Science fiction aided biotechnology instruction: effects of bioethics group discussions on achievement and attitudes

Abstract

In this research; parallel to instruction of biotechnology, debates on bioethical issues with the aid of science fiction run along with the active and watch-discuss-exhibit methods (cooperative learning, brain storming, poster exhibition, group research, etc.). 8'th grade primary school students worked in groups of three and have experienced particular scenarios, events, characters and relations in science fiction films considering new biotechnologies. The aim was to help students to identify their own emotional standpoint, knowledge, decisions, personal and social relevance of other bioethical issues that can be easily perceived by them. As the result of the research, a positive change has been observed and found in the experimental group in terms of the students' academic achievements and attitudes towards biotechnologies and bioethics. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.