Swenia Paul (Carl von Ossietzky-University Oldenburg)
Swenia Paul's Master thesis was awarded with the Prize for the Best Plant Science Master Thesis, which was carried out at Carl von Ossietzky-University Oldenburg in the year 2023 with the title:
Two is better than one! A didactic concept for teaching the fertilization process of angiosperms using models and co.
Swenia Paul developed an innovative hands-on model that teaches the fertilization process of angiosperms, which can be used both for demonstration and for independent study.
The observation by teachers at the University of Oldenburg showed that the fertilization process of angiosperms is difficult for many students. This was taken as an opportunity to investigate the teaching of the fertilization process and the sustainability of learning success. Based on an analysis of the available models and textbooks used to teach the fertilization process, a lack of suitable, target group-oriented, didactic teaching materials was identified. In addition, the results of an online survey of biology students at University of Oldenburg revealed specific difficulties that can arise in connection with double fertilization.
Therefore, a didactic concept was developed, with a hands-on functional model at its center. The model was made of wood. The cells involved in the fertilization process are represented by removable components. They can be flexibly attached to the model body with magnets and moved along the model. This makes it possible to illustrate the fertilization process by simulating it on the model. The model can be used by teachers to explain the fertilization process demonstratively using the model. Learners can also actively practice the fertilization process themselves on the model. The model can be used by teachers to explain the fertilization process demonstratively with the help of the model. Learners can also actively practice the fertilization process themselves using the model. Interactive instructions and appropriately designed worksheets provide support. The model is currently being used in plant science courses at the University of Oldenburg, among others.
The work is intended to serve as an impulse for university teaching and learning to reflect on their own role. In doing so, existing, proven teaching materials can be questioned in order to open up one's own teaching and enable individualized, self-regulated teaching.
Read more in Paul's master thesis: https://cloudstorage.uni-oldenburg.de/s/bYZkQojxYQ2yD2M
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Swenia Paul conducted this work in the Institute for Biology and Environmental Sciences in the working group Biodiversity and Evolution of Plants of Prof. Dr. Dirk Albach.
