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Effects of Teacher Training in Systems Thinking on Biology Students—An Intervention Study

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  • Stefan Streiling

    (Department of Biology and Pedagogy of Biology, University of Education Freiburg, Kunzenweg 21, 79117 Freiburg, Germany)

  • Christian Hörsch

    (Department of Biology and Pedagogy of Biology, University of Education Freiburg, Kunzenweg 21, 79117 Freiburg, Germany)

  • Werner Rieß

    (Department of Biology and Pedagogy of Biology, University of Education Freiburg, Kunzenweg 21, 79117 Freiburg, Germany)

Abstract

Systems thinking provides many advantages in solving complex scientific, economic and sociocultural problems in the field of education for sustainable development. Various studies have shown that systems thinking can be promoted in students at all levels of school education. Previous studies have mainly focused on how to directly develop and support systems thinking in students. The present study focused on biology teachers by investigating the extent that their content knowledge (CK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) augments systems thinking in students attending biology classes. On the basis of the finding that content knowledge (CK) and pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) are an essential aspect of any type of training, we investigated in a teacher training program the effects of varying amounts of CK and PCK to the ability of biology teachers to foster systems thinking in students. Therefore, a quasi-experimental intervention study was implemented in a pre- and posttest control group design. The results revealed that biology teacher training can sufficiently improve systems thinking in biology students and that PCK plays an at least equally important role as CK in promoting systems thinking.

Suggested Citation

  • Stefan Streiling & Christian Hörsch & Werner Rieß, 2021. "Effects of Teacher Training in Systems Thinking on Biology Students—An Intervention Study," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 13(14), pages 1-17, July.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:13:y:2021:i:14:p:7631-:d:590617
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    4. Andrew Manderson, 2006. "A Systems Based Framework to Examine The Multi-contextural Application of the Sustainability Concept," Environment, Development and Sustainability: A Multidisciplinary Approach to the Theory and Practice of Sustainable Development, Springer, vol. 8(1), pages 85-97, February.
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    1. Werner Riess & Monika Martin & Christoph Mischo & Hans-Georg Kotthoff & Eva-Maria Waltner, 2022. "How Can Education for Sustainable Development (ESD) Be Effectively Implemented in Teaching and Learning? An Analysis of Educational Science Recommendations of Methods and Procedures to Promote ESD Goa," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 14(7), pages 1-16, March.

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