Human Biology: a soft option in the Secondary School curriculum?
Titel:
Human Biology: a soft option in the Secondary School curriculum?
Auteur:
Denny, Michael
Verschenen in:
International journal of research and method in education
Paginering:
Jaargang 5 (1982) nr. 1 pagina's 43-60
Jaar:
1982
Inhoud:
Human biology has been depicted as a less rigorous subject than biology in the Secondary school curriculum by various bodies including the Institute of Biology's Biological Education Committee. This alleged difference in the rigour of the two subjects is investigated in the present work by comparing their academic, scientific and mathematical demands. A selection of three GCE and three CSE examination question papers for each subject was used as the basis for the evaluation. The means of evaluation, the measuring tools, while specifically designed to suit the questions, were based on Bloom's taxonomy and the Assessment of Performance Unit's methods for monitoring scientific performance. While no significant differences between the two subjects were uncovered, various limitations of the exercise are discussed. In particular, it was recognised that the two constructs, 'academic' and 'scientific', utilised in the measuring tool are not mutually exclusive. Finally, the basis underlying the viewpoint, that human biology is a soft option, is examined.
Tijdschrift beschrijving