The learning of genetics in the light of Grounded Theory: a preliminary experiment

Abstract:

This paper talks about the difficulties that students of Biological Sciences Degree Course of Amazonas Federal Institute face when studying genetics. Against this background, we did a preliminary experiment to establish a Substantive Theory to explain why this phenomenon occurred. Therefore, we follow the three steps recommended by the Grounded Theory: 1) open coding; 2) the axial coding and 3) the selective coding. The methods of Grounded Theory is based on systematic guidelines, although flexible, to collect and analyze data in order to build theories. Therefore, for this study, we developed the following Substantive Theory: "The difficulty in understanding genetics leads the student to an incomplete interpretation of the facts (phenomena) as a result of a sporadic perception, and thus not developing reflective attitudes for a proper understanding (understanding but not interpretation) of the issues relating to Genetics."

Keywords:
Higher education; Biology teaching; Genetics; Grounded Theory