages 12 and 13 years) on the topics “formation and location of deserts.”
Semi-structured and problem-centered interviews were used to collect the students’ preconceptions.
The following analysis was based on qualitative content analysis methods. Regarding the formation of
deserts, four basic preconceptions were identified, e.g., “Wind amasses sand with the result that a
desert forms.” All four preconceptions have two characteristics in common: the origin of sand is
simultaneously their basic concept and a problem of comprehension when thinking about the formation
of a desert. Additionally, in the students’ imagination all deserts are sand deserts. Concerning the
location of deserts it can be stated that “heat” and “dryness” are the main factors, which are used when
explaining the location. At the same time, the students seem to have no basic spatial grids and
orientation systems concerning the location of deserts in the world that corresponds to scientific
conceptions.

Anahtar Kelimeler

preconceptions, desert formation, desert location, qualitative interview study

Kaynakça

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