Impact of Closeness Indices on Students Conceptual Understanding in Teaching and Learning of Photosynthesis as a Biological Concept

Abstract

This participatory quasi-experimental study used concept mapping and its closeness indices assessment scheme as an alternative learning and assessment strategy as a result of inefficient rote learning technique, which fails to enhance conceptual understanding and good performance in biology among some selected students in Ashanti Region of Ghana. The data collection instrument was an interactive 5-Es constructivist instructional model delivery with effective regular use of closeness indices scores and students’ performance test scores in photosynthesis. The analysis was done through one-way Anova statistical tool of SPSS version 21 software. The findings indicated that regular use of closeness indices assessment strategy impacted positively on students’ learning outcomes. It motivated students to think critically leading to better understanding and increased academic performance in photosynthesis among students of different abilities.