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Title: | The coast of Gozo as a site for fieldwork in Biology and Science |
Authors: | Camilleri, Andrea |
Keywords: | Biology -- Fieldwork -- Malta Science -- Study and teaching (Secondary) -- Malta Coastal ecology -- Malta -- Gozo Habitat (Ecology) -- Malta -- Gozo |
Issue Date: | 2014 |
Abstract: | This study reviewed the feasibility of conducting biology or science fieldwork using sites along the coast of Gozo. Eleven Biology/Integrated science teachers were interviewed to obtain feedback on their attitude towards coastal fieldwork. Additionally, four questionnaires were distributed amongst teachers to assess the effectiveness of the companion resource pack. A questionnaire was also distributed to sixty secondary-school students of science/biology in Gozo in order to assess their existing knowledge of the coast, its habitats and its biota. Eight sites along the coast of Gozo were assessed in terms of their accessibility, hazards, ecological assets and conservation values, in order to review the possibility of conducting fieldwork at such sites. The results indicated that coastal fieldwork along the coast of Gozo is certainly feasible. Overall, students lack detailed knowledge of the coast and its biota. This finding reinforces the urgent need for the conduction of coastal fieldwork to bridge this gap. Despite the numerous constraints identified, teachers already conduct fieldwork all around the island, including coastal sites. However, the study also found that most teachers choose to focus on terrestrial (inland countryside) habitats. As a result, students are not exposed to species, such as algae, in habitats along the coast. Since the present syllabus and resources available to students do not cater for this knowledge, a resource pack that helps both teachers and students throughout coastal fieldwork was produced. An encouraging finding of this study was that all the teachers endorsed this pack and the idea of coastal fieldwork and are ready to implement it in addition to or combined with the usual fieldwork carried out. |
Description: | B.ED.(HONS) |
URI: | https://www.um.edu.mt/library/oar//handle/123456789/1825 |
Appears in Collections: | Dissertations - FacEdu - 2014 |
Files in This Item:
File | Description | Size | Format | |
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14BED043.pdf Restricted Access | 2.36 MB | Adobe PDF | View/Open Request a copy |
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