Alternative conceptions about respiration of Mathayom Suksa 5 (Thai)

Abstract

This study explored the understanding of respiration concepts held by 83 Mathayom Suksa 5 students from three schools in the Pranakornsriayutthaya Province. The respiration concept test was comprised of the twotier format and open-ended questions to assess the students’ conceptions about the meaning and products of respiration, aerobic respiration, anaerobic respiration, respiration in plants, and the relation between external respiration and cellular respiration. The data were analysed using percentage and content analysis. The results showed that most students had alternative conceptions about respiration, namely they understood that respiration took place only in animals and plants but did not occur in microorganisms, because they don’t have respiratory organs. They understood that oxygen is used by the cells to remain alive but is not related with providing energy, but food digestion produces energy. They could not explain the relationship between external respiration and cellular respiration in terms of energy and chemical processes. This finding implies that teachers should be aware and examine the basic concepts of respiration to develop effective teaching and learning.