UBC Undergraduate Research

Climate science education : retention of concepts and validation of new assessment questions Shinnick-Gordon, Isabel

Abstract

Misconceptions about climate science are widespread amongst university students. Assessment questions are used to measure student knowledge, knowledge gain and knowledge retention. Seven climate science assessment questions were validated using student interviews, and administered in pre-tests and post-tests to students enrolled in an undergraduate climate science course. Pre-test, post-test and one-year retention tests revealed significant knowledge gains and long-term retention about climate feedbacks and the climate system dynamics. Student interviews revealed common misconceptions about the carbon cycle and system dynamics held by general science students. Results from interviews and assessment administration were used to make recommendations for changes to assessment questions teaching strategies.

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Rights

Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.5 Canada