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612-822-4611
Confronting Prior Conceptions in Paleontology Courses

Confronting Prior Conceptions in Paleontology Courses

Paperback

Series: Elements of Paleontology

Paleontology

ISBN10: 1108717837
ISBN13: 9781108717830
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Published: Nov 15 2018
Pages: 62
Weight: 0.21
Height: 0.13 Width: 6.00 Depth: 9.00
Language: English
People hold a variety of prior conceptions that impact their learning. Prior conceptions that include erroneous or incomplete understandings represent a significant barrier to durable learning, as they are often difficult to change. While researchers have documented students' prior conceptions in many areas of geoscience, little is known about prior conceptions involving paleontology. In this Element, data on student prior conceptions from two introductory undergraduate paleontology courses are presented. In addition to more general misunderstandings about the nature of science, many students hold incorrect ideas about methods of historical geology, Earth history, ancient life, and evolution. Of special note are student perceptions of the limits of paleontology as scientific inquiry. By intentionally eliciting students' prior conceptions and implementing the pedagogical strategies described in other Elements in this series, lecturers can shape instruction to challenge this negative view of paleontology and improve student learning.

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Paleontology